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FIRSTCHRONICLEOFTHELONG

WAR

CoverWelcomePageDedicationMaps

BOOK1:THEBLACKGUARD

TheTaleoftheGiantsPrologue

PART1Chapter1:Randallof

DarkwaldintheCityofRoTiris

Chapter2:BrotherUthatheGhostintheCityofRoTiris

Chapter3:MagnusForkbeardRagnarssonintheCityofRoCanarn

Chapter4:LadyBronwynintheCityofRoCanarn

Chapter5:RhamJasRamiintheCityofRoWeir

PART2

Chapter6:AlgenonTeardropRagnarssonintheCityofFredericksand

Chapter7:SirWilliamofVerellianintheCityofRoCanarn

Chapter8:ZeldantorintheCityofKessia

Chapter9:RandallofDarkwaldintheMerchantEnclaveofCozz

Chapter10:RhamJasRamiintheWildsofTorFunweir

Epilogue

BOOK2:DAUGHTEROFTHEWOLF

TheTaleoftheWaterGiantsPrologue

PART1Chapter1:LadyBronwynin

theRuinsofRoHailChapter2:SirWilliamof

VerellianintheRuinsofRoHail

Chapter3:MagnusForkbeardRagnarssonintheCityofRoCanarn

Chapter4:HallaSummerWolfaboardtheDragonFleet

Chapter5:SaaratheMistressofPainintheCityofRoWeir

PART2Chapter6:Randallof

DarkwaldintheCityofRoTiris

Chapter7:RhamJasRamiintheStraitsofCanarn

Chapter8:LadyBronwynintheRuinsofRoHail

Chapter9:BrotherLanryintheCityofRoCanarn

Chapter10:HallaSummerWolfintheRealmofWraith

Chapter11:MagnusForkbeardRagnarssonintheCityofRoCanarn

EpilogueBestiaryCharacterListing

AcknowledgementsAboutthisBookAbouttheAuthorAnInvitationfromthe

PublisherCopyright

BOOK1

THEBLACKGUARD

THETALEOFTHEGIANTS

Inthelongagesofdeeptime,uncountablemillenniabeforetheriseofmen,therelivedaraceofGiants.Continentsshiftedand

mountainsroseandfellastheGiantsfoughttheLongWarfortherighttopossessthelandsoftheirbirth.The

greatestGiants,mortalbeingsofhugesizeandpower,livedlongenough,foughthardenoughandgainedenoughwisdomtobecomegods.

Rowanoco,theIceGiant,claimedthecoldnorthernlandsandwasworshippedbythemenofRanen.

Jaa,theFireGiant,ruledtheburningdesertsandstothesouthandchosethemenofKaresiaashisfollowers.

TheStoneGiant,knownonlyastheOne,helddominionoverthelushplainsandtoweringmountainsofTorFunweir,andhisfollowers,themenofRo,believedtheyhadtherighttoruleallthelandsofmen.

OtherGiantstherewerealso,thoughtheirnamesandtheirfollowersarethoughtlost,andtheirempiresburied,asvictimsoftheLongWar.

TheGiantshavelongsincelefttheselandstothehumans,buttheirfollowersstillworshipthem,invoketheirnamesdailyandaggressivelymaintaintheirlaws.TheGiantsthemselvessitbeyondtheperceptionofhumansintheirhallsbeyondtheworldwhiletheirmosttrustedfollowersfighttheLongWarintheirstead.

PROLOGUE

LordBromvyofCanarnstoodbythedocksofRoTirisandwrappedhisheavytravellingcloaktightlyaroundhisshoulders.Thecityhadtwomaindocks,oneusedprimarilyfortradeshipsand

privategalleons,whiletheother,theonenearwhichhecurrentlystood,wasexclusivelyforthekingandhisknights.Bromhadarrivedviathesmallerofthetwoharboursafewdaysago,leavingmostofhislordlytrappingsbackinhisfather’skeepatRoCanarn.Onlyhislongswordgaveanyindicationofhisheritage,afinelycraftedbladewiththecastofaravenonthehilt.He

woresimpleleatherarmourandlookedmorelikeabrigandthananoble,withunkemptcurlyblackhairandathinbeardwhichmadehimlookratherfierce.Theyounglordhadtravelledwidelythroughoutthelandsofmenandpreferredtobeananonymouspresenceratherthanavisitingnoble.TheduchyofCanarnwasovertheseafromtherestofTorFunweirandaworldaway

fromthesnobberyoftheotherduchies.BromvyandhissisterBronwynhadbeenraisedbytheirfather,DukeHector,tobeasworldlyaspossible,andinBrom’scasethismeantspendingasmuchtimeawayfromhomeashecould.Hehadjustpassedhistwenty-fourthbirthdayandashegazedatthenowemptydocksBromfoundhimselfwishingforthesimplelifeofanitineranttraveller.

Themajorityoftheshipshadbeenlaunchedseveralhoursago.Bromhadwatchedastheysailednorthtowardshishome,thewalledcityofRoCanarn.Hehadn’tcountedtheknightsoftheRedonboard,butithadlookedtobeabattlefleetcapableofsackingthecity.ThecrossedswordsmountedoveraclenchedfisthadbeenvisibleontheirtabardsandBromknewthismeantbattle

wasintended.MoreworryingwerethemercenaryshipsofSirHallamPevainwhichaccompaniedtheknights.TheywereswordsforhirewithabrutalreputationandBromhadfoughttheurgetoroaroutachallengetothebastardsasthey’dleft.

KingSebastianTirisstillstoodonahighbalconyoverlookingtheharbour,wherehehadwatchedhisdepartingtroopswithan

imperioussneer.Hehadn’tseenBromskulkingfarbelowhim,andtheyounglordstayedasfarawayaspossible.He’dmetthekingoncebeforeanddidn’twanttotakethechancethatthelordlyshit-stainwouldrecognizehimandhavehimarrested.IfthekinghadmadethemovetoassaultCanarn,itmeantthatDukeHector’schildrenwouldalreadyhavebeennamedtotheBlack

Guard,asenemiesofthecrown.

Brom’smindwasracingashementallychastisedhisfatherforbeingfoolishandofferingthekinghischancetooverthrowthehouseofCanarnandbringitsecurelywithinthelandsofRo.Hishomehadalwaysbeenseenasaforgottenprovince,overtheseaandtooclosetotheFreelandsofRanenforcomfort.Butthekinghad

frequentlystatedhisdesiretotakebackhislandfromtheliberalmenofCanarn,anditseemedDukeHectorhadfinallygivenhimhisexcuse.

Bromwasangrybutalsolargelyhelpless,andhebegantryingtocontriveawaytogethelp.Mostpressingonhismindwasthewomanwhostoodnexttotheking,hereleganthandholdingbackherlustrousblackhairagainstthewind.ShewasaKaresian

fromthesouthandBromknewherkind:anenchantressoftheSevenSisters,capableofswayingthewillofmen.WhatshewasdoingwiththekingofTorFunweirhedidnotknow,butBromhadseenhercackleastheshipswerelaunchedandKingTirisannouncedhisintentiontocaptureRoCanarn.Theeuphoriclookinthemonarch’seyesashelookedatherhadmadeBrom

thinkthattheenchantresswasmorethanasimpleconsort.Thiswasdoublyconcerningbecause,beforehe’dleft,BromhadseenanotheroftheSevenSistersinRoCanarn:anenchantresswithaspider’swebtattooonherface,AmeiratheLadyofSpiders.WhytheKaresianenchantresseswereinterestedinhishomelandwasnotclear,butBromleftthedocks

withtheintentionoffindingout.

Asheturnedtowardsthecitywiththevaguegoaloffirstfindingatavernandadrink,hebegantothinkofallthepeoplehecouldgotoforaid.Thelistwasnotalongoneandwascomprisedprimarilyofkillers,criminalsandscoundrels,menwhohadtravelledwithBromashelearnedhownottobeanoble.Noneofthemcommandedan

army,however,andhebecameincreasinglydespondentashewalkedupthesteeproadthatledawayfromthesea.

Bromlovedhisfatherandhissisterandtriednottothinkofthemincombat,orworse.Hisfather’sguardsmenwerewelltrainedandloyal,butnomatchforabattlefleetofknightsoftheRed,churchmenwhorepresentedtheOneGod’s

redaspectofwar,andwhoformedthearmiesofTorFunweir.Theyweretrainedtoalevelofskillunmatchedthroughoutthelandsofmenanddutifulinawaythatborderedonfanatical.Bromknewofnoneofhispeople,themenofCanarnwhounknowinglywaitedforthefleettoarrive,whocouldstandagainsttheknights.Hisfriend,MagnusForkbeard,aRanenpriestfromthefar

north,wasinthecitywithDukeHectorandwaspossiblytheonlymanabletomatchtheknightsforskillandferocity–butMagnuswasjustonemanandwouldnotbeabletoswaythebattlealone.

Bromwastorn.Partofhimwantedtofindaboatandrushtotheaidofhisfather.Themorerationalpartknewthathisswordwouldnotswaytheoutcomeandthat

he’dmerelyendupdeadandunregardedonthecobbledstreetsofhishome.Ifhecouldprovidehelp,itwouldnotbebystandingbesidehisfatherandroaringchallengesattheredmen.ThesimplefactthatoneofDukeHector’schildrenwouldstillbefreewasasmuchofavictoryashecouldhopefor.AshepassedthroughthenortherngateofRoTiris,BromvyofCanarnsteeled

himselftoentertheunderbellyofTorFunweirandtostayfreeawhilelonger.

Heneedednopassorofficialdocumentationtoenterthecityviathedocks,thoughthegatesleadinginlandweremorecloselyguardedwithsquadsofwatchmentosuppresscrimeandpatrolsofking’sguardsmentomakesurenoundesirablescouldenteror

exitthecity.Bromsmiledasherealizedthathewasthekindofundesirablethattheywerelookingfor,meaninghe’dhavetobeonguardandattheleastwouldhavetolocateaforgerpreparedtoaccepthiscoin.

RoTiriswasanimpressivesighttomenwhohadnotseenthetoweringWhiteSpireoftheKingandtheexpansiveRedcathedral.Itwasfrequentlycited,bythe

proudmenofRo,asthelargestcityintheworld.Bromknewthistobe,ifnotadeception,thenatleastmisleading,becauseitwasnoteventhelargestcityinTorFunweir.Itcouldmakesomeclaimtobeingthemostdenselypopulated,thebestlookedafter,therichestandpossiblythemostcrime-free,butRoWeirtothesouthwasalargersprawlintermsofactualsize.Thoughthe

southerncitywasdirty,hotandpackedtothenoxiouswallswithallmannerofcriminalsandforeigninfluences,ithad,inBrom’sestimation,morelifetoitthanRoTiris.Thecapital’sstiffformality,andthelargepopulationofclericsandknights,gotonhisnerves.

ThecapitalofTorFunweirstillofferedcertainopportunitiesformenwholivedonthewrongsideofthe

law,however,andBromknewofseveralillicittradersandmerchantswhowouldbeabletohelphimgetoutofthecityandheadsouth.HehadavaguelyformedideaoffindinganannoyingKirinacquaintanceofhiscalledRhamJasRami,amanwhohadcertainskillsBromlackedandwhoowedtheyounglordseveralfavours.Ifhecouldgetaforgedchurchsealandpassthroughthe

gatesofTirisunobserved,heknewthathischancesofremainingfreewouldbeincreasedtenfold,aslookingforamaninthewildsofTorFunweirwasnosimplematterandthePurpleclericswhowouldbedespatchedtofindhimwerenotsuitedtotravellingrough.

PART1

CHAPTER1

RANDALLOFDARKWALDINTHECITYOFRO

TIRIS

‘Randall,ifIhavetoemptymyownpiss-potagainI’m

goingtobiteyourearoff.Getinhere,boy.’

Theknightwasasweatyoldman,hisbestdaysbehindhim,withonlyalcoholandwomentoquickenhisheartnowthatvalourinbattlewasbeyondhim.Hespenthisdaysdrinking,whoringandtradingonhisoncegreatreputation.TherewerestillplentyoftavernownersinRoTirispreparedtofrontamanadrinkinexchangefortales

ofgloryandbattleswon.ThenameofSirLeonGreatClawwasstillsufficientlywellknowntoguaranteeareceptiveaudience.Onlyhisyoungsquire,Randall,knewtherealities:SirLeonwaslittlemorethanadrunk,unabletobucklehisarmourortolastanhourasleepwithoutavisittothepiss-pot.

AsRandallenteredthedirtytavernroom,hewashitbythenoxioussmell,andthe

twowhoreswho’dbeenkeepingtheoldknightcompanyleftwithatrailofinsultsregardingSirLeon’spersonalcleanliness.

‘Youknowweshouldchargeextraforhavingtoputupwiththesmell…hesoiledhimselfwhilewewereworking.’

Randallfeltsorryforthem,butknewwellenoughthattheywereluckynottohavebeenbeatenduringtheir

encounter.SirLeonwasnotgentletothewomenhepaid,complaining–ashedidaboutmostthings–‘Nooneknowshowtotreataknightthesedays.’

‘Wherehaveyoubeen,boy?Doyouwantmelyinginmyownfilthallday?’SirLeongrowled.

‘Notatall,mylord,butthetavernownerislessthanhappyatthedamageyoucausedlastnightandIneeded

todoabitofworktoappeasehim.’

Randallwasusedtohismasterbeingdrunk,butthepreviouseveninghehadbrokenseveralmorechairsandtablesthanwasnormal.

‘Damage…whathorseshitisthis?Iwastellingastory,andwhenItellastoryIliketobeexpressive.’Asiftoemphasizethepoint,SirLeonwavedhisarmsaroundextravagantly.

‘Iappreciatethat,mylord,butyouheadbuttedaservingwomanandattackedalotoffurniturewithyoursword.’Randallavertedhiseyesandtriednottooffendhismaster.

‘Iwaslostinthemoment,myboy.Thosewerenottableslastnight,theywerethearmiesofKaresiaandIwaswadingthroughtheirbloodasIdidatthebattleofKabrin.’

ThebattleofKabrinwastwentyyearsagowhenSirLeonrodewiththeRedchurchknightsagainsttheHoundsofKaresia.InRandall’sestimation,theoldknighthadtoldthestoryseveralhundredtimesandneverthesamewaytwice.He’dlongbeenabandonedbytheknightsoftheRedandforcedtoadmitthattheOneGodnolongerneededhissword.

‘Getridofthisshitandfetchmesomewine.’SirLeonkickedthepiss-pottowardshissquireandfellbackheavilyontothestainedbed.

‘Atonce,mylord,’thesquiresaidswiftly,catchinghisreflectioninthesideofthebrasspot.Randallwastallforhisage,buthadnotyetgrownfullyintohisheightandcarriedhimselfwithalopethatmadehimappear

gangly.Atseventeen,hewasconsideredaman,buteveryonestillcalledhimboyandhehadn’tyetsummonedthecouragetocorrectthem.HekepthisbrownhaircutshortatSirLeon’srequestandthepatchystubbleonhischinwasshavedfrequently.Randallthoughtthatlongerhairandabeardmightmakehimappearolder,butheknewthatSirLeonfound

somethingpleasinginhissquire’syouthfulappearance.

Randallheftedthebrasscontaineruptohischestanddidhisbestnottobreatheinashewalkedgingerlytotherearwindowoftheinn.Severaldoorsonthesecondfloorwereopenandvariousunsavourycharacterscouldbeseentakingtheirmorningwineorpayingthosewithwhomthey’dspentthenight.

ItwasafarcryfromthelavishtavernsSirLeonusedtofrequent.Randallhadbeenwithhimforthreeyearsandhadobservedtheslowbutsuredeclineinhissleepingarrangements.Thelasttimetheyvisitedthecapital,theyhadstayedattheRoyalArms,aninnreservedforthebestknightsandrichestnoblemenofTorFunweir.Thistime,though,theirexperienceofRoTiriswaslesscapitalcity

andmorerat-infestedbackstreet.NotthatSirLeonseemedtomind.HetookhisdeclinewithapragmaticbelligerencewhichRandallalmostadmired,thoughhethoughtitmostlyaproductoftheknight’salcoholintake.

TherearwindowwaspositionedaboveapartiallyopensewerthatranfromtheoldtownofTiristotheking’scompoundoverlookingtheharbour.Randallrestedthe

filthypotonthewindowledgeandtippeditout,tappingthebottomfirmlytoexpelallofSirLeon’snightlywaste.ItwasajobthathadbecomeprogressivelymorerevoltingovertheyearsandRandallnowwonderedwhetherhissenseofsmellhadbeenpermanentlydamaged.

ThesplashbelowendedwithanangryshoutandRandallpeeredoverthe

frame,lookingdownintothenarrowalleywayintowhichhe’dpouredthepot.

‘WhatinthenameoftheOnedoyouthinkyou’redoing,boy?’

Thewordscamefromasteel-armouredmanwhohadwanderedintothealleytourinate.RandallgaspedashesawthecloakandscabbardthatidentifiedthemanasaclericofthePurplechurch,onewhofollowedtheOne

God’spurpleaspectofnobility.Heworeatabarddisplayingthesceptreofhisorderandhadthebearingofatruefightingman.

‘Apologies,mylord,Ididn’tlook,’Randallsaidwithsincerity.

‘Ishouldbeatyoutillyoubleed,youinsolentservingrat!’Theclericpointedahuge,gauntletedfistattheyoungsquirewhileSirLeon’swastedrippedfrom

hisformerlypristinepurplecloak.

‘IsaidIwassorry,andI’mnotaservant,I’msquiretoaknightofTorFunweir,’Randallsaidmoreassertivelythanhehadintended.

‘You…asquire?Didn’tyourknightteachyouthewayofthings?WeofthePurplearethenoblesofGod.WeownyouandyourpatheticlifeuntilthedayyoujointheOne,whichwon’tbe

longifyoudisrespectmeagain,’theclericsaidangrily.

‘Sir,Iwillgladlywashyourcloakifyou’llpermitme.’RandallhadspentyearslisteningtoSirLeonrantandraveaboutthePurpleclerics.TheysupposedlyrepresentedthebestandhighestidealsoftheOneGod,thoughRandallhadseenverylittlenobleaboutthemthefewtimeshe’dcrossedtheirpath.Theyappearedarrogant,violent

andunforgiving.Hewas,however,sensibleenoughtokeephisopinionstohimself.

‘You’lldomorethanwashmycloak,boy,you’lltakemetoyourmasterimmediately.’Hestormedoutofthealleyandmadehiswaytowardsthefrontofthetavern.

RandalltookadeepbreathandturnedbacktowardsSirLeon’sroom.LifewasjustbeginningtocreepintotheinhabitantsofRoTirisand

themorningsoundsofshopsbeingopenedandshipsmadereadyfilledtheair.Tiriswastheking’scityandeveninthepoorquarterthebuildingswerewellmadeofstone,butthestreetswerenarrower,dirtierandmoredangerousfurtherawayfromtheroyalcompound.APurpleclericwasoutofplaceinsuchadisreputablearea.

Randalldidnotknowwhattosaytohismasteras

heenteredtheroom,buthehopedhehadn’tdoneanythingthatwouldcausetoomuchtrouble.SirLeonwaslyingspreadeagledacrossthebed,nothingbutafilthywhitesmockcoveringhisoverweightframe.Randallcoughed.

‘Shutup,boy,I’mtryingtosleep,’barkedtheoldknight.

‘Ithinkthere’saclericdownstairswhowantsto

speaktoyou,master,’Randallsaidquietly.

SirLeonrolledovertofacehissquire,hiseyesnarrowandquestioning.‘Acleric?’heaskedsuspiciously.

‘Yes,mylord,Ispoketohimjustnow,outofthewindow.’Randallfeltnervous.

‘Andwhatcolourrobewastheclericwearing?’

Randallpaused,hiseyesfirmlyonhisboots,beforehespoke.‘Ithinkitwaspurple,master,’hemuttered,makingthewordpurpledeliberatelyindistinct.

SirLeonclearedhisthroatwithagutturalgrowl.‘Now,youngRandall,shouldIbeconcernedastowhythisPurplebastardwantstospeaktome?’Theoldknightlookedlongandhardathis

squire,whoshrankunderhisgaze.

‘IthinkIoffendedhim,withoutmeaningto.’Randalldoubtedthedetailsoftheencounterwoulddefusethesituation.

SirLeoninhaleddeeply,causinghimtocoughagain,andthistimeheplacedhishandoverhismouthtocatchtheglobuleofbloodandphlegm.Hesatuponhisbed,

rubbinghisconsiderablestomachashedidso.

‘Well,IbelieveIshouldbeproperlyattiredsoasnottooffendherladyship.Didhegiveaname?’

‘No,wedidn’treallygettointroduceourselves.’

HeshotRandallahardglance.‘Enoughofthatcheek,boy.FetchabasinsoIcanwashthosewomenoffmyskin.ThePurplearse-facewouldprobablyfaintifhe

knewsomepeopleactuallyfucked.’

RandallhadgrownupintheDarkwaldandknewlittleofthevariouscolouredclericsandhowtheylivedtheirlivesinservicetotheOneGod.‘Aretheynotallowedtotakeawoman,master?’

SirLeonstoodandstretchedasheanswered,‘Someclericsdo:theBlackones,andmaybetheBrown.

TheknightsoftheRedandthosePurplebastardsareforbiddenfromthetimetheygaintheircloak.It’soneofthemainreasonstheygetsuchpleasurefromridingthosearmouredhorses.’Helaughedwickedlyathisowncommentaryandnarrowlyavertedanothercoughingfit.‘TheGoldChurchisanothermatter;thosefatbastardscanbarelystandwithoutafew

paidwomentocarrytheirjewel-encrustedcocks.’

Abowlofrelativelycleanwaterwasplacedonabenchinfrontoftheknightandheproceededloudlytowashhiscorpulentframe.Randallhadlostmuchoftherevulsionheoncefeltatthesightoftheoverweightoldman,butwasstillgiventoturnawaywhenSirLeonwashedhimself.

‘Armour!’hesaidwithoutlookingup.

Theknight’sarmourwasburnishedsteel,fastenedatthemidriffandovereachshoulder.RandallhadadjusteditseveraltimesovertheyearsanditnowcoveredlessthanhalfofSirLeon’supperbody.Ifhehadtofightwhilewearingit,he’dneedtostanddirectlyfacinghisopponentorelseriskafatalwoundtohisexposedsides.Notthathehadfoughtinrecentmemory.Infact,

Randalldistinctlyrecalledthelasttimehismasterhadbeendriventoviolence.Itwasnotapleasanteveningandhadinvolvedfivedeadtownguardsmenandaveryangrytavernowner.SirLeonremainedadangerousmandespitehisyearsandpoorhealth,andtheguardsmen’sjibesathisstorytellinghadangeredtheoldknight.Butthatwastwoyearsagoandmuchalcoholhadbeen

consumedovertheinterveningtime.

‘Randall,getyourfuckingheadtogetheranddressme.Purpleclericsarenotknownfortheirpatience,’hesaid,flickinghisdirtywashwaterontothefloor.

Thearmourwentonquickly,givingthefatolddrunkardasemblanceofnobility.Hewasatallman,thoughherarelystoodfullyupright,andhisbeardand

mattedhair,evenwhensweptback,gavehimawildappearancewhichheevidentlyfoundquitepleasing.

‘Master,Ithinkyourarmourmayneedadjustingagain;theundercoatisshowingthroughatthebottom…andIdon’tlikethewayyoursidesareexposed.’

‘Ilikeabitofwearonit;showsit’snotjustanornament.Arealman’s

armourisstained,batteredandill-fitting.’SirLeonposed,flexinghisarms,beforesittingbackonthebedandpullingonhisbootsandgreaves.‘Sword!’hesaidloudly.

Randallheldouttheornatelongsword,hilt-first,withthescabbardbeltunfastened.SirLeongraspeditfirmlyand,ashealwaysdid,gazedwithgenuineaffectionatthecrestofGreat

Clawonthecross-piece,beforebucklingitaroundhiswaist.

‘Right,lad,let’sgoandkisshislordship’sclericalarse,’saidadefiantSirLeon.Hemarchedoutoftheroom,thenoiseofhisarmourannouncinghispresencetoeveryoneonthatflooroftheinn.Thosewhoweresufficientlyawaketoopentheirdoorsweremetwiththesightofanimperiousknight,

handrestedonhisswordhilt,readyforaction.Randallfollowedclosebehindastheknightstrodedownthestairstothecommonroombelow.Heseemedclear-headed,thefogofalcoholmaskedtosomedegree,hishatredofthePurplechurchemployedasashield.Afewmenturnedandshowedtheirsilentapprovalatthesightofthefullyarmouredknight.Thetavernkeeperlookeddaggers,

rememberingthedestructionofthepreviousevening.Theinnwasalow-classestablishmentintheoldtownofRoTiris,withlittlefineryandcateringtothosecitizenswhosimplywantedsomewheretosleep,drinkorfindwillingwomen.Allthreeserviceswerecheapandofthelowestpossiblequality.ThebrokenwoodcausedbySirLeon’sextravagantstorytellinghadbeenpiledby

thefireplace,atestamenttohowmuchdamageadrunkenmaninarmourcancause.SirLeonstoodfullyupright,glaringacrossthebaruntilhiseyesfelluponthePurpleclericstandingbythedoor.

Thechurchmanwastallandbroad-shouldered,withbrownhairandafiercelookinhiseyes.Hisfeaturessuggestedamaninhismiddlethirtiesandhispurplecloak,thoughstained,wasstillan

evidentsymbolofhisorder.Thosearoundhimavertedtheirgaze,knowingthataclericofnobilityheldabsolutepowerinTorFunweir.ThePurpleclericswerefearedthroughoutthekingdomandtheirarroganceandprowessinbattlewerelegendary.Mostmensimplyavoidedthemforthesakeofaneasylife.Theywereanswerableonlytotheking

andfewmenequalledtheminpowerandinfluence.

TheclericstraightenedasSirLeonenteredthecommonroom,animperiouslookflowingacrosshisface.HesneeredatRandall,pullinghiscloakaroundhimasiftoemphasizethestain.ItwasaconsiderabletestamenttoSirLeon’snightlyvisitstothepiss-pot.Randallwonderediftheoldknightknewhowmanytimesherelieved

himselfeachnight,andhowhisalcoholintakehadindirectlycontributedtohissquirecoveringaPurpleclericwithhispiss.

‘You,knight.’Theclericspokeloudly,juttinghisbeardedjawatSirLeon.HethennoddedtowardsRandall,whowasstandingbehindtheknight’sleftshoulder.‘Thatladyoursquire?’

SirLeonraisedaneyebrowandslowlyclosed

thedistancetostandnosetonosewiththecleric.Helookedhimupanddowncritically.Theknightwasseveralinchestallerand,thoughinbadphysicalcondition,stillappearedthemoreimposingman.‘Mynameisn’tknight;it’sSirLeonGreatClaw,’hesaidclearly,makingsomeefforttoappearawell-spokennobleman.

‘Iaskedyouaquestion,oldman.Don’tmakemeaskitagain.’TheclericwasclearlynotintimidatedbySirLeonanddidnotflinchastheylookedateachother.Randallstayedbythestairsatthefarendofthecommonroom.HehopedSirLeonwouldhandlethisdelicatelyandenablethemtoleavewithoutangeringthePurplechurch.However,thiswasunlikelyasSirLeonhad,on

severaloccasions,spokenofhisdesiretofightaPurplecleric.

‘Didmysquiredosomethingtooffendyou,mylord?’Thewordswerespokenwithscorn,hishandrestingsuggestivelyonhisswordhilt.‘He’syoungandhasmuchtolearn,yourPurpleness.Iseemtohaveneglectedtoteachhimtheproperetiquetteforcoveringaclericinpiss.’

Thechurchmandidnotlookimpressed.‘Ifyourintentionistoexertsomekindofdominanceoverme,oldman,IshouldwarnyouthatonemoreinsultandImayhavetoskewerthatfatbellyofyours.’

TheothersinthetaverngaspedandRandallheldhisbreath.Afewpatronsquietlyleft,notwantingtobearoundiftheclericwasdriventoviolence.Otherssatopen-

mouthed,eagerlyenjoyingthespectacleoftwomenonthevergeofafight.

AfterapauseSirLeonthrewhisheadbackinathroatylaugh.Therewaslittlehumourinthesoundandneithermanbackedaway.Hethenaskedquietly,‘Whatisyourname,youngcleric?’

‘IamBrotherTorianofArnon,clericofthequestandnoblemanoftheOneGod,’

hesaidproudlyandwithdeeplyheldconviction.

‘That’salongnameforalittleman.’ThiscommentleftSirLeonfeelingratherpleasedwithhimselfandheflashedawickedgrinatBrotherTorian,challenginghimtoreact.

Therewasnoangerastheclericspoke.‘Yoursquireinsultedme,SirLeon.IstandbeforeyouwantingrecompenseandallIam

givenisfurtherinsult.’Henarrowedhiseyesandcontinued,‘Yourealizethatyougivemelittlechoicebuttokillyou,oldman?’

SirLeonrepliedquicklyandwithvenom.‘ThetwowomenIfuckedlastnightmightbeafairerfightforyou…theystinkofpisstoo.’

Amansittingnearbyletoutasudden,involuntarylaugh,causingalleyestoturntowardshim.Hebegan

sweatingandhurriedlyturnedhisbodyawayfromtheconfrontation,focusingonhisdrinkandcurlingupintothesmallestballhistableandchairwouldallow.Thelaughdidlittletodefusethesituationandwhentheothers’eyesreturnedtothem,SirLeonandBrotherTorianwerenosetonose.

Torianspokefirst.‘You’reafat,old,stinkingdrunk,’helookedtheknightupand

down,‘withill-fittingarmour,anantiqueswordandnorespectforyourbetters.’Hemovedquickly,hisrighthandstrikingSirLeonsharplyacrossthejaw.Hisfistwasgauntletedandtheblowcausedbloodandasharpintakeofbreathfromtheoldman.

BeforeSirLeonstraightened,theclerichaddroppedhisarmouredshoulderandshovedthe

knightbackwards.Hefellheavilyontothewoodenfloorboards,hisbreastplatemakingaresoundingclangasdustrosefromthetavernfloor.SirToriantookastepforwardsandquicklydrewhislongsword.‘Youhaveonehour,SirLeon.’Helevelledhisswordattheknight’sneck.‘Iwillawaityoubehindthetavern.Ifyouarelate,Iwillenterthetavernandkillyoulikeadog.’

Randallmovedquicklytohismasterandhelpedhimintoaseatedposition.Therewasbloodaroundhismouthandinhisbeard.Hewaswindedandpantingheavily.ThePurpleclericheldhisswordaninchfromRandall’sface.‘Andyou,youngman,maybewatchingyourmasterdiewillteachyouhumility.’

Hedeftlysheathedhisswordandturned,lookingtallerandstrongernow,ashe

strodefromthetavern.Theremainingpatronsbreathedasighofreliefasitbecamecleartheywouldnothavetowatchamandiewhiletheyweredrinking.Duellingwasforbiddentocommonmen,butafrequentpracticeamongstnoblesandchurchmen.

SirLeonletoutapainedlaugh.‘IwonderwhatIcouldhavedonetooffendthelittlepiss-stain.’Leaningon

Randall,hebreathedheavilyandpulledhimselftohisfeet.‘Right,IthinkIneedadrink.’Stillleaningonhissquire,heshuffledtowardsthebar.‘Icanmanagefromhere,lad.Justneededtocatchmybreath.’Hesatheavilyonabarstool,causingittocreakunderhisweight,andbangedametalfistonthewood.Pointingatthetavernkeeper,hebellowed,‘Drink…here…now!’

Despitewhathehadjustseen,thetavernkeeperwasnotconfidentenoughtodenytherequestandplacedalargegobletofwineinfrontofSirLeon.Hethenaskedhesitantly,‘Er,shouldIexpectyoursquiretopayforthis,sirknight?’

SirLeonshotthetavernkeeperaglareandgrabbedhimbythethroat.‘Iexpecttobedeadinalittleoveranhour,youlittleshit.SorryifI

thinkthisdrinkshouldbeonthefuckinghouse.’Hepaused,breathedinseveraltimes,andreleasedhisgripontheman,shovinghimaway.

Randallwaitedseveralmoments,allowingtheoldknighttodrinkdeeplyfromhisgoblet.Heknewhismasterwellanddidn’twanttointerruptwhatheimaginedwasamomentofdeepthought.Whenhejudgedthe

timeright,Randallapproachedslowly.‘Master…’

SirLeonhalfsmiledattheyoungman.‘Randall,you’re,what,seventeenyears?’

‘Yes,master,I’vebeenwithyouforthreeyears.’

Thesmilebecamebroader.‘You’vebeenagoodsquire,lad.Nevercomplained,alwaysdonewhatyouweretold.’

‘Master…ifyouknewhewasgoingtoreactlikethat,whydidyouprovokehim?’Randallknewitwasanimpertinentquestion,butinthecircumstanceshecaredlittleforpropriety.

ThelaughthatprecededSirLeon’sanswerwasgood-natured.‘I’manoldman,Randall.IknowIcansometimeshideit,butIalwaysfeelit.’Hetookanotherlongdrink.‘Ihave

wantedtobethatrudetoaPurpleclericsinceIfirstmetone.Ittakesthepragmatismofadvancingyearstomakeamantrulyfree.It’sjustashameIdidn’thavetheballstodoitwhenIwasyoungerandcouldhavekilledhim.’

‘Buthe’sgoingtokillyou,mylord!’Randallstated.

SirLeondidnotstopsmiling.‘Thatisverylikely.Yes,thatisverylikelyindeed.I’dcertainly

recommendbettingonhimiftheopportunitypresentsitself.’Helaughedathisownjokeanddrainedhisgobletofwine.

Heshoutedtothetavernkeeper.‘Justbringthewholebottle,thatwayIwon’tneedtotalktoyoueverytimeIwantadrink.’

Themancompliedandabottleofredwinewasplacedinfrontoftheknight.Hepulledoutthecorkwithhis

teethandpouredhimselfalargemeasure.Randallknewthatwarninghismasteraboutdrinkingbeforeafightwouldbepointlessand,inanycase,itwouldnotchangetheoutcome.SirLeonlookedlikeatiredoldman.Heshiftedhisweightuncomfortably,theill-fittingsteelarmourchafinghisbulkyframe.

‘Don’tpanic,youngRandall,evenaburnt-outold

drunkhasatrickortwo.’Heunbuckledhissword

beltandpanted,clearlymorecomfortablewithoutitconstrictinghisstomach.Hehelditouttohissquire,whograspedtheswordcarefullyandwrappedtheleatherbeltaroundthescabbard.RandallstillhadagreataffectionforhismasterandbeganthinkingaboutoilingthebladeandadjustinghisarmourbeforeSirLeonhadtofightthe

Purplecleric.‘Master,maybeyoushouldremoveyourarmourandletmeaddsomesideplatesbeforeyourduel…’

SirLeonlaughed.‘Inyourestimation,howgoodamIwiththatthing?’Hepointedtohissword.

‘ThelasttimeIsawyouuseit,youweredangerous,master.’

‘Well,asgoodasImayonedayhavebeen,that

clericalbastardisatrainedkillerwithyouthandspeedonhisside.’Hetookanotherdrink.‘Imaygetaluckyblowandwin,orImaybeabletorelyonstrength;eitherway,thestateofmyarmourwillmakelittledifference.Allit’lldoisslowmedown…’hechuckledtohimself,‘andI’mslowenoughalready.’

***

Thenexttwentyminutesorsopassedinsilence,withSirLeondrinkingandRandallnotfindinganywordstosay.Thetavernbegantoemptyasthosewhohadspentthenightremovedthemselves.StreetcleanersandthecitywatchwereabroadandRandallwonderedaboutthelegalitiesoffightingaduelinabackstreet.Heguessedthat,sincebothmenwerenoblesofa

sort,itwasunlikelythatthewatchwouldintervene.

UnpleasantthoughtsranthroughRandall’smind.Hewonderedwhathewoulddoiffacedwithhismaster’sdeadbody;wouldhehavetotakehimtobeburied,orwouldthecityhavearrangementsforsuchthings?Hewondered,too,abouthismaster’sswordandarmour;whetherthePurpleclericwouldtakethemasaprizeor

whetherthey’dbeleftinthestreettobestolen.

Healsoworriedforhimself.HishomewasavillageintheDarkwald,manyleaguesfromthecapital,andRandallwouldnotevenknowhowtobeginfindinghiswaybackthere.HehadtravelledwithSirLeontoseveralofthegreatcitiesofTorFunweiranddislikedtheideaofreturning

tothesimplelifeofacommoner.

Timepassedslowly,SirLeonmutteringtohimselfashedrank.Helookeduprarely,movingonlytoscratchunderhisarmourorshifthisweighttoamorecomfortableposition.

ThesunbegantoshinethroughthetavernwindowsandRandallthoughtitwouldbeahotday.RoTiriswasonthenortherncoastofTor

FunweirandthewindthatblewacrossthestraitsofCanarngenerallykeptthecapitalcool.AcrossthestraitslivedthemenofCanarn.RandallhadneverbeentoRoCanarn,buttherumourshe’dheardsincearrivinginTirismadehimthinkthecitymightnotbecurrentlyverysafe.

RandallwasstartledwhenSirLeonbangedhisfistonthebarandproclaimed,‘Right,timetokillacleric.’

Hestoodupandpuffedouthischest.‘Sword!’hedemandedofhissquire.

Randallgatheredhimselfandpassedthesword,stillinitsscabbard,withthebeltwrappedcarefullyroundit.SirLeontookhistime,lookingfondlyatthecrestbeforebucklingitaroundhiswaist.

Heturnedtohissquire,thesmellofwineheavyonhisbreath.‘Don’tworry,lad.

Apooroldmanlikemeshouldn’tmakeyoufrown.’Smiling,heputhishandonRandall’sshoulder.‘You’regettingtall.Maybeit’stimeforyoutogetaswordofyourownandfindsomeonetoshowyouhowtouseit.’SirLeonhadmentionedthisbefore.Itwasthedutyofaknightproperlytoschoolhissquireinthewayofhandlingasword,butSirLeonhadsimplynevergotroundtoit.

HehadshownRandallacoupleofstancesandthecorrectwaytoswingalongsword,buthissquirewasnotaswordsmanyetandhadneverpossessedhisownblade.

‘Well,’saidtheknightwithagrin,‘considerthisyourfirstreallesson.’Hesuddenlythrewtheemptywinebottleatthelineofglassesnexttothetavernkeeper.Thesoundechoed

aroundtheemptycommonroomandglassshardsflew,causingthemantodivetothefloor.SirLeondidn’twaittoseethereactiontohisoutburst,butsimplystrodetowardsthedoor.

Randallfollowed,severalstepsbehindhismaster,andsmiledawkwardlyatthetavernkeeperasheleft.

Thetaverndoorswereproppedopenandthestreetoutsidewasrelativelyempty.

Thenarrowcobbledbackstreetwasbeingsweptcleanbyboundmenofthecrown–menpaidinfood,clothingandaplacetosleep.Theyweredoingapoorjobandthestreetremainedunpleasant.SirLeonignoredtheworkersasheturnedasharpleftintothestreet.Hebreathedintheairofthecityandturneduphisnoseatthemixofalcohol,vomitanddirt.Randallfollowedbehindhimandhad

toruntokeepupwiththestridingknight.

SirLeonstoppedatthecornerofthetavernbuildingandtookalonglookdownthestreet.Thebuildingsinthepoorquarterwereclosetogetherandlittledirectsunlightreachedtheground.DebrisfromahundrednightsofrevelryfilledthenarrowsidestreetandRandallhadtododgebottles,cratesanditemsofbrokenfurnitureas

hestruggledtokeepupwithhismaster.AttherearofthetavernwasthealleyintowhichRandallhadthrownSirLeon’swaste,insultingBrotherTorianintheprocess.Beyondwerestables,servingseveraltavernsandanumberofbrothels.

SirLeonsteppedovertheopensewerandcametoahalt.AsRandallpulledupnexttohim,hesawSirLeon’ssturdybrownhorse

andhisownblackandgreyponymixedinwithseveralmangyoldhorsesmunchingonbalesofstraw.StandinginthemiddleofthestablewasthePurplecleric,fullyarmouredandwithswordinhand.Hisbreastplate,greavesandgauntletswereofburnishedsteel.Althoughhehadremovedhiscloakinpreparationfortheduel,otheritemsofpurpleadornedhisdress.Hisscabbardandbelt

bothhadanornatepurpledesignandthecolourwasrepeatedonmostofthefabricthatshowedunderhisarmour.

NowBrotherTorianwaswearingasteelhelmet,andheraisedhischinashespoke.‘Goodmorning,SirLeon.Ibelievewehavebusinesstosettle.’

Theoldknightsteppedforwardandappearedtoconsiderhiswordscarefully.

Hepuffedouthischest.‘I’msorry,I’veforgottenyourname.’Hismouthcurledslowlyintoadefiantgrin.

BrotherTorianreturnedSirLeon’ssmilewithoneofhisown,thoughhiswascolder.Hisswordwasalreadyinhisfistandhetookastepbackwardsandflexedhisarm,causingthebladetoswingskilfullyfromsidetoside.Randallbeganimaginingallthewaysin

whichluckcouldplayapartintheencounter.HethoughtthatSirLeonwasthelargermanandthathisstrengthmightprevail.Theclericlookedlikeatruefightingman,butmaybehewasgreenandwouldlackexperienceagainstacleverswordsmanlikeSirLeon.Eitherway,Randallestimatedthatskill,youthandfortitudewouldhavetoplayaminimalpartif

hismasterweretoemergevictorious.

BrotherToriankepthiseyesonhisopponentashewalkednimblyfromsidetoside,steppingonefootovertheotherinpractisedfashion,hisswordpointheldlow.SirLeonjuststoodthere,notposturingordisplayinganyparticularskillashedrewhistreasuredlongsword.

‘Iwaswrong,SirLeon,Icalledthatswordanantique.

ItseemsIjudgedthebladebythestateofthemanwhoworeit.’BrotherTorianlookedattheirswords.‘Iwouldjudgethatourweaponshavebothseenmuchcombat,thoughyoursisofnoblerlineage.’

SirLeondidnotrespondwithhiscustomaryhumour.Heraisedhisswordtolookattheclericoverthecross-piece.‘ThisistheswordofGreatClaw,anoldnoblehouseoftheeast.Myfather

woreitbeforemeandithaskilledKirin,Ranen,Jekkan,Karesian…evenRo.’SirLeonwasproudofhisswordandtheweightofnobilityitbestoweduponhim.Anolddrunkhemightbe,buthewasstillaknightofTorFunweir,andwhetherhewastodieinastableornot,aknighthewouldremain.‘Idon’tapologizeoraskforquarter,cleric.’

Toriancameonguard.‘Thetimeforapologiesisgoneandnoquarterwillbegiven.Imeantokillyou,oldman.’

SirLeonattackedfirst,aclumsyoverheadblowaccompaniedwithagruntofexertion.ThesoundofsteelonsteelwasloudasTorianeasilybroughtuphisbladetoparrytheattack.Herespondedbykickingoutforcefullyattheoff-balance

knightandsendinghimbackseveralfeet,causinghimtobreatheheavily.

Neithermanspokeastheybegancirclingeachother,Torianswinginghissword,whileSirLeonheldhisreadyandlowtotheground.RandallsteppedbackasfarashecouldtostandbySirLeon’shorse,wellawayfromthefight.Bothmenlookeddangerous.ThesweatalreadyflowingdownSirLeon’sface

madehimlookfierce,andBrotherTorianwasmovinglikeapredator.

Again,itwastheoldknightwhoattacked–athrustthistime–aimedatthecleric’schest.Toriansteppedtothesideanddeflectedit,givingSirLeonthechancetofalloverifhewastoooffbalance.Hekepthisfooting,though,andpulledbackhisswordintimetoparryanansweringblowtohishead.

BrotherToriandidnotbackoffthistimebutpressedtheattack,launchingaseriesofhighswingsattheoldknight.EachblockthatSirLeonmanagedweakenedhimalittlemoreandRandallthoughttheclericneededonlytowearhimdowninordertowin.Theattacksbecamerelentless,thedifferenceinfitnessbeginningtoshow.

Thesquirewatchedhelplesslyasthefightbecameone-sided,withBrotherTorianslowinghisattacksandforciblypushingtheoldknightbackuntilhewaspracticallystandingagainstoneofthemangyhorses.SirLeonwaspantingandhisfacewasbrightredandmoistwithsweat.He’dparriedeveryblowlevelledathimandshownglimmersofskill,buthehadnotbeenableto

findanysmallopeningthroughwhichtotestthecleric’sdefence.

Tentativefacesappearedaroundthestableaslocals,alertedbythesound,cametowatchthefight.Severalyoungchildrenwithdirtyfaceshadclamberedontheroofandnowpeereddownfromabove.Attheentrancetothealleyasmallgroupoffourcitywatchmenhadcometoinvestigatetheduel.

Randall’shopethattheywouldinterveneandstopthefightwascrushedwhentheysawthepurpleadornmentsofBrotherTorian,andtheymadeadisplayofusheringawaytheonlookersandstandingguardoverthestableentrance.Justasnoblesandchurchmenwereallowedtobeararms,theywerealsoallowedtousethem.

SirLeonroaredwithfrustrationanddidnot

registerthepresenceofthewatchasToriancontinuedhismethodicalassault.Severalblowsbegantobuckletheknight’sweakdefensiveparriesanddentswereappearinginhisbreastplate.BrotherTorianwasstillfreshandwasclearlyconservinghisstrength,ashispatternsofattackslowedagain.Hetookseverallargestridesbackwardsanddisengaged,leavingSirLeontoravein

anger.‘Comeon,youpurplepig-fucker,’heshoutedbetweenunintelligiblegrunts.

BrotherToriansaidnothing,butwavedtheknightbacktowardsthecentreofthestable.

SirLeonwasbentoverandtryingtocatchhisbreath,pantingheavilyanddrippingsweatontothedustystablefloor.Helookedathisswordagain,thethinnestsmilevisibletoRandall,andthen,

withagrowl,lungedforwardatthecleric.

Randallgaspedandhedesperatelywantedtocalloutandurgehismastertosaysomethingtoplacatethecleric,buthecouldn’t.Theknightknewthatthisduelwouldmeanhisdeath,thoughRandallhadhopedthatsomethingluckyorbizarrewouldhappentosurpriseeveryone.

BrotherTorianwasexpectingthedesperatestrikeand,withgraceandpower,steppedforward.SirLeon’sthrustwasweakandeasilydeflected,causingtheoldknighttofalltohiskneesastheclericsteppedpastthethrustandkickedhardattheoutstretchedblade.TheswordofGreatClawleftSirLeon’shandandfelltothestablefloorseveralfeetaway.

Everythingpaused;thecitywatchmenweresilent,thechildrenlookedwide-eyedandRandallheldhisbreath.SirLeonwasonhisknees,thelastthrusthavingtakenallhisenergy,andBrotherTorianstoodoverhimvictorious.ThePurpleclericheldhisswordagainstthebackoftheknight’sneckandspokeclearly.‘SirLeonGreatClaw,knightofTorFunweir,Itakeyourheadand

repayyourinsult.’Withhislastactionbefore

meetingtheOneGod,SirLeondirectedabroadsmileathissquire.BrotherTorianswungswiftlyandwithgreatpower,severinghisopponent’sneckwithoneblow.

Randalldidnotcryout,thoughtearsbegantoforminhiseyesashelookedathismaster’sheadlessbody.SirLeonhadbeenallhehad

knownforthreeyearsandnowhewasdead,beheadedinadirtystable,answeringaninsultthatRandallhadgiventoaPurplecleric.

ToriandidnotaddressRandallstraightaway,butdroppedtoonekneeoverhisfallenopponentandofferedaprayertotheOneGod.‘Myswordandmylifeareyours.Ifightforyou,Ikillforyou,Idieforyou.’Hethenstraightenedandretrieveda

stainedclothfromhisgauntletandcarefullycleanedhissword.Thecitywatchstillstoodatthestableentranceandwhisperedtooneanotherastheynervouslyapproachedthearmouredcleric.Theyworechainmail,beltedatthewaistandcoveredbyatabarddisplayingthesymboloftheking–awhiteeagleinflight.Ascommonmentheywerenotpermittedtocarrylongswordsandsotheyall

hadcrossbowsandlargeknives.

‘Mylord,IamSergeantLux,’theeldestofthefourwatchmensaidwithabow.

BrotherTorianwassilent.Randallsawthat,despitetheone-sidednatureoftheduel,theclericatleasttookSirLeon’sdeathseriouslyandneededamomenttocomposehimself.‘Sergeant,’henoddedingreeting.

Afewmoreonlookersemergedfromaroundthestables,commonmenofRoTirisintriguedbythespectacleoftruefightingmen.SergeantLuxwavedatoneofhismen.‘Getridofthesestreetrats.’

Theonlookersweredispersedquicklywithafewdirectedshoutsofauthorityfromthewatchmen,andthestablewasagainrelativelyquiet.

‘Ishewithyou,yourgrace?’LuxpointedacrossthestabletowhereRandallstood,halfleaningagainstSirLeon’shorsetosteadyhislegs.

‘Yes,Isupposeheis,sergeant,thoughnotinthewayyoumean.’Thewatchmenlookedconfusedatthisresponse,butToriancontinued,‘Hecanremain.Thisduelwasforhisbenefitonsomelevel.’

BrotherToriansheathedhissword,removedhishelmetandretrievedhispurplecloakfromitsrestingplaceacrossthebackofanearbyhorse.‘Thisismyfirstvisittothecapital,sergeant;Iassumeyouhavearrangementsfordealingwiththat…’HegesturedtowardstheheadlessbodyofSirLeon.

ThewatchmenlookedateachotherbeforeLuxreplied,

‘Wedo,mylord,butifwe’retoreturnthebodytohisestate,weneedtoknowtowhathousehebelongs.’

TorianraisedhischinandglancedatRandallbeforehespoke.‘HewasofthehouseofGreatClaw…somewheretotheeastapparently.’HeclappedhisgauntletedhandstogetherandthenoisepulledRandallawayfromhisgrief.‘Squire…wherearethisman’slandstobefound?’

Randallsteppedawayfromthehorseand,onweaklegs,movedtothemiddleofthestable.Hetriednottolookdownatthebodyandcametoahaltofftothesideofthewatchmen.‘Hehasnolands.’Randall’svoicequiveredandhishandsshook.

Toriannarrowedhiseyesandresponded,‘Hemusthavefamilyorfriendswhowouldreceivehisbody?’

ThewatchmenhadbeguntoturnoverSirLeon’sbody,retrievinghisheadandattemptingtokeepthepoolofbloodfromspreadingacrossthestablefloor.Randallspokewithoutthinking.‘Leavehim.’Hedroppedtohiskneesnexttothebodyandbegantoarrangehismasterinadignifiedfashion.

SergeantLuxpausedforasecond,surprisedatRandall’simpertinence,beforeslapping

thesquire’sface.‘Youwillnotspeakunlessdirectedtodoso,boy.’

Randallfell,theslapcausinghisfacetosting.‘Mymasterhadnofamilyandnolands.Hiswifehasbeendeadfouryearsandheiswithoutchildren…’MoretearsformedinRandall’seyes.‘Hewouldwanthisbodytobeburned.’

BrotherToriannoddedinapproval.Thiswasthe

honourablewayforanoblemantomeettheOneGod.However,SergeantLuxlaughed.‘Apyreisexpensive,lad…andwhowouldarrangeit?’HeglancedbackathismenasifRandall’swordshadshowedextremenaivety.‘Ifhehasnolandsorfamilytoreceivehisbody,we’llhavetothrowhiminthelimepitswiththeotherscumthatdieinthispartofTiris.’

Randall’sgriefturnedslowlytorageandonlyBrotherTorian’srestraininghandstoppedhimfromclumsilyattackingthesergeant.‘Enough,boy,seetoyourmaster.’ToriangentlyshovedRandallawayfromthewatchmen.‘Showsomerespect,man,hewasaknightofTorFunweir,’hesaidtoLux.‘Afat,disrespectfulolddrunkardhemayhavebeen,butstillaknight.’Torian

reachedintoapouchwithinhiscloakandpulledoutasmallbrownpurse,throwingitatLux’sfeet.Hesaid,‘BurnhimproperlyandhaveaBlackclericsaythewords.’

SergeantLuxpickedupthepurseandseemedsatisfied.‘Verywell,mylord,itshallbedoneasyousay.’ThewatchmenmovedtoSirLeon’sbodyandstoppedinacirclebehindRandall.

‘Stepawaynow,boy,hispathisset,’saidthecleric.

Randalldidn’tmove.Hestraightenedthebodylyingbeforehim,pushingthelegstogetherandrestingtheoldman’sarmsacrosshisbatteredsteelbreastplate.Hestillhadn’tlookedattheseveredheadandfoundhimselfwantingtokeepholdoftheoldman’ssmileratherthanthestaringeyesofadeadman.

‘Boy!’shoutedBrotherTorian,ashedraggedRandallacrossthestableandshovedhimagainstawoodenwall.RandalltriedtolookpasthimtoensurethatthewatchmenweretreatingSirLeonwithrespect,butthecleric’sarmouredframeblockedtheview.

‘Yourname,youngsquire?’Torianaskedgently,asRandallstoppedstruggling

andfocusedonthefacebeforehim.

‘Randall…I’mfromtheDarkwald.’Thewordswerehesitant.

‘Verywell,RandallofDarkwald,IthinktheOneGodhasanotherpathforyou.’HesteppedawayfromRandall,hisbulkstillobscuringSirLeon’sbody.

OneofthewatchmencoughedtoattractTorian’sattention.‘Milord…whatof

theknight’sblade?’ThemanpickeduptheswordofGreatClaw,heftingitandfeelingitsweightinhishand.

‘Watchman,’snappedTorian,‘thatistheswordofanobleandnotforthelikesofyoutowield.’Theclericclosedthedistancequicklyandheldouthishand.‘Giveithere,’hesaidwithquietauthority.

Thelongswordwasplaced,hilt-first,intohis

hand.BrotherTorianinspectedthebladeandnoddedhisapprovalatitsconditionbeforeturningbacktoRandall.‘Iassumethat,asasquire,thecareofyourmaster’sbladewasyourprimaryresponsibility,yes?’

Randallbreathedindeeply.‘SirLeonhadotherneedsthattookupalotoftimebut,yes…IsupposeIdolookafterthesword.’HefeltnoangertowardsBrother

Torian,buthisgriefatSirLeon’sdeathwasenoughtomakehimfeelsmallandhelpless.‘Iwasgoingtooilthebladebeforethefight,buthedidn’tletme…Ithought…’

Torianinterruptedhim.‘Thisbladeiswellcaredfor.Idon’tthinkanothercoatofoilwouldhavedonemuchtohelphim.’

‘That’swhatSirLeonthought…’Anothertear

appearedasRandallcontinued.‘Heknewhewasgoingtodie.’

TorianlookedfirstattheswordandthenatRandall,ignoringthesquire’sattemptstoseepasthim.Afteramomentofthoughthespokewithconviction.‘I’veneverhadasquire.It’softenseenasunseemlyforaclericofthePurpletoneedone…’HelookedRandallupanddown,shakinghisheadatthe

squire’scommonappearance.‘However,Iamaclericofthequestandoutsideoftheusualtraditionsofmyorder.’

Randalldidn’tregisterthewordsandhismindfilledinsteadwithimagesofSirLeon,laughingandjokingashedrunkenlytoldunlikelystoriesofheroism.

‘Areyoulistening,boy?’Torianaskedsharply.

‘No,ImustconfessthatI’mnot,BrotherTorian…my

mindiselsewhere,asIpredictitwillbeforawhileyet.’Randallhadjustseenhismasterkilledandwasnotinthemoodtobepolite.

‘You’veasharptongue,boy…truetoform,though,soImustatleastcommendyouforconsistency,’hesaidwithanimperioussmile.‘Now,thisismycommand…’HegraspedRandall’sfacesothatthesquirecouldnothelpbutlook

athim.‘YouwillbecomemysquireandIwillschoolyouinthecorrectwayofthings,’hestated.

‘Mylord…?’Randallhadaquestioninglookonhisface.

‘Didyounothearme,boy?’

‘Er,Iheardyou,mylord,butIdon’tthinkIunderstand.’Randallwastired,confusedandfeltsick.

Thewordsoftheclericbarelypenetratedhismind.

‘Randall,aclericImaybe,butIamnotblindtothefactthatIjustkilledyourmaster.NoramIacruelman,despitewhatyoumaythink.’Hiswordswerekindernow.

Randallshookhisheadandtriedtofocus.‘Idoubtyoucare,butIdon’thateyou,mylord.Mymasterwantedtodie…hewasoldandtiredandyoucouldhavebeen

anybody.’Tearscameagaintohiseyes.‘Ithinkhejustwantedtodiefighting.’

Toriannoddedwithapproval.‘Thatisaproperwayforaknighttodie…hetaughtyouavaluablelessontoday,boy.’

ThewatchmenhadbeguntoremoveSirLeon’sbody.‘Lux…Iwillhearofitifthatmanistreatedpoorly,’saidTorian.

Themanbowed.‘Absolutely,milord,I’llseetothepyremyself.’

Thewatchmenleftthestables,holdingthebodyofSirLeonrespectfully.Themanholdingtheheaddidsoatarm’slengthandwasmakinganefforttonotlookatSirLeon’sblankface.

BrotherTorianturnedbacktoRandall.‘Wellthen,squire,thisiswhatyouneedtoknowofyournewmaster.I

amaclericofthequestfromRoArnonandIamherelookingforaBlackGuardnamedBromvyofCanarn.’

Randalltriedtostandupright.‘Yes,mylord…Iunderstand.Whathasthemandone?’

Torianlookedquizzicallyathisnewsquire.‘DoyounotknowthemeaningofthewordsBlackGuard,boy?’

‘Idonot,sir.’Randallshookhishead.

‘Well,itseemsthatyoureducationshouldbeginimmediately.’HepassedRandalltheswordofGreatClaw.‘Here,takeyournewswordandlet’sbeoff.Wehavemuchtodo.’

Randallpausedandsimplylookedattheofferedblade.‘Mylord,I’macommoner,notpermittedtocarryalongsword.’

BrotherTorianraisedhischinandpuffedouthischest.

‘YouarenowthesquireofaPurpleclericand,ifIsayyoucanwearasword,thenyoucanwearasword.Comenow,beltitonanddon’tdawdle.’Theclericbegantowalktowardsthestableentrance.‘Oh,andyou’dprobablybettertakeSirLeon’shorseinadditiontohissword,’hesaidbeforedisappearingintothestreet.

***

Randall’sfirstfewdaysassquiretoBrotherTorianwerestrange.Theclericwasanundemandingmaster,comparedtoSirLeon.Hetalkedagreatdeal,oftenunconcernedwhetherRandallwaslisteningornot,andtheyoungsquire’sheadwasablurofclericalproceduresandservicetotheOneGod.

TorianwasfromtheFallsofArnonandhadneverbeentothecapitalbefore.Hewore

hisarmourthroughoutthedayandlargelyignoredthefearheinspiredinthegeneralpopulace,mostofwhomhedismissedassimplycommonfolk.

RandalllearnedquicklyhowtounbucklethearmourandgreaveswithTorianinaseatedposition.Theywereofhighqualityandneededlittlemaintenancebeyondadailypolishoftheburnishedsteel.Torianappearedillatease

withbeingwaitedon,buttriedtosmileasRandallranaroundafterhim,automaticallyfetchinghisfoodandcleaninghisclothes.

TheystayedinaquiettavernnearthechapterhouseoftheknightsoftheRed.Itwasanunremarkableareaofthetown,withlittlecrime.Thetavernwasalowstonebuildingwithfewcomforts,thoughtheroomswerecleanandthestaffrespectful.

Randallwaspermittedtosleepinabedratherthanontheroughbedrollhehadbeenusedto,andwasevenallowedtimetohimselfeachday.ToriandislikedhavingRandallwithhimwhenhewentintothepoorquartertomakeenquiries,sayingthatasquirewouldbeaburdenwhentheclericneededtobefocused.

Randallusedthistimetopractisewithhisnewsword

andtoreadthebooksthatToriancarriedwithhim.ThesquirebegantolearnabouttheOneGodandevenlearnedsomethingoftheotherlandsofmen.He’dmetRanenandKaresiansbefore,buthadalwaysthoughtthemstrangeanddifficulttounderstand.ThebooksBrotherToriancarriedspokeofthemaschildrenofothergods,inferiortotheOne,butworthyofrespectasenemies.

TheyroseearlyeachdayandTorianexercisedforseveralhours,runningonthespotandswinginghislongswordwithpractisedskill.Withouthisarmour,theclericwasamuscularman,coveredinscarsandpuncturewoundsfromcrossbowboltsandlongbowarrows.HedeflectedanytalkofhiswoundsandRandallguessedthattruefightingmendidn’tgenerallydiscusstheirpast

battles.SirLeon’stalltalesbegantomakemoresenseanditoccurredtoRandallthattheoldknighthaddeliberatelytolddifferentversionsofthesamestorybecausetherealitywasneitherglamorousnorexciting.

‘Randall…daydreamingagain,boy?’Torianwassittingonhisbunkwaitingtobeattiredinhisclericalarmour.

‘Sorry,master,IwasthinkingofSirLeon.’Randallquicklymovedtothewoodenchairthatactedasanarmourrack.

Torianflexedhisarms,clearingthesorenessfromhismorningexercise.‘Theoldmanwasagoodfirstmasterforyou,lad.Hewasdemandingandtaughtyousomehumility.’

Randallheftedthebulkyarmourandswayedacrossthe

simpletavernroom.‘Iwasjustthinkingthatyouandhemayhavegotonwell…If…’

‘Ifhissquirehadn’tcoveredmeinpissthefirsttimewemet?’heinterrupted.

‘Yes,master.’Randallblushed.

TorianlaughedinresponseandheldouthisarmsforRandalltoplacethebreastplateacrosshischest.Thepurpleundercoatwasdesignedtoshowatthe

cornersofthearmour.Thebackplatewasfastenedbyheavyleatherstrapsatthewaistandconnectedtothesegmentedmetalofthearmpieces.

‘How’syourreadingcomingalong?’Torianasked,asthearmourwenton.

‘It’scomingalongwell,master.Iwaslearningabouttheotherracesofmen.’

Theclericraisedhiseyebrows.‘So,tellme,what

haveyoulearned?’Randallconsideredashe

buckledupTorian’sarmour.‘ThemenofRanenworshipanIceGiantcalledRowanocoandtheylivetothenorth.’

Hismasternodded.‘That’sright,lad,theywearchainmailandnormallycarryaxes.They’rebrutal,butcunningmen.’

‘Didn’ttheRooncerulethoselands,master?’

Toriannoddedagain.‘Indeedwedid,thoughthatwaslongago.TheRanenwereorganizedintoworkgangsbytheRedknights.’Hisexpressionshowedhisdistasteforthispractice.

‘Youdon’tapprove?’Randallqueried.

‘No,Idonot,lad.TheRanenareprimitive,buttheywerestillvanquishedenemiesandshouldhavebeentreatedwithrespect.’Helookedupat

hissquire.‘Andiftheknightshadn’torganizedthem,theRanenwouldneverhaveformedtheFreeCompaniesandfoughtback.’

‘Master?’Randallhadnotheardthetermbefore.

‘TheworkgangswerenaturallymadeupofthestrongestRanenandtheyrebelled,tooktheirwood-cuttingaxesandturnedthemontheirmasters.TheycalledthemselvestheFree

Companiesandweresurprisinglyeffectivefightingmen.’Hestoodupandflexed,feelingtheweightofhisarmour.‘RoRanenbecametheFreelandsofRanenandtheknightsretreatedsouthtothelandsofCanarn…thatwassometwohundredyearsago,buttheFreeCompaniesarestillasstubbornanddangerousastheywerethen.’

Randallbuckledonhismaster’slongsword.The

clericraisedalegandrestedhisfootonasmallwoodenstoolasRandallbuckledonthesteelgreave.

‘AndwhatoftheKaresians,master?’

‘Well,we’veneverbeentrulyatwarwiththem,lad.TheyfollowJaa,theFireGiant.Theykeeptothemselvesforthemostpart.AnyyoumeetinTorFunweirwilllikelybemerchantsortavernkeepers.’Torian

seemedtohavelittletimeforthedesertmen.

‘SirLeonusedtotalkabouttheHoundsofKaresia.’

‘Yes,theHounds…thedreadedHounds.’Hechuckledtohimself.‘TheKaresianshavelittletruemilitarycraftandsotheyrelyonnumbers.TheHoundsarecriminals,sentencedtoservetimeinthekennelsassoldiers.’Heplacedhissecondlegonthestool.‘Jaa

apparentlytaughtthatnoblesshouldnotfight…thedyingshouldbelefttothelowestclassesofcriminalsanddishonourablemen.’Heturnedtohissquire.‘Thereareseveralhundredthousandofthem,though.’

Randallfinisheddressinghismasterandtookastepbacktoadmirehiswork.Theclericwasanimposingandnoblefigurewhenfullycladinhisarmour.Thesquire

knewthathewasaskilledswordsmanbutthoughtthat,formostpeople,theflashesofpurplewouldbeenoughtodeflecttrouble.

BrotherTorianinspectedhimselfcarefully,notinganyslightimperfectionsinhisarmourandpointingthemouttohissquireforlaterattention.

‘AndwhoaretheKirin,master?’Randallasked.

He’dknownmenclaimtobeKirinandheardmenreferredtoassuch,buthe’dalwaysbeenconfusedbywhatthetermmeant.Theywereoftenswarthy-skinnedmen,thoughclearlynoteitherKaresianorRoand,byimplicationatleast,theyweremostlycriminals.

Torianraisedhiseyebrowsatthis.‘YouhavenoKirinintheDarkwald?’

‘NotthatIremember,no.AfewRanen,butmostlymenofRo.’

‘Well,theKirinarethegodlessracethatisproducedwhenaKaresianandaRodecide,forwhateverreason,tomate.’Heclearlytookoffenceatthenotion.‘TheyaremostlytobefoundintheforestsalongthesouthernshoreoftheKirinRidge,thoughsomecometotheTorFunweirtoplytheirtradeas

slaversorrainbowmerchants–that’sdrugdealerstoyouandme.’Hepickeduphispurpletabardfromthesideofthebedandswungitoverhishead,lettingthepurplesceptreofnobilityrestacrosshisbreastplate.‘They’renotinnatelyevil,buttheirmixedlineagemakesitdifficultforthemtopursueanhonesttrade.’

SirLeonhadbeenquitehatefultowardstheKirin,

callingthemallmannerofnames.Randallnowthoughtthisalittleunfair,asitwasn’treallytheirfaultthattheirparentshaddecidedtohavesex.

Randallwalkedovertothewindowsillandtookadrinkofwaterfromthejugthatwasplacedthere.HehadknownthattheDarkwaldwasanisolatedareaofTorFunweir,butthesuddenrealizationthatSirLeonhadtaughthim

virtuallynothinginthetimethey’dbeentogetherwasannoying.He’dlearnedmoreaboutthelandsofmeninthelastfewdaysthaninthe

previousthreeyearscombined.

‘Today,youngRandall,I’mafraidyourreadingwillhavetowait.Ineedyoutoaccompanymeintothecity.’TorianpointedtotheswordofGreatClawhangingfromahookonthebackofthedoor.‘Youshouldwearyoursword,boy…’

RandallletthoughtsofSirLeonandhowpooramasterhehadbeenleavehismind.

Hescreweduphisface,havingbarelybeenlisteningtohisnewmaster’swords.‘Sorry,Iwassomewhereelseforamoment.Whatdidyousay?’heasked.

Toriansmiledashespoke.‘SometimesIenvytheabilityofyouthtodaydream.However,asaclericImustchideyouforyourinsolence,’hesaidwarmly.‘Itoldyouthatyouwouldbeaccompanyingmeintothe

cityandthatyoushouldwearyourlongsword.’

Randallblushed,stilluncomfortableowningsuchaweapon.

Toriansensedhismisgivingand,withacondescendingsmile,movedtothedoorandpickedupthescabbard.‘Comehere,lad.Let’sseehowitlooks.’

Randallstoodinfrontofhimandwastakenabackastheclericreacheddownand

wrappedthebeltaroundhissquire’swaist.

‘Master…’Randallstutteredashespoke.‘Ishoulddothat.’

Torian’ssmilebecamefriendlyashepositionedthescabbardonRandall’slefthip.‘Igaveyoupermissiontowearit,soitseemsfittingthatIadornyouwithit.’Hesteppedbackandinspectedthearmedsquire.‘There.

Nowallyouneedisarmourandyou’lllooksplendid.’

Randallbreathedinandlookedattheswordhilt.Itwassurprisinglylightanddidn’trestricthismovementinthewayhe’dimagineditwould.Despitehisreservations,hefeltolderandstrongersimplycarryingsuchanobleweapon.TheswordofGreatClawhadbeenSirLeon’sprideandjoy,andRandallwantedmorethan

anythingtodohonourtotheblade.

‘DidSirLeonatleastteachyouthecorrectwaytoholdsuchaweapon,Randall?’

‘Well…notreally,master.Heshowedmesomebasicpositions,buthewasdrunkatthetimeandtheydidn’tmakemuchsense.’

‘Hopefully,youwon’tneedtouseitthen,’hesaidplainly,ashemovedtohis

purplecloakhangingbythewindow.Randallwasnotpermittedtotouchthepurple,asidefromwhenhecleanedit,andBrotherToriantreateditmuchasSirLeonhadtreatedhislongsword.

‘Wherearewegoing,master?’RandallaskedasTorianswunghiscloakaroundhisshouldersandfasteneditattheneck.

‘You’llbeaccompanyingmetotheKasbahofHaq,

outsidethecitywalls.You’vebeenreadingaboutforeignersandsoitseemsonlyappropriatethatyoujoinmeingoingtoaplacewheretheygather.Beonyourguard,though,thesemenarenotfriendlytoRo,especiallyclerics,andtheywillnotwanttovolunteertheinformationthatIseek.’

BeforeRandallcouldaskanymorequestionsthesoundofarmouredfeetbegantobe

heardalongthecorridoroutside.TorianwasnotconcernedasheregisteredthesoundandsimplywavedRandallawayfromthedoor.

Thesquirebackedawayandstoodbytheopenwindow.Thesoundofmetalfeetroseinvolume,butthereseemedtobeonlyonemanapproaching.Randallbegantospeak,butaraisedhandfromhismastercausedhimtostaysilent.

ThearmouredfootstepsstoppedjustoutsidethedoorandasolidbangonthewoodmadeRandalljump.

‘Worrynot,boy,thismanisexpected.Thedoorisopen,brother,’Toriancalledloudly.

Thecirculardoorhandleturnedandagauntletedhandappeared.Asthedoorwaspushedopen,Randallsawaburly,pale-skinnedmanofRo.Hewascladinsteelarmourofasimilarfashionto

Torian’s,butmoretarnished.Heborealargetwo-headedaxestrappedacrosshisback,butofmostinteresttoRandallwastheblacktabardhewore,identifyinghimasaclericofdeath.Theblackfabricshowedaskeletalhandholdingagoblet.

Hewasamanofmiddleyears,perhapsinhislatethirties.Hisskinwaspallidandhishairwhite,andhelookedlikeaghostashe

steppedintotheroom.Randallhadneverseenanalbinoandfoundhispinkeyesmoreunnervingthanhistabard.HedirectedathinsmileatBrotherTorianandofferedhishand.Randallsawadeepscaracrossthebackofhisneck,partiallycoveredbyhisaxeandabraidedknotofhairthatfellhalfwaydownhisback.Thescarwasold,butitlookedtoRandallthatit

musthavebeenfromanear-fatalwound.

Toriangraspedtheothercleric’shand,butdidn’tsmile;instead,hebowedhisheadinashowofdeeprespect.

‘BrotherUtha…ithasbeentoolong,’Toriansaid,avertinghiseyesfromthealbino.

‘Lookup,Torian,we’renotinRoArnonnowandit’sbeenmanyyearssinceyou

neededtobowtoanyone,’theBlackclericsaid,withwhatseemedlikegenuineaffection.‘Besides,avertingyoureyesfromashort-arseshitlikemewillstrainyourneck.’

Torianlaughedandthetensionreleasedfromhiseyes.‘Comein,brother.I’venowine,butatleastwehaveseatsandfreshair…’

Randallknewthatmostclericswereforbiddenfrom

drinkingalcohol,buttheclericsoftheBlackwereunknowntohim–asidefromtheauraoffearthataccompaniedtheirstationasbrothersofdeath.TheyfollowedthedarkestaspectoftheOneGodandwerepresentatfuneralsandlargebattles,whereverdeathwascertain.

Uthasurveyedtheroom.‘Lasttimewesattogether,asIrecall,myarsewasperched

ontheonlythingsoftenoughtocradlethearrowwound.’

Torianlaughedagain.‘AsIrecall,youweresittingonadeadmercenaryoutsideavillagenearRoLeith.’

UthaturnedtoRandall,thoughhestilldirectedhiswordstoTorian.‘Well,therabidlittleshithadburiedanarrowinaplacethatIliketokeepfreeofwounds.ItonlyseemedproperthatIcleavedhisheadin.Hewasjusta

Kirin;IdoubttheworldhasmissedhisstenchsinceIthrewhimonthepyre.’

Randallwitheredalittleunderthecleric’sgazeandlookeddownatthefloor.

‘Thisladlooksnervous,Torian.PerhapsheshouldgoandfetchmesomewinesothatIdon’tdieoffuckingthirstwhilehelooksatthefloor.’

ToriannoddedatRandall.‘Yes,ofcourse.Goandfetch

acoupleofbottles,Randall,’hesaid.

UthadidnotaverthispaleeyesfromtheyoungsquireasRandallquicklycrossedtheroomandexitedintothehall.Heclosedthedoorbehindhimandbreathedout,morecomfortablenowthatUthawasnotstandingontopofhim.RandallhadheardcommonfolkspeakoftheBlackclericsasiftheirverypresencewasabadomen.It

wassaidtheycoulddetectdeath’spresenceontheair,asanormalmanwouldsmellfoodorsenseabeautifulwoman.

Randalldidn’tlingeroutsidethedoorandmovedquicklyalongthecorridor.ThetavernwaswellmaintainedandafarcryfromtheestablishmentshehadbecomeusedtoduringhisservicewithSirLeon.Thefloorwascleanandfreeof

dust,thedoorsallhadlocksandeventhewindowswereofclearglassratherthanshutteredwithwood.

Randallsparedamoment’sthoughtonwhateveritmightbethatbroughtaBlackclerictomeetwithBrotherTorian,butheconsideredtheirbusinessbeyondhimandfocusedonfetchingthewine.

Hewalkedtotheendofthecorridorandproceeded

downwards,onlyvaguelyregisteringthathewasstillwearinghissword.Atthefootofthestairs,thetavernopenedout.Thecommonroomhadahighceilingandwasvaultedinwood,withchurchheraldryhangingfrommetalhooks.ThecrossedswordsandclenchedfistoftheknightsoftheRedwasmostprominent,displayednexttothepurplesceptreofnobilityandthedoveofthe

White.Randallfoundthetavernintimidating,asitwasfrequentedmostlybyRedknightsandthecitywatch.Eveninthemorningseveralsquadsofarmouredwatchmenweresittingdowntobreakfast–smallloavesofgrainybreadwiththick-cutslicesofporkandsteamingmugsofdarkcoffee.ThekitchenbeyondthepolishedwoodenbarwasactiveandRandallcouldhearorders

beingshoutedamongstthetavernstaff.

Randallwalkedalongthebarandstoppedinfrontoftheyoungbarmaid.‘Er,wine,please…red,Ithink,’hesaid.

Shelookedpuzzledandleantonthebar,inspectingtheyoungsquire.‘Areyoutheonewhobroughtthatmanofdeathintomyfather’stavern,boy?’

Randallthoughtheralittleyoungerthanhimselfand

objectedtobeingcalledboy,buthekeptquiet.Anumberofthetavernstaff,overhearingthegirl,werenowlookingathimwithinterest.ItwaslikelythatBrotherUthahadcausedquiteastirwhenhewalkedthroughthisroomseveralminutesago.

‘Notme,exactly…hecametospeaktomymaster,’Randallreplied.

Awatchmansittingatatablenearthebarsaid,‘ThatwasUthatheGhost,lad…menshouldnottalktosuchcreatures.Blackclericsarebarelymenatall.’

AssortednodsofagreementflowedoverhiscompanionsandRandallfeltverysmall.Thewatchmanwalkedtothebar.Placingseveralcoinsonthewood,heturnedtoRandall.‘TheysaytheGhostcanseeyourtime

ofdeathandsmileswhenit’scloseathand.HecarriesanaxebecausetheOnewillnotpermithimtocarrytheweaponofanoble.’ThewatchmanlookeddownattheswordofGreatClaw,sheathedatRandall’sside.‘Nordoeshepermitalowlysquirewhoconsortswiththemenofdeath.IknowyouserveamanofthePurple,boy,butIobjecttoyoucarryingthat.’

Themanwastallandlookeddownhisnoseatthesquire.Anothermanjoinedhim,youngerthanthefirstandonlyafewyearsolderthanRandall;hecarriedtwoshortswordssheathedacrosshisback.‘Leavehimbe,Robin,thelad’sgotenoughproblems.That’stwoclericshe’sgottolookafternow.’

Thefirstmanlaughedandreturnedtohistable.Theonewho’dstoodupremained

leaningagainstthebar.‘Morecoffee,Lydia,’hesaidtothetavernkeeper’sdaughter,beforeturningbacktoRandall.‘Don’tmindhim,boy,Blackclericsmakeeveryonenervous…especiallythatparticularBlackcleric.’

Randallsmilednervouslybackatthewatchman.‘Ihadn’theardofhimbeforetoday.Hisnamesuitshim,

though,’hesaid,theimageofthealbinostillinhishead.

‘Morethanyouknow,I’llbet.TheGhostisacrusader…hehuntsrisenmen.’

Randalldirectedaquestioninglookattheman.He’dheardoftherisenbefore,butconsideredthemmerelythestuffoftales.Theyweresupposedlynon-humanbeingswho’dbetrayedtheirlovedonesanddiedapainful

death,risingasmonstersthatdetestedandfearedmen.ThedeepforestsoftheDarkwaldsupposedlycontainedavillageofthecreatures,butthestorywasalwaystoldsecond-handandRandallhadnevergiventherisenmuchthought.

‘Theyactuallyexist?’heasked.

‘There’realotofdarkplacesinthelandsofmen,boy;theWastesofJekkato

theeastcontainmorethanjustcannibalhilltribes,’themansaid.

‘Stopyourlipsfromflapping,Elyot,you’llscaretheboy,’saidanotherman,olderandwearingtheinsigniaofawatchcommander.

‘Justwarninghimisall,sir.Ifhe’sgoingtobeconsortingwithaclericofdeath,heshouldknowallhecan,’Elyotsaiddefensively.

‘Andyouareclearlyanexpert,yes?’thecommanderchided.

ElyotturnedalittleredandsmiledatRandall.‘Don’tlistentome,squire…juststoriesisall…juststories.’

RandallfeltalittleawkwardandturnedbacktoLydia,thebarmaid.‘Wine…’hesaidagain.

Shelookedasifsheweregoingtoraiseanobjection,butcouldn’tquitedecide

whichobjectiontoraise.Afteramomentarypausesheproducedacorkedbottleofredwine.‘I’lladdittoyourmaster’sbill,’shesaidscornfully.

‘Thanks,youareverykind,’Randallreplied,withdeepirony.

Hegrabbedthebottleandsteppedawayfromthebar.Turning,hebegantowalktowardsthestairs.Elyot,theyoungwatchman,putahand

onRandall’sshoulderandcausedhimtoturnbacktofacehim.‘Listentome,squire.Idon’tknowwhatbusinesstheGhosthaswithyourmaster,butyoumarkmewell,it’sabadomen.’ThewordsweresolemnandRandallnoddedpolitely.

Hebackedawayslowly,tryingtosmileatElyot.Afewstepsbackandheturnedandwalkedquicklyacrossthecommonroom.Hewasnot

sureifthewatchman’swordsweremeresuperstitionoriftheBlackclerictrulyheraldedbadluck.Eitherway,hewasgladtobeleavingthecommonroomandreturningtoBrotherTorian.HebreathedoutheavilyasherealizedthatmeanthewouldhavetofacetheGhostagain.

Ashewalkedoutofthecommonroom,Randallthoughtofhishomeandthesimplelifethathispeople

lived.Hewouldmostprobablybeafarmerorablacksmithnowifhe’dnotlefttheDarkwaldandhewouldprobablyneverhavemetaclericeitherofthePurpleoroftheBlack.Randallwasnotstupidornaive;heknewthathewasacommonboyandcouldnothopetoraisehimselfmuchbeyondthestationofasquire.Theclericheservedwasagoodmaster,amanof

honour,despitehisarrogance,andRandallwasthankfulforhispositionashissquire,despitethedifficultdaysandconstantneedtobeonguard.Atleastnowheneededtoworryaboutmorethanpiss-potsanddamagedfurniture.

CHAPTER2

BROTHERUTHATHEGHOSTINTHECITYOFRO

TIRIS

UthatheGhostdislikedhisnickname.He’dhearditalot

sinceheleftRoArnonandtravelledwest.ItappearedthatthemeninthecapitalweremoresuperstitiousthanthosefromtheduchyofArnonandhe’dheardahundredstrange,orblatantlyuntrue,rumoursabouttheBlackchurchsincehearrived.Uthawasusedtocommonfolkbeingafraidofhim–beingaclericofdeath–buttosaythathewasa

masterofdeathwasoverstatingthingsalittle.

Heoftenthoughtthat,ifhehadn’tbeenbornanalbino,hewouldhavebecomeaWhitechurchmanormaybejoinedtheRedknights.Asitwas,thecardinaloftheBlackhadrequestedhimonsight.

Uthahadneverknownhisparentsandhadneverconsideredanyothercareerthanbecomingaclericofthe

One.He’dbeengiventothechurchinRoArnonwhenhewasababy;hispaleskinandpinkeyeswereseenbytheseniorPurpleclericsasablessingfromtheGiants,andhe’djoinedtheBlackonhissixteenthbirthday.

TheBlackchurchconsidereddeathaholystate,whichtheyrespectedandfearedinallitsvariousmanifestations.Theywerepresentatfuneralpyres,and

anarmyofRedknightswasneverpermittedtogointobattlewithoutatleastoneBlackchaplain.Theirpresencewasheldasabadomenamongstthecommonpeople,withsomejustification,astheywerealsotheOneGod’sassassins,menskilledindealingdeathaswellashonouringit.

Incontrasttoclericsoftheotherorders,Uthawaspermittedtodrinkandfuckas

themoodtookhimandhewasthankfulthathehadjoinedtheleastclericaloftheclerics.

‘I’mnottryingtomakeyoujealous,Torian,butI’vegotaterriblethirst,’Uthasaidastheyoungsquirelefttheroomtofetchhiswine,‘anditmeanswecantalkwithoutaservingboylisteningin.’

‘He’smysquire.Ikilledhismasterinaduelandtookoverhistutelage.’

Utharaisedhiseyebrowsandpaused.Afterafewsecondsheburstoutlaughing.‘Okay,soyou’vegotaboytoholdyourcockwhileyougoforpiss…that’snotfunnyatall.’

‘He’sagoodladand,Iadmit,Ifeltbadaboutkillinghismaster…Hewasanoldfool,though.HebackedmeintoacornerandIcouldn’tlethimgounpunished,’Toriansaidseriously.

UthahadgreataffectionforthePurpleclericbutfoundhispietytiring.Theclericsofnobilityweregenerallyastiff-neckedbunchandTorianwasworsethanmost.Hewashonourableandtrustworthy,butnotagreatcompanionifamansoughtfun.

‘Whatdidhedo?’Uthaasked.

‘Ihadagrievancewithhimandallheneededtodowasshowmealittlerespect.

Instead,heinsultedme,soIkilledhiminafairfight.’

‘Forittohavebeenafairfighthe’dhaveneededtobeasdangerouswithabladeasyou…andIconsiderthatunlikely.Yousaidhewasanoldman,soinstantlyI’mthinkingyoushouldhaveletitgo.’Utha’svoicehadtakenonadisapprovingtone.

‘Hewasanoldman,yes,butanoldmanwithalongsword,armouranda

claimtonobility.Ifhewasmanenoughtoinsultme,heshouldhavebeenmanenoughtobackitupwithaction.’

UthasmiledandsensedthatTorianwouldtakeanyfurthercommentsratherpersonally.‘Fairenough.Doesthesquirenothaveanissuewithyouhavingkilledhisformermaster?’

Torianshookhishead.‘Randallthinksthathe

wantedtodieandIwasjustameanstothatend.AsIsaid,he’sagoodlad.’

Uthaletthematterdropandsatdownonasmallwoodenstool,removinghisaxefromitsslingandstretchinghisneck.‘Iwillnevergetusedtoridinghorses.ThebastardsseemintentoncausingmepaineverytimeIgetonone.’

Toriansatoppositehimandlookeddownattheaxe

withappreciation.‘How’sDeath’sEmbraceservingyou?’

Uthapattedhisaxefondlyatthementionofitsname.‘Ihaven’tusedherforawhile…butI’mnotregrettingmychoice,ifthat’swhatyou’reinsinuating.Alongswordjustfeelswrongsomehow.Lesssatisfyingwhenswung.’

Blackclericswerepermittedtowieldany

weapontheydesiredand,althoughmoststillworealongsword,occasionallyaclericofdeathwouldselectamoreexoticweapon.

‘Getyourmindawayfromduelsandweapons,Torian,wecantelleachotherstorieslater.Fornow,IhaveordersforyouandI’drathergetthemoutofthewaybeforeyourboycomesback.’

Torianfrowned.‘Arewenotgoingtotalkaboutwhy

youspecificallyweresenttoaccompanyme?’

UthahadhopedthatTorianwouldn’tpryintothereasonswhyhewasnotstillouthuntingrisenmen.‘IrequestedthatIbegivenalastmissionbefore…’

Torian’sfrownbroadenedashepromptedUthatocontinue.‘Beforewhat?’

‘IhavetoreporttotheBlackcathedralinTiriswhenyouandIpartways.Itseems

thatImusthavemyhonourbroughtintoquestionforsomeofmyrecentactions.’UthawasnotgoingtotellTorianeverything,partlybecausehedidn’twanttokeepthinkingaboutit,butmostlybecauseheknewhisfriendwouldthinklessofhim.‘Iknewyou’dbeensentaftertheBlackGuard,soIthoughtIcouldhelp.Youare,afterall,oneofthefew

PurpleclericsIcanstandthesightof.’

Torianlaughed,andUthathoughtthathe’ddeflectedanyfurtherqueriesfornow.

‘Okay,’Toriansaidwithasmile,‘butbeforewepartways,youwillhavetotellmewhatyou’vedone,andifit’sjustataleinvolvingabottleofwineandawhore,Iwillbeverydisappointed.’

‘Howabout…twobottlesofwineandaroomfullof

whores?’Uthajoked.‘Justagreethatyou’lltell

me.’Torian’ssmilefadedandhelookedseriousagain.

‘Ipromise.Justnothereandnotnow,’Uthasaidwithhonesty.

TorianrelaxedalittleandUtha’smindturnedtotheprimaryreasonhewasinRoTiris,togiveBrotherToriannewsofthecampaigninRoCanarnandtoinformhimofhisordersfromArnon.

‘MayIcontinuewithofficialchurchbusinessnow?’heasked.

Toriannoddedandleantin.‘WhatwordfromCanarn?’

‘Thecityfellfourdaysago,justafteryouarrivedinTiris.DukeHectorhasbeencapturedandI’msuretheknightsoftheRedarebeinggraciousinvictory,’hesaidwithirony.

Torianshookhishead.‘Whocommandedthefleet?’

‘SirMortimerRillion,’Utharepliedinatonethatshowedhisdistastefortheknight.

TorianevidentlysharedUtha’sopinionandangrilybangedhisfistonhisarmouredthigh.‘So,themenofCanarn…?’

‘Rilliontookacompanyofknightsandabunchofmercenaries.IthinkSir

Pevainwaswithhimandtheydidn’tgivethedefendersmuchchancetosurrender.Iknowthattheytookthekeepwithinafewhoursand,basedonpastform,Iimaginetheykilledeveryonethatdidn’tkisstheirarseswhentheyenteredthecity.TherewasaRanenFreeCompanythere,buttheyleftbeforethefightandthementhatremainedwerenomatchfortheknights.’

Toriancouldbesensitivewhenheperceivedalackofhonourinhisbrotherchurchmenandhewasflushedwithangerashespoke.‘Thedukewasaheretic,butthecommonmensurelydeservedbetterthantobehackedtopiecesbymercenaries.Thereisnohonourinattackingmenwhoaredefendingtheirfamiliesandtheirlands,’hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.

‘Whatdidyouthinkwasgoingtohappenwhenyouheardthefleethadlaunched?Stopbeingsofuckingnaive,’Uthasaid,withlittletact.

‘Brother…’Torian’sfacewasshocked.

‘Beserious.TheRedknightsweresenttokilleveryonewhogotintheirway.Rillionwillbeinstalledasknightprotectorandthedukewilllikelybebeheaded.’

Uthahadlittletimeforsofteningtherealitiesoflife.

Itwasthewayofthings.TheknightsoftheRedwereunleashedwhenthekingcommanded.TheyweretheembodimentoftheOneGod’saspectofwarandconquest,andwerelittlemorethanabluntinstrument.AweekandahalfagotheyhadbeenunleashedagainstthecityofRoCanarnandthehouseofDukeHector.The

menofthatlandhad,formanygenerations,beenfriendlywiththeneighbouringRanenanditappearedthatthedukehadaskedtheRanenlordsforsanctuarywithintheFreelands.

UthahadbeentoldthatKingSebastianhadaspyinthecourtofDukeHector,aKaresianenchantresscalledAmeira,whichmeantthattheyattackedwithno

warningandsurprisedthedefendersofCanarn.Theking’sintolerancetowardsHectorandhisRanenallieshaddrivenhimtoswiftandbrutalaction.

However,itwasnottheplaceofhumbleclericstoquestionthewilloftheking,andUthawasnothingifnotadutifulcleric.

‘Torian,westillhaveordersandthoseordersarenotgoingtochangejust

becauseyouhaveamomentofpetulance,’Uthasaidwithfriendlytolerance.

‘Brother,wehaveknowneachotheralongtime,butIstillfindyourmanneralittledifficult.Ourwaysaredifferent.’Heleantbackalittleandcomposedhimself.‘Verywell,brother,whataretheordersfromArnon?’

‘That’smyboy,’Uthasaidwithasmile.‘Theduke’ssonisstillatlargesomewhere

and,asnoneofyouhavefoundhimyet,I’mtoaccompanyyouandassist.’

‘Utha,whenIleftArnon,Iwashuntingamanwhosefatherhadbeennamedatraitor,nowI’mhuntingamanwhosehomelandhasbeendestroyedandhispeoplemassacred…thesituationhaschangedsomewhat,I’msureyou’llagree.’

Wordhadbeensenttothechurchcityatthesametime

astheRedfleethadlaunched;BromvyofCanarnwastobefoundandcapturedwithallspeed.He’dbeennamedaBlackGuardandstrippedofhishonour.ClericsofthequesthadbeendespatchedthroughoutTorFunweirtosearchfortheyounglord,butsofarhe’dremainedhidden,withonlyTorianreportingapossiblelead.

‘Actually,no,Idon’tagree.Hestillneedstobe

foundandyoustillneedtofindhim.Whathaschanged?’Uthasaidsternly.

‘Henowhasnothingtolivefor…thatmakesamanverydangerous,’Torianreplied.

‘Bromvyisstillonlytwenty-fouryearsold,worldlyandcleverforhisage,butayoungmannonetheless.’UthaputhishandonTorian’sshoulderandsmiled.

Aknockonthedoorandtheyoungsquiretentativelypokedhisheadintotheroom.‘MayIenter,master?’

ToriankepthiseyesonUthaforamoment.‘Yes,Randall,comein.’

Thesquiresteppedinandclosedthedoorbehindhim.Heplacedabottleofredwineonthelowwoodentableandbackedawayquickly.

Uthagrabbedthebottleandwrenchedthecorkout.

‘Toyourgoodhealth,youngTorian.’

Hetookadeepdrinkfromthebottle.Itwasrichandfruity–nothighinquality–butsufficienttoslakehisthirst.‘Nowallweneedareacoupleofpaidwomenandwehaveaparty.’Uthagrinnedanddecidedtobemoreformal.‘Whatleads,brother,towheretheyounglordhasfled?’

AthinsmileintrudedonTorian’ssternfeatures.‘ThisverydayIwasplanningtogoandmeetwithamanintheKasbahwho,I’mreliablyinformed,helpedBromvyescapeTiris–amanofRoLeithcalledGlenwood,aforgerbyallaccounts.’

UthanoddedandwasgladthatTorianwasefficient.Despitewhathemayhavesaid,heagreedthattheknightsoftheRedhadacted

rashly.However,Uthawaspragmatictowardstheotherclericsandconsidereditpointlesstobeangeredbytheiractions.

‘WhatledyoutoGlenwood?’askedtheBlackcleric.

‘Ipaidabeggarinthepoorquarterwhosawtheyounglordridingsouth.Thisledmetoawatchmanwhorememberedhissword,anornatebladeandanoble

pommelwithacastofBrytag,theWorldRaven.Everyonewholeavesviathesouthgateissearched,butnoonesearchedthisman.Thereareonlysomanywaysofleavingthecityviathesouthwithoutbeingquestioned.Ouryounglordseemstohavefoundone.’

BrytagwasanoldRanengodandthepatronofthehouseofCanarn.HewassaidtositonRowanoco’s

shoulderandtoembodybothluckandwisdom,whichmanyRanensawasbeingthesamething.

‘ThewatchmanremembershimhavinganofficialsealfromtheRedchurch.Hecan’thavegotagenuineone,soIfoundtheonlyforgerintownwhoisstupidenoughtodealwithaBlackGuard.’

TorianhadnotbeenidleintheweeksinceheleftRo

Arnon,andUthawasimpressedwiththeworkhe’ddone.

‘So,I’llfinishmywineandwe’llgoandseeMrGlenwood,yes?’Uthaasked.

‘Thatwasmyintention,’repliedTorian.

Uthatookanotherswigofwine,lettingtheliquidfalloverhisfaceandrundownhischin.Thenhestoodupandturnedtotheyoungsquire.Randallwasatalllad

andUthathoughtthathe’dgrowtoafairsizeinhisnextyearorsooflife.

Aswashisway,Uthadecidedtotesttheyoungsquire’sstrengthofmind.HecrossedtheroomandmotionedforRandalltostand,whichhedidquickly,withwideeyes.

‘Torianhastoldmeofyourformermaster’sdishonour,boy.Ihopeyourealizethatthisdoesnot

reflectwellonyou.I’llbewatchingyou,evenifTorianistooblindtoseethepotentialdangeryoupose.’

Uthadidn’tneedtoturnroundtoknowthatTorianwouldbeshakinghisheadatthiscomment.

‘So,boy,doyouthinkyourselfasuitablesquireforaPurplechurchman?’heasked.

Theboywasnervous,butUthanoticedacertain

intelligenceinhiseyesasheanswered.‘Ididn’tevenknowthatclericstooksquires,mylord.So,intermsofsuitability,I’venothingtocomparemyselfto.Haveyoueverhadasquire,BrotherUtha?’

‘Youhaveafasttongue,lad,’Uthasaidwithaslightsmile.

Randalllookedalittleembarrassed.‘You’renotthe

firsttoremarkonthat,sir.Idon’tmeantoberude.’

‘Inanswertoyourquestion,no,I’veneverhadasquire.Commonmenareillsuitedtofollowingaroundamanofmy…’hechosehiswordscarefully,‘…responsibilities.Tellme,boy,whereareyoufrom?Somepox-riddenbackstreetofwhoresandserfs,nodoubt.’

Randall’seyesnarrowedashelookedatthecleric.

‘Er…Idon’tremembertherebeinganywhores,sir,butthencattleandfarmerswouldmakepoorcustomers.I’mfromasmallvillageintheDarkwald,ahundredleaguestothenorthofArnon.Ithinkthereweresomeserfs,mylord,butthelordofDarkwaldwasakindlyman,fromwhatIremember.Mypeoplelivedofftheland,withlittleneedtobeboundtothenobilityasserfs.’

Uthawasoftengiventomakingquickdecisionsaboutpeople,especiallythosewhotookoffenceathismanner;however,hethoughtthesquirehadhandledhimselfwell.TheBlackclerichadmadepeoplecryonmorethanoneoccasionwithawell-placedinsultoraquickretort,butRandallhadnotwitheredunderUtha’sgaze.

‘Wellthen,Randall,areyouaccompanyingyour

masterthisday?’Uthaasked.Randallshotaglanceat

Torian,whonodded.ThePurpleclerictoleratedUtha’sbullying,knowingitwasthewayheconductedhimselfwiththoseoutsidethechurch.

‘Yes,IthinkIam,milord.’Helookeddownattheornatelongswordbeltedathiswaist.‘ThoughIthinkthismightcausemoreproblemsthanitsolves.’Hepattedthehilt.

TorianstoodandsteppedpastUtha.HerestedhishandonRandall’sshoulderandspokewithkindness.‘Itoldyouthatyouwerepermittedtowearit.AnymanwhosaysotherwiseisquestioningmyjudgementandIwouldtakegreatoffenceatthat.’

Uthalaughed.‘Ah,theoffenceofnobility…Isthereaworsekind?’

Torianignoredhim.‘Randall,whenyoulearnhow

touseitproperly,it’llfeelmorecomfortable,trustme.’HethenturnedtofaceUtha.‘Ifyou’requitefinished,brother,weshouldgettowork,’hesaid,withnohintofamusement.

‘Indeedweshould,beforeyoungRandallhereshitshimselfandneedschanging.’Uthahadtoconfesstohimselfthathewasbeingmean,buthedelightedincausingToriandiscomfort.

ThePurpleclericpursedhislips,annoyedatthebehaviourofhisfriend,but,aswashisway,heletitslidewithsilentgrace.

UthasmiledbroadlyatRandall.‘Don’tworry,lad,noneofthePurplehaveasenseofhumour,’hesaidwithawink.

Hethoroughlyenjoyedthelookofconfusionontheyoungsquire’sfaceasthethreemenlefttheroom.

‘Isawasquadofwatchmeninthebaronmywayin;Ithinkweshouldenlisttheirhelp,’Uthasaidastheyreachedthetopofthestairs.

‘Forwhatpurpose,brother?’Torianqueried.

‘Justforthesakeofappearances,really.Itneverhurtstohavelessermenwhocanbeorderedaround.’

‘So,we’renolongermakingsubtleenquiries?’

Torianasked.Uthastoppedonthestairs

anddirectedanironicexpressionatthePurplecleric.‘Doyoureallythinktheenquiriesyou’vemadesofarhavebeensubtle?Youcarryaswordandwearpurple,brother,nothingyoudoissubtleintheeyesofthecommonpeople.WearetwoclericsoftheOne;asquadofwatchmenwilldoverylittletoincreaseourvisibility.’

Torianconsideredit,butUthadetectednodisagreement.‘TheKasbahwillbeunfriendlynomatterhowmanymenwetake.Perhapsalittlebackupwouldbewise,’heconceded.

‘Sensible,brother,verysensibleindeed,’Uthareplied.

Theyresumedwalkingdownthewoodenstepsandenteredthevaultedcommonroombelow.Thesquadof

watchmenUthahadpassedashewalkedthroughearlierwerestillseatedatthesametable.Theirbreakfasthadbeenclearedawayandtheywerepreparingtoleave.Fivemenwereseatedroundthecircularwoodentable,laughingatajoketheyoungestofthemhadtold.Ittookamomentforthemtoregisterthepresenceoftheclerics,theirlaughtermaskingthesoundofmetal

armouronwood.Whentheynoticed,theyleantinandbeganwhisperingquietlytoeachother.

‘Allowme,brother,’Uthasaidconfidently.

‘Thereisnoneedtoscarethem.Couldweperhapsproceedwithoutyourcustomarybrandofcoercion?’Torianasked.

Uthaconsideredresponding,butdecidedtosmilewickedlyinstead.He

crossedthetavernfloorquickly,sayingasilentprayerashewalkedunderthebanneroftheBlackchurchhangingfromtheceiling.Thebanner,withitsskeletalhandholdingagoblet,wassmallerthantheothers,andithunginitscustomaryplaceawayfromtheotherbanners.Itwasconsideredbadlucktohangtheheraldryofallsixclericalorderstogether,andtheBlack

bannerwastraditionallytheonethatwasseparate.

Asheapproachedthewatchmentheylockedtheireyesonthewoodentableinfrontofthem,notdaringtolookup.Uthaenjoyedtheirirrationalfearanddecidedtostandoverthemforamomentbeforespeaking.Heknewthatthemoment’spausewouldcausethemtorememberathousandstoriestheyhadheardaboutthe

Blackclerics,andtoimagineathousandmore.

Uthawaitedjustlongenoughtomakeallofthemfeeluncomfortablebeforehespoke.‘Youmenwillbecomingwithme,’hesaidsoftly.

Theoldestofthewatchmen,amanofperhapsfortyyears,glancedroundthefacesofhissquad.‘Mylord,wearedueonstreetdutythismorning,’hesaidnervously.

‘Whatisyourname,sergeant?’

‘Clement,mylord,’hereplied.

‘Well,SergeantClement,yourstreetdutywillhavetowait.Youarerequiredtoassistme.Now,getyourmenup,we’retravellingtotheKasbahofHaqoutsidethewalls.’UthaspokeplainlyandturnedbacktoTorianwithoutgivingClementanyfurtherchancetoargue.

Torianwassmilingwithtolerance,thoughUthaknewthathewoulddisapproveofthetheatricaldisplay.‘Nottryingtoinstilasenseofloyaltyinyourtroopsthen,brother?’Torianasked.

‘Loyaltyisoverrated;Ipreferfear,’Uthareplied.

Thefivewatchmenstoodupslowly,sharingglancesandwhisperedwordsastheystraightenedtheirchainmailandmadesuretheirweapons

wereinplace.Clementcarriedaheavymaceathishipandasmallcrossbow,andtheyoungestofthemhadtwoshortswords,oneprotrudingateachshoulder.Theotherthreeallcarriedcrossbowsandlargeknives.TheyworethewhiteeagleofTirisontheirchestsoverdullsteelchainmail.Uthawasimpressedenoughtowalkpasttheminreviewandnodapprovingly.

‘Gentlemen,ifyouwouldfollowourlead,’hesaidwithauthority,beforeturningtosmileatTorianandwalktowardsthetaverndoor.

Uthadislikedthecapital.Thestreetswerepackedtogethertightlyand,althoughmostbuildingsweremadeofstone,theywerecheaplybuiltandpoorlymaintained.Theboundmenwhokeptthecobbledstreetscleandidahalf-arsedjobandmostly

shovelledthewasteintothesidestreetstomakeitlessobvious.

ThechapterhouseoftheknightsoftheRedtoweredoverthebuildingsinthisareaandthecrossedswordscouldbeseenfromvirtuallyeverystreet.Torianhadwiselychosentostayinatavernthatcateredformenofdisciplineandrespect,ratherthaninoneofthenumerouslow-rentestablishmentsthatlittered

thecity.DespiteTirisbeingthecapitalofTorFunweir,itwasstilladangerousplace,wheremenneededtobeontheirguard.

Uthahadbeenherebeforewhenhewasaboyandtheplacehadnotnoticeablychanged.Theconflictingsmellswerethesamenowastheyhadbeenthen.Hecoulddetectmeat,fish,tobacco,wine–bothfreshandrancid

–andtheever-presentscentofvomitandfaeces.

ThestreetsofRoArnon,incontrast,werecleanedbytheBrownchurchandweregenerallyspotless.

Thetwoclerics,thesquireandthefivewatchmenwalkedalongabustlingstreetadjacenttothefarmer’sguildassemblyandemergedintoawidesquare.Thepavingstonesherewereoctagonalandsomeefforthadbeen

madetokeepthemclean.ThesquarewasdominatedbyastatueofaRedknightonahorse,wavingabanneroftheOne,andUthawasgladtobeoutoftheclaustrophobicsidestreets.

Theguildassembliesframedthesquareandhundredsofpeople,bothnewcomerstothecityandnatives,jockeyedforpositiontoenterthebuildingsandfindwork.Themerchant’sguild

wasthelargest,followedbythewatchmen’srecruitmentbarracks.Bothbuildingshadpaidguardsontheirdoorsandwereturningawaymostofthepeoplewhotriedtoenter.

TotheeastoftheguildsquareUthacouldseetheWhiteSpireoftheKing,anancientwatchtowerthatsignifiedthevigilanceofthehouseofTiris.Itrosehighabovetheroyalpalace,

dominatingtheskylineanddwarfingtheRedcathedral,thebannersofwhichcouldbeseenclearlyoverthewestofthesquare.

Squadsofwatchmensalutedastheclericspassedandcommonmenavertedtheireyes.UthasawanumberofpeoplepointouttheBlackclerictotheirfellows,andseveralgestureswardingagainstevil.Uthahadgrowntoenjoythis

reactionandglaredatthosewhohadnoticedhim,increasingtheirnervousness.

HeheardmenwhisperthattheGhostwaspassing,andthattherisenmenshouldbeware,butnothingoutoftheordinaryorinsultingwasdirectedathim.

TheKing’sHighwayledfromthenortherncorneroftheguildsquaretotheoutercitywallsandtheramshacklehamletsbeyond.Itwasa

wide,pavedboulevard,patrolledbywatchmenandusedbymenwhocouldaffordtopaythetollatthegate.Colourfulbannershungfromtorchemplacementsalongtheroad,displayingtheheraldryofthenoblehousesofTorFunweir.TheBlackRavenofRoWeirwasplacednexttotheWhiteEagleofTirisandtheGreyRocofArnon.Uthathoughtthehighwayoneofthenicer

partsofthecapitalandbreathedindeeplyashelefttheguildsquare.

Behind,Torianandtheothersfollowedhimclosely.Uthacouldseetheyoungsquire,Randall,deepinconversationwiththeyoungestwatchman.TheywereofasimilarageandUthathoughtthesquirecouldlearnmuchfromawatchmanwhoactuallyknewhowtouseablade.However,he

suspectedthatthewatchmanwassimplytellingRandallhorrorstoriesabouttheBlackclerics,andhehopedthatRandallwascleverenoughtodisregardmostofthetalltaleshewashearing.

Theywalkedalongthewell-tendedcobblestonesofthehighway,passingmountedknightsoftheRed,chain-mail-cladwatchmenandallmannerofcommoncitizenry.ThefashioninTiris

currentlyfavouredlight-colouredrobes,andbothmenandwomenwerewearingfull-lengthfabricsbeltedatthewaist.Somemenworearmourchosenforitsfashionableappearanceratherthanitsusefulness.Somebreastplateswereetchedwithfamilycrestsorcoatsofarmsandafewlongswordswereondisplay–familyheirloomsanddesignersteel.

Uthalethisgazewandertothewomeninthestreet.Somewerenobles,wearingthinveilstohidetheirfeaturesfromonlookers;otherswerepaidwomenorservants.Scantilycladservantsalsoappearedtobeinfashion,asmanymerchantsandnoblemenwereaccompaniedbyseveralsuch.Uthawinkedatoneashepassedandcausedhertoshowanexpression

somewherebetweenfearandarousalashermasterusheredherquicklyaway.Shewaswearingarevealingleatherwaistcoatandtheclericheartilyapprovedofhermorefemininequalities.

‘Brother,nowisnotthetimetobeindulgingyourlibido,’ToriansaidashecametowalknexttoUtha.

‘You’rejustjealousbecauseyouhadyoursremovedwhenyoutookthe

Purple,’hereplied,turningtowatchthewomanleave.

‘You’restrange,brother;withonebreathyoucausefear,withtheotheryou’reruledbyyourcock.’

‘Hopefullytheydidn’ttakethatwhenyoubecameacleric,’Uthasaidwithawickedsmile,‘thoughitwouldcertainlyexplainyoursourdisposition.’HelookeddeliberatelydownatTorian’s

crotch.‘Didtheyputitinajarandletyoukeepit?’

Torianrepliedcalmly,‘Iwillriseaboveyourtaunts,brother…mylovefortheOneisenoughsustenanceforme.’Hiswordsweresincere.

‘MaybeIjusthavetoomuchloveandwomenallowmenottoburst,’Uthareplied.‘Inthatcase,itwouldbereasonabletothankthemforkeepingmealivetodotheOne’sgoodwork.’

TorianshookhisheadandwalkedsilentlytowardstheendoftheKing’sHighway.UthathoughtithisdutytopuncturethesmugpietyofthePurpleclerics,andTorianwasanenjoyabletarget.Hetookeverythingsoveryseriouslyandhadbeentaughttoabstainfrompleasurefromayoungage.TheBlackclericsweresupposedtotakealltheycouldfromlife,andthistraditionallyincluded

alcoholandsex.Ifdeathwastobefearedandrespected,thenlifewastobeenjoyedandcelebrated.Uthahadneverbeenshyabouthisbeliefs,andheknewtheychallengedTorian’sfaith–howcouldtwoclericswhofollowedthesamegodhavesuchdrasticallydifferentviewsoftheworld?WhatToriandidn’tyetunderstandwasthattheOnerequiredall

ofhisaspectsinordertobewhole.

TheyapproachedtheouterwallofthecityandUthastoppedatthesideofthestreet.RoTiriswasonthenortherncoastofTorFunweir,withonlyawideseachannelandtheduchyofCanarnbetweenthemenofRoandtheFreelandsofRanen.AbovethehighstonewallsUthacouldseetallshipsatanchorinthebay,

andthesmellofsaltwaterwaspronounced.TwoturretsflankedthehugeraisedportculliswheretheKing’sHighwaypassedoutofRoTiris.

UthaandTorianstoodofftothesideoftheopengateandthewatchmen,withRandallintow,stoodinaroughsemicirclearoundthem.SergeantClementstilllookeduneasyatbeingorderedaroundbyacleric,

butUthasensednohintofrebellionfromtheoldwatchman.

‘Wherearewegoing?’UthaaskedTorian.

‘TheKasbahofHaq.It’saKaresianmarketplacedownthere.’Hegesturedtoaroadthatsnakedroundtheoutsideofthecitywall.‘It’sastrange-smellingplacefromwhatIhear,allmannerofKaresiandrugsandpoisonsfillingtheair.’

‘Hm,Iwouldhavethoughtthewatchwouldhavedealtwiththedrugsbynow.’UthadirectedaquestioningexpressionatSergeantClement,wholookedsurprisedbeforestutteringoutareply.‘Mylord…thewatchhavenorealpoweroutsidethewalls…we,er,tendtokeepourdistancefromtheKaresianmobsters…thosebastardswillcutyournose

offifyougivethemreasonto.’

‘Relax,sergeant,BrotherUthaismerelyexpressinghisdispleasureatthepresenceofforeigninfluence,’Toriansaidcalmly,beforeturningbacktoUtha.‘Yourneedfortheatricsaside,theKasbahhasafewestablishmentsthatprovidefemininecompanyforthosewhoareinclined—’

‘Doyoumeanbrothels?’Uthainterrupted.

‘Ibelievethatisthecommonterm,yes.Eitherway,theforgerGlenwoodspendsmosteveningsinoneoftheseestablishments.Itislikelythathewilljustbewakingup.’

‘Let’sgoandbeanicemorningsurpriseforhim,then,’Uthareplied,withhiscustomarywickedsmile.

Theywalkedinlooseformationoutofthegates,sparingarespectfulsalutefor

theking’sguardwhopatrolledtheouterwalls.Theguardsmencarriedlongswords,woreornategoldenarmourandwereanswerableonlytotheking.TheyremainedwithinthewallsofRoTiris,orattheking’sside,andwerechargedwithdefendingthecityandthecrown.Utharespectedthemfarmorethanthewatchmen,becausetheywere

truefightingmenpledgedtothecrownfrombirth.

Theguardsmenstoppedanyonetheydidnotrecognize,takingamodesttollfromthosewhowishedtopassthroughthegates.Mostcommonmenweresimplyturnedbackalongthehighwayandnotpermittedtoleavethecity.Uthaknewthatthiswasmerelyaceremonialconsiderationandthatifmentrulywishedtoleavethere

weremanysecretwaysandlesssecuregatestheycoulduse.

Beyondthewalls,theoutercitystretchedalongthecoastinnarrowstreetsframingtheKing’sHighway.ThiswaswhereKaresianrainbowmerchantssoldtheirillicitwaresandlow-bornmenofRocametoforgetabouttheirlives.Thesmellofspicesandotherlesssavouryconcoctionswasthickinthe

airassoonasUthasteppedoffthehighway.Heturneduphisnoseatthesicklysweetsmellandheldahandoverhisface.

Thebuildingshereweremuchlowerandmorecloselypackedthaninthecityandthecolourswerebrighter.Uthathoughtitmorevulgarandgarish.KaresianandRomenshoutedthepricesoftheirwarestoallwhopassed;spices,foods,weaponsand

clothingwereallondisplay.Uthacouldalsoseeexoticanimalsfromthefarsouth,cagedandpoorlytreated,waitingforabuyerrichenoughtowantastrangepetorhuntinganimal.Desertspidersthesizeofdogssatnexttostrangemany-headedbirdsandmuzzledfiredrakes.

UthapuffedouthischestandletallnearbyseethataBlackclericwaspassing.Torian,thetallerofthetwo

men,swepthispurplecloakbackandproudlydisplayedhisfullplatearmour.Thewatchmen,whostoodbehindthem,lookednervousandtheirlackofauthorityoutsidethecitywallswasevidentintheirfaces.

Thepopulaceherewerelessfearfuloftheclericsandmostsimplyglancedatthemandturnedaway,carryingonwiththeirbusiness.Thestallholdersandmerchants

continuedshoutingtheirpricesanddrummingupsales,payinglittleattentiontoUthaandTorian.

TheKasbahofHaqwaslikeadozenothermarketplacesintheoutercity,aroughlycircularsectionofstreetdominatedbycolourfulawningsandcloselypackedmarketstalls.

Torianpointedtoanondescriptbuildingsetbackfromthemarket.‘That’sthe

place.Ibelieveit’scalledtheBlueFeather.’

‘Thenicerthename,theshittierthebrothel,asageneralrule,’Uthareplied,withasmile.

‘Well,I’venotactuallybeentomany,soI’lldefertoyourexpertopinion,brother,’Toriansaidsnobbishly.

‘Youcanlook,youjustcan’ttouch…thewomenoryourself,’theBlackclericretortedcrudely.‘Anyway,

enoughofwhatyoucan’tdo.Ibelievetheman’snameisGlenwood,yes?’

Toriannodded.‘He’saforger,knownincertaincircles,thoughhe’sseenasunreliableandrecklessbymanyinthesametrade.’

Uthashothimaquestioninglook.‘Haveyoubeenmixingindarkcircles,brother?’

‘Notbychoice,butIhadtoimmersemyselftoadegree

inordertogetinformation.CriminalsbytheirnatureareveryconcernedwithstayingaliveandanangryPurpleclericconjuresimagesofdeathtosuchmen.Theycanbeverycooperativewhenthreatened.’

Uthalaughed.‘Andyouquestionmytheatrics…’

‘IusethegiftstheOnehasgivenme,muchasyoudo,’saidTorian,withevenmoresnobbery.

‘Okay,soI’llletyoutalktoGlenwood.Justnodatmeifyouneedhelp,’Uthasaid.

ToriantookadeepbreathandmarchedtowardstheBlueFeather,hishandfirmlyonhisswordhilt.UthamotionedforthewatchmentofollowandsteppedslowlyafterthePurplecleric.

‘Mylord,istherelikelytobetroublehere?’Randallasked,ashecametowalknexttoUtha.

‘Oh,Ishouldthinkso,yes.Probablynodeath,butIwouldexpectsomepeopletogetslappedaround.’Hegrinnedwickedly.

Randallsmiledbackpolitely,butUthasensedthathedidn’tfindthesituationfunny.

‘Relax,lad,therearen’tenoughrealmenaroundheretocauseyourmasteranysweat,’hesaidinavagueattempttobereassuring.

ToriansteppedunderadarkblueawningandapproachedasmallgroupofKaresiansseatedonlowwoodenstools.ThefivemenwerearmedwithshortscimitarsandworetheflowingblackrobesofKaresianwarriors.Allhadvisibletattoosontheirarmsandtheirheadswereshaved.

Uthastoodbehindhim,stayingoutsidetheentranceawningbutmakinghis

presenceknown.SergeantClementwasstillnervousandheldhiscrossbowattheready.Randallstoodattheback,lookingasifhewasnotpreparedtotakepartinanyviolence,shoulditoccur.

‘ThefearofJaauponthee,’oneoftheKaresianssaidwithafloridbow.HespokewithaheavyKaresianaccent.‘WhatdoesamanoftheOnerequireofus?’heaskedrespectfullyofTorian,

whoansweredwithashallowbowofhisown.

‘We’relookingforamanofRocalledGlenwood.Ihearthathefrequentsthis…establishment.’ThelastwordwassaidwithscornandUthashookhishead.

TheKaresianstoodandsmiledatTorian,revealingseveralgoldteeth.Hewasatallman,lookingdownonthePurplecleric.‘Ourclientsareobviouslymenwhodesire

discretion,mylord,andIregretthatIcannotcommentonwhodoesordoesnotfrequentthis…establishment.’Hiswordswerestillpolite,butUthasensedanedgeofdefiance.

Torianconfidentlysizeduptheman,lookingathisscimitarandwarrior’sbearing.‘Discretiondoesnotmattertome,neitherdoesyourprimitiveweapon.YouwilltellmewhetherthemanI

seekispresent.’ThewordswerespokenwithauthorityandcausedallfiveoftheKaresianstobecomemorealertastheylookedatthetwoclericsandsquadofwatchmen.

Themanwho’dspokennarrowedhiseyes,beforelettinghisfaceflowintoabroadsmile.‘Mylord,wearesimplemen,notusedtothepresenceofclerics.’He

bowedagain.‘Imeannooffence.’

‘ThenyouwilltakeustoGlenwood?’Torianasked.

TheKaresianconsidereditandglancedathisfourcompanions,allofwhomlookedworried.UthadetectedahintoffearandwasoptimisticthatTorianwassufficientlyintimidatingtospeedtheirpassage.

‘Mylordcleric,Iwilltakeyoutothemanyouseekfora

small…price.’Herubbedhishandstogethersuggestively.‘ThinkofitasadonationtothefaithfulofJaa.’Hisfacewascontortedintoanunpleasantgrinandhisgoldteethglintedasthemorningsunpassedthroughagapintheawning.

UthastoodnexttoTorian,lendinghisbestexpressionofrighteousannoyancetotheoneTorianalreadywore.TheKaresiancontinuedsmiling,

hopingthatthetwoclericswouldagreetobribehim.Heslowlylettherealizationthatthiswasunlikelyintrudeuponhisgrinandbackedaway,directinghiseyesatthedustystreet.

‘Ihaveaskedyoutwice.IfIhavetoaskyouagain,Imaybecomerathermoreinsistent,’Toriansaidplainly.

UthasmiledattheotherfourKaresians,showingabrazenconfidenceashe

lookedthemupanddown.Thoughtheywereobviouslyfightingmen,theywerepoorlyarmedandwouldbenomatchforthetwoclerics.

TheKaresianheldhisarmswideinagestureofsubmissionandboweddeeply.‘Iapologizeforanyoffencecaused,thewaysoftheRoarestillnewtome,mylord,’hesaidwhilestilllookingatthefloor.

‘I’mabouttoaskagain…Isuspectyoudon’twantthat,’Toriansnarledaggressively.

TheKaresianlookedup,lettingafrownofcontemptshowbeforehesmiledagainandmotionedforToriantofollowhim.‘You’llhavetospeaktothemistress,’hesaidasheledthewayinside.

UthacontinuedsmilingattheothermenasTorianduckedunderthelow

doorwaythatledintothebrothel.Withoutturning,Uthamotionedforthewatchmentogoin,andthenfollowedhimself.

Inside,thebuildingwasdirtyandbadlymaintained,withanunpleasantsmellofincensewhichUthasuspectedwasusedtomasktheodourofsweatymen.Acountersatinthemiddleofasmallentrancearea,behindwhichsatawomanofRoinherlate

forties.Shewasattractivebuthadhardeyes,andhertansuggestedshehadlivedsomeofherlifefurthersouth.Eithersideofthecounterwereyellowsilkcurtainshangingacrossdoorways,andfourmean-lookingKaresianmenstoodidlyaroundthecounter.

Torianenteredandallpresentlookedup.SeveraloftheKaresiansappearedreadyforactionasthesquadof

watchmenfollowed,untilthemanwholedTorianheldhishandsuptoletthemknowthatstartingtroublewasunwise.Toemphasizethispoint,Uthawalkedinanddidhisbesttolookdangerous.Hispalefeatures,pinkeyesandwhitehairmadehimdistinctive,evenamongstKaresians,andhethoughtthatatleastoneofthemencouldconnectthenameUthatheGhosttohisface.

‘Andwhatcanwedoforsuchfinegentlemen?’thewomanasked.

‘Yourmanherewasabouttotakeustoseeaclientofyours.Thereisnoneedtoworryyourself,’Toriansaiddismissively.

‘TheywanttoseeGlenwoodandare…ratherinsistent,’saidthemanwhohadledtheminside.

TheKaresianguardsassessedtheclericsand,

muchasthoseoutsidehaddone,deemedthemtoodangeroustobeworthfighting.ThewomanlookedflusteredwhenshesawthatnoneofhermenwasgoingtostopUthaandTorianfromintruding.

‘Wehaveruleshere,sir,’shesaid.‘Ourcustomerspayforcuntorcock,nottobeinterruptedbyclerics.Afacelikeyourswouldputthemrightofftheirstride.’She

screwedherfaceupinmockdisgustandlookedatTorian.

OneoftheKaresianslaughedatthisandtheconfidenceshownbytheirmistressmadealltheguardsfeelmorecomfortable.

UthamadealowgruntofamusementandsteppedpastthePurplecleric.LeaningcasuallyonthesideofthecounteranddeliberatelyturninghisbackontheKaresianguards,helooked

thewomansquareintheeyes.‘I’mtheonewiththesenseofhumour.Mypiousfriendherethinksofyouaslittlemorethanariver-dwellingrodent,givenyourprofession.SoIrecommendyoudirectanyfurtherjokestome,’hesaidwithcalculatedaggression.‘Now,isthereajokeyou’dliketomakeaboutmyface?’Hestaredherdownwithhispiercingpinkeyes.

ThemistressmaintainedeyecontactforamomentbeforelookingoverUtha’sshoulderandnoddingtooneofherguards.Hefeltahandonhisshoulderasthreeoftheguardsmovedincloser.

‘Thereisnoneedfortrouble.Wecanallbefriendly,no?’Themanwho’drecognizedUthaheldhishandsup.Hehadnotadvancedtowardsthecleric

andwasstaringatTorianandthewatchmen.

Uthadidn’twaittoseeiftheotherguardshadlistenedtohim,ashejudgedthevalueofaquickshowofviolencewouldbeconsiderableunderthecircumstances.Heflexedhisshoulderandelbowedthemanwhohadgrabbedhimintheface,thesteelplatemakingasatisfyingclankagainsttheman’sjawbeforehecrumpledtotheground.

Theothertwoguardsseemedtoconsiderattacking,butseeingTorianextravagantlydrawhislongswordpersuadedthemotherwise.

‘IsaidthatifIhadtoaskagain,Iwouldbemoreinsistent.’Helevelledhisswordatthenearestman.

Thewomanbackedawayanddidn’traiseanymoreobjections.Shewavedanarmtowardstheright-handcurtain

andspokequietly.‘He’sinthefourthroomalong.’

UthawinkedatthemistressandturnedbacktoTorian.‘Handlethisforaminute.’

Hepulledbackthecurtainandenteredthecorridorbeyond.Afewscaredfaces,mostlymale,pokedoutfrombehindcolouredcurtains,theirtimehavingbeeninterruptedbythecommotionoutside.Uthasparedafew

glarestomakethecustomersdisappearbackbehindtheircurtainsandmovedtothefourthroom,wherehecouldhearhurriedmovement.

HepulledbackthebrightredcurtainandsawawirymanofRoattemptingtoclimboutofanarrowwindow.Hewasonlyhalfdressedandcarriedhisbootsandasheathedlongswordinhisarms.Thenakedwomanwholayonthewoodencotin

thecentreofthefloorappearedunconcernedattheintrusionandlookedboredasUthaquicklycrossedtheroomandgrabbedGlenwood’sleg.

‘I’mfairlysureI’venotdoneanythingtoannoytheOnerecently,’hesaidasUtharoughlypulledhimback.Hewasflushedfromhisrecentsexualactivityandbarelystruggled.

‘Justmakesureyourcock’saway.Weneedalittlechat,’Uthasaid,withagauntletedfistaroundGlenwood’sneck.Hepickedthesmallermanupwitheaseandheldhimoffthegroundforamoment.

Glenwoodglancedoveratthewomanlyingnexttothem.‘Idon’tsupposethismakesmemoredesirable,doesit?’heaskedwithaweaksmile.Thewoman

snortedinderisionandrolledovertofacetheoppositewall.

‘You’reinthesameroomasme,Glenwood,youcouldnevercompete.’Uthasmiledashespokeandshovedtheforgeroutoftheroom.

Hestumbledtotheground,droppinghisswordandbootsonthewoodenfloor.Afewfacesagainappearedfrombehindcurtains,butmostdisappearedquicklyforfear

ofinvolvingthemselvesinwhatevertheBlackclericwasdoing.

‘Thatlooksverymuchlikealongsword,Glenwood,’Uthasaidashesteppedcasuallyoutbehindtheforger.‘Iassumethat,asacommonman,youweremerelylookingafteritforanobleman.’Criminalsoftenthoughttheycouldgetawaywithcarryinganoble’s

weaponiftheystayedawayfromclerics.

‘Actually,no,brothercleric,it’smine…myfatherwas…sortofnoble.’

Uthalaughedandsolidlykickedthemandownthecorridor.Glenwoodmadeastrangeyelpingsoundanddidanungainlyforwardrollthroughthecurtainintotheentranceroom.Allthoseontheothersideturnedtolook

atthefigurethathademergedsoloudlyamongstthem.

ThewatchmenheldtheircrossbowsdrawnandSergeantClementswunghisheavymacethreateningly.TorianstillheldhislongswordandUthathoughthisbrotherclericlookedquiteimpressiveasheglaredatthemen,thepurplesceptreonhistabardshiningbrightly.

Glenwoodhademergedwithlittleeleganceandwas

nowdrapedintheyellowcurtainthroughwhichhe’dbeenthrown.Uthawalkedpasthim,absentlygrabbingtheforgerbythescruffoftheneck,ashesteppedintotheentranceroom.

ThemistressoftheBlueFeatherwaslookingdaggersatbothclerics.‘Okay,youhaveyourman,nowgetyourpiousarsesoutofmyfuckshop.’

Toriandirectedhisswordpointatthewoman.‘Wewillleaveyoutoyourimmorality,woman.IbelieveImayreturnatalatertimetoinstructyourmenonthecorrectwaytoaddressaclericoftheOne.’

Themistresslookedasifshewereabouttoburstwithanger,butkeptherwordstoherselfanddirectedhermentostanddown.

UthadraggedGlenwoodroughlypastthewatchmen,holdingthecollarofhisshirtandgivinghimseveralkickstospeedhimalong.

‘Brother,Ibelievewehavewhatwecamefor,’Uthasaidwithasmile.‘Shallwedepart?’

Torianallowedhimselfaslightshowofamusementbutquicklyrecoveredhisgrimdemeanourandbackedawayslowly,lettinghishardglare

moveacrosstheKaresians’faces.

ThemenoutsidehadleftasUthaemergedontothestreet,andthesunhaddisappearedbehindacloud.TheweatherinRoTiriswaschangeableandastormwasimminent.

TorianandthewatchmenbackedoutofthebrothelandUthanoticedRandallforthefirsttimesincethey’dentered.Theyoungsquire

hadhiddenbehindSergeantClementanddonehisbesttoremaininvisibleastheconfrontationplayedout.

‘You,Elyot,’Uthasaidtotheyoungestwatchman,‘takeholdofthisminornobleanddon’tlethimmovetoomuch.’HeflungGlenwoodatthewatchman,whohadhistwoshortswordsdrawn.

PullingGlenwoodtohisfeet,Elyotplacedonebladearoundtheforger’sneckand

theotheragainsthisback.‘Move,’hesaidwithpractisedauthority.

‘IsfuckingsuddenlyagainsttheOne?’Glenwoodasked.

HereceivedasolidkicktothebackofhislegsfromElyotinresponseandfelltotheflooragain.

‘Apparentlyso.’Theforgergrimacedinpain.

‘WeshouldtakeGlenwoodsomewhere

more…appropriate,’Toriansaidwithmenace.

‘Appropriateforwhat?’theprisonerasked,pullinghimselftohisfeet.

Uthacametofacehim.‘I’llbetthatyou’vedoneamultitudeoffoolishthingsinyourlife,butweareonlyinterestedinoneofthemorerecentones.NowcooperateandIwon’tbiteyournoseoff.Clear?’heaskedcoldly.

Glenwoodlookedterrifiedandnodded,nottrustinghimselftospeak.HesmiledasElyot,theyoungwatchman,carefullyplacedthetwoshortswordsbackwheretheyhadbeenamomentago.‘Okay,I’mready,let’sgosomewheremore…appropriate,’hesaidwithnervoushumour.

TheywerestillconcealedbytheawningoftheBlueFeather,butUthanoticed

severalmenglanceacrossandseetheforgerinthecustodyoftheclerics.AmanofRo,withtheglareofafightingman,tookparticularinterestandevenlockedeyeswiththeprisonerforasecond,beforedisappearingintoasidestreet.

UthadecidedthatwalkingbackthroughtheKasbahwouldbeunwise,asGlenwoodwouldnodoubthavefriendswhomight

considerafoolishrescueattempt.Instead,heledTorianandthewatchmenintoanalleythatranbetweentheBlueFeatherandanadjoiningspicemerchant’shut.Itwaswideenoughforsinglefileonly,makingGlenwoodevenmorenervous,asherealizedhewassurroundedandunlikelytosurviveifhetriedtogetaway.

Uthaledthegroupdownasecondalleywaywhich

passedbehindthebrothelandintoasmallyard.Theywereagainsttheouterwallandinanisolatedspaceusedforalcoholstorage.Thebackdoorstoseveralbuildingsopenedoutintotheyardandcratesofwineandbeerwerestrewnaround.Uthaturnedfromhiscompanionsandperusedtheclosestcrate.FindingabottleofKaresianredwine,hesatdownonalowbox.Torianstoodnextto

him,hisswordnowsheathed,andthewatchmentookseatsonothercrates.ElyotpositionedGlenwoodinfrontofthetwoclericsandthenwenttositnexttoRandall.

‘Now,let’sgetcomfyshallwe,’Uthasaid,uncorkingthebottleofwineandtakingadeepswig.Wincingatthetaste,heplacedtheopenbottleonthefloor.‘Perhapsitneedsto

breathealittle.’Hespatouttheresidueofvinegaryliquid.

‘Theatrics,brother?’questionedTorian,witharaiseofhiseyebrows.

‘Youhaveyoursword,Ihavemytheatrics;surelythevalueofbothhasbeenevidentinthelasthour?’

TorianshookhisheadandsteppedforwardtotoweroverGlenwood.Theforgerwasaroundsixfeetinheight,butthinandpasty-looking.The

Purplecleric,incomparison,wasfullyarmouredandlookedlikeamountainstandingoverthelesserman.

‘HowisthebusinessinRedchurchsealsthesedays,Glenwood?’Torianasked.

Theforgerlookedsurprised,butgotthereactionquicklyundercontrolwiththepractisedcandourofaprofessionalcriminal.

‘Howmanydoyouwant?’hesaid,inafoolishattemptat

humour,beforequicklyretractingthecomment.‘Justjoking,justajoke,mylords…there’snobusinessinsuchthings;nowayofmakingenoughmoneytojustifytherisk,anyway.’

‘So,youadmitthatyou’reaforger?’Torianasked.

GlenwoodfrownedandsaidtoUtha,‘So,I’mguessingyou’rethebrains?’HeturnedbacktoTorian.‘OfcourseI’maforger…there

areathousandpeopleinTiriswhocantellyouI’maforgerandathousandmorewhocantellyouwheretofindme.’Hepaused,shakinghishead.‘ButI’mnotanidiotandIhaveenoughfriendsinenoughplacestoknowthatforgeryisarelativelyminorcrimeinthegrandschemeofthingsandthattwoclericsareunlikelytobeinterestedinminorcriminalmisdemeanours.’Hespoke

withtheswaggerofamanusedtotalkingtotheauthorities.‘Youwanttoarrestme?Bemyguest,IguaranteeI’llbefreewithinthehour…probablyonsometechnicalityorother.’

Uthanarrowedhiseyes.‘You’reevadingthequestion…you’redoingitveryskilfully,butyou’restillevadingthequestion.’

‘Maybe,butI’mstillnotgoingtotellyouanything,so

putyourarmroundyourladyfriendhereandgofuckyourself,’hesaidarrogantly.TorianquicklydrewhisswordandgrowledatGlenwood.

‘Watchyourtongue,piss-stain.’ThewordscamefromSergeantClement.

ThewatchmansteppedforwardandheldhismaceinfrontofGlenwood’shead.Uthasmiledattheforger,a

viciousexpressionthatmadehimshrink.

‘IthinkIcanhandletheinsult,sergeant,’theBlackclericsaid,beforesmashinghisforeheadintothebridgeofGlenwood’snose.

Theforgerinstantlydroppedtothefloorandyelpedloudly,anincoherentsoundofpain,angerandsurprise.

TorianlookedequallyshockedandClementbacked

sharplyawayfromGlenwood’swrithingform.Uthagrabbedtheforgerbythethroatandpickedhimupoffthefloor.Heheldthemanawayfromhimandpunchedhimsolidlyinthechest,makinghimcoughandspraybloodontothedustyfloor.Uthathenroughlyspunhimroundandrestedanarmouredforearmacrosshisthroat.

‘I’mnotawatchman,I’mnotajudgeandI’mnotaman

whogivesaRanen’sballsaboutwhatyouthink,’Uthasaidthroughgrittedteeth.‘YousoldaforgedRedchurchsealtoamanwithanornatelongsword,yes?’

Glenwoodwasclearlydazed,hisfacecoveredinbloodandhiseyesunfocused,butthepresenceofahulkingBlackcleric,readytotearhimapart,madehimclearhismindquickly.‘Yes…yes,I

did,’hesaidthroughaquiveringmouth.

‘Good.Now,Iwantyoutotelluseverythingyouknowaboutthemanwiththelongsword.Doyouunderstand?’heasked.

Glenwood’seyeswerewideandhenolongerheldhisbrokennose,asifUtha’swordshadmadehimforgetthepainhewasin.Henoddedagaininreplyandstartedtoretch.Uthareleasedhisarm

andallowedGlenwoodtodoubleoverandvomitonthefloor.

ThesoundofTorian’ssquirealsoretchingmadeeveryoneturnquickly.Randalldidn’tactuallyvomit,buthewasclearlyuneasyatthesightofbloodandofGlenwoodemptyinghisstomach.

‘Easy,lad,’Toriansaidreassuringly,‘thisstreakof

shitisn’tworthfeelingbadover.’

‘That’sawisethingyoujustsaid,brother,’saidUtha,ashepushedGlenwoodintoasittingposition.

Theforgerlookedterrible,hisnosewasmangledacrosshisfaceandhislipshadgoneastrangebluecolour.ClementstoodbehindhimandkickedGlenwood’slegtoencouragehimtostraightenhimselfup.Theother

watchmenstayedback,thinkingthemselveslargelyunneeded.

Utharesumedhisseatontheboxandpickedupthebottleofwine.Takinganotherdrink,hesaid,‘Yes,it’smuchnicerafteralittleair.Now,Glenwood,ifyouwill…’Hewavedhishandatthebrokenmansittinginfrontofhim.

Glenwoodstraightenedandpulledhislegsbackinto

across-leggedposition.‘Idon’tdealinchurchseals,butIowedhimafavour,so…’

‘Tellusabouthim,’Toriansaidashesheathedhislongswordandrelaxed.

Glenwoodspatoutamouthfulofblood.‘Hepaidthreehundredgoldcrownsforaclaysealthatwouldgethimoutofthesouthgatewithoutbeingstopped.Iknewhimyearsagoandfeltlikehelpinghim.’

Uthashouted,‘Whowashe?’

Glenwoodlookedacrossatthefacesof,firstthetwoclerics,thenthefivewatchmen.Hebreathedinsharply,assessinghisoptions.Witharesignedsigh,hesaid,‘Hisname’sBromvy,peoplecallhimBrom.Ithinkhe’sanobleofsomesort…maybeCanarnorsomewherearoundthere.’

UthaleantbackinhisseatedpositionandlookedupatTorian.‘Thereyougo,theatricswork…I’veprovenit.’HeturnedbacktoGlenwood.‘AndwherewasLordBromvyofCanarnintendingtogo?’

‘Ithinkhewaslookingforafriend.HeaskedmeifIknewwherehewas.Ithinkhewantedtoknowwhichgatehe’dneedtoleavefrom,’hesaidquietly,asifashamed

athimselfforgivingthisinformation.

‘And…thefriend…andhislocation?’Torianasked.

‘ThefriendisaKirinassassin–nastybastard,killsanyoneyoupayhimto–and,lastIknew,hewasinRoWeir.He’scalledRhamJasRamiandheandBromgowayback.Theytravelledtogetherwithanothercoupleofwaywardkillers.’

Uthafrownedatthis.HeknewalittleaboutBromvyandknewthathe’dmixedwithsomeunsavourycharactersinhistime.TherewereevenrumoursthatDukeHector’ssonhadbeenamercenary,buttohearthatheassociatedwithanassassinwasasurprise,eventoUtha.

‘Weirisathree-weekjourneysouthatleast,’ToriansaidtoUtha.

Glenwoodchuckledthroughthepain.‘Idoubtit’dtakeBromanymorethantwo,maybeless.He’snotlikeyoupamperedcityfolk,he’sfromCanarn,thosemenaretough.Ifyoudon’tcareforyourhorseortheneedforsleep,youcangetthereshyoftwoweeks.’

Randallnervouslyraisedhishandandspoke.‘SirLeonusedtotalkaboutit,master.Ithinkit’scalledtheKirinrun.

AwayofcriminalsgettingfromonesideofTorFunweirtotheother.’

UthaandTorianlookedateachotherandnodded.TheyhadbothheardofKirinhavingwaysofmovingquicklythroughthelandbuthadnotexpectedthemtobeutilizedbyalordofTorFunweir.

GlenwoodlookedatRandall.‘Yourboyhasitright;theKirinruncutsthe

journeyinhalf.IfyouavoidCozzandstayofftheKing’sHighway…’Hewenttoretchagainbutgotitundercontrol.‘Andifyoudon’tmindthebigbastardspidersinNarlandandLob’sWood,’hesmiledpathetically,‘andobviouslyifyouknowtheway–whichIdon’t,beforeyouask.’

UthaturnedawayfromGlenwood.HemotionedforToriantojoinhimandspokequietlysoasnottobe

overheardbytheforger.‘We’llneverfindthewaythroughNarland.We’rebetterofftakingthelongrouteandhopinghe’sstilltherewhenwearrive.’

‘IwastoldnothingofhiscriminalendeavourswhenIleftArnon,’Toriansaidwithashakeofhishead.‘AsfarasIknowallthequestingclericswhoweresentforhimarelookingattheestatesofhis

family,lessernoblesandthelike.’

Uthatookamomenttothink,absentlydrumminghisfingersonhisblacktabard.‘Iknowafewmercenariesweresenttothesouth…doubtfulasfarasRoWeir,though.’

Torianstraightenedsuddenlyandletararesmileflowacrosshisface.‘Well,brother,itseemswehaveadirectioninwhichtotravel.LetusgotoRoWeir.’

UthareturnedthesmileandlookedoverTorian’sshoulderatthewatchmenstandingroundGlenwood.‘SergeantClement,’hesaidloudly,‘goandtellthelordmarshalthatyou’reaccompanyingBrothersUthaandTorianonajourneytothemerchantenclaveofCozzandthenontoRoWeir.’

Clementdidn’tknowhowtoreacttothis,butUtha

enjoyedthehelplessexpressiononhisface.

CHAPTER3

MAGNUSFORKBEARD

RAGNARSSONINTHECITYOFRO

CANARN

Thecellwascoldanddamp,withasimplestrawbedonaricketywoodenframe.MagnuswonderediftheknightsoftheRedwhohadthrownhiminhereknewhowprofoundaninsultitwasforapriestoftheOrderoftheHammertobesummarilycagedinthisway.Theknightsweretruefightingmen,forthemostpart,andMagnusfoundthathehadtorespectthemforthat,but

therewerefewotherreasonstofeelanythingotherthanangeratthewaythey’dassaultedRoCanarn.

Helookedoutofthenarrowcellwindowandclenchedhisfist,imaginingthefeelofSkeld,hiswar-hammer.Itwasachildishcomforttowantthefeelofhisweapon’sleatherandbrassgripinhisfist,butonethatheallowedhimself.Toacceptimprisonmentwas

almostasbadasbeingimprisonedinthefirstplace.

ThemenofRowhotooktheinnerkeepwouldhavetakenthehammeranddiscardeditasastrangetrophyofwar,orkeptittoshowthatthey’dbestedaRanenwarrior.Inreality,Magnusknewthathe’dnotyetbeenbested.Theknightshadreliedonnumbersratherthanskill,andMagnuscouldtakesolacefromthefifteen

hehadkilledbeforeacowardlycrossbowbolthadpiercedhisshoulderandallowedthemtocapturehim.Heflexedhisshouldersandrubbedthebandagedwound.ItwasnotbadandtheRanenpriest’shealingabilitieshadensuredthewoundwouldnotfester.

Magnuswasaroundsevenfeetinheight,tallevenforaRanen,andalthoughhehadonlyrecentlypassedhis

thirtiethyearoflife,hislongblondehair,densebeardandscarredbodymadehimappearolder.He’dbeenrobbedofhischainmailandstoodinsimplewoollenleggingsandablackshirt.Itwasscantprotectionagainstthecold,butMagnuswasamanofFjorlanandthetemperaturewasmorereassuringthanuncomfortable.Hishome,fartothenorth,wastheoldest

realmoftheFreelandsandtheonlyprovinceofRanenthatthesouth-menofRohadneverconquered.

Magnushadtravelledthroughoutthenorthernlands.LikeallpriestsoftheOrderoftheHammer,hewascompelledtoaperpetualwanderlustandhadmadefriendsinmanydistantparts.Hefoundthataloveofalcohol,womenandsongwasanidealwaytotastea

culture,andeventhestiff-neckedRocouldbelikeablewhendrunk.NotthattheseknightsoftheRedseemedtodrink,oreventolaugh.TheyweredourmenwholivedonlytofollowordersandtomaintainthelawsoftheOne.

Somewhereabovethecell,Magnusheardascreamofpainandhecranedhisnecktoseeoutofthetinywindow.ThemercenarieswhohadcomewiththeRedknights

werenotbeingkindtothedefeatedpopulace,andthelastfewhourshadbeenpuncturedbyacacophonyofscreamsandcriesforhelp.ThefewRanenwhoremainedinthecitywithMagnushadalreadybeenexecutedbyorderofSirMortimerRillion,underthequestionabletitleoftraitorstothecrownofTorFunweir.SeveraltimeshehadheardadyingRanenofferadefiantlastprayerto

RowanocobeforejoiningtheIceGiantinhishallsbeyondtheworld.

Magnusfeltregretforthedeathofhiscountrymen,buthedidnotforgetthattheyhadhadthechoicetogoortostay,aswasthewayoftheFreeCompanies.ThefewmenofWraithCompanywho’dstayedhadatleastgottodirtytheiraxeswiththebloodofknightsbeforetheyfell.

Thesmalldungeoncomplexhousedfewerthanahundredprisoners,mostlyDukeHector’sguardsmen,menwhohadheldtheinnerkeepwithMagnusafterthecityhadfallen,andhewonderediftheyregrettedtheirdecisiontofightwhenthebattlefleetappearedonthehorizon.

ItwasdifferentfortheRanen.Theyhadn’tfoughtfortheirhome,theirfamilies

orforacausetheybelievedin.MagnussuspectedthatthemenofWraithwho’dstayedhadmerelywantedagoodfight.ThesoldiersofCanarnhadhadmuchmoretolose,andnowtheywereprisonersofavictoriousarmy.

TheRanenpriestofRowanoco,theIceGiant,shookhisheadashethoughtofDukeHector.ThelordofCanarnwas,inMagnus’sestimation,agoodman,

deservingofhonourandrespect,andtothinkofwhattheknightswoulddotohimbotheredMagnusgreatly.ThecommonpeopleofCanarnandtheirdukehadwantednothingmorethanfreedomfromthechurchofTorFunweir–agoalthatMagnusthoughtachievableand,toaRanenpriest,whollysensible–however,somethinghadalertedtheRedknightsinRo

Tirisandthey’dattackedwithoutwarning.

IfHectorwerestillalive,hewasprobablytobemadeanexampleatalaterdate,paradedthroughthestreetstobewhippedandjeeredat.MagnushadbeenfondofDukeHectorandhehopedthatthekillingofanoblewasforbiddenamongsttheRo.Heknewlittleoftheirwaysasidefromwhattheduke’ssonhadtaughthimduringthetime

theyhadtravelledtogether.ThoughmuchofhistimewithBromvyhadbeenspentdrinkingratherthanlearning.Magnusimaginedadukewouldbetooimportanttobesummarilyexecutedliketheothercaptives.

Hector’schaplain,aBrownclericcalledLanry,hadbeensparedexecutionandMagnushopedthisrareveinofhonouramongstthe

knightswouldstretchtotheduke.

‘You…Ranen,’shoutedCastus,theboundRedknightcurrentlysupervisingthemanyprisoners.

Magnusignoredhim.Hefoundtheman’svoicegrating.

‘I’mtalkingtoyou,priest,’barkedtheknight,asheapproachedthesmallcellwhereMagnusstood.‘CommanderRillionsaysI

havetofeedyou.Personally,Ithinkyoushouldrot,likethebarbarianscumyouare.’Heplacedasmallbowlofsteamingliquidonthecoldstonefloorandkickeditthroughthehatchatthebottomofthedoor.Halftheliquidspilledacrosstheflagstones.‘Enjoyit,boy.You’llmostlikelyloseyourheadthisafternoon.’

Magnustookasteptowardsthedoorandlooked

throughthebarsanddownattheman.Thesizedifferencewashuge,MagnustoweringafootormoreabovethemanofRo.

AsCastusturnedtoleave,Magnusspoke.‘Knight…IdecidedIwasgoingtokillyoujustafterwemet.Now,IthinkI’llfindyourfatherandkillhimtoo.’Hisaccentwasbroadandhisvoicewasdeep,elongatingandgrowlingeachword.

TheboundmandrewhisswordandlevelledthetipattheRanen.‘I’llspitonyourheadlessbodyandpissonyourgod,’hesaid.

Magnusgrinnedashespoke.‘Theonlybitofhimyoucouldreachwouldbehisfoot,littleman.’

Castusgruntedandstompedloudlybacktohisguardpost,leavingtheRanenwithathinsmileonhisface.

***

SeveralhourspassedandMagnusstillstoodinhiscell.HeknewhewouldbesummonedtoappearbeforeRillionbeforethedaywasout,andrefusingtositwasasmuchrebellionashissituationwouldallow.Theminimallightthatcreptthroughthenarrowwindowgavehimaroughideaofthe

time,andCastusreturnedshortlybeforethesunhaddisappeared.

‘Time’sup.SirRillionrequeststhepleasureofyourcompany.’TheRedknightsmirkedbroadlyandMagnusimaginedcuttingoffhisearstostophimsmiling.

‘Nolastmeal,nolastwords.Hopefully,they’lljusttakeoffthatheadandputyoudown.’

Hestoodclosetothecellbarsandcontinued.‘DoyouknowwhathappenedtotheotherRanen?Theywerestrippednaked,hadtheircockscutoffandwejustletthembleed.Theybledandtheyscreamedandwejust…wejustlaughed.Justwhentheystartedcrying,SirRillionorderedtheirheadstakenoffandwethrewthemoverthewallintothesea.’

Magnusconsideredit.ThemanofRowasavileworm,foolishandarrogantwithnoneofthehonourMagnushopedhe’dfindinanenemycombatant.‘IamoftheOrderoftheHammer.Idon’texpectyoutounderstandwhatthatmeansbecauseyourgodcaresonlyforlawandknowsnothingofhonourorcourage.’MagnusstoodjustinchesfromCastusandcontinued,‘IfIamtobe

killed,Iwillbekilledwitharoaronmylips.Asmallmanlikeyoucanhopeonlyforawhimper.’Hepaused.‘IwanttokillyouandIpraytoRowanocothatIlivelongenoughtodoso.’

Castusturnedtowardsthecorridorandbellowed,‘Thispig-fuckerthinkshisgodisgonnahelphim.’

ThelaughthatechoedfromtheguardstationoffendedMagnusandhe

breathedindeeply.Thesemendidnotknowhowluckytheywere.Ifhewerearmed,heknewtheywouldrunratherthanfighthim,butwithmanaclesandcrossbowstheywerebraveindeed.TheywerenottruefightingmenandMagnussurmisedthattheirstationasgaolerswasduetotheirlackoffightingskill.

TwomoreRedchurchmenappearedfromthecorridor.Eachcarriedasmuggrinof

victoryandaloadedcrossbow.TheyworesteelbreastplatesandborethesameredtabardsasCastus,twoswordsacrossaclenchedfist.WiththeirweaponslevelledatMagnus,theystoodeithersideofthecelldoor.

Castusdrewhisswordandsaid,‘Takeastepback,priest.’

Magnuscontainedhisangerandsteppedawayfrom

thechurchmen.Hewasnotaccustomedtoenemieswhousedbows;theywereunheardofinRanenasanythingotherthanahuntingweapon.Asameansoffighting,theywereconsideredcowardlyanddishonourable.

Castusproducedalargemetalkeyandbegantounlockthecelldoor.Hismovementswereslowanddeliberateandhiseyes

remainedonMagnusatalltimes.ThedoorclickedopenandCastusmotionedforhismentocoverhimashetookastepintothecell.

HiseyesbetrayedatouchoffearasherealizedhenolongerhadthesafetyofalargemetaldoorbetweenhimselfandthehugeRanenwarrior.

Magnusstayedback,glaringdownatthetwocrossbowmenstandingeither

sideofCastus.Hethoughtitlikelyhe’dsurvivethetwocrossbowboltslongenoughtotearallthreeofthemapart,buttherewaslittletobegainedbydoingso.Hewouldstillbeinadungeon,ignorantofwhathadhappenedduringhisincarceration.HethoughtitbesttolethimselfbetakenbeforeSirRillion.

‘Turnroundslowly,Ranen.Keepaneyeonhim,youtwo.’

Magnusturned,exposingtheheavysteelmanaclesthatboundhishands.Castusunlockedthechainthatsecuredhimtothewallandattachedanothersetofmanaclestohisfeet.Thetworestraintswerethenfastenedsecurelytogetherwithasecondsteelchain.

CastuspulledhardonthechainandledMagnusbackwardsoutofthecell.Oneofthecrossbowmen

stoodinfrontandtheotherbehind.AllthreeofthemenofRowereonedge,asiftheyexpectedMagnustoeruptintoviolenceatanymoment.

Hewasmovedundercloseescortalongthedungeoncorridor.TheotherprisonersflasheddarkglancesatCastusandseveralnoddedsilentlyinrespecttowardsMagnus.Aheavywoodendoorwasopenedandtheybeganto

ascendthestairstothekeepabove.

Magnusthoughthardthoughts.HeknewthatthesemenofRocaredlittleforhonourortruthandhedoubtedanythinghehadtosaytoSirRillionwouldchangethesituation.TherealitywasthatMagnusknewhe’dhavetokillalotofmentoescapefromthecity.Hewouldfeelnoqualmsatkillingthem,butheknewit

wouldnothelpDukeHectororthemenofCanarn.Theywouldhavetoendurethepainandindignityofbeingasubjugatedpeople.TheRedchurchwouldnotbegentletothosesorecentlydefeatedinbattle.

Magnusdislikeditthatthesituationcalledforpatienceandthoughtratherthanaction.HewasnotusedtosuchthingsandhehopedthatRowanocowatchedhim

closely;hetrustedthewisdomofhisgodwouldguidehiswordswhenitwasneeded.

Thestonestepsendedatanotherlargewoodendoorandbeyondhesawthedarkeningsky.ThekeepofRoCanarnwasdrenchedinrain,andthesmellofbloodandsaltwaterfilledMagnus’snostrils.

YoungmenofCanarnwerecleaningthecourtyard

ofdebrisandrepairingvariouswoodenstructuresthathadbeendestroyedduringthebattle.KnightsoftheRed,stillfullyadornedinplatearmour,patrolledthebattlementsand,highoverhead,thebanneroftheOneGodhadbeenraisedabovethekeep.

Magnuswasgladtoseetheopenskyagainandtherainwaswelcomeonthepriest’sface.Hehadnotbeen

allowedtowashwhileimprisonedandheinstantlyfeltbetterasthewatercleanedoffalayerofdirt.

Inthedayssincehisimprisonment,theknightsoftheRedhadbeenbusy.Thoughtheyhadnotrepairedthebrokensectionsofthecitywall,theyhadclearedthebodiesthatlitteredthekeepand,inthecitybeyond,funeralpyrescouldbeseen.

AknightoftheRed,olderandmorescarredthanmanyoftheothers,stoodupfromhispositionroundafireandwalkedtowardCastus.Hisheadwasshavedandhiseyeswerefierce,makinghimappearalittlelikeabirdofprey.HeregardedMagnuswithinterestbeforehespoke.‘Castus,wouldthisbethefabledMagnusForkbeard?’

Castussalutedwithrespect.‘Yes,mylord.He’s

beensummonedbeforeKnightCommanderRillion.’

‘IhaveareportstatingthatthisoversizedFjorlanderkilledclosetothirtyknights.’HesteppedpastCastustostandbeforeMagnus.‘You’rebiggerthanIexpected,Ranen…tellme,isthissadisticlittleshittreatingyouwell?’HenoddedtowardsCastus,whofrownedattheunexpectedinsult.

Magnussmiledandthrewasmirkathistormentorbeforehespoke.‘Iplantokillhim,soanyinsultwillberepaid.Heisaworm,notworthytolive,letalonefight.’

Theseniorknightchuckledandnoddedagreement.MagnusfounditgratifyingthathisopinionofCastuswassharedbyanother,particularlyamanofRo.

‘Mylord…’Castusstutteredashespoke.

‘Quiet,soldier,’theknightinterruptedhim,‘thismanisanenemy,butheisatleastworthyoftherespectduetohisprowessinbattle.IwouldkillhimonabattlefieldandbegladIhaddoneso,butasafoeinchainsheisamantobetreatedwell.’

Castusavertedhiseyes,notdaringtocontradicthissuperior.‘Yes,mylord

Verellian.’HeglancedatthetwocrossbowmenguardingMagnusandmotionedthemtolowertheirweapons.

‘That’sbetter.’Verellianspokequietlyandwithahardnoteofauthority.Magnusguessedhewasatruefightingman,whichthedentsinhisarmourconfirmed.Hecarriedasingle-handedlongsword,likealltheknightsoftheRed,buthiswasolderandobviouslybettermaintained.

‘Castus,takeyourmenandreturntothedungeon.I’llleadtheprisonertothegreathall.Amaninchainsshouldbesparedtheadditionaltormentofyourcompany.’Verellianheldhishandouttotheboundman,whopassedthechaintohimafteramomentarypause.‘Offyougo,now,I’msurethereareotherprisonersforyoutoabuse.’

Magnussmiledagainand,sensinganopportunity,turnedsharply,hishugeshoulderconnectingheavilywithCastus.Thegaolerstumbledandfellface-firstontothewet,muddycourtyard.BothcrossbowmenraisedtheirweaponsandVerelliantookastepback,graspinghisswordhilt.

Magnusstoodlookingdownatthemanwho’drepeatedlyseenfittoinsult

him.Whenitbecameclearthathedidn’tintendtoescape,theotherknightsrelaxed.

‘I’msureyoudeservedthat,soldier.’VerellianextendedhishandandhelpedCastustohisfeet.Themanwascoveredinmudandgrowlingwithrage.AshakeoftheheadfromVerellianrobbedhimofanyopportunityforretributionandhestompedbackacross

thecourtyard,swearingquietlytohimselfandmotioninghismentofollow.

‘Thatwasprobablyill-advised,priest.Isuspectyoumaybeunderhiscareagainthisevening.’

‘Everyinsultwillberepaid,sirknight.’Magnusspokewithconviction.

‘Iappreciatetheman’s…moredetestablequalities,butpushinghimintothemudwasalittleunnecessary.’

Magnusturnedtofacetheknightandsaid,‘Amanwhodefineshimselfasagaolerhasnohonour.TocageamanofRanenisthegravestinsulttoRowanoco.Betteryourknightskilledmethancapturedme…ThoughIpushedhimoverbecauseyouRohavenosenseofhumour,’headded,withasmile.

Verellianchuckled.‘Thatatleastmaybetrue.Come,letusnotkeepthe

commanderwaiting.’HebegantoleadMagnusaway,beforepausing.‘You’refromFjorlan,aren’tyou;amanoftheLowKast?’

Magnusnodded.‘MybrotherandIwereborninFredericksand.It’sthecapital,onthecoastoftheFjorlanSea.TheLowKastisfurtherinland.’

‘Iapologize,myknowledgeofthelandsofRanenisminimal.’Hewas

genuinelyinterested.‘Doallyourpeoplespeaksowell?’

‘Ispeakbetterthanmost.DukeHector’ssontaughtme.’MagnusstillhadaheavyFjorlanaccent,buthadlearnedtobeunderstoodinhistimehere;itwasamatterofspeakingslowlyandwithmenace.MostFjorlandersspokeenoughofthelanguageofRotoconverse,buttheyrefusedtocallitthecommontongue,theRonameforit.

Theknightresumedwalking.‘Andwhat’sthecorrectformofaddressforamanofyourstation–Lord,Priest,Brother?’

‘IamFatherMagnusForkbeardRagnarsson,oftheOrderoftheHammerandpriestofRowanoco.’Heknewhistitlesmeantlittletothesemenofthesouth.Verellianwasimpressed,however.

‘Well,FatherMagnus,IamSirWilliamofVerellian,knightcaptainoftheRedandking’sman.’Hebowedasheintroducedhimself.

‘YouarethemostpolitemanofRoIhavemetsinceIcametoyourstrangeland.Iwasbeginningtothinkonlyyourwomenhadmanners.’

Verelliansmiledagain,showinghimselfmoreworldlythatmanyofhiscomrades.‘MenlikeCastus

areboundtothechurchfrombirth.Theyhavenoneedofhonourwhentheyarerequiredonlytocleanupthemessmadebytruefightingmen.’

Theycrossedthecourtyardandenteredthegreathallbyawoodenstaircasewhichwrappeditselfaroundthesouthernmosttower.ThelasttimeMagnushadenteredthehallofCanarnithadbeenatthesideof

BrotherLanryandasanallyandadvisertoDukeHector.Hewasnowaprisonerandfoundthechangeanunwelcomeone.FromwhatheknewofLordMortimerRillionhedoubtedhe’dbetreatedwellandhepreparedhimselftoweathermoreinsults.

Astheyreachedthesecondlanding,Magnustookaglanceoverhisshoulderintothetown,wherehecould

seethecentralsquarelitupbyfuneralpyres.Hewastoofarawaytoseewhowasbeingburned,butitwascertainthatHallamPevain’smercenariesweretendingthepyres,andMagnussuspectedthebodiesofmenandwomenofCanarnwereprovidingthefuel.

OntheedgeofthesquarethesmallBrownchapelhadnotbeentouched,andMagnushopedthatBrother

Lanryhadbeenallowedtoreturntohisflock.

Theornatedoubledoorsthatseparatedthecourtyardfromtheinnerkeepwereflankedbytwomembersoftheking’sguard,theelitegroupofsoldierschargedwithprotectingthecrown.Theystoodimperiously,lookingdowntheirnosesatbothMagnusandVerellian.

AgauntletedsalutefromoneofthemcausedVerellian

tostop.‘ThisisFatherMagnus,he’stobetakentothegreathall.’

Theguardssteppedasidewithmilitaryprecisionand,inunison,reachedouttograspthetwohugedoorhandles.Thetallwoodendoorscreakedopen,allowingthewarmthfromwithintowashoverMagnus.Hecouldsmellmeatcookingandbeer.Thefactthathe’dbeeneatingrancidgruelwhiletheRo

feastedonmeatangeredhimgreatly.

Verelliansteppedforward,lightlytuggingonthechaintoleadMagnusbehindhim.‘Withme,Father;theknightcommanderawaits.’

‘Willtheyletmetastemeatanddrinkbeer?’Magnuswashungryandthirstyandthoughthospitalityaknightlyvirtue.

Verellianraisedaneyebrowatthisandreplied,‘I

thinkyouhavemoretoworryaboutthanafullbelly,Father.’

Magnuswalkedintothedarkhall.EithersideofhimwoodenpillarsdisplayingthebannersofCanarnrosefromfloortoceiling.Theheraldrywasinmutedcoloursofgreenandbrown,insharpcontrasttotheblood-redtabardsondisplay.KnightsoftheRedlinedthewalkway,theirswordsraisedinordered

fashion.Eachlookeddirectlytothefront,refusingtogiveintotheircuriosityandobservetheRanengiantwalkingbetweenthem.SeveraloftheknightswieldedcrossbowsandMagnusagainwonderedaboutthehonourofsuchaweapon.

Astheynearedtheendofthewalkway,helookedaheadtothefeasthallbeforehim.Thehugevaultedceiling

madeDukeHector’sgreathallintimidatingtolessermen.Magnus,however,hadspentmanyhoursherecounsellingthedukeonthebestwaytokeephispeoplealivewhilegainingtheirindependence,andmanymorespentdrinkingandlaughing.Nowitseemedcolderandlesswelcoming.

AsmallarmyofknightsoftheRedstoodinranksoneithersideoftheraised

platformatthefarendofthehall.Cages,hungfromtheceiling,heldbruisedandbloodiedfigures.Tablesholdingtheremnantsofalavishfeaststoodbehindtheknights,andMagnuslethismindwandertothoughtsofmeatandbeer.

‘Enterandbejudged,’avoicebellowedfromtheraisedplatform.‘InthenameofKingSebastianTiris,andwithinsightoftheOne,I

claimthepowertojudgeyou.’

Theassembledknightscametoattentioninunison,aloudclankofsteelarmourechoingthroughoutthehall.WilliamofVerellianpushedhisshouldersbackandledthechainedRanendownthecentralred-carpetedaisletowardstheplatform.

Herecognizedafewfacesasthoseinchargecameintoview.SittinginDuke

Hector’schairwasamanofmiddleyears,haughtyandimperious-lookingandwearingornateredarmour.ThiswasLordMortimerRillion,afamousknightofTorFunweir.HisvariousexploitsweretoldinstoriestoyoungRo,andMagnuswasimpressedbyhisbearing.WhateverhemightthinkoftheknightoftheRed,hehadtoconcedethathewasatruefightingman.Heworehis

beardshortandwellgroomedandtheflecksofgreyaddedanoteofnobility.Hehadaweatheredfaceandthehardeyesofamanwhowassureofhisauthority.

Tothecommander’sleftsataGoldcleric,afolloweroftheOneGod’saspectofwealthandgreed.Magnusdidnotrecognizehim,butdislikedthewayhewasadornedingoldandjewelsclearlyplunderedfromthe

vaultsofCanarn.Theclericwasafatman,wearingonlywhiteandgoldrobes,andheworenoswordorarmour.HehadafaceresemblingapigandMagnusthoughthimalessermanamongstthewarriors.

NexttotheGoldclericstoodaknightoftheRed,amanstillpowerfullybuiltdespitehisadvancingyears.HecarriedanaxeslungacrosshisbackandMagnus

recognizedhimasSirRashabald,thecommander’sexecutioner.ThiswasthemanresponsibleforbeheadingcaptiveRanen.Hewasgrey-hairedandnearinghisfiftiethyear,butwasstillreadyforcombatandhisredarmourwaswellused.

SkulkingjustofftheraisedplatformwasahugemanofRowearingblack,full-platearmour.ThiswasSirHallamPevainand

Magnusknewhimwell,thoughhehadnotexpectedtoseehimhere.HewasnotaRedchurchmanbutamercenaryknightwithnolandsorfamily,lendinghishugetwo-handedswordtoanyonewhowouldpay.Hewasabedraggledmanwithwildblackhair,astragglybeardandaharshface.Magnushadnotseenhiminthreeyears,sincehe’dlenthisswordtoaviciousRanen

warlordmanymilestothenorth.Pevainwasasadisticman,giventoexplosionsoftemper,andMagnushadfoughthimbefore.TheswordhecarriedwasresponsibleforascartheRanenworeonhisrightthighandMagnusknew,too,thattheknightcarriedseveralmarksfromSkeld.

OfmostconcerntoMagnus,however,werethetwowomeninview.OnewasBronwyn,daughtertoDuke

HectorandsomeoneforwhomMagnushadgreataffection.Shewasnotchainedorbound,butwasheldincloseguardbyfourRedknights.Theleatherarmourshenormallyworehadbeentakenoffandshewasadornedinasimplewoollendress.Shewastallandslender,withlongbrownhairtiedinabraid.HerskinwaspaleandMagnusthoughtherbeautiful.

ThesecondwomanwasaKaresianfromthelandsofJaa.Shestoodclosetothecommanderandlookedoutofplace.Herrobeswereblackandthespider’swebtattooonherfaceworriedMagnus.HehadheardstoriesoftheSevenSistersandhopedshewasnotoneofthem.HeknewthattheenchantressesofKaresiahadthepowertoentrancemenandhehadencounteredtheirkindbefore.Rowanocogave

himcertainpowersagainstsorcery,buthestillconsideredtheSevenSisterstobedangerousfoes.

VerellianbroughtMagnustoahaltinfrontoftheplatform,arankofkneelingRedknightsbetweenhimandthecommander.

‘MyLordVerellian,youmaydepart.’Rillionwavedhishanddismissively.

‘I’dratherstay,mylord.FatherMagnushasnotbeen

treatedwellthusfar,’Verelliansaidloudly.

AlaugheruptedfromtheGoldclericandwasechoedaroundthehallasvariouschurchmenshowedtheirdisdainfortheRanenpriest.RilliondidnotjoininthelaughterbutclearlythoughtnothingofVerellian’sconcern.‘Sirknight,pleaserejoinyourunitinthecourtyard.’

VerelliantookastepclosertoMagnusandwhispered,‘Myapologies,father,mywordhasnoweighthere.’Hesalutedtowardstheraisedplatform,tookafewstepsbackwards,turnedandmarchedbackdowntheaisle.

Magnusstoodalone,chainedanddisarmed,surroundedbyenemies.Evenifhecouldbreakthechains,hewasforcedtoadmitthat

fightinghiswayoutwouldbedifficult.Hetookacloserlookaroundthehall,hopingtoseehiswar-hammer,Skeld,insomedisregardedcorner.Heclenchedhisfistsseveraltimes,longingforthecomfortingfeelofitsleathergrip.ItwasnowherewithinsightandthesemenoftheOneGodwouldnotknowofitssignificance.Heturnedbacktotheplatformandpuffedouthischest,letting

allthoseassembledknowthat,althoughhewasaprisoner,FatherMagnusForkbeardwasstillaproudmanofRanen.

KnightCommanderRillionspokefirst.‘Wehavecleanedupthemanydead,washedawaythegallonsofbloodandsowntheseedsoforder…myheartisstilltroubled,however.’HestoodandtookseveralstepstowardsMagnus,still

remainingbehindthelineofRedknights.‘Youareaforeignmanfromadistantlandandyethereyouare,plottingwithatraitorousduketorobthecrownofitslands.’Hedrewhissword.‘Whatwouldthisnorth-mandoifourpositionswerereversed?’Turning,hedirectedthequerytohisfellowRo.‘Hewouldnotthinktocaptureusaliveandimprisonus.No,wewouldbe

brutallyslain,asistheRanenway.WeoftheOneGodmuststrivetobebetterthantheselessermen.’

SeveralofthekneelingRedknightsbangedtheirgauntletedfistsontheirarmour,loudlyproclaimingtheirsupportfortheircommander’swords.

Rashabaldtheexecutionerspoke.‘Mylord,thisRanenkilledmanyknightsoftheRed.Heistoodangerousto

bereleased.Myaxeandthefistthatwieldsitbothhungerforthebloodofthisbarbarian.’

ThissentimentwasechoedbytheGoldcleric,whochuckledtohimselfbeforespeakinginahigh-pitched,effeminatevoice.‘YoumenoftheRedvaluecombatandstrength,letusamuseourselveswiththisheathen.Havehimfightwildanimals

andlethisscreamsbemusictoourears.’

Magnusglaredatthefatcleric,hopingtherewereenoughmenofhonourheretoensurethathisowndeath,ifitweretocome,wouldbeaswiftone.

RillionturnedtotheKaresianwomanandspokedirectlytoher.‘Andyou,noblesister,yourcounselhasbeenwisethusfar.Tellus

whatyouwouldhavedonewiththisprisoner.’

ShespokewithathickKaresianaccent,herwordslyricalandseductive.‘Thismanisbraveandstrong.’ShecasthereyesfromMagnus’sfeetuptothehardexpressiononhisface.‘Hehatesyou,mylord,andhewouldgladlykillallpresent.’Sheclosedhereyesforamomentandbreathedin,smilingasshedidso.‘Heisnotafraid,nor

doeshecareforhisownsurvival.’

AsMagnushadfeared,thewomanhadrevealedherselftobeoneoftheSevenSisters,enchantressesofpowerandruthlessreputation.HedidnotknowwhyawomanofherkindwouldbeaccompanyingaRedchurcharmy,butheconsidereditabadomen.

Shesensedhisthoughtsandsmiledagain.‘Youhave

heardofmyorder,Isee.IamAmeiratheLadyofSpiders,’shepaused,withwickedintentonherface,‘…andIknowyourbrother.’

Noneofthechurchmenrecognizedthesignificanceofthiscomment,andMagnuswasgladtheyknewnothingofhisfamily.HisbrotherwasAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson,thehighthainofRanenandcommanderofthedragonfleet.

‘Ifhecaresnothingforhimself,towhomhashepledgedhissupport?’Rillionaskedoftheenchantress.

‘HecaresfortheDukeHector’schildren,particularlyhisdaughter,thoughthesonisanoldandtrustedfriend.’ShelookeddeeplyintoMagnus’seyesandcontinued.‘HeisalsoconcernedforBrotherLanry,theBrowncleric…butparamountinhismindisthe

fateofthedukehimself.Heworriesthathisfriendmaybedeadandthisthoughtdispleaseshim.’

TheGoldclericlaughed.‘Ha,helookseverybitthewarrior,buthe’sassoftasmyarsewhenawomanandhisfriendsarethreatened.Iwillneverunderstandhowthisbackwardpeoplehavehaltedourknightsforsolong.’

Magnusremainedsilentandlookedaroundthehall,

countingtheknightsarrayedagainsthim.AtleastahundredarmouredmenstoodinthegreathallofCanarn,andhewaschained,withoutarmour,andSkeldwasnowheretobeseen.Thiswasasbadasituationashehadeverfoundhimselfinandhetriedtocalmhismindwiththoughtsofpastadventuresandofthosewhohadfallenunderhishammer.Hehadfriendswhowouldlaughif

theyweretoseehimnow,friendswhowouldteachthesemenofRothatafewmencanbemightywhentheneedarises.

LordRillionraisedhishand.‘Enough,Ihavemademydecision.’

ThehallfellsilentandRillionslowlymovedtoresumehisseat.RashabaldandtheGoldclericbothlookedintentlyatthecommander,theirdesireto

seetheRanenkilledclearontheirfaces.MagnusscannedthefacesoftheotherRedknightsandwasgladtoseetheyappeareddispassionatetowardshim.SirPevain,themercenaryknight,wasstaringattheRanen,bloodlustinhiseyes.Magnusconsideredhimoneofthemoredangerousmenintheroomanddoubtedhe’dstayneutraliftheRedchurchhadpaidhim.

Rillionthenspoke,loudlyandclearly.‘Thismanisaforeignerandhisignoranceistheonlythingthatmakesmenottakehishead.’Theothersontheraisedplatformshowedtheirdisagreement,buttheykeptquietandallowedthecommandertocontinue.‘However,hisfriend,theduke,isworthyofnosuchmercy.IthinktowitnessthejusticeoftheOneGodwillbepunishment

enoughforhisfoolishactions.’Hewavedahandbehindhim.‘SirPevain,fetchthedukeandbringhimbeforeus.’

Magnuskepthiseyesonthelargemercenaryknightashewalkedpasttheplatformandthroughasidedoor,exitingthegreathall.

RillionthenstoodandaddressedMagnusdirectly.‘Thechildren,BronwynandBromvy,willbearthe

dishonourofbeingnamedtotheBlackGuarduntiltheirdeaths.’

BronwynlookedthroughtheranksofRedknights,towardsMagnus,andthehugeRanensawrealfearinhereyes.Shewasayoungwoman,thetwinsisterofBrom,DukeHector’sheir,andMagnushadgrowntocaregreatlyforherintheshorttimehehadbeeninRoCanarn.Tobrandherface

withamarkofdishonourwasunthinkable,andangerbegansteadilytobuildupwithinhim.

ThewomenofRowererarelyallowedtoweararmourorwieldablade,butBronwynwasbecomingaskilledswordswoman,atestamenttoherfather’sinsistencethatallhischildrenshouldbeabletofightfortheirlandsiftheneedarose.

SirPevainreturned,carryingaheavysteelchainandleadingabrokenandbloodiedfigureintothegreathall.DukeHectorhadbeenstrippednakedandwasbleedingfromseveralwoundstohischestandface,makingMagnusthinkhehadbeenwhipped.

ThedukestumbledasPevainpulledhardonthechainandhehadtobedraggedbeforetheraised

platform.Behindhim,withafearfullookinhiseyes,cameBrotherLanry,thechaplainofRoCanarn.TheBrownclericwasaportlymanwearingonlytheheavybrownrobesofhisorder.HewasaclericwhorepresentedtheOneGod’saspectofpovertyandcharityandMagnusthoughthimhonourable.ThechaplainhadwieldedhisquarterstaffagainsttheRedknightsand

hadonlybeensparedbecausehewasachurchman.

Magnustookaninvoluntarystepforwards,wantingwithallhisbeingtothrowthelineofRedknightsoutofhispathandtohelphisfriend.Inresponsetothemovement,theexecutionerstoodandheftedhislargeaxe.‘MyLordRillion,ifthispeasantpriestmovesagainmayIhavepermissiontocut

offhishandandlethimbleed?’

Withrisinganger,andwithlittlethought,Magnusbrokehissilenceandshoutedoutaresponsetotheexecutioner’sthreat.‘Youareacoward…’Thehallfellsilent.‘Removethesechains,givememyhammer,andnomanherewouldstandbeforeme.’Hetookanotherstepforward,nowstandinginches

fromthekneelinglineofknights.

BrotherLanrysawMagnusthroughthepressofknightsandashallownodofgreetingpassedbetweenthetwomen.Theclericlookedexhausted,butuninjured.Rillionmaintainedhiscalm,RashabaldandtheGoldclericlookedasiftheywereabouttoburstwithrage,andSirPevainsmiledanuglysmile.Outofthecornerofhiseye

MagnuscouldseetheguardsstandingroundBronwynmovecloser;theywerephysicallyholdinghernowandshewasclearlydistressedatnotbeingabletoseeherfatherthroughthecrowdofknights.

‘IwastoldknightsoftheRedhadhonour…thisisnothonour.’Heroaredoutthelastfewwordsandtensedhishugearms,feelingtheheavysteelchainsthatboundhim.

‘Myknights,standto,’orderedRillion,andthelineofRedknightsstoodanddrewtheirswordsinpractisedmilitaryfashion.‘Onemoreaggressivemovementfromthismanandyouaretosubduehim.Wound,butdonotkill.’

Bronwyncriedoutfromthesideofthehall,‘Father…’Thewordwaschokedwithtearsandelicited

asharpslapfromoneofherguards.

‘Knight,’Magnusshoutedatthemanwho’dstruckher,‘touchthewomanagainandI’lleatthroughthesechainstoreachyou.’

Magnusmaintainedhisglareandfelthisarmsstrainagainstthemanacles.Heofferedaquietprayertohisgod.‘Rowanoco,letnotthesedishonourablementakethelivesofmyfriends;andif

thatisnotwithinyourpower,grantmethestrengthtoavengethemorfaceanhonourabledeath.Letmenotfeelthecoldstoneofaprisoncellagain.’

Thelineofknightsinfrontofhimformedacircle,surroundingMagnusandcuttingoffanychanceofaction.RillionandRashabaldsteppedofftheplatformandstoodoverthebrokendukeofCanarn.

Pevainpulledonthechain,makingthesteelcollarstrainaroundHector’sneck.Hisheadwaspulledtofacethecommanderandtheextentofhisinjuriesbecameevident.Hehadlostaneyetoaswordpoint,afreshcutindicatingthatthewoundhadbeeninflictedafterthebattle.Histeethhadbeensmashedoutandheshookviolently.Magnusdoubtedheevenknewwherehewas.

‘Lookwelluponthistraitor,youRanendog,’Rillionsaidloudly.

‘Mylord,canIbetheonetotakehishead?’ItwasPevainwhospoke,andhedidsowithglee.

SirRashabaldwasclearlyunhappywiththisandlookedquestioninglyatthecommander.Rillionappearedtoconsiderit,butthenshookhisheadandwordlesslygesturedtohisexecutioner.

RashabaldsmiledandheftedhisaxeseveraltimeswhilePevainremovedtheprisoner’smetalcollar.

Magnusscowledashelookedonandtooksharpbreaths,glaringatthemenofRostandingbeforehim,themenabouttokillhisfriend.HecouldhearBronwyncrying,butdidnotlookroundtosee.Hewasthankfulshewouldnotbeabletoseeherfatherkilled.

DukeHectorwasasmallfigure,nakedandbroken;hebarelylookedupasRashabaldplacedtheaxeagainsthisneck.Rillionraisedhishandabovehisheadandeveryonepresentpaused,waitingforhimtolowerit,givingtheexecutionerhisordertostrike.Whenithappened,itseemedtoMagnustohappeninslowmotion.Rashabaldraisedhisaxehighabovehis

head,Rillionloweredhishand,andtheaxefell.

Thesoundwasofsteelcuttingfleshandbone,punctuatedbyagruntofexertionfromtheexecutioner,andDukeHectorCanarnwasdead.Hisheadstruckthestonefloorandhisbodywentlimp,fallingatPevain’sfeet.

Therewasamomentofsilence,theonlysoundbeingalowsobfromtheduke’s

daughter,asSirRillionleantdownandlifteduptheheadtoshowthecompanyofknights.Theduke’sfacewasamaskofangerandtorment.BrotherLanrybegantoweepashismaster’sheadwasparadedinfrontofhim.

Ameira,theKaresianenchantress,cackled.Hereyeswerewidewitheuphoriaatthesightofthedeadduke.

ThestrengthofRowanoconowwithinhim,Magnus

roaredtotheceilingatthesightofhisfriend’shead.Hishandsgrippedthesteelmanaclesthatheldhimand,withpowerunlikeanythingthesemenofRohadseen,thesteellinksbegantobendandbuckle.Hisragehadtakenoverandhecouldnolongerbecontainedbymetal.Theguardssurroundinghimlookedonwithwide-eyedamazementas,withaswiftjerkofhisshoulders,thehuge

Ranenwarriorbrokehisrestraints.Rowanocohatednothingmorethantoseehispeoplecagedandhelenthisragetothepriest.

AlleyesturnedandMagnuswasfacedwithoverahundredarmouredmen,drawingtheirswords.Helookedatthefacesoftheseniorknightsandtheoldexecutioner,thenbackatthemenstandingdirectlyinfrontofhim.Hiseyeshadturned

blackandfoamfleckedthecornersofhismouth.

‘Men,restraintheRanen.’Rillionstumbledoverhiswords;evenhewasintimidatedbythebattlerageofRowanoco.

TheKaresianenchantressmovedquicklytothecommander’ssideandwhisperedinhisearbeforelightlytouchinghishand.

ThefirstknighttothrustatMagnusdiedquicklywitha

shearedmetallinkjammedintohisthroat.Hisbodywasthenheftedandthrownatthenextman.Magnuseasilydeflectedahesitantdownwardswing,grabbingthebladeinhishandandreversingittostabthroughthewielder’sface,killinghiminstantly.

Commotionengulfedthehall,withmenjockeyingtogetclosetothefight.Rillionissuedcommandstoseveral

knightsandtheGoldclericwasquicklyremovedfromthehall.Pevainwassteppingtowardsthemeleeandunsheathinghishugetwo-handedsword,whileSirRashabaldadoptedaprotectivestanceinfrontofthecommander.

Magnuskeptholdofthelongswordandquicklykilledtwomoreknightswithpowerfuldownwardblows.TheotherRedknights,now

encirclinghim,stayedseveralstepsawayandheldaguardedpose.

Magnusstoodwithfourdeadknightsaroundhiminaspreadingpoolofblood.‘Facemenow,cowards,’heroared.‘Iwillbeyourdeath…’

Withonehandheswungthebrokenchainaroundhishead,keepingtheknightsatbay,whilewiththeotherhebrandishedhisnewly

acquiredswordwithskillandmenace.Rillionstoodbeyondthecircleofknights;calmernowthatMagnuswascontained,hegesturedtoPevaintoenterthemeleeandshoutedacrossthehalltohiscrossbowmen.

Magnusadvancedontheencirclingknightsandswungthechainatthosecloseby.Theknightsretreatedafewstepsandrefusedtoengage.Theyheldtheirswordslowto

thegroundandclosedranksroundhim.

Hecrouched,hisswordandchainbothlooseinhishands.ThebattlerageofRowanocohadchangedintoapredatorydesireforfreedom.HewasfeelingthesurvivalinstinctofacagedanimalandbarelyregisteredthehugefigureofSirPevainenteringthecircleofknights.

‘Pevain,Iwanthimalive,’Rillioncommandedfromhis

positionofsafety.Theenchantressstoodclosetohimandcontinuedtowhisper.

Thecrossbowmenpushedtheirwaytostandwithinthecircleofknights,theircowardlyweaponsdrawnandaimedatMagnus.ThesoundofBronwyncryingwastheonlythingthatenteredMagnus’sperception,butitwasenoughtokeephismindsufficientlycleartoparry

whenPevainlaunchedahugeoverheadstrikeathim.Magnusbuckledunderthestrain,buthisstrengthheldandstoppedtheblowfromlanding.

‘IsaidIwanthimalive.Don’tdisappointme,Pevain,’Rillionrepeated.

MagnusswungouthislegsandaimedakickatPevain’sarmouredthighs.Themercenaryrockedback,butdidn’tfall,andMagnus

rolledoutofrangeoftheansweringswordthrust.

ThemercenaryknightletoutagruntashegraspedhisswordinbothhandsandlaunchedanoverheadswingatMagnus’sunprotectedshoulder.Itwaspowerful,butclumsy,andPevainreliedontheplatearmourheworeandthedisproportionatesizeofhisswordratherthananygreatskill.

Magnuswasfastandknewhowtodealwithamanencumberedwithsteelarmour.Hedidn’ttrytoparrytheblow,insteaddartingtotheleftandlettingtheswingstrikethestonefloor.Dustflewupandtheflagstonecracked,causingRilliontopushhiswaytothefrontandbarkatPevainathirdtime.‘Sirknight,ifyoukillthatman,youfollowhim.’

AmeiratheLadyofSpidersstayedbeyondthecircle,butappeareddistressedatthesuggestionthatPevainmightkillMagnus.

‘Mylord,weshouldridourselvesofthisfuckinganimal,’Pevainrepliedthroughgrittedteeth.‘Letmekillhim…letmekillhimnow.’Hedidn’ttakehiseyesfromMagnus,whowasagaincrouched,swordattheready.

Rilliondrewhisownswordandenteredthecircle,causingRashabaldtohurryinbehindhim.‘Pevain,Iwon’ttellyouagain,’thecommandersaidquietly,hiseyeswatchfulandhisswordheldlow.

Magnuswasclearnowofthebattlerageandwaslookingforanopportunitytoescape.HewassurroundedbyawidecircleofcloselypackedknightsoftheRed

whichleftlittleopeningforanattack.HecouldnolongerhearBronwyncrying.

Pevainbreathedheavily,angryatbeingrobbedoftheopportunitytofightMagnus.Heloweredhisswordand,stilllookingdirectlyattheRanen,backedawaytotheedgeofthecircle.ThecrossbowmenemergedbetweentheRedknightsandtookaim,waitingfortheordertofire.Rillionstayed

back,butcarriedhimselfwiththepractisedmotionofaskilledswordsman.

‘Ihavemademydecision,thisbruteistobekeptalive,’hesaid,lookingdownatthefourdeadknightsoftheRed.‘Butafewarrowsinthelegwon’tkillhim.’

Henoddedatthenearestbowmanandaboltwasfired.ItpiercedMagnusabovetheknee,causinghimtocryoutinpainandfalltothefloor.

Beforehecouldgatherhimself,SirPevainkickedhimsolidlyinthefacewithhisarmouredfootandMagnuslostconsciousness.

CHAPTER4

LADYBRONWYNINTHECITYOFROCANARN

LadyBronwynofCanarnstoodofftothesideinthegreathallofherfather’skeep.

ShehadlostsightofFatherMagnusamidstthemeleeofknightsandshecouldnolongerhearhisprimalroarsofdefiance.Herfourguardsweredistracted,beingtheonlyknightsnotinvolvedintheconfrontation,andshesteeledherselftoact.

Hertearsatthedeathofherfatherhadbeengenuine,butthosearoundherthoughttheduke’sdaughterweakandshehadplayedonthis,

appearinganguishedbeyondthecapacitytoact.Currently,shekneltonthefloorofthehallwithherheadinherhands.Withoneeyesheregardedthosearoundher.Theystoodpeeringtowardstheplatform,wishingtheywereinvolvedinwhatwasgoingon.Oneofthem,stillstandingbehindher,haddrawnhisswordasareflexwhenMagnusbrokehis

chains,buttheothersremainedunarmed.

ShecouldstillseetheKaresianwoman,Ameira,whoseattentionwasfixedonthefight.Shehadatwistedeuphoriaonherface,asifdruggedorintoxicated.

Bronwynbreathedinandtensedherbody.Justasshewasabouttoact,avicious-lookingKaresiankrisbladeskiddedacrossthefloorandcametorestnexttoherleft

hand.Thefourknightsaroundherscarcelylookeddown,thenearbycombatmaskingthesound.Shesmiledtoherself,recognizingtheruby-encrustedknifeasshereachedforit.Astheknightbehindherbegantocallout,anarmwrappedroundhisneckandascimitarwasdrawnacrosshisthroat.

Thedark-skinnedmanwhoappearedoverthedyingknight’sshouldertookthe

timetowinkatBronwynbeforekickingthedeadknighttothefloorandkillingasecondwithafastupwardcuttotheman’shead.Bronwynreactedquicklyandthrustthekrisbladeintotheexposedinnerthighofthemantoherleft.Hefell,cryingloudly,bloodgushingfromthewound.ThelastmaninvoluntarilyturnedtowardsBronwyn,openinghimselftoaswiftcutacrossthebackof

hisexposedneckfromthedark-skinnedman.

AllfourguardshadfalleninafewsecondsandBronwynleaptquicklytoherfeet,hersimplebrowndressnowcoveredinblood.Theintrudersmiledandgrabbedherarm.

‘Timetogo,sweetness,’hesaid,withaslightKaresianaccent.

Sheletherselfbegrabbedand,sparingaquicklook

overhershoulder,ranwiththemantowardsasidedoor.Ameirahadseenher,ashadhalfadozenknightsbythemaindoor,butRillionandtheothersweretoopreoccupiedtoact.TheknightBronwynhadstabbedwasstillaliveandhiscriesroseinvolumeasshedartedfromthegreathallwiththeintruder.

HewasAl-Hasim,calledthePrinceoftheWastesbyhisfriends.Bronwynknew

he’dbeeninRoCanarnbeforethebattlebuthadthoughthimdeadalongwithsomanyothers.HewasaKaresianandoccasionalswordforhire,thoughhe’dbeeninCanarnasafavourtoAlgenonTeardrop,theRanenwarlord,Magnus’selderbrother.

HerfatherhaddislikedhimbutBronwynfoundhisconstantflirtingfunny.Nowshewasgladofhisstealth

andskillwithascimitar.Hewasofmediumheight,butwiryandlightning-fastwithswordandknife.Hisjet-blackhairwastiedroughlyatthenapeofhisneckandhehadtheexoticbearingofaprincefromadistantland.Bronwynknewhehadnoactualclaimtonobility,butheoftenspokeasifhedid.

Thetwoofthemranfromthehall.ThecorridorsofDukeHector’skeepwere

narrowandlabyrinthine,designedtoconfuseaninvader,buthisdaughterknewthemwell.ShewriggledoutofHasim’sgraspanddartedleftintoanantechamber.

‘Er,yourladyship…thewayoutisthisway.’Hasimpointedalongthevaultedcorridor.

‘Yes,butthewaytostayhiddenisthisway,’Bronwynanswered,enteringthe

antechamberandmovingquicklytotheweaponrackagainstthefarwall.Thechamberwaspartofthearmoury,connectedonthreelevelsofthekeepbywoodenstairs.

Hasimlookedconcerned,butfollowedafteramomentarypause.

SoundsfromthegreathallindicatedthatMagnushadbeensubduedandBronwyn’sescapehadbeennoticed.She

removedalightshortswordandpressedawoodenpanelonthewall,causingasecretpassagetoopen.

‘Whydidnoonetellmethisplacehadsecretdoors?Itwouldhavemadetherescuesomucheasier,’Hasimsaidashefollowedherintothenarrowpassageway,adding,‘…butnotasstylish.’

Bronwynbreathedheavily,pushingthoughtsofherfathertothebackofher

mind.Shewishedshehadherarmour.Thebrowndressshe’dbeengivenwasillsuitedtorunningalongthesmall,dustytunnel.

Herarmour,apresentfromherfather,hadbeenroughlytornoffbydisrespectfulknightsoftheRedanddiscardedsomewhereinthekeep.Theknightshadnottouchedher,savetodisarmandrestrainher,andshewishedfor

anotheropportunitytoproveshecouldholdherownagainstmetal-armouredmen.

BronwynledHasimdownthepassageforseveralminutes.Itcurvedleftandrightand,atintervals,rough-hewnstairsledfurtherdown,takingthemoutoftheinnerkeep.Hergrandfatherhadbuiltthesetunnelsintothecitywallslongbeforeshewasborn,andherfatherusedtotellherandherbrotherstories

abouthowhegotlostinthemasachild.

‘Bronwyn,whereexactlydoesthistunnelgo?’Hasimpushedpastherandpeeredintothegloomydarkness.‘Oh,andIneedmyknifeback.’HeheldouthishandandBronwynplacedthebloodstainedkrisblade,hilt-first,inhispalm.ItwasthemarkoftheKaresianwarriorclass,awavy-bladedknifewithaviciousedgedesigned

tocausewoundsthatwouldn’tclose.

‘Arewegoingtocomeoutofhereinthemiddleofanarmy?AmIgoingtohavetorescueyouagain?’heasked.

‘Ithinkitleadstothecliffoverlookingtheinnerharbour.’Bronwynwasn’tsure,butsherecalledplayinginherewithherbrotherwhentheywereyoung.‘Itshouldendinawoodendoorthat’shiddenbehindaboulder.’

Hasimdidnotlookconvinced.‘Okay,butletmegofirst.’Hestoodprotectivelyoverher.

‘I’mnotweak,Karesian,’shesnapped.

Hasimfrowned.‘Iknow.Aweakwomanwouldhaveflinchedbeforestickingamaninthethigh…youbarelythoughtaboutit.’Helookedherupanddown.‘Youmaylooklikeaservingwenchatthemoment,butyou’veyour

father’sstrength…andyourbrother’sedge.’

Bromvy,hertwin,wasnotinthecityduringtheattack.He’dbeeninRoTiriswhenthefleethadappearedonthehorizon.Bronwynhopedherfatherhadgotwordtohimnottoreturn,butsheknewhe’dstillprobablybefoundandbrandedaBlackGuard.

Ahead,adimlightcouldbeseen.Bronwynknewitwouldbegettingdarksoon

andshewantedtobeoutofthecitybeforethen.Hasimmotionedforhertostaybackandsteppedcautiouslytowardsthelight.Afewfeetdownthetunnel,hepausedtolookatsomething.

‘Whatisit?’Bronwynasked.

Heslowlyturnedbacktoher.‘IthinkthefleetofRedknightsbreachedthecitywallwithcatapults…Icansee

downintothetownbeyondthekeep.’

Bronwynmovedtojoinhimbutwasstoppedbyaswiftlyraisedhand.‘Areyousureyouwanttoseethis,yourladyship?’Hasimhadaseriousexpressiononhisdarkfeatures.

‘Myfatherisdeadandmybrotherisrunningforhislife.IthinkthatmakesmeduchessofCanarn.’ShefirmlypushedasideHasim’shand.

‘Youcanstepasideanddoasyou’retold,orleavemealone.’

TheKaresiandidnotmove.‘Look,woman,Iamnotheretomakethisdifficultforyou,butIamnotyoursubject…soyoucandispensewiththisduchessshit.’Hestareddirectlyintohereyesashespoke.‘Youcanlookoutintothetownifyouwant,butifyoudoyouwillseebloodanddeath.’Hestepped

aside.‘It’syourchoice,yourladyship.’Hisbowwasshallowandmocking.

Bronwynsteppedtowardsthelight.Thesecretpassageranalongtheinsideofoneoftheoutercitywalls,andahugerockhadbeencatapultedthroughthestone.Agaphadappearedatheadheightwheretheboulderhadhitthebattlementsabove,andBronwyncouldseedown

acrossthebuildingstothetownsquareofCanarn.

Thesightwasindeedoneofbloodanddeath,andBronwynlookedwithcoldeyesatthespectacleofRedknightsandmercenariespilingupdeadbodies.Severalhouseshadbeentorndowntoprovidewood,andfuneralpyresburnedthefallenpeopleofCanarn.Theknightshaddiscardedtheirswordsandwerepushing

woodencartsofthedeadfromallcornersofthecity.TheypiledthemupinthetownsquaretoawaitafierymeetingwiththeOneGod,anoldBlackclericintoningwordsoverthem.

TheknightsoftheRednumberednearlyathousandandtheyhadbeenmorethanamatchfortheuntraineddefenders,mendefendingtheirlivelihoodsasmuchastheirhome.Bronwynthought

sherecognizedafarmercalledHobb,amanwhohadgrowncabbagestothenorthofthecity,andhadwantedonlytoprotecthislandandfamily.

Shedidn’tcry,thoughshethoughtmaybethatwaswrong.Morethananything,shewantedtoturnbacktimeandtellherfathertoretreat,nottostayandfighttheknights.

‘Bronwyn,weneedtoleave.’Hasimputagentlehandonherarm.‘They’relookingforus.’Hemovedtostandinfrontofher,blockingherview.‘Atleast,they’relookingforyou.’

Shelookedhimintheeyeandpushedhimaside.Shedidn’tknowwhatsheexpectedtoachievebycontinuingtolookatthesceneofdeathbelow,butBronwynwastheladyof

Canarnandfeltdeepkinshipwithherpeople.

Hasimbreathedinandfirmlygrabbedherbytheshoulders,pullingherawayandholdingheragainsttheoppositewall.

‘Listentome,woman…’hesaidthroughgrittedteeth,‘thatKaresianwitch,themarkedwoman…’

Bronwynstruggledinhisgrip.‘Howdareyou…’

‘Listen…she’softheSevenSistersandifyoustayinthecity,shewillfindyou.’Hereleasedhisgripandsteppedback.‘WeneedtogettotheGrassSeatothenorth.Thewitchwon’tfollowintothelandsofRanen.’

Bronwynstoppedstrugglingandlookedattheground,tearsappearinginhereyes.‘Whyisthishappening?Whatdidmyfatherdo…?’Shedidn’tlookup,orexpect

ananswer,butfeltherlegsgivewayastheenormityofwhatshe’dseenflowedoverher.Hasimheldher,moretenderlythistime,andpulledheruprighttofacehim.

‘Rillionisweak.Forallthestrengthinhisswordarm,hehaslethimselfbecomethralltoaKaresianwitch.’Heunsheathedhiskrisbladeandhelditwiththepointfacingdownwards.‘That’swhyI’mhere.Algenon

TeardropknewshewasinCanarn…somehow…andhesentmetofindoutwhatshewasdoinghere.Isentareportbackjustafterthebattle.’

Bronwynprocessedthisslowly,shakingherheadandwipingawaythetears.‘Ithought…’shebegan,onlytobeinterruptedbyHasim.

‘YouthoughtthatIwasheretolookafterMagnus.’Hesmiled.‘Trustme,hecanlookafterhimself.The

enchantresshasRillion’sheartandheadinhereleganthand.Algenondoesn’tconfideinme,butheknewsomethingwasgoingon,’hesaidquietly.‘ItrynottoworryaboutthingsI’mnottold,butthere’ssomethingatworkherebeyondyourfather’sactionsandtheking’spride.’

Asoundfromabovecausedthembothtolookupanddustfellfromthewooden

ceiling.Severalmenwerewalkingthroughaparallelpassageway.‘Fuck…they’vefoundthesecretpassages.’Hasimturnedtolookfurtheralongthetunnelandasked,‘Howfartotheexit?’

Bronwynlookedthesamewayandconsideredamomentbeforespeaking.‘Ithinkthepassageturnsrightupaheadandthendownintoacave.Thedoorwayisthroughthecave.’

Hasimsteppedback,sheathedhisknifeanddrewhisscimitar.‘Thenwemovequickly,yourladyship.’

Thetwoofthemranalongthedarktunnel.Hasimstayedaheadandheldhisscimitarloosely.Beforethetunnelturnedrightanothersoundalertedthem,thistimefromfurtheralongthepassageway.Hasimstoppedsuddenlyandbackedagainstthewall,placingarestrainingarm

acrossBronwynandpushingherbacktostandnexttohim.Heplacedafingeracrosshismouthastheflickeringlightofatorchappearedroundthecorner.

HasimnoddedtowardstheshortswordtuckedinBronwyn’sbelt.‘Howgoodareyouwiththat?’hewhispered.

Shetriedtosmilebutrisingfearovertooktheexpressionbeforeitreached

hermouth.‘Bromtaughtmehowtouseit,butI’veneverfoughtinadressbefore.’

Asthedistinctivesoundofarmouredmenapproached,Hasimsaid,‘Well,youmaysoongetachancetotestyourbrother’stutelage.’Hestoodclosetothewall,lettingtheverticalwoodensupportsactascover.ThetunnelwasdarkandbothBronwynandHasimworedarkclothing.Maybetheycouldstayhidden.

Astheglobeoftorchlightgrewlargerandthesoundlouder,Hasimdrewhiskrisbladeandheldthetwoweaponsacrosshischest.‘Letthemgetclose.Armouredmenfightpoorlyinconfinedspaces.’

Shebreathedheavilyandfeltsweatappearonherforehead.

‘Strikeforthefaceandneck,theywon’tbewearinghelmetsandyou’dneverget

thatbladethroughtheirarmour.Ifyouneedto,droptoyourkneesandgoforthethighsandgroin.’

Shewasbarelylisteningandhervisionwascloudy.

‘Bronwyn…’hesaidquietly.‘Youneedtofocus.Thesemenwillkillyou.’

Shewishedshewassomewhereelse,farfromthisnarrowpassagewayandtheKaresianwhostoodnexttoher.

Hasimslappedhersharplyacrosstheface.‘Yourladyship,Icannotkillthemallifyouaregoingtopieces.’

Shestaredathim,notwithindignity,butwithnewfoundsteel.Severaldeepbreathsandshenoddedatherrescuer.

Swordinhand,shewaited.Hasimdidnotlookalongthepassagewaybutfocusedontheoppositewallandsheheardhimwhispera

quietprayertoJaa,theFireGiant.

Wordscouldnowbeheardfromthoseapproaching;theaccentwasRoandthevoiceswereunmistakablythoseofknightsoftheRed.Bronwynheardfivedistinctvoicesandbitherlowerlipattheodds.

Thevoiceswererelaxedandshewascertaintheywereoneofmanypatrolssentintothesecrettunnels.Theywouldnotbeexpectinga

fightandshewasgladoftheelementofsurprise.Hasimfinishedhisprayerandkissedhiskrisblade,beforeleaningbackclosetothewall,hiseyeswatchfulandalert.

Thetorchlightroundedthecornerandanarmouredknightemerged,peeringintothedarkness,followedbyfourmoreknights.AllfiveworefullplatearmourandtheirtabardsshowedtheredaspectoftheOneGod.

Bronwyntriedtostayasfarbehindtheconcealingbeamaspossible.Hasimturnedtoherandsmiledinanefforttoeasethetension.Shefoundherselfwantingtoslaphimashehadslappedher,butallshedidwassmilethinlybackathim.

Theknightsapproached.‘Soldier,doyouseeanything?’askedoneattherear.

Themanholdingthetorchpeeredalongthedarkcorridor.‘No,mylord,thetunnellookslikeitgoesawayalongthewall.’

Theknightswerenowonlyablade’sdistancefromHasim.ThetorchbearerextendedhishandandthefirepassedclosetoHasim’sconcealedface.

‘Let’sseewhereitgoes,’saidtheknightattherear,and

allfivebegantomovenoisilyalongthetunnel.

ThetorchbearerhadsteppedpastHasimbeforeheturnedandshowedwide-eyedsurpriseatBronwyn,skulkinginthedarkness.‘Mylord—’hiswordswerecutoffasshethrustathisneck,skeweringhiswindpipe.

Bloodsplatteredacrossherfaceandtheknightfell.Shewithdrewherbladeandstumbledforwards,the

weightofthearmouredmanputtingheroffbalance.TheotherfourknightswereoffguardandpausedforasecondasBronwynfellawkwardly.

Hasimremainedhiddenforanothermomentandletasecondknightadvancebeforeheemerged.ThemanwasfocusedonBronwynandturnedtoolatetoparryHasim’skrisbladeasitplungedintohiseye.The

remainingthreeknightsbeganshouting,‘They’rehere…’Thesoundofarmouredmenclatteringagainstwoodenwallsechoedalongthepassage.

Hasim,keepingholdofhiskrisblade,shovedthedeadknightbackwards.Thebodyfellheavilyagainstthenextman,sendingbothtothefloor.Bloodsprayedoutfromtheman’seyeasHasimwithdrewhisknifeanddived

forward.Hejumpedoverthefallenmanandtackledthenextknighttotheground,aswordswipecatchinghiminthelegashedidso.

BronwynsawHasimwithhiskneetothethroatofoneknightasheraisedhisscimitartoparrythedownwardswingofanother.Theknightwhohadbeenpushedtothefloorbythebodyofhisfellowwasgettingtohisfeet,Hasim’s

backexposedbeforehim.ThemanadvancedwithoutseemingtonoticeBronwyn,nowstandinguprightinthenarrowtunnel.

Shedidn’thesitateandsteppedquicklybehindhim,aimingherbladeatthebackofhisneck.Hecrumpledtotheflooratherfeet.

‘Staythere,’Hasimshoutedwithoutturning.

Itwastakingallhisstrengthtokeeponeknight

subduedwhileparryingtheswingsoftheother.OnlytheclosequartersofthepassagewaypreventedthemangettingafullswingattheKaresianinfrontofhim.TheknightonthefloorhadlosthisswordandwastryingtoliftHasim’skneefromhisthroat.

ThelastknightpulledbackhisswordandaimedathrustatHasim’schest.Theblowwasstrongandshowed

skill,butHasimwasfastandunencumberedbysteelarmour.Heremovedhiskneefromthefallenknightandrolledoutoftheway,hittingthewoodenwall.Heslashedoutattheknight,hisscimitarcuttingdeeplyacrossthebackoftheman’sleg.

Cryingoutinpain,theknightswungagain,butthistimehewasoffbalanceandhisswordhitthewoodenbeamabove.Thebladebit

deeplyintothewoodandhecouldnotreactasHasimdartedpasthim.Frombehind,theKaresianwrappedanarmroundhisneckand,withnear-surgicalprecision,slidhisknifeundertheman’sarmourandupintohisside.

TheknightspewedupbloodasHasimwrenchedthebladeinsidehimandroughlyjerkeditfree.

ThemanHasimhadrestrainedwithhiskneewas

coughingandtryingtocatchhisbreath,ashefeltonthefloorforhissword.Ashisgauntletedfistfoundtheweapon,Bronwynadvancedandthemanlookedup.

‘Knight!’Hasimroaredattheman,whoturnedfromBronwyntostareattheKaresian.HasimheldupahandtotellBronwyntostaybackandtookasteptowardstheRedknight.

‘Timetodieforyourheresy,godlessKaresian.’

‘I’mnotahundredyearsoldandIseenoharemofbeautifulwomen,soit’sdefinitelynotmytimetodie,’Hasimshotbackinreply.

Theknightthrustforwardwithstrength.Hasimdeflectedtheblowwithhisscimitarandattackedwithhisknife.TheknightgrabbedhiswristandkickedHasim

solidlyinthechest,sendinghimbackdownthetunnel.

BronwyngaspedasHasimfelltothefloor,losinghisfootingashetrippedoveroneofthefallenknights.

Shedidn’treact;hershortswordfeltsmallinherhandnowthattheknightwasarmedandaware.Hasimtriedtorollbackwardsandregainhisfeet,buttheknightwasquicklyuponhim,levellinganothersolidkickatthe

Karesian’sside.Hegaspedforbreath,thewindknockedoutofhim,ashelosthisgriponhisscimitar.

Bronwynthoughtshesawpanicinhiseyesforasecond,beforehelungedforwardsandwrappedhimselfaroundtheknight’slegs.ThetwomenfellbackagainstthewallwithHasimentangledaroundtheknight’slowerbody.Thearmouredmangrowledinangerandswiped

downwards,causingavicious-lookingcutacrossHasim’sback.TheKaresiandidn’tmakemorethanaslightgruntingsoundatthewound,butwriggledhimselfroundtheknight,whogrowledwithfrustrationashestruggledtofreehisarmforanotherstrike.

Hasimfoundanexposedareaoflegandsavagelyburiedhisteethintheman’sflesh,causinghimtoraisehis

headandcryoutinpain.Bronwyndartedforward,anxiousthatHasimcouldnotbestthismannowthatsurprisewasnolongeronhisside.Hedidn’tseeheratfirst,butherthrustwasdeliveredwithashakinghandandcausedonlythesmallestdentinhisbreastplate.

‘Isaid,staythere…’Hasimgrowledashejammedhiskrisbladeupintotheknight’sgroin.Hiscrywas

louderthistimebutendedsharplyinagurgle,asthelifelefthiseyes.

Hasimshovedtheknightawayandfelltothefloor,bloodcoveringmuchofhisbody.Bronwynmovedtohissideandhelpedhimsituprightagainstthetunnelwall.Mostofthebloodwasnothis,butthewoundsinhisbackandlegweredeepandjagged.

Hasimbreatheddeeply.‘It’snoteasy,isit,killingmen?’Hesmiledand,wrappinganarmroundBronwyn’sshoulder,pulledhimselftohisfeet,wincinginpainashedidso.

‘We’realive,they’renot…simpleifnoteasy,’Bronwynreplied.

Hechuckledandwincedagain.‘Don’tmakemelaugh,yourladyship.Ithurts.’

Hesurveyedthefivedeadknightsandtookamomenttolisten.Nosoundscouldbeheard,buthisexpressionmadeBronwynthinktheyshouldbemovingquicklyawayfromthescene.

‘Youdidwell,mysweet…thatfirstknightshithimselfwhenhesawawomanstickinghimwithashortsword.’

‘Don’tcallmethat,’shesaid.

‘Apologies,mylady,bloodlosssoftensaman’sheadandcauseshimtospeakoutofturn.’Hasimwasstilltryingtosmileashespoke.‘Weneedtomove.’

Hewasstrongand,thoughhiswoundslookedbad,hemovedasquicklyashecoulddownthepassage.Bronwynhelped,lettinghimleanonherandcarryinghisweapons.

Asthetunnelturnedwheretheknightshad

emerged,theysawstairsleadingdownandanopendooronthelandingbelow.

‘Wheredoesthatlead?’Hasimasked.

‘I’mnotsure,maybethebaseofoneofthewallturrets,’Bronwynanswered.

‘Well,theonlywayisdown,’hesaidwithanothersmile.

BronwynledHasimdownthestairs,wheretheystoppedseveralfeetbeforethedoor.

Shehelpedhimrestagainstthewallandquietlycreptuptoinvestigate.

Thedooropenedoutontoabackstreetunderthefarwallofthecity,andbeyondshecouldseecobbledstreetsleadingtothekeep.SmokerosefromthetownsquareseveralstreetsawayasthefuneralpyresburnedandBronwynidentifiedseverallandmarkssherecognized.ThetowerofBrytagthe

WorldRaven,patrongodofCanarn,wasnearby,aswasthecrossed-swordsemblemoftheStreetofSteel.Noonewasinthelittlestreetandsheguessedtheymustbeclosetowherethesecretpassageenteredthecave.Takingaquicklookalongthestreetinbothdirectionssheretreatedintothetunnelandclosedthedoorbehindher.

Hasimwasleaningagainstthewallandhisbreathing

wasslow.Hewasholdingthewoundonhisbackwithonehandandwincinginpainashetriedtomove.‘Bronwyn,IdobelievethatknightoftheRedcutmegoodandproper.’Hetriedtostand.‘Idon’tthinkIcanmovethatfastwithoutlosingblood.’Hesmiledaweaksmile.‘Andthatdressofyoursisalreadybloodstainedenough.’

Bronwynleantdowntohelphimasbestshecould.

Hewasheavyandshecouldbarelystandasshetriedtotakehisweightonhershoulders.‘IfIcan’tcry,thenyoucan’twhinge…andthatisthat,mylordKaresian,’shesaidthroughgrittedteeth.

‘InthenameofJaa,Bronwyn,I’mcutandI’mbleedingandIwillslowyoudown,’Hasimsaidthroughthepain.

Shepulledhisarmoverhershoulderandtensedher

backagainstthewallasshebegantohefthisweightupwards.Hasimtriednottocryout,butthewoundonhisbackwasbleedingheavilyandhisstrengthwasebbingaway.

‘Look,yourladyship,Iamnotdeadyet,butIcan’thelpyoulikethis.There’sachanceyoucangetoutofhereifyoumovequickly,butwithmeonyourshoulder…’Hefellbackagainstthewall.

Bronwynnotfindingthestrengthtoholdhim,theybothsliddownintoaseatedposition.

‘Icanstayalive…trustme,Ican…butyouhaveotherthingstoworryabout,mylady.Tothenorthisablastedtree,splitdownthemiddlebyalightningstrike.Findthetreeandtakethetracktothewest.’

‘Shutup,Hasim.Ijustneedtoputyouonahorse

andyou’llbeabletorideaswellasme.’Thethoughtofhavingtoescapethecityonherownwasterrifying,aswasthethoughtofthismandying.Hehadsavedherlifeinthegreathallandagaininthesecrettunnel.Thealliesofherhouseweredead,imprisonedorscattered,andshecouldnotaffordtoloseanotherhere.

‘Listentome,woman,I’vehadbadwoundsbefore

andI’mnotdeadyet,butIwillbeifItrudgealongthistunnelanymore.Youneedtorun,Ineedtofindahealer;itseemsourpathsarenolongerentwined.’Hiswordswerecold,asifhe’dalreadydecidedwhatneededtobedone.

Bronwynlookedathimwithhardeyes,tryingtothinkofanobjectionthatwouldmakehimchangehismindandleavethecitywithher.

Shecouldthinkofnothing.Hasimwasaclevermanwithawell-definedsurvivalinstinctandsheknewthathewasright.Shehadseenfewsuchwoundsinherlife,butenoughtoknowthatthosetheKaresianborewouldbefatalwithoutproperattention.

‘Andthen…?’sheasked.‘Andthenwhat?Make

sense,woman.’Hiseyeswereclosedandhewassweatingprofusely.

‘Igowestattheblastedtree,andthen?’sheclarified.

Hecoughedashelaughed,asmalldropletofbloodappearingatthecornerofhismouth.‘AsIsaid,Bronwyn,you’veyourbrother’scoldness.ButcurrentlyI’mgladofit.Asthetrackturnswest,ridehardtowardsthemountains.TherivermarkstheborderoftheFreelandsandtheruinsofRoHailareafewleaguesbeyond.It’sa

two-weekrideandIcan’tguaranteewhatreceptionyou’llreceive,butWraithCompanyholdstheruins.FindCaptainHorrockGreenBladeandtellhimwhatyousawinthegreathall…especiallyabouttheKaresianenchantress,don’tmissthatbitout.’

Bronwynnoddedandbeganmentallypreparingforherescape.Alone,shecouldmovequickly,butwithout

Hasim’sscimitarandhishandtowielditshewouldbevulnerable.SheknewthewayoutofthetunnelsandhopedthattheRedknightshadnotyetfoundthecaveortheexitbytheouterharbour.Iftheywerestilllookinginthetunnelsofthekeep,shehadachanceofescape.Findingahorsewouldbeherbiggestchallenge,andshethoughtofthestablesbythedocksandwonderedifthey’dbeen

burnedduringtheassault.Ifshehadtogofurtherafield,therewasapossibilityoneoftheouterfarmswouldstillhavetheirhorses.Theywouldbepackanimals,notusedtobeingridden,butwouldhavetodo.

‘Youneedtomovequickly,Bronwyn.Theknightshavenoreasontowatchthenorthyet,butthelongeryou’remissing,themorelikelytheyaretothink

you’veleftthecity.Iftheypostcrossbowmenonthenorthernrampartsyou’llbeluckytotravelhalfanhourwithoutbeingshotorriddendown.’Hasimsplutteredashespokeandcoughedupmoreblood.‘Go,woman,getyournoblearseoutofthisdeathtrap,’hesnapped.

‘Ihopeyoustayalive,Karesian,’Bronwynsaid,placinghisscimitarandkrisbladeonthefloornextto

him.Shedidn’tlookback,andheardnoresponseasshemovedquicklyalongthetunnel.

***

Al-Hasim,PrinceoftheWastes,washurt.He’dbeenhurtbefore,butrarelyinasituationwheregettinghealedwouldbesuchanendeavour.He’dwatchedBronwyn

disappearintothedarknessand,nomatterwhathe’dledhertobelieve,hethoughtitunlikelythatshe’descapethecity.TheKaresianwitch,AmeiratheLadyofSpiders,wasprobablyusingherdarkmagictotracktheyoungwomanevennowandwouldfindherwithinthehour.

He’ddonehisbesttohelpher,nearlydyingasaresult,butheowedhertwinbrothermuchandconsideredhima

friend.Hasimwasn’tsureifhehadanysistershimself,buttrustedthatBromwouldhavedonethesameiftheirsituationswerereversed.Ashelaybleedingagainstthewoodenwall,itoccurredtohimthatdyinginasecretpassageinabackwatercityofTorFunweirwasadeeplyundignifiedwaytomeetJaa,thoughhesmiledatthethoughtofhavingbestedfiveRedknightswithonlya

coupleofcutstoshowforit.Theirfabledskillwasallverywellonthebattlefield,buttheylackedthecunningofthosewhohavelivedbytheirwitssincechildhood.

DesperationwasagreatmotivatorandHasimhadbeenadesperatemanformuchofhislife.Hisgreatestregret,ashesatinapoolofhisownblood,wasthathehadn’thadthepresenceofmindtosaysomethingwitty

totheRedknightbeforehe’dpuncturedhisgroin.Hasimpridedhimselfondoingthingswithacertainelegance,buthehadneededtoshelvethistraittemporarilyinordertostayalive.

‘Right,yousonofawhore,getyourarseupandlet’sseehowlongwecanstayalive,’hesaidtohimself,tensinghisarmsagainstthewallandedgingslowlyupintoastandingposition.

Thepainwastremendousandeveryslightmovementwasaccompaniedwithafloodofgrimaces,wincesandgruntsofexertion.Hasimhadlongagocometotermswithpainandhadtrainedhimselfnottocryout,buthewasstillbleedingandfeltweak.Lookingdownatwherehe’dbeensitting,hesawadisconcertingamountofblood.

Removinghisswordbelt,hebuckledittightlyroundhislegtostopthebleeding.Thepainwasmaskedbylight-headednessandhisdeep-rootedsurvivalinstinct.Hestumbledforseveralstepsandfellagainstthewallashestruggledtotakeanyweightonhisleg.Edgingalong,hecametorestnexttothedoorthatBronwynhadclosed.Heheldhiskrisbladeinhisteeth,butsilentlylamented

thefactthathisscimitarwouldhavetostaywhereitwas,asitwastoocumbersometocarryinhiscurrentstate.

Hesteadiedhimselfandgrippedtheedgeofthedoor,pullingitslowlyinwards.Thetunnelwasdarknowandthemoonlightoutsideprovidedonlyminimalillumination.Hecouldhearthecrackleoffireasheduckedunderthelowdoorframetopeerout

intothestreet,butcouldnotseetheflames.Hewouldbeluckynottorunintoanyofthecompaniesofknightscurrentlyinthecity.

AsBronwynhaddiscovered,thestreetwasempty.TheknightswerebusyandtheremainingpeopleofCanarn,thosewhohadnotfought,wouldbebarricadedintheirhomesorhuddledinBrotherLanry’schurch.

Hasimfoundhisbearingsquickly,identifyingtheStreetofSteel,thetoweroftheWorldRavenandatavernownedbyamanofthenameofFulton.Hehadtwoalliesinthecity,menwhowouldprobablystillbehidden,butlookingforthemnowwouldbenearlyimpossible.HeknewtheBrownchapelwouldhavebeenleftaloneandwouldbeasafeplacetohealhiswounds,butitlay

closetotheinnerkeepandwouldcertainlybeguarded.Asheinchedalongthewall,heleftasmearofbloodalongthestone.

Thestreetwasunlitandashereacheditsendhecrouchedintotheshadowsasbesthecouldandlookedoutatthecrossroads.Afencedoaktreesatinthemiddle,theonlysignofgreeneryinview.Restingnexttothetreewasanuntendedwoodencart

containinghalfadozendeadmenofCanarn.Hasimscannedalineoflowstonebuildings,dark-fronted,withalltheirwindowsanddoorslockedtightlyshut.Ifpeoplewerealivewithin,theyweresittinginthedark.

RoCanarnhadbeenalivelycoastalcity,fullofactivityandrarelyquiet.Hasimhadspentmanyhappynightshere,drinkingandlaughingwithMagnusbefore

DukeHectorhadmadehisfatalmistakeandtriedtobreakawayfromthekingofTorFunweir.HehadbeeninthecityinsecretwhenthewarninghornhadsoundedfromthesouthernbattlementsandtheRedbattlefleethadappeared.Andnow,fourdayslater,thecitywaslikeatomb,deathlyquietandsafeonlyfortheknightsoftheRedandtheirallies.

Hasimhadnotknownaboutthefleet,buthehadknownabouttheKaresianenchantress.She’denteredthecityquietlyafewweeksbeforethebattleandhadsentwordtoRoTirisoftheduke’splans.Hasimhadnotknownthiswhenheheardthewarninghorn,butonlywhenhe’dseenherandRillioninapassionateembraceafterthebattle.ShehadenchantedRillioninthesamewayher

sisterhadenchantedtheking,andnowitseemedtheyhadgotwhattheywanted–theattentionofAlgenonTeardrop.

Magnus’selderbrotherhadpaidHasimasubstantialamountofgoldtofindthewitch,buthisplanshadbeeninterruptedbythearrivaloftheRedbattlefleet.ExactlywhytheRanenwarlordandtheKaresianwitchhatedeachotherwasnotsoclear,but

HasimhadoverheardseveralconversationssincethebattlethatmadehimcertainthatRillionwaskeepingMagnusalivebecausetheenchantresswantedtosendamessagetoAlgenon.

Hasimhadbrieflyconsideredtryingtokillher,butthoughtbetterofit.TheSevenSistersweresupposedlyimpossibletostrikewithweapons.He’dseenmenfromhishomeland

trytocutthemwithswords,shootthemwithbows,eventhrowrocksatthem,andallattemptshadmissed.Jaagavehispowersparingly,buthadgiftedtheSisterstheabilitytoavoiddeath,eveniftheydidn’tknowitwascoming.Al-Hasimhadheardstoriesofmenhidingonrooftopsandbehindbuildings,remainingsilentastheystruck.Theblowsstillmissedand,

withoutexception,themenhaddiedshortlyafterwards.

TheonlytimeonehadsuccessfullybeenkilledwaswhenanoldfriendofHasim’s,aKirinscoundrelcalledRhamJasRami,hadshotoneintheforeheadwithhislongbow.TothisdayneitherHasimnorRhamJasknewhowhe’dmanagedit.

TherewasmuchHasimdidn’tknow,thoughhehadtoconfessthatknowledgewas

currentlyofsecondaryimportance.Whatevergameswereafoot,Hasimhadbeenthrustintothemunwillingly,andheallowedhimselfapainedlaughathispredicament.

Hereachedthecornerofthelineofbuildingsandtookseveraldeepbreaths.Theuntendedcartwashisbestoption,thoughtheRedknightitbelongedtowouldnotbefaraway.Hehadtocrossthe

streettoreachitandtherewasnothingtoleanon.

Hesteeledhimself,feelingnauseousandweak,andtriedhisbesttostandunaided.Hebaulkedatthepainandfellbackagainstthecornerofthelastbuilding.Hebrieflyconsideredhoppingacrosstheopengroundtokeeptheweightoffhisleg,butthoughtthatafoolishideaandtriedtostandagain.Thistimeheswayed,butdidnot

fall,andbegantohobbleforwards.

Hearingthesoundofclankingmetaltohisleft,Hasimstoppedandfellforwards,stayingaslowtothegroundashecould.TheKaresianwasinthemiddleofthestreetbuttherewerefewlightsinthecityandhethoughtaquickglancewouldnotrevealhispresence.

ThesoundcamefromaknightoftheRed,bearinga

flamingtorchandinspectingafallenwoodenbuildingonthefarsideofthefencedoaktree.Hasimcrawledforward,keepinghislegstraightandtryingnottoaggravatehiswoundsanyfurther.Theknighthadhisbacktohimasheplacedthetorchonthefloorandleantforwardintothewoodenrubble.

Hasimpulledhimselfforwards,armoverarm,usinghisremainingstrength

toreachthecart.Thesmellwasbadandheguessedthedeadmenhadbeenlyinguntendedforseveraldays.Mostweremissingbodyparts,andfromthesizeandseverityoftheirwoundsHasimguessedtheyhadbeencausedbycatapultstonesandsplinteredwoodratherthanlongswords.

Placinghiskrisbladeinsidehistunic,Hasimhauledhimselfupontotheflat

woodenbaseofthecart.Helayacrossthebackofaheadlesscorpse,lettinghisarmsgolimpasheplayedthepartofadeadman.HetriedtoslowhislabouredbreathingashewriggledintothepileofdeadmenofCanarn.

Withinmomentshewasfightingtoretainconsciousness,hisvisionblurringnowhehadceasedto

moveandhisheadswimmingfromlossofblood.

HewokesharplyasthearmouredknightoftheRedheftedthewoodencartintomotion.Hehadbeenunconsciousonlyafewseconds,butwasasneardeathashehadeverbeen.Hisonlyhopewasthattheknightwouldunwittinglytakehimsomewherehecouldgethelp.Thecartmovedslowly,rockingfromsidetosideas

thewheelsranroughlyoverunevencobblestones.Hasimallowedhisheadtomove,givinghimaviewofthecitypastthedistendedandbloodiedarmlyinginfrontofhim.

Hecouldseeplumesofsmokefromthetownsquare,closernow,andhecouldsensetheheatfromthefires.Therewasanareaofrubblearoundthesquarewherethewoodenshopsandstallshad

beentorndown.Theonlystructuresleftbetweenhimandthekeepweremadeofstone.

HecouldseesquadsofRedknightsandmercenariestendingthefiresandchainedcorralsofthefewpeoplethey’dtakenalive.Men,womenandchildren–fromthelookofthem,noneofthemhadbeencombatantsandallhadbeenstrippedtotheirundergarments.The

mercenariesjeeredatthem,brandishingthearms,legsandheadsofthedeadastrophies.

Acallof‘wasthisyourbrother?’fromoneofthemcausedawomantobreakintotears.

Theknightstendingthefireswereunconcernedatthisbehaviourandseveralofthemjoinedinastheprisonersweretormented.Afewofthemercenarieswere

eyeinguptheyoungerwomencaptives,arguingloudlyaboutwhowouldgettorapewhom.ThesewerethebastardswhofollowedSirHallamPevain,andHasimthoughtthemthelowestformofscum.

Severalknights,whomHasimtooktobecommanders,werestandingonthelowereddrawbridgethatleduptothekeep.Theyhaddisapprovinglookson

theirfacesastheysurveyedthescenebelow.ManyoftheRedknightsinthesquareweremenboundtothechurchfrombirth,ratherthantruefightingmen,andtheirbehaviourdidnotimpresstheirleaders.

Hasimsawamaninleatherarmour,caughtintheactofrapingayoungwoman,havehisthroatslitbyaknightlieutenantoftheRed.Another,whohadsmashed

outtheteethofanoldercaptive,hadhisfaceslammedagainstthecobblesandhishandcrushedbyanarmouredfoot.

‘Letnomantakehispaymentinbloodandflesh,’shoutedaseniorknightfromthedrawbridge.

Hasimhadseenmuchpainanddeathinhislife;he’dbeenamercenary,abrigandandevenathief,butthetreatmentshowntothepeople

ofCanarnappearedvileeventohim.Theseniorknightsweredisplayingalittlehonourbytryingtostopit,buttoHasim’sminditwasenoughtocondemnallofthem.

ThecartwaspulledacrosstheedgeofthesquareandHasimsawcrossbowmenmovingalongthebattlementsoftheinnerkeep.Theywerespreadingoutandemergingontothecitywallsandhe

worriedthattheywouldpatrolthenorthernbattlementsandseeBronwynasshemadefortheplains.Shewasagoodrider,butacrossbowboltflewfasterthanahorsecouldrunandthey’dsurelycaptureher.

Hasimbreathedheavilyandspatoutrancidblood.Hecouldn’thelpBronwyn,butthinkingabouthersafetyhadquickenedhisheartanddrivenawaythepainofhis

wounds.Forabriefmoment,hethoughtclearly.Thecartwasmovingpastthehugewallsoftheinnerkeepandhecouldseedowntothecellwindowsafewfeetabovethecobbles.Thewallswerehollowandwide,andthekeepheldthreelevelsofdungeonsbelowgroundlevel.Eachbarredwindowwasatthebottomofashallowtrough,downwhichfoodcouldbethrownfromthe

city.ItwasthewayprisonershadbeenfedbytheRanenlordswhoheldthekeeplongago.

Hasimblinked;thelightfromnearbyfiresandthestenchofdeathmadetheairshimmer,buthesawalineofcellwindowsthroughthehaze.Insometheoccupantswerestandingdefiantly,stillwearingtheremnantsoftheirarmour.Othersappearedtobeemptyortocontainthe

deadordying.Hasimhadachance;ifhecouldlocatethecellthatcontainedFatherMagnus,heknewthattheRanenwouldbeabletosummonthevoiceofRowanocotohealhiswounds.

Thecartwaspulledawayfromthemainsquare;theRedknightwasgoingtothesoutherncornerofthecitytocollectmoreofthedead.Hasimwriggledbackwards

andpositionedhimselfattheedgeofthecart.Noonewaspayinganyattentionandhetensedhisbodytorollontothecobbles.Heestimatedthathe’dhitthegroundontheoppositesidetothetownsquareand,ifhemovedquicklyandstayedlowtotheground,hehadachanceofstayinghidden.

Heheldhisbreathandrolledoffthecart,bitinghislipashefelltostophimself

screaminginpain.Thecartcontinuedtomove,theRedknightpullingitunawarethatoneofhisdeadbodieshadshownitselftobealive.Hasimbegantocrawlweaklytowardsthedungeons.Hecouldnotfeelhiswoundedleg,andmostofhisbodyhadgonenumb.Hewascoldandknewhe’dsoonbedead.

Atthebaseofthewall,hecrawledintotheshadowsandpulledhimselfintooneofthe

feedingtroughs.Herolledseveralfeetandcametorestnexttoasmallbarredwindow.Withinthecellwasamanoftheduke’sguard,batteredandstrippedofhisarmour.HasimrecognizedhimasHaake,asergeantofthekeep.

‘SergeantHaake…’hewhisperedthroughhispain.

Theduke’smanstartedwithsurpriseandturnedtolookatthebloodyfaceathis

cellwindow.‘Who’reyou?’heaskedsoftly.

‘I’mafriendofFatherMagnus,calledHasim…IboughtyouamugofRanenwheatbeerontheduke’sbirthday.’

‘Iremember…You’rewounded,sir,’Haakesaidwithconcern.

‘Indeed,Idoappeartobe.Sergeant,I’mleakingbloodallovertheplaceandneedto

findthepriest.IsMagnusonthislevel?’heasked.

HaakecametostandnexttothewindowandinspectedthewoundedKaresian.‘Aye,lad,he’sdowntheendofthecorridor.Theybroughthimbackmaybetenminutesago.Hewasunconsciousanddidn’tlookinagoodwayhimself.’

Hasimwincedinpainandnarrowlyavoidedlosing

consciousnessagain.‘Whichwaytohiscell?’heasked.

SergeantHaakeplacedahandonhischestandpointedtotheleftwithhisindexfinger.‘Becareful,Hasim,thegaolerisafuckingpig,’hewarned.

‘Songswillbesung,Haake,theywillbesungloudandtheywillbesungoften,’hesaidinthanks.

Theduke’smannodded.‘Brytaggowithyou,brother,’

hesaid,turningfromthewindow.

Hasimlookedalongthelineofwindowstotheleftandbegantomove.Hecouldonlyedgealongthebottomofthestonetroughsusingthewindowbarsasaladdertopullhimalong.ThereweresixorsevenwindowsandHasimfeltlight-headedashepassedthethirdonealong.Thecellcontainedamortallywoundedman,bleedinghis

lastonthedustystonefloor.Thenextwindowgaveontoanemptycell.Hasimfelthimselfbeginningtoloseconsciousnessandlungedforwardsasfaraspossible.Hedoubtedhe’dbeabletomoveagainandhopedMagnuswaswithinreach.

Hasim’sheadhadjustlandedinfrontofthelastcellwindowand,althoughhewasfading,hecouldstillmakeouttheenormouslumplying

inthemiddleofthesmallcellbelow.

FatherMagnuswasfacedownandclearlywounded.Acrossbowboltwasprotrudingfromhisrightleg.Hasimhadnotseenexactlywhathadhappenedinthegreathallearlierintheevening,buthehopedhisfriendwasokay.

‘Getup,youRanenfathead…I’mmorewoundedthanyou.’Hechokedthewordsout.

Magnusturnedwithaterrifyingscowlonhisfaceaccompanyingadeepredbruisewherehe’dbeenstruckacrossthetemple.Heblinkedafewtimesandmovedintoacrouchedposition.

‘Hasim?’heaskedinhisheavyRanenaccent.

‘Yup,thinkso…justabout…I’m…dead,’hisfriendreplied.

Magnuslookedoutofthecelldoorand,seeingnosign

ofthegaoler,stoodandmovedtothewindow.Hasimsmiledatthesightofhisoldfriend,butthatwasallhecoulddobeforeheslouchedagainstthebarsandlostconsciousness.

***

Magnustriedtoremainasquietashecouldwhilehereachedthroughthebarsto

investigateHasim’swounds.TheKaresianwascutbadlyacrosshisleftthighand,althoughhe’dstoppedmuchofthebleedingwithhisbelt,thewoundwasugly-looking.Thecutonhislowerbackwasofmoreconcernanditwasstillbleeding.MagnusknewHasimwasstrongandwouldn’tgivehislifeawayeasily,buttheRanenwasnonethelessimpressedthathisfriendwasstillalive.

TheRanenpriestclosedhiseyesandattemptedtocalmhismind.HehadnevercalledonthebattlerageandthevoiceofRowanocointhesameday,andheknewheneededtobeatpeaceforthehealingtowork.

Hasimwasanoldfriend,fromthedayswhenMagnushadjourneyedwithBromand,althoughhe’dnotknownthattheKaresianwasinthecity,hispresencemadesense.

Thelasthehadheard,HasimwasinFjorlan,samplingthelocalwheatbeerandtellingRanenwomenoutrageousliesabouthisheritage.

HasimhadgotonwellwithAlgenon,Magnus’selderbrotherandthainofFredericksand,andMagnusknewHasimwouldbetheidealpersonforhisbrothertosendsouth.MagnusdidnotconcernhimselfwithHasim’smission.Hewasasimple

man,notgiventoworryingaboutthingsbeyondhiscontrol,andcurrentlyheneededtofocusonsummoningthevoiceofhisgod.

Withahandplacedthroughthebars,heliftedtheremainsofHasim’stunicandtouchedthewoundonhisback.‘Rowanoco,theearthshakesatyourpassing,letitbehealedbyyourvoice.’

Hishandremainedonthewound,butthevoicedidnotcome.‘Rowanoco,hearmenow.Iamyourchild,yourservant,yourhandandyourwill.ThismanismyfriendandIwouldseehimlive.Talktohimnow,lethimreceiveyourvoiceandbeamanagain.’Thewordshespokecausedtearstoappearinhiseyesashelethimselffeelpain,anguishandregretattherecenttreatmentmeted

outtothosehehelddear.Rowanocowouldlendhimhispoweronlyifhispriestwastrulyinneed,andMagnusknewthismeantheneededtosoftenhisironwillandlethisemotionsflowthroughhim.

‘Rowanoco,fatherofall,blessedoftheLowKast,oftheplateausofUrsa,ofthefrozenwastes,visitusnowandhealthisman…please.’

ThelastwordstretchedontheRanenpriest’slipsandhefelthishandbecomewarm.Inthedeeprecessesofhismindheheardadistantrumbleasifanearthquakewereechoingthroughhishead.ThevoiceofRowanocotheEarthShaker,godoftheRanen,begantofillhim.

Moretearscameintohiseyesashisgodleantdownandspoketohim.Hefeltpeace,calmandtranquillityat

thesoundoftheGiant’swordsand,althoughhecouldnothopetounderstandwhatwasbeingsaidtohim,hesensedastrengthofpurposethathehadrarelyfelt.Hishandbegantoglowashebecameaconduitforthegod’spower.

Rowanoco,theIceGiant,reachedacrossuncountedlayersoftheworldandlenthispowertothepriest.Magnus’shandsmoothlyran

acrossHasim’sbackandthewoundbegantoclose.Slowlyatfirst,hefeltthebloodstopflowingandthefleshknititselfbacktogether.HeheardHasim’sheartbeatquickenapaceasthedeepcutbecamenomorethanascarandthebloodarounditdisappeared.

Withoutthinking,MagnusmovedhisglowinghandtorestonHasim’slegand,withmerelyatouch,thesecondwoundwashealed,leaving

onlyamarkthatlookedasifithadbeenthereforyears.

HasimcoughedasMagnusfellbackontothefloorofhiscell.TheRanenglancedaroundandwasgladtoseethathe’dbeenquietandhadnotalertedCastus,thegaoler.

Hebreathedheavily,shakinghisheadtoclearaslightresidualdizziness.Above,hesawHasimslowlyopenhiseyesandblink

rapidly,hisfacepressedagainstthebarredwindow.TheKaresiangroanedandmovedonlytentatively,slowlylettinghissensesreorderthemselves.Helookeddownatthebeltstilltiedtightlyroundhisleg.

WithasmileheturnedtolookthroughthebarsatMagnus.ThepriestsmiledbackandthetwooldfriendslookedateachotherforafewmomentsbeforeHasim

spoke.‘IthinkBronwynissafe,IgotherasfarasIcould,’hesaidweakly.‘IjusthopeBromisstillalivesomewhere.’

CHAPTER5

RHAMJASRAMIINTHECITYOF

ROWEIR

WeirwastheonlycityinthelandsofRowhereaKirinmancouldlivewithoutbeing

constantlyhoundedbyclerics.TheKirinwerethemongreloffspringofKaresianandRo,andtheyweregenerallydismissedascriminalsandslaversbyboththeirparentraces.RhamJaswasnoslaverandthoughtthat,onsomelevel,hewasagoodman;however,hehadtoconcedethathewascurrentlyworkingasanassassin.

WeirrestedontheKirinRidge,anarrowseachannelbetweenTorFunweirandthearidexpanseofKaresiatothesouth.Itwasahot,dirtyanddangerouscity,andKirincriminalsandKaresianmobsterscontrolledatleastathirdofit.RhamJasdespisedthemajorityofthem,buthewascleverenoughtotradeonthemisplacedsenseofbrotherhoodtheyshowedtowardshim.Heknewhewas

safeaslongastheKirinhatedtheRomorethantheyhatedeachother.

LikeallKirin,RhamJaswasdark-skinned,lighterthanthemenofKaresiabutswarthyincomparisontotheRo.Hewastall,butslender,andhadeyesthatwereneverstillandanear-permanentgrin.Hishairwaswavyandthin,hanginginlankcurlstohisshoulders.Hewasapproachinghisthirty-sixth

yearoflife,butfeltmucholderandenjoyedmomentsofimmaturitytoremindhimthatagewasnotagoodthing.

Currently,hewassittingintheshadowsontheroofofaparticularlynastyinncalledTheDirtyBeggar.He’dbeenuphereforaboutanhourandwasbeginningtothinkthathe’dbeengivenbadinformation.RhamJashadbeenpaidadecentamountofgoldtokilladrunkardnamed

Lyle.Apparently,Lylehadgotintodebttothewrongpeopleandwashavinghisaccountclosed.InWeir,thattendedtomeandeathorsomethingapproximatingpermanentincapacity.RhamJashadcertainlybeenhiredtocutofflegsinthepast.

HehadbeenmakingalivingfromthemobstersofRoWeirandotherundesirablesfornearlytenyears.Inthattime,he’d

discoveredthathehadaknackforassassination.Previouslyhe’dbeenahunterandafamilyman,livinginasmallvillageinaparticularlyisolatedspotalongtheKirinRidge.Nowhewasdiscoveringthatalongbowwasalsoanexcellentwaytokillpeople.

RhamJasalsocarriedakatanaathisside.Itwasagiftfromhiswifeand,thoughherarelyusedit,hethoughtit

wisetocarryaswordwhenonajob–anditheldcertainsentimentalvalue.

Hepulledhiscloaktightlyaroundhisshouldersandpeeredovertheedgeofthebuildingtothestreetbelow.TheDirtyBeggarwasfullandsoundsofdrunkenrevelryfilledthenightair.Outsidestoodagroupofleather-armouredthugs,alocalgangpaidtokeeporderinthestreet.Severalpatrons

ofthetavernwerebeingtoldtoleave,andseveralmorewerevomitingontheflagstones.ItwasgettinglateandRhamJashopedhe’dbeabletofinishthejobtonight.Havingtoreturntokillthemantomorrowwouldbeannoying.

Agentlebreezepassedoverheard,carryingwithitthescentofanearbyman.RhamJashadanexcellentsenseofsmellandguessed

thatsomeonewastryingtosneakuponhimfromacrosstheroof.Hespunroundquickly,levellinghisbowwithlightningspeedatthedarkfigureseveralmetresaway.

‘Youspeakoryoudie…it’sthatsimple.’

Thefigureheldhishandswideinagestureofsubmissionandsteppedcloser,pushingbackthehoodofhiscloakandrevealinga

youngface,nomorethantwenty-fouryearsold.Hehadcurlyblackhairandcarriedanornatelongsword.RhamJasrecognizedhimandslowlyloweredhisbow.

‘Andwhatdoyouwantmetosay,youKirinhorse-fucker?’Theyoungmansmiled,revealingyouthfulgoodlooksdespitehisfullbeard.

‘Perhapstellmewhatyou’redoinghere,youRo

bastard.’RhamJassatontheground,leaningagainstthesideoftheroof,andloosenedhisholdonthelongbow.Heregardedthemanclosely.Hehadnotseenhimforatleastayearandwasimpressedwithhowhecarriedhimself.Hehadalwaysbeendangerous,despitehisyears,andnowhehadanairofmenacethatRhamJasthoughtsuitedhim.

‘I’mgladyou’restillalive,Brom.Iheardwhathappened

atCanarn,’theKirinsaid.Theyoungmanlooked

down,showingsignsofanguish.‘MayIsit?’

RhamJasreachedforthebottleofwinehekeptforjobsthatinvolvedlotsofwaitingandmotionedtothegroundnexttohim.‘Please.Butkeepyourheaddown,I’monajob.’

LordBromvyofCanarn,sontoDukeHector,duckedintotheshadowsandsaton

thedirtytavernroofnexttohisoldfriend,leaningagainstastoneledgewhichconcealedthemfromthestreetbelow.

Theysatsilentlyforaminute,thebottleofwinepassedbetweenthem,untilRhamJasjudgeditwastimetospeak.‘Whatofyourfather?’heaskedgently.

Bromshookhishead.‘Idon’tknow.ThelastIheard,theknightsoftheRedhad

takenthekeepandarrestedhim.IwasinRoTiriswhenIgotthenews.LittleIcoulddobutrunhere.’Hetookadeepswigofwine.‘There’sapriceformycapture,thefuckingPurplehaveenlistedeverydisease-riddenmercenarythissideofKaresiatohuntmedown.’

‘You’reworthsomethingatlast.I’dbeflattered,Brom,’RhamJassaidwithagrin.

‘That’sbecauseyou’reaworthlessKirinmongrel,’hisfriendrepliedwithlittlehumour.

RhamJas’ssmiledbroadened.‘Trueenough,butI’mnotyetaBlackGuard.’Thetermwasusedforthosewhosefamilyhadbetrayedthecrown.Itwasabrandplacedonthecheektoidentifyamanasbelongingtoadishonourablehouse.Bromhadbeennamedtothe

BlackGuard,butnotyetcapturedandbranded.RhamJasassumedthattheyounglordwasunlikelytoturnhimselfin.

MovementfromthestreetbelowcaughttheKirin’seyeandheplacedafingeracrosshismouth.Withslow,deliberatemovements,RhamJasstoodandpositionedhimselfabovetheledge.Drawingbackonhislongbow,hescannedthe

street.Hesawafatman,dressedinabrightgreenrobe,accompaniedbytwopaidwomen.LyledidnotlookworriedandRhamJasguessedhewasnotawareofthegrievousinsulthe’dgiventothelocalmobster–norofthefactthathewasabouttodie.

‘What’sthismandoneexactly?’Bromwhispered.

Withouttakinghiseyesfromhistarget,RhamJas

said,‘Notsure,’beforereleasinganarrowfromhishunter’sbow.Ithitthemark,justaboveLyle’srightear;agoodshot,thoughttheKirin,asblooderuptedfromthewound.Lylewasclearlydeadandthetwowomenscreamedandlookedinhorroratthepiecesofskullandfleshthatnowcoveredtheirclothes.

‘Right,offwegothen,’RhamJassaidcheerfully.

HewinkedatBromanddartedbackacrosstheroof,grabbinghisbackpackandduckingtoremainintheshadows.Atthefarsideoftheroofwasawoodenstaircasewhichsnakeditswayroundthecornerofthebuilding.RhamJasdidn’tlookbacktoseeifhisfriendhadfollowedashedartedofftheroofanddeftlydescendedthestairs.Hecouldheardistantsoundsofcommotion

fromthestreetandknewheneededtoremovehimselfasquicklyaspossible.

HeheardBromrunningbehindhim,makingmorenoisethanRhamJasthoughtwaswise,astheyleaptoffthestaircasetolandonalowerbuildingopposite.

RhamJaslovedthefeelingofhavinggotawaywithacrime.Healsolovedthefeelingofshootinganarrowthroughtheheadofa

Ro.HerarelytookjobsthatrequiredhimtokillKaresiansorRanen,andhisinherenthatredoftheRohadearnedhimacertainreputationamongstthemobstersofRoWeir.Prejudicewasgreatlyprizedwhereassassinswereconcerned.

Thetwomenmovedquicklyacrossthesecondroofandcametoastopatawindowleadingtoanadjoiningtower.RhamJas

hadproppedthewindowopenearlier,andnowheswiftlyjumpedtograbtherobehe’dfastenedtoabeamwithin.

BromlookedimpressedastheKirinclimbednimblythroughtheopenwindow.Hedisappearedinsideforamomentbeforereappearingatthewindowledge.‘Doyouwantafuckinginvitation,yourlordship?’hesaidtoBrom.

Themanbelowsmiledandbeganclimbingtherope.OnceBromhadjoinedhiminside,RhamJaspulleduptheropeandclosedthewindow.

Theroomtheyhadenteredwasastorageroomofsorts,withseveralracksofclothingandseveralmoreofdriedfoodrations.BromlookedaroundwithcuriositywhileRhamJasremovedhisarmouranddressedinasetof

commoner’sclotheshehadpreparedbeforehand.

‘RhamJas,whereexactlyhaveyoubroughtus?’heasked.

‘It’sthelowerlevelofadrunktank,wherepeoplewithnowhereelsetogoendupwhenBrownclericsfindthembeingsickinbackalleys.Thisiswheretheykeepthecraptheygivehomelessfolk.Thefoodcostsmoney,butoccasionallya

drunkhasafewcoinsonhim.’

‘Andwhyarewehereexactly?’Bromasked.

RhamJassatonthefloorandremovedhisswordbelt,placinghiskatanaonarackbehindastackofclothes.‘Well,IthoughtbeingdrunkinthetankwasagoodalibiwhenthewatchmencomeandaskmeifIshotamaninthehead.Istashedmyarmourandbowhereearlierandthen

vomitedinanalleyoutside.TheBrownclericsusheredmein.’Hisconstantsmilebeamedbrighterthanusualashelookedathisfriend.‘Istayedupthereagoodhourorsoandthencamedownhere,gotmystuffandkilledthatman.’HereachedunderoneoftheracksandproducedabottleofstrongRanenwhisky.

‘Drink?’heaskedwithgoodhumour.

Bromshookhishead.‘Idon’tthinkI’llbejoiningyouinthetankandIdon’twanttoseeanywatchmen,whetherthey’relookingforyouorme.’

AquizzicallookcrossedRhamJas’sfaceashespoke.‘Yes,you’rethewantedone.WhatexactlyhappenedinCanarn?’

Bromlookedasthoughhedidn’twanttorevisitwhathadhappenedtohis

homeland,buthegatheredhimselfandfacedRhamJas.‘Magnuscamesouthagainandmyfatheraskedforsanctuary.TheoldfoolactuallytriedtojointheFreelandsofRanen.’Hetriedtosmile,buttheexpressionneverreachedhiseyes,andRhamJasthoughthewasclosetotears.

Helookedoutofthewindow,intotheloudnightofRoWeir,andcontinued,

‘SomeonebetrayedthemandabattlefleetofRedknightsattacked.RillionandthatbastardPevainmassacredanyonewhotriedtodefendthetownandtheknightstookthekeep.’

RhamJasknewhowmuchthefallofRoCanarnwouldaffecttheyounglordandhefeltamomentarypangofconcernforMagnus.ThedopeyRanenwasfartooproudtoleavethecityand

actuallystayalive.‘IbetMagnusdidsomefuckingdamagebeforetheytookhimdown.I’veseenthatmantakeadozenswordsandstickthemuptheirowners’arses.’

Bromlookedup.‘Idon’tknowwhathappenedtohim.Istilldon’treallyknowwhathappenedafterthebattleended.Ijustknowthattheytookmyfatheralive.’

‘Yoursister?’askedRhamJas.

‘She’dhavedrawnaswordandfoughtifFatherlether…’Heshookhishead.‘ButIdon’tknowwhetherthey’dkillherornot.’

‘KnightsoftheRedaren’tsqueamishaboutkillingwomen,’offeredRhamJas,withlittletact,causingBromtodirectahardlookathim.‘What?Ifyouexpectmetoholdyouandmakeeverythingbetter,you’retalkingtothewrongKirin.’

RhamJasfeltforhisfriend’sloss,buthehadconcernsofhisown.‘Look,Brom,IwishIcouldhelp,butI’vereallygottogoupstairsandpretendtobedrunk.’Hefinishedgettingdressedandstoodup.‘Now,howdoIlook?’

‘LikeafilthyKirinscumbag.’BromspokewithnohumourandRhamJasfeltguiltyforbeingsodismissiveofhisfriend’spain.

Hetookamomenttoconsiderhiswordsandspokeagain.‘Brom,Ioweyoualot…youknowIdo,butwe’realongwayfromRoCanarnandIdon’tseehowIcanhelp.IfMagnusandyourfatherarebothcapturedorkilled,thenyouandIshouldbegratefulweweren’tthereatthetime.’HeputacomfortinghandonBrom’sshoulder.‘You’readangerouslittlebastard,I

reckonyoucouldmakeadecentlivingwiththatoverlyshinyswordofyours.’

‘Goandpretendtobeadrunk,RhamJas.Maybeitwasamistaketolookforyou.’Bromstoodupandgraspedhisoldfriend’shand.‘Now,canIgetoutthroughthatdoororshouldIclimbbackoutofthewindow?’

RhamJaswasnotusedtofeelingguilt,buthewaspragmaticenoughtoknow

thatwhatevertheyounglordwasplanningwouldbeveryunwiseindeed.RhamJaswasaclevermanandwasnotgiventofoolishdisplaysofcourage.Hehadstayedaliveformostofhisthirtyorsoyearsthroughhiswits,skillandgoodhumour,andhedidn’twanttomakeafoolishmovenow.

‘Gothroughthedoorandtakethestairstothestreet.Thedoor’sinabackstreet

behindabrothel.Noonewillseeyou.’

Brommaintainedeyecontactforamoment,butturnedtoleavethestoreroomwithnomorewords.‘Brom,’RhamJasspokeashisfriendopenedthedoor.‘Whatdidyouwantfromme?’

TheyounglordofCanarnlookeddown,thenbackathisfriend,buthesaidnothingandlefttheroom,closingthe

woodendoorsoftlybehindhim.

RhamJaslethissmiledisappearandkickedapileofclothesoutoffrustration.Hepacedbackandforthinfrontofthewindowforseveralminutes,tryingtoconvincehimselfthathehaddonetherightthingandthatnothingBromcouldhavehadtosaywouldbeforhisbenefit.ButRhamJasowedhimhislife.

Theyounglordhadsavedhimfrombeinghangedthreeyearsago.RhamJasandaKaresianbastardcalledAl-HasimhadfoolishlybrokenintoaPurplechurchinthecityofRoTiris.Theyweredrunkandwerefollowingatip-offthatthechurchhadlittlesecurityandeasilyaccessiblecachesofgold.

HasimwasnothiefandRhamJaswasnotstupid,butthey’dpliedeachotherwith

justenoughdrinktomakethemthinkitwasanamazingidea.Thetwoofthem,moreoutofboredomthanneedforgold,hadclimbedupaneighbouringbuildingandjumpedthroughaglasswindowtoenterthechurch.

RhamJashadn’tthoughtabouttheincidentforawhileandfoundhismemoriesdifficulttoputinorder.HerememberedHasimlaughingwhilesittingonthealtarand

pretendingtodefecate,andherememberedtheshoutsofangerfromthePurpleclericswhoemergedfrombelowtheknave.

Therewasdefinitelyafightand,asRhamJaslookeddownatafaintscaronhischest,hethoughthowluckyhe’dbeennottodierightthere,inthesightofagodhedidn’tfollow.ThePurpleclericshadprobablybeensotakenabackbythesightof

twolaughingforeignerspissingonaneffigyoftheOneGodthattheydidn’tfightattheirbest.

RhamJastookaswigfromhisbottleofRanenwhiskyandsatonthefloor,temporarilyforgettingthathe’djustkilledamanandwouldbebeinghuntedbythecitywatch.Histhoughtswereelsewhere,asherememberedbeingdraggedfromthechurch,bloodcoveringhis

clothesandvomitbarelycontainedbehindhislips.

TheclericshadbeatenthetwooftheminsensibleandthememoryofexactlyhowRhamJashadendedupwithanooseroundhisneckwasratherfuzzy.HewassurethatHasimwasunconsciousandvaguelyrecalledalistofchargesbeingreadout.He’dbeentoldsincethattheclericshadn’twaitedforanykindofofficialjusticeandwere

simplygoingtohangthetwoforeignersfromawoodenbeaminthechurchstables.

WhathappenednexthadbeentoldtohimbyBromandMagnusonanumberofoccasionsandhestilldidn’tknowwhichversiontobelieve.WhatwascertainwasthattheyounglordhadtakenhisRanenfriendonavisittothecapitalinordertohelphimunderstandtheRo.They’dbeendrinkingtoo,

thoughnottotheextremesofRhamJasandHasim,andtheyhadfoundthemselvesinthestreetsofRoTiris,alertedtothesoundsofswearingandcommotionfromthePurplechurch.

Bromhadalwaysclaimedthathetriedtoreasonwiththeclerics,consideringithisdutyasanobletostopwhathesawasamiscarriageofjustice.WhereasMagnusrememberedthefightstarting

almostinstantly.Eitherway,MagnusandBromfoughtandbestedfourPurpleclericsandrescuedthedrunkenthievesfromapatheticdeath.

ThefirstclearmemoryRhamJashadwasofBromthrowingabucketoffreezingwateroverhimandMagnusbarkingoutsomethingaboutRowanoco.ThefourmenleftRoTiristhenextdayandhidinthetownofCozzforseveralweeksuntilBromwas

suretheencounterhadnotbeenseenbyanyoneandnoonewaslookingforthem.

RhamJashadingratiatedhimselfwithBromstraightaway,theyounglordappreciatingtheKirin’ssenseofhumour.MagnusandAl-Hasimsharedaloveofalcoholandwomenthatmadethemnear-instantfriendsandthefourmenspenttheirtimeinCozzlaughing,drinkingandmockingtheclerics.

AKaresian,aRanen,aRoandaKirinwereanoddmixinanyofthelandsofmen,buttheydevelopedaswiftandstrongbondovertheirsharedhatredofthelawsofTorFunweir.

Thefourmentravelledtogetherforoverayear,MagnuslearningaboutthecultureofTorFunweir,RhamJasgettingBromintotrouble,andAl-Hasimexploringthecountrythroughthemedium

ofwhoresandwine.TheyteasedBromforbeingaRoandantagonizedMagnusintomorethanonepointlesstavernfight,buttheyremainedfriends.

RhamJashadfewgenuinefriendsandcountedBromasoneofthebest.AKirinassassinandaRolordwereunlikelycompanions,butthevarioustimestheyhadmetsincetheirinitialencounterhadsimplyconfirmedthat

BromwasanhonourablemanandoneofthefewthatRhamJascouldtrust.

Anoisepulledhimfromhisthoughtsandcausedhimtostandupquickly.Hecouldhearthesoundofchainmailandmetal-shodfeetfromthestreet-leveldoorthreestoreysbelow.

Hesworetohimselfasherealizedthathe’dlingeredinthestoreroomtoolong.Quicklycheckingthatallof

hisgearwashidden,RhamJasopenedthedoorandstoleapeekdownthewoodenstaircase.Hesworeagainasheglimpsedasquadofwatchmenascendingthestairs.

Takingaquickswigofwhisky,helefttheroom.Silentlyclosingthedoor,hetookthestepsleadinguptothedrunktankthreeatatime.Hewasnowbarefootandmadelittlesoundashe

splashedwhiskyonhisclothessoastosmelllikeadrunkard.

TwofloorsupandRhamJasemergedintothetank.Withinwerefivelongwoodenbenches,eachseatingadozenorsodrunkenmen,securedinanuprightpositionbyalengthofthickropestretchedacrosstheirchests.RhamJaswasgladtoseeanarrayofblankfacesasallthe

menwereeitherasleeporinvariousstatesofinsensibility.

ThespotleftbytheKirintwohoursagowasstillemptyandRhamJashopedhisabsencehadnotbeennoticed.TheBrownclericswhomaintainedthetankwouldnotreturnuntildaybreaktocheckontheoccupants.

RhamJassplashedmorewhiskyonhisfaceanddownedasmuchashecouldwithoutvomiting.He

droppedthebottleinalargepiss-potandtiptoedacrosstheroomtohisseat.WithgreatdexterityhewriggledundertherestrainingropeandtookhisplaceamongstthefacelessdrunksofRoWeir.Leaningforwardagainsttherope,helookeddown,lettinghishairfalloverhisface.

Hedidn’tsparealookupasthedooropenedandfivewatchmeninchainmailenteredtheroom.They

spreadoutloudlyacrossthetank,shakingafewmenintovagueconsciousnessastheybegancheckingfaces.

RhamJaskeptcoolandshookhishead,playingthepartofadrunkwho’dbeenrousedfromhissleep.Hefeltahandgrabhishairandhisheadwaspulledback.Throughfeignedblearinesshelookedintothefaceofthewatchman,amanwearingabeltedchain-mailshirtand

thetabardofRoWeir,ablackcrowinflight.

‘Sergeant…overhere,’thewatchmansaid,stillholdingRhamJas’sheadback.

TwoofthewatchmenremainedbythedoorwhiletheothertwomovedovertostandinfrontofRhamJas.Severalofthedrunkswerenowawake.Afewmumbledswearwordsandrequestsforquiet,andwereanswered

withanarrayofkicksandslaps.

‘Well,well,ifitisn’tourKirinfriend,’thesergeantsaidwithasneer,ashelevelledhiscrossbowatRhamJas.

Inresponse,theKiringroanedandshookhishead,makingsomeshowoftryingtoraisehisarmsandrubhiseyes.TheroperestrictedmovementandRhamJaspretendedhehadjustwoken

upandwasn’tsurewhatwashappening.

‘Straightenyourselfup,youKirinpiss-stain.’ThesergeantslappedRhamJashardacrosstheface.‘Where’syourbow?’

RhamJasblinkedrapidlyseveraltimesandtastedthebloodonhislowerlip.‘Idon’tknowwhat…’TheKirinaccentuatedhisaccentandmadeashowof

appearingtheignorantforeigner.

Thesergeantturnedtooneofhismen.‘Gethimup,soldier.’

ThewatchmangrabbedRhamJasbythethroatandpulledhimupright,theroperestrictinghisstomachandmakingitdifficulttostand.ThesmellofwhiskywasstrongandthewatchmanheldRhamJasatarm’slength.

‘HestinksofcheapRanenshit,sir.’

Thesergeantleantinandimmediatelybaulkedatthesmell.‘RhamJas,yousmelllikeyou’vebeenswimminginthestuff.’

TheKirinsmiledandmadeashowofretching.Allthreewatchmensteppedback,leavingRhamJastofalltheatricallytothefloor.

‘Athousandapologies,mynoblelords…Iseemtobein

astateunsuitedforthecompanyofdignifiedmensuchasyourselves.’Hespatonthefloorandretchedagain,holdinghishanduptothewatchmenandaskingforamoment.

‘Kirin,lookatme,’thesergeantsaid.‘Amangotalongbowarrowintheheadlessthanhalfanhourago.’HeheldoutthebloodiedshaftofoneofRhamJas’sarrows.

‘Knowanythingaboutthat,boy?’

RhamJaslookedup,lettingahelplessandpatheticexpressionflowacrosshisface.‘Sorry,milord,IsoldmybowtobuythecheapshitI’vebeenswimmingin…whiskyisamuchbettermasterthandeath.’Hissmilewasbroad,butunfocused,andRhamJasretchedagain,thistimesummoningasmall

amountofvomitandaimingitatthesergeant’sfeet.

‘Getthefuckawayfromme,youfilthyKirin.’ThesergeantroughlypushedRhamJasbackandturnedtohismen.‘Thispieceofworkcanbarelystand,letalonestringabow.Hecouldmaybevomitamantodeath,buthe’snotourkiller.’

RhamJassalutedinamockinggestureandfellface-firstontothefloor,

droolingandmakinglowgroaningsounds.

Thewatchmenlaughedandmockedhimloudlyastheywalkedbacktothedoor.Theroomfilledwithswearingfromtheassembleddrunksforafewmoments,butsilencequicklyreturnedtothetankandthesoundofthemetal-cladwatchmendisappearedbelow.

RhamJasallowedhimselfasmile,butremainedonthe

ground,thinkingafewmomentsofrestwouldn’thurt.

***

SeveralhourslaterandRhamJasfoundhimselfsittingoutsideatavernonthefarsideoftown.He’dretrievedhisweaponsandarmourwhentheBrownclerichadcometowakeeveryoneup,

andtheKirinhadswiftlyremovedhimselfandhisbelongingstoaplaceofrelativesafety.

ThesunhadbeenupforlessthananhourandRhamJashadenjoyedwatchingthenightturntodayfromawoodenbenchoverlookingtheport.Thetavernwasnotyetopen,buthelikedtheviewofstonehouses,tallshipsandlifeslowlycreepingintothestreets.

RoWeirwasbuiltonahillwithallthecitystreetsslopingdowntowardsthelargeharbourandtheKirinRidgebeyond.

HishomelandwasovertheseaanddeepintheprimevalforeststhatlinedtheRidge.Therewasawaterfallandanarrowwoodedvalleythroughwhichranasparklingriver.Hisfarmwasoneofseveralatthesouthernendofthevalley.Itwasaland

calledOslanbythosethatlivedthere,LislanbytheKaresians,andsimplytheKirinwoodsbytheRo.

He’dnotbeenbackthereformanyyearsandhedoubtedtherewouldbemuchleftofhishome.Hiswifewasdead,aswereallhisfriendsandneighbours,killedbythePurpleclericswhohadassaultedhisvillagelookingforrisenmen.Hischildrenhadsurvived,butweretaken

afterthebattlebyKaresianslaversastheytriedtofindtheirfatherinthewoods.Purpleclericswereoftenfollowedbysuchmen,whothoughtaclericattackagoodopportunitytosecurenewslaves.

RhamJashadbeendeepintheforestsofOslanhuntingGorlanwhenhe’dseentheplumesofsmoke.He’dknownwhatitmeantashe’dpersonallyhelped

repulseseveralsuchattacksinthepast,buthearrivedonlyintimetoseethetracksofaslaverwagonandtheruinsofhishome.

Theclericsofnobilitydislikedpeoplefollowingdeadgods,andthestrangedarkwoodtreethatlayinthemiddleofthevalleyhadlongbeenafocusofworshipfortheKirinwholivedthere.Thenameofthegoditsymbolizedwasnotknown,

butthesimplepeopleofOslandidnotneedtheOne,RowanocoorJaatohelpthemsowcropsandprayforamildwinter.Therisenmenwhosharedthevalley,calledtheDokkalfarintheirownlanguage,hadlongbeenalliesoftheKirinandletthemworshipatthefootoftheirsacredtree.

ThefirsttimethePurplehadattacked,yearsbeforeRhamJaswasafather,the

Kirinhadendeduppinnedtothetreeitselfbyacrossbowbolt.He’dhungthereforseveralhours,astheotherfarmersheldthevillage,gettingweakerwitheachminute.However,theexperiencehadchangedRhamJas.Hisbloodhadmixedwiththesapofthestrangetreeandsomethinginthatunionhadgivenhimsharperreflexes,akeenermindandacertainknowledge

thatothergodshadonceexisted.Evennow,thirteenyearslater,hestillfeltthestrengththatthetreehadgivenhim.Hehealedquicklyandhad,morethanonce,survivedwoundsthatwouldkillanormalman.

Ashethoughtofhispast,RhamJasshookhisheadasiftoclearhismind.Hedislikedthethoughts,whichwereinevitablyoftheheatofburningwoodandthe

bloodiedbodyofhiswife.HernamewasAlice,andhemissedhermorethanhecouldadequatelyexpress.Hislifesinceherdeathhadbeenfull,buthehadneverlostthefeelingthat,withouther,noonetrulyunderstoodhim.

RhamJassmiledasthebreezehithisfaceandhepicturedAlice’sbeautifulfeatures.Thegriefhefeltforhischildrenwasdifferent,somehowmorehollow,

becausehehadneveravengedthem.He’dtrackedtheslaverstothecityofKessia,thecapitalofKaresia,buthehadlethisangerattheclericstakeoverandhadleft.Hischildrenhadbeenlosttotheslavemarketsand,whenRhamJasreturnedtopursuethem,heandAl-HasimhadrunintotroublethatmadereturningtoKaresiaalmostimpossible.

Al-HasimusedtotryandgetRhamJastotalkabouthisgrief,asifitwouldhelphimovercomeit.Whathisfrienddidn’tunderstandwasthatRhamJashadalreadyovercomehisgrief.He’dspentsixyearshuntingdowneverysinglePurpleclericwhohadcometohisvillageandhadkilledthemall.RhamJashadlostcountofhowmanychurchmenhaddiedatthetipofanarroworthe

pointofhiskatana,butitwasatleasttwenty.He’dhuntedonethroughthewildsoftheFellonfootforthreedays,killingthemanwithhisbarehandswhenhebackedhimintoawolfsnareandstrangledhim.AnotherwasasleepinataverninRoArnonwhenRhamJascoveredhismouthandslithisthroat.He’dpaidagroupofmercenariestoassaultasquadofwatchmeninorder

togettotheclerictheywereescortingandeventuallyhe’dfoundthecommandercoweringinanoldchurchbeyondtheplainsofLeith.TheleaderofthesquadthathadburnedRhamJas’svillageknewthatdeathwaslookingforhim;heworehispurplerobesonlytoweeklyprayersandhadlethisarmourrust.HehadevenpleadedwiththeKirin,sayingthathehadrenounced

violenceandaskedtheOneforforgivenessdaily.RhamJasrememberedwithexactdetailwhathe’dsaidtotheclericbeforehe’dcutoffhisarmsandlegsandwatchedhimbleedtodeath.

TheclerichadlookedhimintheeyeandsaidthattheOneGodwaswatchingandwouldforgivehimhisheathenworshipofadeadgod.RhamJashadrepliedsimply,‘Yourgodalready

hasatasteforblood,soheshouldenjoythis.’

Oncethelastclericwasdead,RhamJaswasnolongerthemanwhohadlostawifeandtwochildren.HebecametheKirinassassinRhamJasRamiandhadnofurtheruseforsofttalkofgrieforkindwordsofcomfort.He’dgivenupongoodnessandhadcometobelievethatnoamountof

gooddeedscouldmakeadifferencetotheworld.

Thehappiestherememberedbeingintheyearssincehiswifehaddiedwasthetimehe’dspenttravellingwithAl-HasimandlaterBromandMagnus.HemettheKaresianfirst,somemonthsafterhe’dkilledthecommander,andtheybondedquickly.BothmenhadahatredofthechurchofRoandbothhadreasonsfornot

beingabletoreturntotheirownlands.

They’dspentmanymonthsmovingthroughoutTorFunweir,sharingstories,alcoholandwomen.They’dbeenthieves,brigands,mercenariesandconmen,neverstayinginthesameplaceforlongandconstantlyseeingthespectreoftheclericsroundeachcorner.

RhamJashadneverbeenchargedwiththenumerous

murdershe’dcommittedand,aftersevenyears,hethoughthisfacilityforstealthandassassinationprecludedanychanceofthePurpleclericsarrestinghim.Heguessedthatthevariedwaysinwhichhe’dkilledhiswife’smurderers,andthetimehe’dwaitedinbetween,hadbeensufficienttoconfuseanyclericswhohadsoughttoinvestigatethekillings.

Nomenknewofwhathe’ddone;evenAl-Hasimknewonlythathe’dwanderedthroughthelandsofmenafterhisvillagehadbeenburned,butnotthetruepurposeofhiswandering.WhentheyreturnedtoKaresiatogethertolookforhischildren,RhamJashadliedaboutwhathe’dbeendoingtodelaythesearch.

‘Brom,areyougoingtohideinthatalleywayandspy

onmeallmorning?’RhamJashadalreadyseentheyounglordofCanarnseveraltimesashe’dwalkedawayfromthedrunktank.

Bromwasadangerousman,butstealthwasnotoneofhisgifts.NowhesteppedoutfromhisplaceofconcealmentandcametositonthebenchnexttoRhamJas,sharingtheimpressiveviewofRoWeir.

‘Yourbootshavesteelbucklesonthem,muchbetterqualitythanmostaroundherecanafford.Theymakeacleanersoundanddon’tgrateasmuchascheaperones,’RhamJassaidasheturnedtolookathisfriend.‘Youlooktired.Maybeyoushouldgetafewhours’restbeforeyoutrytopersuademeagain.Idon’twantyourmindtobeaddledbyfatigue.’

Bromdidn’tsmileorturntofacehisfriend.Heshieldedhiseyesfromthesunandcontinuedtogazedownovertheroofsofstonehousestothetallshipsatanchorintheharbour.TheKirinthoughthesawatearinhisfriend’seye,butitmayhavebeenatrickofthelight.Bromwasaguardedman,notgiventodisplaysofemotion,andRhamJasguessedthathewascomposinghimself.With

patienceandarareacknowledgementthathehadnothingimmediatelypressingtoattendto,RhamJaswaited,givingBromasmuchtimeasheneeded.

‘ThisisasfarsouthastheknightsoftheRedhaveeverbeen.Didyouknowthat,RhamJas?’Bromasked.

TheKirinknewlittleofthehistoryofTorFunweir,buthe’dcertainlyneverheardoftheknightscrossingthe

Ridge.‘Meninsteelarmourdon’tfightwellinthedesert,Isuppose,’hereplied.

‘Toocoldortoohotandtheygohome.It’sstrangethattheirsupposedhonourtakesabackseattotemperature.TheynevergotasfarnorthasFjorlaneither…toocold,’Bromsaid.

RhamJashadenduredmanynightsofMagnusgoingonandonabouthislandbeingunconquered.Themen

ofRanenthoughtitagreatthingthatthenorthoftheFreelandshadneverbeeninvadedbytheRo.

‘Idon’tlikethecoldeither,’RhamJassaid,‘butthenI’mnotaconqueringarmyofwarriors…IsupposeI’mprobablyapoorexample.’

Bromdidn’tsmile.‘EventheKirinwoodsandscablandsaretoohotforthem.I’mamazedthey’ve

heldontoRoWeirforthislong…though,Isuppose,theseabreezedoescooltheplacedown,’hesaid.

RhamJashadfirst-handexperienceofthePurpleclerics’variouslow-keyexpeditionsintoOslanonthefarsideoftheRidge,buttheyhadnevergonethereinforce.Bromwasprobablyright–bringingthewordoftheOnewasapparentlyconditionalon

thetemperaturebeingjustright.

‘Isthisasfarsouthasyouwereplanningtorun?’RhamJasasked.

Bromleantbackandletthebrightmorningsunshineplayacrosshisface.‘Iwasn’trunning.Iwaslookingforyou,’hereplied.

RhamJaswasuncomfortablewithresponsibilityandthoughthisfriendwasfartoodistraught

tobethinkingclearly.Hedecidedtotryandlightenthemood.‘Howaboutwegoandgetproperlydrunkandletafewwomentellushowamazingweare?’hesuggestedcheerfully.‘There’sawhorearoundheresomewherecalledJacinta…seriously,thewayshepurredmynamemadememelt.IreckonshecouldrollLordBromvyofCanarnaroundhermouthafewtimes,yes?’

Again,Bromgavenoreactiontohisfriend’sattemptathumour.Hebreathedindeeplyandshiftedhisweight,pullinghislongswordacrosshislap.‘Howmuchgolddidyoumakeforkillingthatmanlastnight?’heasked.

‘Enoughforustogetawomaneach,justlikeoldtimes…well,withoutMagnusentertaininghalfa

dozenoftheminthenextroom.’

Bromfinallydecidedtosmileandturnedtofacehisfriend.‘RhamJas,Iappreciateyourattemptsatmakinglightofabsolutelyeverything,butIdon’twantawomanandIdon’twanttobecheeredup.You’rewelcometogoandvisitJacintaifyouwish,butI’llbewaitingforyououtsidewhenyou’refinished.’

RhamJasstoodupsharply.‘Thenwhatthefuckdoyouwant,Brom?Youdidn’tcomeallthewayheretodrink,fuckandbemerry,andyoucertainlydidn’tcomeformycompany,’herattledoffangrily,missingafewsyllablesandlettinghisKirinaccentbecomebroad.

Forasecond,Bromlookedconfusedashetriedtomakesenseofhisfriend.‘RhamJas,sitdown,anger

doesn’tsuityou,’hesaidcalmly,‘andyounevercouldcurseconvincingly.’

RhamJasfeltamomentofchildishpetulanceatbeingtoldoff,butheslowlysatdownnonetheless.Hecrossedhisarmsandadoptedarathercomicaldisplayofannoyance.HehadneverbeengoodatshowingconcernorbeingseriousandhewishedthatBromhadsoughtoutsomeoneelse.His

friend’spainwasdifficultforRhamJastounderstand;hehadlongsincereconciledhisowngrief,anddidnotlikeseeingitinothers.

‘Brom…Idon’tknowwhattosaytoyou,’hesaidwithasmuchsincerityashecouldmuster.‘Yourfather,yoursister,yourpeople…Iwouldn’tknowwhattosaytothemeither…that’swhyI’mhereandnottakingpartingloriousbattlesandhopeless

defences.I’mjustalonemanwithabowandabadattitude.Ikillformoney…I’dkillyouifIwaspaidenough.’

Bromraisedaneyebrow.‘You’dtry,’hesaid,pattingthehiltofhissword.‘RhamJas,I’mnotleavinguntilyouagreetohelpme.Now,I’mpreparedtofollowyouaroundWeirforafewdaysifthat’swhatittakes,butI’dratheryoujustgaveinnow.’

RhamJasconsideredit.HisfriendhadnottoldhimwhathewantedandtheKirinreallydidn’twanttoknow.Bromwasbrave,cleverandimpulsive,amixtureoftraitsthatRhamJasknewwellandheartilydisliked.Heletthemomentstretchandthoughtaboutthefacesofhisfewlivingfriends.Magnusmightbedead,Al-HasimwasprobablyonhisbackinFredericksand,andBromwas

sittingnexttohim.Onecouldn’tbehelped,theotherdidn’tneedhelp,andthethirdwasaskingforhelp.MuchasRhamJaswouldhavelikedtobelievethathewasacold,heartlesskiller,itsimplywasn’tthetruth.

‘Tellmewhatyouwant,’hesaidquietly.

Bromnoddedandhiseyessoftenedslightlybeforehespoke.‘Ineedtoknowhow

youmanagedtokilloneoftheSevenSisters.’

RhamJasraisedhiseyebrows.‘Er…Iputanarrowinherforehead…thatwas…maybefouryearsago,notlongbeforeImetyou,’hereplied.

‘Iknowyoushotherinthehead,buthowdidyoumanagetodoit?AsfarasIknow,noonehaseversucceededinkillingonebeforeorafteryou.Anyone

whoswingsabladeorpullsbackonabowstringmisses.Jaagivesthemsomewayofavoidingdeath,’Bromsaidangrily.

RhamJaswasalittleconfusedbythis.He’dthoughtthatBromwouldwanthishelpinexactingrevenge,orsomethingsimilar.TohearthathewastryingtokillaKaresianenchantresswasalittleconcerning.

‘Look,I’vebeenaskedaboutthisbefore,youknowIhave.AllIcantellyouisthatIstood…maybe…tenfeetfromher.Shesmiledatmeforsomereason,perhapsthinkingIwouldbebewitchedandbeunabletoletthearrowgo…thenIjustshotherintheforeheadandshedied,’hesaid.‘Brom,whatdotheSevenSistershavetodowithyou?’

‘That’swhyIwasn’tinCanarnduringthebattle.IsawtheLadyofSpidersinthetownandwenttoTirislookingforyouorAl-Hasim.’Helookeddownathisfeetandshieldedhisfacefromtheheatofthesun.‘WhenIsawtheRedfleetlaunchIsawanotherKaresianwitchattheking’sleftshoulder,’hesaid.‘ThatmakestwooftheSevenSisterssomehowinvolvedintheattackonmyhomeland.’

RhamJasconsideredit.Notmuchsolidinformationwasknownabouttheenchantressesortheirdesigns,butRhamJasandHasimhadgotonthewrongsideofoneinKessia.Shehadbeenabeautifulwoman,despiteherfacialtattoos,andAl-Hasimhadmadeaninappropriatesuggestiontoher.Neitherofthemhadknownwhoshewas,andtheyweresurprisedwhenshe

spokesomewordsandmadebloodappearfromHasim’smouthandeyes.RhamJashadwarnedherand,whenshe’drefusedtoreleasehisfriend,he’dshother.Itwasonlyafterwardsthattheyhadlearnedofwhoshewasandtheenormityofherdeath.ItmeantlittletoRhamJas,exceptthathecouldneversafelyreturntoKaresia.Al-Hasim,however,hadneveracceptedthefactthathe

couldnotreturntohishomelandforfearofreprisalsfromtheSisters.TheKaresian’sfatherhadbeentaskedwithexecutingAl-Hasimand,inanuncharacteristicshowofpaternalaffection,hadlethimfleetoTorFunweirinstead.

‘WhichonedidyouseeinTiris?’heaskedBrom.

TheSevenSistersrecycledthesamefewnames,usingthemasanhonorific.Theone

RhamJashadkilledwascalledLilliantheLadyofDeathandhe’dheardofanothersincewiththesamename.

‘Ididn’tgetcloseenoughtointroducemyself,Ijustrecognizedthetattooonherfaceandthedumbgrinsheputontheking’sface,’hereplied.

‘Idon’tunderstandwhytheSevenSisterswouldgiveapeasant’spissforRo

Canarn.It’saverylongwayfromKessia,’RhamJassaid,shakinghishead.

‘True,buttheyarelessbotheredbythecoldthantheknightsoftheRed.Ididn’tknowwhyAmeirawasinCanarn.ItneveroccurredtomethatthecitywouldbedestroyedwhileIwasaway.Magnuswasthere,Ithought…Idon’tknowwhatIthought.’Herubbedhiseyesandpantedheavily,

showingtheexhaustionhe’dbeenhiding.‘Ishouldhavetoldsomeone…’

‘Brom,don’thaveanemotionalbreakdownnow.Youweredoingsowellatbeingallcoldanduncaring.IlikethecryingBromsomuchless,’RhamJassaidwithabroadgrin.‘Ifyou’dtoldsomeone,andthey’dapproachedher,she’dhavebewitchedthem.Ifyou’dapproachedheryourself,

she’dhavebewitchedyou.AsfarasIknow,they’veneverbeeninvolvedinthiskindofthingbefore.Youhadnowayofknowingwhatwasgoingtohappen.’Hethoughtforasecond.‘Ifanything,youweresensibletoremainfree.Thatwayyoucanmaybegethelp.’

Bromturnedtohisfriendandnodded,makingRhamJasrealizethathehadbackedhimselfintoacornerandwas

nowobligedtohelp.‘It’sme,isn’tit,I’mthehelpyousought?’heaskedwithresignation.

Bromcontinuedtonod.‘We’reanarmyoftwo,RhamJas.’

‘ThisissomuchhorseshitIcanbarelytalkbecauseofthesmell,’RhamJasreplied,‘butokay,anarmyoftwoweare.’Heheldouthishandandtheysharedafirmhandshake.

‘So,whatdowedonow,mylord?’

‘Mylandhasbeentaken,myhousehasfallenandmyfamilyareimprisoned…wedowhatmyfatherwanted,wegainfreedomforthepeopleofCanarn,’hesaidgrandly.

‘Andafterthat?’RhamJasaskedwithasmile.‘Canweatleastspendafewdaysinthebottomofabottleor

betweenawoman’slegsincelebration?’

‘GetmebackintoCanarnandhelpmekillthewitchandwecandowhateveryoulike,’heanswered.

‘We’llhavetogobackviaCozz,’RhamJassaid,deepinthought,‘there’sablacksmiththerewhodoesanicesidelineinfraudulenttraveldocuments.UnlessyouwanttouseGlenwood,butIdon’ttrustthatlittlesnake.’

Bromchuckled.‘HegotmeoutofTiris,’hesaid,reachingintohistunicandproducingtheforgedRedchurchsealhe’dusedtoleavethecapital.Oncloserinspection,theclaytabletwasofpoorqualityandGlenwoodhadleftouttwoofthesixchurchbannersthatofficialsealsusuallycontained.

‘ThatstreakofRoshitcouldn’tforgemyarseifIshoveditinhisfaceandgave

himareallycloselook,’RhamJassaid,shakinghisheadattheforgedseal.‘Youwerelucky,thegateguardsinTiriswereprobablydrunk.No,ifwe’replanningaseavoyage,I’drathergetclaythatdoesn’tturntomudwithintwentyminutes.’Asiftoemphasizethepoint,hepulledoffacornerofGlenwood’sforgeryandcrumbleditintoreddishmudbetweenhisfingers.

‘Okay,sowetaketheKirinruntoCozz,’Bromreplied.

‘And,justsoI’mclear,we’rekillinganyonethattriestostopus,right?’RhamJasknewhisfriendwasacoldbastardbutBromcouldalsobekind-heartedand,iftheywerebeinghuntedbyPurpleclerics,itwasunlikelytheywouldbeabletotalktheirwayoutoftrouble.ThechurchmenoftheOneGod

weredetermined,andRhamJasshookhisheadashethoughtofkillinganotherPurpleclericortwo.

‘Hopefully,theywon’tfindusandwewon’thavetodecidewhethertokillthemornot,’repliedBrom.

RhamJasnoddedandreconciledhimselftothefactthathewouldalwayshavehelpedhisfriend;hejustneededalittletimetorealize

hewasn’tacold,heartlessassassin.

Somethingoccurredtohimandheleantforwardandsaidconspiratorially,‘DoyouthinktheyknowwhoMagnus’sbrotheris?’

‘I’venoidea,’repliedBrom,‘but,fromwhatIrememberofAlgenon,he’snotsomeonetotriflewith.’

RhamJashadonlymetthehighthainofRanenoncebeforeandwascertainthat

AlgenonTeardropdidnotlikehim,buthewasafearsomemantobeonthewrongsideofandadevotedelderbrothertoMagnus.

PART2

CHAPTER6

ALGENONTEARDROP

RAGNARSSONINTHECITYOF

FREDERICKSAND

TheRanenassemblysatonthecoastoftheFjorlanSea.ItwasoneofonlytwostonebuildingsinFredericksand,theotherbeingachapeltoRowanoco,theIceGiant.Algenonstoodintheheavywoodendoorwayandwrappedhisbearskincloakaroundhim.Theicehadcomeearlythisyearandthewoodenhousesofhiscitywerecoveredwithalayerofsnow,brokenonlyby

chimneysandplumesofsmoke.ThecityrosefromthelowfjordsandspreadoutasitcreptuptherockycoastofFjorlan.

Algenonheldthetitleofthain.HewasthechieftainoftherealmofTeardrop,highthainofRanen,andbearerofhisfather’sname.Amanofoversevenfeettall,hehunchedoftenand,duetoanoldshoulderwound,founditdifficulttostandfully

upright.Hishairwasblack,ashadbeenhisfather’s,andwellgroomed,longandtiedbackinabraid.ThemenofRanenworebeardstoguardagainstthecoldandAlgenon’swasthickandplaitedandfleckedwithgrey.

Hisyoungerbrother,MagnusForkbeard,hadinheritedthegoldenhairofhismother,RagnarTeardrop’sthirdwifeandawomanonlyalittleolderthan

Algenon.Thebrotherslookedlittlealikeasidefromtheirheightandsize,butnonethelessthethainlovedhisyoungerbrotherdearly.

Theirpathsinlifehadbeenradicallydifferent,too,withMagnusacceptingthevoiceofRowanocofromayoungageandjoiningtheOrderoftheHammer.Algenonhadstayedathisfather’ssideandhadknownthathewouldrulewhenthe

timecame.Magnushadbeenaprecociouschild,fightingandarguingateveryturn.Algenonhadtriedtolookaftertheboy,butaftertheirfatherdiedhe’dbeenmoreconcernedwithhisdutiesasthainandhadlargelyignoredtheboy.Asaresult,Magnushadbecomestrongandindependent.HewaswidelytravelledforaRanenandhadspentlittletimeintheFreelandsafterhehadfirst

visitedCanarnsomeeightyearsago.

Incontrast,Algenonhadalwaysbeenaquietman,consideringhiswordscarefullyandnotbeinggiventotheviolenceforwhichhispeoplewereknown.Whenhefoughthedidsotokill,andhehadneverfelttheneedtobragorimpresswithdeedsorskill.Withanaxeinhishandhewasstillthemostdangerousmanin

Fredericksand,buttheolderhehadbecomethelesscombathadfilledhismindandthemorelikelyhewastotrytotalkhiswaypastobstacles.

‘Mylordthain.’ThewordscamefrombehindhimandAlgenonrecognizedthespeakerasWulfrick,oneofhisbattle-brothersandatrustedfriend.

Thethaindidnotturn,butkepthissteelygazeontheicy

seasofFjorlan,deepinthoughtandlettingimagesofhisbrother’ssternfaceplayonhismind.HehadnotseenMagnusfornearlyayear,buthadreceivedfrequentmessagesregardinghisfoolishendeavoursinthesouth,andAlgenonwishedthathe’dforbiddenhimfromleavingFredericksandallthoseyearsago.

‘Algenon,’Wulfrickspokeagain,moreinsistentthis

time.‘Whatdoyouwant?’he

askedwithoutturning.‘Theassemblyawaitsyou,

mythain.’Wulfrickbowedhisheadashespoke.

Algenontookonelastlonglookouttoseaandturned,marchingforcefullythroughthehugewoodendoorsoftheRanenassembly.Hischainshirtwascoveredwithmouldedleatherarmour,containingsteelplates,and

thesoundofmetalonmetalwasloudasheenteredthehall.

TheRanenassemblywasahigh-ceilingedbuildingofwhitestonethatroseinacircletoaskylightfiftyfeetabovethefloor.ThelordsofRanensatonstonebenchesrisingfromanopenfloorandonaraisedplatformwasthesinglechairreservedforthethainofFredericksand.

Theysatinfurandhideclothing,beardedandbattle-hardened;thethainsandbattlelordsofFjorlanwereanintimidatingpresenceformostmen.Algenonhadcalledthemherefortworeasons,oneofwhichwasunlikelytowinmuchsupport.AsheapproachedhischairhehopedthatthenewsofMagnus’simprisonmentwouldbeenoughtoconvincethelordstolaunchthedragon

fleet.Inunisonthetwohundred

Ranenlordsstoodandheldtheirfistshighinagestureofrespect.TheonlymanwhoremainedseatedwasThorfan,thelore-master,amaninhiseightiethyearoflifewhowasboundtoholdthebooksoftheEarthShaker,thefewtextsthatchronicledthewillofRowanoco.

WulfrickmovedpastAlgenontositatthefrontof

theraisedauditorium.Asaxe-masterhewastheonlymanpermittedtofacethelordsratherthanthethain.Hispositionrenderedhishonourunquestionable.

ThelordsremainedstandingasAlgenonreachedintohiscloakandremovedtwosmallthrowing-axes,onefromeachhip,andplacedthemonthefloorinfrontofhischair.Inresponse,eachoftheassembledlordsheldaloft

asingleaxeandplaceditonthewhitestoneflooroftheassembly.Thesoundwasclearanddroveallothernoisefromthehall,withonlythewhistlingcoldwindechoingaroundthebuilding.

Thisopeningritualcomplete,AlgenontookhisseatatthefrontoftheauditoriumandlookedupatthesemicircleofRanenlordsseatedbeforehim.Wulfrickunslunghishugetwo-handed

axeandbangedthehafttwiceonthestonefloor.HewasthebiggestmanintheassemblyandhisjobwastomaintaintheritualsandlawsofRowanoco.

‘Mylords,’Wulfrickbegan,‘ourthainhascalledforthisassembly.’HespokeclearlyinthearchaicRanenlanguagereservedonlyforofficialbusiness.‘Wewillhearhiswordsinreachofouraxesandinsightofourgod.’

Athirdbangofhisaxeaccompaniedhisclosingwords.‘Rowanoco,lookonyourpeoplewithprideandletusnotdisappointyou.’

Algenonrestedonelegacrossthearmofhiswoodenchairand,withcoldeyes,lookedoverthefacesbeforehim.Heletthesilencelingerandthecoldwindswirlaroundthehallbeforehespoke.

‘Brothers,fartothesouthliesthecityofRoCanarn.’Recognitiononmanyfacesshowedthatthesemenknewofthecity.‘Therulerofthatcity,anhonourablemanofRocalledHector,hasaskedmybrotherforsanctuary.’

Algenonpausedasthelordsgaspedandwhisperedcommentsofincredulityatthenews.AnotherstrikeonthefloorfromWulfrick’saxe

andsilencereturnedtothehall.

Algenonglancedaroundtheroom,hiseyesfallingonthefigureofLordAlephSummerWolf,anoldandrespectedthainfromtheancientcityofTiergarten.Alephwasnotgaspingorwhispering,butlookedwithinterestathislord.Algenonknewthemanwellandsmiledattheexpressiononhisface.Ifhecouldinterest

allpresentinthesameway,heknewhiswordswouldcarryenoughweighttopersuadetheassembly.

Alephmaintainedeyecontactwiththethainand,afterasecondofthought,returnedhisthinsmile.Thenhestoodandreachedforhishand-axe.Withhisheadheldhigh,hebangedthehaftofhisaxeonthewhitestoneinfrontofhim.Wulfricklookedupandnodded.

‘Mylords,youknowme…’Alephspokeloudlyandwithagravellyvoice.‘LordAlgenoniswise,butgiventotheatrewhenthemoodtakeshim.Iaskthathetelltheentirestoryandnotpausefordramaticeffectmorethantwicemore.’Hesmiledandathinlaughechoedaroundtheassembly.

AlgenonchuckledasWulfrickonceagaincalledforsilence.Theassembled

lordsofRanenturnedbacktothehighthainandawaitedhiswords.

‘Well,’Algenonsmiledandstraightenedinhischairashespoke,‘Alephmakeshispointwiththeeleganceofanaxetotheface,butheiswiserthanI.’Hestoodandbegantopaceinfrontoftheassembly,steppingoverhistwothrowing-axes.‘Magnusisayoungmanwiththeexuberanceofamountain

wolf,butheisnotstupid,norishegiventolendinghishammertodishonourablemen.’Algenonpausedforasecondtojudgethereactionofthosebeforehim.HesawaseaofnoddingheadsasallpresentsignifiedtheiracceptancethatMagnuswasamanofhonour.

‘Thatmakeswhathashappenedallthemoredisturbing.’Thiscausedthelordstolookintentlyatthe

thain.‘MagnusofferedtheblessingofRowanocotoDukeHectorandhecalledhimbrother.’Algenonreturnedtohischairandalmostgrowledthenextsentence.‘TheKnightsoftheOneGodthendescendedonthecityandmassacredthemenofCanarn.’

Thereactionwasinstantaneous.Theassembledlordsstoodandbegantoshoutcursesandchallengesat

thegodofthesouth-men.TheFreelandsofRanenhadoncebeenunderthecontroloftheOneGodandhisclerics.Alltheassembledlordsknewthestories–howthePurplehadtorndowntheshrinestoRowanoco,howtheBlackhaddesecratedtheirfuneralmounds,andhowtheRedhadenslavedanyable-bodiedRanenman.IthadbeentwohundredyearssincetheFreeCompanieshadformedand

boughtbacktheirlandswithbloodanddeath,butthemenofRanenstillfeltasmuchhatefortheclericsandknightsnowastheyhaddonethen.

Alephheldouthishands.‘Brothers,Icallforsilence,’hebellowed.‘Donotletangerdisplacewisdom.Thesehallsdonotcursewithoutreasonandweshouldfollowtheirexample.LordTeardrophasmoretotellus,Iamsure.

Weshouldtakeourseatsandlisten;maybewewillhearwhythistragedyhastakenplace.’Hespokewithwisdom,butAlgenonknewthathewasapotentialrivalintheassembly.

Hepickeduponeofhisaxesandlookedintentlyatthefloor.‘Mybrotherstandsinacell.Thismakesmeangry.ThismakesRowanocoangry.MagnusisoftheOrderoftheHammerandisworthy

ofmorethanastoneroomandalockeddoor.’

Thelordsagainshowedtheirdispleasure.AcagewasthemostinsultingthingtoaRanenandapriestinacagewasthegravestinsultimaginable.Deathwasathingtobecelebratedandsungabout,whereastobedefeatedandimprisonedwastobewithouthonourinthesightofRowanoco.ThemenofRoknewlittleoftrue

honourandhadunknowinglycommittedoneofthemostheinouscrimes.

‘Mylords,thereismore…’AlgenonhadthoughtagreatdealabouthowtoapproachtheissueoftheSevenSistersandhewasstillunsureastothebestwaytoexplainit.Al-Hasim,hisspyandhisbrother’sdearfriend,hadtoldhimlittleinhislastmessagesavethatthewitchhadenchantedatleastoneof

theseniorknights.‘TheRedknightshaveamongstthemaKaresianwitch,oneoftheSistersofJaa,andherhandtouchestheweakmindsofthemenofRo.Herdesignsareatworkhere,’hesaid,justloudenoughtobeheard.

Oneofthelordstohisleftstoodandbangedhisaxeonthestone,askingtobeheard.Wulfrickacknowledgedhimandallturnedtohearhiswords.

ThemanwasLordRulagUrsa,chieftainofJarvik.Hewasnotathain,butwasknownandfearedforhisprowessinbattle.Rulagcommandedafleetofdragonshipsandfifteenthousandwarriors.Hescannedtheroom,lookingatthefacesofhisfellowlords.

‘Iamasaggrievedatthetreatmentofthepriestasanymanhere,’hebegan,‘butImuchquestionLord

Teardrop’smotivation.Ifhisintentionistogotowaroveraninsultpaidtohimbyawitch—’afewlordsconsideredhiswordsandseveralnoddedinagreement—‘maybeheshouldgotherehimselfandcallthiswomanout.Doestheassemblyneedtomeetinordertopandertoourthain’sego?’Hisvoiceroseinvolumeashefinishedspeaking.

ShoutingeruptedfromthemenasseveralcametoAlgenon’sdefence,andthoseseatedaroundRulagstoodandshoutedchallengesacrossthehall.

AxeswerebrandishedandinsultsexchangedasAlgenonsatquietlyandwaited.HehadfearedthisreactionandknewthatnotallthelordsofRanencaredfortalkofsorcery.Manyweresimplewarriors,believingonlyin

whattheycouldsee,hearandkill.TheOrderoftheHammerpossessedcertaindivinegifts,buttherageandthevoiceofRowanocowerethingstheRanenhadgrownupwithandmostdidnotconsiderthemsorcery.

Wulfrickletthechallengesgo,becauseaxeswerebeingbrandishedandRowanocohaddecreedthatcastingone’saxetosettleanargumentwasanhonourablewayof

decidingmatters.Nonehadbeenthrownyet,butAlgenoncouldseethatthehallhadbecomesplitdownthemiddle,withhalfwantingRulagtoretracthisinsultandtheotherhalfcomingtohisdefence.

WulfricksparedaglanceoverhisshouldertolookatAlgenon.BothmenknewthattheonlywaytosilencethelordswouldbeforanaxetobecastorforAlgenonto

speak.Noaxeswerethrownandthethainwaitedforseveralmoments,assessingthestrengthoftheopposition.

Breathingindeeply,herosefromhischairandpickedupbothofhisthrowing-axes.Wulfrick,withaslightsmileathisthain,bangedhisaxeonthewhitestonefloorandallthelordsweresilent.MostremainedstandingandRulagthrustouthischintowards

Algenon,displayinghisreluctancetoretracttheinsult.

‘Mylords,’Algenonsaidloudly,‘thepointisafairone,thoughthemannerofitsdeliverycouldhavebeenbetterconsidered.’Thiscausedalowrumbleoflaughterfromcertainquarters.‘WhethermyLordUrsawantstoacceptthefactornotisirrelevant,thewitchesofJaahavetakena

handinthis…theyhavebrokenalawlaiddownbyRowanocohimself.’AlgenondeliberatelyinvokedthenameoftheIceGiant,knowingthatthelordswhosupportedhimwouldnowdosoevenmore,andthosewhosupportedRulagwouldbehavingdoubts.

Wulfrickbangedthehaftofhisaxeonthefloorthreetimesbeforehespoke.‘ThewordofRowanocohasbeen

spoken.Thelawwillbestated.’

Thorfan,thelore-master,whohadvirtuallyfallenasleepinhischair,joltedhimselfuprightandreachedforaheavyleather-boundbookonastandtohisleft.

Heclearedhisthroatandplacedthebookinhislap.Openingit,heproclaimed,‘ThewordofRowanoco,aspasseddowntousbyKalalloftheLegion,thefirstlore-

masterofFredericksand,willbeheard.’Heleafedthroughthepages,takinghistimeashelookedfortherelevantpassage.Hiseyeswerenarrowandhesquintedtoreadthearchaicscriptofthebook.Makinglowmutteringsoundstohimself,heclearedhisthroatagainbeforecontinuing,‘TheIceGiantdecreedthatthemenofRanen,thefreemenofthenorth,thoseoftheLowKast,

theclansofthePlateauofUrsa,themenoftheDeepCross,thepriestsandlordsofHammerfall…’hebreathedinsharplyandletacoughescapehislipsbeforecontinuing,‘shallneverallowaman,awomanoraninstrumentofanothergodtoimprisononeoftheirownor,throughdesignoraction,makewarorforcesubjugationontheirbrothers.’

Thispassagewaswellknowntomostofthemenpresent.Ithadbeenparaphrasedahundredtimesovertheyearsandusedasarallyingcryforallmannerofinadvisableendeavoursandatleastonetrulyjustcause.ThisdecreeofRowanocohadbeenthespurfortheformationoftheFreeCompaniesandhadultimatelyledtotheRobeing

thrownbackacrosstheseatoTorFunweir.

ThelawsoftheIceGiantwerechaoticandopentointerpretation,servingnoblethainandviolentwarlordalike.AlgenonknewthatitwasariskyploytousethedecreeofRowanocointhisway,buthealsoknewthatthealternativewastokillRulag.

AlephSummerWolfstoodandbrokethesilenceby

strikinghisaxeagainststone.RulagUrsaalsostillstood,asdidhalfadozenotherwarlordsfromaroundJarvik.AlgenonsawRulag’sson,Kalag,clenchinghisfistangrilyaroundhisthrowing-axe,seeminglywaitingforanopportunitytothrowit.ThelordsofJarvikwerefearedenoughtomakeseveraloftheneighbouringrealmsallythemselveswithhimforfearoflaterretribution,and

AlgenoncountedfifteenlordswhoweresupportingRulag.AlephlookedoverattheotherstandingmenandthenflashedAlgenonaknowinglook;he,too,hadassessedthestrengthofthehighthain’sopposition.

‘Weknowthislaw,brothers,’Alephbegan,‘andweknowhowithasbeenusedandmisusedinthepast.’HeshotanotherglanceatAlgenon,asiftosaysorryfor

whathewasabouttodo.‘LordAlgenonseemstothinkweareallassimpleasLordGanekofTiergarten,anoldlordlingofminewhousedthisdecreetokillaneighbouringlordforimprisoninghiswinterpigs,’hesaidwithasmile,asatleasthalftheassembledRanenbegantolaugh.‘Apparently,asthepigsprovidedfoodforhiswifeandtwofairdaughters,he

consideredthempartofthefamilyandthereforebrothers.’ThelaughterroseandAlgenonthoughtthatevenRulaglookedamusedatthestory.

‘Mylordthain,’AlephaddressedAlgenondirectly,‘Ihavegreataffectionforyourbrother.IwoulddoubtthatthereisamanherethatdoesnotfeelpersonallyinsultedbyhistreatmentatthehandsoftheOne.’He

addressedtheotherlords,‘ButifthethainwishestolaunchthedragonfleetagainstthecityofRoCanarnandtheknightsoftheOne—’allweresilentashespoke—‘thenImustvoicemyconsideredobjection.AsinglepriestoftheHammerdoesnotwarrantthedeathsofhundredsofmen.’Hesatdown,asshoutingeruptedfromtheotherRanen.

AlgenonsatbackdownastwohundredRanenlordsshoutedateachother.FollowingthewordsofAleph,theoppositiontoAlgenonhadbecomestrongerthanhissupport,andRulagUrsafelthehadrightandwisdomonhisside.

Wulfrickwassilent,buttheglancehedirectedathisthainshowedhisconcernthatAlgenoncouldnotout-thinkAleph.

ThethainofFredericksandconsideredhisnextmovecarefully.Hesawlittleoptionandstoodupwithpurpose,pickinguphisaxesandkeepinghiseyesonthefloor.

Wulfrickbangedhisaxeloudlyonthefloortwiceand,whensilenceonlyslowlyreturnedtothehall,shoutedinaboomingvoice,‘Thehighthainwishestospeak.’

Algenonwasgladoftheaxe-master’ssupport,evenif

itwasmoreceremonialthantangiblyuseful.Heheldbothhisthrowing-axeslooselyinhishandsashesteppedforwardsandcametostandbeforetheraisedseats.‘LordAlephonceagainshowshiscunning,hiswitandhisconsiderablewisdom.Isaluteyou,mylord,butImeantolaunchthedragonfleetandrescuemybrother.’

Theassembledlordswerenowdeathlysilent,knowing

thatAlgenonwasnotamantotriflewithwhenhehadmadeuphismind.Theybegantotaketheirseatsasthethainraisedhiseyesandlookedoverthefacesofthemenwhohadspokenagainsthim.Rulagmethisgazeforasecondbeforeturningawayandsittingdown,restinghisaxeonthefloor.KalagUrsaappearedsurprisedthathisfatherhadyielded,but

followedhisleadandsatdown.

Aleph,whohadalreadytakenhisseat,lookedsuspiciouslyatAlgenon,hiseyesnarrowingasheglancedathisownthrowing-axeonthestonebeforehim.

Algenonlookedattheoldlordandfeltamoment’sregretbeforehetookastepforwardsandlaunchedoneofhisaxesatAleph.TheaxespunthroughtheairasAleph

widenedhiseyesandfolloweditstrajectoryintohischest.ItwasagoodthrowandAlephwasallowedonlyamomenttogaspforbreathbeforeheslumpedforwards,dead.

Hisrobesweredarkbrown,coveredinbearskin,andthebloodthatflowedfreelyoverhisbodyleftlittleevidentstainbeforeitspilledontothewhitestone.Thelordsaroundhimmoved

alongintheirseats,buttheydidsoonlytoavoidhisbloodandeveryoneelsebowedtheirheadsinsilentrespect.

Algenonheldhisotheraxetightlyinhisfistandswungitslowlybackandforth,allowinganyonewhowantedtocasthisaxeinreturntodoso.Nonedid,and,afteraminute,Wulfrickstrucktheflooragain.

Thorfan,thelore-master,saidwithpractisedformality,

‘Anaxehasbeencastinfavourofthemotionandnonehavebeencastagainst.ThemotionisasLordTeardropsays.’

Algenondidnotletanydoubtshowonhisface,buthefeltfoolishforhavingresortedtokillingAleph.Intheeightyearshe’dbeenthainofFredericksandthiswasonlythethirdtimehehadcastanaxe,andhethoughtthelordsnowfeared

himmorethantheyhaddonebefore.He’dbeencarefultocultivateanimageofinscrutabilityandruthlessness,buthadrarelyhadtoresorttohisweapons.

Whattheothersdidn’tunderstand,andwhathecouldnevermakethemunderstand,wasthatAlgenonspokeforRowanoco,andtheIceGianthadaskedhimtosailforRoCanarnandstand

againsttheKaresianenchantress.

HewasnotoftheOrderoftheHammer,buthehad,sincehehadcometotheofficeofhighthain,amoredirectwayofcommunicatingwithhisgod.

Silently,heresumedhisseat.‘Iexpectallwarlords,battle-brothersandfleetcaptainstoattendmeinmyhallbeforemorning.’Heturnedtothemanseatedto

therightofAleph.‘LordBorrinIronBeard,’hesaidtotheaxe-masterofTiergarten,‘youwillspeakforyourlandinyourmaster’splace.’

BorrinwasyoungerthanAleph,barelyinhisthirtiethyear,buthiseyeswerethoseofaseasonedwarrior,andheglaredatAlgenon.‘Yourwordismylaw,’hesaidquietly,‘andtheaxeofTiergartenisyours,mylord.’

Nomorewordswerespoken.Algenonstoodandturnedbacktothehugewoodendoorsoftheassembly.ThesoundofWulfricksignallingtheendofthesessionwithhisaxeechoedaroundthehallasAlgenonstrodefromtheRanenassembly.

Outsidetheharshwindonceagainstruckhisface,andheallowedhimselfamomentofquietreflection

whilelookingouttosea,beforemakinghiswaybacktoFredericksandandthedutiesthatlaybeforehim.

***

ThehallofTeardropwasalongwoodenbuildingwithhigh-vaultedceilingscomingtoapoint,andadozenchimneystoletthesmokefromthefire-pitsescape.

Ancientweapons–axes,spears,falchionsandhammers–hungfromthewalls,andtheskullsoftrolls,Gorlanspidersandlesser-knownbeastsadornedthehall.NoneoftheweaponsorkillsbelongedtoAlgenon,buthekeptthemthereasatestamenttotheoldlordsofFjorlan,menwho,itwassaid,hadfoughtfromonesideoftheLowKasttotheotherto

clearalandforthemenofRowanoco.

TapestrieshungfromthehighceilingdepictingGiantsinbattleandtheKrakensoftheFjorlanSeadevouringships.Thehallwasusedformeetings,feastsandritualcombat,anditwaswhereAlgenonTeardropheldcourt.Hishomewasinasmalladjoiningbuildingand,ashesatonhisfather’schairatthefarendofthehall,hewished

thathehadleisuretogoandspendafewuncomplicatedhourswithhischildren.Unfortunately,hehadcasthisaxeandthewayforwardwasnowwrittenintherockofFjorlan.

WulfrickstoodathisrightsideandallowedtheRanenlordstoenteronebyonetopledgetheirsupporttothehighthain.EachmanwalkedwithasmallretinuefromtheopendoorstowhereAlgenon

sat.Thehallwasotherwiseempty,andthelordshadtopasssevenlongfeasttablesastheywalkedtowardshim.WulfrickhadoftencommentedthatAlgenon’sancestors,whohadbuiltthehall,hadawayofmakingtheirbattle-brothersuncomfortable,asthewalkwaslongandtheyremainedinthethain’ssighttheentireway.

RulagUrsaandthelordsofJarvikappearedtohavebeenreconciledtotheplan,andtheynowhungeredforcombat.BorrinIronBeard,Aleph’saxe-master,wascurtbutrespectfulandhadpledgedthreedragonshipsandfivehundredwarriors.

ThelordsoftheLowKastandHammerfellhadbeenlesskeentopledgetheirfullsupport,butthreatsandremindersoftheirdutyhad

gainedafurtherthirtyshipswithbattle-hardenedcrews.

‘Howmanyisthat?’Algenonaskedhisaxe-master.

‘That’sfifteenlordsandtheirbattle-brothers,mythain.’Hewaslookingoverapieceofparchmentthatsatonatableinfrontofhim.‘Wehaveahundredandtwelveshipsandnosmallamountofbloodlust.’

AlgenonshotadarkglanceatWulfrick.‘YouthinkI’mwrongtodothis?’

‘Yes,mylord,youarewrongtodothis,’hesaidwithnohumour,‘butyouknewthatwhenyoudidit.’Wulfrickhadknownthethainallofhislifeandfeltfreetospeakhismind.‘Idon’tknowwhatSamsontheLiartoldyouthatpushedyouintothis,butwe’regoingtowaragainsttheknightsofthe

One.YoucanrationalizeitasadecreeofRowanoco,orevensayyou’regoingtotryandkillanimmortalKaresianwitch,buttherealityisthatwe’regoingtowarwiththoseRedbastards.’

Algenonlookeddownatthefloor.‘SamsonisclosertoRowanocothananypriestoftheHammerandhiscounsel…oncertainmatters…iswithoutequal.’

Hemayhavepushedthelordsintowar,buthehadnotdonesoonawhim.Hewasfollowingthewillofhisgodandhehadneverfelthecouldquestionsuchacommand.HewishedhecouldtellWulfrickabouthisduty,buthewasforbiddenfromdoingso.

TheonlyRanenwhoknewofthelegacyofthethainsofFredericksandwastheold-bloodedSamson.HehadthebloodofGiantsand,through

thousandsofgenerations,couldclaimafamilialbondwiththeancientIceGiantsthatoncewalkedtheland.Hewaslargelyinsaneandwasseenasadishonourableoldliarbymost,buthehadcometoAlgenononthedayofRagnarTeardrop’sdeathandtoldhimofhishereditaryduty–thatthehighthainofRanenistheexemplarofRowanocoandispledgedto

theLongWar,theendlessbattlebetweentheGiants.

‘Telltheotherlordstoreturntomorrow.’Algenonrubbedhiseyes.‘I’mtiredandnightiswellintothesky.’Hegotupslowly.‘You’remyfriend,butIneedtrustnowandnotfriendship,’hesaidtohisaxe-master.

‘Youwillalwayshaveboth,mylord,’Wulfricksaidplainly,‘butafriendtellsafriendwhenhe’sbeing

foolish,andsoIthinkwe’llstayfriendsforawhile.’HeofferedhishandtoAlgenonwhotookitwarmly.

Thebattle-brothersstoodfacetofaceforamomentbeforeWulfrickspokewithasmile.‘IassumeyouhadconsideredtalkingtoAleph’sdaughter?’

‘Ihadconsideredit,yes.That,too,canbedealtwithtomorrow,’Algenonsaidwithnosmile.

Wulfricktookthelongwalktotheentranceandleftthehall,leavingAlgenonstandingbyhischair,deepinthought.HehadmuchtodobeforehecouldsailforthelandsofRoandmostofitneededtobedoneinprivate.

SpeakingtoHallaSummerWolf,Aleph’sdaughter,wasnecessary,butnotlikelytoendinbloodshed.Theaxe-maidenwasahardwomanandknewthewayofthings,

havingfoughtinmanyconflictsbetweenrivallords.Algenonhopedshewouldaccompanythefleetanddoherfatherhonour.

Hetriedtorubthefatiguefromhiseyes,butwithhismindabletofixonnothingbutthenight,AlgenonTeardropRagnarsson,highthainofRanenandexemplarofRowanoco,decidedtogotobed.

Hewalkedfromthecentreofthelonghalltothetallwoodendoorbehindhischair.Thedoorwasclosed,butnotlocked,andAlgenonpausedasecondtolistenagainstthewoodbeforeknockingquietly.Hesteppedbackasthecircularhandlewasturnedandthedoorswungslowlyoutwards.Towardsthebottomofthedoorthefaceofachildpeeredout.

‘Ihopeyourbrotherknowsthatyou’restillawakeandthatyou’vebeenlisteningatdoors?’heaskedhisdaughter.

IngridTeardropwasnineyearsoldandwasbecomingmoremischievouswitheachpassingwinter.Shehadherfather’sblackhairandhermother’sdeepblueeyes,butthegrinwasallherown.

Shelookedatherfatherwithwide-eyedfearfora

second.‘Erm,Alahan’sasleepandIthoughtIshouldlistentowhatwasgoingon.Tofindoutaboutthings,’shesaid.

‘Things?’queriedAlgenon.

‘ForwhenI’mthainess,’shesaidproudly.

‘I’vetoldyoubefore,Ingrid,thereisnosuchpositionasthainess.Thepositionisthainand,asI’vetoldyouathousandtimes,a

womancannotbecomeone,’heansweredwithasmile.

‘Butthat’sstupid.I’mclevererthanAlahanandI’mfasterand,whenI’molder,IbetI’llbebetterwithanaxe.’ShehadanexpressionofmockhurtonherfaceandAlgenonpulledthedoorfurtheropenandputhisarmroundher.

Shewaswearingclotheshandeddownfromhertwenty-four-year-oldbrother

andwastryingtolookmorelikeaman.Shewasbarefoot,clearlyinanattempttoremainsilent,andherkneesborescrapemarksfromwhereshe’dbeenclamberingaroundthegreathall.Shewasveryquickandagileforherage,andAlgenonhadgivenuptryingtochaseherwhenshemisbehaved.

‘Littlewolf,’hesaidaffectionately,‘you’llgrow

strongandtallandgivebirthtomightyRanenchildren.’

Sheshothimadisgustedexpression.‘Iwillnot.I’llbethefirstthainessofFredericksand.’

‘Ingrid,’hesaidseriously,‘doyouthinkcombatanddeathholdsmorehonourthanbringinglivesintothisworldandtreatingthemwithlove?’

Ingridlookedasifshewereabouttobreakintoagrinatherfather’s

seriousness,butinsteadwriggledunderhisarmanddartedbackintothehouse.

‘Ifyougetoutofbedagain,youwillhavenostorybeforebedtomorrow,’hechidedgently.

Shelookedslightlyhurtatherfather’sdispleasureandsaidinatimidwhisper,‘ButyouweretellingmeabouttheKrakens.’

‘AndifyouwanttohearanymoreabouttheKrakens,

littlewolf,you’lldoasIsay.’Algenon’shomewasa

simpleplace,afarcryfromhiscavernousfeasthall.Ithadthreeroomsaroundacentralareausedforallthingsfromcookingtobathing.ThetwosmallestroomssleptIngridandAlahan,andwerelargeenoughforhisdaughtertokeepuntidyandhissontouseonlyrarely.Theroomhehadsharedwithhiswifewasnowjustabarechamberwith

abedinit.He’dremovedallofthedecorationswhenshediedandhadneverspentmorethananightintheresince.

Ingriddisappearedintoherroomandthenslowlypokedherheadbackroundthedoor.‘Father,thatmonstermancametoseeyouagain,’shesaid,referringtoSamsontheLiar.‘HegibberedabitatAlahanandthenleft.Ithinkhewasannoyedyouweren’t

here.ImissHasim,ishecomingbacksoon?’

‘Gotobed,littlewolf.’Al-Hasimhadbeenan

infrequentguestoverthelastfewyearsandhadgrowntobecomeanuncleofsortstoIngrid.HetoldheroutrageousliesabouthisadventuresandwaspunchedbyAlahanonanumberofoccasions.

Shegrinnedandclosedthedoor,thoughAlgenondoubtedshe’dgotosleep.He

brieflyconsideredwakinghissontodiscusshisresponsibilitieswhilehisfatherwasaway,butthoughtbetterofitasheyawnedagain.

ThesmallfireplaceinthecentralroomburnedalldayandnighttokeepoutthecoldandAlgenonwarmedhimselfforamomentbeforeclumsilyremovinghisarmour.Theouterleatherwasheavyandthemetalplateswithinmade

itawkwardasheplaceditoverachair.Oncehischainmailwasunbeltedatthewaist,itcouldsimplybeshruggedoffandlefttofalltotheground,makingaloudclankasithitthebearskinrugunderhisfeet.Now,wearingasimpleblackshirt,Algenonlookedintoasmallmirrorforamoment.Thescarredandbeardedfacehesawlookingbackathimseemednothingbutatiredoldmanand

eventuallyhetrudgedacrosstheroomtohisbed.

***

ItwasacoldandclearmorningasHallaSummerWolf,axe-maidenofRowanocoandbearerofherfather’sname,cametothegreathallofFredericksandtomeetwithLordAlgenon.

Shestoodatthehugeoakdoorswithherbearskincloakwrappedtightaroundherandherredhairflowingdowntothesmallofherback.Hallawasawomanofsixfeetinheightandthirtyyearsofage.Herchainmailandbattleaxewereconstantadornmentsandshetookherroleasaxe-maidenveryseriously.She’dlostherlefteyetoathrownaxesomeyearsagoandworeablackeyepatchacrossthe

emptysocket.Shewasstilloccasionallycalledone-eyetheaxe-woman,buthadperfectedherglaresufficientlytorendertheinsultinfrequent.

HerfatherhadproducednosonsandHallafelttheweightofhernamemoreacutelyasaresult.Shewasquicktofightandcultivatedareputationforbeingbad-temperedandviolent.

ThegreathallsatonahilloverlookingthetownandwassetbackfromthelowwoodenbuildingsthatstretcheddowntotheFjorlanSea.Hallahadreceivedthenewsofherfather’sdeathlatethepreviousnight,whenBorrinhadcometospeaktoher.She’dcometoFredericksandwithherfatherfromtheirhomeinTiergartenthreedaysbeforeinanswertothehighthain’ssummons.They’d

travelledupthecoastwithasmallcontingentofbattle-brothers,unawareofwhatawaitedthem.AlephSummerWolfhadtoldhisdaughtertoremainawayfromtheassembly,knowingthatmanyofthelordswouldbeangryatthepresenceofawoman.TheTiergartenassembly,thoughhalfasbigastheFredericksandhall,satseveralwomen–Halla’saxe-maidensandsomeofthe

bravestfightersinFjorlan.However,shewasstillseenasacuriositybymost,ratherthanatruewarrior.

She’dmetAlgenonTeardropbeforeandfoundhisinscrutablefacedisconcerting.Itwasasifhealwaysknewwhatsomeonewasthinking,andherfatherhadoftensaidhewasthemostdangerousmaninFjorlan.

ThedoortothehallopenedandWulfrick,theaxe-masterofFredericksand,tookastepoutintothecoldmorningair.HeraisedhiseyebrowsatseeingHallasoearlyinthemorning.Hemovedslowlyfromthedoorwaytostandbeforeher,pushingthedoorclosedbehindhim.

‘Coldthismorning,isn’tit?’Hepulledhisownheavycloakaroundhisshoulders.

‘Theicecameearlythisyear.Ithinkwe’reinforabadwinter.’Hedidn’tlookatHallabutkepthisgazedirectedovertheroofsofthetowntotheFjorlanSeabeyond.

Wulfrickwassometimesjokinglycalledthehalf-giant,duetohissize.Hewasn’texceedinglytallforaRanen,buthisshoulderswereenormousandhisarmswerethesizeoftreetrunks.He

wasn’tatrueold-blood,buthewasthemostimposingmanHallahadeverseen.Hisunkemptbrownhairwasnevertiedbackandheworetroll-hidearmourthatgaveoutaconstantbackgroundodour.

‘IneedtospeaktoLordAlgenon,’shesaid.

Hesmiledbeforehespoke.‘AndIthoughtwewerehavingapleasantchatabouttheweather,’hereplied

withoutlookingatHalla.‘IassumethatBorrinhasspokentoyou?’

Hallanoddedandlookeddown,refusingtoletgriefshowonherface.‘Iwantedtospeaktothethain…’

‘Forwhatreason?’Wulfrickinterrupted.‘Youknowwhathappened,soyou’llonlytortureyourselfbypryingintothedetails.’Heturnedtofaceher.‘You’vesatintheassemblybeforeand

you’veseenmendietosecurelesserobjectivesthanthis.’Hewasspeakingabruptly,butHalladetectedconcerninhiseyes.‘Hewasplanningtospeaktoyoutoday,butit’snotappropriateforyoutobehere.’

‘I’mnotgoingtoaskhimwhyhekilledmyfather.Iknowwhyhekilledmyfather.Iwasgoingto…Idon’tknow…lookintohiseyesorsomething.’Hallahad

notthoughtaboutwhatshe’dsaywhenshefacedherfather’skiller.Allsheknewwasthatsleephadleftherasthesunhadrisenandshehadfeltcompelledtoaddressthehighthain.

‘MyfatherhadnosonsandTiergartenneedsathain.Maybeyoucantellmewhatthatmeans?’sheaskedcurtly.

Wulfricklookeddownather.‘ItmeansthatthelordsoftherealmofSummerWolf

willfightuntiloneemergesstrongestandthatmanwillbethain.BorrinIronBeardisagoodmanandagoodaxe-master,he’llmakesurethingsaredoneproperly,’Wulfricksaidwithadegreeofformality.

Hallamaintainedeyecontactwiththehugeaxe-master.‘Andwhatofme,doIgettobecomebattle-sistertothenewthainandforever

lamentthatIwasbornawoman?’

Hesmiledwarmly.‘YousoundlikeAlgenon’sdaughter–Ingridthinksthatthainesssoundsmuchbetterthanthain.’Herelaxedhisgaze.‘There’swisdominyouthandoftenfoolishnessintradition,butweareboundbythelatter.Iknowhewouldwantyoutojointhedragonfleet.’

Hallaconsideredtheaxe-master’swordsforamomentandthenturnedandmarchedpasthim.‘Thenlethimtellmethat,’shesaiddefiantly.

Wulfrickdidn’tstopher,butsimplyfollowedbehindasshepulledthehugewoodendooropen.‘Thiswon’tendwell,Halla.Youshouldreturntoyourownhallandwaitforhim.’

Shedidn’treplyandmarchedintothegreathall,

herleatherbootsechoingoffthestonefloor.Shehadbeenhereoncebefore,whenshewasagirl,andremembereditbeingimpossiblylarge.Nowitlookedonlyslightlybiggerthanherfather’shallinTiergarten.

Anoldgrey-robedmanwasbusylightingthethreefire-pitsthatranalongthelengthofthehall.Thewarmthfromthefireshadnotyetfullyfilledtheroomand

thehallwasalmostascoldasthestreetoutside.TheoldmanquicklybecameflusteredasHallamarchedpasthim,butacalminghandfromWulfricksilencedanyobjectionbeforeitcame.Shestrodepasttheemptyfeasttables,sparingonlytheslightestglanceatthehugetrollskullsthathungfromtheceiling,andslowedasshereachedthehighthain’schairattheendofthehall.

ThreeRanenwarriorssatatasmalltableofftothesideandalllookedupasHallaapproached.SherecognizedtwoofthemasRulagUrsaofJarvikandhissonKalag.ThethirdmancarriedahugeaxeacrosshisbackandHallaguessedhewastheiraxe-master.RulagandKalagbothhaddeepgreeneyes,aremnantoftheoldthainofJarvik,GolagEmeraldEyes,amanwho’dbeenhangedby

Rulagfromhisowndragonship’smastwhenhe’dstolencontrolofthetown.TheOrderoftheHammerhadcondemnedthefamilyofUrsatobearforeverthesamedeepgreeneyes,tomarkthemoutasthekillersoftheirthain.

Theaxe-masterstrodetowardsHalla.‘Thisisaplaceformen,one-eye.Youmaywaitoutsideuntilwe

needaservingwenchforourmeat.’

WulfrickstoodnexttoHalla.‘Yousee,you’renotthefirsttoarrivethismorning,norareyouthefirsttobetoldtowait.’Heignoredtheaxe-masterofJarvik.

Hallalookedpasttheaxe-masterandlethergazeflowoverRulagandhisson.‘Whensomemengethere,I’llgladlyservethem,’she

said.Theinsultwasdeliberate.

Kalag,amanofnomorethantwentyyears,stoodwithangerandroared,‘Iwillcutoutyourothereye,redwoman,andseehowquickyourtongueisthen.’

Hallasmiled.‘Theyounglordseemstohaveforgottenhismanners.Withhisfather’spermission,I’llgladlyteachhimtheproperwaytoaddressanaxe-maidenofRowanoco,’

shesaid,casuallyremovingherbattleaxe.

Wulfricklaughedatthis,butputarestraininghandonHalla’sshoulder.‘Enough,it’stooearlyandtoocoldtobekillinglordlings,’hesaid,witharelaxedwaveofhishand,whichwassufficienttogiveKalagpause.

Rulag,thelordofJarvik,wassmilingandhadnottakenanygreatoffenceatHalla’swords.Hestoodand

usheredhissonbacktohischair.‘Apologies,MasterWulfrick,mysonisexuberantwhentalkofbattlefillstheair.WewerediscussingthedeploymentofourshipsalongtheFjorlancoastandyourwomaninterruptedatatensemoment.Kalagisalittleanxiousthathewon’tbeatthevanguardofthefleet,atleastuntilwepassSamnia.’

KalaghadapetulantexpressiononhisfaceashesatdownandturnedhisfieryglareawayfromHalla.

Hisfatherslappedhimontheback.‘Cheerup,son,one-eyeherewouldhavecutyourcockoffbeforeyouhadachancetodrawyouraxe,’hesaidwithgoodhumour.

TheJarvikaxe-masterstillstoodclosetoHallaandhisstareremainedhostile.AsRulagresumedhisseat,Halla

tookastepforwardandstoodnosetonosewiththeaxe-master.

‘Yourlordmaycallmewhathewishes,littleman,’shesaid,staringhimdown.‘You,however,willaddressmeasLadyHallaoraxe-mistress.’Shepaused,deliberatelysizinghimup.‘Ifyoucallmeone-eyeagain,I’llkillyou…andIwon’tbreaksweatdoingit.’

RulagandWulfrickbothlaughedatthis,thoughtheaxe-masterofJarviklookedasifhewereabouttoburstwithrage.Halladidn’tsoftenhergazeasshespoke.‘Goon,callmeone-eyeagain…’

Hallawasnottheequalofthesemenforstrength,butsheknewthatshewasfasterandmoreskilful.

Rulagalsoknewthisandhebarkedathisaxe-master,‘Jalek,sitdown.’Thelordof

JarvikthenturnedtoWulfrick.‘Funasallthiscockwavingis,doweknowwhenLordAlgenonwillbereturning?’

HallashotadarkglareatWulfrick.‘He’snothere?’

‘Ididtellyoutowait,butyou’reanimpatientsort,Halla,’herepliedwithasmile.

‘Father’sgonetoseethemonsterman,’saidachild’svoicefromthebackofthe

feasthallandIngridTeardrop,littlewolfofFredericksand,walkedtowardstheseatedmen.

Hallawasslightlyuncomfortableinherpresence,asIngrididolizedtheaxe-maiden.Theyhadmetonlyafewtimes,butsheconstantlyaskedquestionsaboutcombatandaboutthetraditionsofRowanoco.

ThechildcametostandnexttoWulfrickandsmiled

warmlyatHalla.Sheworesimpleclothesofspunwoolandatight-fittingcloakcrestedwithwolffur.Shewasbarefoot,aswasoftenthecase,andHallathoughthowcoldhertoesmustbe.

‘Imightattachatrollbelltoyourankle,littlewolf;thatwayyouwon’tbeabletosneakuponpeople,’Wulfricksaidwiththesternlookofafavoureduncle.

Ingridwasabashedandlookeddownatthefloor.‘Butit’shardertolistentowhatyou’resayingwhenyouknowI’mthere.’

RulagUrsalaughedloudly.‘Algenonhasabuddingspy,’hesaid,chewingonapieceofcrustybread.‘ShecanjointhatKaresiantrollcuntandgospyontheRo.’

BothWulfrickandIngridglaredatthelordofJarvik,

andHallasensedthatbothofthemlikedthatKaresian,whoeverhewas.

IngridturnedbacktolookupatthehugefigureofWulfrick.‘He’snice,isn’the?Don’twelikeHasim?’

‘Whetherwedoornotweshouldmindourmannersaroundchildren,’theaxe-mastersaid,withoutavertinghisglarefromRulag.

Hallasmiledathimandplacedahandonhis

shoulder,causingWulfricktoturnaway.‘AsIsaid,menseemtobeinshortsupplyinthishallatpresent,’shesaidquietlyenoughforthelordsofJarviknottohearherproperly.

IngridinterposedherselfbetweenHallaandWulfrickandlookedupdefiantlyatRulag.‘Well,welikeHasimandmyfatherlikeshimtoo.’

Rulagscowledatthethreeofthemandhissonlooked

deeplyoffended.Hethrewhishalf-eatenbreaddownonamapoftheFjorlancoastandrosefromhisseat.

‘MasterWulfrick,IcansaywhatIpleasetowhomeverIpleaseandthereisnothingyouoryour…’heglancedfirstatHallathenatIngrid,‘yourwomencandoaboutit.NowwhereisLordAlgenon?Itireofbeingmadetowait.’

Wulfricksmiled,butmadeaslightnodofdeferencetoRulag,andHallathoughtheappreciatedhispositionasaxe-masterwasinsufficienttochallengeabattle-lord.HeturnedandlookeddownatIngrid.

‘WouldthemonstermanbeSamson?’heaskedthegirl.

Ingridsimplynodded.ThelordsofJarvik

exchangedglancesatthe

mentionoftheold-bloodandKalagstoodfromhischair.‘Hetakescounselfromtheliar?ArenottheOrderoftheHammersufficientwisdomforhim?’

‘He’llbebacksoon,mylords.Inthemeantime,hehasleftinstructionsaboutthedeployment,’WulfricksaidwhileuntanglinghislegsfromIngrid.‘Littlewolf,pleasegobacktobed,andnomorespying.’Hegently

shovedhertowardsthebackofthehalland,afterlookinghurtforamoment,sherushedtothedoorthatledtoherhome.

WulfrickturnedtoHalla.‘I’mafraidyou’llhavetowaitoutside,’hesaidplainly.‘Youhaven’tevenagreedtojoinusyet.’

Hallaconsideredsayingsomethingcutting,andeventhoughtaboutmakingafussoraccusingWulfrickof

havinginsultedher,butshebitherlipanddecidedtosaveheranger.WithashallownodtoRulagandhissonshestrodefromthefeasthall.

Herfatherwasdeadandsheknewshewouldgetnoanswersastowhy,whethershewasinsistentornot.Assheopenedthehugewoodendoorsandfeltthefreezingairhitherface,shehopedonlythatherfatherhaddiedtosecureanhonourablecause

andthatLordAlgenonwasworthyofheraxe.ThewaysouthtoRoCanarnwaslongandtreacherous,passingdangeroussemi-submergedrocks,sheeticeanddensefog.Ifshewastotakeherpeopleandtheirshipsthroughsuchdangers,sheneededtoknowitwasworththerisk.Herfather’sseachartswerefamiliartoher,butshewasnoexpertandwouldneedBorrin’shelpif

shewasgoingtojointhefleet.

Somewhere,deepinthebackofhermind,Hallafoundtheideaofsuchavoyageexciting.She’dneversailedpastKalall’sDeeporseentheicystraitsofSamniawhere,accordingtohalf-whisperedstories,theblind,mindlessKrakensstilldwelt,aremnantoftheGiantagethatRanensailorssoughttoavoid.

***

AlgenonTeardrop,highthainofRanen,hadamaster.TothepeopleoftheFreelands,thethainofFredericksandwastheall-highofthedragonfleetandlordofallfreeRanen.TherealitywasthatAlgenonhimselfwasnotafreeman.HewasboundtotheserviceofRowanocoinawaythatnopriestofthe

OrderoftheHammercouldhopetounderstand.Hecouldnotsummonthebattlerageorhealwoundsbychannellingthevoice,buthewascompelledtofollowamoreliteralavatar.

He’drisenearly,beforefirstlight,andwalkedintohistown.Withhisblackhoodobscuringhisface,Algenonwasananonymouspresenceinthequiet,snow-coveredstreets.He’dwalkedpastthe

steelshopswherethefurnaceswerealreadylitandworking.He’dtakentimetostopatAlguin’sMount,wheretheIceGiantsupposedlyfirstappearedtotheRanen,andnowhewaitedoutsideRowanoco’schapel.

Thesunwasjustpeekingoverthehighplateauandthesnowyforestsbeyondwereglintinginthelight.Fredericksandwasabeautifulplaceintheautumnmonths,

beforetheicetookholdcompletely.AlgenonknewthatwithinafewmonthsnoshipwouldbeabletolaunchfromtheFjorlancoast,andonlyVolkice-breakerswouldbeabletotraversethesea.Theicethatcameeachwinterwasthegreatestdefencehisrealmhadand,oncethepassesoftheDeepCrosswereicedover,noarmycouldmarchnorth.

Algenonjudgedthathehadwaitedlongenoughandbangedhisfistagainstthesmallwoodendoorthatleddownintothechapel.Thebuildingwasbuiltlargelyintotherock,withonlyasmallwhitedomeprotrudingabovetheground.AllchapelstoRowanocowerelikethis,unadornedbuildingsdugintothestoneofRanen.Theonlysignofitsimportancewastheshallowstonereliefofa

hammeretchedontothesurfaceofthedome.Thewoodendoorsrequiredallwhoenteredtoduck,andthestairsdownweresteepwithworn,roundededges.

Algenonbangedasecondtimeandaddedasolidkick.SamsontheLiardidnotsleepandAlgenoncouldonlyassumethattheold-bloodwasmakinghimwaitonpurpose.Hemayhavebeensummoned,buthewasstill

highthainofRanenandwasn’tpreparedtoletSamsontreathimlikeanerrandboy.

ThedoorsbegantoopenandAlgenonwonderedhowSamsonhadmanagedtoascendthestairssosilently.Thedoubledoorswereshovedroughlyoutwards,pushingsnowacrossthestreet,andahugeheadpokedoutofthedarkness.

SamsontheLiarhadthebloodofGiants,somethingthepeopleofRanenconsideredbothagreatgiftandatremendouscurse.Throughathousandthousandgenerations,SamsoncouldclaimtoberelatedtotheIceGiantsthatlivedinthelandsofFjorlanbeforethemenofRanen.Hewashugeinsize,approachingninefeettall,butungainly,andhislimbswereswollenandoversizedrather

thaninproportion.Hewasflabby,withlittlemuscle,thoughstillimmenselystrong.Hishairwasgreyandhisbeardcoveredmuchofhisfaceandneck,makinghimlooklikeawildmanashegruntedatAlgenon.

‘Theexemplarishere,’hesaidinavoicedeeperthananyman,andwavedanenormoushandatthethain.‘Hecomesin,outofthecold.’

Samsonlopedbackdownthestairs.Hewasbentoverandneededtouseallfourofhislimbstocrawlupanddownthenarrowspace,thoughhisshouldersstillrubbedagainstthewallandgavetheimpressionthathewassqueezinghimselfdownatunneltoonarrowforhispassing.Algenonduckedunderthedoorframeandsteadiedhimselfbefore

gingerlydescendingthestairsaftertheold-blood.

‘Samson,isthereanywayyoucouldwalkbackwardsdownthesestairssoI’mnotfacedwithyourenormousarsetheentireway?’

Samsoncranedhisneckroundtopeerbackupatthethain.‘Heisinbadspirits,’hesaid,beforehurryingdownthestairswithunusualdexterityforamanofhissize.

AlgenonwasmoretolerantofSamsonthanweremanyothers,buthestilldislikedhispeculiarmanner.AcrossthenorthoftheFreelandsmaybefivemeninrecentmemorycouldclaimtobetrueold-bloods,andallofthemhaddisplayedthesameswollenappearanceandstrangespeechpatterns.Samsonwastheoldestknown–severalhundredyearsbyhisownreckoning–andwas

theonlyoneevertobepermittedtoliveinatown.AlgenonknewofanotherthathadoncehauntedthewoodsofHammerfall,aferalcreatureknownasLouhitheBeast–moreofawildanimalthanaman.Al-HasimusedtotalkaboutaKaresianold-bloodhe’dknownnearthetownofRikarainthesouth.ThosewithFireGiantbloodintheirveinswereevenmoreunstable,andthemanhad

beenknownforwaylayingandeatingtravellersbeforehewasexecutedbytheHoundsofKaresia.Asfarasthethainknew,themenofRohadhunteddownandkilledanymenwithGiantbloodlongago,andSamsonandhisRanenkinremainedtheonlyreallegacyoftheLongWar.

Atthebottomofthenarrowstaircasethechapelwaswarm,heatedbytheever-burningbrazierthat

Samsonmaintained.Therockycavehadsmoothwallsandlowpassagewaysleadinginaweboutfromthecentralchamber.Fewmenwerepermittedtoenter,andmostpreferredsimplytostandaroundthedomeiftheyfelttheneedtopray.Rowanocowasnotademandinggodtoworshipandjustrequiredthathisfollowerstaketimetodrink,feastandsing,ashadalwaysbeentheRanenway.

ThepriestsoftheOrderoftheHammerweretheonlymentoshowanyformalityintheirworship,andeventheytendedtomerelydrink,eatandsingingreaterquantities.

SamsonhadbeenallowedtoliveinthechapelbyRagnarTeardropsomefiftyyearsagoand,thoughthemenofFredericksandknewhewasdownthere,hewasalargelyinvisiblepresencetoallbutAlgenon.

Thethainstoodinfrontofthefireandwarmedhishands,givingSamsontimetohaulhisenormousbulkaroundthecaveandgetcomfortable.Theold-bloodhadasimplebedrollandawoodentable,uponwhichwereameagreamountofpersonalpossessions:asmallhourglass,abookofpoemsandarubypendant,eachwiththeirownsignificancetoSamson.Onthefloorsata

hugewar-hammer,anornateweaponwithwell-wornsilverengravingsofGiantsinbattle,andtotheold-blood’sleftsatasimplecookingpot.Itwasahumbleplaceforamightybeingtolive,butAlgenonknewthatSamsonhadlittleneedofcomfortsandwashappiestwhenatrest.

‘Theexemplarhasdonewell,’Samsongruntedashesatonthestonefloor.

‘Willyounowtellmemore,orshouldItakementotheirdeathsignorant?’Algenonwasnotbitter,butneitherwashenaiveandheknewhowimportantsuchinformationcouldbe.

‘TheIceFatherwishedit…itisdone,’theold-bloodansweredcryptically.

‘It’snotdoneyet,Samson,there’salotofbloodbetweennowandthisbeingdone,’thethainquicklyreplied.‘The

dragonfleetwilllaunch.Ahundredshipsandoverfivethousandbattle-brotherswilldescendonRoCanarn.’

Samsonsmiledbroadlyandclappedhishandslikeanexcitedchild.‘Itiswell,itiswell.TheIceFatherdesiresit.Thewitchisnotoutsidethewordoflaw.Youwillshowher.’

Algenonsighed.Theold-bloodwasgiventohysteriaandoftenappearedquitemad.

However,hisconnectiontotheGiantscouldnotbeignoredand,onthefewoccasionswhenhe’dsharedhisvisionwithAlgenon,he’dseemedthewisestmanintheFreelands.Hestoppedclappingandletafrownintrudeuponhisoversizedface.

‘Theexemplarneedsmore?’heaskedwithacunningglintinhiseye.

Algenonconsidereditandsaid,‘Yes,Ineedmore,’withalownodofhishead.

Samsonpulledhimselfacrossthefloor,usingonlyhishugearms,andlookedthroughtheflickeringbrazieratthethain.Heleantonasinglearmandreachedahandroundthefire,invitingAlgenontotakeit.Hehesitatedasecondbeforeplacinghishandintheold-blood’s.

SamsondidnothearthevoiceofRowanocoeither.Instead,heknewthewillofRowanoco.Itwasagiftthatonlyold-bloodscouldpossess,andmostofthemwentinsanethefirsttimetheyusedit.TheGiantbloodtheypossessedmadeitpossibleforthemtoreachacrosscountlesslayersoftheworldandcontactthegodsthemselves.

AlgenonclosedhiseyesandfelthisbodyrelaxashewaspulledbySamsonintotheicehallsbeyondtheworldwheresatRowanocotheEarthShaker.

Hefeltdetachedashedroppedthroughlayersofrockandearth,followingSamsonintorealmsthatmencouldnotknow.HismindwasprotectedfromthewillofhisgodbySamson’spower,andAlgenonhadfelt

increasinglyhumbleandinsignificanteachtimehe’dexperiencedit.He’dtakenSamson’shandfourtimesbefore,oneachoccasionlearningmoreaboutthenatureofhisgodandthepositionofexemplar.Eachofthethreehighestgodsofmenpossessedone,andtheyhadbeenthegods’generalsintheLongWar.

Thethaindidn’tquestionRowanoco’smotiveswhen,

throughSamson,theIceGiantlethiswillbeknown,butAlgenonhadovertheyearsbeguntothinkoftheracesofmenasmerepuppetsinthewarfoughtovertheirlandbytheGiants.Algenonhadevenstoppedthinkingoftheworldasthelandsofmenandwasnowoftheopinionthatthelesserspeciessimplylookedafteritfortheirmasters.

Deepinhismind,Algenonfeltcold,asifhisthoughtsthemselvesnowlackedabodyinwhichtostaywarm.Hecouldn’tperceiveshapesorcolours,butsimplythesensationofbeingtinyinthepresenceofenormity,asifshapesbeyondasizehecouldcomprehendstoodoverhim.HewasawarethatSamsonwasstillwithhim,theold-blood’spowertheonlythingthatkept

himwholeandsane,buthestillfeltvulnerableandhelpless.

Whenitcame,thevoicewasfeltratherthanheard,anditwasthatofSamson.‘Youhavequestions?’Hewasclearerandmorelucid,asiftheedgeofinsanitythatheworeinthelandsofmenhadbeenshruggedoff.

‘IwouldknowwhyItakemybattle-brotherstowar,’Algenonsaidinhismind.He

felthislipsmovebutwasunsurewhetherornothewasactuallyspeaking.

‘Theruleoflawhasbeenbroken,youwillredressthebalance,’Samsonsaid,channellingthewillofRowanoco.‘Itwasnotthoughtpossible,butithashappened.’

Hesensedfearandsomethingakintoannoyance.Thesewerenothisemotions

andhedoubtedtheybelongedtoSamson.

‘ThenIwouldknowwhathashappenedinthelandsofmentocausesuchareactioninthelandofGiants.IknowonlythataservantofJaahasswayedtheservantsoftheOne,thoughIdonotknowwhy…whytheyhavedoneitandwhyitconcernsmygod.’Algenonnowsensedpridemixedwithcuriosity.Unwittingly,hehadsaid

somethingcleverandimpressedRowanoco.

Samson’svoicehadanedgeofhumourtoit.‘Yourwordshavethesharpedgeofanaxe,exemplar,andcuttotheheart.’

ThevoiceinAlgenon’sheadhadanothervoicecuttingthroughit,asifnoteverysoundcamefromSamson’smouth.‘TheexemplaroftheOneischargedwithstoppingsuch

interference,muchasyouarechargedwithstoppingtheservantsofothergodsinfluencingmypeople.Itisthefirstruleoflaw,thattheLongWarwillbefoughtdirectly.IfJaa’switchesarecoercingtheOne’spriests,itbodesillfortheexemplar…anditmeansthatthewordofJaaisbeingignoredbyhisfollowers.’

Algenonconsideredthisforamoment.Notinhis

lifetimehadtheSevenSistersinfluencedtheclerics,norviceversa,andherecallednotalesofithavinghappened.TheRanen,theKaresiansandtheRohadbeenatwarwitheachothernumeroustimes;theRohadsubjugatedtheRanenand,longago,theKaresianshadnearlysubjugatedtheRo,butithadalwaysbeendonedirectly.

Histhoughtswerenotprivatewithintheicehalls

andheagainsensedpride.Algenonfeltevensmallerasthecrushingsenseofhisgod’sapprovalwashedoverhim.ItwasafeelingthateverypriestoftheOrderoftheHammerspenthislifeseeking,butAlgenonfoundituncomfortableanddifficulttocomprehend.

Heprojectedhisnextwordsgently.‘Itisnotpossibleandyetitishappening…sohewhois

chargedwithstoppingitmustnotbeableto…’hepaused,‘orisbeingstoppedfromdoingso.’

Samson’svoiceflowedintoalaughandAlgenonalmostcriedoutashismindbentintoimpossibleshapestryingtounderstandtheconceptofthegod’shumour.

AlgenonfeltSamsonstandingoverhiminanefforttoshieldhismind.Hetriedtoasktwofinalquestions.His

mindwasweakandthewordswerequietandmumbled,butheasked,‘WhathashappenedtotheexemplaroftheOne?AndhowcantheSistersactagainstJaa?’

Ashefellintoadeepsleep,largelyoblivioustohissurroundings,Algenonthoughtofhisbrotherandhopedthattheworldhadnotshiftedsufficientlyforhonourtonolongermeananything.Magnuswouldgivehislife

forRowanoco,aswouldanytrueRanen,buttheirfatewasbeingmanipulatedbyothersandAlgenonfearedthatthemenofRoweredeepwithinthedesignsoftheSevenSistersandthatRoCanarnwasmerelythebeginning.

CHAPTER7

SIRWILLIAMOFVERELLIANINTHECITYOFRO

CANARN

WilliamhadbeeninCanarnfivedays.Hehadbeenatthe

vanguardoftheassaultingarmyofknightsandhewasoneofthefirsttoentertheinnerkeep.He’dseenmuchdeathsincehearrivedinthecityandhadcausedhisfairshare.HewasaveteranofmanycampaignsandhadseenboththebestandtheworstthattheknightsoftheRedcoulddo.Ashestoodontheheavywoodendrawbridgeoftheinnerkeep,WilliamofVerellianthoughtthatthe

sackingofRoCanarnwasoneofthedarkerdayshehadwitnessed.

TheknightsoftheRedwerepledgedtotheOneGodaswarriorsandconquerors.Theyservedtheaspectofwarandwerecalleduponbythekingwheneverbattlewasrequired.WilliamhadbeenfromanoblehouseofTirisandhadjoinedtheknightsattheageoftwelve.HisfamilyhadservedtheOneforas

manygenerationsascouldbecounted,thoughWilliamwasthefirstofhislinetoweartheredtabard.

Hewasamanofnearlyfortyyearsinageandhadthescarredfaceofaseasonedsoldier.Hisheadwasshavedandheworenobeard,makinghimdistinctiveamongtheRedknights.

Ashelookeddownfromthekeepintothetownsquarebeyond,hewasstruckwitha

senseofshame,somethingherarelyfelt.Hecouldseefuneralpyresofmen–hundredsofburnt,distendedbodieslitteringthecobbledstreets.ThemercenariescommandedbySirPevainweretakingtheirpaymentfromthepopulace,rapingandstealingastheypleased.Thecitywasdarkandoutsidethecentralsquarenolifecouldbeseen.

Williamthoughthimselfatruefightingman,amanwhohadjoinedtheRedknightsfromchoice,unliketheboundmenbelow.Hethoughttheirbehaviourdeplorableandthattheredtabardstheyworeshouldcountformorethanthis.

LieutenantFallon,whostoodnearby,hadhishandonthehiltofhislongswordandwasglaringatthemercenariesbelow.

‘Fallon,’Williamsaidsharply.

Theknightsalutedhiscaptain.‘Mylord?’

‘Keepthathandsteady,’Williamsaid,pointingtohislongsword.

‘SergeantCallis,getthosescumawayfromthewomen.Letnomantakehispaymentinbloodorflesh,’hesaidquietlytothemanathisleft.

Callisnoddedandturnedtoissueorderstoother

knights.‘Right,lads,thecaptainwantsthosemercenariestaughtaboutpropermanners.Getyourbootsinandlet’scauseafewwounds,’hesaidplainly,withthepractisedblusteroftheseasonedsoldier.

Fiveknightsdrewtheirswordsandmarcheddownthedrawbridgetothesquarebeyond.SergeantCallisbeganshoutingordersatthemercenariesasheenteredthe

square.TheyweresilhouettedagainstthefireasWilliamlookeddown,agrimexpressiononhisface.

Fallonnoddedapprovalathiscaptainandreleasedhisgriponhisswordhilt.HewasagoodsoldierandhadbeenWilliam’sadjutantforsixyears.ThecaptainthoughtthatifFallonwereinthesquarehe’dprobablykillanymanthatlookedathim,whereasCalliswouldsimply

followordersandstoptheworstatrocities.

Themercenariesarguedastheknightsapproached,sayingthatthewomenwerespoilsofwarandtheirsbyright.Callisignoredthemandsimplykickedthenearestoneinthegroin.

‘Listen,youfilthybastards,youwillstopthisheathenshitrightnoworIwillpersonallyremoveyourfuckingeyeballs.’Hedirected

hisknightstovariousmercenarieswhohadignoredhimandstoodwithhischinthrustout.

Williamwatchedasseveralmercenarieswerebeatenandonewaskilled,thoughhefeltnobetternowthatanelementofcalmhadreturnedtothesquare.HewasstillaknightcaptainoftheRedandfeltthatavanquishedfoeshouldbetreatedwithrespect.Hewas

consideredold-fashionedbymanyoftheotherknights,buthecaredlittlefortheirapprovalandpreferredsimplytochallengeandkillanywhoquestionedhisethicstoohard.

KnightCaptainNathanofDuBanappearedoverWilliam’srightshoulderandsurveyedthesquarebelow.‘Youcan’tstopthis,youknow?’

‘Ican,’Williamrepliedplainly.

‘Thosemenhavebeenpromisedplunder.Thatmeanstheygettorape,tortureandstealtotheirhearts’content.’

‘They’revultures,pickingonthebonesofadefeatedenemy.’Williamwasangryandletitshowinhiswords.

‘Verellian,youwouldgladlykilltheprisonersiftheyraisedaswordtoyou.

Whyareyousosqueamishabouttheafters?’heasked.

‘Ifyouwereincommand,youcouldwatch.IamincommandandIcan’t.It’ssimple.’Williamwasnotnaive,buthedidnotlikeneedlesssuffering.

Nathansmiledandrealizedhewasn’tgoingtowintheargument.‘Howmanydead?’heasked.

‘Twohundredandfiftyduringthebattle,ahundredin

thekeepandaroundtwothousandinthelastfourdays,’Williamanswered.‘Wetookthecityeasily.Thesemenwerefarmersandtradesmen,notwarriors.Themeninthekeepfoughtwell,buttheywereoutmatched.FatherMagnuswastheonlymantogiveourknightspause.’

NathansneeredatthementionoftheRanenpriest.

‘He’sabigboy,butIdon’tbelievehekilledtenknights.’

‘Hekilledtwenty-threeknightsandfourteenmercenaries.Hehadahugewar-hammerandapparentlyhiseyesturnedblack.It’sagiftoftheRanenpriests,theirgodgivesthemstrengthwhentheycallonit.’

WilliamhadseenthehugeRanenkillanumberofknightsbuthadbeenoccupiedwiththeduke’s

guardforthemajorityofthebattle.HavingspokentotheRanenbrieflybeforeheenteredthehall,Williamdidnotdoubtthereportshe’dheard.‘Itdoesn’tmatternow,Rillionwilllikelytorturehimtodeathforwhathappenedinthegreathall.’

‘Idoubtit,’Nathanreplied.

Williamlookedathim,hiseyesbetrayinganelementof

suspicion.‘Whatdoyouknow,captain?’

‘JustthattheKaresianwitchseemsintentonpreservingthebigman’slife…Tobiaswasonguarddutyoutsidethecommander’sroomafterthebattleandswearsheheardRilliongruntinglikeanovicewhorewithinfiveminutesofthebitchgoingtoseehim.’

Williamshookhishead.KnightsoftheRedwere

forbiddenfromtakingwomen,andalthoughpastcommandershe’dknownhadignoredtherule,hewasdisappointedthatRillionwouldbesobrazen.ItwasaninsulttotheOne,whohaddecreedtheknightsweretopledgealltheirenergytoworshipandtofulfillingthewishesoftheirgod.TheGoldchurchpriestswereinfamousfortheirwhoringandtheBlacktriedtotakeasmuch

outoflifeastheycould,buttheknightsoftheRedweretoremaincelibate.

Addedtothatwastheunpleasantrealityofwhothewomanwas.WilliamwasnotschooledinthewaysoftheKaresianwitches,buthadheardahundredtalestomakehimfearanddisliketheSevenSistersofKaresia.AmeirahadhadtoomuchinfluenceoverRillion’sactionsandWilliamthought

hishonourhadnowcomeintoquestion.IfthecompanyhadbeenstillinRoArnon,Williamwouldhavegonetoseetheabbotabouthiscommander’sbehaviour;butasitwas,theywerefarfromhome,inacitythathadjustbeensacked,andWilliamhadnooptionbuttoacceptRillion’sactions.

‘AreyougoingtohaveCalliscleanupthewholecity,oriswatchinghimbeata

fewheadsinsufficient?’Nathanqueriedinamockingtone.‘Isupposewecouldfightthemercenariesnowtherearen’tanymenofCanarnleft…theymightputupabetterfight.’

‘Hastheabbotfoundoutaboutyourbastardsonyet,Nathan?’Williamaskedwithvenom.

TheotherknightscowledandmovedtoblockWilliam’sviewofthesquare.

‘Thepietyisgettingold,Verellian.Halfthemenunderyourcommandhavebastards,andtheotherhalfhaven’tfatheredanysimplybecausethey’retooscaredofyou.Itmightmakeyoubettercompanyifyougotyourcockwetoccasionally.’NathancastaviciousgrinatWilliam.

HewasofthesamerankasVerellianbutcommandedaseparateunit.Hismenwereinthegreathall,standing

guardoverthecommanderandtheyhadbeenstationedinsidethecityduringtheattackonthekeep.Nathan’shome,thetownofDuBan,wasseveralleaguesnorthandwestofArnonandfamedforproducingarrogantandviolentknightsoftheRed.

KnightLieutenantFallon,whohadheardtheconversation,approachedthetwocaptainsandshotadarklookatNathan.

Williammaintainedeyecontactwiththeothercaptain,buthetriednottolettheinsultmakehimangry.Themanwasafool,butWilliamthoughtthatbeingfoolishshouldnotbeenoughtogetyourlegsbroken.

Hetookastepforwards.‘Ifyoumistakehonourforpietyagain,brotherknight,I’llcallyououtandkillyouinfrontofallyourmen.Youmightevendiewithhonour.’

Fallondrewhisswordandstoodnexttohiscaptain.StaringintentlyatNathan,hesaid,‘Iwouldgladlyfighttheduelinyourstead,mylord.IthinkIcouldteachmybrotherknightaboutrespectanddevotiontotheOne.’HeswunghisswordsuggestivelyashespokeandWilliamsmiled.NathanwasnotthefirstmantoinsulthimandVerellianthoughthima

streakofpissnexttoanytruefightingman.

NathansneeredandtriedtolookdownhisnoseatWilliamandhislieutenant.Hebrieflyconsideredsayingsomethingclever,buttheconfidentsmileonWilliam’sfacepersuadedhimotherwiseandheleftquickly,hissteelarmourloudlysoundinghisretreatonthewoodendrawbridge.

FallonsheathedhisswordandchuckledtohimselfashewatchedNathango.Hethenturnedtohiscaptainandbangedhisfistonhisredtabardinsalute.‘ShallIgoandslithisthroat,mylord?’

‘Maybelater,’repliedWilliam.

***

SeveralhourspassedandWilliammaintainedavigiloverthetownsquare,orderingCallistointervenewheneverthemercenariesbecametoorowdy.

Hehadbeenorderedtoenterthegreathallatmidnight,butdecidedtobeslightlylate.Williamconsideredhiscommanderamanoflittlehonourandfelthewouldbeallowedtenminutesoftardiness.

‘Fallon,you’rewithme,Calliscanhandlethis,’hesaid,turningsharplyandwalkingbackupthedrawbridge.

MostofWilliam’smenweresittingroundsmallcookingfiresinthecourtyardofthekeep,tryingtowardoffthecold.ThewindblowingofftheseaofCanarnpenetratedthestonewallsandmadethetemperaturedropsharplyduringthenight.

ThesemenwerenotinterestedinpillagingthefallencityandmostweresimplywaitingfortheirorderstoreturntoRoArnon.Williamwasproudofthewaytheyhadconductedthemselves.Theyhadfoughthardandwithruthlessskill,buttheyhadalsotreatedfallenenemieswithrespect.

‘CaptainVerellian,dowehaveordersyet,sir?’asked

anoldknightsergeantcalledBracha.

‘Notyet,Sergeant,there’snosignofthewayhome.Thoughthecommandermayyethaveordersforme.’

Helookedoverthefacesofhismen.TheyworehardexpressionsandWilliamguessedthatthey,too,foundthetreatmentofthepeopleofCanarndistasteful.

‘Ifanyofthosemercenariesorboundmen

findtheirwayintothekeep,besuretoremindthemthatwecommandhere,notthathorse-fuckerPevain.Understood,sergeant?’

Brachasmiledashesaluted.‘Perfectlyclear,sir,we’llmakesuretheyremembertheirmanners.’

Williamcommandedacompanyofonehundredmen,thoughonlytwenty-fiveofthemhadcometoRoCanarn.Therestwerestillin

Arnon,probablygladtheyhadstayedinbarracks.Fourofhismenhaddiedintheattackonthekeepandtheyhadalreadybeenburned.Theirfuneralpyrewasnowjustasmallmoundofblackenedwood,andtheknights’asheshadbeengatheredandscatteredfromthehighbattlements.

‘Howlongdowehavetostayhere?’Fallonaskedastheywalkedacrossthe

courtyard.‘Iobjecttoseeingmendietosecureapointlessobjective.’

‘Pointless?’Williamquestioned.

‘Whatwouldyoucallit,mylord,astrategiccampaign?’

Williamallowedhislieutenanttospeakhismindandwashappywithwhateverhewantedtosayinprivate,solongashefollowedorders

anddidn’tquestionhiscaptaininpublic.

‘I’dcallitwhatitis…wesackedRoCanarnbecausewewereorderedtodoso,’Williamanswered.‘Ifwehadtheleisuretochoosewherewefight,wewouldn’tbeverygoodknights,wouldwe?’

‘Sir,IamaknightoftheRedandIfightanddiewhereI’mtoldto,butachildwithafarmingtoolcouldhavebestedmostofthedefenders

andthecityhasdonenothingtowarrantthetreatmentit’sgetting.I’mnotacompletebastardwhoenjoyskillingweakermen.’Hepaused.‘I’mabastard,admittedly,but…’

‘Fallon,couldweleavethisfornow?I’msurewe’llbehereawhileandI’llnodoubthaveampleopportunitytohearabouthowunfairyouthinktheworldis.’

Williamwasusedtohearingtheman’scomplaintsandhehadlongsincerealizedthatmostofthemweresimplyapleaforaworthyopponent.FallonwasthebestswordsmanWilliamhadeverknownandwasrarelychallengedwhenhehadhisbladeinhishand.Hetookgreatoffenceathavingtowatchamismatchedfight,andthisextendedtoseeingmercenariesrapeandtorture

captiveswhocouldnotfightback.

‘Whycan’twefightmenworthyofoursteel?Isittoomuchtoask,amIbeingarroganttowanttotestmyself?’heasked,seeminglyaddressingthequeryskyward,towardstheOneGod.

‘Ifyouwaitlongenough,hemightgiveyouasign.’Williamsaidironically.‘Oryoucouldjustshutup.’

Fallonscreweduphisfaceasifthechoicewereagenuineone.‘Ibelieve,onreflection,I’llshutup,mylord.’

‘Goodnewsatlast,perhapsCommanderRillionwillpromoteyouforshowingsuchwisdom,’Williamsaidasthetwoofthemreachedthewoodenstaircaseleadingfromthecourtyardtothegreathall.

Williamhadbeeninhisarmourforfourdays,removingitonlytosleepandwash,andhisunder-tunicandleggingswerestucktohisskinwithsweatandgrime.Helookeddownathistarnishedbreastplateandtheredtabardthatcoveredit–bothwerebadlyinneedofrepair.Fallonwasinasimilarstate.Onofficialoccasions,andwhenrequiredtostandbeforetheircommanders,it

wasnormallythedonethingforknightstoappearattheirbest.Currently,theirbestwasseveralhundredleaguesawayinthebarracksofRoArnon.

Williamstillworehisredcloak,thoughitwasstainedandtorn.Fallonhadlosthisatsomepointsincethebattleandhadnotthoughttofindareplacement.Astheywalkedupthestairsandreachedthefirstofthreelandings,Williamstoppedandlooked

criticallyathislieutenant’sappearance.

Inresponse,Fallonheldhisarmsoutandasked,‘What,amInotsuitablyattiredtomeetmenofquality?’

‘You’reneverattiredtomeetmenofquality,butrightnowneitherofuslooksanybetterthatacitywatchman.’

‘IputonmybestformenIrespect,mylord.EvenifIdidhavemyceremonialcloak,

I’dprobablyfindareasontoloseit,’Fallonsaidwithahardlookinhiseyes.

‘That’senoughofthat…Ithinkhe’sashit-stainaswell,butwewillshowhimeverycourtesytohisface.Clear?’Williamspokewithpractisedauthority.

‘AstheRanensea,mylord.’

Williamchuckledandresumedhismarchupthestairs.Thiswasthesecond

timehehadwalkedupheresincenightfall.Thefirsttime,hehadbeenescortingFatherMagnus,theRanenpriestwhohadkilledtwomembersofhiscompany.NowhewastoreceiveordersfromKnightCommanderRillionandhedoubtedhe’dbetreatedtothesamedisplayofknightsinceremonialgarbastheRanen.Rillionwasinclinedtoshowofffordefeatedenemies,confidentthatitwould

discouragefurtherconflict.Infact,itservedmostlytoangerpeoplewhohatedtheRoandtheirOneGod.

ThesametwoguardsmenwereondutyoutsidethedoortothegreathallandWilliamoncemorethoughtitstrangethattheking’sguardshouldbeinRoCanarn.Itwasprobablethatifthekingwerecominghere,Williamwouldhavebeentold.However,KingSebastianwasacunning

manandhisleavingRoTirisinsecretwouldnotbeoutofcharacter.

‘YouknowwhatBrachathinks?’Fallonaskedastheynearedthedoor.

‘No,lieutenant,whatdoesBrachathink?’Williamsaidwithagroan.

‘Heswearsthattheking’sguardareherebecausethekingisbringingahugearmytotheGrassSea.HesaysheheardoneofNathan’s

sergeantstalkingaboutanactualinvasion,’Fallonrepliedinaconspiratorialwhisper.

Theguardsmensalutedasthetwoknightsapproached,theirfistsstrikingfirmlyontheirgoldbreastplates.BothWilliamandFallonrespondedinkindandthedoorwasswiftlyopened.

Astheyenteredthegreathall,WilliamleanttowardsFallonandsaidquietly,

‘Don’tyouthinkwe’dknowifweweregoingtobeinvadingtheFreelands?’

Fallonrespondedwithascepticallook,theexpressionofasoldierwhoexpectstheworstofhissuperiors.

Within,thehallwascoldanddark,litonlybyafewflickeringtorchesheldindarkmetalbraziers.ThelineofcrossbowmenwasgoneandWilliamwalkedslowlyacrossthedarkstonefloor.The

bannersofCanarnnowappearedmoresombre:darkimagesofBrytag,horsesandswordsincoloursofgreen,blackandbrown.Threeranksofwoodenpillarsspreadawayfromthecorridorandlittlecouldbeseeninthedarknessbetweenthem.

‘Beforewecamehere,IheardthatDukeHector’shallwasoneofthemostwelcomingplacesinTor

Funweir,’saidFallonwithasneer.

‘Itwasbrighterafewhoursago.RillionputonabitofashowfortheRanen,’Williamreplied.

‘Dowenotwarrantabitofashow,then?’

‘Webarelywarrantanylights,apparently,’Williamsaid,sharingFallon’slaugh.

‘CaptainVerellian,’avoicebellowedfromthehall,‘thisisnotthepropertimefor

laughter.’Thevoicecamefromanoldmanseatedbythefeasttables.‘MenaredeadandtheOneisdispleased.’Hemumbledtohimselfbeforehecontinued.‘Thoughheseemsdispleasedbymuchthesedays…perhapslaughteristheproperresponse.’Hewavedafrailhandtowardsthetwoknightsandbeckonedthemovertohim.

Hewasamanofatleastseventyyearsandhisplainwhiterobeshowednosignofanyoftheclericalorders.Ifthemanwasachurchman,hewasverymuchoffduty.

WilliamraisedhiseyebrowsandglancedatFallonbeforewalkingovertotheoldman.Hesataloneinthegreathall,surroundedbytheremnantsofalargefeast.Thecentralfire-pitwasdowntosmoulderingembersand

alltheassembledknightshadleftforotherduties.Thehugevaultedceilingrenderedthehallcavernousanddark;theonlylightswereatgroundlevel.

‘Youwearnorank,sir,towhomdowespeak?’Williamaskedpolitelyoftheoldman.

‘Youspeak…youspeakasamanofimport,youngsir,’hemuttered,lookingthroughnarroweyesat

William.‘YouareMarcusofVerellian’sson?’

‘Iam,sir,thoughI’venotseemyfatherformanyyears,’Williamreplied,althoughhismannerwasabrupt.TheoldmanhadnotidentifiedhimselfandWilliamwassuspiciousofsuchmen,nomatterhowold.

Theman’sbreathcarriedthestenchofwineandWilliamguessedthathewasalittledrunk.

‘IheardthatyouandyourknightswerehereandIseenowthattheswordyoucarrylookedbetteratyourfather’swaist.’HesquintedtogetabetterlookatWilliam.‘Thoughyoulooknothinglikehim,’headdedvenomously.

FallonchuckledandWilliamshotaglareathislieutenant,beforeturningbacktotheoldman.‘No,sir,Istillhavebothofmylegs

andmyfatherhasnotspoken,letaloneheldasword,forsometenyears.’

‘Well,youarethelordofVerellian,whetheryoudeserveitornot.Now,smartenyourselvesup,thenobleLordMortimerRillionawaitsyou.’Helookedatthetarnishedandbatteredarmourwornbythetwoknights.‘Hopefully,he’llrememberthatheisagentlemanasheassessesyourworth.’

NeitherWilliamnorhislieutenantlaughedatthis,andtheoldmanappearedobliviousofthefactthatbothoftheknightswerethinkingaboutpunchinghim.Hechuckledtohimselfandreachedforagobletofwine.

Fallontookastepforwardandlookeddownattheseatedman.‘Telluswhoyouare,oldman,orImayhavetobecomeunpleasant.’

Themandidnotstopchuckling.Henoisilytookagulpofwineandsquintedupatthelieutenant.‘Putyourcockaway,boy,I’mnotafightforyou.I’mRoderickoftheBlack,aclericwithfartoomuchtimetodrinkandinsultknights.’

Fallontookastepback,butdidn’tretreatentirely.‘Youwereinthesquareearlier,givinglastritestothe

funeralpyres.’Hisdemeanoursoftened.

TheBlackclericstartedlaughing,tookanotherswigofwine,andhadbeguncryingbythetimethegobletlefthislips.

BoththeRedknightshadseenthisbefore;clericsoftheBlackhadanabilitytofeeltheemptinessofdeathandcouldbecomequitevolatilewhenfacedwithlargeamountsofit.Mostbecame

crusadersorministerssoastoavoidsuchthingsanditwasunusualtoseeaBlackclericofsuchanageaccompanyingabattlefleet.

‘BrotherRoderick,perhapsyoushouldsleep.ItisdarkoutsideandI’msureyourbedispreferabletoanemptyhall,’Williamsaidgently.

HenoddedtoFallontohelphimandreachedforthecleric’sshoulders.Thetwo

knightshelpedtheoldmantohisfeetandledhimawayfromthetable.

‘Icanmanage,I’mstillfitenoughtobestanymanyoucaretoputbeforeme.Icertainlydon’tneedanyhelpgettingtobed,’hesaidwithirritation,pushingawayWilliamandFallon.Hestumbledforwardsafewsteps,aimingatasidedoor.

BeforeWilliamcouldspeak,BrotherRoderick

stoppedandswunground.‘KnightCommanderRillionawaitsyouintheantechamberyonder.’Hegesturedextravagantlytowardsanopendoorwaybehindtheraisedplatform.

WilliamraisedhiseyebrowsatFallonandstartedtowardstheopendoor.BrotherRoderickmadeittothesidedoorandleantheavilyonthedoorframe,

beforeclumsilyleavingthehall.

‘I’mnotsurethechancetofuckanddrinkisworthhavingtoexperiencethat,’Fallonsaidgrimly.

‘Heshouldhaveretiredtoanice,cosychurch,’Williamreplied.‘Though,ifhe’stheSirRoderickfromtheFallsofArnon,Imayhaveheardofhim.’

‘Ohreally,what’shedone?’

‘Ithinkhewasacrusader,theabbotoftheGrayKeep,andfromwhatIhearaclericwhorefusedtocontinuekillingrisenmen.’

Itwasunusual,butnotunheardof,foraBlackclerictoseesomehumanityinthefacesoftherisenandtofallfromthecrusade.

‘Hewasthemanwhoclaimedhesawthelightofadeadgodintheeyesofthe

lastonehekilled,’Williamadded.

‘Yeah,yeah,I’veheardthatswillbefore.Ileaveweightymatterstomybetters,sir.Ipreferjusttothinkofthemasundeadmonstrositiesandleaveitatthat.’Fallonwasasimplemanandhadnotgiventheotherclericalordersmuchthought.

Hescreweduphisfaceashespoke.‘Although,it

explainswhythey’vegothimministeringtofuneralpyresathisage…formerabbotornot,hedisobeyedorders.’

ThetwoknightsoftheRedcrossedthehallandapproachedtheopendoorway.Theraisedplatform,whereDukeHectoroncesat,hadbeenstrippedofadornments.Thebloodstainshadbeenrecentlycleanedfromtheflagstonefloorwherethedukehadbeen

executedandFatherMagnushadenteredhisbattlerage.

‘Hekilledfourknightsapparently,’Williamsaidtohislieutenant.‘HebrokehischainswhenRashabaldbeheadedtheduke.’

Fallonshookhishead.‘Anyknightwhowantstobeanexecutionerisnotfittoexecutemen.’

WilliamknewhislieutenanthadanextremedislikeforSirRashabaldand

had,onmorethanoneoccasion,triedtocallhimoutandkillhim.Rillionhadalwaysintervenedandprotectedtheoldexecutioner:helikedamanwithasadisticstreaksimilartohisown.

Thedoorwayledthroughtotheduke’spersonalchamberswhereSirRillionhadpositionedhimself.ThedarkwoodendeskhadbeenclearedofHector’sbelongingsandnow

containedpilesofpaper,trooprosters,mapsandinjuryreports.TwomembersofNathan’scompanystoodguardwithintheroom,theirarmouruntarnishedbybattleorfromsleepinginthecourtyard.Fallonglaredatthemandpickedanimaginarybitofdustfromthearmourofone.

WithintheroomsatRillion,BrotherAnimustusoftheGoldchurch,andAmeira,

theKaresianwitchWilliamhadheardcalledtheLadyofSpiders.Twomoreknightsstoodguardinceremonialarmourbehindtheircommander,andthecrossedswordsandclenchedfistoftheRedchurchhungdefiantlyfromtheceiling.

CommanderRillionstillworehisarmourandlookedupacrossthelightofseveralcandlestoWilliamandFallon.Theroomwas

primarilylitbyflamingbraziersinthefourcorners,butRillionhadclearlybeenstudyingpapersandsquintedtofocusonthetwoknightsbeforehim.

‘Verellian,pleasecomein,’hesaidwithawaveofhishand.‘I’lltrytoignorethelatenessandputitdowntoaheadinjuryduringthebattle.’Histonewasmockingandhisscarredfacetwistedinanunpleasantsneer.

WilliamandFalloncametostandinfrontofthedeskandboththeknightsbangedtheirfistsontheirbreastplatesinsalute.Animustus,theGoldcleric,wasdrinkingwinefromalargebrassgobletandbarelyacknowledgedthetwoknights.

‘Mylord,we’vebeenbusysupervisingthemercenariesinthetown.It

takesmoreworkthanwethought,’Williamsaid.

‘Yes,CaptainNathanstompedthroughhereaminuteagocomplainingaboutyoursupervisingtactics.Hethinksyou’retoosoft,’Rillionreplied,leaningbackinhischair.

‘CaptainNathanshouldbecarefulwhathesays.Ialreadyhaveseveralreasonstocallhimout.’William

couldseethesmileonFallon’sface.

RillionchuckledandtheGoldclericgaveanamusedsnort,showingthathewaslistening.‘Well,then,I’dsayCaptainNathanshouldthankmefortheordersI’mabouttogiveyou.’Thecommandershiftedhisweight,flexinghisnecktoremovethestiffness.‘Theduke’sdaughterhaseludedthesquadsofknightssentintothetunnels.’He

turnedtotheKaresianenchantress.‘ThenobleladyAmeirabelievesthattheBlackGuardBronwynhasalreadymadeitoutofthecity.’

WilliamdislikedthewaythecommanderlookedatAmeiraandagainsensedthatsheexertedmoreinfluenceoverhimthanhisknightsknew.

AmeirasteppedforwardandWilliamthoughtfora

momentthatshehaddetectedwhathewasthinking.Thewitchhadlustrousblackhairanddeepgreeneyes.Herrobeswereblackandflatteringinawaythatwasclearlynotaccidental.Williamdislikedherspider’swebtattooanddidnotwanttobetooclosetoher.HewasnotnaiveenoughtobelieveeverystoryhehadheardabouttheSevenSisters,buthedidnotdoubtthatJaahad

giftedthemwithstrangehypnoticabilities.

ThewitchlockedeyeswithhimforasecondandWilliamlookedawaysharply.‘Mylord,Iamnotcomfortableinthepresenceofanenchantress,’hesaidwithconviction.

Ameiralaughed,alyricalsoundthatmadeRillionsmilewithaslighteuphoria.Shesteppedforwardandstoodinfrontofthecommander’s

desk,makingitdifficultforWilliamtonotlookather.‘SirVerellian,surelyyoudonotthinkmeadanger?’

‘Enoughofthis,’Rillioninterruptedsharply.‘Ameira,pleasedon’tteasethecaptain.William,youaretotravelnorthandapprehendthegirl.Clear?’

Thewitchsmiledandbackedaway,returningtostandatthecommander’sshoulder.

‘Itisclear,mylord,’Williamsaid.‘Doweknowwhereshewent?’

‘Shehadhelpescaping.AKaresianspycalledAl-Hasimkilledeightknightsandthenescapedsomewhereintothetown.WhenPevainfindshim,we’llknowwhereshewent.’

‘SurelyhelefttownwithBronwyn?’Fallonasked.

SirRillionlookedatthelieutenantasifhedisliked

beingspokentobyanadjutant.Hiseyesnarrowedandhisfacefellbackintoitscustomarysneer.

‘Well,LieutenantFallonofLeith,Iimaginewemustappearverystupidtoyou.HasimwasseenshortlyafterFatherMagnushadhealedhim.Castus,thegaoler,sawthespyleavingviathefoodtroughbuthecouldn’tlevelhiscrossbowintimetokillthedog.Itseemstheheathen

powersoftheRanenmakeaconsiderableglowwhentheyareused,andCastuswasalerted.SirPevainwasdespatchedanhouragoandwillcapturethemanandextractthenecessaryinformation.

‘Inthemeantime,youwillridenorthtotheGrassSea.’Hestrokedhisbeardashespoke.‘Wewillsendafastriderwithnewsofherlocationwhenweknowit.

Pevainhasmenwithhimwhoareskilledat…extractinginformation.’

TheeuphemismfortorturebotheredWilliam.Heknewthatitwasoftenthoughtokayforthoseunderthecommandofknightstoengageinsuchactivities,solongastheknightsthemselvesdidnot,butthepracticewasverymuchagreyareawithinthechurch.

‘Isthatall,myLordRillion?’Williamasked.‘Travelnorthandtrytofindthegirl?’

ThecommanderglancedatAmeirabeforeheanswered.‘AndyouaretokillanymembersofWraithCompanyyouencounter.’

Williamnarrowedhiseyesandconsideredtheorderforasecondbeforehespoke.‘Mylord,Iwasn’tawarethatwe

wereatwarwiththeFreeCompanies?’

‘Wearenot,andifyoukeepthemawayfromthecity,hopefullywewillremainnotatwarwiththem.’

‘Ifthoseareyourorders,mylord.’Williamwasaseasonedknightandwasn’tgoingtoargue.‘We’llmusterthemenandleavewithinthehour.’

Rillionwavedhishandasiftodismissthem.William

andFallonrepeatedthesaluteandturnedtoleave.

Williamgaveintocuriosityashewenttoexittheroomandturnedbacktohiscommander.‘Mylord,amItounderstandthatthekingiscominghere?’

Rillionscowledattheknightand,withanotherglanceatAmeira,said,‘Yes,Verellian,he’llbeherewithinthenexttwoweeks.ThedeathofHectorthebetrayer

wasonlythebeginningofourworkinRoCanarn.KingSebastianhasotherdutiesforustoperform.’Henarrowedhiseyesandbecameguarded.‘Donotworry,CaptainVerellian,bythetimeyoureturnfromtheGrassSea,ourdutywillbeclear.’

‘Yes,sir,’Williamsaidwearilyasheturnedaway.

Oncetheknightswereoutofearshot,Fallonturnedtohiscaptain.‘Whatabout

him,’hesaidwithanger,‘canIslithisthroat?’

‘I’mnotsurewecanjustifykillingthenewknightprotectorofRoCanarn.’

WilliamwasdeepinthoughtandgreatlytroubledthatthewordsofafollowerofJaashouldholdsomuchinfluenceoveraknightoftheRed.EvenmoreworryingwasthatFallon’sgossipmightbetrue,andthatthe

kingmightbeintendingtoattacktheFreelands.

‘So,whatdowedo,sir?’Fallonasked.

‘Wefolloworders,mydearboy,’hereplied.‘Wefollowordersanddiewherewe’retoldtodie.’

***

Al-Hasimhadseenthetwoknightsentertheantechamber

andhadwaitedinthesecretpassageforthemtoemerge.Hehadheardmuchofwhatthey’dspokenaboutwiththeircommanderandwasworriedforanumberofreasons.Hehopedthatthetwohours’headstartBronwynhadwasenough,andthatWraithCompanywouldfindherbeforetheknightsdid.Itwasatleastatwo-weekjourneytoRoHailandBronwynwouldnot

knowthatshewasbeingpursued.Eitherway,Hasimcoulddolittletohelpherandshewouldneedtoshowhermettleinordertoremainfree.

Thesecretpassagesprovidedanexcellentwaytomovecovertlyaroundthekeepandhe’dspenthalfanhourorsocurledupinaballlookingoutofasecretdoorhighintheraftersofthegreathall.Magnushadhealedhimjustintime,astheRedpig,

Castus,hadappearedandfiredhiscrossbowattheKaresianamomentlater.Sincethen,he’dtriedtofindKohliandJenner,theKaresianbrotherswho’dsmuggledhimintothetowninthefirstplace.

SirHallamPevainwasatenaciouspursuerandHasimhadbeenclosetocapturetwice.First,whenhe’dhauledhimselfoutofthetrough,ashoutfromCastus

hadalertedthemercenariesabove.He’dnotstayedtofight,buthadthrownhimselfintoanearbysewerwhichranalongthewallsofthekeep,andthesmellhadbeenenoughtodissuadethemercenariesfromfollowinghim.Aroundanhourafterthat,ashe’demergedfromthesewerintoastableneartheblacksmith’sguild,he’dbeenspottedbyPevain’s

bastardsandhadtorunintothedarkstreetsofCanarn.

He’dnotknownthatPevainwasafterhimpersonallyuntillater,whenhewashidinginthetunnelsofthekeepandoverheardRillionshoutingatthemercenaryknightfortakingtoolonginfindinghim.

HehadnotyethadtimetoworryabouttheLadyofSpiders.Algenonhadtoldhimlittleaboutthewitch.

HasimbelievedthatshewasmanipulatingRillion–thatmuchwasobvious–buttowhatend,hewasnotsure.

ThethainofFredericksandwasinscrutableatthebestoftimesand,wheretheSevenSisterswereconcerned,hewasdownrightmysterious.HasimtrustedAlgenon,though,andwasnowoftheopinionthathisnextmoveshouldbetofreeMagnusfromhisgaolcell.

KohliandJennerwouldhavegonetogroundduringthebattle,andHasimwascertainthey’dhavefoundawarmplacetohidewithplentytodrink.ThebrotherswerefromThrakka,acityseveralleaguestothesouthofAl-Hasim’shomeofKessia,andwerethekindofKaresianscumthatHasimliked.Theyworkedformoneytobuyalcoholandwomen,makingthemverypredictablein

Hasim’seyes.Theyalsoownedaboat,whichwouldbealikelyescaperouteonceMagnuswasfreed.

Hasimbackedawayfromthehatchwayhighabovethegreathallandcrawledbackdownthenarrowtunnel.Hewonderedwhowouldhaveinstalledsuchacovertlisteningpoint,buthewasgladtheyhaddone.He’dfoundseveralsuchplacesthroughoutthekeep–narrow

passageways,largeenoughtocrawldown,whichlookedinonmostoftheroomsinthebuilding.He’devenfoundseveralspy-holesthatlookedinontheothersecrettunnels,andhadmorethanonceobservedPevain’smercenariesastheysearchedforhim.He’dremainedhiddenthusfar,notwantingtoalertthemtohispresencebykillinganyofthem.However,hewasbecoming

frustratedwithhisinabilitytomovefreely.Hasimwasnotusedtobeinghuntedandfounditanunpleasantsensation.

Asheleftthewatch-hole,hewasfacedwithasteepsetofstairsthatledbackdowntothemainbodyofsecretpassages.Beyondwasasmallwoodendoor,nomorethanfivefeethighandlargelyinvisiblefromtheotherside.Eachofthedoorstothe

watch-holeshadasmallpeephole,throughwhichHasimcouldmakesurethewaywasclear.

Ashewalkeddownthesmallstaircase,hethoughtquickly.Magnuswouldnotbeeasytobreakoutofhiscelland,evenifHasimcouldfreehisoldfriend,theirpositionwouldstillbeadifficultone.Hehadtoleavethecityandhecouldn’tleavewithouttheRanenpriest.He

wasfondofMagnusandhadgrowntovaluehimasafriend.He’dmissthedrinkingsessionsandtalkofwomenbeddedandbattleswon.OtherthanBromandRhamJasRami,MagnuswastheonlyothermanHasimhadevercalledbrother,andthatstillmeantsomethingtohim.

Helookedthroughthepeepholeandsawnothingbutadarkpassageway.Beyond,heknewthetunnelledalong

thesideofthegreathallandthendownthroughthewallsadjacenttothekeep.Al-Hasimhadbeeninthetunnelsforseveralhoursandhadalreadyidentifiedthebestexitsandtheplacesleastlikelytobeguarded.HeneededtofindKohliandJennerfirst,whichmeantexitingneartheport.TheKaresianswouldhaveretreatedtotheirboat,hopingtheknightswouldn’tcheck

theharbour.Hasimthoughtitunlikelythatthey’dhavebeenabletoleavetheportafterthebattleandimaginedthey’dbecoweringbelowdeckswithseveralbottlesofwine.

Hasimopenedthedoorslowlyandimmediatelystopped.Hefeltpressureagainstthewoodandwasthenflungbackasthedoorwasshovedbackintohim.Someonehadbeenhiding

beneaththepeephole,waitingforhimtoleave.

Hasimhithisheadfirmlyagainstthewoodenstepsandlostvisionforasecondasheheardavoiceshout,‘Sergeant,I’vefoundtheKaresian!’followedbythesoundofarmouredstepsmovingquicklyalongthewoodentunnelbeyond.

Hetriedtogettohisfeet,butfellbackasanarmouredknightoftheRedflungthe

dooropenandadvanceduponhim.ThesoundofotherknightsapproachinggrewlouderasHasiminchedbackupthestepstowardsthewatch-hole,drawinghiskrisbladeandtryingtofocusontheadvancingknight.

‘You’remine,boy,’saidtheknightashedrewhissword,duckedunderthesmallwoodendoorway,andcrouchedatthefootofthestairs.

Hasimshookhisheadandheftedhimselfbackwardsonhandsandknees.Hewasstilldazedandonlyvaguelyawareoftheknightattemptingtograbhisfootashescuttledbackupthestairstothewatch-hole.Hekickedoutwithasmuchstrengthashecouldmanageandheardasolidsteelclangandasharpintakeofbreath.

Theknightstumbledback,gettinghisarmourandsword

tangledupinthenarrowtunnel.Hasimsworetohimselfandrubbedhiseyes.Hecouldfeelbloodonthebackofhisheadandwasinconsiderablepain.Hasimturnedandrapidlydartedupthestairs.

‘I’llmakeyoubleedforthat,horse-fucker,’shoutedtheknightasheadvancedagaintowardsthewatch-hole.

Hasimbrieflyconsideredthrowinghisknifeinorderto

silencetheknight,butthoughtbetterofitashereachedthetopofthenarrowstaircase.Therewasnowheretogo.Thetunnelendedinthewatch-holeoverlookingthegreathallandtherewasnowaydown,justasmallgratingthroughwhichthehallcouldbeseen.Hehadtothinkfast,asreinforcementshadreachedthehatchwayatthebottomofthestairs.

‘Hecrawledupthere.Thescum’strapped,sir,’saidtheknightwho’dfoundhim.

‘There’snowheretogo,boy,surrenderandyoumaysurvivethis,’saidanoldervoicefromthetunnel.

MoremenwereconvergingonhislocationandHasimcouldhearshoutsandorderspassedloudlyalongthetunnels.Hebreathedinheavilyandshookhishead.Hiswoundwasnot

badandhebegantothinkquickly.

Crouching,hemovedasrapidlyashecoulddownthetunneltowardsthewatch-hole.Theknightsbelowbeganmovingthroughthehatchwayandhecouldhearmoremenapproaching.Holdingthekrisbladebetweenhisteeth,hereachedthegratingthatoverlookedthegreathallofRoCanarnandstopped.

‘We’recomingforyou,littleboy,’calledthefirstknight,ashebeganascendingthecrampedstaircase.

Hasimcouldn’tfighthiswaythroughtheknights.Hewasarealistandknewthat,eveninclosequarters,thereweretoomany,andthistimehedidn’thavetheadvantageofsurprise.Multipleshadowsflowedoverthetopofthestairsandhecouldmakeoutthevoicesofperhapsasmany

astenknightsapproachinghim.Hestartedtolaugh,anoutburstofhystericaldesperation.

Hasimglanceddownthroughthewatch-hole,tookhiskrisbladefrombetweenhisteethandsmasheditagainstthewoodofthegrate.Thewoodwassolid,butHasimwasstrongandhequicklybrokeoffapiece.Hehititagainand,asthefirstknight’sheademergedatthe

topofthenarrowstairs,hefeverishlysmashedatthewoodengrating.Notenoughofagaphadopenedandhelaydownonhisbackandkickedhisfeetintothewood.Hisleftbootbrokethrough,sendingsplintersintothehallbelow.

‘Sergeant,theKaresian’stryingtobreakthroughintothegreathall.’

ThesoundofwoodbreakingwasloudandHasim

couldnothearifanyoftheknightswereleaving.HesparedaquickglancebehindhimandsawtwomenofRo,theirupperbodiessqueezedintothenarrowpassagewayatthetopofthestairs.Theybeganclumsilycrawlingtowardshimashechangedtoacrouchedposition,bracedhimself,andflunghisshoulderatthebrokenwoodengrate.Hisweightwassufficienttofinishthejobhis

knifehadstartedand,withaloudshout,heplummetedintothegreathall.

Helandedfaceup,withathud,ononeoftheduke’sfeasttables.Thefallhadwindedhimandhisshoulderfeltasifitmightbedislocated.Above,hesawthefaceofaknightpokingthroughthebrokenwatch-hole.

Hasimrolledoffthetable,gottohisfeetandquickly

glancedaroundthehall.Themaindoorswereopenandbeyondhecouldseethenight.Behindtheduke’splatformseveralfigureswereemergingfromananteroom.

‘You…Karesian,’shoutedavoicefromtheantechamber,‘stopthere!’

HasimturnedandsawRillionandthreeknights,swordsdrawn,advancingonhisposition.Heturnedquicklyanddartedacrossthe

greathall.Asheapproachedthedarknessbeyondthemaindoors,forasecondhethoughthemightactuallyescape.Ashebegantosmilehelookedupandsawafigureapproachingthroughthedoors.

SirHallamPevainenteredthegreathallslowly,histwo-handedswordheldcasuallyacrosshisshoulderblades.‘You’remine,Hasim,’hesaidwithagrowl.

AbellhadbeguntosoundandHasimcouldheararmouredfeetapproachingthroughseveralsideentrancesandantechambers.Therewasnoobviouswayofescape.

BehindhimstoodCommanderRillionandthreeknightsoftheRed,withAmeira,theKaresianenchantress,positionedinthedoorway.Theknightsstoodontheraisedplatform,bytheduke’schair,contentjustto

cutoffHasim’sescape.Infrontofhim,blockinghispathtothemaindoor,wasPevainandadozenofhismercenaries.Onbothsidesofthegreathall,otherRedknightsappearedandencircledhim.Hasimjudgedthathewasfinallycaptured.

RilliondrewhisswordandsteppedwithintenfeetoftheKaresian.‘Al-Hasim,youaretostanddownandbe

subjecttotheking’slaw,’hesaidwithsmugauthority.

‘AndifIdon’t?’Hasimreplieddefiantly.

‘ThenI’llcutyourarmsoffandgivetherestofyoutomyboys,’Pevainbuttedin,grinningviciouslyandnoddingathismercenaries,whosmiledandlookedatHasimasifhewereapieceofmeat.

‘Pevain,weneedinformationfromthisspy,’

Rillioncountered,causingthemercenaryknighttolookatthefloorandnodwithfrustration.‘Don’tkillhimoutright.Getthelocationofthegirlfromhimandyoucanletyourdogsturnhimintoawoman.Clear?’

Pevainandhismenevidentlylikedthisorder.Thebastardswereknownfornotbeingtoochoosywhenitcametorape,andHasimhadheardstoriesofmenbroken

tothepointofsuicideafteranencounterwiththem.Eachofthedirty,grim-facedmercenarieswassmilingathim,andafewevenwinkedandlickedtheirlipsinanticipation.

PevainadvancedtowardsHasim,hisswordheldlowandhisfacetwistedinagrotesquegrin.Hasimhadonlyhiskrisbladewithwhichtodefendhimself.

‘Doyouyield?’Pevainaskedmockingly.

‘Doyou?’Hasimshotbackwithvenom.

HesawagroupoffivemoreknightsoftheRedenterthehallbehindPevain’smercenariesandstandinfrontofthelargewoodendoors,peeringoverthemeninfront.

Pevaindidn’thesitateformorethanasecondbeforehelungedforwardandaimeda

powerfulthrustattheKaresian’schest.Hewasahugemanandaskilledswordsman,butHasimwasfasterandsimplyrolledtohisrightandacrossthewoodentablehe’dlandedon.

TwomercenariesmovedtocuthimoffandPevainshouted,‘Wecandancearoundthehallallnight,Hasim,butyou’regoingnowhere.’

Hasimfoundhisfeetontheothersideofthetableandcrouched,spunround,anddirectedalightning-fastkickatoneofthemercenaries.Theman’slegbuckledandhefell,lettinghislongswordclattertotheground.AsecondpursuerswungdownwardsatHasimbutmissedashedartedbackunderthetable,grabbingthefallenswordashedidso.

Pevainlaughedashesaid,‘Thelongeryouwaittheangriermymenwillget…andtheyaren’tgentlewhenthey’reangry.Ifyougiveupnow,youmightmakeafinelittleKaresianwife.’

Hasimmovedquicklyalongthefloorasthemercenariesbegantocirclethetable.Swordswereswungathim,buteitherstruckwoodenchairsormissedentirely.Hasimhadnoreal

delusionsaboutescaping,butwasnotgoingtogiveupeasily.Hedidaforwardrolloutfromunderthetableandknockedanothermercenarytothefloorastheothersmovedquicklyinpursuit.

PevainletoutaroarofexertionandswunghishugesworddownwardsatthetablebetweenhimandHasim,splinteringthewooddownthemiddle.Hasimdidn’tturntoengagethehugemercenary

knightbutinsteaddivedbackacrossthebrokentableandrolledpasthim.Hewasmetwithagroupofknightswhohadenteredthehallfromasidedoorandwerebrandishingweapons.

Hasimstopped,hewassurroundedandoutofoptions.Themercenariesandknightshadhimencircledandhisroomformovementwasgettingsmallerandsmallerastheypennedhimin.Hehelda

longswordinonehandandhiskrisbladeintheother,buthewasfacedwithtwentyorsoRedknightsandseveraldozenmercenaries.

HeturnedandwasmetwithapowerfulpunchtothefacefromSirPevain.Hefeltbloodflowfromhisnoseandmouthandlostthestrengthinhislegsforamoment,crumplingtoaheaponthefloor.

Helookedupandrubbedthebloodfromhisface,andsawdarkfacesloomintoview.Akicktothestomachandhelosthisbreath,akicktothebackandhelosthisgriponhisweapons,andakicktothegroinandheexhaledsharplyandinvoluntarilycurledupintoaballonthestonefloor.

‘Don’tkillhim,youdogs,weneedinformationfromhim,’orderedRillion.His

voicesoundedcloseandHasimwasvaguelyawareofhimshovingthemercenariesaside.‘Pevain,controlyourbastards.’

HasimwaspulledroughlytohisfeetandreceivedanotherpunchinthefacefromPevain,thoughthistimehewasheldandnotallowedtofall.Hewasshovedbetweenthemercenariesforafewminutes,punched,kicked,insultedandgoaded

withpromisesofrapeandworse.Thenhewasthrownagainstanothertableanddoubledover,wheezingheavilyandspittingblood.

Pevaingrabbedhimbytheneckandheldhimuptohisface.‘Whereistheduke’sslutofadaughter?Wheredidyousendher?’

HasimlaughedweaklyandspatbloodinPevain’sface.‘AfewkicksandpunchesIcanhandle,you

sorryexcuseforaknight,’hesaid,withasmuchbravadoashecouldmuster.

AnotherpowerfulpunchtothefaceandHasimspatoutatoothandfelthislipsandjawswellup.

PevainturnedbacktoRillionandsaid,‘Mylord,weneedtoapplyabitmorepressuretothisKaresianpig-fucker.He’satoughlittlebastard.’

RillionnoddedandHasimwasthrownbacktothemercenaries.

‘Breakhim,’commandedPevainsimply.

Hetriedtoresist,butmanyhandsheldhimandhewasweakandunfocusedfromtherepeatedblowstohisheadandbody.Helashedoutandstruckwildlyatthefacesaroundhim,buthisarmswerequicklywrenchedbehindhisbackandaforearm

waswrappedroughlyroundhisneck.Vilecallscamefromthemercenariesastheyarguedwhowouldgettoviolatehimfirst,andRillionandhisknightssimplywatched.

Hasimdidn’tstopstruggling,butheknewhehadnochanceofresistingashewaspunchedrepeatedlyinthestomachandbentoverafeasttable,hisarmsheld

firmlyandaroughhandgraspinghishair.

JustashebegantopraytoJaaforaswiftdeath,heheardamanshout,‘Lethimgo!’

HasimturnedhisheadandidentifiedthespeakerasWilliamofVerellian.Thehawk-facedknightcaptainwasstandingjustinsidethegreathallwithfiveofhisknights,wholookedatPevain’smenwithdisgust.

‘Notyourbusiness,Verellian,’saidPevaininresponse.

Thecaptainsteppedforwardandglaredatthehugemercenary.‘Nomanwilltakehispaymentinbloodorflesh.Thatappliestoyouandyourmen.Cagehim,imprisonhim,questionhim,’hesaidwithmenace,lookingdirectlyintoPevain’seyes,‘butcausehimtobleedagain

orviolatehisfleshandI’llkillyou.’

Verellian’smendrewtheirswordsandfacedoffagainstthemercenaries,mostofwhomweredecidedlyafraidatthesightofFallonofLeith,amanrenownedasoneofthefinestswordsmenamongsttheknightsoftheRed.

‘Captain,’barkedRillion,‘youoverstepyourbounds.Weneedinformationfromthisman.He’sacriminaland

yourknightlycodedoesnotapply.’

Verellianlookedoffended,butmaintainedhiscomposure.‘Apologies,mylord,butmyknightlycodeappliesinallsituationsandwithallprisoners.Iwillnotdisobeyadirectorderfrommycommander,butneitherwillIstanddownandlettheseanimalscauseanymorepaintoacaptive,criminalornot.’

FallonandVerellianbothlookeddangerouswiththeirswordsdrawn,andthemenwiththemwouldclearlythinknothingofkillingthemercenariesiftheywereorderedtodoso.Pevainglaredatthecaptain,buthismenwereunsure,asiftheywouldrathernothavetotestthemselvesagainsttruefightingmen.

Hasimremainedstill,butchancedaquicklookat

Ameira.ShewasstandingbehindRillion,evidentlyenjoyingtheconfrontation.ThiswastheclosesthehadbeentohersincehehadarrivedinRoCanarnandhewonderedifsheknewthatheworkedforAlgenonTeardrop.

RillionsteppedforwardtostandnexttoPevain,consideringwhattosaytoVerellian.Henarrowedhiseyesandslowlysmiled.

‘I’mhonestlynotsurewhowouldwinifIletthetwoofyoufight.’Hesizedupthetwoarmouredknights.

Pevainwaslargerbynearlyafoot,butWilliamofVerellianwasahardmanandhadareputationasaswordsmanwhocouldkillquicklyandefficiently.Pevainwasyounger,thoughnotbymuch,andthematchwaseven.

Williamtookastepforwardandstaredupatthemercenary.LieutenantFallonletahardglareplayoverthefacesoftheothers.

Verelliandidn’tmovehiseyesfromPevainashespoketohiscommander.‘MyLordRillion,IwillgladlykillthismanandallhisbastardsifitwillconvinceyouthattheKaresianshouldbetreatedwithhonour.’

Pevainsmirked,showingthathewasn’tscaredoftheRedknight.‘Commander,letthisboy-fuckertryandI’llmakehimmylittlewhorethesameasthatKaresianpig.’

Verelliandidn’tchangehisexpressionasherammedhisforeheadintoPevain’snose.Hehadtoriseontotiptoestoreachthetallerman,buttheblowlandedsolidlyandsentPevaintohis

knees,clutchinghissmashednose.

TwooftheclosestmercenariesautomaticallymovedtoattackVerellian,theirswordsbrandishedandeyeswildwithanger.Fallongrabbedthefirstbythethroatandcasuallykickedawayhissword.Thesecondturnedtothrustathim,butwasmetwithaparryandFallon’sripostewasaswiftcuttohisneck.Thewoundwasclearly

fatalandtheassembledknightsandmercenariespausedandstaredasthedyingmanslowlyfell.

Pevaingatheredhimselfand,pantingheavily,rosetohisfeet.Fallontookasteptowardstheremainingmercenaries,steppingoverthedeadmanandtwirlinghislongswordwithskill.Verelliandidn’tmoveaninchasPevainagainstoodnosetonosewiththeknight.

CommanderRillionbegantolaugh,breakingtheominoussilence.‘Pevain,ifyoustrikeCaptainVerellian,he’llkillyou.Fallonandtheotherswillthenkillallofyourmenandnoorderfrommewillstopthem,’hesaidwithquietauthority.‘Putyoursworddownandtakeyourdeadmanoutofmyhall.Enoughbloodhasbeencleanedoffthefloortoday.’

‘Youshouldlistentohim,’saidVerellianinanear-whisper.

Fallonsimplysmiledatthemercenaries,andVerellian’sotherknightsstoodwithswordsdrawn.

ThemanrestrainingHasimhadturnedawayandtheKaresianhadslumpedtothefloor,leaningagainstawoodenchair.Hemanagedaslightsmileattheideaofhis

honourbeingdefendedbyknightsoftheRed.

ThemercenariesalllookedtowardsSirPevainandHasimsensedthey’drathertheirleaderdidnotcontinuetheargument.Theyweretoughmen,butnomatchforagroupofhardenedknightsoftheRed,especiallynotthisparticulargroupofknightsoftheRed.WilliamofVerellianhadbeenknowntoHasimeven

beforeheoverheardhimtalkingtothecommander.HisskillandhonourwerewellknowninTorFunweir.

PevainwasgruntingunderhisbreathandnodoubtimaginingallmannerofunpleasanttormentshewouldvisituponVerellian,butheturnedtohismenandwavedthemoutofthemainhall.HethennoddedtoCommanderRillionandleft,gingerlytouchinghisbrokennose.

***

Hasimhadbeentiedtoahorseandhefoundhimselfwaiting,flankedbyknightsoftheRed,atthegatehouseleadingnorthoutofRoCanarn.Itwasjuststartingtorainandhewasstillsorefromthebeatinghehadtaken.

KnightCommanderRillionhadnotbeenpleased

withWilliamofVerellian’sinterferenceand,aspunishment,he’dgivenHasimintothecareoftheknightstobetakennorthinpursuitofBronwyn.RillionevidentlythoughtthatthreateningHasim’slifewouldmakeBronwynlessinclinedtorun.WhathedidnotrealizewasthatVerellianwasaknighttowhomdisplaysofterrordidnotcomenaturally.

Hasimwasusedtohavinghisfatedictatedtobyothers,buthedislikedthethoughtofthosepeople’sstringsbeingheldbyaKaresianenchantress.Ashesatonthehorse,HasimwonderedwheretheotherSevenSisterswere,andwhatinteresttheyhadinRoCanarn.

CHAPTER8

ZELDANTORINTHECITYOF

KESSIA

SlaverywasarealitytomanyKaresians.Zelhadbeenaslavesincehewasachildand

hadneverquestionedhisposition.HismotherwasaKirin,livinginthewoodsofLislan,andhadapparentlybeenkilledbychurchmenofRo.Slavers,followingtheclerics,hadtakenZelwhenhewastoosmalltoremember.Zelwasnotbitteraboutthis,primarilybecausehehadneverknownhismother,butalsobecausehefoundthelifeofaslavetobearelativelypleasantone.The

slavershadgivenhimtoamobsterinKessiaasashowofrespectandhe’dservedthemanfaithfully.

HenowservedawomancalledSaara,thoughshewasoftenreferredtoastheMistressofPain.ShewasoftheSevenSistersandhadpurchasedZelfromthemobstershortlybeforeZel’stwelfthbirthday.Hewasnowfifteenandlargelyenjoyedhisduties.Previouslyhe’d

beenrequiredtocareforthefatoldmobster,cleaninghistatteredclothesandfetchinghismeals.Onoccasionhe’devenhadtowashtheman,scrubbinghisbackandshoulderswhilesingingsoothingsongsorrecitingpoetry.Whenhewasn’tbeingabodyslave,he’dbeentrainedintheuseofascimitarandtoldthat,whenhegrewstronger,he’dbeone

oftheman’smanybodyguards.

ZelwasgladthatSaaradidnotrequirehimtobatheher,orevenrepairherclothing.Shelikedhimtowakeherwithbreakfastandthegentleringingofabell,butherdailydemandswerefew.SherequiredthatZelaccompaniedhervirtuallyeverywhereandtrustedhisdiscretion,evengoingsofarastoaskhisopinionon

matterswhentheywerealone.Inthetimethey’dbeentogether,Zelhadstoodnexttoheratallmannerofinterestingmeetingsandencounters.

TheSevenSistersweretheenchantressesofJaaanduniversallyfearedbycommonKaresians.TheyhadthepoweroflifeanddeathoverallthosewhoclaimedJaaastheirgodandtheywereabletomakedemandsof

virtuallyeveryone.EveninKessia,wherethemerchantprincesruled,Saarawastreatedwithnervousrespect.

‘Slave!’ThevoicecamefromoneoftwowindclawswaitingoutsideSaara’schambers.

TheMistressofPainhadchosentostayinanopulentresidenceinthesouthofthecity,aquietplacebuiltintheformofthreetowersaroundthreegardensofmeditation.

Saarahadaskedforthetopfloorofoneofthetowerstobeclearedandshenowheldcourtoverlookingabeautifulfountainandacarefullytendedgardenofbrightlycolouredplants.

Zel’smistresshadjustfinishedtalkingtoamerchantprincecalledZamamandhadrequestedashortbreak.Shehadspokentoanumberofprincesduringthemorning,andseveralmobstersthe

previousevening,andZelhadadvisedthatshetakeanhour’srest.He’dseenherthroughtohermarblebedroomandhadthentakensometimeforhimself.Currently,hewasontheterracethatledfromthetopfloortothestairsandthetenfloorsbelow.

Theinnerwallsofthetowerwereopen,allowinggueststolookdownonthegarden,andZelfoundthelow

babblingofwaterfromthefountainmostrelaxing.

‘Slave,areyoulistening,boy?’oneofthewindclawsaskedagain.

Zelsighedatbeingpulledawayfromhisquietcontemplation,turnedandboweddeeplytothemanbeforehim.Thewindclawsweretallmen,wearingtheflowingblackrobescommontotheirorder,andbothcarriedtwowavykrisblades

ateachhip.Themanwhohadspokenhadlongblackhair,tiedinabraidedtopknot.

‘Manyapologies,master,Iwasdeepinthought,’theslavesaid.

‘Aslavetoanenchantressisstillaslave,boy.PleaserememberyourmannersorI’llhaveyoubeaten.’

ItwasnotasmuchofathreattoZelasitwouldhavebeentoayoungerslave.Abeatingwasasimplething,

easilyenduredandsoonforgotten,andyetthenoblesofKaresiaevidentlyfoundthenotionpleasingonsomelevel.

‘Imeantnooffence,noblemaster,’Zelsaid,bowingevendeeperandholdinghisarmswideinafawninggesture.‘Wereyouwaitingformymistress?’

‘Well,Iwasconsideringwaitingforher,butaftertheprocessionofmerchant

princesI’veseenwalkingupthosestairs,I’dimaginemypresencewouldbepositivelyboringbycomparison,’thewindclawsaid,clearlydeepinthought.

‘Ifyougivemeyourname,master,I’llbesuretotellmymistressthatyouarewaiting.She’srestingatthemoment,butwillbeavailableagainshortly.’

Thewindclawlookedathim,lettinghiseyesnarrow

andhisspeechbecomesuspicious.‘IamDalian,calledtheThiefTaker.Shewillknowme.’

Hespokewithlittleceremony,butZelhadheardthenamebefore.TheThiefTakerwasaninfamousmaninKessia,amanwhoenforcedthewillofJaaandwasfrequentlybrutalindoingso.HewasnotgiftedbytheFireGiant,asweretheSevenSisters,buthadchosento

servefaithfully,frequentlyquestioningtheenchantressesandtheiruseofthepowersgrantedtothem.Hewasthegreatestofthewindclaws,themenwhomadesurethatcommonKaresiansadheredtothewordofJaa.

‘ThisisLarix,calledtheTraveller.HehasjustreturnedfromTorFunweirwithamessagefromKatjatheHandofDespairforyourmistress.’Thesecondwind

clawwasayoungerman,withlighterskin.Hisblackrobeswereinpristinecondition,suggestingtoZelthattheyhadnotbeenwornrecently.

‘I’llbesuretotellherthatyouarewaiting,masters,’Zelsaidwithdeference.Hehadmetwindclawsbefore,butnevertheThiefTakerhimself,andZelwasmoderatelyimpressedathisbearing.

TheslavecontinuedbowingashebackedawayfromDalianandLarixandapproachedtheornatewhitedoorsthatledtoSaara’schambers.Heturnedslowlyandopenedthedoors,notlookingbacktoseeifthewindclawshadanyotherwordsforhim.Zelenjoyedadegreeofarrogance,beingslavetooneoftheSevenSisters,but,facedwithaman

ofsuchreputation,hefelthisself-confidencewither.

TheThiefTakerhadrecentlybeenresponsibleforthedeathofanold-blood,aninsaneKaresianwiththebloodofGiantswho’dbeenhoundinganoutlyingvillage.AnotheroftheSevenSistershadaskedhimtodosoand,ifrumourweretobebelieved,Dalianhadburnedtheold-bloodalive.Thisbrutalitywasapparentlytypicalofthe

manandZelwasgladtobeoutofhispresence.

Hewalkedthroughthewhiteandgoldsittingroomtothebedroomdoor.Thequarterswereopulentandspotlesslyclean,withfourquiltedchairspositionedroundacentraltable.Zelwasnotpermittedtositonanyofthechairsandhadonlybeenpresentinthesittingroomwhilestandingbehindhismistress.

Hestraightenedhislightbluetunicandknockedgentlyatthewoodendoor.Atfifteen,ZelwasalmostamaninKaresia,thoughhismixedlineagemeantthatlittlewasexpectedofhim.Evenasaslave,beingaKirinmeanthe’dbelookeddownonfortherestofhislife.Hewasshortandslimfromyearsofhardworkandmeagrediet,buthismindwassharpandhistimewithSaarahad

taughthimmuchoftheworld.

Zelknockedagainandheardhismistressstirring.Shecoughedandsaid,‘Zel,Ineedtorest.Whateveryouwantcanwait.’

‘Manyapologies,mylady,buttwowindclawsarewaitingoutsideandIbelieveoneofthemiscalledDalianThiefTaker.’

Therewasamomentarypause.‘Verywell,comein.’

Zelopenedthedoorslowlyandpeeredin.SeeingSaaralyingacrossawhite-sheetedbedofexpensivefabrics,hemovedtostandinsidetheroom.

‘ThesecondmaniscalledLarixandhasamessagefromyoursisterinTorFunweir,mistress.’

Saarasmiled,athinexpressionmaskedalittlebysleep.‘Excellent,’shesaid,‘I

thinktheTravellermayhavegoodnewsforus.’

‘Mistress…’Zelsaid,notmovingfromhispositionbythedoor,‘I’mconfused.’

Saararubbedthetirednessfromhereyesandsatup,lettingthecoversfallfromherbody,exposinghernakedbreasts.

Shesmiledwarmlyatherslave.‘Youareoftenconfused,youngZeldantor.Come,rubmyshouldersand

tellmewhatyouareconfusedabout.’

TheslavewalkedroundthelargebedandpickedupasmallvialofscentedoilfromSaara’sbedsidetable.Theenchantressremovedthebedclothesentirelyandshiftedpositiontositnakedandcross-leggedinthemiddleofthebed.Zelremovedhissandalsandclimbedontothemattress,kneelingbehindhismistress.

HerskinwassmoothandlightforaKaresian,andherlustrousblackhairwasdelicatelyplacedaroundhernecksoastoallowZeltoreachhershouldersunhindered.TheyoungKirinhadseenhernakednumeroustimesandnolongerfeltembarrassedatthesight;infact,he’dcometoenjoyseeinghismistressunclothed,assherepresentedtheidealofwomanhoodtohim.Though

mostmenwouldneveradmitit,forfearofretribution,theSevenSisterswereallbeautifulwomen.Eventhosewhowereplainwhentheywerechosengraduallytookonthesamebeautywithinafewyears.Itwasapartoftheirgift,andZelassumeditwastomaketheactofseductionandenchantmenteasier,forthatwasthewayoftheSevenSisters.

Zeluncorkedthevialofoil,pouredasmallamountintothepalmofhishandandbegantorubitsmoothlyintoherbareshoulders.Saaraleantforwardandclosedhereyesashebegantomassageherskin.

Afteramomentortwo,hismistressstraightenedherneck.‘So,letustalkaboutthisconfusionofyours,Zel.’

‘Itcanwaitifyou’dratherbatheandpreparetoreceive

thewindclaws,mistress.’Sheturnedherheadand

smiledwarmly.‘Daliancanwait.IwouldrathermybodyslavewasfullyinformedofmyactionsbeforeIseeanymoremen.’

‘Verywell,mistress.Thankyou.’Hebowedhishead.

‘Aslongasyoucantalkandmassageatthesametime,’shesaidwithaslightchuckle,alyricalsoundthat

remindedZelofthewayasongbirdcallsforamate.

‘Ofcourse,mistress,yourwordstomyactions,’herepliedformally,ashecontinuedtomassagehershouldersandback.‘I’mconfusedaboutsomeofwhathastranspiredsincewearrivedinKessia,mistress,’hebegan.‘IunderstandthatyoursisterhadDalianandthewindclawskillJennektheold-blood,andIremember

fromameetingyouheldwithLilliantheLadyofDeath,thattheintentionwastocausesomeonetoleavethecity…’HepausedasSaarahalfturnedtolookathimmoredirectly.

‘And?’shesaid.‘Well,Iamconfused

aboutwhythewindclawsneededtobetrickedandwhyyoudesiredthatthevizierofJaaleaveKessia,’Zelcontinuedpolitely.

ZelhadbeenpresentwhenSaarahadinstructedheryoungersisterLilliantoenchantDalianThiefTakerintohuntingdownJennekofthemist,astrangeoldKaresianwithFireGiantblood.Thegoalhadbeentocausethespiritualleaderofthecitytoleaveinsearchofanotherold-blood,thoughZelhadbeenunabletodiscernwhyhismistresshaddonethis.

ThevizierwascalledVoonofRikara.HewaschiefadvisertotheemperorandamanwhosewordcouldswayallbuttheSevenSisters.VoonhadleftKessiashortlyaftertheold-bloodhadbeenkilledandthecommonbeliefwasthathe’dhadaspiritualcrisisofsomekind,butZelknewhisdeparturehadbeenadeliberatedesignoftheenchantresses.

SaarasmiledtolerantlyandgentlypattedZelonthecheek.‘It’sreallyverysimple,youngZel.Withnoold-bloodtocounselhim,VooncannothearthewillofJaa.Now,doyourememberwhenwespokeaboutexemplars?’

Zelnodded.‘Yes,mistress,theyweretheGiants’commandersintheLongWar.Theknowledgeofthemandtheirpurposeis

hiddenfrommostmenbecausethegodsdisliketheirintentionstobeknown.’Zelrecitedthisverbatimfromthetimehe’dbeenschooledbyhismistressonthenatureofthegods.‘ButifweallserveJaa,whywoulditbenecessarytoremovetheonlymaninKaresiawithadirectconduittotheFireGiant?’

‘You’restillyoung,Zel,andthoughItrustyouasonlyamistresscantrustherslave,

Icannottellyoueverything,’shesaid,peeringintohiseyes.‘Ifyouhadthechancetolivefreeandwholewithouttheinfluenceofthosewhowouldseektouseyou,wouldyoutakeit?’

‘I’mnotsureIunderstand,mistress.’Zelshookhisheadandscreweduphisfaceinconfusion.‘I’myourslaveandexistonlytoserveyourneeds,’hesaidwithgenuinesincerity.

‘ButIamahumanofthelandsofmen.Thebeingsthattrytocontrolusareneitherofthosethings.TheyareGiantsoftheirownrealmsandlackunderstandingofourlands.’

SaarahadspokenofthisbeforeandZelhadcometoacceptthattheSevenSistershadadifferentperspectiveonthegodsfromthatofthecommonpeople.SaaragenerallyreferredtothemasGiants,andwaslessthan

happytoacknowledgetheirdivinity.ZelhadalwaysimaginedthatthiswasaluxuryaffordedonlytothehighestfollowersofJaa,buthewasunsurewherethisbeliefhadcomefrom.TheSevenSisterswerethepriesthoodofJaa,muchastheclericsofRoorthepriestsoftheOrderoftheHammerweretheservantsoftheothergods.

SaarasensedZel’sconfusionandpattedhischeekagain,moretenderlythistime.‘MydearZel,thedaymaycomewhentheworldwillnotbeasyouimagineit.Onthatday,youwillunderstand;untilthen,youmustlistenandlearnallyoucan.’

ZelhadleftthebedroomdooropenandaloudbangontheouterdoorsofSaara’s

apartmentcausedbothmistressandslavetojump.

‘IthinktheThiefTakermaybegettingimpatient,mistress,’saidZelasheclimbedoffthebed.

‘Well,perhapsmakinghimwaitwillhelphimtolearnhisplace,’Saararepliedwithanarrogantsmile.

Sheslidgracefullytothefloorandstretchedherarmsandback,leaningforwardinaposethatwouldhave

causedmanymenofKaresiatofeeluneasy.Hernakedbodywastoned,withlittlefat,andsheboreatree-shapedscaronherlowerback.Zelhadaskedheraboutitbeforeandhadbeentoldthatitwasadarkwoodtree,andthatalltheSevenSistershadasimilarmark.

DalianbangedloudlyontheouterdoorasecondtimeandSaaraglaredacrossherapartmentsangrily.‘Zel,

pleasegoandtellthewindclawthatIwillbewithhimpresentlyandthathisinsistenceisbeginningtoirritateme.’

Zelmadehiswaytotheapartmentdoorsandgatheredhimself,adoptinghiscustomaryexpressionofserenity,beforeheopenedthedoorandsmiled.Thewindclawsbothlookedirritated,thoughLarixstoodfurther

backandappearedlesskeentoknockonthedoor.

Dalian,however,hadanimperiousexpressiononhisfaceandlookeddownhisnoseatZel.‘Mustwewaitallday,Kirin?’

‘Notallday,no.Ishouldn’tthinkyou’llhavetowaitmuchlonger,master,’Zelrepliedwithashallowbow.

Daliansteppedclosertowardshim,tryingtoexert

hisauthorityovertheslave.Zelmerelysmiled,notlettingthewindclawintimidatehim.

‘Dalian,there’snoneedforyoutowait,Icanseetheenchantressonmyown,’Larixsaidinanattempttocalmhiscompanion.

TheThiefTakerdidn’tmovehiseyesfromZelandhespokeslowlyanddeliberately.‘YourmistressshouldremembertotreatLarixwiththesamerespect

withwhichshe’dtreatme.Isthatclear?’

***

LarixtheTravellersatonalowrecliningchair.Hedidn’tleanbackorrelax,butmerelyperchedontheedgeofthechair,acontrolledlookonhisface.Zelplacedajugofsweetdesertnectarandtwoglassgobletsonthetableand

thenwenttostandbehindSaara.Larixavertedhiseyesfromtheenchantressandkepthisgazedirectedatthefloor.ItwasacommontacticwiththosewhosoughtanaudiencewiththeSevenSisters,asgeneralwisdomheldthattheSistersrequiredeyecontactinordertoenchantpeople.Zelknewthatthiswasn’tthecase,buthealsoknewthatSaaralikedmentothinkthatitwas.

‘Mylady,Ibringnewsfromthenorth,’Larixbegan.

‘Really?Newsfromthenorth.Isee,’Saararepliedwithjustahintofmocknaivety.‘Pleasetellmeyournewsfromthenorth.’

Larixlookedbrieflyup,beforepursinghislipsandlookingbackdownatthefloor.‘YoursisterAmeirasendswordthatherworkisnearingcompletioninRoCanarn,andKatjasendsword

fromRoTiristhattheyhavebeguncapturingrisenmenandhavelocatedtheGhost.ItseemsthatwhateverdesignsyouhaveinTorFunweirareproceedingsmoothly.’Thewordswerespokenplainly,asifLarixdidnotknowthemeaningbehindtheSisters’actionsandwasmerelypresentingfactsashehadbeentoldthem.

‘Isenseyourconfusion,sweetLarix,’Saarasaidina

low,huskyvoice.‘IbelieveIalsosenseyourdisapproval.’

TheTravellershookhisheadandsuddenlyappearedtobeinsomediscomfort.ZelnoticedSaarasmileandsawherslenderhandmakesubtlepatternsintheairbetweenthem.Larixheldthesidesofhisheadfirmlyandinvoluntarilylookedup,lockingeyeswithSaaraforthefirsttime.Theenchantressopenedhermouthand

breathedout,agentledistortionoftheair,visibleasitpassedfromherlipsacrossthelowtabletoLarix.Assheworkedhersubtlemagic,ZelwonderedifLarixknewhewasnowinthralltotwooftheSevenSisters.

‘LarixtheTraveller,warriorofthewindclaws,youarealoyalanddutifulservantofJaa…’sheclosedhereyesandletoutasmallwhimperofpleasure,‘and

youshouldberewardedforyourfaithfulservice.Theviewfrommywindowismostenchanting,pleasegoandseeforyourself.’

LarixnowlookedwithblankeyesatSaara.Hishandshadfallenlimplybyhissidesandhewasenteredintoatrance.Withlittlepause,hestoodandwalkeddirectlytotheopenwindowwhichlookedoutoverthemeditationgardentenfloors

below.Placingbothhandsonthewindowsill,hepeereddown.Saaradidnotstandorturntolookathim,butcontinuedtomoaninpleasureasthefeelingofenchantinganotherfilledherbody.

Shesquirmedslightlyinherchairandbreathedthewords,‘Thegardenisbeautiful,dear,sweetLarix.Youmusttakeacloserlook.’

LarixtheTravellerdidn’tlookback,hesimplyhefted

himselfupontothewindowledgeandflunghimselfout,makingnosoundashefelluntilhislifeendedwiththesoundoftheimpactbelow.Zelheardscreamingfromthegardenandrantothewindow.Tenfloorsbelowhesawthesmashedbodyofthewindclawlyingacrosstherimofanornamentalfountain.Hisbloodwasspreadingintothewaterandthedarkredformedanugly

contrasttothelight-colouredbloomsofthegarden.

Asoundfromhismistressmadehimturnbackandhesawherwrithingwithpleasureonherchair,eyesclosedandinastateofbliss.Zelconsideredsayingsomething,butthoughtbetterofitandturnedbacktothewindow.AsmallgroupofpeoplehadgatheredroundLarix’sbodyandseveralguardsmenweretryingto

makesenseofwhathadhappened.

‘Zel,comeawayfromthewindow,’saidSaarabetweendeep,pleasurablebreaths.Shehadexertedherselfconsiderablyandlookedflushed.Herslavemovedquicklytokneelonthefloorinfrontofher.

‘Areyouwell,mistress?Perhapsanothershortrestmightbeinorder,’hesaidwithconcern.

Shesmiledthinly.‘IthinkIam,butthankyouforyourconcern.Maybejustanhourortwowouldbewise.’

Zel’smindswamwithquestions,buthethoughtofhisdutiesfirst.HemustensurethatSaarawaswellandrested;questionsaboutLarix’sdeathwouldhavetowait.Hismistresswouldtellhimingoodtime,hethought,ashepouredheraglassofdesertnectarandstoodbefore

herwithhisheadbowed.Saaratooktheglassanddrankdeeplyofthesweetliquor,pantingbetweenmouthfuls.SheletZeltakeherarmassheswayedtowardsthebedroom,gentlypushinghimawayattheedgeofthebed.

ZelclosedthedoorquietlyasSaaralaydownonherbed.Theslaveknewthatusingherpowerswasanexhaustingactivityandthatshe’dbetoo

fatiguedtorisefromherbedforseveralhours.Hedidworry,however,thatDalianThiefTakerwouldreturntofindoutwhathadhappenedtoLarixandthattheenchantresswouldhavetoriseearlytodealwiththewindclaw.

SaarahadalreadytoldZelthat,dependingonwhatnewsshereceived,theywouldprobablybetakingatriptoTorFunweirinthenear

future;he’devenheardhismistresstalkingtoawhip-masteroftheHoundsaboutthepackofsoldiersthatwouldbeaccompanyingthem.ExactlywhySaarawasplanningtosailacrosstheKirinRidgetoRoWeirwithtenthousandHoundswasnotclear.Zeldidnotthinkitaninvasion,nordidhethinkthey’dbeoccupyingthecity.Fromwhathecouldgather,thekingofTorFunweirhad

giventheHoundspermissiontocrosstheseaandthewhip-masterhadbegunpreparinghispackseveralweeksago.Zelthoughtitinconceivablethatsuchabuild-upofsoldierswouldremaininvisibletotheRo,sotheymustbecomplianttosomedegree.

OftheSevenSisters,twowerecurrentlyinTorFunweirandtheotherfourwereinKessiaawaiting

instructionsfromSaara.ThenewsLarixhaddeliveredwasclearlyfavourableandthefinalstagesofalonggamewerebeingplayedoutinthelandsofmen.

***

SeveralhourspassedbeforeSaararosefromherbed.Zelhadbeensittingonthebalconyoftheirapartment

watchingthescenebuilduparoundthedeadbodyofLarix.Guardsmenhadarrivedquicklyandusheredawaythevariousonlookers;theresidentsofthebuilding–richmerchantsforthemostpart–hadbeguntoleavewhentheyrealizedwhohaddied.Thedeathofawindclawwasnotaninsignificantthingandmanyhadsimplywantedtodistancethemselvesfromthescene.

ThebodyhadbeenremovedwithinthehourandseveralguardsmenhadtentativelyenquiredafterSaara,thoughmosthadsimplyknockedandleftwhenZeldidn’tanswerthedoor.Zelthoughtthathismistresswastheonlypersoninthebuildingnottohavebeenspokentobythecityofficials.Hehadwitnessedthequestioningtakeplace,withonlyavaguelevelof

interest,asiftheguardsmenknewthatsoonerorlatertheywouldhavetospeaktotheenchantress.

DalianThiefTakerhadnotreappearedandZelhopedhewouldn’tlearnofhiscompanion’sdeathuntillater,allowingSaaratimetobefullyrestedbeforetheinevitableconfrontation.Zelhadtoadmittohimselfthathewasafraidofthewindclawandwouldrathernot

havetoexplaintohimhowLarixhadfallentohisdeath.

‘Zel,hasthecommotionplayedoutyet?’Saaraaskedassheenteredthesittingareaandtookherplaceonaluxuriouscouch.Shewaswearingathinsilkdressinggownandhadalookofnaturalbeautyabouther.

‘Notyet,mistress,Ithinktheguardsmenarejustwastingtimeinterrogatingtheresidentsuntiltheycanspeak

toyou.I’veignoredtheirknocksatthedoorsofar,’theKirinslavereplied,turningtosmilebroadlyatSaara.

‘Verywell,maybeyoucouldgoandsummontheheadguardsmanformeandwecansortthisoutquickly,before…’shepaused,lookingatthesundialpositionednexttoZelonthebalcony,‘myappointmentattheWellofSpells.’

‘Atonce,mistress,’Zelsaidwithanodofhisheadwhichflowedintoadeepbowofrespect.

HebackedawayfromSaaraandopenedtheapartmentdoor.Steppingoutontothelanding,hewasgreetedbyfourguardsmenwaitingnervouslyoutside.TheyhadbeenquietastheywaitedandZelthoughttheymustjustbestayingontheoff-chancethatthe

enchantresswouldbewillingtospeaktothem.Theylookedupastheslaveemergedandsmiledserenelyatthem.

‘Mymistresswouldliketospeaktowhicheverofyouisincharge,’hesaidwithashallowbow.

Theguardsmenlookedateachotherbeforeoneofthemmovedtotherailingthatoverlookedthegardenandshouteddowntohis

commander.‘MasterLorkesh,theenchantresswantstoseeyou,’hesaidloudly.

TheothermenwererelievedthattheywouldnotberequiredtoenterSaara’sroomsandZelthoughtheheardaquietprayertoJaafromoneofthem.CommonmenofKessiaweredeeplysuperstitious,apredilectionactivelyencouragedbythewindclawsandtheSeven

Sisters,whobothunderstoodthatJaavaluedfearaboveallthings.

ThemancalledLorkeshwalkedslowlyupthestairstothetenthfloor,whereZelwaited.Theslavecontinuedtosmilecalmlyandenjoyedthethoughtthathewasmakingtheguardsmennervousbymaintainingdirecteyecontactwitheachofthem.Zelwasproudofthesinisterairhe’dcultivated

sincehehadbegunworkingforSaara.

IttooksometimeforLorkeshtoreachthetenthfloorofthebuilding.Hewasolderthanthemenoutsidetheapartmentandwaswheezingasheemergedatthetopofthestaircase.

‘Whyisitthatpeopleofstationalwaysfeeltheneedtostayashighupaspossible?’heaskedrhetorically.‘Isthe

groundsomehowoffensivetoimportantpeople?’

OneoftheothermensalutedhimandmotionedtowardsZel.‘Theslavetellsusthattheenchantresswillseeyou,sir,’hesaid,gladtobeabletoturnawayfromZel’sserenegaze.

Lorkeshstood,leaningagainsttheopenledgeandbreathingheavilyfromtheascent.Thewayheavertedhiseyesfromlookingdown

madeZelthinkthemanwasuncomfortablewithheights.HepuffedouthischestandturnedtoZel.Lorkeshwasaratherfatman,notasvigorousasaguardsmanshouldbe,andhisworld-wearyfeaturessuggestedsomeonebuiltforwitratherthanaction.

‘You’reslavetotheenchantress?’heasked.‘Butyou’reaKirin.’Heraisedhis

eyebrowsatZel’smixedlineage.

‘Indeed,sir,’Zelreplied.‘IseetheguardofKessiaareruthlessintheirpursuitoftruth.’

Lorkeshwasuncertainwhethertheslavewastryingtobefunny,butmadeaslightgruntanddismissedthecomment.

‘Verywell,showmethroughtoyourmistress.’Heleantinclosetooneofthe

othermen.‘What’sthisonecalled?’

‘SaaratheMistressofPain,sir,’theguardsmanreplied.

‘Wonderful,’Lorkeshsaidironically,ashefollowedZelintotheapartments,hisbreathingnowmoreshallowandregular.

Saarastillsatonthecouch,herlegscrossedandseveralinchesofthighshowingunderherdressing

gown.ShesmiledasZelandLorkeshenteredandbeckonedfortheguardsmantocomecloserandsitoppositeher.Zelremainedbythedoor,closingitwithathudthatmadeLorkeshjump.

‘Please,haveaseat,’Saarasaidinhersensual,lyricalvoice.

Lorkeshwasmakingsomeefforttonotlookattheenchantressashenervouslycrossedtheapartmentandsat.

‘Right,your…Sister-ness,ladyship…er,hello.’Hesmiledslightly.‘AmanwebelievetobeLarixtheTravellerofthewindclawswasfounddeadbeneathyourbalconysometimeago.Iobviouslyneedtoaskyousomequestions,’hesaidwithpractiseddiscretion.

TheguardsmenofKessiawereprofessionalmen,neithernoblesnorslaves,andmaintainedorderinthe

dangerouscity.LorkeshclearlytooknopleasureintalkingtoSaara,buthisoathasavizier’smanmadeitimpossibletooverlookthedeathofawindclawandthepresenceofanenchantress.

‘YouhaveneedofanswersandIwillprovidealltheanswersyouneed,’Saarasaidquietly.

Zelonceagainsawhermovingherhandsasshebreathedoutandbeganto

workherenchantmentonLorkesh.Theguardsmanlookedupinvoluntarilyandafarawaylookflowedacrosshisface.Hewasnotawindclawandhisresistancewasminimal.Therewasnopainandnoattempttobreakaway,andtheeffect,whenitcame,wassubtle.

Saaraleantforwardandsaid,‘ThemanyouseekisDalianThiefTaker,hebetrayedhisbrotherand

threwhimfromawindowofthisbuildingbeforehefledintothecity.’

Zelwasalittlesurprisedatthis,buteagerlyawaitedhismistress’snextwords.

‘YouwillassemblethenecessarysquadofmenandarresttheThiefTaker;ifheresists,youwillkillhim;ifhisbrotherwindclawsattempttointervene,youwillkillthemtoo,’shesaidthroughpursedlipsandwith

hereyesclosed.‘Youhavespokentoseveralresidentsinthisbuilding,allofwhomconfirmthattheThiefTakerwasherewithLarixshortlybeforehisunfortunatedeath.’Saaraopenedhereyesandsmiledattheblank,compliantlookthatcoveredLorkesh’sface.‘Isthisclear?’sheaskedwithlessseductivenessandmoreauthority.

‘Itisclear,’heresponded,speakinginamonotone.

‘Youmayleaveandgoaboutyourworknow,’Saaraconcludedwithawaveofherhand.

Theguardsmanstoodupinonejerkymovementandwalkedblanklyawayfromtheenchantress.Hiseyesblinkedslowly,andZelthoughthewasgraduallyregaininghissensesasheopenedthedoorandlefttheapartment.

Zelwalkedovertostandbeforehismistress.‘ShallIlayoutsomeappropriateclothesforyourappointmentattheWellofSpells,mistress?’

Sheconsideredthisforamomentbeforesaying,‘Yes,IbelieveI’llwearsomethingbluetoday.’

***

Kessiawasbuiltinaseriesofwalledcircles,stretchingoutfromtheimperialcompoundandtheTowerofViziersatitscentre.Thefirsttwocircleswerehometotherichestmerchantprincesandmostinfluentialmobsters,housingtheminopulentluxury,surroundedbyslavesandarmiesofpaidguardsmen.Thethirdandfourthcircleswereforthelesswell-off,andbytheouter

wallofthefourthcirclethesprawlingrainbowslumstretchedacrossthearidplain.

ClasswaseverythinginKessia,andtheseKaresianswouldspendasmuchtimeamassingafortuneaslookingovertheirshoulderstomakesurenoonewasplanningtotakeitfromthem.ItwasaparanoidcitywhichlackedthestrictlawsofTorFunweir

andthehonour-boundtraditionsoftheFreelands.

Zeltriednottohavetoomanyopinions,preferringtorelysolelyonwhathismistressinstructedhimtothink;however,hedislikedthecapitalandthepervadingauraoffearthathungoverit.TheseKaresianshadnotimetorelaxandenjoytheirlives.Norcouldtheyraisetheirfamiliesinanykindofpositiveatmosphere.Atall

times,thepeopleofKessiawereobsessedabouttheirplaceinthelargerorderofthingsandhowsomeonemightbetryingtodothemoutofit.

TheWellofSpellswassituatedinthemiddleofthiscarouselofstatusandfear.ItwasoneofthreebuildingsthatdominatedthecentralpiazzaofKessia,theothersbeingtheimperialpalaceandtheTowerofViziers.The

WellwashometotheSevenSisters,andonlytheyandtheirservantswerepermittedtoenter.ItexercisedthehighestauthorityinKaresia,thoughSaarahadfrequentlyinstructedherslavetokeepthisknowledgesecret,asthecommoncitizenrypreferredtobelievethatthewindclawsandthehighvizierheldthepower.Inreality,nothinghappenedinthevastlandsofKaresiawithoutoneofthe

SevenSisterswillingittohappen.

TheWellwassmallcomparedwiththehugewhitemarblepalaceandtheloftytower,butnolesssignificantforitssubtlety.Thearchitecturewasstrange,notemployingtheclean,roundedlinesoftraditionalKaresianbuildings,andnobalconies,minaretsoropenterracescouldbeseen.Itformedaheptagonwitha

featurelessgreywalloneachside,possessingnodoorwaysorwindows.Lookingup,ZelhadalwaysfoundthecastellatedrooftopfivestoreysfromthegroundmorereminiscentofaRofortthanaKaresianbuilding,andtheWellwasruggedandsomehowmoresolidthantheneighbouringbuildings.

Saarawaswearinghercustomaryblackrobe,chosentokeepheridentityamystery

asshewalkedamongstthepeopleofthecity.SheenjoyedtheanonymityandZeloftensawhersmilingtoherselfastheypassedguardsmen,windclawsandotherswhowouldhavebeenshockedtoseeanenchantressintheirmidst.

Shedidn’tstopastheyapproachedtheWellofSpells,causingpassers-bytolookwithinterestatthewomanwhosteppedcloserto

thebuildingthanmostwoulddare.TheareaimmediatelyaroundtheWellwasalwaysdeserted,forpeoplefearedtosteptoocloseandrisktheSisters’wrath.Withherslaveclosebehind,Saarastrodeacrosstheemptygroundandstoppedwithinafewfeetofthefeaturelesswall.

WithadozenorsoofthepeopleofKessiawatching,SaaraheldoutherhandforZeltotake.Theslave

compliedandshecradledittenderlybeforeclosinghereyesandwillingthetwooftheminside.

Zelhadbeentransportedinsidethebuildingseveraltimesinthepastandwasalwaysdisappointedthathenevergottoseethereactionsofthecommoncitizenrywhentheysawawomanandherslavevanishbeforetheireyes.

Within,theWellofSpellswasradicallydifferentfromitsoutwardappearance.Sparklingwhitecolumnsemblazonedwitharcanesymbolscircledanopencentralyard,andthedarkwoodtreeinthecentrewaswellmaintainedandtendedbyastonegolem.Thegolemwaslarge,oversevenfeettall,andpossessedshiningredeyes.Itwasconstructedtobeafacsimile

ofaman,buthadnofeaturessaveforarudimentarymouth,anditslimbswerehugewithstonehingesreplacingthejoints.Thebuildinginwhichitlivedhadnointeriorwallsandwasspaciousandairy,withapermanentandbarelyperceptiblechimeinthebackground.

Thegolemrosefromitscrouchedpositionatthebaseofthetreeandmoved,inajerkyfashion,acrosstoSaara.

ThecreaturehadbeenconstructedlongagobythefirstoftheSevenSisterstoserveallthosewhocameafter.Zelfoundtheconstructfascinatingandenjoyedtalkingtoitwhenhehadthechance.

‘MistressofPain,welcome.ZeldantorofLislan,welcome,’theconstructsaidinarumblingvoicethatechoedfromallaroundthebuilding.‘Youareexpected.’

Thestonegolemslowlyturnedbacktothetreeandloudlyreturnedtoitswork.

SaaraandZelwalkedroundtheouterlineofpillarstoaraisedplatformagainstoneofthesevenwalls.TheMistressofPainwastheeldestsisterand,assuch,heldthehighchairandwasresponsibleforalloftheenchantresses’designs.

Astheywalkedupthewhitestepstothehighchair,

Zelcouldhearthegolemtalkingtoitself.‘TheSistersmeet.Whatwilltheydiscuss?TheSistersmeet.WetendthetreewhiletheSistersmeet.Wewillbequietandthetreewillbecaredfor.’

‘Mistress,’Zelsaid,asSaaratookherseat,‘howmuchdoesthegolemknow…abouttheworldoutside,Imean?’

Saarasmiledwarmlyatherslave.‘Thegolemhas

beenhereforaslongastherehasbeenaWellofSpellsand,inallofthosehundredsofyears,ithasneverventuredoutside.Idon’tthinkit’sevenawareofthelandsofmen.ItlivesonlytomaintainthetreeandtoprotecttheWellfromthosewhowouldseekimproperlytogainentrance.’

ZelhadoftenwonderedaboutthedarkwoodtreethatstoodinthecentreoftheWellofSpells.Hehadeven

askedSaaraaboutit,confusedaboutherbirthmarkandthesignificanceofthetree.Inresponseshe’dalwaysspokenvaguelyaboutadeadgod;thetreewasthelastremnantoflostdivinepower–thepriestandthealtar,shehadoftensaid.Infact,shehadoncetoldZelthattheplaceofhisbirth,deepintheforestsofLislan,hadbeenpeopledbyKirinwhoreveredasimilartree.Zelknewthat

thiswaspartofthereasonhehadbeenselectedtobeaslavetotheMistressofPain,buttheexactdetailsaboutthetreeandthegoditsymbolizedhadneverfullybeenexplainedtohim.

Thetreewasblackandgnarled,withathicktrunkandastrangelysquatappearance.Theonlybranchesithadprotrudeddirectlyfromthetopofthetrunkandsnakedoutinan

irregularfashion,creatingtheimpressionofblack,writhingtentacles.

ThegolemrosetoitsfeetagainandseveralslightdistortionsappearedintheairaroundtheouteredgesoftheWell.TwomoreoftheSevenSistersappearedandwereapproachedbythegolem.

‘IsabeltheSeductress,sheiswelcometotheWellofSpells,’theGolemsaidtotheyoungerofthetwo

enchantresses.Itthenmovedjerkilytothesecondwomanandsaid,‘ShilpatheShadowofLies,sheisalsowelcometotheWellofSpells.’

IsabelandShilpabothbowedwithdeeprespecttowards,firsttheGolem,thentheseatedformofSaara.NeitherofthesewomenhadslavesandZelwasagainremindedofthefactthathewasunique,beingtheonlymanevertohavebecome

slavetooneoftheSevenSisters.

Saararosefromherchairandcrossedtheopenspacetogreetheryoungersisters.Thegreetingwasformalatfirst,witheachsisterbowingrespectfully,butthemaskcrackedquicklyandthethreewomensharedsmilesandhugsofgenuinewarmth.

‘Ithasbeen,what,threeyearssincewemetasa

group?’Saaraaskedhersisters.

‘Ithinkfourofusmetlastwinter,’repliedIsabel,‘thoughmymemorymaybefaulty.’

Shilpanoddedandsaid,‘Yes,thatsoundsright.LastwinterwaswhenAmeiraandKatjaleftforRoTiris.’

Saaralaughedasilverypealofamusement.‘Ah,yes,IrememberKatja

complainingabouttheneedtogosomewheresocold.’

‘It’sAmeiraIfeelsorryfor,she’sbeenwiththemenofCanarn.Thatlandiscoldanduncivilized.AtleastKatjahasbeenaffordedthecomfortofKingSebastian’shospitalityinacivilizedland,’respondedShilpa,asshejoinedinhereldersister’slaugh.

Zelwasstruckwithhowsimilarthethreewomen

appeared.Allweretall,withlustrousdarkhairandcurvaceousbodies.Isabelwasalittleyoungerandhadaplayfulglintinhereye;Saarahaddeepgreeneyesthatstoodoutnexttotheblueeyesoftheothertwo,andShilpapossessedalanguidgrace,asifshewerealwaysdancingasshemoved.Saarahadnofacialtattoo,aprivilegeofbeingtheeldestsister;theothertwobothhad

intricatepatternsinblackinkacrosstheirleftcheeks.Shilpa’swasaseriesofbirdsinflight,andIsabel’sacoiledsnake.BothshonebrighterwithintheWellofSpellsandZelcouldn’ttakehiseyesfromthebeautifuldesigns.Despitethedifferences,Zelthoughtthereweremanymoresimilaritiesandfromadistanceitwouldbedifficulttotellthemapart.

‘AndhowisyoungZeldantortoday?’askedIsabelwithagirlishsmile.

‘He’swell,’repliedSaara.‘Zel,comeandpayyourrespectstoIsabelandShilpa.’

TheKirinslavebowedhisheadandglidedacrossthefloortostandinfrontofthethreeenchantresses.‘Itisanundreamtofhonourtoseeyoubothagain,mostnoblesistersofmymistress,’hesaidwithformality.

AllthreelaughedandZelclosedhiseyesforamomenttoenjoythesound.TheirvoicesharmonizedandroseinvolumebeyondasimplelaughtobecomesomethingmagicaltoZel’sears.

‘Andwillyourothersistersbejoiningustoday,mistress?’heaskedSaara.

‘ThetwootherswhoremaininKaresiahaveallbeensummoned.KatjaandAmeiraareotherwise

occupiedand,basedonthenewsIreceivedfromLarixearliertoday,Iwouldsurmisethattheyhavemetwithsuccessintheirendeavours.’

ShilpaandIsabelhadnotheardthisnewsandbothhadeagerandexcitedlooksontheirfaces.ZelknewthatwhateverhadtranspiredinRoCanarnhaddonesoattheSisters’urgingandtheplan,whateveritwas,wasproceedingwell.

Moresubtledistortionsintheairfollowedandtwomorebeautifulwomenappearedatoppositesidesofthecentralroom.Thegolemroseandapproachedeachinturn.

‘LilliantheLadyofDeath,sheiswelcomeintheWellofSpells,’itsaidinitsrumblingtones,beforequicklycrossingtheroomtostandbeforethelastofthesisterstoarrive.

‘SashatheIllusionist,sheisalsowelcomeintheWell

ofSpells.’Thegolemreturnedtoits

tree-tendingduties,removingmossandlichengrowingaroundthebaseofthesacredtree,asSashaandLillianmovedtooccupytwoofthesevenfacesofthecentralroom.

Saarasatinherraisedchairandlookedoutwithfondnessatherfoursisters.Zelstoodbehindherleftshoulderandglancedaround

theroom,witnessingpossiblythelargestmeetingoftheSevenSistersinseveralyearsandcertainlythefirsttoincludeamaleslave.OnallofthepreviousoccasionsthatZelhadbeentotheWell,ithadbeentoaccompanyhismistressduringatimeofcontemplation,buthe’dneverfeltasdwarfedbypowerashedidnow.

Thelasttwosisterslookedmuchastheothersdid,

althoughLillianwasthetallestandSashahadslightlydarkerskin.MuchlikeShilpaandIsabel,theirfacialtattoosappearedlesssubtlewithintheWellofSpellsandZelfoundhimselfstaring.Lillianwastohisrightandwastheclosesttohim.Herdesign,featuringahanddrawnasifgraspingherface,wasthemostsinister-lookingamongstthemandinsharpcontrasttothebeautiful

floweringroseonSasha’scheek.

‘Sisters,’Saarabegan,‘wearefive.Letuslookattheemptyspacesandincludeinourdeliberationstheshadowsofourabsentsisters.’

ThefiveenchantressesturnedtothevacantspacesandZelthoughthedetectedwarmremembranceontheirfaces,asiftheywereallrecallingsomepleasantmemoryofKatjaandAmeira.

Saaraletthesilencelingerforseveralminuteswhileallpresentclosedtheireyes,andZelimaginedacollectiveworkingofmagicwasbeingundertaken,thoughhecouldnotperceiveitseffects.Whentheyopenedtheireyesitwascleartheyhadbeencommunicatingwitheachotheronaleveltheslavecouldnotdetect,andthesmilestheyworelightenedtheroom.Zelfoundit

disconcertingthatseveralofthemglancedathimwithinterest,andSaaranoddedasiftoconfirmsomethingtoherfellowenchantresses.

‘Ithasbeenfiveyears,’saidSaara,‘fiveyearssincewefoundthetruesignificanceofthistreeandallthoselikeit;fiveyearssinceweuncoveredthegranddeceptionofourformermaster.’Herwordsmadethesmilesonhersisters’faces

turntohardandresoluteexpressionsofdefiance.‘Andnow,’shecontinued,lettinghervoiceriseinvolume,‘ourplanisnearingitsend.’

‘Whatnews,sister?’Shilpaaskedeagerly.‘Whatnewsfromthenorth?’

Saarasmiledasshereplied.‘Goodnews,yes,goodnewsindeed.AmeirahassuccessfullyenchantedtheRedknightsofRoandtheirheartsarehers.Katja

hassuccessfullyenchantedthekingandhisfoolson;theseweakmenareherstocommand.AndBartholomewTiris,theexemplaroftheOne,istrappedbyoneoftheDarkYoung.Hecanbeofnofurtherusetohisgod.Hisson,KingSebastian,signedtheordertocageBartholomewpersonally.ThehouseofTirisisours.’

‘AndtheOne’slastremainingold-blood?’asked

Shilpa,theeagernessonherfaceturningtonear-euphoria.

‘TheStoneGiantold-bloodthatBartholomewkeptchainedunderthehouseofTirishasbeenexecutedbyorderoftheking.Eveniftheexemplarwerefree,hischanneltotheOnehasbeensevered.’

Achorusofchuckles,laughsandsoundsofgleefulexcitementfilledtheroom.Zelbegantopiecethings

together.Hefounditstrangethatthesistershadorchestratedtheimprisonmentofoneexemplarandtheforcedexileofanother.Intheslave’sestimation,thatonlylefttheexemplarofRowanocotheIceGiant.

VoonofRikarahadbeentheexemplarofJaa,supposedlythefatheroftheSevenSisters.However,throughthedeathofhisold-

blood,thevizierhadbeenforcedtojourneytothesouthandwas,toallintentsandpurposes,inert.ThismeantthattwoofthethreeGiantshadnowayofcommunicatingwiththeirfollowers,whetherthecommonpeoplerealizeditornot.

Zelfoundthisdisturbingandthemotivationsofhismistresswereobscureintheextreme.TheSistershaddone

thispurposefully,buttheirdesignswereamysterytotheslave.

‘ThekingofTorFunweirwillsoonbeinRoCanarnhimselfwithanarmyofRedknightssufficienttoassaulttheFreelands,’Saaracontinued.

Thiscausedconcernonthefacesofsomeoftheenchantresses,andZelthoughthedetectedfearinIsabel’seyes.

‘Mydearsister,’saidIsabel,‘whatofTeardropandhisunwashedberserkers?Surelytheywillresist.’

ShespokeofAlgenonTeardrop,anamewellknowntoZelandoneofthefewmentheSevenSistersheldinrespect.HewastheexemplarofRowanocoand,byallaccounts,amostdangerousman.

SaarasmiledagainandnoddedtowardsLillianthe

LadyofDeath.‘Sister,ifyouwouldalleviatedearIsabel’sfears.’

‘Ofcourse,belovedsister,’beganLillian.‘LastyearIhadoccasiontovisitaparticularlyunpleasantmercenaryknightnamedHallamPevain.SirPevainhas,inthepast,lenthisswordtovariousRanenwarlordsandweareassuredthatoneofAlgenon’sbattle-brothers,abarbariancalledRulag

Ursa,is,infact,ourman.’ThelasttwowordswerespokenwithdeliciousrelishandZeldetectedprideinLillian’sdemeanour.

‘Iamassuredthat,shoulditbelaunched,thedragonfleetwillnevermakelandfall.IbelievethatUrsaplanstowaketheKrakensoftheFjorlanSea,’Lilliansaid,evidentlyrelishingtheprospect.

ZelhadreadaboutIthqasandAqas,theblindandmindlessKrakensoftheFjorlanSea,andhehadinthepastbeenassuredbySaarathatthemonsterswereveryrealandwokeeveryfewyearstodevouranythingintheirpath.Heshudderedasherecalledthestrangepicturesoftentacledmonstersrisingfromthewaters.

Lillianwassmilingbroadlyasshecontinued

speaking.‘OnceAlgenonandhisfleetaregone,byaxeorbytheKrakens,theRedknightsneedonlydealwithafewragtagFreeCompanies.UrsarequiresonlythatweassisthimtobecomethenewhighthainofRanen.Hisvanityandambitionhavemadehimaneasyally.’

AllfiveoftheSisterswerelookingpleasedwiththemselvesandSaaranoddedwithpleasureatLillian’s

words.ShethenlookedtowardsIsabeltheSeductressandmotionedforhertotalk.

‘Mysisters,IhavemadeallthenecessarypreparationsfortheoccupationofRoWeir.TheHoundsaresuppliedandtheirkennel-mastersunderstandwhatisexpectedofthem.DukeLyamofRoWeiris…’shesmiledbroadly,‘mostpleasedtoacceptouroccupation.’

Zelknewwhatthismeant,thatIsabelhadenchantedthedukeandhehadagreedtoallowthearmyofHoundstosailacrosstheKirinstraits.ThebloodlessoccupationofamajorcityofTorFunweirwastoZelaningeniousscheme,wellworthyoftheSevenSisters.

Saaraclosedhereyes,lostinconcentration.TheotherenchantressesjoinedherandtogethertheSistersthrew

backtheirheadsandspokeinunison.‘WearenotofJaa.WepossessthepowerofaGiantkilledbyotherGiants.’Theyalmostsangthewords.

NowZelwasevenmorestartled.TheSevenSisterswerethepriesthoodoftheFireGiant,Jaa.Atleast,thatwaswhatZelhadalwaysthought,andwhatthepeopleofKaresiaandthelandsofmenhadalwaysthought.

‘WepledgeourselvestotheDeadGod,theForestGiantofpainandpleasurewithathousandyoung.WeareyourservantsintheLongWarandwewillclaimtheselandsinyourhonour.’

AsSaarafinishedherprayertotheDeadGod,Zelgaspedashesawtheblacktreemove.Thegolemsteppedawayandstoodsilently,asalloftheenchantresseslookedoninsilenteuphoria.

Thebarkofthetreecrackedandsplintered,flowingmorelikefleshthanwood,andthebranchesbegantocoilup.Adeeprumblingsoundaccompaniedthemovement,likethethroatygrowlofabeast,indistinct,butorganic.

‘AsJaastoleyourpowerandgiftedittous,’proclaimedSaara,‘wenowuseittoawakenyourDarkYoungandworshipattheir

feet…thepriestandthealtar…thepriestandthealtar.’

ZelfrozeinplaceastheDarkYoungoftheDeadGodshruggedoffitstorpidstateandrearedup,itsmanythick,branch-liketentaclesthrashingintheair,beforefirmlybracingonthemarblefloorandslowlyliftingthetrunkoutoftheearth.

ThebaseofthetreeshookofftheearthandZelsawa

massofsmallertentacles,likefeelers,andinthecentreofthetrunkagapingmawwasrevealed.Themouthandfeelershadbeenburiedintheground,somehowprovidingthecreaturewithnutritionandkeepingitalive.

Thetrunkswivelledforwarduntilitwashorizontalandthetentaclescouldfunctionaslegs.TheDarkYoungnowresembledatreeonlyvaguely,andZel

couldnolongercomprehendthatithadeverbeenanythingotherthanthetentacledmonstrositybeforehim.Itsmouthwastoothlessbuteachofitsnumerousfeelerswastippedwithafine,needle-likeappendage.

TherealizationthathewastobeasacrificeonlyslowlydawnedonZel,asSaaralookedwithgenuinetendernessatherslave.

‘YouarethesonofamancalledRhamJasRami,mydearZeldantor,’shesaid.‘Youhaveservedmewell,butwenolongerhaveanyneedtokeepyouclose.YourfatherwillnowbepowerlesstoharmusandtheDarkYoungishungry.’

‘Thepriestandthealtar…thepriestandthealtar,’chantedtheSevenSisters.

ZeltriedtomaintainhisserenityastheDarkYoung

movedtowardshim,itsmouthgrowingwideranditsfeelerswrithingintheair.Therewasnopain,onlyasweettasteinhismouth,whentheneedlesenteredhisbodyandhebecamelimpandbeganslowlytodissolve.

CHAPTER9

RANDALLOFDARKWALDINTHEMERCHANTENCLAVEOF

COZZ

JustoutsideCozztherewasastrangelocalcuriosity,longagopurchasedbyanaffluentRosilkdealer.ItwassupposedlytheonlyremainingdarkwoodtreeinTorFunweirandthesilkdealerhadfoughtforyearstokeepitsafefromthePurpleclericswhodesireditsdestruction.Randallhadneverseenonebefore,thoughhe’dknownpeoplewhoclaimedtohaveseenthemin

theDarkwald.Itlookedlikenotreehe’deverseen,withashort,squattrunkandstrangebranchesthatborenoleavesorfruitofanykind.

‘Peopleactuallypaytoclimbit,youknow,’saidElyotashepulledhishorseinnexttoRandall.

‘Why?’Randallwasunnervedbythetreeandcouldn’timaginewhyanyonewouldwanttobeclosetoit.

‘Becauseit’sforbidden,Isuppose.Theclericsclaimitisblasphemyjusttoacknowledgeit.’HegesturedtowardswhereTorianandUtharode,justaheadoftheothers.

NeitheroftheclericshadslowedtolookatthetreeandtheywerefocusedonthetownofCozz,justoverthenexthill.

IthadtakentwoweeksforthemtoreachCozzand

Randallwassaddle-sore.ThemerchantenclavewasatthehalfwaypointbetweenRoTirisandRoWeir,andUthahadinsistedtheystopforthenight.Thewatchmenhadbeengoodcompanyonthejourney,assistingRandalleachnightwitherectingatentforBrotherTorianandlightingacampfire,buthemissedthecomfortofaproperbed.

Elyot,theyoungestofthewatchmen,hadriddennexttoRandallformostofthejourneyandtheyhaddevelopedafriendshipofsorts.HewasagoodswordsmanforhisageanddelightedinappearingtheseasonedsoldiernexttoTorian’sinexperiencedsquire.

SergeantClementhadspentmuchofthetimecomplainingabouthispoor

treatmentatthehandsoftheclerics.ThenameshecalledtheminprivatewerealwayswhisperedandRandallknewhewasterrifiedthathewouldbeoverheard.ClementwasparticularlyafraidofBrotherUthaandalwaysreferredtohimastheGhostwhentheclericwasoutofearshot.

Randallhadheardahundredstoriesinthelasttwoweeks,mostlyaboutrisenmenandUtha’slegendary

exploits.Strangely,noneofthewatchmencouldagreeonpreciselywhatthoseexploitswere.ElyotclaimedthatUthawasacrusaderfortheOneandhunteddowntherisenthroughoutTorFunweir.Whereasanotherman,calledRobin,wascertainthatUthahadspenttwoyearslivingamongsttherisenmen,learningtheirwaysinorderthebettertohuntthem.Themostconsistentstorywasthat

BrotherUthahadoncemadeafriendofarisenmanduringthesiegeofKabrin,whenhe’dbeenwoundedbyaKaresianhorsearcher.

Randallhadheardthestorytoldafewdifferentways,butthedetailswerealwaysroughlythesame–thatUthahadbeenshotfromhispositioninawatchtower,nearthetown,andhadfallenintodenseforestbelow.AstheKaresianspassedhim,he

wasdraggedintothewoodsbyarisenmanandhiswoundsweretreatedandhewasnursedbacktohealth.Elyotbelievedthathiswhitehairandpaleskinwerealegacyfromthisencounter.Strangely,thiswastheonlythingthatUthahimselfdeniedwhenheoverheardthemtalkingonenight.TheBlackclerichadapparentlybeenbornanalbinoandtook

offencewhenitwassuggestedotherwise.

Randalldidn’tliketheBlackcleric.Hetookpleasureinmockingothermenandusedthefactthatmostwereafraidofhimtodisplayhiswit.HealsothoughtRandallshouldattendtohimasmuchashedidtoBrotherTorian.Hewasclearlyawareofwhatasquirewassupposedtodo,andforwhom,buthetookthe

opportunitytomakeRandallfeeluncomfortable.

‘Ithinkthere’sacosylittleplaceneartheriver,can’trememberthename,butthewomanthatrunsitisdefinitelycalledBeatrix,’UthasaidfromhorsebackastheyapproachedCozz.

‘Isitacleanandmoralestablishment,’askedTorian,‘oramIgoingtohavetosharelodgingswithwhoresanddrunkards?’

‘ThisisCozz,brother,notthebackstreetsofRoTiris.WhenIsaycosyImeanithasanicedrinkingterraceandaroaringfire,notahundredwillingwomen.’

UthaandTorianalwaysrodeinthelead,withthewatchmenfannedoutbehind.TheyletRandallpositionhimselfwhereverhewanted,whichnormallymeantatthebacksincehewasanaveragerideratbest.

TheclericshadslowedastheyreachedthegrassyvergebeyondwhichsatthemerchantenclaveofCozz.Itwasamoderate-sizedtown,withnodukeandnochurch,havingbeenfoundedbythetraders’guildsomefiftyyearsbefore.ItfunctionedasawaystationformostofthetradethatpassedthroughthewesternduchiesofTorFunweir.ThemerchantsofCozzsetthepricesforgoods

alloverthecountry,withtradersfromRoLeithtoRoTirishavingtokeeptheirchargesatthesamelevel.RandallhadbeenherebeforewithSirLeonandhewasnotfondoftheplace.Hewasnotagreedypersonandfoundtheavariciousnatureofthetradersannoying.

Thetownwaswalled,withfouropengatesatthepointsofthecompass.Signsatthenortherngateindicatedthat

Cozzwasnomorethantwoweeks’travelfromanyofthegreatcitiesofTorFunweir:RoArnontotheeast,RoHarantothewest,andRoWeirtothesouth.Randall,thewatchmenandthetwoclericshadtravelledalongtheKing’sHighwayfromRoTirisandwerestilltwoweeksfromtheirdestination.

ThegroupmovedslowlyalongthehighwaytowardsthenortherngateofCozzand

Randallfoundhimselfridingclosetoallmanneroftraderscomingandgoingfromtheenclave.TorianandUthaworetheircloaksgatheredaroundtheirarmourandwerenotobviouslychurchmen,meaningthatthecommonpeoplenolongergavethemawideberthormadewardingsignsatthesightofaBlackcleric.Ifanything,Utha’swhitehairandpinkeyesmadepeoplelookathimwith

interest,evenpointinghimouttotheirfriendsandsharingalaughatthealbino.Uthadidn’tappeartonotice,althoughRandallhadspentenoughtimewiththeBlackclerictothinkitlikelythathesawandheardmorethanheleton.

RandallwassurprisedtoseemanydifferentracesofmenonthehighwayleadingtoCozz.Ranensteelmerchantsfromthenorth

mixedhappilywithKaresianspicetradersandRocraftsmen.HesawwagonscontainingracksofswordsandblacksmithingequipmentqueuingtoberegisteredtotradeinCozz.MostwereownedbyRanen,andtheRowatchmenonthegatewerebeingdeliberatelyawkwardinlettingthenorthmenproceed.MerchantsofRo,manyfromTiris,wereallowedinwithnothingbuta

cursoryglance,andRandallguessedthatbeingforeignwasnotanadvantageinCozz.ThewatchmenwereacceptingmoneyfromtheRo;thebriberywasovertandRandallwonderedifBrotherTorianwouldtakeoffenceattheevidentcorruption.

‘Howoldareyou,Randall?’askedElyotastheyapproachedthenorthgate.

Randallthoughtforasecondandrealizedthat,with

theupheavalofthelastfewweeks,he’dfailedtonoticethathiseighteenthbirthdaywasfastapproaching.

‘I’llbeeighteenbeforewinter,’hereplied,pullingbackonhisreinsandmovingtoridenexttotheyoungwatchman.‘SometimesIfeelolder.’

Elyotspokeloudersotheotherwatchmencouldhear.‘Isthisthefirsttimeyou’vegrownabeard?’heasked

withgoodhumour,evokingarippleoflaughterfromtheothermen.

UthaandTorianwerefurtheraheadandwereengagedintheirownconversation,thoughabackwardglancefromUthashowedthathehadacknowledgedthelaughter.

Randallsmiledpolitely,butdidn’tlikebeingmadefunof.HeturnedawayfromElyotandlookedattheroad

aheadbeforehespoke.‘Myoldmasterdidn’tletmegrowabeardandbeforethatIwastooyoung.’

‘Don’tworry,lad,’saidSergeantClement,‘we’llmakeamanoutofyouwithallthistravelling.Youneverknow,agoodfightmightmakethatbeardsproutfullandbushy.’

Randallshiveredatthethoughtofhavingtofight.HeknewthatClementwastrying

tobekind,buthehadstillnotdrawntheswordofGreatClawandwasafraidofdoingso.

ThechattercontinuedasRandallandthewatchmenfollowedtheclericsoffthemainKing’sHighwaytoridepasttheapproachingmerchantsandenterthetown.

***

RandallbreathedindeeplyashesteppedoutofthetavernandintothedustystreetsofCozz.Hewastiredandhisheadwasmoreofablurthanusual,filledwithallmannerofthings,fromclericstowatchmen,theBlackGuardandrisenmen.Heknewheshouldgoandsleep,butsharingaroomwithfiveothermendidnotgivehimthepeacehecurrentlycraved.Hewantedsometimealone

withhisthoughts,towalkandthinkandrelaxintohiscurrentposition,maybeeventospareafewmomentstorememberSirLeonGreatClaw.

UthaandTorianhadsequesteredthemselvesawayintheloftroomofthetavern,andthewatchmenhadclaimedalargeareaofthecommonroominwhichtodrinkandrelax.ItwasrapidlygrowingdarkandRandall

wantedtospendthetwilighthourwalkingaroundCozzbeforereturningtohisduties.

Theregisteredmarketsquarewashalfempty,withmostmerchantshavingalreadyclosedtheirstallsandreturnedtowarehouses,homesandtaverns.Afewremained,thoughRandallthoughttheymustbethelesserstallholders,perhapsrelyingontheextracustom

thatwouldappearlateintheday.

Asthesquireambledalongtheouterroadofstallshethoughtthatnight-timebusinesslookedthinontheground,andhesawseveralmerchantsnervouslycountingtheirday’stake.Afewlookedupashewalkedpast,hopinghe’dhavebusinessforthem,butmostsatbehindtheirstallsbemoaningtheirbadluck.

Theregisteredmarketwasatoughplacetodobusinessasthepriceswereallsetbythemerchants’guild,makingcompetitionfierce.Theclosertothecentreofthespiralmarketyourstall,thegreateryourbusiness.Thosethatlanguishedontheouterringhadtorelyonleftoverbusinessandopportunisticshoppers.Thealternativewastheunregisteredmarket,towardsthesoutherngate.

There,goodsandpriceswerenotregulated,anditwasfullofunscrupulousmerchants.

Randallquickenedhispacetoleavethemarketsquareandfindanicerareaforawalk.Hewasstillasimplemanatheartand,forthefirsttimeinweeks,admittedtohimselfthathereallyneededarest.

Beyondthesquarethetownwastingedwithgreen,andseveralsmallhills,each

surmountedwithamanorhouse,rosearoundthewalls.ItlackedtheopulenceofRoTirisasthemoneywasmadeherebycommonmenratherthannobles,andtheyhadadifferentideaofhowtolivewellontheirfortunes.

Randallstoppedonaleafyroadencirclingarugged-lookinghill.Thestreetlampswerebeinglitbyboundmenandthecobbledroadwaspleasantlyfreeofrubbish.

Randallwastheonlypersonoutforawalkandhebreathedin,enjoyingthequietstreet.Heperchedonawallandlookedaround,watchingadarkeningskyandhearingthemerchants’belltollingtheendofregisteredtradingfortheday.Afewshopsintheblacksmiths’quarterwerestillopen,butthemarketstallswereobligedtoclosebythissametime.

Oncethebellhadsounded,themerchantenclaveofCozzbecamequiet,theonlysoundsofactivitycomingfromthetaverns.Afewboundmen,performingthefunctionsofwatchmen,begantopatrolthestreets,wearingroughleatherarmourandcarryingcrossbows,butotherwiseRandallwasmostlyalone.

Hesettledbackontothelowstonewall,raisinghis

feetoffthegroundandslouchingover,apositionTorianwouldhavechidedhimforadopting.ThePurpleclericinsistedthathissquiresitupstraightatalltimes,andRandallsmiledasherealizedhe’dmissedbeingabletoslouch.

Theswordathissidemadehispositionslightlyawkward,butheftingthescabbardacrosshislapmeanthecouldgetcomfortable

fairlyeasily.Hesatbelowaflickeringstreetlight–alargecandleinaglassorb–oneofthemanythatilluminatedthearea.Hisseatedpositionwasbetweenthemarketsquareandthestreetofblacksmiths,onawindingroadflankedbywell-maintainedshrubberyandtalltrees.

Randallwastootiredtothinkofanythinginmuchdetail,buthewasenjoyingbeingawayforawhilefrom

theteasingofthewatchmen,Utha’sinsultsandtheworkrequiredbyTorian.

Herubbedhispatchybeardandgazedblanklyintothegreytwilight.Hecouldfeelhiseyelidsbegintodroopandheknewthatshortlyhe’dneedtobeheadingbacktothetavern.

JustasRandallmadeamovetostandup,heheardasoundfrombehindthewall.Turninground,hecouldsee

overalargebramblebushintotheyardofasmithy,apparentlystillopenforbusiness.Threemenstoodtalkingunderawoodenlean-toinasecludedareaoftheyard,withtheirbackstohim.

Oneofthemenwasafatblacksmith,stillwearinghisstainedapronandabsentlytoyingwithahugehammerrestingonananvil.Theothertwowereobviouslynottradesmen.OnewasaKirin

andhadalongbowslungacrosshisbackandacurvedkatanabeltedathisside.TheotherwasatallmanofRowithcurlyblackhairandafierce-lookingbeard.Helookedyoung,buthissteel-reinforcedleatherarmourandornatelongswordmadeRandalltakenote.Theswordhadacastofaravenonitshiltandlookedtobetheweaponofanoble.TheKirinwasglancingaroundtheyard

andsomethingaboutthewayhiseyesdartedfromsidetosidemadethesquirethinkhimadangerousman.TheyoungRowasengagedinanimatedconversationwiththeblacksmithandRandallgaspedwhenheheardthenameBrom.

Thesquireleantinandlistenedasbesthecouldacrossthesmallareaofgrassbetweenthewallandtheyard.

Theblacksmithwasupsetaboutsomething.‘I’mnotyourdad,yourbrotheroryourfriend,sotellmewhyIshouldhelpyou…forsolittlemoney?’

ThemanofRoconsideredforamomentandRandallsawayouthfulsmileappearonhisface.‘BecauseyouhatetheknightsoftheRedasmuchasIdoandyouknowwehavefewotheroptions.’

TheKirininterjectedinathickaccent,‘Andifyoudon’thelpus,Tobin,I’mgoingtoshoveyourheadintoyouranviluntilbothyouanditareveryredindeed.’

Randallduckeddownandthoughtforamoment.Hewassurehehadn’tbeenseenandthedarknesswouldactascoverifhetriedtogetcloser.However,hewouldlookveryfoolishifheweretobefoundoutandgivetheBlackGuard

achancetoescape.Weighinguphisoptions,hedecidedtorunbacktothetavernandalerttheclericsthathe’dseenLordBromvyofCanarn.

***

‘Howthefuckdidhegetheresoquickly?’Uthademandedinirritationashehurriedlypulledonhisblackarmour.‘Ittookustwoweekstoget

herefromTirisandthatbastardhasmadeittoWeirandback.’

‘Thecriminalclasseshavetheirways,brother,’Torianreplied.

RandallhadbeenallowedtoentertheloftapartmentandhadfoundtheclericsdeepinconversationaboutsomethingrelatingtoUtha’spast.ThesquirehadinterruptedandweatheredabarrageofabusefromtheBlackclericbefore

hemanagedtoexplainthathe’didentifiedtheirquarry.

Thewatchmenwaitedbythedoor,havingonlytopullontheirchainmailtobeready.However,Randallwassureseveralofthemweretheworsefordrinkandnotinprimefightingcondition.

‘Ayardinthestreetofsmiths,yes?’Torianaskedhissquire.

Randallnodded.‘Alittlewaypastthemarket.Isaw

themfromtheroad.’‘Andyou’resureyou

remainedunobserved?’Torianpressed.

‘AssureasIcanbe.Ididn’thangaroundbecausetheKirinmanlookedquitewatchful.’

‘ThatwouldbeRhamJasRami,then,’exclaimedUtha.‘Onelessassassinintheworldisnobadthing.’TheBlackclericpickeduphisaxeandplaceditacrosshisback.

‘So,wegivethemthechancetostanddownandthenkilltheKirinandcapturetheyounglord?’

ThePurpleclericconsideredit.‘Let’sjusthopetheyarestillthere,brother.’

Randallspoke.‘Theywerearguingwiththeblacksmith,soI’dsaythey’llbethereawhile,atleastuntiltheirbusinessisconcluded.’

Theclericsfinishedgettingready,makingsure

theywereidentifiableasmenoftheOneGod,andlefttheroom.

Clement,Elyotandthewatchmenfollowedthemdownthethreeflightsofstairstothetavern’scommonroomandthegroupexitedintothenowdarkstreetsofCozz.Randalltriedtosmileatthemenintherear,butsensedtheywerenothappyatbeingdraggedfromanightofleisure.Clementwas

certainlyalittledrunkandonlyreluctantlyaccompaniedtheclerics,whileshootinghardglancesatthesquireresponsibleformakinghimleavethewarmthofthetavern.

‘Randall,comehere,lad,’orderedTorianfromthefrontofthegroup.

Thesquirejoggedpastthewatchmenandfellinnexttotheclericsastheywalkedquicklytowardsthemarket.

‘Thiswilllikelyturnnasty.BromisknowntobeadangerousmanandaKirinassassinwouldn’tthinktwiceaboutkillingallofus,sodon’tdoanythingstupid,’Toriansaidplainly,causingUthatochuckletohimselfastheyspedalongthecobbledstreets.

‘Andwhatstupidthingsareyouexpectingmetodo,master?’askedRandall,with

alittlemorecheekthanheintended.

Torianraisedhiseyebrowsatthecomment,butletthetoneslide.‘Well,youcarryaswordandyoutravelwithtruefightingmen.Don’t,however,gettheideathatyouareoneyourself.’Itwassaidsharply,butRandallknewitwasmeantasakindness.Iffightingbegan,thesquirewouldjustgetintheway.

‘I’lltrytokeepmystupidityincheck,master,’thesquirerepliedashumblyashecould.

‘Keepthatbrainofyoursactive,though,boy,’saidUtha.‘You’vegotmoreofamindthanthesemen.’Hegesturedatthefivegrumblingwatchmen.‘Andyou’llnodoubtgetachancetoproveitsoonenough.Fightscanbewonwithwordsaseasilyaswithblades.’

TheBlackclericwasstillamysterytoRandall.HesometimesappreciatedRandall’squickwitandsharptongue,butatothertimeswashighlyirritatedbythem.

ThegroupofmenhurriedroundtheouteredgesofthemarketandquicklyreachedthestreetwhereRandallhadsatlessthantwentyminutesago.Toriansignalledthattheyshouldstopandgesturedtoseveralnearbyboundmen

todisperse.Theboundmenlookedsurprisedatthesightoftwoarmouredclericsandobeyedinstantly,quicklymeltingawayintothesidestreets.

‘Showmewhereyousawhim,Randall,’Toriansaidinalowwhisper.

Randalltookastepforwardandpointedalittlewayalongthestreet.‘Thefourthstreetlightalong,there’sabramblebushbehind

itandIcouldseethroughtoayardopposite.’

ToriannoddedandturnedtoSergeantClement.‘Takeyourmenroundthatway,’hesaid,pointingalongtheedgeofthemarket.‘Comeintotheyardfromthenorth.We’llheaddownthisstreetandapproachfromthesouth.Donotengageanyone,doyouunderstand,sergeant?’

‘Ofcourse,sir,’Clementreplied.‘Withme,lads.’

‘Clement,’saidUtha.‘Iknowyou’vebeenattheale,butjuststandthereblockinghisescapeandtrytolookmean.’

Clementlookedembarrassed,butnoddedasheandhismenmovedquicklytowardsthenorthernedgeofthemarket.

Torian,UthaandRandallbeganmovingslowlydownthecobbledstreetandRandallfelttheadrenalin

risinginhim.Hepausedbrieflybythebramblebushandpointedacrossthegrasstowardstheyard.UthaandToriancrouchedandpeeredintothedarkness.Theblacksmith,Tobin,wasstillthere,perchedontheedgeofhisanvil,swiggingfromabottleofwine,andLordBromvywasleaningagainsttheuprightsupportofthewoodenlean-to.

‘Well,paintmycockgreen,thebastardisactuallyhere,’Uthasaidwithobvioussurprise.‘Where’stheKirin?’

‘Notseen,’repliedTorian.‘Nomatter,let’sapproachquietlyand,Randall…keepyoureyespeeledfortheassassin.’

Randallsimplynodded,notknowinghowhewouldgoaboutlookingforthemancalledRhamJasRami.

UthaandTorianlookedateachotherandbeganslowlyandquietlytomovetowardstheyard.Randalllistened.Hecouldn’thearClementandthewatchmeneither,andhebegantothinkthatLordBromvymightjustsurrenderatthesightofeightarmedmen–thoughhehesitatedtonumberhimselfasoneoftheeight.

Hecroucheddowntostayhiddenbythewalland

followedcloselybehindthetwoclericsastheyreachedthebottomofthestreetandturnedsharpright.Theentrancetotheblacksmith’syardwaslitbytwowoodenpostsholdingglobedcandles,andbeyondwastheglowofseveralforgesstillburning.Uthawasintheleadandsneakeduptooneoftheposts,makingsuretostayinthedarknessashepokedhis

headroundthecornertolookintotheyard.

‘He’srightwherewelefthim,’UthawhisperedtoTorian.

ThePurpleclericglancedtowardstheyardandasked,‘ShouldwegiveClementtimetogetintoposition?’

Uthasmiled.BeforethePurpleclericcouldobject,Uthahadturned,stridingintotheyardwithnofurtherattempttostayquiet.Torian

shookhishead,butquicklystoodandfollowedhisbrothercleric.

Randallwasalittlewaybehindandtriedtokeephiseyesonthesurroundingbuildings,watchingforsignsoftheKirinassassin.Theyardwascomprisedofseveralwoodenlean-tos,eachcontaininganvils,storedweaponryandblacksmithingequipment.Allbutoneofthebuildingswasdesertedand

Randallcouldseenootherpeopleintheyard.Thelean-toshadflatroofsandheidentifiedanumberofplaceswherealongbowcouldbeusedtodevastatingeffect.

‘BromvyofCanarn,’bellowedTorianashestrodeforward.

Bromandtheblacksmithbothjumpedatthesightoftheclerics,buttheyounglordquicklyregainedhis

composureandsteppedoutfromthesmithyintotheyard.

Theblacksmithhurriedaway,saying,‘Sorry,Brom,Idon’tneedthiskindoftrouble.’

HispathwassuddenlyblockedbyClement,ElyotandthethreeotherwatchmenofTiriswhohadquietlypositionedthemselvestocutoffanyescape.Theblacksmithsworetohimselfandturnedtolook

imploringlybothatBromandattheclerics.

‘Theblacksmithcanleave,’saidTorianquietly.

Clementsteppedasideandmotionedforthemantodepart.HesparedanapologeticglancebackatBrom,butdartedquicklyoutoftheyardandRandallsawreliefonhisface.

UthaandTorianwalkedtothemiddleoftheyardandBromvystrolledslowlyto

meetthem.Hewastallandcarriedhimselfwiththepractisedstepofaskilledswordsman.Hisblackcurlyhairwasunkemptandalittlewild,buthisbeardwastrimmedcloseandgavehimafiercelookintheglowofthestreetlights.TheswordathissidewasclearlytheweaponofanobleandhecasuallyrestedhisrighthandonthehiltashestoppedafewfeetinfrontofTorian.

‘Where’syourfriend,BlackGuard?’askedUthawithscorn.

‘Ihavemanyfriends,cleric,you’llhavetonarrowdownthequestion,’Bromreplieddefiantly.HeshowednofearoftheBlackcleric,thoughRandallthoughtthathehaddislikedbeingcalledaBlackGuard.

Torianhadnotdrawnhisswordandwascalmashemotionedaroundtheyard,

pointingoutthewatchmenandindicatingthatBromwastrapped.

‘Youcan’tescape,mylord,surrenderyourbladeandyouwillnotbeharmed,’hesaidslowlyanddeliberately,emphasizingeachword.

Bromglancedatthewatchmenbehindhimandtooknoteoftheweaponsondisplay.Hewasn’tconcernedbythemacecarriedbyClementorbyElyot’stwin

shortswords.However,hefrownedatthethreeloadedcrossbows.

Heturnedbacktofacetheclerics,assessinghisoptions.RandallwasgladthattheBlackGuardhadnotnoticedhim–or,ifhehad,heclearlydidn’tseehimasathreat.

Totheyoungsquire,theoddsappearedoverwhelming–asinglemanfacingagroupofwell-trainedwatchmenandtwodangerousclerics.

RandallhadseenTorianfightSirLeonandheknewhowformidablehewaswithhislongswordinhand.Utha,too,wasclearlynotamantobetrifledwith,andBromhadtakennoteoftheBlackcleric’saxe,which,thoughnotinhand,couldbedrawnswiftlywithashrugoftheshoulders.

‘Ihavenodesiretofighttwoclerics,butIcan’tletyoutakeme,’theBlackGuard

saidregretfully.‘TheknightsoftheReddestroyedmyhomelandandIcannotabandonmyfatherandmypeopletodishonourandimprisonment.’

TheclericslookedateachotherandRandallthoughtBromcouldnotknowaboutDukeHector’sexecution.TorianshookhisheadtosilenceUthaandtookastepforwardtostandclosetotheBlackGuard.

‘Yourfather,DukeHectorofCanarn,hasbeenexecutedfortreason,’hesaidformally.

Theyounglorddidn’treactstraightaway,butsimplylookedatthegroundandtookadeepbreath.Randallthoughthesawatearappearinhiseye,butnoothersignofemotioncouldbeseen.WhentheBlackGuardraisedhishead,hehadathinsmileonhislipsandahardlookinhiseyes.

‘Andthere’snowayIcanpersuadeyoutoforgetthatyoufoundme?’heasked,withobviousgallowshumour,elicitingalowsnortofamusementfromUtha.

‘Notachance,mylord,’repliedTorian.‘However,wehavenointentionofharmingyouunlessyouresistcapture.’

Bromnoddedandagainscannedtheyard.Randallfollowedhiseyesandthought

hesawashapemovingacrossoneoftherooftops,thoughitmayhavebeenatrickofthelight,forhecouldhearnoaccompanyingsound.

BromturnedbacktoTorian.‘What’syourname,cleric?’

‘IamBrotherTorianofArnon,clericofthequestandnoblemanoftheOneGod,’heansweredwithpride.

‘Well,BrotherTorian,I’msorryyouhavetodie,’hesaid

quietly,justasRandallsawadefiniteshapeemergeontopofawoodenbuildingopposite.

‘Master…’hecalledoutjustasthesoundofabowstringbeingreleasedandthewhistleofanarrowreachedeveryone’sears.

TorianhadheardRandall’swarning,butturnedtoolateasthearrowhithiminthethroat.Bromdidn’tturnawayorlooksurprisedas

thePurpleclericgaspedforbreathandwithwide,staringeyesslowlyfelltothedustyground.

‘No…’Randallcriedout.Uthaandthewatchmen

turnedinvoluntarily,stunnedforasecondbywhathadhappened.

BromhadclearlyknownRhamJaswasthereashereactedquickly,levellinganelbowatUtha’sface,smashinghisnose,and

sendingtheBlackclericstaggeringtohisknees.

TwoofthecrossbowmenfiredwildlyattherooftopbutbothboltshitthewoodandRandallsawadarkshaperollbackwardsintotheshadows.ThethirdcrossbowmenfiredatBrombutmissed,ashedartedtothesideanddivedovertheanvil,doingaforwardrollundertheblacksmith’slean-to.

Uthagrabbedhisbrokennoseandtriedtofocusthroughtheblood.TheBlackclericlookedatthebodyofBrotherTorianstaringblanklyfromthegroundandroaredasheunsheathedhisbattleaxe.

Turningtothecrossbowmen,hebarked,‘KillthatfuckingKirin.’

Thethreewatchmenquicklyreloadedtheirweaponsandadvancedina

linetowardstheoppositebuilding.Theassassin,RhamJas,haddisappearedandthemenappearednervous,eachwithaneyeonthebodyofthePurpleclericlyingspreadeagledonthefloor.

ClementandElyot,weaponsattheready,advancedonBrom,whohadstoodupinsidethelean-toandswiftlydrawnhisornatelongsword.Clementswunghisheavymaceinawide

overheadarcdirectedattheyounglord’shead,butforallhisstrengththeblowwaspoorlytimedandgaveBromtheopportunitytoparryanddrophisshoulderintothewatchman’schest,shovinghimbackwardsintoawoodensupportingbeam.ElyotquicklyattackedtheBlackGuard,usinghisyouthandspeedmomentarilytodrivehimback.

RandallheldhisbreathandlookedonterrifiedasElyotrealizedhewasoutmatchedbytheyounglordofCanarn.ThetwoshortswordshecarriedallowedhimtokeepBromfrommakingariposte,untilaswiftkicktothegroinwindedthewatchmanandapowerfuldownwardswingofthelongswordseveredElyot’srightarmjustbelowtheelbow.Theyoungwatchman

criedoutinpainandfellagainstthewall,thrashingaroundasbloodsprayedfromthestumpofhisarm.

Thecrossbowmenturnedtoseewhathadhappened,andasecondlongbowarrowappearedfromnowhereandpiercedthestomachofthemancalledRobin,whoshoutedoutbeforedroppinghiscrossbowanddoublingoverontothefloor.

Randalldidn’tseewherethesecondshothadcomefrom,butitwasatgroundlevel,indicatingthattheKirinhadquicklychangedposition.ThetworemainingcrossbowmenfiredintothedarknessbetweentwowoodenbuildingsandRandallthoughtheheardagruntofpain.

Torian,ElyotandRobinhadbeenkilledorincapacitatedinamatterof

moments.Randallfeltpanicrisingwithinhim.HedrewtheswordofGreatClawalmostasareflex,butmadenoattempttoattackeitherBromortheunseenKirinassassin.HelookedatthebodyofhismasterandthenatUtha,astheBlackclericpulledhimselfuprightandshookhishead.

ClementhadagainengagedBromandtheolderwatchmanwasroaringwith

angerashedeliveredafreneticseriesofblowsattheyounglord.Bromparriedafewofthem,buthewasfastenoughtoavoidallofthemandlettheheavymacestrikewoodinsteadofflesh.EachstriketookconsiderableeffortandClementwastiringquickly.

ThewatchmanglancedoverBrom’sshoulderandsawthatUthawasapproachingthefighton

unsteadyfeet.Brom,too,realizedthis,andwithaquicklooktoassesstheremainingmenarrayedagainsthim,heattackedClementfuriously.TheyounglordwasafearsomeswordsmanandRandallcouldbarelyseeallofthelightning-fastblowsthatraineddownonClement.TheoldwatchmanheldhismaceabovehisheadinadesperateattempttostayaliveuntilUthaarrived,but

BromwasnowtryingtokillandapivotofhisshoulderallowedhisswordtoslipunderClement’smaceanddigdeeplyintohisside.Thewatchman’schainmailmadeagratingsoundasthelongswordtoreintoit,andRandallsawbloodappearatthecornersofClement’smouthandthelifequicklydrainfromhiseyes.

‘BlackGuard,’roaredUtha,‘timetodie.’

Heheftedhisaxeandshovedthemetalanviloutoftheway.SteppingpastthenowunconsciousformofElyot,hestoodinaguardedpose.ThetworemainingwatchmenhadenteredthegapbetweenbuildingsandRandallhadlostsightofthemastheylookedfortheKirin.Afewsharpsoundsofsteelonsteelindicatedthatthey’dfoundhim.

Allthesquirecoulddowastostandthere,swordinhand,andwatch.Heknewhecouldn’thelpinanyusefulwayand,withhiseyesstillfixedonBrotherTorian’sbody,hedoubtedhislegshadthestrengthtomove.

ThesquiremanagedtoforcehisheadtoturnandfocusonUtha.ThebodiesofClementandElyotweresprawledacrossthesmithyandRandallcouldn’tbelieve

howmuchbloodtherewas.ItwasprovinganobstacletoBromashestoodawaitingtheBlackcleric.

UthawasaspectacleofrageasheswunghisaxewithskillandgrowledattheBlackGuard.‘Torianwasmyfriendandyourfatherwasasonofawhore.’

Bromlookedangry,butcontrolled,asUthareachedhimandtheirweaponsclashed.Thebattleaxeswung

highandBrombuckledunderthestrengthofUtha’sattack,hislongswordbarelykeepingtheblowfromlanding.Randalllookedonastheyfoughtfuriously.Bromwasthefaster,butUthabyfarthestronger,thoughbothmenwereskilled.

Theduelcontinuedwitheachmanholdinghisground,asUthacarriedonroaringchallengesandBromdidhis

besttostayonthemoveandavoidtheviciousbattleaxe.

Acrosstheyard,Randallsawamanemergetentativelyfromthegapbetweenbuildings.HewasaKirinandheldablood-coveredkatanalooselyinhishand.Randallcouldseeacrossbowboltprotrudingfromhissideandhelookedtobeingreatpain.

Withoutthinking,Randallsteppedintothemiddleoftheyardandbrandishedhis

longsword,tryingtosummonuphiscourageandtokeepRhamJasfromattackingUtha.Nooneelsewasaliveandhefeltthathehadnochoicebuttojointhefight.TheKirinwaswoundedandthesquirethoughthemightbeableatleasttodelayhimuntilUthahaddealtwithBrom.

TheKirinwasswarthy-skinnedwiththin,blackhairfallinglooselytohis

shoulders.Hewassweatingandwincingwithpainashewalked.RandallturnedhisbackonBromandUthaand,inspiteofthesoundofshoutingandsteel,triedtoclearhismindandfocusondefeatingtheKirin.Hecouldseethebodiesoftwowatchmenlyinginthedarknessbetweenbuildings,testamenttothespeedwithwhichtheassassinhadkilledthem.

RhamJasmovedtowardstheyoungsquireandshothimaconfusedlookbeforedirectinghiseyestothefrenziedduelbetweenBromandUtha.Randalllookedathimwide-eyedandforcedhimselftotakeasteptowardstheKirin,holdinghislongswordattheready.

‘Randall…stepback,boy,’shoutedUtha,asagruntofpainfromBromindicated

thattheBlackclericwasgainingtheupperhand.

‘Youshouldlistentohim,lad,’saidtheKirin.‘Iwon’tkillaboywhosehandshakesholdingalongsword.’

Randallglanceddownathishandandsawthatitdidindeedshakeviolently,makinghisgripontheswordtentativeatbest.Glancingbehindhim,hesawUthahadbackedBromintoacornerandtheBlackGuardwas

tryingtodefendhimselffromrepeatedaxeblows.Thelordworeonlylightleatherarmour,insufficienttowithstandasingleblowfromUtha’sbattleaxe.AsRandallsteppedasideandlettheswordofGreatClawfallfromhishand,UthabeganacombinationofoverheadblowsthatmadeBromshrinkasheraisedhisswordinbothhandstoblockthestrikes.

RhamJasranpastRandall,wincingwithpainandgrabbingtheprotrudingcrossbowboltashedidso.Beforehereachedthelean-to,UthadeliveredafeintwithhisaxeandrammedthehiltupintoBrom’schin,causingteethtoflyfromhismouth,andafollow-upkicktohischestsenttheBlackGuardtothegroundasRhamJasadvanced.BromwasunconsciousandUthaturned,

hisfacestillamaskofrage.‘Youkilledmyfriend,’he

saidtoRhamJasthroughgrittedteeth.

‘I’msurehe’ddonesomethingtodeserveit,’theKirinrepliedwithamaddeninggrin.‘Puttingonthatpurpletabard…itwasonlyamatteroftimetillsomeoneputhimdown.’

Randalllookedagainathismaster’sbodyandfeltshameatnotbeingableto

fighttheKirin.HestillshookashewatchedUthaandRhamJascircleeachother.ThekatanaheldbytheKirinwasavicious-lookingweaponwithalonghandleandanarrowcurvedblade.HismovementsweregracefulashesteppedonefootovertheotherandhiseyeswerefixedontheBlackclericbeforehim.

‘Nooneneededtodiehere,youKirinpig,’said

Utha.‘Deathshouldnotbesocasuallyhandedout.’

RandallcouldseerealpaininUtha’seyes,notfromanywound,butfromtheexperienceofbeingaroundswiftdeath.Foramoment,theyoungsquiredidn’tseethecausticmanwhohadbulliedhim,justanenragedclericofdeath.

‘TellittoyourOneGod,becauseI’mnotfuckinglistening,’repliedRhamJas,

ashepulledthecrossbowboltfromhisside.

Uthadidnotattackwiththeferocityhe’dlevelledatBrombutwasincreasinglymeasured,asifheconsideredtheKirinthemoredangerousopponent.Thekatana,too,wasaweaponthatrequiredadifferentapproach,andUthaadoptedadefensivestance.

Astheycircledeachother,theKirin’sfacecameintoviewandRandallthoughtfor

amomenthelookedconfused.

‘You’reUthatheGhost!’theKirinsaid.‘I’veheardofyou,you’refriendtotheDokkalfar.’

ThewordmeantnothingtoRandall,butUtha’sreactionwasinstant.HelevelledtheheadofhisaxeattheKirinanddemanded,‘Wheredidyouhearthatname?’

RhamJasmerelysmiledandnimblydartedforwardwiththeeleganceofadancer.Uthapulledbackhisaxejustintimetodeflectthekatanaasitwhirledwithininchesofhisface,andRhamJasdisengagedtobegincirclinghimagain.

‘Theywouldn’tlikeitifIkilledyou,cleric…butIdoubtyou’djustletmeleavewithBrom,soI’mafraidI

mustputyoudown,’hesaid,hisgrinreturning.

RandallcouldbarelybelievehowfastRhamJasmoved–healmostblinkedfromonespottoanotherashelaunchedsingleattacksatUtha.Nocombinations,justaseriesofswift,dartingrunsfromonesidetotheother.EachattackleftUthaoffbalanceandhisaxewasnowcumbersomeandillsuitedtoduellingwiththeKirin.

‘Stayfuckingstill,youcoward,’theclericshoutedwithfrustration,asaglancingblowfromRhamJasopenedupashallowcutonUtha’sleftcheek.

‘Yes,thatsoundslikeagoodidea.I’lldefinitelydothat,’mockedtheKirin.

Hepressedahandtohissideandcheckedhiswound.NobloodwasvisibleandRandallthoughtthearrowholehadbeguntoclose.

RhamJasdidn’tstopsmilingasheranatUthaagain,thistimespinningatthelastmomentanddeliveringasolidblowtothecleric’sback.Hisarmourborethebruntofit,butUthawasstillpushedsharplyforwardsandlosthisfooting,stumblingawkwardlytotheground.

TheKirinwasquicklyonhimandkickedoutathisaxe,sendingtheweaponskidding

fromUtha’shand.Hethendrovehiskatanadownward,piercingthecleric’sshoulderandpinninghimtotheground.

Uthashookviolently,butremainedstill,andslowlyturnedhisheadtolookatthebladeprotrudingfromhisshoulder.‘Doitclean,youKirinhorse-fucker.’

‘AsIsaid,theforest-dwellerswouldn’tlikeitifIkilledyou.Theyseemto

thinkyouareworthy.Personally,Ithinkyouareatrollcunt,butwhatdoIknow?I’mjustaman.’RhamJasgraspedthehiltofhiskatanaandpulleditquicklyfromUtha’sshoulder,makingtheclericcryoutinpainandmovehishandtothebloodstainbetweenthesteelplates.

‘Boy…’RhamJascalledouttoRandall,‘you’dbetter

helphimgethisarmouroffandcleanthatwound.’

Randallwasstuckinplacewithfear,barelyabletofeelhislegs,astheKirinassassincalmlysheathedhiskatanaandcrossedtheyardtoretrievehislongbowandquiver.

‘Gettoit,lad,wewouldn’twantthefabledUthatheGhosttodiesuchapointlessdeath,wouldwe?’

RandallslowlywalkedtowardstheshakingformofUtha.HetriednottolookatTorian’slifelessbodyashewipedthesweatfromhiseyesandknelttopickuptheswordofGreatClaw.Hecouldn’tfocusclearlybuthesawRhamJasstowhisweaponryandmovetohelpLordBromvyofCanarn,whowasjustregainingconsciousnessandspittingoutblood.

‘YoukilledaPurplecleric,RhamJas,’saidUthaweakly.‘TheOnedoesn’tforget.’

RhamJashelpedBromtohisfeet.‘TheOnecangofuckhimself.Praytohimandtellhimthat,Ro.’

RandallreachedthebleedingbodyofUthaandkneltdown,allowingtheBlackclerictograsphishandfirmly.ThesquirefocusedonUtha,buthecouldhearRham

JasandBromleavingandUtha’shate-filledeyesdidn’tmovefromthedepartingpair.Thewoundlookedbadandbloodwasflowingontothedustyflooroftheyard.Slowly,andwithhiseyesstillfocusedoverRandall’sshoulder,BrotherUthatheGhostlostconsciousness.

***

BoundmenbegantoappearassoonasRhamJasandBromhadleft.Menholdingcrossbowsinshakinghandsandwearingill-fittingchaincoatsandpothelmetsappearedfrombothsidesoftheblacksmith’syard.Twoofthemwereinstantlysickatthesightofthemutilatedbodiesandcopiousblood.AnotheroneleftquicklywhenhesawadeadPurplecleric,andseveralmore

lookedaroundnervously,tryingtofathomwhatcircumstancescouldhaveledtoaclericofnobilitybeingshotintheneckwithanarrow.Tenormoreboundmenspreadaroundtheyard,butthiswasclearlyanuncommonsightinCozzanditwasafewminutesbeforetheynoticedthatthreemenwerestillalive.

Randallwasunhurtandsatcradlingtheunconscious

Utha.Nearby,Robinwaslyingonhisbackwithanarrowprotrudingfromhisstomach,callingweaklyforhelp.Withintheblacksmith’slean-to,Elyotlayagainstawoodenwall.He’dregainedconsciousness,buthewasdeathlypalefromlossofbloodandfightingtostayawakeasheheldthestumpofhisarmfirmlyunderhisarmpittostopthebleeding.

RandallwascertainthatClement,TorianandtheothertwowatchmenofTirisweredead.RhamJashadcutoneofthemintwoandhelayinanundignifiedslumpinthesmallspacebetweentwowoodenbuildings.Theothermanhaddiedfromakatanathrusttotheheadandhisfacewasmostlyunrecognizable.

‘TheOnepreserveus,’saidoneoftheboundmenashemovedtohelpElyot.

‘Whathappenedhere,lad?’heaskedRandallacrosstheyard.

Thesquiredidn’tanswerstraightaway.Hetookaminutetolookaroundhimbeforehesaid,‘Whatdoyouthinkhappened?Peoplearedead.Maybeyoushouldhelpthosethataren’t.’Hespokewithdeliberateangerandthenoteofauthorityinhisvoicesurprisedtheboundman.

Ifhisheadhadbeenclearer,hiswordswouldhavesurprisedhimselfaswell,butwithsomuchbloodanddeathRandallhadnotimeforpropriety.

‘Yes…ofcourse,sir,’saidtheboundman,unawarethatRandallwasjustacommoner.

‘Getsomemoremenhere…andahealer,’Randallgrunted.‘Now!’heshouted.

Severalofthemensalutedandmovedquicklyoutofthe

yard,whileothershelpedElyotandRobinintomorecomfortablepositions,lyingflatonthefloor.Torianwasnotmovedatfirstastheboundmenclearlydidn’twanttotouchaPurplecleric,deadornot,soRandallwalkedslowlyovertothebodyofhismaster.

BrotherTorianofArnonwaslyinginapoolofbloodspreadingfromthewoundinhisneck.Thelongbowarrow

hadhithisjugularandtravelleddownwards,exitingclosetotheanglebetweenshoulderandneck.Randallguessedhe’ddiedquicklyasthearrowheadwaswideanddesignedtocauselargeentryandexitwounds.Hisswordwasstillinitsscabbardandhisarmourwasunmarked.Byanydefinition,theclerichadnotdiedwell;hehadnotevenseenthefaceofhiskiller.

RandallthoughtamanlikeToriandeservedbetter.

Twoboundmenhelpedhimmovethebodyandplaceitinadignifiedpositionnexttotheotherdeadmen.RandallthenturnedhisattentionbacktoUtha.TheBlackclericwashurt,butwithpropercarehiswoundswouldnotbefatal.Hewasstillunconsciousfromthepainandthewoundinhis

shoulderwaswideandjagged.

‘Youthere,’shoutedamanfromtheyardentrance,‘explainthismessimmediately.’

HewasafatmanofRowearingaheavyfeltovercoatandcarryingaslenderrapier.Thetabardheworeacrosshischestshowedthathewasatownofficialofsomekind.Cozzhadnotraditionalheraldrylikethemajorcities

ofTorFunweir,althoughthemerchantsinchargehadadoptedtheimageofapurseastheirsymbol.

Withoutpayingmuchattentiontotheman,Randallreplied,‘Whatkindofexplanationwouldyoulike?Ashortexplanation,alongexplanation,ormaybeyoucouldtellmewhyyourboundmenweresocloseathandandyetdidnothingtohelp.’Randall’svoicerosein

volumeashefinishedspeaking.

Thefatmansplutteredashereplied.‘I…er,we…didn’tthinkitourplacetointerfere,’hesaid,withlessconfidencethanhe’dinitiallydisplayed.‘Weonlyarrivedattheendoftheencounteranyway.Wecouldhavebeennorealhelp.’

Randalllookedupandglaredattheman.‘Andyoudidn’tthinktoapprehendthe

menthatdidthis?ThementhatkilledaclericofthefuckingPurple.’ThelastwordswereshoutedandRandallchidedhimselfforlettinghisangershow.

HiswrathhadthedesiredeffectandtheofficialquicklybarkedoutorderstotheboundmentoclosethetowngatesandmakeanefforttostopRhamJasandBromfromleavingCozz.Randallthoughtitalittletoolate.

***

ItwaswellpastdawnbeforeUtharegainedconsciousness.RandallhaddriftedoffintoarestlesssleepseveraltimessincearrivingintheguildhallofCozz.Althoughhehadnotbeengivenabed,hehadmanagedtopositiontwowoodenchairstogivehimadegreeofcomfort.Thetownofficial,whohadidentified

himselfasMarshalLynch,wasawkward,disrespectfuland,inRandall’sestimation,anidiot.

ThetownhadnoWhitechapelandnodedicatedhealer.ThetownsfolkacceptedtheinevitabilityofhavingtoridetotheduchyofVoy,somedays’travelnorthwards,iftheyneededserioushealing.Allotherwoundswerepatchedupbytheboundmen,unlessthe

injuredpartywasluckyenoughtoemployahealerofhisown.RandallhaddirectedastringofcoarseinsultsatLynch,whichrathertookthemanaback,inanattempttogetahealer,anyhealer,tocomeandtendtoUtha.ThemanwhohadbeensentwasintheemployofahorsetraderfromLeith,moreusedtowoundsfromridingaccidentsorhorseshoestothefacethanfightinginjuries,but

hisskillwassufficienttostopthebleedingandstabilizetheBlackcleric.

Theyhadbeengivenachamberinwhichtorecuperateintheguildhall,ordinarilyusedforprivatebusinessdealings,andRandallhadinsistedthatabedbepositionedinthesmallroom.Onreflection,thesquirewishedthathe’dinsistedontwobedsashisneckwasstifffromsleeping

onthewoodenchairs.ElyotandRobinwerebackattheinnandthehealerassuredRandallthatbothwouldrecoverfullyintime,thoughElyotwouldbewithouthisleftarm.

ThebodiesofTorianandthewatchmenhadbeenstored,withasmuchdignityaspossible,intheonlychurchbuildingintown–asmallchapeltotheGoldaspectoftheOneGod–and

RandallhadinsistedthatTorian’scorpsebeguardeduntiltheywerereadytoclaimhimandleaveCozz.

‘IassumeI’mstillalive…orthattheOnehasnotblessedmewithaplaceinhishallbeyondtheworld,’saidUthaweakly,joltingRandallawake.

‘You’reawake,’thesquiresaidexcitedly.

‘Where’smyarmour?’

Randallpointedtoacrumpledpileofblackplatesteelinthecorneroftheroom.‘Idon’tknowhowmuchuseyoucansalvagefromit,wehadtocutalotofitoffyou.TheKirinwasstrongerthanhelooked.’

Uthalookedpalerthanusual,ifsuchathingwerepossible,andhelayonthebedinnothingbutasimplebluecottongown.Randallhadbeencloseathandwhen

thehealerhadseentohimandthesquirerepeatedlyhadtotellhimtoshutupwhenUtha’sreputationandhisalbinismwerementioned.

‘Where’sTorian?’Utha’seyesbetrayedthefondnesshehaddevelopedforhisbrothercleric.

‘Imadesuretheywillkeephisbodysafeuntilwe’rereadytoleave.Thesepeoplearen’tusedtoclericsand,betweenyouandme,mostof

themaren’toverlyencumberedwithbrains.’

Uthalaughed,wincingashedidso.‘Itoldyoutokeepyourmindsharp,lad,itlookslikeyoutookthatadvicetoheart.’Henarrowedhiseyes.‘Well,withtheexceptionoftryingtofightthatKirin.’

‘Ididn’tknowwhatelsetodo.Iwasn’tthinkingveryclearly.’Randallwassplutteringabitandtryingtothinkofajustificationforhis

foolishattempttotakeonRhamJas.

‘Randall,’Uthainterrupted,‘youdidwell.I’maliveandTorianisbeingtreatedwithrespectindeath…’hepausedamoment,‘thoughthedeathofaPurpleclericisnosmallthingand,markmywords,Iatleastwillhavetoaccountforwhatwedidhere.’

‘Youdidnothingwrong,’Randallsaidwithoutreally

thinking.‘DidInot?’Uthaasked

rhetoricallywithraisedeyebrows.‘Igothimkilled.Whicheverwayyoulookatit,myrecklessinsistenceonmakingashowgavetheassassinhisshot…andhetookitwell.’

RandallhadnotconsideredthisandfeltasuddenpangofangerattheideaofUthabeingblamedfortheencounter.Hehadmany

reasonstodisliketheBlackcleric–hisconstantteasing,hisaggressivemanner–butheknewthatUthaandTorianhadbeenfriends,almostbrothers,andtoblameoneforthedeathoftheotherwasunfair.

‘Don’tworry,youngRandall,anyrecriminationsarefaroff.IneedtorestandweneedtoconspireawaytoreturntoTiris,’hesaid,ashis

eyesclosedagainandwearinesstookhold.

‘BrotherUtha,’Randallbegan,withaquestioningtonetohisvoice.

‘Yes,Randall…’saidUthawearily,notopeninghiseyes.

‘Whatdoesthatwordmean?TheoneRhamJassaidtoyou,Dokkal…something.’

Uthaturnedtothesquire,openedhiseyes,andgrewmorealert.Randallthought

theclericwasabouttounleashastringofhiscustomaryinsults,butinsteadhepausedandconsideredhisreply.

‘Dokkalfar…it’saveryoldwordinaveryoldlanguage.Notawordyou’llhearonthestreetsofanyofthecitiesofmen.’

‘Thewordseemstobotheryou,’Randallpointedout,‘butitalsoseemedtobethe

reasonRhamJasdidn’tkillyou.’

Uthasmiledthinlyandshookhishead,asifconcedingdefeat.‘You’retooclevertobeasquire,RandallofDarkwald,butyoushouldbecarefulwhereyoudirectthatmindofyours.’Uthawasstillsmilingbutseriousnessshowedinhispaleeyes.‘Someknowledgeisdangerous…andsome

knowledgecangetyoukilled.’

‘Hesaidthatyouweretheirfriend.’RandallwassurethatUthadidn’twanttotalkaboutthis,buthisnaturalcuriositygotthebetterofhim.‘Whoarethey?’

TheBlackclericflexedhisneckandmovedthewhitepillowbeneathhimintoamoreuprightposition,thebettertodirecthispaleeyesatRandall.‘DidToriantell

youwhyIwassenttoaccompanyhim?ItmusthavelookedstrangeforaclericofdeathtobehelpingtotrackdownoneoftheBlackGuard.Notourusualkindofwork.’

Randallhadnotreallythoughtaboutit.UthawasthefirstBlackcleriche’dmetand,formostoftheweeksthey’dspenttogether,Randallhadtriedtoavoidthecausticchurchman.‘Ididn’t…’

‘No,Isupposeasimplesquirewouldhavelittleknowledgeoftheclericalorders,’Utharepliedgently,andRandallthoughtthathewaslessonguardthanusual,probablyasaresultofhisweakenedcondition.‘Iwasdisgracedandrelievedofmypreviousduties.TorianwasanoldfriendandneededhelpsoIrequestedIbeallowedtoaccompanyhimwhiletheBlackcardinalofTiris

decidedwhattodowithme.’HehadalookofshameinhiseyesandRandallagainthoughtthattheclericdidn’twanttotalkaboutit.

‘Idon’tmeantopry.Wecanleaveitfornow,ifyouwish,’thesquiresaid.

Uthasmiled,moregenuinelythistime.‘I’mnotyourmaster,Randall,andgivenafewweekstorecuperate,IsuspectI’llbeministeringdeathrightsto

pigsinRoLeith,sodon’tworry.’

Randallsharedthecleric’ssmileandpouredaglassofwaterfromthejughe’dplacedonanearbytable.HeresteditnexttoUtha’slipsandhelpedhimdrink.‘Thehealerputsomekindofsoothingrootmixtureinthewater.Hesaidit’llhelpyourelax.’

‘Idon’trecalldoinganythingtowarrantsuchkind

treatment,lad.Infact,I’mfairlysurethatI’vegivenyoueveryreasontohateme.’

Randalldidn’treplytothis,butsatbackdowninhiswoodenchairandwaitedforUthatocontinue.Theclericblinkedafewtimestoregainsomefocusandmadeanefforttositmoreupright.

‘Iwasacrusader,ahunterofrisenmen.Itwasmycalling,my…duty.FromasearlyasIcanrememberIwas

trainedtofindthemand…killthem.’Hesaidthelasttwowordswithadeepwellofregretinhiseyes,andforthefirsttimeRandallsawasimplemanunderthearmourofcausticwitthechurchmanusuallywore.‘Ihavescarsfromfightingthemandburnmarksfromkillingthem,’hesaid,showingRandallanunpleasantmarkonhisleg.

‘Whywouldyouhaveburnmarks?’

‘Dokkalfarburstintoflameswhentheydie.It’snotsomethingthatwetellpeopleabout.Itmakesthemseemstrange,andtheOnedislikesdeviance.’

Randallwaslisteningintentlyandagainthoughtthattheworldwasamorecomplicatedplacethanhecouldhaveimagined.

‘IwasdisgracedbecauseIdisobeyedordersandrefusedtocontinuekillingthem…’

Hepaused,asifremembering.‘IbetrayedtheOne,Ibetrayedmychurch…and…’heclosedhiseyes,‘IknowIwasright.’Thelastwordswerespokenwithstubbornindignation.

‘Butwhy?’askedRandall.‘Therisenaremonstersthatpreyontheliving,aren’tthey?’

Uthakepthiseyesclosedandrubbedthestiffnessfromhiswoundedshoulder.‘The

listofpeoplewhohavesavedmylifeisashortone.Youcanmakeaclaimtoit–gettingahealer,stoppingmywoundfromfestering,insistingIbecaredforproperly.Butbeforetodayonlyonenamewasonthatlist,arisenmancalledTyrWeera.’

Randallwasshockedatthis.Shockedthatthecreatureshadnames,andequallyshockedthatone

woulddeigntohelpaclericoftheOne.‘Idon’tunderstand.’

‘ThePurpleclericshavelongbelieved,muchasyoudo,thattherisenareundeadmonstersdeservingofnothingbutdeath.It’snotalieoradeception,becausetheygenuinelybelieveit.TheOnedecreedit,theclericsmaintainitandnoonequestionsit.

‘Dokkalfaristheirnameforthemselves…andIonlyknowthatbecauseIlivedforashorttimeinavillageofthecreaturesintheFell,’hesaid,asifdivulgingadarksecret.‘Iwasdying.Thewounddownmyback…youmayhaveseenit.’HepointedvaguelytowardstheviciousscarthatRandallhadseenwhenhefirstmettheBlackcleric.‘AKaresianHoundattackedmefrombehindand

nearlysplitmeintwowithhisscimitar.IwasleftfordeadontheedgesoftheFelluntilWeeradraggedmeintothewoods.’

Randallconsideredit.Therisenwerethestuffofmythsandstories,rarelyencountered,butalwaysfearedasiftheyweretheremnantsofsomeancientevil.Evenwhenhewasaboy,Randallhadonlyhalfbelievedthestorieshe’d

heardaboutthemlivingintheDarkwald.Now,notonlywashefacedwiththerealityoftheirexistence,butalsowiththeirstatusasmorethansimplemonsters.

‘Idon’tknowwhattoask,’hesaidbluntlytoUtha.‘Itseemsthatalotofpeoplehavethewrongidea.Butwhywouldthismeanyourdisgrace?SurelythePurpleshouldbetoldsothatthey

stoporderingthemtobekilled.’

Uthaopenedhiseyesandlaughed.‘That’salittlenaive,don’tyouthink?TryconvincingaPurpleclericofanythingotherthanthewordoftheOneandyou’llgomadbeforetheyyield.Itriedtotellthem…reallyIdid.IevenfoundanoldBlackclericwhothoughtasIdid,buthewasquicklyusheredoutofArnonandgivensome

spurioustasktokeephimquiet.’Hebowedhishead.‘Andnowthey’lldothesametome.Torian’sdeathjustgivesthemonemorejustificationforhidingmeinashit-stainedvillagesomewhere.’

‘AndRhamJas,whatdoesheknowofthem?’

Uthashrugged.‘Idon’tknow.Icanguess,butIdon’tknow.He’slikelyfromtheKirinwoodsfartothesouth

andIwastoldthatmanyKirindowntherestilllivesidebysidewiththerisenandcouldevenclaimfriendshipwiththem.It’sanotherreasonwhythePurpleclericsoccasionallycrosstheKirinRidgeandclearthevillages.

‘Randall,Iappreciateallyou’vedone,butIneedtorest.SoonenoughI’llreturntotheBlackcathedralinTirisandI’llbegivenrobesand

toldtoleavemyaxeinthecareofamoreworthyman.’Hesliddownthebedtolieonhisback.

‘Andwhatofme?’Randallasked,instantlyfeelingselfishashedidso.

‘We’llsee,youngsquire…we’llsee,’Uthasaid,beforedriftingofftosleep.

CHAPTER10

RHAMJASRAMIINTHEWILDSOFTORFUNWEIR

RhamJasRamiwastired.He’dpulledaconcussedBromacrossthesaddleofa

stolenhorseandriddenoutofCozzseveralhoursbefore.Hisownhorsewasacantankerousoldbastard,chosenprimarilybecauseithadbelongedtoacityofficialanditpleasedtheKirintostealfromthoseinauthority.Theboundmenwho’dcomelookingforthemafterthefighthaddonearatherpoorjobofsecuringthetownandRhamJashadeasilymanagedtoleadBromoutofahorse

merchant’sprivateyard.CozzwasnotasecurewalledcitylikeTirisorWeirandthereweredozensofwaystoleavequietlyifamanwassufficientlymotivated.

Bromrodebehindhimoveruneventerraintothenorthandwestofthemerchantenclave.TheyounglordhadsaidlittleandRhamJasdecidedtolethimprocessthedeathofhisfatherinpeace.RhamJasknewthatin

anycaseBrom’spatheticattemptsatnavigatinginthewildswouldbeofnoassistance.Bromhadmanygifts–hewasclever,toughandruthless–butsurvivalinthewildernesswasnotoneofhisskills.

‘Idon’tmindhandlingthenavigation,butifyou’regoingtoridebehindmeyoucouldatleastsaysomethingnowandthen,’RhamJassaidinaslighthuff.

Theywereapproachingalow,forestedgullythatledbetweenhillsawayfromCozz.TwodaysaheadofthemweretheWallsofRo,themountainsthatlednorthandsignalledpartoftheKirinrun.RhamJasknewtheroutewellandestimatedthatthey’dbeapproachingRoTiriswithinaweek.

‘Idon’tfeelliketalking.’Bromhadtakenanastyblowtothejawandhiswordswere

muffled.He’drecoverquickly,buttheBlackclericwasastrongbruteandhadknockedoutoneofhisteeth.

‘Well,it’llbealongandlonelyjourneyifyoukeepsayingthat.’TheKirinwasgrumpyandletitshowashespoke.

‘Justride,RhamJas…justride.’Bromsoundedtiredandhiswordswereindistinct.

RhamJasletitdropandlookedaheadtothedarkening

skyabovetheWallsofRo.Hedidn’tthinktheywerebeingfollowedandthewayaheadwasclear,withonlyafewbigGorlanspidersandtheoddbandittoworryabout.

Ashereplayedthefightinhishead,RhamJasregrettednotkillingtheBlackcleric.HefeltnocompunctionwhatsoeverabouttakingdownthePurpleman,buthehadbrokenhisownrulesby

leavingawitness.KillingaPurpleclericwasnosmallthinginTorFunweirandhesilentlylamentedthefactthathisfacewouldbeadorningwantedposterswithinafewdays.

Asherodequietlydownthegullytowardsthethinlyspacedtrees,herolleduphisrightsleeveandsurveyedthetwentyorsocutsalonghisforearm–eachaPurplecleric’sdeathmark–cutinto

hisfleshsothathewouldneverforgetwhomhehadkilledandwhy.Graspinghishorse’sreinsinhisteeth,heunsheathedasmallhuntingknifeanddrewitslowlyacrossanemptypieceofskinnearhiswrist.Hewasrunningoutofspaceandwonderedhowmanymoreofthebastardstherewereforhimtokill.Hemusedthatplacingthedeathmarksonhislegsmightbeasolution,

ormaybeevenhischest,thoughthatideawaslessappealing.

Rubbingthenewwoundtorelievetheslightpainitcaused,heretrievedthereinsandrolleddownhissleeve.ThecutwouldhealwithinafewminutesandtheslightscarwouldbetheonlytestamenttothedeathofBrotherTorianofArnon–whichRhamJasthoughtwasastupidname.ThemenofRo

wereobsessedwithlengtheningtheirnamesbyaddingtitles,locations,jobdescriptionsandallmannerofunnecessaryappendages.EvenBromhadatendencytowardsextravagancewherehisnamewasconcerned.LordBromvyofCanarn,protectorofthenorthernmarkandscionoftheduchyofCanarnwent,intheKirin’sestimation,farbeyondtheinformationnecessaryina

name.TheonlyappendagetohisownwastheadditionofthewordRami,meaningarcherinoldKaresian.

‘Whydidn’tyoukilltheBlackcleric?’askedBrom,echoingRhamJas’sowndoubts.

‘Decidedtotalk,havewe?’

‘He’slikelytocauseustrouble,nottomentionthatwedidn’tgettheclayforpassagetoCanarn.’

TheblacksmithhadstillbeenarguingoverthedetailswhenRhamJashadgoneforsomefood,andthenhadcomebacktofindBrombeingquestionedbytheclerics.TheywerewithoutthenecessarydocumentsandtheKirinknewthatgettingoutofTirisbyseawouldbedifficultwithoutthem.

‘Ididn’tkillhimbecausewe…sharesomeofthesamefriends,’RhamJassaid,

immediatelyrealizinghowfoolishitmustsound.

BromlaughedforthefirsttimesinceleavingCozz.‘Sorry,Ididn’trealizeyouwerearegularattheBlackchurchmen’sannualparties.’

‘It’snotlikethat,’RhamJasmuttered,againlettinghispetulanceshow.‘I’veheardofhimisall.’

‘SohaveI,thoughIwouldstillhavekilledhim.’

‘Thenmaybeyoushouldpractiseabitmoresohedoesn’tbeatthesnotoutofyounexttimeyoumeet.’RhamJasspokewithmorevenomthanhehadintended.

Bromreinedinhishorseandstoppedafewfeetbehindhisfriend.‘IknowI’mbeingquiet,butkeepthatshittoyourself.’

BromwasmorethanphysicallywoundedbyhisencounterwithUthathe

Ghost.RhamJasdidn’tstop,butspokeoverhisshoulderasheledthehorsefurtherintothesecludedgully.‘I’mjustpointingoutthat,ifyouwanttodecidewhogetstoliveandwhogetstodie,maybeyoushouldgetbetterwiththatshinysword.Ibeathim,soIgettodecidewhetherhelivesornot.’

RhamJasheardBromgrunt,asoundthatwasequalpartsangerandagreement.

Thesoundthatfollowed,asBromkickedhisheelsintothehorse’sflanks,waspureangerandtheKirinturnedjustintimetoseeBromjumpfromhishorsetotacklehimtotheground.

Thefriendslandedinaheaponthegrassytrack,withBrompositionedontopofRhamJas.‘Icanstillpummelalittleshitlikeyou,Kirin,’theyounglordshoutedashe

smashedhisfistintoRhamJas’sface.

Theblowwassolidandunexpected,andRhamJashadtorolltothesidetoavoidfurtherpunches.HeraisedhislegsharplyandkickedBrominthebackbeforeshovinghimroughlyofftotheside.

‘Isthatthebestyou’vegot,Ro?’RhamJasshoutedback,ashegottohisfeetandkickedBrominthestomach,

knockingthebreathoutofhim.

BromgrowledinangeranddivedattheKirin’slegs,againtacklinghimtotheground.

‘Ittakesabravemantoshootalongbow,youhorse-fucker.’

BrompunchedandkickedwildlyatRhamJas.Mostoftheblowslanded,buttheycausedminimaldamage.TheKirinheldhishandsupto

protecthisface,butgotanastykneetothesidewhichmadehimwincewithpain.HegrabbedoutattheRo’sneck,causingBromtopullhispunchesandtrytowrestlefreefromthechokehold.AsolidpalmstrikefromRhamJassentBrombackwardsandallowedthetwomentogettotheirfeet,panting.

Theystoodlookingateachother.Bothmenwere

bleedingfromvariousminorwounds.

‘Areyoufinished?’heaskedtheyounglordofCanarn.‘Becausethisisn’tterriblyhelpful.’

Bromwasscowlingandtouchinghisjaw.RhamJashaddeliberatelystruckhimonhisexistingwoundandmadeitworse.Bloodwasvisibleatthecornersofhismouthandhisbeardwasstainedred.Hestood,

scowlingforafurthermoment,beforestraighteningupandspittingoutaglobuleofblood.

‘Doyouhaveanythingtodrink?’heasked.

TheKirinturnedtowheretheirhorsesstoodgrazingnexttoacopseoftrees,oblivioustothefight.‘There’sabottleofDarkwaldredinmysaddlepack,’RhamJasreplied,lettinghiscustomarygrinreturn,‘butI

stoleit,soIgetmorethanyou.’

‘Idon’tgiveashit,Ijustwantsomethingthat’llmakemedrunk.’Bromsatdownheavilyonthesideofthetrack.

RhamJasshookhisheadandwalkedawayfromBromtofetchtheirhorses.Heledthemoffthetrackandashortwayintothetrees,makingsuretheywereoutofthesightofanyothertravellers

whomightbeusingtheKirinrun.HethenturnedtoBrom,whohadn’tmovedfromhispositiononthegroundandwasstillspittingoutblood.

‘Getoffthetrack,Brom.Ifwe’regoingtogetdrunk,weshouldmaybetakesomesortofcover.’

RhamJastiedthehorses’reinstoathicktreetrunkandBromstoodup.HewasrubbinghisbackwhereRhamJashadkickedhimandhis

jawwaspossiblynowbroken.RhamJasknewthatthebumpsandbruisesBromhadgivenhimwoulddisappearquicklyandhe’dbeabletoteasehisfriendabouthisweakconstitution.

TheysettleddownquicklyandRhamJassensedhisfriendwouldmuchratherdrinkthantalk.

‘Onebottleofwineisn’tenoughtoforgetanythingofnote,RhamJas,’Bromstated.

‘True,butthekindlyoldgentlemanIstoleitfromhadotherintereststoo.’TheKirinretrievedasmallleatherpouchfromhissaddlebag.‘Doyouknowwhatthisis?’

Bromlookedatthepouchandshookhishead.‘IsitaverysmallbottleofVolkwhisky?’

RhamJasopenedthepouchandproducedabronzepipeandacircularcontainer.‘This,mydearboy,is

rainbowsmoke.Itseemsthatdrugsarerifeinyourcountry,whethertheclericswanttoadmititornot.’

Bromlaughed,shiftinghispositiontoleanmoreeasilyagainstatree.‘So,ifwegetcaught,we’llbebabblinglikefools?Ilikeit.’

‘Don’tworry,we’reinnorealdangerofgettingcaught,’RhamJasrepliedasheunscrewedthecontainer.‘Cozzhasnoclericsandthe

boundmentherewouldneverchaseusuphere.TheBlackchurchmanwillhavetogetbacktoTirisbeforetheycanseriouslystartlookingforusagain.’

Bromconsideredthisanddidn’tlookespeciallyreassured.‘That’swherewe’reheadingtoo.We’rewalkingintothetroll’smouth,wouldn’tyouagree?’

RhamJaslikedBromagreatdeal,buttheyounglord

couldbeterriblydim-wittedsometimes.‘We’llgettheredaysaheadofthemand,asfarasIremember,youdidn’texplainyourplantothem.They’lljustassumewe’llgointothewildsandlielow.TheideaofusgoingtoTirisissostupiditwon’toccurtothem.’

‘So,ourstupidityiswhat’sgoingtokeepusalive?’Bromraisedaneyebrow.

‘Precisely…Iwouldn’thaveitanyotherway.’

RhamJasrealizedBrommustbeinturmoilnowthatheknewhisfatherwasdead,butifhisfriendcouldtakeawaysomeoftheburdenwithhumour,drugsandalcohol,thenhewould.

RhamJascarefullyloadedthepipewithapinchofbrightlycolouredpowderandsatbacknexttoBrom.

‘We’regoingtodie,youknow,’theKirinsaid,withnorealbuild-up.

Bromlookedathim.‘What?’

‘Well,thereareonlytwoofus…yourfatherisdead,whichmeansthecityhaslikelybeensackedand,bythetimewegetthere,theremaynotbeanyonetosave.’

Brombowedhishead.‘Itmeanssomethingelseaswell.’Hiswordswerequiet

andsolemn.‘ItmeansthatI’mnowthedukeofCanarn.’

RhamJasofferedhisfriendthebronzepipe.‘Dukesfirst,mylord,’hesaidwithagrin.

Bromtookthepipeand,usingaflintandsteelfromthepouch,touchedasmallflametothebowl.HedrewinadeepbreathandRhamJassensedthefamiliarsmellofhigh-qualityKaresianrainbowsmoke.Bromheld

hisbreathinforamomentandnearlycoughed.Thenheslowlybreathedoutaplumeofsweet-smellingsmokeandlethisheadfallbackagainstthetreetrunk.

‘DoyouthinkBronwyn…?’RhamJasbegan,onlytobecutoffbyBrom.

‘Don’t,’hesaid.‘Asthingsstand,Icanimagineshe’sstillalive,hidingsomewhereinthesecret

tunnels.Maybesheevengotoutofthecity.’

RhamJastookthepipe.‘Whereasmycustomarybrandofoptimismwouldpaintarathergrimmerpictureofthings?’Hetappedthepipeagainsthisboottoremovetheburntcrustofpowder.

‘Exactly…justletmethinkhappythoughtsforamoment.’

RhamJastookadeeppullonthepipeandlettheeffects

washoverhim.

***

KaresianrainbowsmokewasconsideredadecadentpleasureinTorFunweir,illegalandpossibletoobtainonlyfrommobstersandothershadycharacters.RhamJaslikeditasanaidtorelaxationandfoundtheRoobjectiontoitbizarre–probablyjust

anotherexampleoftheclericsdislikingsomethingsimplybecauseitwasforeignandtheydidn’tunderstandit.

Theeffectsweremild.Afeelingofcomfortablelethargymadethinkinghappenslowlyandanelevatedmoodusuallyfollowedwithinafewminutes.Thestrongerstuffproducedmoreofamellowhighthatenabledlongperiodsofsittingaroundwith

fewcaresandatendencytobabble.

RhamJasandBromhademptiedthepouchwithinthehourand,withbreakstopassroundthebottleofwine,hadsuccessfullyachievedadegreeofcalm.

They’dtiedthehorsessecurelyandretreateddeeperintothetreestolieacrossagrassyhillockwelloffthetrack.They’driddenawayfromCozzthroughthenight

andnow,astheylaylookingupatthecloudysky,RhamJasestimatedthatitwasnearlymidday.Neithermanhadsaidmuchastheylettherainbowsmokeflowthroughtheirbodiesand,withtheexceptionoftheoccasionalcontentedexhalation,theylayinsilence.

RhamJaswasstillworriedabouthisfriend.WhenBromhadarrivedinRoWeir,severalweeksago,his

intentionhadbeentoreturnhomeasaliberator.Now,withtheknowledgethatDukeHectorhadbeenexecuted,theyounglordwouldhavetoreassesshisplan.RhamJasthoughtthatgettingintoRoCanarnwouldnotbetootricky–findingashipfromTiriswouldbepossibleanditshouldbefairlyeasytostayhiddenwhiletheydidso.TheuncomfortabletruththatinformedtheKirin’sthinking,

however,wasthatthetwoofthemwouldneedhelptomakeanyimpactwhentheyreachedCanarn.RhamJaswasakillerwithfewequalsandBromwasadangerousswordsman,butanarmytheywerenot.

‘Whatdidyoumean?’Brombrokethesilence.

‘WhatdidImeanaboutwhat?’repliedRhamJasvaguely,rubbinghiseyesto

focusthroughthedrug-inducedhaze.

‘TheBlackcleric…UthatheGhost.Yousaidyouknewhim.’

‘Actually,Isaidthatwehavesomefriendsincommon,’correctedRhamJas,‘butIgetwhatyou’resaying.’

Bromhalfturnedandrestedhisheadonhishand.‘So?’

‘It’squitealongstory…andImaynotbeinthebestconditiontodoitjustice,’RhamJasansweredwithadopeygrin.

Bromlaybackdownandbreathedout,lettingamanicchuckleescapehislips.‘Hasimalwayssaidyouwerenogoodtoanyoneafterrainbowsmoke.’

‘Iwouldn’tlistentoHasimabout…well,anything,really.’RhamJas

didn’tlosehisgrin,butsatup,immediatelyfeelinglight-headed.

‘Ididn’tkillUthabecausesomepeopleIrespectthinkwellofhim.’TheKirinknewthattherisencouldbefoundintheDeepWoodofCanarn,buthedoubtedBromwouldeverhavehadcontactwiththem.‘DoyourememberthattreeItoldyouabout?’heasked.

‘Theblackheartwoodtree,’repliedBrom

‘Well,itwas…sortofsacredtomypeople…andtosomeotherpeoplethatlivedinOslan.’

‘Otherpeople?Makesense,man.’Bromwasbecomingirritable.

RhamJashadlongthoughtthetreesextinctinTorFunweir,thatthePurpleclericshadcutdownorburnedeveryonetheycould

find.TheycouldstillbefoundinsomeplacesinRanen,butthemainconcentrationwasintheKirinwoods.

‘Theforest-dwellersreverethetrees.TheycallthemtheDarkYoungoftheDeadGod.Isupposethey’reafraidofthem,asifthey’renotexactlywhattheyseemtobe.Theyjustlookedlikeancient,strange-lookingtreestome.’

Bromwasconfusedandgazedupatthedarksky.‘WhatdoesthishavetodowithUtha?’

RhamJassmiled.‘IdidsayIwasalittletoofargonetobeagoodstoryteller,’hesaid,wishingtheyhadsomemorewineandrainbowsmoke.‘Ilivedsidebysidewiththerisenmostofmyyounglife.Ihadn’tevenheardthetermrisenmenuntilIcametoTorFunweir;they

werealwaystheDokkalfartome.’

Brom’sexpressionshowedthathe,likemostmenofRo,believedthechurch’spropagandathattherisenweremonstrousbeings.‘Ithought…’hebegan.

‘Yes,yes,youthoughttheywereundeadmonsters.Everyoneinyourstupidcountrydoes.ExceptmaybeUthatheGhost.’

Bromlookedevenmoreconfused.‘He’sacrusader,RhamJas,whichmeanshehuntsandkillsrisenmen.’

‘AllIknowisthattheylikehim.Theirtastemaybesuspect,Igrantyou,buttheyseehimasamanofhonourandIwon’tkillamanwhoiscountedamongsttheDokkalfar’sfewfriends.’

RhamJashadnotaskedexactlywhytheyconsideredtheBlackclericafriend,but,

duringarecenttriptotheFell,he’dheardthenameUthatheGhostspokenwithfondness.TheDokkalfarwereparanoidanddidnotgivetheirtrustorfriendshipeasily–theirtreatmentatthehandsofmenhadtaughtthemtobewary–butUthahaddonesomethingtomakeupforthedozenshe’dkilled.RhamJashadneverhadtoearntheirfriendshipashisfirsttwentyyearsoflifehad

beenspentlivingalongsidethem,andtheirstrangetreehadgiftedhimwithextraordinaryabilities.

HiswifeusedtoenjoywalkingintheOslanwoodsandlisteningtothestrangebeingssinging,asoundRhamJas,too,missedwhenhewasawayfromthemfortoolong.Evennow,helookedforanyopportunitytoreturntothedeepestwoodsandspendtimewiththeDokkalfar.

‘Wasitworthit?’Bromasked.‘Leavinghimalivetocontinuechasingus?’

RhamJaslaybackdown.‘Ihaveafeelingaboutthatcleric,’hesaidmysteriously.‘Isuspecthewon’tbechasingusanymore.’

‘Youstillshouldhavekilledhim…butIdon’twantanotherfightaboutit.’ThelaughaccompanyingBrom’swordsshowedthatthe

rainbowsmokehadrelaxedhimconsiderably.

‘Maybe.ButIdidn’t,’repliedtheKirin.

SomethingoccurredtoBrom,andheagaindirectedapuzzledlookathisfriend.‘HowisitthatIdon’tknowyouatall?’

‘You’veknownmeforyears,youidiot,’RhamJasanswered.

‘ButIdidn’tknowanyofthat.IdoubtHasimor

Magnusknewanyofthateither.Doesanyoneactuallyknowyou,RhamJas?’BromwaspryinginawaythattheKirindidn’tlike,buthemeantwell,soRhamJasletitslide.

‘Therewassomeone,butshewaskilledbyPurpleclerics…’

‘Oh,I’msorry,’saidBromquietly,restinghisarmsunderhishead.

HisfewfriendsknewthattherewerecertainlinesbeyondwhichRhamJasshouldnotbepushed.Herarelytalkedabouthiswifeandhadlongagolearnedthatthemerementionofherwouldcausepeopletostoptalkingtohim.

RhamJasshookhisheadandanideabegantoforminhismind–thekindofideathatonlyoccurredtohim

whenhismindwastotallyrelaxedwiththedrug.

‘Brom…’hebeganinaquizzicalfashion.

‘Yes,RhamJas.’‘IthinkImayknowwhere

wecangetsomehelp.’TheKirinknewthatitwasapooridea,butmarchingintoCanarnalonewasworse.

‘Doyouhaveanarmyofassassinfriendssomewherearoundhere?’Bromaskedwithagormlesssmile.

‘No,butIknowa…well…aman…notthatthewordmanreallyapplies,’heanswered.‘HisnameisNanonandhelivesintheDeepWoodofCanarn.’

‘Hehasastrangename.’BromsuddenlylookedsuspiciousandsatuptolookdownatRhamJas.‘Whoishe?’

TheKirinsighed.‘He’sDokkalfar…intheirlanguage

he’saTyr,whichsortoftranslatesaswarrior.’

Brom’sdruggedstatesoftenedhisreactiontothisinformationandhemerelydirectedadoubtingexpressionathisfriend.‘Andhelivesinthewoodsofmyhomeland?’

‘Notjusthim.Hetoldmetherewasabigsettlementthere–maybeafewhundredofthem–deepinthewoods.’

‘Surelywe’dknowiftherewasavillageofrisenmenthatclosetoRoCanarn.’Brom’sexpressionwassceptical,andRhamJasknewtheyounglordwascynicalandnotgiventowhathethoughtofasfantasy.

‘They’requitegoodatstayinghidden.Yourgodisobsessedwithhuntingthemdown.’

Bromsuddenlylookedoffended.‘DoIlooklikea

clerictoyou?’‘No,butyou’restillaRo.

Icansensethewantonarrogancecomingoffyoufromhere.’RhamJasgrinnedbroadlyandmadehisfriendlaughinspiteofhimself.

‘Okay,sohowcanarisenmanhelpus?’Bromaskedwhenhe’dstoppedlaughing.

‘Well,ifIcanpersuadehim,hemayhaveafewfriends.’RhamJasclosedhiseyestoshieldthemfromthe

sunasitpokedoutfrombehindacloud.Itwasgoingtobeahotday.‘It’sthebestplan…ifyoucancallitthat…thatIcanthinkof.’

‘Whywouldhewanttohelpmereclaimmyhome?’

‘Well,theyhavenoloveforthechurchofRo,sothechancetokillabunchofRedknightsmightappealtothem.’RhamJasgrinned.‘Anditmighthelpifyoupromisedthemsanctuaryin

thewoodswhenyoubecomeduke.’

Bromshookhisheadandrubbedhiseyes.‘Idon’tthinkI’llbecomedukeanytimesoon.CanarnwilleitherbeindependentorRanen.’

‘So,you’llbeathain.’RhamJaswasstillgrinning,whichonlymadeBrommoreirritable.

‘IthinkIknowwhoweneedtospeaktowhenwegettoCanarn.It’sbeenrolling

aroundmyheadsinceweleftWeirandI’mfairlysurehe’llstillbealive,’theyounglordsaid,tryingnottolookathisfriend.‘Theknightswouldn’tkillotherchurchmen,soBrotherLanryshouldstillbesomewhereinthetown.’

‘Browncleric?’askedRhamJas,vaguelyrememberingthemanfromthelasttimehehadbeeninRoCanarnwithAl-HasimandMagnus.

‘Hewasmyfather’schaplainandheprobablyhatestheRedknightsmorethanyou.’BromatleasthadasmileonhisfaceandRhamJasguessedthattherainbowsmokewouldstophimgettingtooannoyednow.

‘Okay,soiftheyhaven’tkilled,buggeredorcagedhim…’RhamJasdirectedhisgrinupwardashespoke.‘Hemighthave…what,asecretwayin?’

Bromshothimadarklookandcameoutofhisdruggedstateforamoment.‘RhamJas,RoCanarnhadapopulationoffivethousandmen,womenandchildren.Ifit’sallrightwithyouI’dliketoseeifanyofthemarestillalive.’Hisvoiceroseinpitchandhiseyesconveyedanger.

RhamJaswasn’tcomfortablewithgriefandhehadtriednottobroachthesubjectofRoCanarn’s

citizens.They’dhavefoughtwhentheRedknightsappearedandRhamJasdoubtedthesurvivorswouldhavebeentreatedkindly.Thecityhadformerlybeenavibrantplace,withtaverns,shopsandapopulaceofgood,honestpeople–verydifferentfromtheparanoidsocialclimbersoftherestofTorFunweir–andRhamJashopedsomeoftheirspiritmightremain.Brom,asthe

nascentrulerofthecity,hadadifferentperspective–hesawapopulationinneedofrescuefromanoccupyingforce.Inmanyways,RhamJasthought,healreadyresembledaRanenthainmorethanaRoduke.

‘Okay,Iapologizeformy…idioticrambling,broughtonby…youknow,drugsandstuff.’RhamJaswincedathisterribleapology,butdecidedto

soldieron.‘We’llgoandseetheBrownclericwhenwegettoCanarn.He’llatleastbeabletotellushowmanyRedfuckerswehavetokillandifMagnusisstillinonepiece.’

BromsnortedandRhamJaswasgladthathisfriend’sdruggedhazewasrapidlyreturning.‘Ifhe’sstillalive,Magnusisthesecondpersonweshouldgoandsee.Springhimfromprisonandhe’s

worthfourorfiveknightsoftheRed.’

‘Ifhe’sstillalive…andifwegethelp…andifwedon’tgetkilledonourwaythere.’RhamJaswaspessimisticaboutalltheifs,buthewasbeyondthepointwherehecouldjustleaveBromandreturntoRoWeir.Hewascommittedtoseeingthisthrough.

BromconsideredthelastwordsspokenbytheKirinfor

alongmoment,gazingoffthehillockanddownintothelooselyspacedtreestothenorth.‘YouareawarethatourhorsesmaywellhavebeeneatenbyGorlanwhilewe’vebeenlyinghere?’hesaid,tryingtofocusonsomethingmoreimmediatethantheirstrategyforretakingCanarn.

‘Doubtful.Horsesmakeahellofasoundwhentheyseethenastylittlefuckers…

we’dhaveheard,’RhamJasreplied,withoutmuchcertainty.

Bromraisedhiseyebrowsandtheysharedadoubtfullook,beforetheKirinsaid,‘Okay,we’dbettermove,justincase.Idon’tfancywalkingtoRoTiris.’Heretrievedhislongbowandquiverofarrowsfromtheground.

Thetwofriendspulledthemselvesheavilytotheirfeetandtrudgedslowlyback

tothetrees.Thehillockwasonlyslightlyraisedfromtheforestfloor,butthegentlegradientwasenoughtocausebothmentostumble.Atthetreelinebelow,RhamJaspeeredintotheforestbeforeslowlywalkingtowardsthehorses.

Theywerepicketedtoalowtreetrunk,nexttoadensebramblebush,andBromsteppedpastRhamJasanddrewhisswordawkwardlyas

theyapproachedthesmallclearing.

‘Oh,trollshit,’saidtheyounglord,astheybothsawthedensewebthatwasbeingwrappedroundthetwitchingbodyofBrom’shorse.

TheotheranimalwasunharmedandwassnortingquietlyandkickingatthegroundasthreelargeGorlanspiderscrawledalloverthefallenanimal.Eachwasthesizeofalargedogand

coloureddeepblackwithabrightflashofredonitsbloatedabdomen.Theyweresleek,ratherthanhairy,andweren’tquitelargeenoughtoattackmen;buttheiroversizedfangs,currentlystuckintheflanksofthehorse,couldnonethelesscauseaviciouswoundandrecoveryfromtheirparalysingvenomwouldrequireseveraldaysinbed.

ThelargestofthethreerearedupatthesightofRhamJasandBrom,raisingitsfronttwolegsoffthegroundandbearingitsfangsinathreatdisplay.Itmadealoudhissingsoundandpoisedtostrikeiftheycametooclose.

‘Look,youlittleeight-leggedbastard…fuckoff,’saidRhamJasirritably.‘Wehaveenoughproblemswithoutyouaddingtoit.’

‘Idon’tthinkitspeaksRo,’Bromsaid,withouttakinghiseyesfromtheGorlan.

RhamJasguessedthathisfriendwasalittlescaredofspidersandsecretlydeterminedtoteasehimaboutitlater.

RhamJaswavedhisarmsintheairtoattracttheattentionofallthreespiders,andclappedhishands

togetherinanattempttospookthem.

‘Idon’twanttokillyou,spiders,’hesaid,almostregretfully,‘butIwillshootyouupifyoudon’tleave.’Heslowlypulledanarrowfromhisquiverandnotchedittohisbow.

‘RhamJas,justshootthespiders,’Bromsaid,brandishinghissword.

TheKirindidn’tlikekillinganimals,butGorlan

wereaggressivepredatorsandwouldnotleaveafeastthesizeofafullygrownhorsewithoutafight.

Heslowlydrewbackonhisbowandpursedhislipsbeforeshootingthespiderbetweenitsfangs.Thecreatureinstantlyflewbackwardsanditslegscurledup,becamerigid.Theothertwoquicklyfledintothebramblesandthesoundofthemscuttlingaway

disappearedafterafewseconds.

Bromloweredhisswordandbreathedeasiernowthatthecreatureswereoutofview.‘Ireallyhatethosethings.’

‘They’renottoobad.It’sthereallybigonesyouneedtoworryabout.ThereareGorlaninLob’sWoodthattakethreeorfourarrowstoputdown…tasty,though,’RhamJasaddedwithasmile.

***

RhamJasenjoyedfriedGorlanlegs–theywerecrunchyandsurprisinglymeaty.Theabdomencouldbeslicedanddeep-fried,butwithoutpropercookingimplementsthey’dhadtothrowitaway.Bromwasnoticeablylesskeenoneatingthespider.He’deatensparingly,concentrating

mainlyonthedriedbeefintheirsaddlepacks.RhamJashadteasedhimaboutbeingscaredofGorlan,buthedidn’tseemtomindsolongastheothersdidn’tcomeback.

RhamJaswasusedtothemandhadseenhugespecimensinhistime.He’devenheardrumoursthatsomeofthelargest,fartothesouth,hadaprimitiveabilitytospeak.Whetherthatwastrue

ornot,theKirinofOslanhadlongrealizedthatthebiggertheywere,thelesshostiletheywere,asifintelligencewereaprivilegeofsizeamongsttheGorlan.

Theyrode,BromsittingbehindRhamJas,ontheonlyhorsetheyhadleft.ThelowwoodedgullybecameadenseforestadayorsobeyondCozz.RhamJaswasnotoverlyconcernedaboutenteringthewoodsofVoyas

therewasunlikelytobeanythingtherethatwouldcauseagenuinethreattothetwoofthem.Anybanditswouldprovideaquickfightandmaybeevenasecondhorse,butthekindofscumwhopreyedontheKirinrunwereusuallybrokenmen,withfewoptionsbuttoriskdeath.NotmenwhowouldcauseRhamJastosweat.

‘Stopmovingsomuch,’Bromsaidgrumpily.

‘Ididn’teatyourhorse,don’tblameme.’RhamJasgentlyelbowedhisfriendintheribs.

‘Justrideandtrytokeepstill.’Bromhadstillnotfullyregainedhiscomposureandhadbeensilentforseveralhoursastheyrodeawayfromthedeadhorse.

RhamJashadtoadmitthathewantedtofilltheairwithpointlessconversationinordertonothavetothink

aboutcontactingtheDokkalfar.Itwouldbeanawkwardencounter,bringingalordoftheRointotheDeepWood,butRhamJasknewalittleabouthowtheythoughtandhadhighhopesthattheywouldhelp.Nanon,inparticular,favouredtheideaoffightingbackoverjustsittinginthewoodstobepickedoffbyclerics.Sofar,hismoreviolentimpulseshadbeencurtailedbytheirVithar

shamans–theeldestoftheirpeople,whosecounselwasalwaysthattheDokkalfarmustsimplyendureuntilthetimeisright.TheyhadastrangeviewofvengeanceandweremorepatientthatanypeopleRhamJashadmet.AslongasBromwasquietandletRhamJasdothetalking,theyshouldbeokay,hethought.TheymightevenstandachanceofassaultingCanarnandkillingenoughof

theknightsmoderatelytoinconveniencethechurchbeforetheywerehackedtopiecesbylongswords.

***

ThedayspassedslowlyasBromandRhamJasmadetheirwaythroughthefoothillsoftheWallsofRoandontotheforestednorthernplainsofTor

Funweir.TheKirinrunwasdecidedlyemptyandRhamJaswasgladnottoencounteranyrandombanditsorlargerGorlan.ItsuitedthosetravellerswhousedtheroutetofostertheimageoftheKirinrunasadangerousandhostileenvironment.Inreality,ifyouwerewellenoughconnectedtoknowaboutit,andtoughenoughtouseit,youwereprobablysafe.RhamJashadtravelled

TorFunweirwidelyandthewildsheldnofearforhim.Hewasacrackshotwithhislongbowandanightmarewithhiskatana,andhehadwell-placedconfidencewhenitcametokillingthings.

Bromwasstillquietand,asidefromtheoddcommentabouthisfatherorsister,he’dremainedmoroseandsullensinceCozz.TheyhadmeagredailyrationsandtheyounglordofCanarnhadsteadfastly

refusedtosupplementhisdietwithGorlan.He’deventurnedhisnoseupatRhamJas’snutritiousspiderandnettlebroth,arichconcoctionthatwasquiteadelicacyinOslan.ThesmallerGorlantheyencounteredinthewoodswereperfectforeating,butBromwasclearlybotheredbythecreaturesandbecametwitchywhenevertheyapproachedanest.

‘RhamJas,what’sthat?’Brompointedthroughthetreesofftotheirleft.

Itwasjustapproachingtwilightandtheyhadbeentalkingaboutfindingaplacetocamp.Thewoodlandtheytravelledthroughhadthinlyspacedtreesandwasdottedwithrockycrevicesanddryriverbeds.

Bromwaspointingtoaslightglowemanatingfroma

lowfireinthedistance.‘Isthatacampfire?’

‘Ishouldthinkso,unlessthemosshasstartedtoglow,’RhamJasrepliedflippantly.

Thefirewasflickeringclosetothegroundandfarenoughawaythattheycouldn’tseeanymovementaroundthearea.RhamJasreinedinthehorseandleantforwardtostroketheanimal’smuzzletokeepitquiet.

‘Holdthereins,’hesaidoverhisshouldertoBrom,andbegantodismount.

Onceontheground,RhamJascrouchedandtriedtofocusthroughthegreyeveningairtoseethecampfire.TheskywasrapidlybecomingdarkandRhamJascouldn’tmakeoutanydefiniteshapesthroughthetrees,thoughhecouldheardistantrustlingand

footstepsconsistentwithasmallgroupofpeople.

‘Ineedtogetclosertosee,butit’sprobablyjustabanditgangoragroupoftravellers,’RhamJaswhisperedtoBrom.‘Ifwe’regoingtobesleepingaroundhereaswell,I’dliketoknowwhoourneighboursare.’

Bromdismountedandpulledthehorseovertoanearbyrock,tyingthereinssecurely,beforedrawinghis

swordandcrouchingdownnexttoRhamJas.

‘Iknowstealthisn’taspecialityofyours,Brom,buttrynottomaketoomuchnoise…letmegofirst,’RhamJassaidwithhiscustomarygrin.

‘Oh,justshutupandgetonwithit,’hereplied,clearlynotinajovialmood.

RhamJasquicklyretrievedhislongbowfromthehorseandnotchedan

arrowlooselyagainstthestringbeforemakinghiswayintothetrees.Hewalkedslowly,onefootovertheother,movinginthepractisedfashionofamanusedtosneakinguponpeopleinthedark.BromstayedalittlewaybackandRhamJaswasgladthathisblunderingthroughtheundergrowthproducedonlyalittlesound.

Asheedgedclosertothefire,RhamJascouldhear

wordsspokenintheaccentofRo.Severalmenwerestandingaroundthefireandtwoweresittingonbedrolls.Atfirstitappearedasifhisguessaboutagangofbanditshadbeencorrect,butashepassedabramblethicketandsecretedhimselfbehindathicktreetrunk,itbecameclearthatonlythosemenstandingupwerebanditsandthosesittingdownwerebeingrobbed.

Fivemen,withcrossbowsandshortswords,stoodinaroughcircleroundthefire,aimingtheirweaponsatthetwoseatedmen.

RhamJasdecidedtogetalittlecloserandheldahanduptoBrom,indicatingthatheshouldholdhisposition.TheKirinassassinmovedswiftlyandsilentlytostandbehindarockyprotrusionwithinearshotofthecamp.

ThebanditswereingoodhumourathavingfoundtwomenaloneinthewildsandRhamJasguessedthatthevictimswerenotfightingmen.OneofthebanditshadhisbacktoRhamJasandtheKirincouldjustaboutmakeoutaseatedKaresiannotfarinfrontofhim.

‘You’realongwayfromhome,desertmen…maybeyoushouldthinktwiceaboutcomingthroughourland

again,hey?’saidagruffmanofRo,smirkingandshowingbrownteethandgums.

‘Mott,thesebastardsain’tgotmuch.’Theothermanwasrifflingthroughaseriesoflargerucksacksnexttothefire.‘Exceptwine,they’vegotalotofthat.’

‘Where’syourcoin,Karesian?’saidthemanidentifiedasMott.

RhamJasestimatedthatthetwoKaresianswerea

littledrunk,astheyweregazingoffintothenightratherthanfocusingonthemenrobbingthem.Hecouldn’tmakeouttheirfaces,butthoughttheylookedratherrelaxed,reclininginfrontoftheirfireandmakingnoparticularefforttostoptherobbery.

‘I’mtalkingtoyou,’Mottsaid,slappingoneoftheirfaces.

‘Iknowyou’retalkingtome,youstupidRo.Ichosenottoanswer.Brainsareclearlynotrequiredforbanditry,’slurredoneoftheKaresiansinavoicethatRhamJasvaguelyrecognized.

TheKaresianreceivedanotherslapandtoppledoveronhisbedroll.‘Hittingmeisnotgoingtomakefindingmycoinanyeasier,fuckpiece,’hesaidwithvenom,theinsult

indistinctwiththecombinationofaccentandalcohol.

ThespeakerwascalledKohliandRhamJasguessedthathiscompanionwouldbeJenner.TheywereKaresianbrothersandsmugglersfromthefarcityofThrakka,thoughwhattheyweredoingherewasamystery.ThelasttimeRhamJashadmetthem,they,andAl-Hasim,hadswindledaboatoutof

someoneandwererunningillegalKaresiandesertnectarintoRoTiris.RhamJasrememberedthemwellenoughtoknowthatfightingwasnotcountedamongsttheirskills,andhedecidedtointervene.

HewavedbackforBromtoapproachthroughthetreesandthenmovedtopositionhimselfasclosetooneofthebanditsaspossible,crouched

indarknessafewfeetfromtheman’sback.

‘Wedon’tlikeKaresianscuminthesewoodssoyou’dbettercomeupwithsomethingormyboyswillhavetotakepaymentinblood,’MottgrowledattheseatedKaresians.

RhamJasplacedhisbowonthefloorandsilentlydrewhiskatana.Thefivebanditswereallfacinginwardsandwereclearlynotpreparedfor

anambush.Hetookafurtherstepclosertothenearestman’sbackandthendartedforward,wrappingonearmaroundhisneckandswinginghisbladeroundtorestagainsttheman’scheek.

‘AndhowdoyoufeelaboutKirin?’heaskedloudly,asallthemenpresentturnedtolookathim.

‘Wherethefuckdidyoucomefrom?’Mottloudlyretorted.

Kohliclappedhishandsdrunkenly.‘RhamJas,perfecttiming.Willyoujoinmeandmybanditfriendsinadrink?Theyaremostinterestedincoin,butI’msurethey’rejustmisunderstood.’

TheotherfourbanditspointedtheircrossbowsatRhamJasandmovedtostandinalineoppositehim.‘Lethimgo,Kirin,andyoumaylive.’

‘Fuckoffandyoumaylive,’repliedRhamJasquickly.

ThebanditslaughedwithmisplacedconfidenceasBromsuddenlyappearedfromthedarkness,swordinhand.Hehadnocoverfromthecrossbows,andtoRhamJashiseyeslookedcolderthanusual.

‘ListentotheKirin,he’snotasstupidashelooksandyou’renotasdangerousas

youthinkyouare,’saidthelordofCanarn.

‘That’sanicesword.IthinkI’lltakeitfromyouwhenyou’relyingbleedingatmyfeet,boy,’Mottsaid,levellinghiscrossbow.

‘Comeandtakeit,littleman.’Bromhadmurderinhiseyes.

ThemachoposturingwasbecomingtiresometoRhamJas.‘Oh,thisisgettingsilly,’hesaid,realizingthathis

friendwasgoingtogethimselfshotfulloffboltsifhewasn’tcareful.

Withaswiftjerkofhisswordarmhecutthethroatofthemanhewasholdingandshovedthedyingbanditintothefire.TheothersweresufficientlydistractedbytheeruptionofsparksandsmokeforRhamJastodarttothesideandkickaburningbranchintothefaceofasecondbandit.

Bromalsousedthedistractiontomoveroundtheothersideandroaranunnecessarychallengeatthebandits.RhamJasshookhisheadatBrom’sdisplay,astheKirindeliveredafataldownwardstriketooneman’schestandspundexterouslytogiveasecondmanasolidkickinthestomach,windinghimandsendinghimtothefloor.

Twocrossbowboltswereloosed,butthesewerenottruefightingmenandthedistractionoftwokillerssettingaboutthemwassufficienttocausetheshotstomisstheirmark.

BromengagedastartledMottandproceededtoteachhimalessoninswordsmanship,effortlesslydisassemblingthebandit’stechniqueandknockingawayhisshortswordwithin

moments.Brompunchedhimviciouslytothefloor.

‘Brom,that’senough,they’reonlybandits.Notworthmorethanaquickscrap.’RhamJascouldseerealangerinhisfriend’seyesandguessedthatthiswastheeruptionofseveraldays’worthofpent-uprage.

MottheldhisfaceandwincedinpainasBromlevelledhislongswordatthebandit’sneck.Thetwoothers

whowerestillalivestayedonthefloor,lookingupinfearatRhamJas.

‘Oh,stopthat,’hesaidtothecoweringpair.‘Ifyouridiotbosshadn’tmentionedtakingmyfriend’ssword,youmightallhavegotawayalive.’RhamJasdidn’tlikeunnecessarydeathandthesemenweresimplycommonfolkmakingadirtyliving.

‘You…Mott,whateveryournameis,’orderedRham

Jas,‘pickupyourmenandleave…now.IfIseeyouagain,I’llwearyourskinasahat.Doyouunderstandme?’RhamJaswasirritatedathavingtorescuetwodrunkenfriendsandstopasoberonefromgivingintobloodlust.

Mottnodded,nottakinghiseyesfromBrom’sswordasitswayednexttohisthroat.Thetwootherbanditsstoodupand,inobviousdistress,pickeduptheirtwo

deadcompanionsandbegantobackoutoftheclearing.MottmovedawayfromBrom,notthinkingtopickuphisweapons,quicklydartedpasthismenanddisappearedintothedarkeningforest.

‘You’reLordBromvy?’askedKohlifrombesidethefire.

NeitheroftheKaresianbrotherswasoverlyconcernedaboutthefighttheyhadwitnessed,RhamJas

thought.Jennerwasmostlypreoccupiedwithkeepinghimselfuprightandnotbeingsick.

Bromdidn’tanswerthequestionandglaredatthepatchofdarknessthroughwhichthebanditshadretreated.

‘Yes,heis,’saidRhamJas.‘AndKohli,whatareyoudoinghere?Isn’tthereachildinneedofdrugssomewhere?’

Kohliblinkedafewtimes.He,too,wasconsiderablytheworsefordrink.‘WelostourboatinTiriswhen…’heshotadarklookathisbrother,‘someonedemandedwestopforsomefemalecompanyandtheportauthoritiesimpoundedit.’

‘ThesameboatyouandHasimstolelastyear?’askedRhamJas.

‘Yup,Ithinksomeoneatthelordmarshal’soffice

recognizeditandwehadtorunfromthecity.Luckily,theseRoaren’ttoobotheredbyforgedclaydocuments.’

‘Glenwood?’TheKirinwasamazedthatsuchapoorforgerwasstillinbusiness.

‘Wedidn’tknowanyoneelseandhetoldusyouwereprobablyinWeir,sowethoughtwe’dcomeandfindyou,’hesaidwithadrunkengrinwhich,forsomereason,

madeRhamJasirrationallyannoyed.

‘Youthoughtyou’dcomeandfindme?UsingtheKirinrun,aroutethetwoofyouarespectacularlyunsuitedtotravel?’heaskedwiththetoneofadisapprovingparent.

Jennerretchedacoupleoftimesandheldhishandsagainsthishead,rubbinghistemples.‘What’sgoingon?’heaskedvaguely.‘Arewebeingrobbed?’

Kohlilookedacrossathisdrunkenbrotherandsmiled.‘Gotosleep,Jenner,wehaven’tbeenrobbed.RhamJasishere.’

ThetwoKaresianshadthedeeplybloodshoteyesofmenwhodrinktoexcessandeachwasthin,withfraillimbsandblotchyskin.ThelasttimeRhamJashadseenthem,they’dbeencelebratingtheirtwenty-fifthbirthdaysinRoWeir.Theyearthathad

passedsincethenhadnotbeenkindtothebrothers.Theirclotheswerepoorandtravel-stained,andtheirbelongingsconsistedmostlyofwine.RhamJascouldn’tseeanyweaponsandneitherwasinanyconditiontodefendhimselfifattacked.

Jennerstraightenedandsaid,‘RhamJas,excellent.WetoldHasimthatwe’dfindhim.That’s,that’sreallygood.’Thelastfewwords

weresaidwithadopeygrinandJennertoppledoverwhenhe’dfinishedspeaking.

BromdirectedaquizzicallookatthenowunconsciousformofJenner.RhamJasraisedhiseyebrowsandsteppedinfrontofKohli,whowasswayingcontentedly.

‘What’shetalkingabout?’RhamJasasked,pointingatJenner.

‘WewereinRoCanarnwithHasim,’Kohlisaid,asifitwerethemostnormalthingintheworld.

BromnearlydroppedhisswordasheclumsilymovedacrossthesmallcampandkneltdowninfrontoftheswayingKaresiansmuggler.

Holdingthemanbytheshoulders,hedemanded,‘When?’

‘Weleftabouttwoweeksago,justafterHasimgot

capturedbytheRedknights.’Kohli’seyesbecameunfocusedandRhamJasguessedhe’dsoonpassoutfromthewine.

‘Whywereyouthere…whywasHasimthere?’Bromtumbledoverthewordsashetriedtofindoutwhatthedrunkenmanknew.

‘Easy,Brom,hewon’tbemuchuseuntilhe’ssober.’RhamJaswasalmostasinterestedashisfriend,but

knewKohliwellenoughtorealizehewasunlikelytoprovecoherent.

Hiswordsappearedprophetic,asKohlicollapsedforwardsintoBrom’sarms,hiseyesglazingoverandafoamofvomitappearingathismouth.

‘Wakeup,youfuckingshit-stain,’shoutedBromattheunconsciousman.

RhamJaslethisfriendshoutracialinsultsatKohli

forafewminutes.Hethoughtthat,sincehe’ddeniedBromthechanceofkillingthebandits,heshouldatleastallowhimtoscreamatadrunkensmuggler.TheKirinassassinsimplysheathedhiskatana,retrievedhislongbow,andsatdownbythefire.

KohliandJennerwerehumanrefuse–menwhowereusefulifyouneededsomethingdonequietly,butotherwiseRhamJasdespised

them.Theyhadnocausebeyondmoney–andwine–andtheironlyloyaltylaywithwhoevergavethemcoin.Al-Hasimhadoftentriedtodefendthem,tellingRhamJasthattheyweresimplymenoutsidethelawwhohatedtheRo.Thismightbetrue,buttheywerestillannoyingdrunkardswithfewdiscernibletalents.

AfterafewminutesBromslumpeddownontheuneven

ground.Hedidn’tlookawayfromthetwounconsciousKaresiansandwaspantingrapidly,clenchingandunclenchinghisfists.RhamJastookabottleofKohli’swineandpulledoutthecorkwithhisteeth.Itwasofdecentqualityandhetookadeepswigbeforepassingittohisfriend.

‘Ihatethis…’Bromsaiddarkly.

RhamJasknewwhathemeant,butaskedanyway.‘Whatdoyouhate?’

‘Allthis,’hesaid,pointingtoKohliandJennerandthengesturingaroundtothethinlyspacedtreesoftheKirinrun.‘Thethieves,therunning,thedeath…theclerics,allofit.’

RhamJasnoddedandrealizedthatanyresidualexcitementBrommighthavefeltabouttheitinerantlifestylewasrapidlywearing

off.TheyounglordofCanarnhadspentmuchofhislifewithRhamJas,MagnusandHasim,andhadessentiallylivedthelifeofacriminal–travelling,causingtroubleandhavingagoodtime.Butthiswasdifferent.Bromfinallyknewwhysomemenhadtolivethislife.Before,he’dbeendoingitfromchoice,fortheadventureorjustsoastospendtimewithhisunlikelyfriends.Nowhe

wasnamedtotheBlackGuard,wantedbytheclerics,andwithashatteredhomeland.

‘Yougetusedtoit,myfriend,’RhamJasrepliedgently.

‘Idon’tthinkIwanttogetusedtoit.’BromshiftedhimselfaroundandkickedKohlioffhisbedroll.Takingaswigofwine,helayonhisback,lookingupatthethincanopyofbranchesabove.

‘Justbepatient,theseidiotswillwakeupinafewhoursandtheycantellyoueverything.’

RhamJas,too,wassurprisedtohearthatAl-HasimhadbeeninRoCanarn.Thelasthe’dknown,theKaresianscoundrelhadbeeninFredericksand,enjoyingAlgenonTeardrop’shospitality.

‘WhywouldHasimbethere?’Bromasked,not

expectingananswer.‘Notsure,butatleastwe

mayfindoutwhetheryoursisterisstillalive.’RhamJaswasspeakingquietlyandnotpushingBromanymore.RhamJasknewthesignsandcouldseehisfriendwasclosetotheedge.Allheneededwasforsomethingelsebadorfrustratingtohappenandhe’dhavesomekindofbreakdown.

‘Tryandgetsomesleep,Brom,allthesequestionswillwaituntiltomorrow.’

***

RhamJasdidn’tsleepatall.Hesatinthesamepositionforseveralhours,whileBromslowlydriftedoffintoafitfulslumber.ThentheKirindecidedtogoforawalkinthewoods.

Alittlemoonlightshonethroughthetrees,butthethinforestwasotherwisedarkandRhamJasghostedthroughthewoods,makingnosound.Hedidn’treallyknowhowhehadfoundhimselfinthissituation,accompanyingaBlackGuardtoawalledcityoccupiedbyRedknights.Despitehisskillandbravado,RhamJaswasmostlyconcernedtobeleftalonetolivehislifeandnotto

becomeinvolvedinsuchfoolishendeavours.

BromknewvirtuallynothingaboutwhathadhappenedinRoCanarn,otherthanthecertaindeathofhisfather,andRhamJaswonderedifanythingthedrunkenKaresianswouldhavetosaywouldlessentheyounglord’sanger.

EPILOGUE

Bronwynhuddledascloseaspossibletothesoft,mossytreetrunk.Thecanopyaboveshelteredherfromtheworstoftherain,butfrequentdrips,enoughtopreventhersleeping,keptfindingtheirwaythroughthebranches.

Shewasfarenoughfromtheroadanddeepenoughwithinthesmallwoodtofeelmoderatelysafefromdiscovery,buttheweatherandtheneedtosleeproughhadsouredtheyoungnoblewoman’sdispositiontoapointwhereshealmostwishedforcapture.AtleastagaolcellinCanarnwouldbeoutoftheweather.

She’dseennosignofpursuit,thoughshewassure

knightswouldhavebeensentafterher,andhadfocusedontheadvicegivenherbyAl-Hasim.He’dtoldhertoturnduewestattheblastedtreeandcontactWraithCompanyintheruinsofRoHail.Whetherthatwaswisdomordesperationdidn’treallymatter–eitherway,Bronwynwasgettingfurtherfromhomeandgrowingmoremiserablewitheachstep.

Asthedarknessgrewandthemoonlightwasobscuredbybranches,BronwynofCanarndriftedintoarestlesssleep.

Herdreamswhengrowinguphadalwaysbeencuriouslyvivid,andfrequentlysharedbyhertwinbrother.TheirfatherusedtosaythatBromvyandBronwynwereboundbymorethansimplytheirblood,andthatBrytagtheWorldRavenallowed

themtoexperienceeachother’sworriesandfears.Whetherthatwasjustanoldman’sstoryoratruereflectionofthetwins’bondwasnotclear,butshehadfeltbettereverytimeshehadsharedadreamwithherbrother.

ShefoundherselfviewingRoCanarnfromabove,alumpofstoneandsmokeperchedonalowcliffsideandbatteredbywaves.Itwas

darkandlifeless,withindividualbuildingsimpossibletodiscern,thoughthetoweroftheWorldRavenactedasalighthouseofsortsforherdreamingconsciousness.

Assheplummetedfurtherdown,thesoundoftheseagrowingtoaroarandthedarkstonegainingtexture,shesawpeopleinthestreetsofherhome.Thefigureswerearmoured,thoughnone

worethetabardofCanarn–aravenwithtalonsbared–andmostwereevidentlyforeigners.Theypatrolledtheemptystreets,betweenruinedbuildingsofwoodandstone,theireyeswaryandtheirweaponsready.

Bronwynfoundherselfatstreetlevel,driftingbetweenmercenariesandknights,tryingtogetherbearings.Ifitweren’tfortheWorldRavenshiningoverhead,shethought

shewouldeasilyhavebecomelost,forCanarnhadchanged.Itwasnolongervibrantandfriendly–thosethingswereforapeacefulandstablepopulation–instead,itwasdarkandbrooding,andshethoughtitoweditscontinuedexistencetostubbornness:thestubbornnessofBrotherLanrydeterminedtokeephischapelsafeandthepopulationalive;the

stubbornnessofFatherMagnus,whorefusedtobecowedbyRillion;and,mostofall,thestubbornnessofBronwynandherbrother,whowerebothstillfree.

Theentrancetothekeepwasstainedwithbloodandsherememberedthedesperatefighttoholdthedrawbridge.Dozensofmenhaddied,standingtheirgroundagainsttheknightsoftheRed.Evennow,astackofcrossbows,

swordsandshieldswaspilednexttothedrawbridge.EachitemboretheravenofCanarn–theheraldrymostprominentontheshields–butmosthadswordcutsandpuncturemarkswhichdefacedtheimageofBrytag.

ThecentralsquarewasmuchassheremembereditfromherflightwithAl-Hasim,thoughthefuneralpyreshadnowreducedtoembersandthecorralled

populationhadbeenallowedsanctuaryintheBrownchapel.

Ifshe’dbeenawake,Bronwynknewshewouldbereducedtotears.Asitwas,sheallowedherdreamtoremindherofwhyshemustremainfree.

‘Thisisn’ttheendofthetale.’Thevoicewasfamiliar.

Sheletherselfturnandidentifiedthespeakerasher

brother,Bromvy,standingnexttothedrawbridge.

‘Itseemsliketheend,’shereplied.

Bromworehisarmourofsteel-reinforcedleatherandhisswordwassheathed.HewasdressedashehadbeenthemorningheleftforRoTiris,shortlybeforetheassault,andBronwynwasgladtoseehim.

‘Areyoudreamingaswell,brother?’sheasked.

HelookedupwardsandsmiledatthetoweroftheWorldRaven.‘Itwouldappearso.’

‘Fatherisdead.’Bronwynspokeplainly.‘ThatmakesyouthedukeofCanarn.’

Brombowedhishead.‘Idon’tfeellikeaduke.Ifeellikeacriminal…andmyback’ssorefromsleepingrough.’

‘Butyouaresafe?’shepressed.

‘Afterafashion.I’mstillalive…andIplantoremainso.’

Shewishedthatshecouldflingherarmsaroundhisneckandcrylongandhardintohisshoulder.Shewishedthatherdreamwouldallowhertogrieve,toweep,eventofeelvulnerableforamoment,butallshecoulddowaslookathim.

‘Andyou?’heasked.‘Pleasetellmeyou’renotthe

trophywifeofsomemercenary.’

Amomentofsilence,beforelaughtereruptedsuddenlyfrombothofthem.

‘Thankyouformakingajoke,’Bronwynsaidwearily.

TheireyeswerebothdrawntotheWorldRaven,lookingdownonthem.Thetowerwasanunassumingstructure,withasmallstatueofBrytag,wingsspreadandtalonsbared,perchedonaflat

plinthhighabove.Intheirdream,thetowerwastaller,itslinesstarkeragainstthedarkgreysandbrownsofRoCanarn,andBrytaghimselfwasmuchlarger,loomingoverhistowntolookdownatthetwins.

‘Arewereallydreaming?’askedBronwyn,notsurewhethertoaddressthequerytoBromortotheWorldRaven.

‘Hewantsusbothtoseesomething,’repliedBrom.‘FatheralwayssaidthatBrytagwasfondoftwins.’

Theyweredrawntowardsthekeep,theirfeetbarelytouchingthebloodstainedcobbledstreets.Bronwynfeltnoseabreezeandnocoldtouchedherlimbs,makingthecityofherbirthfeelalienandfar-off.Herbrotherglidednexttoherandthetwinsemergedintothe

centralkeepofCanarn,asquarecourtyardframedbyhighstonewalls.Theareawasdominatedbycookingfiresandstowedweaponry,asknightsoftheRedcampedonthecoldstone.

‘Bronwyn,’saidBrom,pointingintotheshadowycourtyard,‘doyouseethoseshapes?’

Shedirectedhereyeswherehepointedandsawanumberofstrange,indistinct

figuresmovingaroundtheedgesofthekeep.Theymovedwithinhumangraceandwieldedleaf-shapedknives.Sheperceivedthattheknightshadnotseenthemandsomethingabouttheirpresencewascomfortingandstrangelyalien.

‘Iseethem,’shereplied,‘butIdon’tknowwhat…whotheyare.’

Thescenefrozeandthetwinstriedtogetaclearlook

attheshadowyfigures,onlytobedeniedbyarapidmovementthatwhiskedthemawayfromthekeepandtowardstheBrownchapel.Itwasclearthatthisdream,ifthatwerewhatitwas,wasbeingdirectedbyaforcetheycouldn’ttrulyunderstand.

Thechapelwasunmolested,thoughthegreenerythatusedtosurrounditwasnowmud,trampledbypatrolling

mercenaries.Theyjokedandcursed,waitingfortheordertoclearthechapel–anorderthatwouldhopefullynevercome.Bronwynknew,fromthetimeshe’dspentinCanarnafterthebattle,thatCommanderRillionwasreluctanttodefilethehumbleBrownchapel.

Bromlookedatthemen,hishandstwitchingwithangerandadeep-seateddesiretodrawhisswordand

killtheseinvaders.HisangerwasdifferentfromBronwyn’s,itcamefromasenseofdutyimpartedbytheirfather.HewasthedukeandhishonourwouldforeverbelinkedtoRoCanarn.HecouldliveasoneoftheBlackGuard,orhecouldretakehiscity–therecouldbenoin-between.

‘Settle,brother.Brytagisn’tshowingusthistoincreaseouranger.’Sheagain

wishedshecouldreachouttotouchBrom.

‘IwishIcouldturnitoff…justforawhile,butIcan’tseebeyondtherage.’Atearappearedatthecornerofhiseye.‘IhopeLanryisstillalive.’

‘Letussee,’repliedBronwyn.

Theymovedsmoothlyoverthemudandpastthemercenaries.Thechapelwaslargeenoughtohousemany

people–butitwasnotatavern,andthoseinsidecouldhopeonlyforshelter,notforcomfort.

ThescenewithinmadeBronwyngasp.Theseatshadbeenshovedtothesidesofthenaveandintheirplacelayahundredhastilylaidbedrolls,occupiedbyquiveringbodies.Therewerefewlightsandafigure,robedinbrown,hunchedhiswaytoeachpersoninturn,usinga

globedcandletoministerhealing.Somewoundswereminor,bruisesandcuts,butmanyofthecommonerswithinhadseriousinjuriesandmissinglimbs.

‘Theknightshaven’tallowedthemproperhealing,’saidBrom,lettinghistear-filledeyesplayoverthegruesomescene.

GatheredaroundthehumbleBrownaltarwereuninjuredcitizensofCanarn,

andthestaircaseleadingdownshowedthatmanymorewereresidentinthechapel’sundercroft.

‘Thisisn’twar…Idon’tknowwhatitis.’Bromnolongerlookedangry.Instead,hiseyesweredowncastandhishandshook.

FivethousandpeoplehadlivedinRoCanarn,withmanymoreinthesurroundingfarmlands.Thesurvivors,huddledinthe

Brownchapel,numberedfewerthanfivehundred.Bronwynhopedthatmorehadsurvivedthebattleandwerehiddenelsewhereinthetown,buttheknightshaddonetheirworkwell.

Thebrown-robedfigurelookedup.BrotherLanrywasanoldman,butheappearedevenolderintheminimalcandlelight,thelinesonhisfacedeeperandthepaininhiseyesmorepronounced.

Foramoment,Bronwynthoughthesawthem,butsheknewthatwasn’tpossible.

Thesoundofaravencallingjoltedboththetwinsawayfromthechapel.

***

Bromwokesuddenly,lightraincaressinghisneck.ThefaceofhissisterandthecallingofBrytagfadedonly

slowly,andtheBlackGuardsatinamomentofquietremembrance.

Abovehimweretrees,nexttohimtheunconsciousKaresiancriminalsandhisfriend,RhamJasRami.Somewheretothenorth,overthesea,andoccupiedbyknightsandmercenaries,washishome.AsheblinkedhiseyestofocusinthemorninggloomoftheKirinrun,LordBromvyBlackGuardof

Canarndecidedthathewouldnotyield,hewouldnotsurrender.HewouldnotstopuntilhispeoplewerefreeandtheOnehadpaidforwhathisknightshaddone.

BOOK2

DAUGHTEROFTHEWOLF

THETALEOFTHEWATERGIANTS

Asgodsslowlyascendedandempiresofmightandterrorwereformed,theGiantsdidwaruponeachother.

Thebattlegroundsofair,fire,earthandwaterwerejoinedbyshadow,forest,dustandvoiduntilallthelandwasbroken.Allianceswere

formed,Giantsfell,andthewarsragedlongerthantheunderstandingofmortalmen.

EachGiantsawhimselfagodandeachgodgrewstrongordied,fallingtotheinexorablepassageofDeepTime.

TheWaterGiants,morealienthanmost,foughtwithmaligncunningandchosetheIceGiantsastheirchieffoe,doingwaruponthemas

mountainsroseandthelandchangedshape.

AsagespassedandRowanocoascendedtotheicehallsbeyondtheworld,theWaterGiantssensedthattheirendwasnear.Theirrace,whohadmissedgodhoodbyahair’sbreadth,criedtearsofpainandtheirtearsbecametherollingseasofthenorth.Theirleaders,thetwinGiantsIthqasandAqas,werefelledby

Rowanocohimselfandsenttothebottomofthedeepestseastognawonrockandfish.

Rowanocogavenothoughttohisfallenfoes,butthetwinsremained,mindlessandprimal,swirlingendlesslyamidstthewaterytearsoftheirlong-deadkin.

PROLOGUE

TheBrownchapelofRoCanarnwasneverawarmorcomfortingplace.Itwascheaptobuild,cheaptomaintain,andpossessedfewaccoutrementsofwealthorprosperity.Itwastheonly

buildingofworshipinthecityand,assuch,waslargeandfunctional.IthadalsobeenthehomeofBrotherLanryformanyyears,thoughitwascurrentlymuchmorecrowdedthanithadeverbeen.

Thepopulationofthecity–thosewhohadnotbeenimprisonedormurderedbytheknightsoftheRedandtheirmercenaryallies–hadsoughtrefugeintheonly

buildingthateventheinvadersrefusedtoviolate.Lanrywasgladthatsomethingswerestillsacredandtheknightshadlefthischapelanditsseveralhundrednewinhabitantsalone.They’dstationedguardsoutsideandtakencarefulnoteofthefamiliesthatshelteredwithin,buthadnotsoughtentranceorquestionedtheclericofpoverty’smotivesinallowingthecommonfolksanctuary.

‘BrotherLanry,’saidachild’svoicenexttotheoldcleric.

‘Yes,Rodgar,’herepliedwithanaffectionatesmile.

‘Whencanwegohome?Thestonefloorishurtingmymum’sfeet.’Theladwasnomorethansixyearsoldandhadnotfullygraspedwhatwasoccurringinhishomecity.

Eithersideoftheoldclericwerearoundadozen

children,rangingfromyoungsterswhocouldbarelytalktoyoungteenagers.Manyoftheirparentswereeitherdeadorcaptive,andLanrywouldtellthechildrenstoriestokeepthemamused.TheotheradultsintheBrownchapelweredoingtheirbestaswell,butLanryhadapeacefulandfatherlyqualitythathelpedrelaxtheyoungercitizensofRoCanarn.

‘You’llbehomeinnotimeatall,mydearboy,’hereplied,‘andyourmothercanputherfeetupinfrontofaniceroaringfire.’

AslightsneerfromoneoftheoldergirlsmadeitclearthatnotallofthechildrenwereastrustingasyoungRodgar.Thegirl,whosenamewasLyssa,wasthechildofablacksmith–amanmissing,presumeddead–and

she’ddevelopedahardanduncaringedge.

‘I’msorry,youngLyssa,’saidLanrytenderly.‘Weallneeddifferentkindsofencouragement.’

‘We’llneverbeabletogohome,’shereplied,foldingherarmsandglaringattheoldcleric.‘We’llbeslaves…orworse.’

‘Now,that’senough,’saidLanry,bywayofagentlereprimand.

RodgarsatupalittleandlookedatLyssawithinnocenteyes.‘ButLordBromvyandLadyBronwynarestillalive.Theywon’tletussuffer…isn’tthatright,BrotherLanry?’

‘That’sright,mylad.’TheclericruffledRodgar’shairandsmiled.‘ThehouseofCanarnwillnotabandonitspeople.’Hethoughtforamoment.‘HaveItoldyou

childrenthestoryofLordBullvyandLadyBrunhilde?’

Afewshooktheirheads.TheyoungerchildrenlookedupatLanry,eagerlywantingastory,whiletheteenagersrolledtheireyes.TheBrownclerichadremainedstubbornlyoptimisticandsofarhadchosenserenelytoignorethecynicismthatsurroundedhim.Thishadbecomeharderasthedaysofoccupationhadturnedinto

weeks,buthewasdeterminedtoactasDukeHectorwouldhavewanted.

‘LordBullvywasthefirstdukeofRoCanarn.Averylongtimeago,twohundredyearsatleast,thekingofTorFunweirruledtheFreelandsofRanen.DoesanyoneknowwhattheFreelandswerecalledinthosedays?’

‘TorRanen?’answeredRodgar.

‘That’sright,lad,TorRanen.’Lanrykeptsmiling.‘Thingswereneverpeaceful,though,andthemenofRanendidn’tlikebeingruled…freedomisveryimportanttothechildrenofRowanoco.

‘TheRanenwereorganizedintoworkgangsbythePurpleand,oncetheyrebelled,thosegangsbecamethefirstFreeCompaniesandfoughtbackhard.’

Afewoftheteenagershadsofterfacesnowandwerelisteningtotheoldcleric’sstory.

‘IbetthePurpledidn’tlikethat,’saidLyssa,thinkingshewasbeingclever.

‘No,no,theydidnot,’repliedLanry.‘TheymassacredhundredsofRanenandcalledontheknightsoftheRedtokilltherest.ManylordsofRowenttofight,

seekinghonourorglory,andtheRanencouldneverwin.’

Rodgarandtheyoungerchildrenwereenjoyingthetale,especiallythebitsthatinvolvedbloodanddeath.Lanryoccasionallylamentedthatsomanystorieswerestainedinbloodandthatheknewsofewtalesofloveandpeace.

‘LordBullvyandhistwinsisterwereminornoblesfromHunter’sCrossandwentto

warwhentheywerecalledupon.’

Lyssayawnedtheatrically,causingseveraloftheothergirlstogiggle.Lanryjoinedinthelaughandwasgladofthejollity,evenifhewasthebuttofthejoke.

‘Thestorydoesgetmoreexciting,Iassureyou,’saidtheclericwithachuckle.‘JustwhenRanenwasabreathawayfrombeingreconquered,theclericsand

knightsbegantofeelacoldwindblowfromthenorthandthebattle-brothersofFjorlanjoinedthefight.Theirdragonshipslandedallalongthecoast,theirberserkersfloodedoutoftheDeepCrossandtheirpriestsandwarriorsthrewdownthebannersoftheOne.’

Lyssasnortedatthestory.‘Howcouldtheybeattheknights?’sheasked,asifno

forcecouldstandagainsttheOneGod’saspectofwar.

‘Theywerestronger,Isuppose,’repliedLanry.‘ItsuitsthearroganceoftheRedtoimaginetheyareunstoppable…therealityisopentoquestion,itwouldseem.

‘Anyway,wherewasI?’Theoldclericfoundhismemoryfalteringalittle.‘Ah,yes,theRedknightswereforcedtoretreatfromthe

rampagingFjorlanders.TheyabandonedRoHail,leavingonlyaminornobleandhissistertoholdthetownagainstthousandsofRanen.’

‘AndthatwasLordBullvy?’askedRodgareagerly.

Lanrynodded.‘Heandhistwinsister,awomanwhocouldshootthelegsfromaGorlanatahundredpaces,refusedtosurrender.TheyheldRoHailforthirtydays

withbarelyahundredmen.Onthethirty-firstday,apriestofBrytagtheWorldRavenarrivedatthesiegeandstoppedtheRanenattacking.Brytaghasafondnessfortwins,yousee,andthepriestdemandedtheybegivensafepassagetoRoCanarn.’

‘Theywerespared?’askedRodgar,bitingonhisthumbnails.

‘Theywere.TheRanenescortedthemalltheway

southandtreatedthemwithhighhonours.TheclericsandknightshadpulledbacktoRoTirisandleftthetwinsandtheirmentoholdCanarn.TheRanenwouldn’tattackthecitywhileBullvyandBrunhildewerethere,sothekinghadnochoicebuttonamehimduke.’

ItwasanoldtaleandonethatLanryenjoyedremembering.HectorwasdescendedfromBullvy,a

manwhohadfoughtonlongafterheshouldhavesurrenderedandwhohadearnedtherespectoftheRanen.ThehouseofCanarnhadbeenabastionofpeacebetweentheRoandtheRanenfortwohundredyears,witheachsuccessivedukestrengtheningthetruce.WhetherBrytag,theslyoldRavenofRowanoco,hadknownofBullvyandBrunhilde’simportance,orif

hejustlikedtwins,Lanrydidn’tknow.Eitherway,thepeacehadbeenhardfought,andtheoldclerichopedithadnotyetended.

Rodgarclappedhishandsexcitedly.‘BrytagwilllookafterLordBromvy,won’the?AndLadyBronwyn…they’llbothbeokay,won’tthey?’

‘IalwaystrytoputmyfaithintheOne,but,asIsaid,theWorldRavenisfondoftwins.Brytagbelievesthat

luckandwisdomarethesamethingintheend,andHector’schildrenseemtohaveboth.’

Therewasstillmuchworktobedone–manypeopletobehealedandcaredfor,andmanymorestorieshe’dneedtotell,butfornowhefeltbetter.IfafewwordsfromanoldBrownclericcouldhelpcalmthechildren,maybetheirsituationwasn’thopelessafterall.

PART1

CHAPTER1

LADYBRONWYNINTHERUINSOF

ROHAIL

IthadstartedrainingwithinafewhoursofBronwyn’sescapefromCanarnandhad

notstoppedfortwoweeks.Herhorse,alarge,sad-lookingworkanimaltakenfromadiscardedsupplycart,hadshownhisdispleasureattherainandhaddecidednottomoveanyfurther.

Shehadstoppedontheedgeofaclusteroftrees,toosmalltobecalledaforestandtoowidelyspacedtoaffordmuchshelter,butthehorsewashappierwithafewbranchestohideunder.

Bronwynsat,leaningagainstatreetrunkwithhercloakpulledtightlyaroundher.Shefeltnoguiltathavingacquiredthehorseandsupplies–afterall,thebeastwouldhavediedwithnoonetotendit–butshedidfeelsadnessforthedeadmenfromwhomshehadtakentheclothing.Shedidn’tknowtheirnames,orwhytheyhadfought,buttheyhadallbeenhackedapartwithlongswords

andleftbytheroad.TheknightsoftheRedhadkilledindiscriminatelyanditwaspossiblethatthedeadmenhadjustbeencommonfolk.

She’dtakentrousers,boots,acloakandacrossbow.Therehadbeennoarmourtospeakof,butaheavyleatherwaistcoatwassturdyenoughtobeagoodsubstitute.Thedressshe’descapedinhadbeentornaroundthewaistandnow

servedasalightvest,withtherestofthefabricfashionedintoahoodofsorts.ThebloodstainsthatremainedwouldserveBronwynasareminderofwhathadhappenedtogetheroutofthecity.ShethoughtthatAl-Hasimwouldprobablyhavebeenkilledorcaptured,andthatFatherMagnuswouldstillbeinacell.

Shewouldnotadmit,eventoherself,thatshehadlittle

hope.Bronwynwasstubbornandhadlearnedfromherfatherthatsurrenderwasapoorsubstitutefordeath.Shehadn’tactuallyseenhimdie,thoughtheRedknightsblockingherviewhaddonelittletomaskwhathadhappened.

Hewasdead.Herfather,DukeHectorofCanarn,hadbeenbeheadedbyRedknights.Thisfacthadkepthergoingintotheendless

GrassSealongaftershehadwantedtogiveup.

Shehadtakenplentyofsupplies,butdriedbread,fruitandporridgewouldonlygethersofar.Shehadreachedtheblastedtreeafteraweekandhadtravelledwestforanotherweek,buthadnotyetseentheruinsofRoHailandonlyhadAl-Hasim’swordthatthedirectionswerecorrect.She’dhadampleopportunitytoimproveher

skillwiththecrossbowshe’dacquired,andshewasnowabletohitrabbitsandothergame.Sofar,however,she’dbeenloathtomakeafireofsufficientsizetocookthemproperly.Porridgeneededonlyasmallflameandabitofrainwater,butcookingmeatmightwellalertanyonewhowaspursuingher.

She’dseensmallnestsofGorlanspidersthroughoutthetwoweeksshe’dbeen

travellingbuthadnotquitesummonedthecouragetosnareone.Al-HasimhadtoldherseveraltimesthatinKaresiafriedGorlanlegswereadelicacy.However,thesizeandferocityofthebloatedarachnidswasenoughtoputheroffapproachinganest.Eveninthesmallwoodshewasshelteringintherewerecobwebs,andsheguessedthattheGorlanclaimedmuchofthe

southlandsofRanenastheirhuntinggrounds.

Bronwynfeltadropofrainhitthebackofherneckandsheshivereduncomfortablyasitmadeitswayinsidehercloak.She’dsleptroughbefore;manytimesinherlifeshe’dcampedoutwithBromvy,andthey’dbothenjoyedthefeelingoffreedomthattheopenexpanseoftheGrassSeagavethem.Thiswas

different,though.Shedidn’thaveatent,orachangeofclothes,orherbrothertokeepherspiritsup,andtheonlythingshehadtofocusonwastostayatlibertyandgettotheruinsofRoHail.EventhatwasonlythevaguestofgoalsandshehadnoideawhatshewoulddoifshedidactuallymanagetomakecontactwithWraithCompany.

TheabilityofmenlikeBromandHasimtostaycheerfulinthefaceofdespairwasatrickshe’dneverlearned.Hermotherhadofferedfewwordsofwisdomonthesubject.MarlenaofDuBanhadnotbeenalovingorattentivemother.She’ddiedwhenBronwynandherbrotherwerebarelytenyearsold,butshe’dspokenofawoman’sdutyasifshebelieveditwastheonething

shehadtoofferherdaughter.Theplaceofthe

noblewomenofRoistosupportthenoblemenandtoremainsilent,she’dsaid.TheymustshowtheiremotionsandneverforgetthattheyarethegentlecounterpointtothewarriormenofTorFunweir.

Bronwynhaddislikedthisadviceandhadneverreallyacceptedthatherplacewasdictatedbybirthandgender.

However,despiteherswordandcrossbow,shefeltaloneandvulnerable.

Astheskybegantodarken,Bronwynlethereyelidsdroopandshesuddenlyfeltexhausted.Theadrenalinthathadkepthergoingsincesheleftherhomehadsteadilydwindledawayandnowallshefeltwastired.HerhorsewaswhinnyingquietlyanddirectedaglareatBronwyn,asiftoremindher

howmuchhedislikedthewetweather.She’dfedhimsomeofthebaleofstrawshe’drecoveredfromthewagonandhopedhe’dallowherafewhours’sleep.

Asshesettledbackagainstthetrunkofatreeandtriedtoachieveadegreeofcomfort,thehorserearedhisheadandmadealoudwheezingsound,sprayingspittlefromhismouth.Hisnostrilsweretwitchingandthewayhis

hoovespawedatthemuddyearthmadeBronwynsitup.Thehorsehadcaughtthewhiffofsomethingonthewindand,thoughBronwynwasnotanexperiencedtracker,sheknewenoughnottoignorethekeenersensesofhermount.

Shepulledherhoodupoverherheadandscannedthehorizontothesouth.TheGrassSeawasavast,openplain,dottedwithsmall

farmsteads,woodsandhills.She’dbeencarefultostayoffthemainroutenorthandhadavoidedsettlementsandthebetter-travelledareas.Thesouthernplainsseemedtostretchforever,withonlythecityofRoCanarnandtheseatoendtheemptiness.

Thehorsebecamemoreagitated.Bronwynpickeduphercrossbowwithshiveringhands,carefullyplacedabolt,andpulledbackonthe

drawstring.SheglancedtothewestandhopedthatRoHailwasnearbyasAl-Hasimhadledhertobelieve,thoughitofferednoguaranteeofsafety.

Thensheheardasound.Itwasdistantandindistinct,butitmadeBronwynstandandstarttopackupherthings,readytomoveifneedbe.Somewherealongthesouthernhorizon,beneatharapidlydarkeningskyand

relentlessrainclouds,shewassureshecouldhearthemovementofhorses.Therewasalowaccompanimenttothenoise,reminiscentofthesoundofarmouredmen.Sheknewthatthefarmersoftheduchywouldnotbesoattiredandbegantofeelapprehension.

Shewrappedupherbedrollandfastenedittohersaddle.Hershortswordwasathersideassheplacedthe

strawanddriedrationsbackinthesaddlebagandtookafirmholdonthereins.

Shewaited,standingbehindtheanimal,withhercrossbowpointingsouth,restingacrossthesaddle.Afewtensemomentspassedwiththesoundofapproachinghorsesgrowinginvolumeuntilasmallcompanyofmencameintoview.Theyrodeslowlyandlookedtobefindingthegoing

difficult,weavingleftandrighttoavoidtheboggygroundunderfoot.

Bronwynbeganbreathingheavilyasshesawthedarkredcloakstheriderswore,thesoundofmetalonmetalnowindicatingthatthemenwereheavilyarmoured.TheywereknightsoftheRed,sometwentyofthem,althoughshewastoofarawaytomakeouttheirfaces.Sheclenchedherfistsandtriedtocalmherself

asshebackedawayfromthetreeline.Theywerestillfaroff,movingslowly,andhadprobablynotseenher.Sheplacedahandacrossthehorse’snose,gentlyencouraginghimtoremainsilentasshebegantoleadhimbackintothetrees.Thehorsecompliedandtheymadetheirwayintothesmallwood.Bronwynthoughtthemenweremostprobablylookingforher,but,given

thattheyweremovingslowlyandmakingnoefforttoremainhidden,sheguessedthattheydidnotthinkshewassoclose.

Leadingthehorsethroughthetrees,sheglancedbacktothesouthandwasgratifiedthatshecouldnolongerseetheknightsthroughthewood.Therainwasnowheavierandmadethegroundtreacherousasshetriedtoleadthehorsedownasteepincline.He

buckedathersharply,nearlycausinghertoloseherfootingandslidedownthesmallhill,butsheheldthereinsfirmlyandslowlycoaxedtheanimaldowntheslope.

Ashallowstreamranalongthebaseandthesoundofrainhittingthewatercoveredthestubborncomplainingsoundsofhermount.Shepulledhimdownintothestreamand,stepping

onrocksandthenarrowmuddybanks,turnedtothewestandmovedthroughthewoodasquicklyaspossible.Shehopedthewesterntreelinewasoutofsightofthedirectionfromwhichtheknightswereapproaching;shecouldnolongerhearthem,butknewthey’dbemovingdirectlytowardsherposition.Iftheyhadn’tcapturedHasim,shethoughttheymightnotknowwhere

shewasheadingandtheremightbeachanceofescape.

Bronwynnearlyfellseveraltimesassheledthehorsethroughthenarrowstreamand,afterafewminutes,shecouldseethewesternedgeofthesmallwood.Thehorsewasstillcomplaining,andnowthattherewasnorealtreecovertokeepthemoutoftherain,bothhorseandriderweresoakingwet.

Shecoulddistantlyhearthesoundofarmouredmenmovingslowlyacrossboggyground,butwasshieldedfromthembyblack,leaflesstreetrunksandtheshallowinclineshe’ddescendedtoreachthestream.Beyondthewoodtothewest,BronwyncouldseelittlesaveforasheetofrainandtheendlessGrassSea.

Thestreamcontinuedpastthetreesandthesteepbank

turnedintoalowrockyhillsidewithinafewfeet.Ifshebrokecover,theknightswouldprobablynotbeabletoseeherprovidedsheremainedbehindthehill,andshewashopefulthatRoHailwasnearby,perhapsobscuredbytherain,thehillsandtheapproachingdarkness.Bronwynbreathedindeeply,tookafirmgripofthereinsandwalkedslowlytowardsthetreeline.Shewas

tentativeassheexitedthewood,restingonehandonthehorse’snosetokeepitfrommakingasound.Sheproceededclosetotherockybank,walkingtothewestastheraingrewevenharder.

Bronwynsquintedtoseethroughthegloom,wipingrainwaterfromherfaceandkeepingacomfortinghandonthehorse.Theanimalwasgrumpyandhisdarkbrowneyesconveyedworldsof

anger.Shedecided,almostabsent-mindedly,togivehimaname,callinghimMoodyunderherbreathasshegentlystrokedhisnose.

Therainmadeaconsiderablenoiseandshecouldnolongerheartheknights.Shehopedshecouldsimplyslipaway,leavingherpursuersbehind,thoughheroptimismwastemperedwiththefearofbeingcaughtandbrandedaBlackGuard.

Therainmadeitdifficulttoseefarahead,butassheleftthewoodbehindandmovedacrosstheGrassSeashethoughtshesawabreakinthecloudandbeneathit,perhaps,shadowsindicatingastructureofsomekind.IftheruinsofRoHailwerecloseby,Bronwyncouldperhapshideandmaybeevenfindshelterfromtherain.Shepausedbrieflytolookbackandsawnosignsofthe

knights.Placingafootinthestirrupshedecideditwouldbewisetorideawayfromthewood,figuringthatshecouldmovefasterandthatitmightevenimproveMoody’sdisposition.Hewouldatleasthavesomethingelsetothinkaboutasshepulledherselfupintothesaddleandduginherheels.Shemovedforward,slowlyatfirst,lettingthehorsefindhisfeetontheunevenground.Attheheight

shesat,BronwyncouldseeoverthebankandwasgratifiedthatshecouldseenoknightsoftheRed.

Suddenlyasoundfromabovemadeherlookup.Ashapeappearedthroughthegloom.Theman’smetalarmourmadeadistinctivesoundbuttherainhadmaskedhispresenceuntilhewasvirtuallyontopofBronwyn.Moodyrearedupandsnorted,causingtheman

topullbackonhisownreinsandpeerdownintothedarkness.

Bronwynfroze,therainflowingdownoverherfaceasshelookedupattheknight.Shecouldn’tbesureifhewaslookingbackather,buthegesturedoverhisshoulderandshouted,‘Captain,Ibelievethereisarain-soakedgirlhidingunderthebank.’

ThewordswerespokenwithamusementandBronwyndidn’tknowhowtoreactforamomentassheheardotherarmouredmenapproaching.

AsoundfrombehindcausedhertoturnandshesawtwoknightsoftheRedmovingswiftlydowntherockybankbehindher.

‘BronwynofCanarn…’Thevoicecamefrombehind.‘You’llbecomingwithus.’

BronwynthoughtsherecognizedthespeakerasSirWilliamofVerellian.

MoreknightsappearedatthetopofthebankandMoodyrearedupagain,hissnortloudenoughtobeheardovertherain.Bronwyndidn’twaitformorethanasecondbeforesherammedherheelsintothehorse’sflanks.MoodybegantorunforwardwithBronwynclingingontohisneckashardasshecould.

Theknightsshoutedafterherandshecouldclearlyheararmouredmenmovingdownthebankinpursuit.

‘Run,youmiserableoldhorse,’sheshoutedtoMoody,asshepulledhimawayfromthebankandlethimstretchhislegsacrossthemuddyground.

Sparingaglancebehind,shesawshapesmovingquicklytoassembleatthebottomofthebank.Shehad

stolenamarchonthemandMoodywasabighorse,withalongstride,enablinghimtomovequicklyawayfromherpursuers.Thegroundwasboggy,butMoodywasunconcernedandBronwyneventhoughthewascheeringupattheopportunitytorun.Holdingontight,shelookedupthroughtherainandsawnothingbutadark,featurelessplain.Behind,thesoundoftheknightssuggestedthey

hadallmadeitdowntheinclineandwerenowinfullpursuit.

Ahead,adarkshapeloomedthroughthesheetofrainandBronwynthoughtshecouldmakeoutastonestructurealittlewayaheadofher.PullingbackonMoody’sreins,sherodehardtowardsthebuilding,hopingitwasmorethanjustalonestructure.Shealmostsmiledasshesawotherbuildings

appearingthroughthegloom.Thehorse’shoovesstruckstoneandBronwynlookeddowntoseetheremnantsofaroad,partiallyobscuredbymudandgrass.Moodyputonaburstofspeedacrossthismoreevengroundandtheyplungedintotherain-soakedruinsofRoHail.

Bronwynlookedupandsawdark,moss-coveredbrickwork.Shewasridingtowardsalowgatewaywitha

long-brokenwoodengatehangingfromrustedhinges.Crumblingbuildingsstretchedoutfromthegatehouseandtheremnantsofbattlementscouldbeseenabove.

BronwynhadneverbeenthisfarnorthandhadonlyheardaboutRoHailinstories.Asherhorseranthroughthegateway,sherememberedherfathertellinghertalesofthemenofRo

whohadheldthetownlongaftertheRanenhaddefeatedtheknightsoftheRed.HailwasthelasttowntofallwhentheFreeCompaniesroseupagainsttheknightsandthedefendershadfoughtwithsuchferocitythatWraithCompanyhadallowedthemtoreturntoCanarnundertruce.

Toherperception,assherodehardovertheunevencobbledstreets,itwas

nothingbutamoundofrocksshapedroughlylikeatown.Thebuildingshadlongagofallenintoruinandfewcompletestructurescouldbeseen.Bronwynscannedtherain-soakedcourtyardforaplacetohideamidsttheruins.Moodyhadhisownideasabouttheirdestinationanddidn’tstoprunning,headingtowardsahalf-destroyedbuildingwithanintactroof.Thehorseshookhishead,

sprayingwateroverthemoss-coveredground,andBronwynquicklydismounted.ShepulledMoodyfurtherintothebuildingandfoundadarkrecessbeyondacollapsedwalltohidein.

ThesoundofarmouredmenandhorseswasnowloudonthecobblesasVerellianandhisknightsreachedthegatehouse.Theyslowedastheyenteredthecourtyard,

andBronwynpeeredthroughagapinthecrumbledbrickworktoseethemfanoutandstop.Shecountedtwentyknightsandamanwholookedtobeaprisoner,boundandgagged,hishorseledbyaknight.Astheycamecloser,shegaspedtoseethattheprisonerwasAl-Hasim.Shenotedafewwoundsonhisfaceandneck.Theyweremostlyhealed,thoughtheKaresianlookedasifhe

wouldhaveacoupleofnewscars.Shewasgladtoseehimalive,butthoughtitlikelythathehadbeentorturedtorevealherlocation.

‘LadyBronwyn,youwillnotbeharmed,’shoutedSirVerellian,‘butyouwillbecomingwithus.’Henoddedtothemanathisleft.‘Fallon,totheleft.Callis,taketheright.Thesoonerwefindher,

thesoonerwecangetoutoftherain.’

‘Soit’scometothis,’saidthemancalledFallon,‘searchingforawomaninafuckingpileofrocks.’

‘Enough,’shoutedVerellian.‘Let’sjustgetitdone.’

‘Captain,sir,shecouldbeanywhere,’saidanotherman,movingslowlytotherightsideofthecourtyard.

‘Maybe,butthathorseshewasridingwouldstruggletohidearoundhere.’Verelliankickedtheflanksofhisownmountandadvancedintotheruinsatawalk.

BronwynstrokedherhandoverMoody’snosetoquietenhim.Theyhidwithinabuildingthatmightoncehavebeenahouse,thoughnowitwaslittlemorethanawallwithtwohorizontalplatformstoshowthatithadbeena

three-storeybuilding.TheinsidewallwasmostlydebrisandBronwynknewthatifaknightweretolookcloselyhewouldseeMoodynomatterhowquiethewas.

Asshehuggedthewall,andtriedtogetherselfandherhorseasdeepintotheruinedbuildingasshecould,asoundfromthebattlementsabovealertedher.Theknightsclearlyheardittoo,andallofthemwerelooking

warilyatthebrokencitywalls.Fromseveralhiddenlocationsamongtheruinsmenappeared,carryingweaponsandwearingchainmail.

ThesewereRanenmen,ofWraithCompany,protectorsoftheGrassSea.Allworedarkbluecloaksandtheycameonslowly,clearlynotintendingsummarilytokilltheknightsoftheRed.Onemansteppedforwardand

separatedhimselffromtheotherRanen,walkingdecisivelytowardsKnightCaptainWilliamofVerellian.ThemanmotionedtothetwentyorsoRanenwhohadappearedaroundtheknightstoholdtheirpositions,asifassessingtheknights’strength.Verellianremainedcalm;thoughhe,too,lookedasifhewascountingtheRanenmenbeforehimandtakingnoteoftheirweapons.

ThemanapproachingVerellianwasonfootandappearedunconcernedthattheknightwasmounted.Severalotherswereemergingfromthebrokenbuildings,guardtowersandthebattlementsofRoHail.BronwynthoughttheRanenmusthaveseentheRedknightsapproachingandwaiteduntiltheywerewithinthecourtyard.Theyheftedaxesofvarioussizesanda

fewofthelargermencarriedmassivewar-hammers.AbovewhereLieutenantFallonsatonhishorse,asmallgroupofRanenappearedfromthegatehouseandheldsmallthrowing-axesattheready.

‘Knights,tome,’orderedVerelliancalmly,causinghismentore-formbehindhim.

Noneoftheknightshaddrawntheirswords,buttheatmospherewastense.

TheRanenwhoapproachedtheknightcaptainwasalargeman,oversixfootinheight,andcarriedatwo-headedaxelooselyinbothhands.Piercingblueeyespeeredoutfromamattedbrownbeardandwavyhairfelloverhisshoulders.HewasperhapsfortyyearsoldandworethedarkbluecloakofWraithCompany.Bronwynthoughtthatshehadmaybeseenhimbefore,asa

companionofMagnuswhenhe’dfirstcometoRoCanarntotalktoherfather.

Therainstillfellheavilyandtheskywasblack,thoughthemenofWraithappearedlessconcernedwiththeweatherthantheknights,whoshifteduncomfortablyintheirsaddles.

TheRanendidn’tappeartobeinanyrushashisdeepblueeyesslowlytookinthetwentyknightsbeforehim.

HetookaninterestinAl-Hasim,narrowinghiseyesatthesightofaKaresianprisoneraccompanyingknightsoftheRed.

VerellianandtheRanenbeforehimlookedateachotherforseveralmoments,beforethemanofWraithspoke.

‘That’sanicehorse,Redman,’hesaid,withonlyaslightaccent.

‘Itisaveryfineanimal,yes.Butit’smyanimal,’repliedVerellian.

TheRanensmiledandwavedahandoverhisshoulder,signallingtosomemoreofhismenwhohademergedfromaruinedbuildingbehindhim.BronwynhadlostcountofthemenofWraith,buttheynowoutnumberedtheknightsbyatleastthreetoone.

‘You’renotinTorFuck-weiranymore,sir…orwhateverI’msupposedtocallyou,’herespondedwithvenom.

AnothermanofWraith,carryingalargewar-hammerandwearingheavychainmail,steppedforwardfromthegatehousetostandbehindFallon.Hehadfourmenwithhim,eachholdingapairofthrowing-axes.Thelieutenant

wheeledhishorseroundandsawthathewassurrounded.

Themanwiththehammerwasolderthanhisfellowsandhadonewhiteeyewithadeepscaracrossthesocket.

‘NomanintheGrassSeaisfoolishenoughtocomehereunannounced,Redman.Areyoueagertodie?’heaskedwithabroadgrin,causingadozenofthemenofWraithtolaugh.

Fallondrewhissword.‘Watchyourmouth,white-eye,’hebarked.

‘Fallon,sheathethatweaponnow,’orderedVerellian.

Fallondidashewastoldbutkeptahardstaredirectedthroughtherainatthemanwiththehammer.Therestoftheknightsformedupinaroughcircle,facingoutwardstowardsthemenofWraith.Afewun-slungshieldsfrom

theirsaddlesandheldthemdefensively,takingheedofthenumerousthrowing-axesheldbytheRanen.

‘TowhomamIspeaking?’askedVerellian,stillmaintaininghiscalm.

‘MynameisHorrock.I’mcalledGreenBlade.Thisismylandandthesearemypeople,’hesaidloudly,evokingamutedcheerfromtherestofWraithCompany.‘Youarenotwelcomehere,

Redman.ThesearetheFreelandsofRanenandyourgodhasnopowerhere.’

ThemenofWraithwereevidentlyreadyforafight.Bronwyncroucheddowninherplaceofconcealment,notwantingtobecomeinvolvedifbloodweretobespilt.Sheknewthattheknightswouldnotbackdown,asitwasthewayoftheRedtoanswerachallengeandnottoyield,

evenwhenfacedwithoverwhelmingodds.

MoodywashappiernowthathewasoutoftherainandwaskeepingquietasBronwynwatchedtheconfrontationunfold.

Verellianwasstony-facedashesurveyedthemenofWraithCompany.‘I’vebeenorderedtoapprehendafugitivefromRoCanarnandIplantocarryoutmyorders.’HeshotaglanceatFallon–

asiftheyhadreceivedotherorderstheyweremorereluctanttofollow.‘Idonotwishtofightyou,butthisisnotyourconcern.’

Horrocklaughedatthisandheftedhisaxethreateningly.‘Idon’tgiveatroll’scockforyourorders,Ro.ThisistherealmofWraithCompanyandyouwilleitherturnroundordie.It’ssimple,really.’

AtHorrock’swords,theothermenofWraithclosedinroundtheknights.Fiftyormorebeardedmen,cladinchainmailandfurcloaksandbearingwell-usedweapons,surroundedtwentyknightsoftheRed.AfurtherthirtyRanenstoodonthebattlementsandontopofpilesofrubble,readytothrowtheirhand-axeswhentheorderwasgiven.

TheraincontinuedtobeatdownonthestonecourtyardofRoHail.TheRanendisplayedanarrayofvicioussmiles,buttheRolookedgrim.

Hasimwascastingglancesaroundtheruins,beyondthemenofWraith,andBronwynthoughthewaslookingforher.Therewasnowayshecouldsignaltohimwithoutgivingawayherhidingplace,butshehopedthat,when

swordsweredrawn,he’dbeabletofindcover.Thesteelmanaclesthatboundhishandswerelinkedtoachainheldlikeadog’sleadinthehandofoneofVerellian’ssergeants.

HorrockrelaxedhisgriponhisaxeandwalkedclosertoVerellian.Hewasnowwithinstrikingdistance,buthedidnotlookconcernedashelockedeyeswiththemountedknight.

‘Tellmesomething,knight.WhathappenedtothemenofRanenwhostayedinCanarnwithFatherMagnus?’Hespokeinaquietandominousvoice.‘Ithinkfifteenofthemstayed,maybethinkingyouRedbastardswouldputupagoodfight.Iftheydiedinbattle,Imayletyoulive.Ifnot…’Heleftthesentenceunfinished.

BronwynknewthattheRanenwhohadnotdiedin

battlehadbeentorturedandexecutedbyPevain’smercenariesandboundRedknights.She’dseensomeofthemmutilatedasalessontothepeopleofCanarnthatresistancewouldbeunwise.Verellianknewthisaswell,andhepausedandlookedsolemnlyatthegroundasheconsideredhisreply.

Theknightcaptainwasabouttospeak,butsomethingseemedtodispleasehimand

insteadheturnedtoLieutenantFallonanddirectedathinsmileathim.

‘Fallon,arethesemenworthy…’hebegan.

‘…ofmysteel?’Fallonfinishedthequestion.‘Wediewherewe’retoldto,Captain.Thatdoesn’tmeanwehavetodieeasy.’

AblurofmotionfollowedasKnightLieutenantFallondrewhissword,wheeledhishorseround,andstruck

downwardsattheold,white-eyedRanen.Theswordconnectedwiththetopoftheman’sskull,makingasickeningnoise,andkillingthemaninstantly.

‘Knights,wefight,’shoutedVerellian,drawinghisswordandroaringachallengeatHorrock,whowasbackingawayfromthemountedknight.

ThescenebecamechaoticastheRanenthrewtheiraxes,

clearlysurprisedbytheknights’suddenferocity.Twoknightsfellquicklyasaxeshittheirexposedheads,butmostofthosethatwerethrownbouncedharmlesslyoffraisedshieldsandplatearmour.

Twoaxes,thrownbytheRanenbehindHorrock,caughtVerellian’shorseontheflanksandcausedtheanimaltosnortloudlyandbuckletotheground,

throwingitsriderforward.Verellianfellclumsilyontotherain-soakedcobblesandwasimmediatelyattackedbytwohammer-wieldingRanen.

Theknightroaredagain,thistimeinfrustration,narrowlyavoidingthefirsthammerblow.Thesecondstrikecaughthimintheshoulderandsenthimbackwardsintohisdyinghorse.

BronwynsawHasimdeliberatelyrollfromhissaddleandpullthemanholdinghischaintotheground.TheKaresianthenkickedtheknightsquarelyinthefaceandranforcover,divingoveramoundofrubble.

FallonhadadvancedintothegatehouseandhadalreadykilledtwooftheRanenbehindhim.Anotherwastryingtopullhimfromhis

horse,butreceivedafatalcuttothebackforhistrouble.

Themainbodyofknightswerestillinaroughcircle,holdingoffthemenofWraithwithdesperateparryingandswordthrusts.Theywereseverelyoutnumberedand,thoughBronwynthoughtthemthemoreskilledfighters,itlookedasifthey’dbeoverwhelmed.

ItappearedthatVerellianknewthisaswell,and

BronwynsawconcernonhisfaceashegottohisfeetandsawhisknightspulledfromtheirsaddlesandkilledbythemenofWraith.HisexpressionturnedtooneofgrimdeterminationashepointedhisswordatHorrock.

‘WeareknightsoftheRedandwewillmakeyoupayforeachofourdeaths,’hecried.

Horrockheftedhisaxeandranattheknight.Verellianparriedthefirst

blowandansweredwithaquickripostetoHorrock’sside.TheRanenspunwiththestrokeandminimizeditseffect,slashinghisaxeatVerellian’slegs.Theknightjumpedovertheattackandkickedout,sendingHorrockbackalittle.VerellianthenlaunchedaseriesofhighattacksontheRanen,whobarelymanagedtoresisttheweightofthepersistentblows.Verellianwasaskilled

swordsmanandHorrockquicklyrealizedhewasoutmatched.

AsFalloncontinuedtoclearthepathbehindthem,andotherknightsbegantogaintheupperhand,afurthervolleyofthrowing-axes,betteraimedthanthefirst,wasdirectedattheknights.Threefellquickly,theirbloodsprayingacrossthegroundandminglingwiththerain.Anothertwowerethrown

whentheirhorsesreceivedwounds,andVerellianwascaughtinthebackbyaglancingblow.

Bronwynhadseencombatbefore,butthiswasbrutalandsomehowdirtierandlessnoble.Menhackedateachotherwithaxesandswords;bloodflowedintothegapsbetweentheflagstones.Shesawtheremainingknightsfightingdesperatelyandthebodiesofdeadmen,bothRo

andRanen,litteringthecourtyard.

Verellianwashurtbutdidn’tstopattackingHorrock,thedentinhisarmourdeprivinghisthrustsofsomeoftheirpower.Horrocknowparriedhisblowsmoreeasilyandhisownripostesdrovetheknightbackwards.

Anotherthrowing-axehitVerellian,catchinghishandandcausinghimtodrophisswordandcryoutinpainas

twoofhisfingersweresevered.Horrockrespondedquicklyandhisaxehittheknight’schest,bucklinghisbreastplateandsendinghimtotheground.

Bronwynwatched,wide-eyed,asVerellianlookedup.HisfacewaswetwiththerainandhisexpressionwasoneofpainandresignationashelookedacrossthecourtyardtowardsFallon.Hisknightswerenearlyalldead

andtheRanenwereclosinginonhisadjutant.Fallonmethiscaptain’slookandpausedforamoment,realizingtheyhadlost.ThewaybehindhimwasclearofRanenandVerelliannoddedacrossthebattleground,signallingthatheshouldridetosafety.

ThefewremainingknightsoftheRedweresurroundedandpulledfromtheirhorsestomeetaviolentdeathonthecobbles;onlyFallon

remained,astridehishorseinthegatehouseofRoHail.

‘Ride,youpig-fucker,’Verellianshoutedacrossthecourtyard.

FallontookonelastlookatthedyingknightsandattheremainingmenofWraithbeforehewheeledhishorseandrodeunderthegate,hislongswordstillinhishandasheretreatedfromtheruinedcity.

MenofWraithbegantopursuehim,butonfoot,andhequicklyleftthembehind.OnlyKnightCaptainVerellianremainedaliveinthesoaking-wetcourtyard.TheknightoftheRedwasbadlyhurt,butHorrock’saxeblowhadnotpenetratedhisbreastplatemorethanafewinchesand,althoughbloodwasvisible,thewoundwasnotfatal.OfmoreconcerntothemanofRowasthewound

tohishand,andhelookedatthebloodiedstumpswheretwoofhisfingershadbeen.Thenherolledontohisbackandbegantolaughloudly,therainfallingheavilyonhisface.

Al-HasimwasstillcrouchedbehindthemoundofrubbleinfrontandtotheleftofwhereBronwynandMoodywereconcealed.HepeekedouttowherethemenofWraithweredelivering

deathblowstoanyonewhohadnotyetfullyexpired.Bronwynthoughthewastalkingtohimself,maybetryingtothinkofthebestapproachtotheFreeCompanymen.Afteraminuteofcontemplation,theKaresiansteppedout.

‘CaptainHorrockGreenBlade,’hesaidloudlyacrossthecourtyard.

Severaldozenblood-soakedRanenturnedtowards

him,brandishingaxesandgrowlingchallenges.Horrockwavedasilencinghandathismenandsteppedoverthestill-laughingformofVerellian.

‘Identifyyourself,manofJaa,’Horrockcommandedsuspiciously.

HasimraisedhiseyebrowsandpointedtoWilliamofVerellian.‘Don’tyouwanttodealwithhimfirst?Killhimormakehimshutup?He’s

notabadmanforaknight…honourable,clever…stillaknightoftheRed,though.’

Horrockpulledasmallhand-axefromhisbeltandthrewitwithtremendousstrengthtowardsHasim.Theaxehitthegroundbetweenhisfeetwitharesoundingthump.

‘Isaid,Identifyyourself.Don’tmakemesayitagain,’hesaidinamannerthatdidnotencouragedissent.

Hasimraisedhishandsandsmilednervously.‘I’mAl-Hasim,calledthePrinceoftheWastes.IamfriendtoMagnusForkbeardandLordAlgenonTeardrop.’

ThenameswereclearlyknowntothemenofWraithandallturnedandlookedthroughnarroweyesatHasim.

‘Thosearestrongnamestobethrowingaround,Karesian,’saidHorrock.

‘Whyareyouridingwiththesemen?’

‘IhelpedDukeHector’sdaughterescape.TheknightsinCanarnwantedherback,sotheybroughtmewiththemtofindher.’Hasimwastalkingquickly,asifhethoughtthesemenwouldkillhimiftheydidn’tlikewhathesaid.

Horrocknodded.‘Well,let’sgetoutoftherainanddiscussit,shallwe?’He

glancedupattheblacksky.‘StoneDog,’hecalledtooneoftheRanenbehindhim,‘gofetchthegirlandthatstupidbighorsefromtheoldbakery.’

TheRanenhe’dspokentowasyoungandlithe,instarkcontrasttotheburlymenaroundhim.Hehadtwothrowing-axesinhisbelt,neitherofwhichhe’dthrown,andavicious-looking,hook-pointedLochaberaxeinhis

hands.Bronwyndidn’tmoveashewalkedtowardsherplaceofconcealment.

StoneDogapproachedtheholethroughwhichBronwynhadobservedthefightandleantforwardstopeerintothedarkness.‘Hello,sweetness,’hesaidwithagrin.‘AreyougoingtocomeoutlikeagoodlittlegirloramIgoingtohavetocomeinafteryou?’

Moodymadeanunimpressedsoundand

Bronwynglaredathim.‘Youcomeinafterme,littleboy,andI’llmakeyoubleed,’sheshotback.

SeveralofthenearbyRanenburstoutlaughing.Al-HasimlookedacrossatHorrockandchuckled.

‘She’snottooladylike,I’mafraid,’hesaidtothemanofWraith.

‘Evidently,’repliedHorrock.‘StoneDog,stopflirtingwiththeyoung

noblewomanandgetherouthere.’

HasimsmiledandwalkedovertotheyoungRanen.‘Allowme,’hesaidtoStoneDog.

‘Bemyguest.’TheyoungmanofWraithdidn’tappearoffendedbyBronwyn’swords.

Hasimleantcasuallyagainstthewallnexttothebrokensection.‘Bronwyn,mydear,wouldyoumind

comingout,soIcangetmysensitivearseoutofthisfuckingrain?’

Bronwynsuddenlyfeltratherfoolish,asakicktoVerellian’sheadrenderedtheknightunconsciousandhislaughterstopped.

***

Ittookoveranhourforthecourtyardtobeclearedof

bodies,andtheraindidn’tstop.TwentyknightsoftheRedandhalfasmanyagainoftheRanenhadbeenkilled,andseveralmorehadreceivednear-fatalorcripplinginjuries.TheinjuredRoweredespatchedquicklyandtheinjuredRanentakenindoors,downasteepsetofstairsthatledtointactbasementswhereWraithCompanyhadmadetheirhome.

TheonlysurvivingknightwasWilliamofVerellian,andHorrockagonizedaboutwhattodowithhim.Intheend,hisunconsciousbodywastakenwiththeinjuredRanen.Theknightlookedlesslikeabirdofpreywhenhewasn’tstandingupright,glaringatpeople,andhisshavenheadwascoveredinblood.

BronwynhadstoodofftothesidewithHasimandthemancalledStoneDog.

MoodywasnotallowedintotheRanenheadquartersandthelargehorsehadbeentiedtoawoodenpost,underapartialstoneroof,nearthestaircase.

BronwynandHasimshelterednearthegatehouseasthemenofWraithsaidprayerstoRowanocooverthefallen.BronwynwasimpressedthattheyshowedequalrespectforthedeadRo,andsheheardseveralwords

suggestingtheythoughttheseparticularknightswerefearsomeopponentsandmenofhonour.

‘Seethemanwithonewhiteeye,’StoneDogsaidtoHasimastheyquicklycrossedthecourtyardtofollowHorrockandhismenintoshelter.

‘What,themanFallonsplitdownthemiddle?’askedHasim,withagesturetowardstheoldmanwhowas

beingcarriedreverentlyundercover.

StoneDogwasannoyedattheKaresian’sflippancy,buthesmiledafteramoment.ThemenofRanenwerefamousforfindinghumourindeathandBronwynwaspleasedthattheywerelesspiousthanthemenshewasusedto.

‘HisnamewasDorronMoonEyeandhewasour

priest.YourmanFallonkilledamanoftheHammer.’

Hasimfrowned,clearlyawareofthesignificanceofsuchadeath.

Bronwyninterjectedastheyreachedthetopofthestaircaseleadingdown.‘HewasofthesameorderasMagnus?’

StoneDogusheredthetwoofthemdownthestairsandglancedaroundthe

courtyardtomakesuretheywerethelast.

‘Dorronwouldn’tcomewithuswhenwewenttoCanarn.HesaiditwasfoolishtoacceptthehandofadukeofTorFunweir.’HefacedBronwyn.‘AndMagnustoldhimhewasanoldfoolwhoshouldstoplivinginthepast.’Hesmiled.

Thestairsdivedsteeplyintoanoldstonebasementunderneaththecourtyardand

openedupintoaseriesoflowroomsandpassageways.ThearealookedextensiveandBronwynsawmorehomelycomfortsthanshemighthaveexpected.Roomswithsolidlybuiltdoorsandcosysittingroomsmadethebasementappearlikeawell-maintainedtavernorevenasmallsettlement.

Shealsosawnumerouspeoplewhohadnotbeeninthecourtyardduringthefight.

Womenandchildren,mostwearingthebluecloaksofWraithCompany,rushedtothereturningwarriorsandtearsflowedfromthewives,sonsanddaughtersoffallenmen.Theinjuredweretakenquicklytoplacesofhealing.Mugsofstrongbeerwerepassedroundandmostofthewarriorsdrankdeeplywhiletheirchainmailwasremovedandtheirwoundstended.

OnlyStoneDogpaidBronwynandHasimanyattentionamidstthecommotion,andthistooktheformofkeepingthemoutoftheway.NowomanorchildcametogreettheyoungRanen,andBronwyndetectedahintofemotioninhiseye,asifoncehe’dhadsomeonetorushuptohimwhenhereturnedfrombattle.HedidacknowledgeanolderRanenwoman,whoshothimaquick

glanceandreceivedinreturnanodtosignalthathewasuninjured.

WilliamofVerellianwasstillalivebutBronwyncouldseelargeamountsofbloodseepingthroughtheaxewoundinhisarmour.

‘StoneDog,issomeonegoingtoseetohim?’sheasked,gesturingtowardstheknight,who’dbeenplacedontheflooratthefootofthestairs.

TheyoungRanenlookedacrossattheotherinjuredmen.‘They’llgettohim.He’snotapriority,’hesaid,showinglittleregardforthelifeofamanofRo.‘Dorron’sdead,whichmeanshealingthesemenisgoingtotaketime,rest,recuperation.Allthatstuffwedon’toftenneedtobotherwith.’

BronwynturnedtoHasimandwordlesslyconveyedherconcernthattheknightwould

diebeforehe’dbeentended.TheKaresianfrownedandshookhishead,asifhewerewrestlingwithsomething.

‘He’saknightoftheRed,Bronwyn,keepinghimalivemightbeamistake.’Hepaused,breathinginsharply.‘But…’

Hasimcrossedfromwheretheystood,negotiatingthepeopleofWraithstrugglingoutoftheirarmour.Afewglancedupathim,registering

surprisethataKaresianshouldbeintheirmidst,butmostwerelostinpost-battlewearinessandsimplyignoredhim.Bronwynfollowed,tryingtostaybehindhim.

TheyreachedVerellianandHasimcroucheddownnexttothebrokenknightbeforespeakingquietly.‘YouprobablysavedmylifeinCanarn,’hesaidtotheunconsciousman,‘so,asamanofatleastsomehonour,

Ishouldnowsaveyours.’HeinspectedtheknightandturnedtoBronwyn.‘Helpmegethisarmouroff.Ineedtoseehowbadthataxewoundis.’

TogethertheywrestedthebatteredarmourfromVerellian.Itwasbadlydentedandtwocutsappeared,oneinthechestwhereHorrockhadstruckhimandoneinthebackfromathrownaxe.

Bronwynknewalittleofarmourandthoughtitlikelythatthebreastplatewasnowuseless.Theknightwasstillunconsciousanditwasastruggletoremovethesteelfromthelargeman.HasimheldbothhisarmsoutandBronwynunfastenedtheshoulderstraps,lettingthefrontplatedetach,andallowingHasimtopulloffthesegmentedarmguards.Thentheylaidtheknightdownon

hisbackandinspectedhischestwound.Itwasanugly,jaggedlineacrosshischestandstomach–notdeep,butitbledprofuselyandBronwynthoughthewoulddiefromlossofbloodifitwerenottreatedproperly.

‘Lookslikeyou’llbealiveawhileyet,Rohorse-fucker,’murmuredHasim,mostlytohimself,asheinspectedthewound.

TurningbacktoBronwynhesaid,‘Wateranddressings.Theymusthavesomethingaroundhere.’

Bronwynstoodupand,movingquickly,returnedtoStoneDog,whowasstillbythestairs.

‘Ineedsomethingtotreattheknight’swounds,’shesaidquickly.‘He’lldieifwedon’tstopthebleeding.’

‘Andweshoulduseourmeagresuppliestosavea

knightofRed?’StoneDogrepliedangrily.‘Idon’tthinkso.Weneedeverythingwe’vegotforourownmen.’

‘Keeptheknightalive.’ThewordscamefromHorrockwhowasstandingnearbywithawomanmassaginghisshoulders.

StoneDogpausedamoment,clearlynothappyabouthavingtousetheirsuppliesonamanofRo,buthedidn’targuewithhis

captain.Hesnappedhisfingersatayoungladwhowasrunningaroundtheroomwithbandagesandbucketsofwater.

‘Boy,tendtotheknightwhenyou’refinishedoverthere,’hesaidreluctantly.

HorrockusheredawaythewomanbehindhimandsteppedclosertoHasimandBronwyn.ThecaptainofWraithCompanywasnotwoundedandhispiercing

blueeyesregardedthetwooutsiderswithinterest.Bronwynfoundhisfaceinscrutableandcouldnotreadhisintentions.

‘Isupposeweneedtohaveaconversation.Wouldyouagree,yourladyship?’heaskedher.

SheglancedatHasimandwassurprisedthatHorrockhadaddressedherfirst.TheKaresiansmiledreassuringlyandnodded.

‘Ofcourse,CaptainHorrock,’shereplied,‘though,Iwouldliketoseetheknighttendedtofirst.Hewilldieifsomeonedoesn’tlookafterhim.’

IthadoccurredtoBronwynthatshewasstilltechnicallyanoblewomanofTorFunweirandshehadacertainobligationtoseethatWilliamofVerellianwascaredforproperly.

Horrockgruntedasoundthatmighthavebeenoneofamusementorofannoyance.‘Softheartsdon’tlastlongaroundhere,’hesaid,withashallownodofhishead,makinghiswordsevenmoreambiguous.

‘Neitherdomenwithaxewoundstotheirbackandchest,’Bronwynshotback,elicitingagood-naturedlaughfromHasim,whichmade

severalofthenearbyRanenglareathim.

‘Sorry,’theKaresiansaidwithanawkwardsmile,‘Ican’thelpmyself.’

‘Noneedtoapologize,Karesian,’saidHorrock,‘butyoumustunderstandthatmanyofmypeoplehavelostbrothers,husbands,sonsandfriends.Humourisnoteasilyfoundatsuchtimes.’

BronwynlookedoverthefacesofthepeopleofWraith

and,foramoment,shethoughtherinsistenceonpropercarefortheknightwaspetty.Shecouldseemanytearfulfaces.Thesepeoplewerenotnobles,knightsorsoldiers.TheywerecommonmenandwomenwhohadchosentofighttoprotecttheFreelands.

‘StoneDog,’orderedHorrock,‘carefortheknight.Seethathedoesn’tdie.’

TheyoungRanengrumbledbuthedidn’targueashemovedtograbawettowelandseveralbandagesfromtheboy.

‘He’llneedthosewoundssewn,Horrock.’StoneDogkneltdownnexttotheunconsciousknight.

‘Youcanhandleaneedle,boy.Gettoit,’repliedthecaptainofWraithCompany.

‘Youtwo,’hepointedatHasimandBronwyn,‘come

withme.’‘Dispossessedminor

noblesfirst,’HasimsaidtoBronwyn,ashemotionedforhertofollowHorrock.

Bronwynshothimanarrowglare,lettinghimknowthatshedidn’tappreciatehisattemptathumour,andthenwalkedaftertheRanen.ThetwoofthemfollowedHorrockthroughthelargeentranceroom,pastwoundedmen

lyingonmakeshiftbedrollsandhastilyerectedtables.Manyofthewoundswereminor–thincutsandshallowthrustsfromtheRedknights’longswords.Afewlookedmoreserious–severedlimbsandwoundsdeepenoughtobelife-threatening.ThewomenofWraithwereresponsibleforthecareofthewoundedandBronwynwasimpressedwiththeirmanner.Orderswerebarkedalmostin

militaryfashion,andtheuninjuredmenwhoremainedinthebasementwerequicklymadetohelptendtheirfellows.Concoctionsandpoultices,producingstrangeearthysmells,werebeingpreparedbyseveraloftheolderwomen.BronwynrealizedtheabsenceofapriesttohealthewoundedwasamajorproblemforthepeopleofWraith.

TheRanenbarelyregisteredthepresenceofBronwynandHasim,standingonlytonodtoHorrockbeforereturningtotheirbloodywork.TheRanencaptainledthemthroughthemainareaanddownanarrowstonecorridorlitbyglobedcandlesandadornedwithallmanneroftrophies.TheFreeCompanieswererenownedfortakingitemsfromfallenfoestoremindthemoftheir

needtobeevervigilant,andthecorridorwasagrimsightforawomanofRo.

Multiplebrokenlongswords,someincrediblyold,hungfromthewalls.SeveralflattenedsuitsofarmourhadbeenrivetedtothestoneandBronwynwasalittletakenabackbythecoloursondisplay.ItwasclearthatintheirtimeWraithCompanyhadkilledchurchmenofmultiple

orders.Thoughredwasthemostcommoncolour,Bronwyncouldalsoidentifypurplearmour,thebrownrobesandevenasinglesuitofblackarmour,indicatingthataclericofdeathhadfallenbeneathaRanenaxeatsomepointinthepast.

Horrockstoppedataheavystonedoor,clearlymorerecentthantherestofthebasementcomplex,andreachedinsidehistunicfora

largeironkey.HeopenedthedoorandBronwyncouldinstantlysmelltherainagainasshesawastonestaircaseleadingbackuptowardstheruinedtownofRoHail.

‘Thingsalwayslookdifferentwhenobservedfromhigherup,’Horrocksaidwithoutturning,ashebegantoascendthestairs.

BronwynandHasimfollowedandfoundthemselvesstandingonthe

shatteredbalconyofalargestonebuildinglookingouttowardswhathadoncebeenthenorthernwallofthetown.Itwasstillraining,thoughacleverlybuiltawningprotectedthemfromtheweather.Thebalconywaslargeenoughcomfortablytoseatadozenormorepeopleanditheldseveralchairs,alargestonetableandanopencupboardcontainingbottlesofdarkliquid.

‘Doyousouthfolkdrinkale,wineorsomethingstronger?’askedHorrock,sittingdowninthelargestchairandgentlynudgingthecupboardwithhisfoot.

Hasimcroucheddowninfrontofthebottlesandbeganlookingthroughthevariouskindsofliquor.Hepickedupalargebottle,whichlookedtoBronwyntobemadeofstoneratherthanglass,andheldituptowardsHorrock.

‘ThisisVolkfrostbeer.It’sworthasmallfortuneinRoTiris,’hesaidwithatwinkleinhiseye.

‘I’dbetterfinishitbeforeyoustealit,then,’saidHorrock,grabbingthebottlefromHasim’shandandremovingthestopper.

Bronwynsatoppositehimandsuddenlyfeltexhausted.Sherubbedhereyesandbreathedinandoutheavily.Hasimputacomfortinghand

onhershoulderbeforetakingaseathimself.

‘Ithinkyou’resaferthanyou’vebeenforafewweeks,yourladyship,’hesaidgently.‘Adrinkcouldn’thurt.There’ssomegoodDarkwaldredinhere.’

‘That’stheonlybottleIhavethatwaslegallyobtained,’Horrockinterjected,andBronwynagainfounditdifficulttotell

whethertheRanenchieftainwasjokingornot.

Eachofthemselectedadrinkandwithinminutestherainchangedfromapersistentannoyancetoarelaxingaccompanimenttoawell-deservedrest.Bronwynsippedonaglassoffull-bodiedredwine,HasimdranksomeKaresiandesertnectarstraightfromthebottleandHorrocktooksmallmouthfulsofthefieryVolkfrostbeer.

‘Now,amIexpectedtoaskyouquestions?’Horrocksuddenlyasked.‘OrcanwejustassumeI’veaskedthemallandthetwoofyoujusttellmethewholestory?’

BronwynnoddedatHasim,signifyingthatheshouldbegin.

‘Well,it’squitesimplereally,AlgenonTeardropsentmetofindoutwhyaKaresianenchantresswasinCanarn.’Helookeddownat

thefloorandcontinued.‘Itseemsshewastheretoorchestratethesackingofthecityandthemurderandimprisonmentofitspeople.’Therewasregretinhisvoice.‘Ifoundthisoutabitlate,though…aroundthesametimeIfoundoutthatthebitchhadacompanyofRedknightssucklingonhertits.’

Horrocknarrowedhiseyes.InBronwyn’sestimation,themanofWraith

wouldhaveknownabouttheassaultonherhome,butnotabouttheSevenSisters’involvement.TheRanenconsideredtheenchantressestheirenemiesandtheirpresencewasnottoleratedasitwasinTorFunweir.TheOneGod,itseemed,waslessquicktoangerthanRowanoco.Longago,theOrderoftheHammerhadforbiddentheSistersfromenteringtheFreelands.

‘Andyou’vetoldTeardropthis?’Horrockasked.

Hasimnodded.‘Hegavemeacloudstone.Iuseditafterthebattle,soheknowsroughlywhathappened.’

RanencloudstonesweremadefromthedeepiceofFjorlanandthenorthernlordsoftenusedthemtocommunicateacrossgreatdistances.Bronwynhadseenafewinhertime,andMagnushadexplainedthat

theyallowedwordstotravelthroughthevoidoftheGiantstoreachanyonethespeakerdesired.Hehadevidentlythoughtthatwasanadequateexplanation.Sufficetosay,theywerepowerfulandmuch-coveteditems.

‘I’mmoreconcernedwiththeballsittakesforacompanyofRedknightstomarchintoRoHailandstartthrowingtheirweightaround.Whethertheyacceptitornot,

thisisnotTorFunweir.’HorrockhadclearlytakenoffenceattheideaofmenofRobeingintherealmofWraith.‘Howmanyofthemtookthecity?’heasked.

‘AknightcalledRillionledtheassaultwithacoupleofhundredRedmen.Itwasthemercenariesthatcleanedupthough–abastardcalledPevainandhissadistichiredswords.’

HorrockshotaninterestedlookattheKaresian.‘I’veheardofthisPevain.HelenthisswordtoRulagUrsawhenheseizedJarvik…theman’satrollcunt.’HorrocktookalargegulpoffrostbeerandlookedoutovertheruinedtownofRoHail,deepinthought.

Bronwyntookthebreakinconversationasacuetorelaxintoherchair.Thewineshedrankwasfullandrichand

madethetirednessshealreadyfeltflowoverhermoreacutely.Hasimlookedequallytired,buthewasalsoalertinawaythatBronwynwasnot.Thiswasallnewtoher–theriding,thesleepingrough,thebrutalbattle–andallshereallywantedtodowassleep.

ShelookedatthecaptainofWraithCompanysittingoppositeher.Hewasahard-lookingman,tallandbroad-

shouldered,withmanyscars,butBronwynthoughthiseyesbetrayedathoughtfulnessthatstruckherasoutofplace.He’dorderedVerelliankeptalive,somethingthatmanyRanenwarriorswouldhavefoundunthinkable,andsheguessedthatCaptainHorrockGreenBladeofWraithCompanyhadachievedhispositionthroughbrainsaswellasbrawn.

‘So,allmymenwhostayedbehindaredead…andFatherMagnus?’heasked,withoutturningbacktoHasimandBronwyn.

‘Isuspectthat’swhyVerellianattacked.HeknewthatallyourRaneninCanarnhadbeenkilledbyPevain’smen.Magnuswasbeingkeptaliveforsomereason–Ithinkattheurgingoftheenchantress–buthewaswellwhenIleft,’Hasimreplied.

‘Hopefully,thepileofredmeatdownstairscantelluswhatthebastardsareuptowhen…if…hewakesup.’Horrockdrankdeeplyagainandlookedasifhehadfinishedspeakingfornow.

CHAPTER2

SIRWILLIAMOFVERELLIANIN

THERUINSOFROHAIL

Williamwokeupslowly,hisheadpounding,hislegsweak

andhisvisionblackandcloudy.Hecouldtastebloodonhislipsandhisrighthandfeltnumbandpainful.Hewascoldandcouldn’tfeelhisarmourorgreavesagainsthisskin.AbovehimtherewasalightandcrouchingnexttohimwasayoungRanenman,lookingintentlyatalargewhitedressingacrossWilliam’schest.

Anotherfigurestoodnearbyand,throughhis

blurryvision,Williamthoughtthatthiswasawomanandthatshewascarryingsomething.HetriedtospeakbutthesoundcameoutasabarelyaudiblegruntandWilliamwashitbyawaveofextremefatigue.Thewomanheftedtheobjectshewascarryingandabucketoffreezing-coldwaterfloodedovertheinjuredRedknight.

‘Well,IdobelieveourRedmanisstillalive,’said

themancrouchingnexttohim.

Williamsplutteredthroughthewaterandpantedheavilyashisvisionbegantoclear.Hewasinastonebasement,surroundedbyotherinjuredmen,andpeoplewearingthebluecloakofWraithwerefeverishlyrunningaroundtendingtothewounded.Asfarashecouldtell,Williamwastheonlyknightthereandasinking

feelingfilledhimasherealizedhismenwerealldead.

‘Don’ttrytomove,’saidthewoman,‘you’vebeenleakingbloodalloverthefloor.’

ShewasanolderRanenwoman,perhapsfiftyyearsold,andherhandsweregnarledandbloodstained.SheboreaslightresemblancetotheyoungmanofWraithcrouchingnexttohimand

Williamthoughttheywereprobablyrelated.

He’dbeenpositionedawayfromthemajorityoftheinjuredRanenandcouldseenofewpairsofeyesglaringathim.

‘Ineedadrink,’hesaidweakly.‘Inacupratherthanabucket,ifthat’spossible.’

TheyoungRanenchuckledatthis.‘Gethimsomewater,Freya.Maybeinagoldengobletorsomething

elsesuitedtoaknightofTorFunweir.’

ThewomansmiledandWilliamlostsightofheramidstthepressofRaneninthestonebasement.

‘Don’tgetdelusions,Redman.Ionlysavedyourlifebecausethecaptainaskedmeto.I’dhappilycleaveyourheadin.’TheyoungRanenpunctuatedthisstatementwithanaggressivegrowl.

Williamshiftedhisweightandtriedtoraisehimselfuponhishands.Henoticedthathisrighthandwasbandagedandvaguelyrememberedlosingsomefingerstoathrownaxe.Thepainwasdullandeasyenoughtoignoreforatruefightingman,butWilliamwasconcernedthathisswordhandwasbadlyimpaired.

Hemanagedtopullhimselfintoaseatedposition

andshuffledagainstthewall.TheRanenlenthimahelpinghand,whichWilliamfeltwasstrangegiventheattitudehe’dshownsofar,butheclearlyhadnointentionofdisobeyinghiscaptain’sorders.

‘What’syourname,manofWraith?’Williamasked,tryingtoshowgratitudeforhavinghiswoundstreated.

‘I’mMicah,calledStoneDog.Andyou’re…

somebodyofVerellian?’heasked,makingaslightmessofthepronunciation.

‘SirWilliamofVerellian,knightcaptainoftheRed.’Hespokehistitlewithlittlegrandeur,knowingitmeantlittleamongtheFreeCompanies.‘WillIlive?’

‘Unfortunately,yes.ItseemsI’mactuallyquiteagoodhealer.It’sashamereally.Yourbackwoundisminor,butHorrocksplityour

breastplatewithhisaxeandyouhadsteelshardsinthewound.’

Williambegantoplaythefightthroughinhismind,fromFallon’sinitialattacktotheaxeblowthatendedtheencounter.HerememberedseeingSergeantBrachapulledfromhishorseandbeheadedinthestonecourtyard,andCallistakeathrowing-axetothebackofthehead.HehadleftRo

Arnonwithtwenty-fivemen,allofwhomwereprobablynowdead,althoughhestillhopedthatFallonhadsomehowmanagedtoescape.HislieutenantwasacunningbastardandWilliamsuspectedhe’dbeokay.

‘WhyamIbeingkeptalivewhenallmymenaredead?’heaskedinalow,tiredvoice.

StoneDogconsidered,whilehelookedatWilliam’s

bandagedrighthand.‘You’reincharge,right?Thatmeansyoucantellthecaptainwhyyoudecidedtobreakatrucethathaslastedtwohundredyears.’

Williamtriedtoreplyquickly,butcoughedinvoluntarilyinstead,andagainfeltdeeplyfatigued.

Afteraminuteoflabouredcoughing,hesaid,‘Ididn’tbreakanytruce.Wecameherelookingforafugitive

andyourmenweregoingtokillus.Theonlychanceofsurvivalwehadwastostrikefirst.’

StoneDogchuckledagain.‘Turnedoutwellforyou,strikingfirst,’hesaidplainly,remindingWilliamthathismenwerealldead.

TheolderwomanreturnedwithasmallclaycupandpassedittoWilliam.Hecouldgraspit,buthishandfeltweakandthewateronly

justreachedhislips.Helookedathisintactlefthandandwishedhe’dpaidmoreattentiontousingbothhandswhenhewasonthetraininggroundsofRoArnon.Learningtofightleft-handedwouldbedifficultforaseasonedknightlikeWilliam.Hewassetinhiswaysandhewonderedwhetherhe’deverbethesamefearsomeswordsmanhe’doncebeen.

‘You’relucky,Redman,’saidthewoman.‘Myboyhereiswellschooledinthehealingartsand,sinceyourmankilledourpriest,itwastouchandgowhetherwecouldstopthebleeding.’Sheglancedaroundthestonebasement.‘Plentyofourmenweren’tsolucky.Weusedvaluablesuppliestokeepyoualive.’

Williamleantbackandtookanotherdrinkofwater,

feelingstrengthreturntohislimbs.‘DoyoureallyfeeltheneedtoremindmethatI’manoutsiderhere?AndthatI’mluckytobecaredfor?Andthatyou’dbothratherseemedead?’

StoneDogandFreyalookedateachotherbeforetheysharedalaughatWilliam’swords.TheFreeCompanieswereknownfortheirboisteroussenseofhumourandcavalierattitude

todeath.Infact,theirabilitytolaughinthefaceofbloodandslaughterwasinfamous.

‘Ofcourse,it’spossibleHorrockwillstillkillyou…ifhedoesn’tlikewhatyouhavetosay,’saidStoneDog.

‘Idon’tknowwhatheexpectsmetosay.He’ssurelynotanidiotandhewasthere.HesawwhathappenedasmuchasIdid.’

Williamhadacertaininstinctforsurvivaland,like

allknightsoftheRed,hewouldnevergivehislifeawayeasily.Thethoughtofbeingsummarilyexecutedbotheredhimandhebeganthinkingofwaystoescape.However,hisvariouswoundsmadeitunlikelyhe’dbeabletowalkunaided,letalonerun,anytimesoon.Heresignedhimselftohispredicamentandtriedtorelax.Fornowatleast,hewasn’tgoinganywhere.

Thebasementwasbecomingprogressivelyemptierasthedeadwereremovedandthosewhohadbeenhealedweretakentobedsandroomselsewherewithintheundergroundcomplex.WilliamhadnohatredforthepeopleofWraithandhedislikeditthathe’dbeenforcedintoapositionwhereconfrontingthemwastheonlyoption.ToughasthemenofWraith

Companywere,heknewtheycouldn’tstanduptoafocusedassaultand,giventhesituationinRoCanarn,hewassurethey’dhavetoruniffacedwithanarmyofRedknights.AninvasionofRanen,whichhadbeenvaguelysuggestedbyKnightCommanderRillion,wasclearlynotsuspectedbythesepeople.Williamconsideredwhetherornotheshouldtellthem.Inhisestimation,that

wouldnotbeabetrayalbecauseultimatelyitwouldresultinfewerdeathsandaswiftresolutiontothecampaign.WraithCompanywouldnotbeabletoholdtheGrassSeaagainstthekindofarmythekingwouldbringwithhim.Tostayandfightwouldresultinamassacre.

Ashethought,Williambegantofeelhiseyelidsdroopandhisfatigueturnintoadesperateneedfor

sleep.ThefloorwascoldandhewasdressedonlyinwoollenleggingswithaWraithcloakwrappedaroundhisshoulders,buthewastiredenoughtosleepregardless.

StoneDogandFreyatookalastlookathisdressingsandthenreturnedtotheirbusinesselsewhereintheruinsofRoHail.Williamwasleftmoreorlessalone,thoughtheheavywooden

doorthatledupfromthebasementwassecurelylocked,makingescapeimpossibleforthetimebeing.Allthingsconsidered,SirWilliamofVerelliandecidedhewouldbebestservedbysleepingandtryingtorecoverhisstrength.

***

Hewaswokensharplywithalightkicktohislegs.Standingoverhim,aloafofbreadinhishand,wastheKaresianprisoner,Al-Hasim.Hewasdressedinlightleatherarmour,presumablyacquiredfromthemenofWraith,andhehadfoundascimitarfromsomewhere.

‘Eat,’Hasimsaid,throwingthebreadintoWilliam’slap.‘It’sfreshandyouneedtogetsomething

otherthananaxeinyourbelly.’

‘Thankyou,’Williamsaid,lookingupattheKaresian.

Hewasunsureabouttheprisoner.He’dstoppedhimbeingrapedinRoCanarnandhadfoundhimlittletroubleonthewaynorth,buthewasstillacriminalandhadthrownhislotinwithWraithCompany.

‘Ourpositionsseemtobesomewhatreversed,Hasim,wouldn’tyouagree?’Hetoreoffachunkofwarmbreadwithhisteeth.

HasimpointedtoalengthofchainthathadbeenattachedtoWilliam’slegwhileheslept.Itwasfastenedtoasteelbracketonthewallandwasaclearmessagethattheknightwasaprisoner.

‘Ishouldprobablythankyouasecondtime,Verellian.’

TheKaresiansatdownonthestonefloornexttoWilliam.‘IfIhadn’tbeenbroughtnorthwithyouandyourmen,I’dprobablybePevain’swifebynow.’HewassmilingandWilliamfoundthesituationbizarre,maybeevenalittlefunny.

‘So,whathappensnow?’heaskedtheKaresian.

‘Ithinkthatdependsonyou.Horrockdoesn’tappeartobeinanyrushtokillyou,

buthe’sangryattheincursion.ThisisRanen,notTorFunweir.’

HasimwasaKaresianandfurtherfromhomethanWilliam,makingtheRedknightwonderwhathadcausedhimtotravelthisfarnorth.

‘Wheredoyoufitintothis,Hasim?’Williamaskedplainly.

HesmiledandofferedWilliamabottleofdark

liquid.‘It’sVolkwhisky.IstoleitfromHorrock.Drinkit,it’llhelp.’

WilliamhadheardabouttheVolkandtheirhabitofbrewingharshliquorusingfrostedbarrels,buthisoathtotheOneprecludedhimfromtastingalcohol.Hewavedhishandweakly,refusingtheoffereddrink.

‘Ah,yes,that’sright,yourgodprefersbloodtobooze,’

Hasimsaid,takingadeepslugfromthebottle.

‘Don’tmoralize,Karesian.I’vefoughttheHoundsandwebothknowthatJaaisperfectlycapableofbloodlettingwhenthemoodtakeshim.’Williamwasarealist,butwasn’tinclinedtoputupwithhypocrisy.‘Notdrinkingalcoholisafairlyminorrestrictioninthegrandschemeofthings.’

‘Okay,okay.Maybeweshouldstartwithwhatwedohaveincommon.NeitherofusisRanenandthisisnotourland.Agreed?’Hasimaskedwithafriendlytonetohisvoice.

‘Agreed,’Williamconceded,buthewasunsureofthepointHasimwastryingtomake.

‘So,youandyoursdidrideintoHailandstartafight,’hesaidgrimly.‘You

havetoacceptthattheyhadaslittlechoiceasyou.’

‘Twentyormoreofmymenwerekilled.Don’texpectmetoforgetthattodayortomorrow.’Williamwasaprisonerandplannedtosurvive,buthestillconsideredtheRanenhisenemies.

‘AndthefortyorsomenofWraithyoutoreapartare,what,insignificant?’Hasimshotbackquickly.‘You’re

oneofthefewRowhodoesn’tmakemesick,butstopthinkingyou’retheonlymeninthisworld.Everyonebleeds,Verellian:Ro,Ranen,Karesian…evenKirin.Ourbloodisthesameasyours.’HewasclearlyangryandWilliamrealizedhe’dneverreallytakenanoutsider’sviewofhisownpeople.

TheRedknightlookedaroundthebasementandsawbloodstainsbeingscrubbed

fromthefloorandtheresidueofadozenorsobodiesthathadlainthere.Nearthedoorwayleadinguptothecourtyardwasayoungwomanwithbloodonherhandsandforearms.Shewasjustsitting,lookingatherreddenedpalmswithwideeyesandwithtearsrollingdownherface.Therewereothersinthebasement,mostlysittingorlyingagainstthewallswithavarietyof

exhaustedanddespairingexpressionsontheirfaces.

Williamwasnotastrangertobattle,ortheaftermathofblood,bandages,screaminganddeath,buthehadneverseenwomencryingovertheirlostlovedonesorcommonfolktryingtosavethelivesofpart-timewarriors.HisexperienceshadalwaysinvolvedthehealingpowersoftheWhiteclericsandanorderlytriagewithwell-

tendedrecoverytime.Thesepeoplehadgoodhealingskills,buttheironepriestwasdeadandbandageswouldonlygosofarwithseriouswounds.

HeturnedbacktoHasimandgavehimashallownod,beforequietlysaying,‘Okay,I’msorryformyflippancy.Thisisnewtome.’

‘You’veneverbeencapturedbefore?’heasked.

‘I’veneverbeendefeated,letalonecaptured.Ihadafewbadinjuriesacoupleofyearsago,butI’veneverbeenonthelosingsideofaconfrontation.’Williamfoundthepositionofdefeatedprisoneranuncomfortableone.

‘Well,I’vebeeningaolsanddungeonsinmorethanonecountry,sotakemywordforit,thingswillgetworse

beforetheygetbetter.’Hasimofferedthebottleagain.

‘I’mnotgivinguponmyoathjustyet,Karesian,’Williamreplied,withanotherwaveofhishand.‘IstillhaveanobligationtotrytoescapeandreturntoRoCanarn.’

HasimdirectedaquestioninglookattheRedknight.‘Optimism,Irespectthat,butdon’tdoanythingstupid.It’dbeashameifyougotyourselfkilledafterI’d

stuckmyneckouttokeepyoualive.’

Williamrockedbackagainstthewallandclosedhiseyes,lettingairfillhislungsandtryingtoregainsomestrengthbytensinghisarmsandlegs.HewasstilltiredandthoughtHasimhadwokenhimprematurely.

‘Where’sHorrock?’heasked.

‘Probablysleepingoffthefirsthalfofthisbottle,’

Hasimreplied,indicatingthatthebottleofVolkwhiskywasnearlyempty.‘It’sstillearlymorningandwewereuplatediscussingwhat’stobedonewithyou.Bronwyn,you’llbepleasedtoknow,agreedwithmeandthinksyoushouldbespared.’

‘She’sbeennamedtotheBlackGuard,likeherbrother.’WilliamrealizedthatthelawsofTorFunweirmeantlittlehere,butitwas

easiertoclingtodutyandthelastordershehadbeengiventhantoacceptdefeat.‘Unlesssomethingchanges,she’sacriminalinthelandsofRo.’

‘I’msureshegivesamassiveshitaboutthat,Redman,’Hasimreplied,withagood-humouredlaugh.‘I’llleavethishere,justincaseyouchangeyourmind.’HeplacedthebottleofwhiskyonthefloornexttoWilliam.‘Getsomerest.Horrockwill

comeandgetyouwhenhe’sready.’

Hestoodupand,withamockingsalute,leftWilliamaloneinthebasement.

Withadeepbreath,theRedknightclosedhiseyesandfeltsleeprapidlycomeoverhim.Beingforcedtoseetheaftermathofthebattlefromanotherpointofviewhadbeenaneye-openingexperience,andWilliamfelthumbledashetriedtoshift

himselfintoamorecomfortableposition.

HewasnoclosertoadecisionaboutwhatheshouldtellHorrockGreenBlade.IfhetoldthemanofWraithabouttheimpendinginvasionoftheGrassSea,hewouldbenomoreorlesslikelytobeexecutedandhemightindirectlysavemanylives,thoughhehadanaggingsuspicionthattheRanenwouldchoosetostay

andfightratherthanrunforsafetyfromtheknights.

CommanderRillionwouldprobablyassumeWilliamhadbeenlost.UnlessFallonmadeitbacktoRoCanarnandorchestratedarescue,hewouldbeaprisonerfortheforeseeablefuture.ThatmadethedecisionaboutwhattotellHorrockalittleeasier,becauseheknewhewouldn’tbedonninghisRedarmourandmarchingintobattleany

timesoon,andanyinformationhedidgivewouldnothelptheRanenholdtheirlandsagainstaconcertedassaultbyseasonedknights.

***

WilliamwasgladHorrockhadgivenhimtimetorest.HehadnoillusionsthatthemanofWraithwasbeing

charitable,butheneededtimetoclearhisheadandalleviatetheextremefatigueboughtonbyhiswoundsandthelossofblood.

He’dwokeneveryfewhoursandhadshakenoffalittlemoreofhisweaknesseachtimehe’ddoneso.Ranenfolkhadcomeandgonethroughoutthenextmorningand,asidefromtheoccasionalinsultorquestioninglook,theknight

captainhadlargelybeenleftalone,stillchainedtothewallandwithonlytheremainsofHasim’sbreadforsustenance.He’dseenMicahStoneDogseveraltimes,goingupintotheruinedtown,andFreyahadcometocheckonhisdressingstwiceduringthemorning.

Williamwascoldandhehadtoremindhimselfthathewasfurthernorththanhe’deverbeen–acrosstheGrass

SeaofRanen–andthathewasaforeignerintheFreelands.HethoughtofRoArnonandthesecurityhe’dalwaystakenforgrantedasaknightoftheRed.HethoughtofFallonandofhisdeadmen,theirbodiesprobablystackedonapyrebynow.Hedidn’twanttoadmitthathe’dbeendefeatedandcaptured,butrealitywasahardmistressandnotgentlewhenamanwasfinallyforcedto

admitdefeatafteryearsofvictory.Themostdisquietingthought,though,wastherapidlygrowingempathyWilliamwasfeelingtowardsthesimplemenofWraithCompany.AsachurchmanoftheOneGod,WilliamhadalwaysbeeninsulatedfromwhathappenedtotheenemiesoftheRedknights;andnowtoseethembleedanddie,tryingtosavetheirloved

ones,haddeeplyaffectedhim.

‘Canyoustand?’askedStoneDogfromnearby.

Williamfelthislegsandrubbedhiswoundedchestbeforeanswering.‘Ithinkso.’

‘Well,upyouget,then.Horrockwouldlikeachat,’hesaid,producingalargeironkeytounlockWilliam’schainfromthewall.

‘Areyougoingtounlockthataswell?’Williampointedtothemanaclearoundhisankle.

‘Don’tthinkso,youmaydosomethingstupidwithafullstride.’StoneDog’ssmilewasgood-natured.

‘Don’tworry,I’mperfectlycapableofdoingstupidthingswhetherIcanwalkornot.MyfatherlostbothhislegstoaKaresianHoundandhedidstupid

thingsformanyyearsafterwards.’Williamwasnottryingtobeespeciallyfriendly,but,reluctantlyornot,StoneDoghadsavedhislifeandsowasworthyofpolitenessatleast.

‘So,stupidityrunsinthefamily,Redman…Imaygetachancetokillyouyet.’TheideaclearlystillappealedtotheyoungmanofWraith.

Williampulledhimselfheavilytohisfeetand

instantlyvomitedonthefloorasawaveofpainfloodedthroughhim.Itwasnottoopleasant,butWilliaminstantlyfeltbetter,despitethelaughterfromStoneDog.

‘Isthathowtoughchurchmentrytoescape,pukingontheirenemies?’heasked,withabroadgrin.

‘It’sthefirststage,yeah,’repliedWilliamashespatonthefloor,tryingtoclearthe

unpleasanttastefromhismouth.

StoneDogpickeduptheendofthechainattachedtoWilliam’sankleandruffleditashewouldadog’schain.‘Comeon,boy,let’sgoforawalk.’HewasenjoyingthepowerheexercisedovertheRedknight.

‘Don’tpushme,Ranen,I’mnotplanningtodoanythingstupidjustyet,butImaychangemymindifyou

talktomelikeadogagain,’Williamsaidwithanintimidatinggrin.

ForasecondheactuallysawahintoffearintheyoungRanen’seyes,beforeheturnedandledWilliamofVerellianfromthebasementwherehe’dbeenchainedforalmosttwelvehours.

Heledhimoutoftheroomanddownalongcorridorwherenumerousexoticandmundaneweapons

hungonthestonewalls.Thereweretabardsandsuitsofarmouralso,andWilliamnarrowedhiseyesatthepresenceofclericalandknightlyarmouramongthetrophies,showingthatthiswasnotthefirstfightthesemenhadhadwithchurchmenoftheOne.

StoneDogledhimalongthecorridorandthroughaheavystonedoorandupthestairsbeyond.Williamcould

heartalkingaboveandhebegantoseethebrightnessofdaylightspreadingdownthestairs.He’dbeeninadarkbasementwithnowindowsandhefoundhiseyesalittlesensitivetothelight.

Williammovedhisinjuredhanduptohisfacetoshielditfromthesunshinewhentheyemergedatthetopofthestairsandontoastonebalcony.Theviewwasasombreoneashelooked

throughthebright,coldmorningatthebrokentownofRoHail.

Ithad,longago,beenamightyfortressoftheRedknights,fromwherethesubjugationoftheRanenpeoplehadbeenorchestrated.Centuriesafterthat,ithadbeenheldbyDukeHector’sancestorsinaninfamoussiegewhentheyhaddefendedthetownforthirtydaysagainsttheFreeCompanies.

Itwasnowlittlemorethanastonerelic,withlessthanahandfulofbuildingsstillstandinginanykindofrecognizableform.WilliamunderstoodwhyWraithCompanylivedundergroundandheguessedthattheyknewthecitywellenoughtobeabletoappearanddisappearwitheaseamongtheruins.

SittinginacasualcircleonthebalconywereCaptain

Horrock,Al-HasimandtheLadyBronwyn.ThereweretwoothermenofWraithwhomWilliamdidn’trecognize.Allpresentwerearmedandarmoured.Horrock’sdeepblueeyesstruckhimassomehowmorepiercinginthedaylight,despitetheresidualfoodlodgedinhishugebeard.BronwynhaddressedherselfinleatherarmourandlookedmorelikeaRanenwarrior

womanthananobleofTorFunweir.Al-Hasimwasyawningextravagantlyasheleantbackinhischair.

‘Haveaseat,Redman,’saidHorrockinacasual,almostfamiliar,toneofvoice.

StoneDogthrewWilliam’schaintooneoftheothermenofWraithandquicklyleftthebalcony.VerelliansurmisedthattheyoungRanenwasnotaseniormemberofWraithCompany,

althoughhehadnotheardmentionofanyrankorchainofcommandbeyondCaptainHorrock.

William’schainwasheldlooselybyanaxe-manwholeantonthebalcony’srailing.Hemadenoparticularefforttokeepthechaintautortorestricttheknight’smovements,butmerelymotionedforhimtositinoneoftheemptywoodenchairs.

‘MynameisWilliamofVerellian,’hesaid,sittingdowncarefullytoavoidaggravatinghischestwound.

‘So?’repliedHorrock.‘So…Ipreferitto

constantlybeingcalledRedman.’WilliammaintainedeyecontactwiththemanofWraithandtriedhisbesttoconveythathewasn’tgoingtobecowedmerelybecausehewasaprisoner.

‘Fairenough,’saidHorrock,withnohintofhumour.‘So,WilliamofVerellian,howareyoufeeling?’

TheRedknightlaughedalittleandheldhisarmswidetosurveyhisvariouswounds.Hestillworeonlywoollenleggingsandacloakdrapedaroundhisshoulders,makingthelargedressingacrosshischeststandout.

‘Youraxeshearedmybreastplate,but,solongasIhavetimetohealwithoutmakingitworse,I’llsurvive.’Helookedathisinjuredhandandcontinued,‘ThoughIdoubtI’llbedrawingmyswordanytimesoon.’

OneoftheRanenwarriorswhomWilliamdidn’trecognizesnortedwithamusementandsaid,‘Yourswordgotshatteredaswe

movedthebodies,Redman.Howaboutanaxe?’

ThiscausedarippleoflaughterfromtheRanen,thoughneitherHasimnorBronwynjoinedin.HorrockmerelysmiledanddirectedatolerantglanceattheothermenofWraith.

‘ThisisHaffenRedFace,myaxe-master.He’sheretokillyouifIdecideheneedsto.’Horrockshowedno

emotioninhispiercingblueeyes.

‘Andwhatconditionsneedtobemetformetodie?’askedWilliam,stony-faced.

HasimandBronwynbothlookedatHorrockandWilliamguessedthatneitherofthemhadanyparticulardesiretoseetheknightexecuted.

‘Iprobablywon’torderyoukilled,’thecaptainofWraithCompanysaidquietly,

‘butItrytokeepmyoptionsopenwhendealingwithRo…andHaffenisitchingtokillanotherknight.’

Asiftoemphasizethispoint,HaffengrinnedwickedlyatWilliamandtwirledthechaininhishands.

‘Well,Iplantolivebeyondtoday,’saidWilliam,stilllookingdirectlyatHorrock.

‘Canwedispensewiththeposturing,please?’asked

LadyBronwynwithaslightshakeofherhead.‘SirVerellian,Iknowyouhadorderstoapprehendmeand,fromwhatHasimsays,you’renotadishonourableman;butyouareaknightofTorFunweirintheFreelandsofRanen,soplease…tellmewhatSirRillionplanstodowithmyhome.’HervoicehadaslightcatchtoitandWilliamfeltamoment’spityfortheyoungwoman.Her

fatherwasdead,herbrotheroutlawed,andherhomeallbutdestroyed.

‘It’snotRillionandit’snotaboutRoCanarn,’Williamreplied,hiseyesdirectedatthefloor.‘It’stheking.’

Thisimmediatelycaughttheattentionofallpresent,evenAl-HasimwhomusthavesuspectedthatKingSebastianTiriswasinvolved.

‘Speakplain,Verellian,’saidHasim.‘Thekingwasn’ttherewhenweleft.’

‘No,butIknowthesigns.Hisguardsmenhadarrivedand,ifrumourandimplicationaretobetrusted,thekingplanstomarchintotheGrassSea.’Williamdidnotdoubtthiswastrue,buthehadnosolidproof,sohestateditinassimpleandunadornedamanneraspossible.

Horrocksatforward.ItwasthemostanimatedWilliamhadseenhimsincetheyhadfought.ThetwootherRanendirectedangryglaresattheknight,andBronwyngaspedinsurprise.

‘Hewouldn’tbesostupid,’saidHorrock.‘Thatwouldjustleadtobloodandnothingelse.Hehasnothingtogain.’

‘NeitherhenorRillionconfideinme,butIwouldn’t

besurprisedtohearthattheKaresianwitchhassomethingtodowithit,’respondedWilliam.

HorrockandBronwynbothlookedatHasim,andWilliamguessedthattheKaresianwasasconcernedabouttheenchantressashewas.Al-HasimgaveHorrockashallownodbeforeheturnedtoaddressWilliam.

‘IknewshehadRillion’sballsinherhand,butto

invadeRanen…what’stheobjective?’askedtheKaresian.

‘Thereisnone,’repliedHorrock,unabletocomprehendwhythekingwouldbreakthetruce.‘AlgenonathisbackandtheFreeCompaniesathisfront.Evenifhewon,he’dgetthousandskilledandwouldstillgetstoppedattheDeepCrosswhenwintercame.’

WilliamchancedhisluckandinterruptedthemanofWraith.‘IfyoubelievethatI’manhonourableman,’hesaid,glancingatHasimandBronwyn,bothofwhomseemedtoconfirmthathewas,‘thenbelievewhatIsay.KingTirisintendstoinvadeand,Iwouldassume,he’llbeattheheadofalargeforceofknights,clericsandyeomanry–Darkwald,Hunter’sCross,he’sgotnoshortageof

pressedtroops.’Williamwassilentfora

momentastheothersthrewcommentsbackandforth,arguingoverhowandwhythekingofTorFunweircouldbesoreckless.WilliamcouldtellfromthewayHasimsat,mostlyinsilence,withatroubledlookonhisdarkfeatures,that,besideshimself,healonerealizedthatAmeiratheLadyofSpiderswasbehindthis.

HorrockstayedinhischairasHaffenRedFacegrowledoutoathsofviolenceandchallengesdirectedatKingSebastianTiris.ThecaptainofWraithCompanylethismanswearforafewminutesbeforehesilencedhimwithasharpmotionofhishand.

‘Haffen,that’senough.Weallhaveworktodoanddefencestoprepare,’hesaid,hismindclearlyracing.

AsWilliamhadfeared,itlookedasifWraithCompanywouldnotberetreatingtothesafetyoftheeasternFreelands,ornorthtoHammerfallandFjorlan.HorrockevidentlyhadnointentionofleavingtheruinsofRoHailortherealmofWraithtobeoverrunbyknightsoftheRed.

‘Youcouldfallback,’saidWilliamhesitantly,causing

thethreeRanenmentostoptalkingandturntohim.

‘Silence,Redman,’roaredHaffen.‘You’vesaidallyouneedtosay.’HeturnedbacktoHorrock.‘ShallIchainhimupdownstairsagain,captain,ormaybecleaveinhishead?’

ToWilliam’ssurprise,HorrockstoodandslappedHaffensharplyacrosstheface,causingbloodtoappearatthecornerofhismouth.

‘Calmdown,’saidHorrockquietly,maintainingaserenedemeanourashereprimandedhisaxe-master.

ThebigRanenshookhisheadandthenlookedapologeticallyatthefloor.‘I’msorry,Horrock.I’mangryandIletitshowinmywords.Itwon’thappenagain.’Withhisheadbowed,Haffenlookedlikeascoldedchild.

‘Don’tworry,justkeepyourheadtogetheranddoasIsay.Doyouunderstand?’

Henodded.TherespectthemenofWraithhadfortheircaptainwasevidentintheirfaceswhenevertheyspoketohim,butWilliamwasstillalittletakenabackatthewaytheFreeCompanyoperated.Theyhadnoranks,savecaptain,andclearlyfunctionedonthebasisofmutualneedandrespect.It

wasafarcryfromtheenforcedservitudeoftheRochurchandtheausterelifeofsalutesandbowedheadsthattheknightsoftheRedhadtoendure.

HorrockturnedtoWilliamandsaidsoftly,‘Yes,SirVerellian,wecouldfallback.ButuntilIknowmorethanIdoatthismoment,we’renotgoingto.’

Heclearlydidn’tfeeltheneedtoexplainhimself

furthertoWilliam,asheturnedbacktoHaffenandsaid,‘SendafastridertoJohanLongShadowatSouthWarden.HeneedstomusterScarletCompanyandridewest.Tellhimwhathashappenedhere.I’llwaitforhimtotalktomethroughhiscloudstone.’

Haffenstoodlisteningtohiscaptainspeak.Whenhehadunderstoodeverything,henoddedandquicklyleft

thebalcony,deliberatelynotlookingatWilliamashedidso.

Horrockthenspoketotheotherman,justascalmly.‘It’lltakeoveramonth,butridehardforRanenGarandGreywoodCompany.StopintheDeepCrossandhavethemgetwordtoFjorlan.Go,now.’

ThesecondRanenleftwithhisinstructionsandHorrockslowlyresumedhis

seat.HasimwasstilldeepinthoughtandLadyBronwynjustlookedupset,asifherworldwascollapsingaroundher.

Williamdidnotinterruptthesilence,butmerelylookedoutoverthebalconytowardsthebrokentownbeyond.RoHailwasameagreandunattractiveprize,butanimportantone.ItwastheonlystagingpointnorthofCanarnfromwhichaninvasionof

Ranenwouldstandachance,anditscapturewouldhavehugesymbolicvaluetoeitherside.

WraithCompanycoulddohugedamageifanarmysimplyrodeintotheruins,buttheRanencouldnotpossiblywinifalargeforceofknightsweretoencirclethetown,intentonitscapture.IftheRotooktheruinedpositionandfortifiedit,theywouldbeveryhardtoshift,evenifthe

menofFjorlancamesouthastheyhaddonetwohundredyearsbeforewhenRoHaillastchangedhands.Ithadbeenattackedanddefendednumeroustimessincethenbut,fornearlyfiftyyearsnow,ithadbeensafeinRanenhands.DukeHectorofCanarnandhisfatherhadbothbeenmoderaterulers,fosteringfriendlyrelationswiththeFreeCompaniesandstrengtheningthetruce.

‘Andwhattodowithyou,’Horrocksaidsuddenly,lookinguptofocushispiercingeyesonWilliam,whowasabsentlyrubbinghisshavenhead.

‘Iaskfornothing,unlessyou’dconsiderlettingmego,’theknightsaidwithathinsmile.

TheinscrutableRanenshowednosignthathewasamusedbythiscommentand,afteramoment,turnedto

LadyBronwyn.‘Hewasyourpursuer.Perhapsyoushouldhavethefinalsayonhisfate.’

Bronwynlookeduncomfortablewiththeresponsibilityforaman’slifeandinvoluntarilyturnedtoAl-Hasim,whomerelyheldhishandswide,indicatingthathewasn’tgoingtobemuchhelp.

‘Idon’twanttoseeanyoneelsedead,’shesaidquietly,‘butwecan’tlethim

go.He’djustresumehiscommandandyou’dhavetocaptureorkillhimagain.’

‘Wisewords,’saidHorrock.

‘So,wekeephimasacaptive?’sheasked,clearlyunsureofherself.

Hasimleantinandsaid,inaslightlypatronizingtone,‘Hegaveyoutherighttodecide,mylady.Youdon’tneedtoaskpermission.’

‘AndIdon’tneedyourcommentary,Karesian,’sheshotbackwithauthority.

Horrockletoutaslightlaughatthis.‘Shedoeshaveanoblestreak,afterall,’hesaidcasually,beforeturningbacktoWilliam.‘LadyBronwynofCanarnhasspokenandyouarenowacaptiveofWraithCompany.’

Williamshookhisheadattheexchange.‘Iknewthat

already,butthankyoufortheclarification.’

‘Butnow,SirVerellian,youdon’tneedtoworryaboutmeoranyofmymenkillingyouonawhim,’Horrocksaid,asifitmadeallthedifferenceintheworld.

‘AndifIgiveyoumywordthatIwon’ttrytoescape,willyouallowmetotakeoffthischainand…maybeputonsomeproperclothing?’Williamasked.

‘No,Iwillnot,’Horrockreplied,withnohintofhumour.

‘Good,I’msoglad.’Williamwas,tosomedegree,resignedtohisfate,buthewouldstillhavelikedtobetreatedwiththerespectduetohisrank.‘I’mnotsureyourealizehowcolditisinthenorthandthiscloakislittleprotectionagainsttheweather.’

Hasiminterjected,‘Icanfindyouatunicorsomethingdownstairs,butnoarmour…butyou’dhaveguessedthatalready,’headdedwithabroadsmile.

HorrocksizeduptheknightoftheRed,notinghisshavenheadandlackoffacialhair.‘Youshouldgrowaman’sbeard,it’llhelpwiththecold.’Again,hespokeinsuchawaythatWilliamcouldn’ttellifhewasjoking.

‘Well,assumingyoudon’thavearazororsoapformetouse,thatdecisionmaywellbetakenoutofmyhands,’herespondedwithawrygrin.

‘You’dlooklesslikeahawkandmymenwouldbelesswaryaroundyou.MostofthemwereraisednevertotrustaRooramanwithnobeard,soyouaredoublydistrusted,’Horrocksaid,reachingforaglassofsomethingrestingonalow

tablenexttohim.‘Hasim,ifyou’dtakeaninstructionfromme,goandseetheknightproperlyattired.Ineedawordinprivatewithherladyship.’

HasimnoddedandplacedareassuringhandonBronwyn’sshoulderbeforestandingandpickingupthelengthofchainstillattachedtoWilliam’sankle.

Ashewasledbackdownintotheruinedbuilding,the

knightcaptainthoughtheshouldpray.He’dbeentaughtalwaystoretreatintotheorderedembraceoftheOneattimesofstress;buthecouldn’t.He’dseenthingsinthelastfewhoursthataknightoftheRedisnotsupposedtosee,andithadweakenedhisfaith.

CHAPTER3

MAGNUSFORKBEARD

RAGNARSSONINTHECITYOFRO

CANARN

Magnushadlosttrackofthedayshe’dspentinthefilthycell,butitwasprobablyatleasttwoweeks.WilliamofVerellianhadmadesurethathehadwatertowashhimself,beforetheknightoftheRedhadjourneyednorthinpursuitofBronwyn,andtheluxuryofcleanwatereachdaymadeMagnus’sincarcerationmorebearable.

Castus,thegaoler,waslessbotheredaboutMagnus’s

desireforcleanliness,buttheblackeyehe’dwornforseveraldaysafterVerellian’slieutenanthadstruckhimwasenoughmotivationforhimatleasttofolloworders.Thegaolerhadevenbegunfeedingtheprisonerproperly,ratherthansimplythrowingthefoodonthefloor.

Magnuswastiredandweakfromlanguishinginacelltoosmallforexerciseandtoobaretosleepin

comfortably.Hisshouldersachedandhisthroatfeltscratchyandrawfrombreathinginthedustanddebrisfromthefuneralpyresthatburnedconstantlyinthesquarebeyondhiscellwindow.SirRillionhadsecuredthetownwithbrutalityandthepromiseofapainfuldeathforanyonewhoresistedhisoccupation.Now,weeksaftertheassault,Ro

Canarnwasashadowofthetownithadoncebeen.

TheBrownchapelhadremaineduntouchedandBrotherLanryhadbeenallowedtoreturntothetowntoassistthepopulace.Thosewhohadhiddenintheirhomesduringtheassaultwerebeginningtoemergeandfoodwasinshortsupply,withalltheshopsandbusinessesshutdown,destroyedorpillagedcleanby

themercenaries.Theclericwasagoodmanandhadquicklybegunorganizingthepeopletomakesureeveryonewasfed.He’dprobablybuttedheadswiththemercenaries,buteventheywouldn’tthinktokillaclericoftheOneGod.

MagnushadseenmuchfromhiscellwindowandhadpiecedtogetherapictureofRillion’sactions.HehadlefttheworstatrocitiestoSir

HallamPevain’smercenariesandMagnusthoughttheblindeyethecommanderturnedtoPevain’sactionscowardlyandvile.Theknightswouldn’ttorture,killandrapethedefeatedpopulacethemselves,buttheyopenlyallowedsuchbehaviouronthepartoftheirallies.

ThelevelofdungeonsinwhichMagnuswasimprisonedhadbecomeprogressivelyemptierover

theweeks.Withnofightleftinthetown,themercenarieshadbeguntoquestion,tortureandthenkilltheduke’sguard,leavingMagnusalmostalonewithdozensofemptycellsaroundhim.Thecommandershadbeentakenfirst,draggedfromtheircellsbyPevain’smenandtiedalivetowoodenstakesinthesquare.Thelastonehadbeenburnedseveraldaysago–fornoreasonotherthantoamuse

themercenaries,thoughtMagnus.TherankandfilesoldiersofCanarnhadmetasimilarfate,thoughtheyhadbeenburnedingroupsofthreeorfour,andthenoiseoftheirdeathshadpainedMagnusgreatly.HeknewthatwithoutVerellian’smeninthekeep,Pevainandhismercenarieshadlittletofear.EventheotherknightsoftheRedhadslowlydisappearedfromthetown.Magnus

thoughtRillionmustbepullingthembacktothegreathallforsomereason,leavingthetowntotheravagesofthemercenaries,withonlytheoldBrownclerictostandupforthepopulace.

Magnus’sthoughtswereinterruptedbysoundsfromtheendofthecellblockandhecouldheararmouredmenmovingwithpurposealongthehall.ThereweremorefeetthanjustthoseofCastusand

hismenapproachingMagnus’scell,andhewasfilledwithforeboding.Withnooneelselefttointerrogate,hethoughthistimehadfinallycomeandhewouldwelcometheopportunitytostandbeforeRowanocoinhisicehallsbeyondtheworld.

ThefirstknighttoappearwasNathanofDuBan,awormofamanaboutwhomVerellianhadwarnedhim.BehindhimwasRashabald

theexecutionerandtrailingalongatthebackwereCastusandhismen.

‘MagnusForkbeardofFredericksand,brothertoAlgenonTeardropandpriestlypainintheOne’sholyarse,’Nathanbegan,hisblondehairruffledbythewindthatperpetuallyblewalongtheprisoncorridor.‘YouhavebeensummonedbyLordCommanderRillion.’

Magnussteppedforwardandregardedtheknight.Hewasundoubtedlyatruefightingman,aswastheexecutioner,butbothhadthesmugexpressionsofmenwhohadnevertrulyknownhardshiporhadtheirrolesinlifequestioned.Thesewerehigh-bornmen,ofthenoblewarriorclassoftheknights,eachwithanumberofpersonalinsigniaandindividualheraldicdevices

displayedontheirarmour.TheywerenotclericsofthePurple,butamonglessermentheywieldedalmostasmuchpower,andMagnusknewthattheyhadcometocollecthimpersonallyformorereasonthanjusttheRanen’sfearsomemartialprowess.

‘So,Iamtodietoday?’Magnusaskedgrimly.

NathansmiledandRashabaldlaughed.Castusbegantojoininthelaughter,

butahardglarefromthetwoknightsshuthimup.Magnuswasagaingratifiedthattheboundmanwasnotheldinhighregardbyhissuperiors.

‘Idon’tbelieveso,Ranen.ThoughLordRilliondoesnotdivulgehismindtome,soitispossible,’Nathanresponded.‘Youaretobeatrophyofconquest,asymbolofourgreatvictoryoverthetraitorousmenofCanarn.’

Magnussnarledandlungedforward,clampinghishugehandsontothecellbarsandcastingbalefuleyesoverNathan’sface.Theknightdidnotreactwithanythingmorethananamusedsmile,butRashabaldandCastusbothjumpedatthesuddenmovement.

‘WhyamItormentedbypettymen?HaveInotdoneenoughtowarrantacleanandhonourabledeath?’Magnus

addressedthequeryskywardsandalmostshoutedeachwordinangerandfrustration.

NathanturnedtoRashabald.‘Yousee,brother,theinstinctsofacagedanimalarecommonamongthebarbariannorthmen.I’mfrequentlyamazedthattheyhaveprovensuchathorninoursideforsolong.’

Theexecutionerrespondedwithanervoussmile.ToMagnushe

appearednothingmorethananoldmandoingacoward’sjob.Hewaslivingonborrowedtime,inMagnus’sestimation,forhisbeheadingofDukeHectorandnumerousotherhonourablemen.Magnuswasignorantofwhathadhappenedoverthelasttwoweeks,asidefromthefactthatBronwynhadnotyetbeenfoundandHasimhadbeentakennorthwithVerellian,buthecouldbarely

tolerateanothermomentinhiscellandhismindwasfilledwiththoughtsofbloodandvengeance.

‘Stepback,Ranen,’saidNathan,withscorn,ashedrewhislongsword.

Magnusdidn’tmove;instead,hegrippedthecellbarsevenharder,turninghisknucklesredandgrowlingdownatthemenofRo.Nathansmiledviciouslyandsteppedforward,comingtoa

stopwithinafewinchesofthehugeRanen.

Nathanwasalargeman,thoughstillsmallcomparedwithMagnus,buthisbearingandevidentconfidencerenderedhimamantobetakenseriously.

‘Iamnotafraidofyou,FatherMagnus.IfyoutryanythingIdon’tlike–andIdomeananything–Iwillgladlykillyou,andLordRillioncanparadelessermen

beforetheking,’hesaidmenacingly.

MagnushadsuspectedthatKingSebastianTiriswouldbearrivinginCanarnatsomepoint,sothiswasnotasurprise.Rillion’sorderthattheknightsshouldpullbackfromthetownandleaveitinthecareofPevain’smenwasmostlikelyinpreparationfortheirmonarch’sarrival.

‘Yourkingishere?’askedtheRanenpriest,lettinghis

growldiedownandhishandsrelaxslightlyonthebars.

‘He’llbearrivingwithinthehour,attheheadofaRedfleet,andyouaretobebroughtbeforehimasasignofourvictory,’Rashabaldsaid,withanoteofprideinhisold,croakyvoice.

‘Ifyourkinghasaslittlehonourasyou,Iwouldratherspitinhisface,’Magnussaidindefiance.

Nathandidn’treacttotheinsultandtoldRashabaldtobesilentwhentheexecutionerbegantosplutter.Castustookastepforwardsandhalfdrewhislongsword.

‘Mylord,shallIcuthisfilthytongueout?’thegaolerasked,bravernowthathehadthebackupoftheknights.

‘Idon’tthinkthatwouldbewise,’Nathanreplied,maintaininghiscalm.‘Rillion

wantshimunspoiledwhenhe’spresentedtotheking.’

Magnuswasledfromhiscell,alongtheemptycorridorandupintothekeep.Itwasearlymorningandtheair,thoughcrispandclear,stillheldtheodourofdeaththathungacrossthecourtyard.Theknightswerenowinfulldressuniformandarrayedinshallowcolumnsliningthepathfromthedrawbridgeuptothegreathall,thoughthe

cityitselfhadbeenleftinthechargeofHallamPevainandhismercenaries.

Alltheknightssportedfreshlycleanedredcloaksandtheirarmourhadbeenmendedandpolishedtoaburnishedshine,withthetabardofcrossedlongswordsoveraclenchedfistvisibleoneverychest.Magnusestimatedthattheknightswerepreparingforfurtheraction.

Darkthoughtsagainenteredhismind,muchastheyhadwhenhehadbeenledtowitnessDukeHector’sexecutionseveralweeksago,thoughwhathenowsuspectedwasapotentialinvasionoftheGrassSea.Magnuscouldn’tthinkofanyotherreasonfortheknights’continuedpresenceinthebrokenremainsofRoCanarnandforthearrivalofKingSebastianTiris.

ThecourtyardhadbeenleftmuchasitwasthelasttimeMagnushadseenit,anditslackoforderandcleanlinessspokevolumesabouttheknights’intentions.Theyhadnotmadeanyparticularefforttooccupythecity,beyondsubjugatingitspopulace,andtheruinedwoodenbuildingsvisiblebeyondthekeephadbeenleftwheretheyhadfallen.IfRillionandthekinghadtruly

caredaboutCanarn,theywouldnothavealloweditsrapeandpillageatthehandsofPevain.

‘Whyhaveyourknightsnottriedtorepairthecity?’MagnusaskedofCaptainNathanasthesmallgroupmoveddownthelineofknightsandacrossthecourtyardtothedrawbridgeleadingintothetown.

‘Whyshouldwe?We’reknightsoftheRed,not

carpentersandmasons,’Nathanrepliedwitharrogance.

‘It’llteach’emalessontoseetheirhomesburning,’suppliedCastus,withavilegrin.

Nathanagainshotthegaoleraquestioninglook,butitturnedtoasmileofagreement.

‘Istillplantokillyou,gaoler,’saidMagnus,without

turningtolookattheunpleasantlittleman.

‘Stop!’orderedNathanashesteppedinfrontofthechainedRanenandglaredupintohiseyes.

Rashabaldtuggedonthechain,causingMagnustohaltinfrontoftheknightcaptain.‘Lookaroundyou,priest.’Hegesturedatthehundredormorearmouredknightsliningthecourtyard.‘Youareamantobefeared,nodoubt,but

thisisnotafightforyou.CastusisamanboundtotheRedchurchandisaccordedprivilegeassuch.OnemorewordofthatkindandIwillhavetopunishyou.’

Magnusglaredatthesmallerman.NathanwasnotmakingidlethreatsorexercisinghisauthorityforthesakeofitandMagnusdetectedasincerityintheknight’swords.TheRanenhadtoconcludethatNathan

wasaprofessionalsoldierandmeanteverywordhesaid.

‘I’llsaythesethingstomyselfinfuture,then,’MagnusrepliedinhisRanendrawl.

Nathansmiledinspiteofhimself.‘Verywell,justdon’tthinkthatI’llletanotherwordofdisobediencepass.Ican’tandIwon’t.I’mnotWilliamofVerellianandyou’llfindmelessimpressedwithyou.’Heturnedsharply

andmotionedforRashabaldtoleadMagnusbehindhim.

Atthetopofthedrawbridgestoodasmallgroupofknightsandothers,waitingforthekingtoarrive.StandinginthecentreandwearinganornatelydecoratedredbreastplatewasKnightCommanderMortimerRillion.Helookedimpressive,eventoMagnus,andhishigh,crestedhelmetdisplayedoldheraldry,

indicatingthattheknightwasofanoblerlineagethanhisfellows.Histabardhadthesamecrossedswordsastheothermen,butitalsohadalaurelwreathplacedabovetheclenchedfist,themarkofahighnobleofTorFunweirandadistantrelativeofthehouseofTiris.

Tothecommander’sleftstoodAmeiratheLadyofSpiders.Shewasstandingalittlewayfromtheothers,

eagerlyawaitingthearrivaloftheking’sparty.MagnusthoughthedetectedanoteofjealousyinRillion’seyesashelookedattheKaresianwitch.ThisagaincausedMagnustoquestionthemotivationoftheknights,asAmeiraheldapositiononequalfootingwithFatherAnimustus,theGoldclericwhostoodontheothersideofRillion.TwootherseniorknightsoftheRedstoodwith

thecommanderinguardingpositionsandbothturnedwithhardlooksasMagnusapproached.

NathansalutedthecommanderashearrivedandRashabaldhandedthechaintooneofRillion’sguards.

‘MyLordRillion,’Nathansaid,‘theprisonerhasbeenfairlywellbehavedthusfar,thoughIechoVerellian’swordswhenIsaythatCastushasnotendearedhimselfto

theRanen.’ThelastwasspokenwithasmileandcausedbothRillionandtheGoldclerictolaughquietly.

‘Verywell,captain,pleaseremainhereincloseguard.Idon’twantarepeatofhisperformanceinthegreathall,’Rillionsaid,referringtotheknightswhohaddiedtryingtorestrainMagnusthelasttimehehadbeenbroughtoutofhiscell.‘Makesureheiswellsecured.’The

commanderpointedatthelegandwristmanaclestheRanenpriestwore,causingRashabaldtodouble-checkthesteelrestraints.

Magnusdidnotresist.HewasgladtobeoutofhiscellandtrustedthatRowanocohadplansforhimthatdidn’tinvolvehisimmediatedeath.Theknightslookedathimwarilyandheheardafewsergeantsordertheirmentokeeptheireyestothefront

andignorethehugeRanen.Hefoundthisamusing,butdidn’tletitshow;nordidhelettheenchantressseethathethoughtherthemostdangerousplayerinthisgameofconquestandsubjugation.

Beyondthetown,pastthetoweroftheWorldRaven,MagnuscouldjustmakeoutthehighriggingoftallshipsintheharbourofCanarn,shipsthathadnotpreviouslybeenthere.Thebannerof

Tiris,awhiteeagleinflight,wascaughtinthebreezeandindicatedthatKingSebastianTiris,rulerofTorFunweir,hadlandedinRoCanarn.

RillionusheredNathan,RashabaldandMagnusofftothesideandstoodwithhischestthrustoutatthetopofthedrawbridge.ThecolumnsofRedknightscametoattention,theirsteelarmourclankingloudlyinunison,andMagnusbegantosee

movementinthecity.Fromthesouthernharbourpeopleemerged,walkinginorderedfashionwithpennantsheldabovethemarchingsoldiers.Magnusnarrowedhiseyesthebettertolookacrossthetownandwastakenabackbythenumbersofsoldiershecouldseeapproaching.Heguessedthat,alongsidethetallships,therewouldbetrooptransportsnestledjustoutofview.Thered

breastplateshecouldseemarchingthroughtheruinedcityindicatedanarmyofconsiderablesize,perhapsfivethousandmen,withseveraldistinctcompaniesofknightsoftheRedaccompanyingtheking.Totherear,supplycartsandengineerscouldbeseen,withsappingtoolsandsmeltingequipment–anvils,portableforges,blocksofsteelandsparesegmentsofarmour–

allthenecessaryparaphernaliaofasizeablearmy.

Thiswasaninvasionforce,andMagnusfidgeteduncomfortablyasthearmymarchedtowardsthekeep.Hecouldnowmakeoutindividualsamongtheadvancingknights–captains,lieutenantsandseveralcommanders,besidestherankandfileknightsoftheRed.Attheheadofthecolumn,

seatedonawhitehorse,oneofonlytwomenridingandnotwalking,wasafigureresplendentingoldarmour.Oneachsideofhisbreastplatewhiteeaglesflankedanornatecrowndesign,andathissidehungajewelledscabbard.Hewasamanofperhapsfortyyears,thoughhehadneitherscarsnorabeardtolendanyseasoningtohisface,and

Magnuswasunimpressedwithhisbearing.

Eithersideoftheadvancingcolumn,Pevain’sbastardswerepeeringoutfrombetweenbuildingstotakealookattheking,andmanyofthemseemedparticularlyinterestedinthePurpleclericwhorodenexttothemonarch.Thoseknightsinthekeepwhowerecloseenoughtoseetheridersbegantowhisperamongst

themselvesandMagnusheardthenameCardinalMobiusattachedtothecleric.Thecardinalworeunadornedsteelarmour,thoughhispurpletabard,displayingthesceptreofnobility,wasenoughtomakehimstandout.

‘What’shedoinghere?’RillionaskedofAnimustus.

TheGoldclericwasevidentlydistressedatthepresenceofthePurplecardinal,amanwhoclearly

outrankedhim,buthemumbledareply.‘Notknown,butitdoesn’tbodewellforyourcontinuedcommand,Mortimer,’thefatmansaid.

‘Yourhighness,welcometoRoCanarn,’Rillionsaidwithadeepbow,causingtheknightsinthecourtyardtosnapabruptlytoattention.

Magnusstooddefiantlytooneside,hisrestrainingchainheldbySirNathan,with

Rashabaldandtwootherknightsstandingincloseguard.TheRanenpriestdidn’tturnawayfromthekingoraverthiseyesasdidmostoftheRo,butinsteadheglareddownatthemonarch,lettingthehatredandangershowinhisdarkeyes.

‘CommanderRillion,mymostloyalservant,itisapleasuretoseeyouagain,’KingSebastianstatedgrandly,lettinghisvoicerise

tobeheardthroughoutthekeep.‘BrotherAnimustus,IhopethattheassaultonRoCanarnhasprovedprofitableforyourorder?’HespoketotheGoldclericinatonethatsuggestedtoMagnusthatthekingdidnotholdtheGoldchurchinhighregard.

‘Absolutely,yourhighness,thetraitor’sgoldandvaluableshavebeenappropriatedtothegloryoftheOne,’Animustusreplied

withevidentrelish,rubbinghischubbyhandstogetherandlookingmostpleasedwithhimself.

CardinalMobiushandedthereinsofhishorsetoalesserPurpleclericwhostoodbehindhimandmovedtostandnexttotheking.RillionandAnimustusbothlookedatthecardinalwithamixtureofdistrustandreverence,asifassessingwheretheystoodinrelationtotheseniorPurple

churchman.Mobiusdidn’tpaymuchattentiontothelookshereceived,butsimplystoodclosetotheking’srightshoulder.

‘Myking,weshouldgetthemensettledbeforewedealwiththepleasantries,’hesaidquietly,beforeturningtoCommanderRillion.‘Mortimer,Iassumethatyouhavedoneasweasked.’Histonesuggestedpast

familiaritybetweenthetwomen.

Rillionnodded,butdidn’ttakehiseyesfromthecardinal.‘Ofcourse,themusterfieldisclearforyourmen…thoughIwasn’texpectingsomany.’

Thekinglaughed.Itwasapractisedsound,whichstruckaslightlyfalsenote.‘Onecannotinvadeacountrywithoutanarmy,mydear

Mortimer,’hesaid,withjustahintofarrogance.

Ameirasharedhislaughandallthemenpresentturnedtolookather.‘AndyoumustbetheLadyAmeira.’KingSebastianreachedforherhandandkisseditwarmly,avaguelyeuphoriclookinhiseyes,whichMagnushadcometoexpectfromthosewhofellundertheswayoftheSevenSisters.

‘Indeed,yourhighness,itisapleasurefinallytomeetyou,’Ameirasaid,holdingontohishandandlaughinginagirlishfashion.

Rillionlookeddecidedlyjealousbutremainedsilent.OnlyAnimustusandMagnusnoticedhisreaction,andMagnusreleasedalowsnortofamusement.SirNathantuggedonthechainandsteppedbacktostandasclosetotheRanenashedared.

‘Keepquiet,priest,you’reinthepresenceofroyalty,’hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.

‘Andwhoisthisbrute?’thekingasked,doinghisbesttolookimperiousashesurveyedtheRanenwarrior.

RillionmotionedtoNathanforMagnustobeledforwardandatugonhischainbroughttheprisonertowithinafewfeetofKingSebastian.‘ThisisMagnusForkbeard,aRanenpriestof

theirIceGiant.WebelievehewasDukeHector’sco-conspirator,’Rillionsaid,clearlystilljealousoftheattentionAmeirawaspayingtotheking.

MobiusmovedquicklytostandbetweenMagnusandtheking.‘Weshouldbewaryofthisone,myking.TheLadyKatjawarnedusabouthim.’Herestedagauntletedhandonthehiltofhislongsword.

Ameirasmiledatthementionofhersister.‘Mybelovedsisterismostwise,highness,thoughFatherMagnuscanbeofnorealdangertousanymore,’shesaidcryptically.‘Perhapsweshouldgoanddiscusswhatistobedonewithhim.Inprivatewouldbebest.’Ameirastillheldtheking’shandandMagnuscouldseeherfingerslightlycaressinghisskinasshespoke.

Rillionclearlywantedtoobject,buthehadsimplytowatchasKingSebastianTiriswasledawaybytheenchantress.CardinalMobiusissuedanordertoasquadofguardsmentoaccompanythekingandthegroupquicklydisappearedthroughadoorandintotheinnerkeepofRoCanarn.

MobiusthenturnedbacktoRillion.‘So,nowthathishighnessisotherwise

occupied,wecandispensewiththefeignedpoliteness,Mortimer.’

‘Whatareyoudoinghere,Mobius?ThisisaRedmatter.Don’tyouhaveKirintohuntdownorsomething?’Rillionaskedwithvenom.

ThePurplecardinalchuckledtohimselfandturnedbacktothelesserclericsbehindhim.‘BrotherJakan,havetheadvanceguardsetupinthegreathall

inpreparationfortheking’saddresstothetroops.SendtherestoftheknightstothemusterfieldwithKnightCommanderTristram.’

Theclerictowhomhehadspokenwasayoungmanwearingthepurplesceptreofnobilityandhesalutedformallybeforeturningtotheotherclericsandrelayingorderstotheassembledknightsandguardsmen.Magnusthoughtitastrange

hierarchy–PurpleclericsincommandofknightsoftheRed.Allwerechurchmen,buthe’dneverseencooperationonthislevelbefore.TohisperceptionthePurpleclericswerewarriorsbutnotsoldiers,andhethoughtthisworkmoresuitedtotheRedknightsalreadyinthetown.

Mobiuslethisclericsmoveamongthewaitingarmyand,afteramoment,steppedforwardintothe

courtyardtostandwithRillionandAnimustus.

‘Youhavehaditallyourwaysofar,killinganddestroyingtoyourheart’scontent,’hesaidoutofearshotofmostoftheotherknights,‘butI’mherenowandthingswillchange.Doyouunderstandme?’

RillionsneeredatthecardinalandglancedatAnimustus,makingsurehewasnotalone.‘Youhaveno

claimonmeormyknights,Mobius.Becarefulaboutthrowingordersaround,’hesaid,withanintentionalthreatinhiswords.

‘Thiscampaignwillbeconductedwithefficiency,’thePurplecardinalsaidwithaglancetowardsthedestroyedtownbelow.‘Andpreferablywithoutmercenariesbeinginvolved.Wehavemorethanenoughknightsforthejoband,with

accurateintelligenceprovidedbyourKaresianallies,weareoptimisticofafavourableoutcomebeforewinter.Ifweneedadditionalforces,LordCorkosonofDarkwaldwillbesentforwithhisyeomanry.’

MagnusgrowledatthesuggestionthatthisarmywasgoingtoinvadetheFreelandsofRanenandhemadesurethecardinalheardhisdispleasure.

Nathanagainyankedonhischainandbarked,‘Silence,priest,Iwon’ttellyouagain.’

MobiusturnedawayfromRillionandstoodfacingMagnus,hisexpressiononeofhaughtysuperiority.AsaPurpleclericthemanwasofthehighestlevelofRonobility,achurchmanwhosewordwasabsolutelawforanyonelackingroyalblood.

‘Katjatoldmeaboutyou,priest,andaboutyourbrother.AlgenonTeardropisn’tit?’heasked.

‘LordAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson,highthainofFjorlanandcommanderofthedragonfleet,’Magnuscorrected,statinghiselderbrother’stitlewithpride.

‘Well,ifwe’rethrowingaroundnames,IfeelIshouldintroducemyselfproperly.IamCardinalMobiusof

Arnon,clericoftheswordandnoblemanoftheOneGod,’heansweredwithequalpride.‘Youmustbeuncomfortablewithdefeatandevenmoreuncomfortablewithbeingparadedaroundasatrophy.’

Magnusscowled,thinkingthecardinalwasstatingtheobvious,buthewasatleastbeingpolite.‘Ihavelongsincestoppedexpectinghonourfromtheseknights,’

Magnussaid.‘Theyarecowardsandmurderers,andtheiralliesarevilerapists.’

CardinalMobiusnoddedhishead,consideringMagnus’swords.‘Well,worrynot,priest,theinvasionofyourlandswillnotbeundertakenbymercenariesandyouhavemywordthatalldefeatedopponentswillbetreatedwithappropriatehonour.’

Magnusgrowledagainatthenewsofthisinvasion.Hewasunsurepreciselywhatwashappeninghere.TheknightsoftheRedhad,longago,subjugatedthesouthernlandsofRanen,butforcenturiestheFreelandshadexistedwithoutinterferencefromtheRo.

‘Whycausesomuchbloodanddeath?’heaskedMobius.‘Thereisnogoalorobjectiveinmylandsworth

anyofthis.Sowhyinvade?’Magnuswasangrybut,morethanthat,hegenuinelycouldn’tcomprehendwhytheRowoulddosuchathing.AwarbetweentheRanenandtheRowouldbedevastatingtoboth.

MobiusflashedhimaknowinglookanddirectedahaughtysmileatRillionandAnimustus.‘Perhapsyoushouldwaitfortheking’saddressbeforeyouputtoo

muchfaithinyourcountrymen,’hesaid,withconfidence.

***

ThegreathallofRoCanarnwasdeathlyquiet,withnomanofRodaringtospeakuntilthekinghadbrokenthesilence.HesatinDukeHector’schair,surveyingtheassembledknightsbefore

him.Mostofthosethathadarrivedwiththekingwereonthemusterfieldtothenorthofthetown,butthosewithinthehallstillnumberedclosetofivehundred,organizedincolumnsstretchingbacktothepillaredentrancewayandfillingthehugehall.Magnuswasheldatthefront,hischainstillinthehandofSirNathanofDuBan.NoneofPevain’smercenarieshadbeenallowedtoenterthe

king’spresenceandMagnusthoughttheymusthavebeengiventhejobofkeepingorderinthetown–notthatitwouldbeadifficultjob,sincemostofthepopulace,notalreadykilledorimprisoned,wouldbecoweringbehindbarricadeddoorsintheirhomesorelseclusteredinLanry’schapel.

Thedisplayofornatered,goldandpurplearmourwasimpressive,eventothe

worldlyRanenpriest,andheimaginedthatsomeofthesewell-adornedmenmighthavehonourandbrains,moreakintoVerellianthantoRillionorNathan.However,thepowerintheroomdefinitelylaywithKingSebastianTirisandwithCardinalMobius,whohadadoptedasubservientpositiononalowerchairtothemonarch’sleft.ThePurplechurchmanheldareputationamongtheknights

and,asMagnuslookedacrosstheirfaces,heguessedthatthemajorityofthemwerescaredofMobius.KnightCommanderRillionwasmorehisequalinstatusandthelookstheyexchangedbetrayedadeep-seatedrivalry.Rillionstoodofftheraisedplatformattheheadofthecolumnofknightsanddidnotlookpleasedathavinghadtogiveuphisseat.

AswiththelasttimeMagnusstoodinthehall,thepresencethatworriedhimthemostwasAmeiratheLadyofSpiders,theKaresianenchantress,whosedesignswerebeingplayedoutattheheartofthischarade.Shesatnexttothekingandthetwoexchangedstrangeglancesandthinsmileswhiletheknightswaited.

WhenTirisstoodup,allknightssalutedwiththeirfists

strucksolidlyagainsttheirbreastplates,andMobiusbowedhisheadslowlyinawell-practisedgestureofrespect.

‘Myknights,myclerics,’heglancedatMagnus,‘andmycaptive.TorFunweirthanksyouforyourunswervingloyaltyanddiligenceinbringingtojusticethetraitor,HectorofCanarn.’

Magnusscowledbutremainedsilentasthekingcontinued.

‘However,muchstillneedstobedone.TheRanenwarlordshaveconspiredwiththetraitorousformerduketosupplantmeandstealourland,’hesaidinavoicethatroseinvolumetosomethingapproachingashout.‘Andwewillnotallowthesenorthernbarbarianstoactwithoutpunishment.’Hestepped

fromtheplatformandwalkeddeliberatelytowardsMagnus.‘Tellme,priest,didyouexpecttogetawaywithstealingmyland?’

Magnuslookedaroundthehallandsawhundredsofeyesregardinghim,waitingforananswerthatwouldplaytotheking’swell-practisedoration.Insteadofgrowlinganoathofchallengeorattemptingtobreakfree,asheguessedtheyfeared,Magnusleantforward

andsaid,asquietlyashecould,‘YouareinthralltoaKaresianenchantress,yourhighness.Shewillhaveyouinvademylandsandseethousandsofyourmenkilledtosecurenoobjectiveandtoadvancenocause.’

Forabriefmomentthekinglookedconfused,butquicklyregainedhiscomposureandglancedbackuptowardstheseatedfigureofAmeira.Theyexchanged

smilesofchildlikeadorationbeforeTiristurnedbacktoMagnusandspokeagain,thistimewithhischinraisedinaself-righteouspostureofauthority.

‘Yourpoisonouswordsserveonlytodamnyoufurther,priest,’hesaid,loudenoughforalltohear,‘andyourlandswillcomeundertheswayoftheOneGod,asalllandseventuallywill.’Hethenspokemorequietly,so

thatonlythoseimmediatelyaroundhimcouldhear.‘AndthethousandsdeadwillbeyourbarbariancousinswhopresumetodefythemightofTorFunweir.’AlookofeuphoriaenteredhiseyesashesteppedbackontotheraisedplatformandbeganalengthyandarroganttiradeagainsttheFreelandsofRanen.

Magnusstraightenedashefeltapresenceenterhismind

andafemalevoicespokeclearly.‘Youarewrong,FatherMagnusForkbeard,’saidAmeira,throughameansofcommunicationthatnooneelseinthehallcouldhear.‘Thereisindeedanobjective,aclearandachievableone.’

Magnuslookedpasttherantingkingandlockedeyeswiththeenchantress.Allowinghismindtorelax,heformedaquestionforher.‘Whatisallthisfor?Whatdo

youhopetogain?YourpeoplehavenostakeinRanenandJaacaresnothingfortheselands,’hesaid,withgenuineconfusion,finallysickofallthehalf-whisperedgamesplayedaroundtherapeofCanarn.

Shesmiled,thoughtherewasnohumourasherwordsformed.‘Jaa?Isthatthelimitofyourvision?Jaaisanold,decrepitFireGiant,lamentingthelossofhissupremacy.

Rowanocoisadull-wittedaxe-hurler,andasfortheOne,helosttouchwiththisworldlongago,hispeoplejusthaven’trealizedityet.’

Magnusnarrowedhiseyesastheenchantressdecriedhisgodand,moresurprisingly,herown.‘Youspeakinriddles,witch.Makesense.’

Anothersmile,andMagnussensedthatAmeiraconsideredhimmoreworthythanmanyofthemenofRo

listeningtotherantingoftheirking.‘Youareamanaftermyownheart.Ifthingshadbeendifferent,perhapswewouldhavebeenallies.Webothdisliketheseshort-sightedmenoftheOneandtheremighthavebeenaplaceforyouintheDeadGod’sempireofpleasureandblood.’

‘YounolongerfollowtheFireGiant?’Magnusasked,

withcoldeyesdirectedtowardstheenchantress.

‘Andtheaxefinallyfalls.Ithoughtyouclevererthanthis,FatherMagnus.ThemenoftheOneareourstocontrol,themenofJaaaredeeplywithinourdesign.Allthatleavesisyourpitifulnationoffarmersandmindlessaxe-men.AssistmeandIwillsweartoyouthatnomoreRanenwilldiethanisnecessary.’

Magnusturnedawayandlookedatthefloor.Aroundhim,knightsoftheRedcheeredandbangedtheirbreastplatesinloudagreementwiththeirking’swords,wordsdesignedbytheenchantresstofacilitatetheinvasionandsubjugationofMagnus’speople.Thesemenwereloyaltotheirkingandthepriestcouldn’tfaultthemforthat,buttheysatunknowinglywithinthethrall

ofawitchwhosegoalwasnottheirown.Closetofivethousandknights,clericsandguardsmenweremassedontheplainsofCanarn,readytoadvanceintotheGrassSeaandtherealmofWraithbeyond.Horrock’smenwouldbenomatchforthisarmy,andMagnus’sthoughtsturnedtohisbrotherandthefearsomewarriorsofFjorlan.

‘Yourplanhasaflaw,witch,’Magnusstatedplainly

inthedarkrecessesofhismind.‘Youmayhavetheknightsandtheirking,youmayevenhavetheHoundsofKaresiaandthepeopleofyourhomeland,butyouwillneveradvancepasttheDeepCrossandtakeFjorlan,notwhilemybrotherdrawsbreathandthedragonfleetsails…yourempireofbloodandpleasurewillforeverbeconfinedtothesouthwhileRowanocoholdsswayinthe

north.’Itwasasmallvictory,butonethatgaveMagnusheartforthecomingwar.

‘Apologies,LordMagnus,wemustappearveryfoolishtoyou,nottohaveconsideredthedangersposedbyAlgenon.’HerwordsweremockingandMagnusfeltachilltraveluphisspineasifsomethingbeyondhisperceptionwasatwork.‘Therearemanyambitiousmeninyourhomeland,men

preparedtodomuchtogainpower.Yourbrothershouldchoosehisalliesmorecarefully.’

Magnusfeltragerisewithinhim,butheclosedhiseyesandsuppressedit.Heknewthathe’dbekilledifheweretochanneltherageofRowanocointhepresenceoftheking,andnothingwouldbegainedbykillingahandfulofknightsbeforehefell.Hismindracedashesearchedfor

themeaningofAmeira’swords.TheSevenSistershadclearlyplannedthisinvasionlongbeforeCanarnhadbeenassaulted–thewitch’sconfidenceinherstatusinKaresiaandTorFunweirwastestamenttothat–buthedidnotknowhowshecouldhaveneutralizedAlgenon.IfthedragonfleethadlauncheditwouldbeonlyamatterofdaysbeforeitreachedRoCanarnandthekingandhis

knightswereuptotheirnecksinblood.IfthemenofRolefttoinvadetheGrassSea,they’dleavetheirrearexposedtothebattle-brothersofFjorlanandthepossibilitythatthefleetcouldturnroundandsackRoTiriswouldquicklyhalttheiradvance.MagnushadseenthebarracksofTirisandknewthatfewknightswouldremainthere.IfhisbrotherfoundRoCanarnemptyandanarmy

advancingnorth,hewouldblockadethecapitalofTorFunweirandbombardthecityuntilthekingretreatedsouth.Itwasthestalematethathadexistedforcenturies:theRowerebetteronlandandtheRanenwerebetteratsea.Ifthedragonfleetwereremovedfromtheequation,however,theFreelandswouldbevulnerableintheextreme.

‘IcankeepyoualiveforaslongasIwillit,Father

Magnus.Yourfateistiedtomywhim.Howdoesthatmakeyoufeel?’ThequestionAmeiraaskedwasaccompaniedbyalookofpleasureinhereyeswhichnoonebutMagnussaw,anditmadehimevenangrier.

‘Youhavenothingoverme,witch.AllyoucandoiskillmeandIamnotafraidofthat,’Magnusrepliedwithsincerity.

Ameira’seyesdisturbedMagnus.Shewasattemptingtoreachintohismindand,althoughhefeltstrong,heknewshewaspowerfulenoughtoinfluencehim–butitwouldtaketimethatshedidn’thave.HiswillwasgreaterthanthatoftheseweakmenofRo,andthevoiceofhisgodflowedthroughhim,strengtheninghisresolveagainsttheenchantment.

Hesmiledwickedlyattheenchantressandhisthoughtswereviolent.‘Tryit.Rowanocodaresyou,bitch.Youcan’thidebehindtheseknightsforeverandIwillfindawaytokillyou.’

‘No,FatherMagnus,youwillnot.Iamuntouchablebyyourhandand,ifyouwillnotassistme,youwillrotinacell.’

Magnus’sthoughtsturnedtoRhamJasRami,theKirin

assassinhe’dnotseenforoverayear,theoneman,hewasassuredbyAl-Hasim,thatcouldkilltheenchantresses.WheretheKirinwasnow,Magnusdidn’tknow,butaslongasheexistedsomewhereinthelandsofmen,theSevenSisterswouldbevulnerable.

HeheardalaughinthedeeprecessesofhismindandAmeiraspokeagain.‘YourKirinfriendisnowpowerless

toinjureus,hissonsawtothatwhenweboughthimfromaKaresianslaver.TheDeadGodgivesusfreshpowertoresisthisfeebleattemptstokillus.’

MagnusknewthatRhamJashadoncehadchildren,buttheywerethoughtlostfollowingtheassaultontheKirin’svillage,somewhereinOslan.TohearthattheSevenSistershadfoundhissonwouldnodoubtmakeRham

Jashappyandferociousinequalmeasure.

‘Maybeyoushouldbemoreworriedabouthisbowthanmyhammer.’Magnusprojectedhisthoughtwithathinsmile.‘He’sacunningbastard,witch,morethanamatchforyou.’

‘Thatmayoncehavebeentrue,butnolonger.Lethimdrawhisbowandyouwillseehimaspowerlessasanyinourpresence.’

Magnusretainedhissmile,whichappearedtoinfuriatetheenchantress.TheRanenpriestknewRhamJaswellenoughtoknowthathewasnotamanwhoseactionswereeasytopredict;Magnushad,morethanonce,heardsomeonesayhewasn’tworriedabouttheKirin,onlytobefoundwithanarrowinhisheadshortlyafterwards.

‘Maybethiswillsilenceyou,’shesaid,reaching

behindherchairandslowlyproducingSkeld,Magnus’swar-hammer.‘IplannedtogiveittoKnightCommanderRillionbut,afteryourill-advisedinsults,ImaygiveittoSirHallamPevain.’

MagnusstoppedsmilingandthethoughtofsuchadishonourablemanwieldingSkeldcausedhimtobreathedeeplyinordertostophimselfchannellingthebattle

rageofRowanocoandgettinghimselfkilled.

Hegrittedhisteethandprojectedhisanswerascalmlyashecouldmanage.‘Giveittowhomeveryouwish,butIassureyoutheywilldieatmyhandbeforeItakeitback.’

AmeiratheLadyofSpidersdidnotlookimpressedatthethreatand,turningtolookatthestillrantingkingofTorFunweir

andthecheeringcrowdofchurchmen,shesaid,‘Iwillbesuretomakeyourcountrymenbleed,justsoyoumaywatch.’

***

Ameiraleftsoonafterthekinghadstoppedspeaking,andMagnuswasthenforcedtoendurehoursofRoback-slapping,knighthoodsgiven

out,boundmenpromotedtosergeantandpromisesofpositionsinthenewduchyofCanarn.

KnightCommanderMortimerRillionwasnamedmarshalofthecity,withNathanofDuBanashissecondincommand.Thekingdeclaredthathiscousin,JeremiahTiris,wouldbenameddukeandMobiuswouldappointasuitablePurpleclerictooverseethe

city’sspiritualwell-being.AnimustusofVoy,thefatGoldcleric,wouldbereturningtoRoArnonwithallofhisplunderedcoin,andPevainwouldreceiveanothermeaninglesstitletoaddtohislistofaccolades.ThemercenaryknightwasalsopresentedwithSkeldasamarkofhisvaluableservicetoTorFunweir–agiftthatMagnusknewwouldseehim

killedmoresurelythanhisexistingdishonour.

ThemajorityoftheknightsoftheRedwouldbetravellingnorthwithKingSebastianTiris,KnightCommanderTristramandCardinalMobius,leavingRillionwithfiftyknightsandahundredboundmenasanoccupyingforceinRoCanarn.Pevainandhisbastardsweretobepaidforafurthermonth’swork,

apparentlytoassistRillioninkeepingorderinthecity,butMagnusknewthattheywouldstaybecausethecityhadnotyetbeenbledcompletelydry.Rillion’scommandwouldbeapaltrythreehundredandfiftymen,andMagnuswasamazedthatnooneseemedtoregardthedangerthatthedragonfleetwouldposetosofewdefenders.

MagnuswasnotsoarrogantastothinkRillion,Mobiusorthekingstupid,soheimaginedtheymustbeprivytosomeinformationthusfarhiddenfromthepriestofRowanoco.

Strangely,Ameira,theenchantress,wasalsotoremaininRoCanarn,andnottoaccompanythekingintotheGrassSea.MagnusthoughtthatRowanoco’solddecreethatnowitchwould

eversetfootintheFreelandsofRanenmightstillholdsomeswayandperhapstheSevenSisterswerenotasfreeanduntouchableastheymightthink.

Ashewasledbacktohiscell,Magnusthoughtofhisbrotheronceagainandsaidquietlytohimself,‘Pleasebewary,brother,thesemenhavenohonourandsomethingisatworkherebeyondwhatIcansee.’

CHAPTER4

HALLASUMMERWOLFABOARDTHEDRAGON

FLEET

AllRanenchildrengrewuphearingtalesofmonsters.

Hallarememberedhavingbadgeredhermotherforastoryeachnightbeforeshewouldagreetogotobed,andhermotherhadalwaysbeenwillingtositatherbedsideandtellhertalesoffearsomecreaturesandtheRanenheroeswhohadvanquishedthem.

ThepriestsoftheOrderoftheHammermaintainedthetraditionthatthechildrenofRanenshouldneverforget

thattheywerenotaloneintheworldandthatmendidnotholddominionovertheland,norhadtheyevenheldtheirportionofitforlong.Hallarememberedtalesoftrolls,theIceMenofRowanoco,whowanderedtheLowKast,feedingonrocks,treesandunwarytravellers.ShelovedthestoriesofthegreatGorlanspidersthatappearedoutofnowhereduringthesummer

monthsandbuilttrapdoorsfromwhichtohuntacrossthelandsofHammerfallandtheDeepCross.SherememberedhuddlingunderherblanketashermothertoldherofthescarredcannibaltribesofJekkafartotheeast,beingsnotentirelyhumanwhichstruckatsettlementsandatetheinhabitants.Hermother’sfavouritestorieswereoftherisenmen,timidbeingswholivedinthedeepestforests,

hadclaimedthelandforlongerthanmen,andwerehuntedalmosttoextinctionbytheclericsofRo.

Shelovedhearingfabulousstories,butofallthosesheremembereditwastheonesherfatherhadtoldherthatstayedtheclearestinhermind.AlephSummerWolf,thenowdeceasedthainofTiergarten,wouldwaituntilhiswifewasasleeptotellhisdaughteraboutIthqas

andAqas,theblind,mindlessKrakensoftheFjorlanSea.Halla’smotherdidnotapproveofsuchstories,fortheKrakensweremorethansimplemonsters.Theyoungaxe-maidenlovedthetales,however,andshewouldoftenpretendtobeasleepinthehopethathermotherwouldleaveandthatAlephwouldtakeoverthestorytelling.

TheKrakensweresupposedlyoldgods,Giants

worshippedbycreatureslostinthemistsofDeepTime.TheywerecastdownbyRowanocoandmadetognawonfishandrockinthedeepesttrenchesoftheocean,theirmindsbrokenbytheIceGiant’swrath.OftenRanensailorswouldreturnfromtheirvoyageswithterrifyingstoriesofencountersatsea,brokenmasts,rupturedhullsandlostmen.Sometimesthesewereattributedtothe

Krakensandsometimesnot,butHallawasfondofplayingonthedocksinthehopeofseeingareturningshipandhearingastoryabouttheKrakens.

ThemostinfamoustalehadcomefromawintervoyagewhenHallawasonlysevenyearsold.FiveshipshadleftTiergarten,boundforthemountainousislandsofSamnia,butonlyonehadreturned,awoodenshellwith

acrewhuddledbelowdecks,halfmadfromthesightoftheKrakens.Noneofthesurvivorscouldputintowordswhattheyhadseenandtheyalldiedshortlyaftertheyreturned,theirbodieshavingsimplygivenuponlifeandwastedaway,whiletheirmindscouldsummononlyshoutedwarningsoftentaclesanddeath.Nooneknewexactlywhathadhappened,buttheirravingshadbeen

recordedbyapriestandenteredintothewrittenrecordofTiergartenasawarningforsailors.Theancienthornofthedeep,atwistedbrassinstrumenthangingoutsideatidalcaveonthecoastofSamnia,wassaidtosummonthebeasts,andfromancientdaysthehornhadbeenguardedatalltimesasahereditarytaskbytheOrderoftheHammer.Onlyoncehaditbeenblown,

byamadaxe-masterofHammerfallduringtheRooccupation,andhe’dhadtokilltwoprieststogettoit.TheKrakens,whenawoken,hadprovidedtheRanenwithlittleinthewayofhelpagainsttheRo,fortheyhadsimplyeatentheaxe-masterandsunkhisshipbeforereturningtothedeep.

Hallastoodagainsttherailingsofherfather’sshipandlookedoutacrossthe

slowlyrollingseasofFjorlan.Itwasnowhershipand,althoughshewasproudtobeonboard,itstillfeltstrange.She’dfoughtallherlifetoberegardedasequaltomen,butnowthatshewaspartofthebattlefleetshecouldonlythinkoftheoldstoriesofmonsters.

ThefleethadassembledquicklyinFredericksand,AlgenonTeardropcallinghislordstocomeswiftlyand

withasmanymenascouldbespared.They’dsetsailalittleoveraweekbeforeandwerenowapproachingthestraitsofSamnia;beyond,theseasofCanarnandTirismarkedthenorthernborderofTorFunweir.

Hership,calledtheSeaWolf,wastowardstherearofthedragonfleet.SheknewthatifAlephwerestillalive,thewarriorsofTiergartenwouldhavebeenclosertothe

vanguard,butwithnothaintorepresentthemthey’dbeenpushedintoalessgloriousposition.Shehadthreehundredandtwenty-fivewarriorsspreadacrossthreeshipsandtheyformedtherearguardofthefleet,notgenerallyconsideredapositiontobecoveted.BorrinIronBeard,axe-masterofTiergarten,wasactingascaptainandhadgiventhesailorstounderstandthata

singlederogatoryworddirectedtowardsHallawouldresultinsummarydeathbydrowning.Hewasagoodman,pledgedtoservethefamilyofSummerWolf,andhe’dknowntheaxe-maidenallherlife.

FartothefrontshecouldseethebannerofTeardrop,ablackflagdisplayingaweepingdragon.ThefoghadnotyetfullyencompassedthefleetandAlgenon’sship,the

HammerofFjorlan,wasjustaboutvisibleinthedistance.SheknewthatWulfrick,Algenon’saxe-master,hadtriedtospeakforherandsecureamoreprestigiouspositionforthebattle-brothersofTiergarten,butRulagUrsaandthemenofJarvikhadbulliedthehighthainintoassigninghertotherearguard.ThewarlordofJarvikhadtakengreatoffenceatanaxe-maidenbeing

treatedasheirtoathain,but,withnobrothers,Hallahadnochoicebuttospeakforherpeople.TiergartenwasthesecondcityofFjorlanandshewasnotgoingtoallowherfather’sdeathtoaffectthehonourofhislands.TherealmofSummerWolfwasthebread-basketofFjorlan,theonlyplacenorthoftheDeepCrosswherecropscouldbegrown.Thesoilwasdarkandrichand,whenthe

snowsthawed,theforestsandfieldsprovidedfoodformuchofthenorthlandsofRanen.Therewerealsofewtrolls,whichmeantthatsettlementswouldrarelyjustdisappearovernightassometimeshappenedintheLowKast.

ThefogbegantogrowthickerandHallacouldhearbellsrungthroughoutthefleettoalertthehelmsmentoeachship’slocation.Behindher,dark,hardfaceslooked

upfromtheiroarsandslowedtheirrowing.WhenthefoggrewthickaroundSamnia,thedangerofhittingasemi-submergedrockwaseverpresent.

BorrinIronBeardstoodattheaftoftheship,lookingouttosea.HeslowlybegantomakehiswaypasttheoarsmentotheforwardplatformwhereHallastood.

‘Easy,lads,’hesaidashewalkedpastthefrontrowof

oarsmen.‘I’veseenfogthickerthanthis.Thisisbarelyawispofcloud.’

Hewaslying,butHallaappreciatedhisattempttocalmthecrew.Shewasnotyetcomfortablewiththeshoutingandbullyingthatwasrequiredofaship’scaptainandwasgladofheraxe-master’sassistance.

‘Youlookalmostasgrimasthosedirtybastards,’Borrinsaidashecametoa

haltnexttoHalla,joiningherinlookingforward,beyondtheship’srampantwolffigurehead.

‘I’llbelessgrimwhenweclearSamniaandcanseewherewe’regoing,’Hallareplied,rubbingunderhereyepatch.

‘Justhopewedon’tgeteatenbyKrakens,’hesaidwithanironicgrin,causingHallatolookdispleased.

‘It’sill-advisedtojokeaboutGiants,Borrin.’Thecommentwasmeantkindly,buttheaxe-maidencouldnotshakeoffhernervousnessabouttravellingthroughtheKrakenwaters.Itwasachildishfear,andsheknewit,butshe’dneverfullyreconciledtherealityofIthqasandAqaswiththestoriesshe’dbeentoldasachild.

ThefogbellscontinuedtosoundupaheadandHallathoughtthevanguardofthefleetmusthavereachedtheislands.Herthreedragonshipswereclosetogether,keptwithinvisualrangebytheirhelmsmen.

‘IhopeUrsacansailaswellasheshouts,’BorrinsaidofthelordofJarvikfartothefrontofthefleet.‘Algenon’smencannegotiatethesewaters,butwithRulag

andhisidiotsontotakecareof,it’llbeasqueezetogetusallthroughtheKrakenwaterstoKalall’sDeep.’

ThefleethadslowedconsiderablyandHallathoughtitwasmorethanasimpleprecautionagainstthefog.IfRulagUrsawasbeingawkwardaboutthesailingorderoftheships,thenitcouldbealongwaittogetthewholefleetthroughthenarrowchannelsofSamnia.

AlgenonandtheHammerofFjorlanwereattheheadofthefleet,buthisbattle-brotherswereflankedbytheshipsofJarvikandRulag’smen.

TheringingofbellsbecamemorefrequentanderraticandBorrinflashedaconcernedlookatHalla.‘Whataretheyplayingatupthere?’heaskedquietly.‘Soundsliketheshipsaretoo

thinlyspreadorthey’relosingsightofeachotherinthefog.’

Hallasteppedtothesideandtriedtofocushersingleeyeforwardintothedensemist;seeingonlyvagueshapesinfrontoftheSeaWolf,sheturnedbacktoBorrin.

‘Thosearewarningbells,’shesaid.

Therhythmicsoundofbellswasbeingechoedthroughthefrontfewranksof

ships,indicatingthattheyweretryingtowarnthoseontheflankstostayclose.

‘Onlyafoolwouldbreakoffinthis,’Borrinsaid,goingtothelargebrassbellthathungfromapost.

Heheftedtheropeandrungthebelltwice,loudly,asoundrapidlyechoedbytheothershipsofTiergarten.

Hallawasconfused.Thefleetshouldbestayingcloseinpreparationforthejourney

throughthenarrowchannelsofSamnia.Itmadenosensethatanyshipsshouldbebreakingoff,andyetthewarningbellscontinuedtosound.Shesteppedtotheportsideofhershipandtriedtomakeoutsomekindofmarkerorfeaturethatwouldtellherhowclosetheyweretoland,butallshecouldseewasfogandtheroughoutlineofanothershipfrom

Tiergarten,equallyconfusedastowhatwasgoingon.

‘Mystomach’srumbling,Halla,’saidBorrin.‘ThateithermeansI’mhungryorthatsomethingbadisabouttohappen.’

Theaxe-masterofTiergartenwasasuperstitiousman,verymuchoftheopinionthathisstomachcoulddetectdanger.Hallahadneverbeensurewhetherhewasjokingornotwhenhe

claimedtohaveastomach-relatedpremonition,butnowshehadasimilarsenseofforeboding.

Borrinturnedtoaddressthebattle-brothersoftheSeaWolf.‘Steady,lads,we’llbepasttheKrakenseabeforeyouknowit.’

Hiswordsdidlittletocalmthesailors,butHallaguessedhe’dsaiditasmuchforhisownbenefitastheirs.

Bellswerenowbeingrungrapidlyandwithapersistencethatindicatedsomethingwasgenuinelywrong,thoughthedensefogmeantthatHalla,intherearguard,couldonlyguessatwhatwascausingAlgenonTeardropandWulfricktoringsuchaninsistentwarning.

Borrinwasdeepinthoughtashestoodnexttotheaxe-maidenandpeeredintothefog.

Suddenlyhepointedtotheportsideoftheshipandsaid,‘Halla,look.Whatdoyoumakeofthat?’

Shehadtoblinkseveraltimestofocusproperly,butsureenough,faraheadofhership,ontheportside,roughlywheresheimaginedtheinletsofKalall’sDeepmustbe,Hallacouldseewhatlookedlikefire.Itwaslittlemorethananorangeglow,butcertainlyfire.Thenanother

dotoforangeappeared,andthenanother,untiladozenormorefierypointscouldbeseenthroughthefogtotheportsideofthedragonfleet.

Borrinlookedconfusedatfirstandthen,asgrimrealizationdawnedonhim,heturnedtoHallaandsaid,‘Rowanocosaveus,thosearecatapults.’

Ashespoke,thedotsoffiremoved,shotsharplyupwardsintothefog,

illuminatingtheskyastheybecameballsoffireflyingtowardstheshipsofthedragonfleet.Adozenormorecatapults,hiddensomewhereinthefog,firedoneafteranotherandthesailorsoftheSeaWolfstoodandwatcheddumbfoundedasashipofHammerfallwashitamidshipsbyahugecaskofflamingpitch.Ranensailors,nowvisibletoHalla,raninpanictryingtoputoutthe

fire,buttheshipwasablazeandmanyofthemensimplyjumpedoverboard.

‘Launchboatsandhelpthosemen,’orderedHalla.

‘Toolate…look,’answeredBorrinasmoreshipswerehitandthedragonfleetcameunderfirefromseveralhiddeninletsoffthecoastofSamnia.

Thecatapultsshotvolleyaftervolleyintothefleetandshipandmanalikewerehit.

ThescreamsofRanenburningtodeathtookoverfromthebellsandHallacouldnowseewheretheshotshadcomefrom.Thefirehadclearedaportionofthefogandshecouldseeatightlypackedgroupofsmallshipsemergingfromanarrowchannel.TheyflewthebannersofUrsa,andHallaroaredangrilyassherecognizedthetreacheryamongtheRanenlords.

‘ThoseareRulag’scutters,’exclaimedBorrin.

Catapultsfiredfromthestarboardsideofthefleetnow,andHallasawnewcuttersappear.Thesmallershipswerefasterandmoremanoeuvrablethanthelargeshipsofthedragonfleetandeachcarriedacatapultwithatremendousrange.

TheshipsofTiergarten,beingintherearguard,hadnotbeenhitbytheflaming

casks,althoughaheadoftheirpositionnumerousships,nowburningfuriously,hadnotbeensolucky.Hallalookedonhelplesslyasshesawmenonfiredivingintotheicywater,andthewaytheshipsslowlyburneddowntothewaterlinemadeherevenangrier.Thiswasdestructionbydegrees,acarefullylaidambushdesignedtocatchtheshipsinthenarrowestchannelwheretheycouldn’t

manoeuvretoavoidtheflamingcatapults.

BattlechantscouldnowbeheardassomeofthecaptainstriedtobreakawaytoengagetheshipsofRulagthebetrayer.AshipofFredericksand,oneofAlgenon’s,withflamingsailsandrapidlytakingonwater,plungedthroughthefleettogettothecutters,butitwastoobigtoavoidtheotherboatsanditschargeended

abruptlyasithitanothership.Thecriesofsailorsechoedthroughthefleetasbothvesselsquicklysank.

‘Fightorflee,Halla?’Borrinaskedplainly.

Hallaignoredhimforamomentandshieldedhereyesfromtheblazingfiresinfrontofher.ShewastryingtofindtheHammerofFjorlanandhopingthatAlgenonandWulfrickhadmanagedtogetaway.

‘Halla!’‘Ican’tseethevanguard.

Wecan’tleaveuntilIknowwhathashappenedtothehighthain.’Hallawasanaxe-maidenofRowanocoandwasnotafraidofdeath.

Shesteeledherselfand,steppingpastheraxe-master,shoutedtothecrew,‘Toyouroars,now!Weneedtogettothefrontofthefleet.LordAlgenonneedsourhelpandTiergartenwillnotdisappoint

himorRowanocobyrunning.’

Hermenpausedforamoment,mostofthemstillstandingandstaringattheburningshipsaheadofthem.

‘Move!’shoutedBorrin,causingeachmanquicklytoregainhisseat.‘Ifthisshipisn’tmovingforwardintwoseconds,you’llhavetoworryaboutmeandfire–andIammuchscarier.’

Hedidn’tquestionHalla’sdecisionandshewasdeeplygratefulforheraxe-master’ssupport,evenasshestrengthenedherselfforbattle.

TheSeaWolfsprangintomotionandmovedquicklytowardsthewreckageofseveralshipsfromHammerfall.HerothertwoshipsfollowedsuitandthethreedragonshipsofTiergartenenteredthefray.

‘Keepusinthechannel,’shesaidquicklytoBorrin,whorelayedthemessagetothehelmsman.

Aflamingballflewoverhead,narrowlymissingthemastandthuddingintotheseaoverthestarboardside.Eitherside,theflamingshellsofotherRanenshipscontinuedtoburnasthecuttersofJarvikmaintainedtheirbombardment.Thefogwasdense,butbrokenby

shootinglinesoffire,andHallacouldsensethefleetwastrappedbetweenrocksaheadthatrequiredcarefulnavigationand,oneitherside,thesmall,fastcatapultshipshiddeninnarrowinlets.ShecouldmakeouttheloomingcliffsofSamniaandknewthatthewaterherewasdeepandfreezing;amaninchainmailcouldsurvivefornomorethanafewminutesifheweretogooverboard.The

cutterswerenotcomingcloseenoughtobeboardedandtheremainingdragonshipsweremovingincircles,attemptingtofindawayoutofthekillingzonebetweenthecliffs.

BannersoftheDeepCrossandtheHammerfallintermingledascaptains,lordsandbattle-brothersroaredfutilechallengesandtriedtokeeptheirmenalive.Severalshipshadbeenholed

bythesemi-submergedrocksandwereslowlysinkingwhiletheircrewsattemptedtolaunchrowingboatstoescapethefreezingwater.Manywerestillundamaged,butweresailingincirclesastheSeaWolfplungedpastthem.

Hallaun-slungheraxeandbegantobangarhythmonthewoodendeck.Sheturnedtowardsthecrewandsawtheywerestartingtorowwith

morepurpose,keepingpacewithheraxerhythmandgatheringspeed.OverontheportsideacryofwarningcametoolatetostopacaskofflamingpitchsmashingintooneoftheotherTiergartenships.

Borrinreactedquickly,roaring,‘Eyesfront,lads,wewillhonourthembystayingalive.Now,forward!’

Hallaglancedthroughthefogtoseetheothership’s

captainraisehisaxeinsalutetoherbeforehisvesselbegantosink,withallhandsfeverishlytryingtolaunchboats.AnotherflamingcaskhitthemamidshipsandHallawincedasshesawthecaptainsuddenlyengulfedinflame.Themenabandonedtheflamingboatsandsimplyjumpedintothefreezingwatertoawaitdeathorrescue.

ThemenoftheSeaWolflookedgrim,yetdetermined,astheyrowedonintothenarrowchannelwherethemajorityofshipswerestilltrapped,manyablazeorholedbythehiddenrocks.HallacouldseethelargerdragonshipsofRulagUrsa.ThetraitorouslordhadbrokenofffromthevanguardandleftAlgenon’sshipsisolatedandtrappedbetweenthecliffs,withfirerainingdownonall

sides.‘Faster,’roaredBorrin,as

hestraddledthesideoftheshipandbegantostrikehisaxeonthehull,mirroringthetemposetbyHalla.

Ahead,shecouldseethebannerofTeardroppeekingoutfrombetweenburningshipsandtheencirclingcutters.TheHammerofFjorlanwasnotablazeandHallasuspectedithaddeliberatelynotbeen

targeted.Beyond,theKrakenseawascleartothesouth,butAlgenon’ssingleshipwastrappedbyRulag’shalf-dozenandnoaidwasanywherenear,themajorityofshipsinthechannelbeingnowablazeorsailingincirclestotrytoavoidrunningaground.ShecouldseethedarkcoastlineofKalall’sDeepoverherportside,butthetoweringcliffsmeantthatescapeoverlandwouldbe

difficult.TheHammerofFjorlancouldnotlastlongifallofRulag’sshipsclosedinonit.

‘Pullforthehighthain,’Hallashouted.

Asickeningsoundcamefromhersecondescortshipasitshullwastornbysemi-submergedrocksanditbegantolistbadlytooneside.Thesailorshadtimetolaunchboatsandescape,buttheycouldbeofnofurtherhelpto

theSeaWolf.BellswerebeingrungontheattackingshipsofJarviktoalertRulagthatanotherdragonshipwasapproaching.

Theambushhadbeenwellplanned,withmanycutters,toosmalltobeseenandinanycasehiddenbythefog,assaultingfromallsideswhilestayingoutofthereachofthecumbersomedragonfleet.Rulag’slargerships,allofwhichhadbeeninthe

vanguard,hadbrokenoffbeforetheyhadreachedthenarrowchannel,causingtheHammerofFjorlantobecomeisolated,alongwiththeothershipsofFredericksand,whenthebombardmentbegan.ThetraitorouslordhadthenturnedaboutandencircledAlgenon,allowingnomeansofescape,whilepanichadgrippedthefleet.

HallacouldseeaxesthrownfromRulag’sshipsthinningtheranksofAlgenon’sbattle-brothersandsofteningthemupfortheinevitableboarding.Aroundher,shecouldseenoothershipsafloatsavetwothathadmanagedtofindtheirwaydownasidechannelandwerenowoutofrangeofthecatapults.Shefeltragegrowingwithinheratthesightofburningwoodandthe

smellofburningflesh.Manyweredeadandmanymorewouldnotsurvivethewater.Behindher,shehopedsomeoftheshipsofHammerfallandtheDeepCross,whichhadbeenclosertotherear,mighthavebeenabletoturnandfleetothenorth.

Shebreathedindeeplyand,withaxeheldaloft,roaredachallengeatthenearestdragonshipofJarvik.SeveralofRulag’sbattle-

brothershadturnedtomeettheSeaWolf’schargeandshecouldseefaces,readyforbattle,beckoningheronwards.

‘Aimforthegapandpunchthrough,we…will…not…die…today.’Herwordswereloudandwerespokenwithdeepconviction,makinghermenrowallthefasterandchantoutoathsofbattleandpledgesto

TiergartenandthehouseofSummerWolf.

Borrincontinuedtobanghisaxeonthehull,whippinghimselfupintoafrenzyashejoinedinthechanting.‘I’lltearyourfuckingfacesoff,youturncoatbastards…nosoftdeathforbetrayers.’

ThewarriorsofJarvikbegantoshoutback,unawarethatthetwoshipsthathadbrokenawayhadseenHalla’schargeandwerenowturning

torejointhebattle,quicklymakingtheirwayoutofthenarrowinletandintothechannelbehindtheSeaWolf.SixdragonshipsofJarvikencircledtheHammerofFjorlanandtwohadbegunthrowinggrapplinghooksandpreparingtoboard,theremainderpoisedtomeettheoncomingattackofHalla’sship.

‘Halla,moreapproach,’shoutedBorrin,pointing

behind.Hallasawseveralships

flyingthebannersoftheDeepCrossplungingforward,shoutingtheirownbattlechants.Theyhadnotturnedtofleewhentheyhadthechance,buthadtakentheircuefromtheSeaWolfandwerecomingtoassisttheirhighthain.

Sevendragonshipswerenowsailinginlooseformationtowardsthe

vanguardandthestrickenHammerofFjorlan.

‘Throwyouroars…drawaxes,’Hallaordered,causinghermenquicklytopulltheiroarsintotheshipandacrosstheirbenches,beforestandingasoneandheftinganarrayofvicious-lookingweapons.

ThelastfewfeetpassedinslowmotionandHallasawfacesfixedinbattlefervourwaitingontheshipsofJarvik.TheSeaWolfhitthegap

betweentwooftheships,andsplinteredwoodflewfromallthreevesselsastheflagshipofTiergartenbrokethrough.Othersfollowedbehindandthebattlebegan.

HallacouldseefightingonthedeckoftheHammerofFjorlanandcouldevenmakeoutthefigureofAlgenonTeardrop,swinginghisaxeinwidearcs,severingmenattheneck,tryingdesperatelytorepulsetheboarders.Themen

ofFredericksandwereoutnumberedbutwithTeardropandWulfrickinthefraytheywouldalwaysstandachance.Theaxe-masterwasanimmensepresence,standingnexttohisthainandkillinganyonewhocameclosewiththunderingblowsfromhisgreataxe.

MoregrapplinghookswerethrownanditlookedtoHallaasifAlgenonwouldquicklybeoverwhelmed.Her

ownmenhadmovedtothesidesoftheSeaWolfandwerewaitingfortheiropportunitytostrike–anopportunitythatcamequicklywhentheirshipabruptlystopped,wedgingitselfbetweenthesternoftheHammerofFjorlanandtheportsideofoneoftheattackers.Herbattle-brothersroaredoutchallengesandfloodedfromtheirshipontotherearofthehighthain’s

vessel,joiningthefightalongsidethemenofFredericksand.

Theothershipsthathadjoinedthemwereengagedagainsttheencirclingvesselsandaconfusingmeleeensued.Nomoreflamingcaskswerebeingfiredandthetreacheryhadcomedowntosteelagainststeel.

‘Halla,covertherear.’ThecommandcamefromWulfrickashebarrelledtwo

attackersoverthesideandintothewater.

Sherespondedbyswingingherselfintothemidstofagroupofattackersandshoutingabattlecry.ThemenofJarviklookedsurprisedforasecondandshedidn’tgivethemachancetorecoverasheraxemovedquickly,beheadingthenearestmanandcleavingthroughintothechestofanother.Borrinwaswithher

and,shoutinginsultsattheRulagUrsa’smen,hebegantohackatlimbsandbodies.Hermenwerewhippedupintoabattleragebyheractionsandshefeltprideastheythrewthemselvesattheattackers,caringlittlefortheirownsurvival.TheirferocityhadstolenamarchonRulag’sbattle-brothersandshethoughttheymightjuststandachance.

RulagUrsacouldnotbeseen,thoughJalek,hisaxe-master,wasleadingthemainassaultandHallasawhimkillingmenofFredericksanddeftlyandwithskill,showingthathewasaformidableopponent.SheparriedanincomingblowandquicklykickedtheattackeroverboardasshemovedthroughthefraytoreachAlgenon.Borrinremainedbehindher,coveringanyattempttostrike

atherandhelpingclearthewayformoreofherwarriorstojointhefight.

Itwasimpossibletotellhowtheywerefaringas,ineverydirection,allshecouldseewasRanenkillingRanen,inaseriesofbrutalandoftendesperateencounters.ThemenofFredericksandweresurroundednowandonlyAlgenonandWulfrickpreventedthemfrombeingoverwhelmed.

Anothervolleyofthrowing-axeswaslaunchedfromashipofJarvikandmoreofthehighthain’smenfellontothewidewoodendeck.

‘Mylifewillnotbegiveneasily,yousonsofwhores,’roaredAlgenonTeardropasheengagedthreemen,killingtwoquicklyandthenslicingthethirdalmostcompletelyintwo,splatteringbloodoverhisface.

Hallahadneverseenhimfightbeforeandhisreputationhadbeenthatofamanwhowouldgenerallyavoidviolence,butnowheappearedasdangerousamanastheaxe-maidenhadeverseen.

‘Andminewon’tbegivenatall,’shoutedWulfrick,nowstandingbacktobackwithhisthain.

HallaandBorrinweretryingtocuttheirway

throughtojoinAlgenonandWulfrick,butthesheernumbersofmenintheirwayslowedthemconsiderably.MoreaxeskilledallbutahandfuloftheHammerofFjorlan’screwandHalla’smennowoutnumberedAlgenon’s.

TheRanenwhohadjoinedHalla’schargewerebusyfightingonthedecksoftheirownships,preventingthebetrayersfromreachingthe

highthain,andtheireffortswerecausinggenuineconcerntoRulagUrsa’smen–menwhonowrealizedtheymightnotbeabletowin.

Jalek,theaxe-masterofJarvik,barkedoutanordertoagroupofmentodealwithHalla’sapproachingwarriors,beforemovingtoengageWulfrickhimself.Eyesturnedtoseetheweaponsofthetwoaxe-mastersclashandthesoundwasdeafening.

Bothwerehugemenandbothwerefightingfortheirlives,thoughWulfrickwasthemorefearsomeopponentandJalekwastakenabackbyhisferocity.

Halla,Borrinandtheirbattle-brothersmovedforwardinawedgeshape,hackingattheswarmofRulag’smen.MoreaxeswerethrownandseveralofthemenofTiergartenfell,andBorrintookasolidblowto

theback.Theaxe-masterwenttohisknees,butmotionedforHallatocontinueashewincedwithpainandpulledhimselfbacktohisfeet.

WulfrickhadpushedJalekbacktotherailingoftheshipand,withashoutofdefiance,heraisedhisaxehighoverheadandcleavedintheotherman’sskull.MenofJarvikroaredinangeratthebloodiedmessthatusedtobe

theiraxe-masterandthefightbecameevenmorebrutal.Nowitwasdeeplypersonalonbothsides.

ThenAlgenonjumpedatopanearbycrateandgrowledoutoverthemelee,‘IamAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson,highthainoftheRanen,andInameyoutraitorsandcowards.’Hewasclearlyinjured,withbloodseepingoutfromunderhis

cloakandacutvisibleacrosshischest.

AnansweringroarofagreementsoundedfromtheloyalmenaboardtheHammerofFjorlan,andashoutofdefiancecamebackfromtheattackers.Hallajoinedinasshekilledanotherman,beginningtolosetrackofthedeadaroundher.Borrinhaddisappearedintothescrumofbodiesandshe

hopedhewouldfindawaytostayalive.

Wulfrickwasred-eyedandfoamcouldbeseenatthecornersofhismouth,hisaxemovingindeadlycircles,killingmenbythethreeandfour,notwaitingtofightindividuals.SlowlytheattackerswerepushedbackuntilthemajorityofRanenaboardtheshipweredefenders,mostlybattle-brothersofTiergarten.

Thenadistanthornsounded.Thenoisewasdeepandrumbledupfromrockandearth,cuttingthroughthefighttobeheardoversteelbitingfleshandmenscreamingchallenges.Almostinstantly,thetraitorousmenofJarvikbegantowithdraw,turningbacktotheirownshipsandfleeingfromthedefenders.ThedragonshipsoftheDeepCrossthathadjoinedthefighthadcleared

oneoftheattackingships,andanotherwaslosttoafloodofloyalwarriors,butfourofRulag’sshipsquicklydisengagedinaplannedmanoeuvre.

ThesoundofthehornstoppedanycelebratorycheeringfromAlgenon’sshipandthehundredorsowarriorswhoremainedontheHammerofFjorlanfelldeathlysilent.EvenWulfrickjuststood,blood-coveredand

panting,withnoinsultsorshoutstoseeofftheattackers.

AlgenonsteppeddownfromthecratetostandwithhismenasHalla’sbattle-brothersmingledwiththethain’s.‘Goodtoseeyou,SummerWolf,’hesaidquietly.‘Doyouknowwhatthatsoundis?’Sweatwaspouringdownhisfaceandhehadalookofintensepaininhiseyes.

SheglancedatWulfrickwho,forthefirsttimesinceshe’dmethim,lookedafraid.Thehugeaxe-masterofFredericksandhadfrequentlysaidhefearednothingthatcouldbekilledwithhisaxe,andHallabegantofeelherowndreadrising.

‘That’sthehornofthedeep,’Algenonalmostwhispered.‘RulagistryingtowaketheKrakens.’

Halla’sbreathingspeededupandshelookedacrossthedeck.BehindherlaythebodyofBorrinIronBeard,facedown.Anaxewasburiedinhisbackandhisbrowneyeswerestrangelypeaceful.

Wulfrickdartedbackacrossthedeckandlookedupatthebrokensail.Theshipcouldnotmoveandthevesselsarounditwereinnoconditiontomakeway,withhundredsofmendeadand

morethanoneoftheshipsslowingsinking.

‘Halla,willtheSeaWolfsail?’Wulfrickasked.

Severalofhermenhadsatdownheavilywhenthefighthadendedandshesawthelightleavingtheireyesastheadrenalinofbattleleftthem.OneofthemnoddedatWulfrick’squestion.

‘She’ssplintered,butwhole,mylord.’

‘Getasmanyascanbesavedtoyourship.Doitnow.’HemovedquicklytoAlgenon,whowasleaningagainsttherailingofhisship.

Hallawasgladoftheobscuringfogassheorderedhermen,‘Getthewoundedover,anyonethatstillbreathes.’

HerhelmsmantookoverfromBorrinandallofAlgenon’smenjoinedin,movingmentoowoundedto

walkandthosestandinginshockamidsttheirdeadbattle-brothers.Deathhadastrangeeffectonthewarriorsandthebloodiedfleshandbonedisquietedthemevenastheypreparedtheirescape.

MenfromtheothershipsbeganthrowingropesacrosstotheSeaWolfandleavingtheirownstrickenvessels.WarriorsoftheDeepCross,Hammerfall,FredericksandandTiergartenmovedin

groupstothebenchesofHalla’sship.Theoarswerestillintactandtheysatquicklyandstowedtheirweapons.

Thesoundofthehorntrailedoffandsilenceonceagaincameoverthefog-shroudedseachannel.HallamovedtojoinWulfrickinassistingAlgenonandthethreeofthemwerethelasttoleavetheHammerofFjorlan.

‘I’msorryIhadtokillyourfather,’thehighthainsaidweakly.‘Hedeservedbetter.’

‘Later,mylord,later…weneedtoleave…now,’shereplied,aslightpanicsoundinginhervoice.

HerarmwasroundAlgenon’swaistandshecouldfeelthewetnessofbloodflowingdownhisback.Hewasstrong,butshecouldtellhewasbadlyhurt,and

Wulfrick’stightjawandgrimexpressionshowedthathe,too,thoughtthethainwouldnotsurvive.

AlittlemorethantwohundredwarriorshadsurvivedthebattleandtheSeaWolfwasfulltoburstingasWulfrickplacedAlgenondownonthedeckandstoodfacingthecrew.

‘We’restillalive,boys,nodrinkingwiththeIceGiantforus.’Thewordswere

boisterousandHallaenviedhimhiscommandingpresence,butfearremainedinhiseyes.‘Now,rowforallyou’reworth.’

Algenon’seyeswerebeginningtocloseastheloyalmenofFjorlanextendedtheoarsandheavedaway.Hallacroucheddownnexttothedyingthainandraisedhischinthebettertolookathim.

‘Youdidwell,Halla,’hesaid,registeringherpresence.

‘Maybeitistimeforathainessafterall.’HewassmilingandHallathoughthenolongerfeltthepainofhiswounds.‘StayclosetoWulfrick.Ifthere’sawaytosurvive,he’llfindit.’

‘Aretherenopriestsamongyourmen?’sheasked,withanoteofdesperationinhervoice.

‘Therewere,buttheywerethefirstkilled.Iamspent,Halla…nopriests,no

healing,notomorrow.’Thelastwordstrailedoffashiseyelidsdroopedagain.

WulfrickcametojoinHallanexttothedyingthain.TheSeaWolfbegantomoveawayfromtheHammerofFjorlanastheaxe-masterfirmlygraspedthehandofhislord.

‘We’restillalive,Algenon,’hesaidgently.

‘Speakforyourself,’thethainrepliedwithapained

chuckle.‘Iamleakingalloveryourship,Halla.Ideeplyapologize.’

ThepoolofbloodwasspreadingfromAlgenon’sbackandhisskinwaspaleandhiseyesdark.Wulfrick’sjawwastightandthehugeaxe-master’sknuckleswereturningwhiteashegrippedAlgenon’shand.

‘Idon’tknowwhattodo,’hesaid,withtearsappearinginhiseyes.‘Ialwaysknow

whattodo…’Hallathoughthewaswaveringontheedgeofdespairashelookedatthedyingman.‘I’veletatraitorkillyou.MyhonouristiedtoyoursandI’veletyoudie.’

Algenon’seyeswidenedandheturnedtowardshisaxe-master.GrabbinghisshouldershepulledhimselfuptolookintoWulfrick’seyes.‘Youaremybattle-brotherandmyfriend.Youarestrongandyouremainso.

Tellmyson…’Hesplutteredasbloodappearedatthecornersofhismouth.‘TellAlahan…torulewell…and…tokeephisaxesharp.Keephimalive,Wulfrick…keephimalive.’Hisvoicetrailedoffandhisheadrockedlimplyforwards.Hallawaitedformorewords,butnonecameandAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson,highthainofFjorlan,wasdead.

Wulfrickdidn’tmovefromAlgenon’ssideandsatwithhisheadbowed,mouthingasilentprayeroverthefallenthain.

‘MyLordWulfrick.’ThewordscamefromRexelFallingCloud,anaxe-masterofHammerfallwhohadapproachedthepositionwheretheysat.‘Wearebuttwohundredmenandnothainhassurvived.Whatdo

wedo?’Therewasanoteofdesperationinhisvoice.

Wulfrickignoredhimandcontinuedhisprayer,hiseyesclosed.HallatookadeepbreathandstoodtofaceFallingCloud.

‘Werowforthecoastasswiftlyasourbackswillallow,’shesaidinacommandingvoice.

FallingCloudlookedasifheweregoingtoobjecttoHalla’simpertinence,but,

afteramomentarypause,hesalutedherbysmackinghisfistonhischainmail.‘Youareabravewoman,one-eye…youfoughtwhenyoushouldhaverun.’Henoddedhisheadinapproval.

HallaletthenameslideandsteppedpastFallingCloudtolookatthefrightenedfacescrammedintohership.

‘Rexel,’shesaidoverhershoulder,‘checkhowmany

axe-masterswehaveandorganizethesemenproperly,strongmentotherearandaxe-mentothefore.’

RexelFallingCloudsteppednexttoherandsaid,‘You’veastomachofiron,SummerWolf,butyourwordsarewise.Itshallbeasyousay.’

Hemovedquicklybetweenthelinesofbenches,barkingoutordersattherabbleofmentryingtorow.

Afewaxe-mastersfromminortownsintheDeepCrossandHammerfallidentifiedthemselvesandwerequicklysenttoHallaforinstructions.Noneofthemarguedatbeingorderedaroundbyawoman,asthenameofSummerWolfmadehertheseniorwarrioraboardtheship.EvenWulfrickwasmerelyanaxe-masterwithnoclaimtoleadershiponceoutofFredericksand,whereas

Hallawastheonlychildofadeceasedthainandherlineagewassufficienttomakethesemenlistentoher.Itwaspossiblethatthainshadsurvivedonotherships,orhadfoundawaytoescapenorth,butthesurvivorsoftheHammerofFjorlannumberednolordsamongthem.

‘TheSeaWolfisoverburdenedandcannotmoveswiftly,thereforewemustreadyourselvesfor

furtherattack,’shesaidtotheassembledaxe-masters.NoonementionedtheKrakens,butallknewtheywerewhatshewasreferringto.

‘Whatofthebetrayer?’askedRexelangrily.

‘TimetohuntdownRulagUrsaisaluxurywedonothave,FallingCloud.Hisdaywillcome.Fornowwemustfocusonkeepingourselvesandourmenalive.’

Hallawastryingnottothinktoodeeply,buttoletherinstinctcometothefore.Sheknewwhattodo,buthadalwaysbeenafraidofdoingitforfearofappearinginadequate.However,asshelookedintothethickfogaroundhershipandsawnosignoflandorofotherships,sheknewthatsomeonehadtotakecharge,andWulfrickwasstillsilentlyprayingoverAlgenon’sbody.Borrinwas

deadandcouldnolongerlendhisvoicetoherinstructions,leavingheraloneandincommand.

‘Thosebenchesareovercrowded.Nomorethanfourmentoanoar.Seetoitatonce,’shesaidtoaminoraxe-master,whoinstantlymovedtocarryoutherorders.

‘You,’shepointedtoamanoftheDeepCross,‘seta

faststrokeatthefore,enoughtogetusmovingquickly.’

‘Rexel,makeacheckofweaponsandarmour…andmovetheinjuredaft.’

‘Atonce,mylady,’FallingCloudrepliedformally.

Hallawasgladofhisassistanceasitencouragedthelesseraxe-masterstocomplywithherorderswithequalalacrity,andwithinafewminutessomesemblance

oforderwasrestored.Halladidn’twanttoadmitthatordersandactivitywerewaystodistractthemenfromthoughtsofthehornofthedeepandtheblind,mindlessKrakensoftheFjorlanSea.

AstheSeaWolfbegantopickupspeedandtomoveinthedirectionofKalall’sDeep,HallaturnedherattentionbacktoWulfrick.Theaxe-masterofFredericksandwassitting

nexttohislord’sbodywithalookofdespaironhisface.Hallaofferedhimherhand.

‘Wouldyoulikeassistanceinstandingup,MasterWulfrick?’sheasked.

Heslowlycasthiseyesupwardstoglareather.‘Icanstand,’hesaidsoftly,pullinghimselfup,leaningonhishugeaxe.‘Youseemtohavefoundyourballs,youngHalla.’Therewaslittle

humourinhiswords,however.

‘ShouldIbeinsultedatyourcomparingmetoaman?’sheasked,withasimilarabsenceofhumour.

‘Don’ttakeitpersonally.You’vedonewell.’Wulfricknoddedwithtacitapproval,composinghimself.‘Howfarfromlandwouldyousayweare?’

‘That’snottheimportantquestion,Wulfrick.The

importantquestionishowfarfromalandingarewe…wesawcliffsoneithersideaswecameintothechannel.TherewasnolowgroundorbeachthatIcouldsee.’

BeforeWulfrickcouldsayanythingmoreasoundwasheardfrombehindtheSeaWolf.Itstartedasalowrumble,accompaniedbyrushingwater,andbegantoriseinpitchtosomethingakintoathroatywhine,

echoingthroughthefog.Thesailorspausedintheirrowing,andthesoundfeltlouderwithoutthenoiseofoarsbreakingthewater.

‘Whotoldyoutostopfuckingrowing?’roaredWulfrick,instantlymakingeverymanresumehisduty.

ThesoundofdisplacedwatercontinuedfrombehindtheSeaWolfandHallapeeredintothefoglookingforsignsofpursuit.Shegaspedasa

shapedartedacrossherfieldofvision,appearinganddisappearingwithinasecond,thefogrenderingthemovementindistinct.Thencameanothersound,deeperandmoreresounding–itseemedtobecomingfromallaroundtheshipandthehuddledmenofRanenlookedclosetopanicasFallingCloudranamongthem,slappingbacksandurgingthemtocontinuerowing.

Hallafeltherbreathingquickenasshestaredintothefogbehindthevessel.Aroarsoundedfromsomewhere,aterrifyingsoundthatnohumanmouthcouldmake,growingfromagrumblingmurmurtoaprimalsoundofanger.

WulfrickhadalookofsterndefianceonhisfaceashecametostandnexttoHalla.‘Rowanocosaveus,’hesaid,asbothofthemsawa

hugeshaperearupintothefogbehindthem.

Theshapewastallerbyhalfthanthemastoftheshipandwiderthanthebanksofoars.Hallawasthankfulfortheobscuringfog,butthesoundpenetrateddeeplyintothemindsofalltheRanen–asoundthatnonecouldignoreandnonewouldforget.Itwasagrowl,asifabeasthadbeenawokenfromitsslumber,anditcontinuedtogrowlouder

andlouderuntilasinglegreenishtentacle,thesizeofabroadtreetrunk,swungsharplydownwards,smashingintotherearoftheSeaWolf,feetfromwhereHallaandWulfrickwerestanding.

Shoutseruptedfromtheoarsmen.WulfrickcontinuedtomouthprayerstoRowanocoashepulledHallaagainsttherailingandawayfromthesplintereddeckwheretheKrakenhadstruck.

‘Rowforallyou’reworth,youtroll-fuckers…rowforFjorlan…forRanenandforAlgenon…’Wulfrickwaswide-eyed,buthewasthinkingclearly.

TheybothleantovertherearoftheSeaWolftolookattheimmenseblackshapeundulatingandwrithingwithinthedensefog.

Thenamomentarybreakinthemistgavethemaglimpseofthecreature.Allat

onceandwholetheysawtheKrakenthatpursuedthem.Itwaslargerthananyshipandrose,asacolumnofflesh,upfromtheoceantomovequicklyforwardsbyanunseenmeansoflocomotion.Itappeared,toHalla’seyes,tohaveonlyavaguephysicalformandtocompriseapulpymassofgreenish-blackooze,withgummy,toothlessmouthsandsicklygreententaclesappearingand

disappearingwithinitsgelatinousbody.Theoarsmen,allofwhomwerelookingback,screamedinabjecthorrorastheKrakenroared.Severalmenlosttheirsensesuponseeingthebeastanddivedoverboardtotheirdeathsinthefreezingwater.Severalmoreclaspedtheirhandstotheirheadsandscreamedasifthebeasthadenteredtheirminds.

HallaturnedawayandpulledWulfrickdownafterher.Theysat,theirbackstotherailing,lookingattwohundredRanensailorswithmadnessintheireyes.

‘Don’tlookatit,’shoutedWulfrick,buthiswordswerelargelyuselessasthemenwereunabletoteartheireyesfromthehorrorthatpursuedthem.

FallingCloudwasstandinginthemiddleofthe

deck,followingtheerraticmovementsoftheKrakenuntilthefogoncemorebegantoengulfthecreature.WhetheritwasIthqasorAqas,Halladidn’tknow,butwhicheveroftheblind,mindlessKrakenschasedthem,itwasfarremovedfromthestoriesshe’dbeentoldasachild.Therewasnothingexcitingorawe-inspiringaboutthebeast,onlyprimalterror.

Thenanothersoundarosefrominfrontoftheshipandtwohugetentacles,drippingwithblackslime,slammedontothedeckandsentadozenormoreRanenintothewater.ThesecondKrakenwasinfrontofthemandtheSeaWolfwasswiftlymovingtowardsitsdestructionbetweenthetwomindlessbeasts.Theshipwasholedandwaterbegantoshootup

inaplumefromthemiddleofthedeck.

HallaheldtightlyontoWulfrickandtheylookeddeepintoeachother’seyesastheshipbegantolistandthesoundofsplinteredwoodsignalledthattheSeaWolfwasstricken.

ShewasgladthefoghidtheapproachoftheKrakensasWulfrickroughlygrabbedherandjumpedoverboard,holdingherinhisarms.She

felttheicywaterfillhermouthandpullthebreathfromherlungsbeforesheblackedout.

***

Hallaawokeslowly.Hersingleeyeopenedbydegreesandshesawabright,glaringsky.Shewasnumbwithcoldandcouldfeelnothingbelowherneckassheblinked

quicklyandturnedherhead.Shelayonarockybeachwithsnowanddriftwoodallaroundher,herlegsrestingwithintheslowlyrollingwashofthesea.Itmusthavebeenfreezingcoldbutshecouldbarelyfeelit,andherbreathingwasshallowandcausedagratingsensationinherthroat.Hallacouldhearmoaningandthesoundsofdiscomfortcomingfromnearby.Onbothsidesofher

wereothersurvivorsofthedragonfleet,washeduponaruggedcoastsomewhereinthesouthlandsofRanen.

Therewasnolongeranyfogandshecouldseeacrossthelow,featurelessexpanseoftheocean,wheretherewasnolandmarkinview.Shebegantomoveslowly,firstherfingersandthenherhands,graduallyflexingherarmstorelievethestiffness.Shereachedtoherhipand

wasgratifiedtofeelthatheraxewasstillatherside.Withenormouseffortsheplacedbothhandsontherockygroundandpushedherselfupintoaseatedposition.

Afreshbreezehitherfaceandsheclosedhereyeandbreathedindeeplybeforeopeningitandlookingaround.Therockycoaststretchedasfarasshecouldseeinbothdirections,andalongthelengthofthebeach

laysmashedwoodandbrokenbodies.Axe-heads,rippedchainmail,planksofwoodwithsplinterededgesand,neartowhereHallalay,shecouldseethehugefigureofWulfricklyingspreadeagledacrosstherocks,stilladornedinhissmellytroll-hidearmour.Justpastthemotionlessaxe-masterofFredericksand,Hallacouldseeseveralbattle-brothersofTiergarten,her

menfromthedestroyedSeaWolf.Someweremoving,butmostweremangledintogrotesqueshapesandclearlydead.Moreworryingwerethosewhowerealivebutwhosatstaringblanklyouttoseawithderangedandbloodshoteyes.Thesightoftheblind,mindlessKrakenshadrobbedmanyofhermenoftheirsanity,andHallawasthankfulthatsheatleastfeltclear-headed.

FallingCloudwassittinguprightseveralfeetaway,withhisheadinhishands.Hewasshiveringviolentlyandlookedtohavealargewoodensplinterstuckthroughhisshin.ThemanwasunawareofthewoundandHallahopedhismindhadbeenstrongenoughtoweatherthesightoftheKrakens.

‘RexelFallingCloud,axe-masterofHammerfall,’she

calledout,spittingoutsaltwaterasshedidso.

Helookeduphesitantly,andHallasawtearsfrozenonhischeeksandhiseyesreddenedandhalfclosed.Herubbedhisfaceandturnedtotheaxe-maiden.

‘My…lady,’herespondedwithweariness.‘Iamalive.Iamalive.’

‘Yes,youarealive,andIneedyourhelp,’shesaidloudly,beforepointing

weaklytohiswound.‘Thatneedsseeingto.’

FallingCloudlookeddownandregisteredthewoundforthefirsttime.‘Yes,thoughitdoesn’thurt,’hesaid.‘Thewateriscold,butithasstoppedthebleeding.’Hiseyeshadafarawaylook,butHallawasgladtoseehecouldstillthinkclearly.

‘Weneedtoseewhoisaliveandwhoisdead,and

whereinthenameofRowanocowe’veendedup.’Shecranedherneckroundtolookinland.

Thecoastlinewasrockyforawayupthebeachandendedinaseriesoflowcliffs,toppedwithsnow-coveredtrees.

‘IsthisHammerfall?’sheaskedtheaxe-master.

‘No,mylady,there’dbemoresnow.We’refurthersouth,’hereplied,shakinghis

headandtryingtogethisbearings.‘AndtherearenocliffslikethatonSamnia,sowe’reonthemainlandsomewhere.’

Menlyingontherocksaroundthemnowregisteredtheconversationandafewofthemsatup,wincinginpainastheybecameawareoftheirwoundsthroughthecold.

‘I’mfreezingmyfuckingballsoff…andwhere’smy

fuckingaxe?’shoutedWulfrick,withoutmoving.

‘MasterWulfrick.Stillalive,Isee,’respondedHallawithagratifiedsmile.

Thehugeaxe-masterofFredericksandturnedhisheadandsaidclearly,‘SomeonetellmewhereIamandwhereisthepersonIshouldbekilling.’

FallingCloudletaslightlaughescapehislipsandforamomenthisheadfeltclearer.

‘Ithinkwe’resouthofHammerfall,maybeonthecoastofWraithland.’

‘Andmyaxe?’Wulfrickasked,stillnotmovinghisenormousbodyfromtherocks.

‘MasterWulfrick,youraxeisnotcurrentlyofprimaryimportance.Pleasepullyourselftogether,’Hallaresponded,makingnoparticularefforttobegentle.

Helookedhurtforamomentandswungroundtositup,facingFallingCloudandtheaxe-maiden.‘I’mtogether.Ittakesmorethanafewtentaclestogetthebetterofme.’

***

BarelytwohundredoftheRanenhadsurvivedtheinitialattack,theKrakensandthe

subsequentshipwreck.Morehadperhapswasheduponothercoasts,orhadmanagedtofleebeforethehornwasblown,butHallatriednottothinkaboutthem.Thesituationcouldnotbechangedbyhopingforathainortwotoappearoverthehills,andsheknewthatifnonedid,shewasincharge.Mostofthosewhohadgatheredonthebeachhadbeenwashedashorefrom

othershipsandhadnothadtowitnesstheKrakens–thoughthemaintopicofconversationwhilethemenofFjorlanwerecarryingouttheordersHallagavethemwasoftentaclesandterror.Ofherownmenfewerthantwentywerestillalive,andshefoundherselfgivingorderstomenfromFredericksand,HammerfallandtheDeepCross.

FallingCloud’sinjurywasnotbadandhefashionedarudimentarysplintthatenabledhimtowalkacrosstherockswithrelativeease.Hallathoughthimquieterandmoresolemnthanhehadbeen,butatleasthewasbeinghelpfulashemovedamongthebodieslookingforsurvivors.Wulfrickdidn’tmovemorethanafewfeetfromwherehe’dwashedupandremaineddeepinthought

forsometimebeforehejoinedtherest.

Hallaissuedmanyorderstothebattle-brothersaroundheranddidn’tgivemorethanacursoryacknowledgementwhentheywerecarriedout.Thenshejustfoundotherthingsforthementodo,andtheyseemedhappyenoughtobemovingwithpurpose.Aroughshelterwasfashionedtoprotectagainstthecoldwind,thebodieswere

assembledinseveralpyres,andshesentmentoscoutfurtherinland.Thevariousinjurieswerebeingtendedto,buteveryfewminutesHallaheardanotherdyingRanenofferafinalprayertoRowanoco.

AdozenormoreRanenhadlosttheirmindsatthesightoftheKrakensandtheysatinaroughcircle,justinsidethewash.Noneofthemhadspokenandthey

hadignorednumerousshoutsfromtheothers.Hallahaddecidedtoleavethembefornow;iftheycouldn’tberousedwhenthetimecametomove,she’dcountthemamongthelost.

Thehourspassedquicklyandnowthesunwasbeginningtofallinthesky,causingthetemperaturetodropsharply.ClosetoahundredshiveringRanenhuddledintheshellofahull,

draggedfurtherinlandandproppeduptoformarudimentarywindbreak.Othersmallgroupsofsurvivorsweresimilarlyshelteredalongthebeach.ThebodyofAlgenonTeardrophadnotbeenfoundandWulfrickwaswanderingthesurflookingforhislord,refusingcallstocomeoutoftheweatherandwarmhimselfbythelargefirethey

hadnowmanagedtolightwithintheshelter.

OneofthefewmenofFredericksandtohavesurvivedwasOleffHardHead,anoldchain-masterfromAlgenon’sdungeon,andhe’dbeengiventhetaskofscoutingfurtherinland.Theoldaxe-manwasgruffandsurlywhenhereturnedtotheshelterafterseveralhoursofexploring.

‘Tellussomegoodnews,Oleff,’saidFallingCloudwhileheadjustedhislegbrace.

HardHeadnestledasclosetothefireashecouldandrubbedhisredhandstogethervigorously.ThenhelookedupatHallaandsmiledthinly.

‘MyLadySummerWolf,itseemswearesouthoftheDeepCross.Icanjustaboutseethemountainstothenorth

and,ifmygeographyisright,we’reintherealmofWraith.’

Afewofthemensmiled,afewmorelaughedwithrelief,andHallanoddedatOleff.

‘Good,we’llmoveinlandtomorrowandsetupcampoverthecliffs.Thewoundedneedtimetorecoverordie,and,’shegesturedacrosstothemenwhohadlosttheirminds,‘theyneedtimeto…Idon’tknow,butI’mnot

preparedtogiveuponthemjustyet.’

Halladidn’tknowifitwasthepredicamenttheyfoundthemselvesin,butthemenofFjorlanhadnotoncequestionedherordersorshownanysignofdoubtthatshewasincharge.EvenWulfrickhadnotmadeanymovetowardstakingover,andsoHallaSummerWolfsteeledherselfformoredaysofkeepingthesementogether

andalive.ShehadnorealplanbeyondthatbutentertainedavaguenotionofreachingtheruinsofRoHail,makingcontactwithWraithCompany,andfindingawaynorthtoseewhatRulagUrsahaddoneinAlgenon’sabsence.

Maybefourdays,oraweekatthemost,wouldbeneededtohealtheirinjuriesandpreparethementomoveasaunit.Hallalooked

silentlyoverthefacesofhernewsubordinatesandbeganassessingwhowouldmakeappropriatelieutenantsintheweekstocome,astheymadetheirwaynorth.

RexelFallingCloudwasagoodmanandalreadyanaxe-master,sohe’dbeaninvaluableadviser.WulfrickwouldtakewhateverpositionhedeemednecessaryandHallawasawareoftheneedtobecarefulwhenordering

himaround.Hehad,afterall,beenthehighthain’sclosestallyandwasthemightiestwarriorofthemall.OleffHardHeadwasaseniormanofFredericksandandwouldbeagoodandknowledgeablepresenceatherside.Theotherswouldhavetowaitfortheresultsofhersilentassessment.

‘Getsomesleep,gentlemen,’shesaidthrough

ayawn.‘Tomorrowwemoveinland.’

CHAPTER5

SAARATHEMISTRESSOF

PAININTHECITYOFROWEIR

SaaracradledtheRanencloudstonegentlyinher

handsandpeeredthroughitintotheeyesofRulagUrsa,battlelordofJarvik,thetraitorouswarriorcommunicatingwithherfromhalfaworldaway.

‘IneedyourassurancethatAlgenonTeardropisdead,’sheaskedtheindistinctimagethatappearedinthestone.

‘WehavewokentheKrakens,witch,’hesaidangrily,‘anddon’tmakethe

mistakeoftalkingtomelikeyourservant.’

‘Imeantnooffence.Ijustneedtoknowthattheservicewehavepaidforhasbeencarriedout,’repliedSaara,filingawaytheinsultforfuturerepayment.

‘You’vepaidfor?IamtobehighthainofFjorlan.Thisisnotsomefuckingbusinessdeal.Rowanocoonlyvaluesstrength,andIamthestrongest.’

TheRanenwasawormofaman,buthewasanecessarytoolindealingwiththeexemplarofRowanocoandSaaraknewthathecouldbeeasilymanipulatedwithpromisesofpower.

‘Pleaseanswerthequestion,myLordUrsa.It’sasmuchinyourinterestasminetoseeTeardropdead.’Saaratriedtosoundpatientandrelaxed,thoughintruth

shefeltnothingbutdisgustfortheFjorlander.

‘He’sdonefor.Mostofhismenareinpiecesandthelastanyonesawhetookanaxetohisbackandwasbleedingoutoverthedeck.IthqasandAqasdidtherest…ifahundredmenmadeittoshore,I’dbefuckingsurprised.’Rulagwasdecidedlypleasedthathehadmassacredhundredsofhisownpeople,andSaarafelta

momentofpityforthosewhowouldhavetoliveunderhistyrannicalrule.

‘Verywell,’sherepliedmeekly,‘youmayproceedwithyourplan.CommunicatewithmeagainwhenFredericksandisinyourcharge.’Saarawaitedforaninsult,butnonecameandsheguessedRulagwasbusythinkingabouthisimpendingelevationtothepositionofhighthain.

ThecloudstonefadedintomistyblackandRulagwasgone.Saarasmiledtoherselfandtookamomenttoappreciatethefloweringofherplan.Algenonwasnolongerathreatandthedragonfleethadbeenneutralized.TheinvasionoftheFreelandscouldnowtakeplacewithminimalresistance,andtheSevenSisterswouldsoonbeabletokillthefewremainingold-bloodsandbringthe

worshipoftheDeadGodtoallthelandsofmen.

Shereplacedthecloudstonewithinherrobesandleftthebuildingwhereshehadpaidforaroom–anunremarkabletavern,chosensimplysoshecouldbealonewhileshespokewithRulag.She’dslippedawayfromthetenthousandHoundsthathadtravelledwithherandshehadanumberofthingsthatrequiredherattention.Most

importantly,thedealstruckbetweentheSevenSisters,SirHallamPevainandRulagUrsahadbeensuccessful.NowshehadfurtherbusinessintheoldtownofWeir.FromwithinhercloakSaararetrievedasmallpieceofpaperwithhastilydrawndirectionsscrawledonit.

Outside,thestreetsofRoWeirwerequietanddark.Buildingsloomedinwardsoverthecobbles.Saarawas

usedtothewideboulevardsandairycourtyardsofKessiaandfoundtheclaustrophobicbackstreetsofWeiranunwelcomecontrast.Shehadbeenhereforseveraldaysnow,implementingthecity’soccupationbyherpackofHounds.DukeLyam,theoldnoblenominallyincharge,hadaweakermindthanshewasusedtoandSaarafoundshehadtobegentlewithhimsoasnottoturnhimintoa

gibberingmess,incapableofsigningthedecreessherequired.

MasterTurve,thewhip-masteroftheHounds,hadtakencommandofthecity’smusterfieldandwasmakinguseofthebarrackspreviouslyoccupiedbytheknightsoftheRed,whowerenowaccompanyingthekingintotheFreelandsofRanen.Turvewasusingthecitywatchmantoimplementa

low-keymartiallaw,designedtokeepthecitizenscalmandundercontrolwhileSaaramadesurethetransitionwentsmoothlyandwithlittledisruption.DukeLyamhadpledgedhisandtheking’ssupportfortheenchantress’sdesignsand,withafewkeypeopleinafewkeyplaces,SaarawashappywiththewayRoWeirwascomingunderhercharge.ThehugepopulationofKirincriminals

andKaresianmerchantsinWeirhadmadeSaarasmile,forsherealizedthathertaskwashalfcompletedbeforesheevenarrived.ThiswasnotRoTiris,andthesecitizensofTorFunweirwereaccustomedtosharingtheirstreetswithnon-Ro.

Officially,KingSebastianTirishadagreedatreatyofmutualcooperationwiththeSevenSisters.Inreality,hehadcomeunderthethrallof

firstKatjaandnowAmeira,andthefewdissentingvoiceshadfallensilentforfearofbeingaccusedoftreasontothecrown.

Allthingsconsidered,theplanwasproceedingatapace.SaaradoubtedthatanyonecouldnowstoptheSevenSistersfromsucceeding.BythetimetheFreelandsweresubdued,theDeadGodwouldvirtuallyhavewontheLongWar,

supplantingthemurderousGiantswhohadstolenhispowersolongago.Saarahadevenbeguntohopethatfreshworshipfromthelandsofmenwouldreturntheirbenefactortohisrightfulplaceastheonlypermissiblegod–wouldbreathefreshlifeintothelostgodofpleasureandbloodwithathousandyoung.

Saarawassmilingcontentedlytoherselfasshe

proceededdownanotherdarkstreetandenteredtheslumareacalledtheKirinTor,aplacebuiltspecificallytohousethenumerousitinerantKirinwhomadetheirhomeinRoWeir.Shewaswalkingalonethroughthemidnightalleywayswithherblackcloakpulledtightlyaroundhershoulderstoguardagainstanyonewhomightrecognizeher,andshesilentlylamentedthelossofherbodyslave.

Zeldantorhadbeenpleasantcompanyintheyearsthey’dbeentogetherand,althoughhissacrificehadbeennecessarybothtoappeasetheDarkYoungandtoprotecttheSevenSistersfromthewrathofZeldantor’sfather,shemissedhisconstantpresenceatherside.Evennow,asshepassedthegloomysidestreetsanddirtyalleyways,shelongedforhisupbeatcommentaryonevents

andhisunwaveringloyalty.Hisfatherhadbeenresponsibleforhisdeath,andSaaraconsoledherselfwiththeknowledgethatRhamJasRamiwouldnowbepowerlesstostrikeattheSevenSisters.

Shestoppedatacrossroadsandcheckedthedirectionsshe’dbeengiven.Toherleft,severalrainbowjunkieslookedatherthroughredeyes–Kirinmenwith

dirtyfacesandfewpossessionsstandingaroundapoorlyconstructedhut.Furtheraheadwereanumberofstonebuildingsnestledamongrudimentaryhomesmadeofwoodandscavengedmetal.HerdirectionshadbeengivenherbyaRothiefwho’dbeenspyingonanoldbooksellerforher,andsheguessedhe’dnotbeenpayingmuchattentionwhenhewrotethemdown,sincethey

didnotappeartocorrespondwiththeactualstreets–althoughthepossibilityalsoexistedthatthesemakeshiftbuildingswouldmovearoundfromtimetotime.

SaarapulledherhoodupthebettertoobscureherfaceassheapproachedtheKirinjunkies.‘Iseekabookseller,’sheaskedinheavilyaccentedRo.

OneoftheKirin,fatterandmorediseasedthanthe

others,grinnedandshowedseveralmissingteethandstainedgums.

‘You’reinthewrongpartoftownforlearning,sweetheart…whydon’tyoucomeandjoinus,’heresponded,withadeeplyunpleasantleer.

‘Yeah,wedon’tgetfine-lookingbitcheslikeyoutoooften,’saidasecondKirin,lickinghislips.‘Don’tworry,we’llbenicetoyou.’

Therewerefourofthem,menevidentlyofvileintentandlittleinthewayofbrainpower,butSaarawasinahurryandnotinthemoodtoplaygames.

‘IsaidIseekabookseller,ifyoucanassistme…’sheheldherhandswide,awaitingaresponse.

‘Oh,wecanassistyou,youfine-lookingcunt,’thefatKirinsaidandsteppedforward,reachingforthe

enchantresswithhisgrubbyhands.

Saarasteppedbackandslappedhimhardacrosstheface.‘IwillsayitoncemoreandifIgetaresponsethatisnothelpful,Iwillcauseeachofyoupain,’shestatedcalmly.‘Now,canyouassistme?’

ThefatKirinshotheralookofdeepindignationfromhisbloodshoteyes.‘I’llcutyourfaceupforthat,you

Karesianwhore,’hesaid,removingarustyknifefrominsidehiscoat.

Theotherthreegruntedagreementandonejumpedupanddownexcitedly.‘Let’sfuckthebitch…let’sfuckhernow,’hecriedgleefully,spittingoverhimselfattheprospectofviolatingtheenchantress.

TheKirinshe’dslappedsteppedforwardandmovedtoplacetheknifeatSaara’s

neck.Shedidn’tmove,butsmiledwithapredatorycurltoherlipsasthefatmanpaused,stoppedbysomeinvisibleforce.Hebegantowinceinpainashetriedtoraisetheknifetostabher.

‘Grabher…whatyouwaitingfor?’askedanother,asthefirstKirinwasovercomewithfearathisinabilitytostrikethewoman.

Slowlyandgently,Saaratooktheman’shandand

placedtheknifenexttoherbreast.‘Killme…ifyoucan,’shechallenged.

‘I…can’t…move,’healmostshoutedwithrisingpanic.

Hisfellowsmovedtoflanktheenchantressandoneofthemaimedsomepunchesather,butnoneoftheblowslanded,andtheconfidencedrainedfromtheireyesastheyfoundthemselvesrooted

tothespotandunabletostrike.

Saaragesturedslightlywithherhandandsaid,‘Youarevenomouslittlemen,youwilldieinanappropriatefashion.’

ThefirstKirinstartedtoretchasSaaracausedpoisonousGorlanspiderstoappearinhisthroat.Hiseyeswidenedandhecoughedoutseveralspidersthesizeofafist,lookingdowninhorror

astheycrawledoverhisbody.Hetriedtoscream,butthesoundwaslostunderthepressureofspiderseruptingfromhisthroatandrapidlycoveringtheupperpartofhisbody,bitingandcrawlingovereachothertogetinsidehisclothing.Hisarmsshotoutandshookviolentlyasthevenomflowedthroughhisbody,andhefelltothegroundinconvulsions.

Saaralettwooftheothersrunawaywithlooksofabjectterrorontheirfaces.Anotherhadhiseyesfixedonhisfriend’sbody,whichwasdisappearingunderthecrawlingmoundofspiders.

‘Lookatme.’Shespokewithmenace.

ThislastKirinwastheyoungestandhiseyeswereaswideascouldbe,watchinghisfriendbeingconsumed

beforehiseyes.Hesitantly,helookedupattheenchantress.

‘Iseekabookseller.DoyouknowwhereIwouldfindsuchamaninthesestreets?’sheaskedwithavicioussmile.‘HisnameisKabrizzi.’

TheyoungKirinforcedhisleftarmtoriseandpointtowardsoneofthestonebuildings.

Saaraturnedtolookinthatdirectionandsmiled,moregenuinelythistime,as

shesaid,‘Thankyou,youhavebeenmosthelpful.’

AnotherwaveofherhandcausedthemassofGorlanspiderstoleavethedeadmanandscurrytowardstheyoungKirin.

‘But…Ihelpedyou,’heprotested,asspidersswarmeduphislegs.

‘I…don’t…care,’Saarareplied,withoutturningback,astheKirinbegantoscreaminpain.

HiscriesendedinagrotesquegurgleandSaarawalkeddowntheadjacentstreettowardswhichthemanhadpointed.Shethoughtallowingtwoofthemtoleavehadbeenawisemove,becausetheywouldtellotherswhattheyhadseen.Sheenjoyedthemysterious,half-whisperedrumoursthatfollowedheraroundKaresiaand,ifsheweretocommandTorFunweirinthesameway,

thepeasantrywouldneedtofearherjustasherownpeopledid.

Kabrizzi’sshopwasanunadornedstonebuildingwithfewsignsthatitwasanythingmorethanasquatforjunkiesandwhores.Therewerenolightsinthestreetandthedarknessfilledeverycornerandcrevice.Asmall,rottenplaquenexttothedoor,whenSaarahadrubbeditclean,read:EmanizKabrizzi,

purveyorofrarebooksandoccultitems.Hewasnotafamousman,noraremarkableone,buthehadonevaluableassetthatmeantSaaraneededhisassistance.HerthiefcontacthadconfirmedthatKabrizzihadcomeacrossanoldbook,hiddeninthebowelsofaBluechurchinRoHaran.Thebook,seeminglyoflittleinteresttoRoscholars,wascalledArKralDeshJekin

theancientJekkanlanguage,whichtranslatedroughlyasTheBookoftheLost.Saarahadnotinformedhersistersaboutthebook,andshewaseagertopossesitfortheknowledgeitcontained.

Asingleknockonthedoorwasenoughforhertohearmovementfromwithinandacrotchetyvoice,withaslightKaresianaccent,barked,‘Fuckoff,we’re

closed…we’realwaysclosed…sofuckoff.’

‘Pleaseopenthedoor.IamnotathiefandyouwilllikewhatIhavetosay.’Saaraspokecalmly.

Thevoicedidn’trespondforamomentandsheheardheavy,throatybreathingfrombehindthewood.Aboltwasmovedandakeywasturnedandthedoorinchedopen,displayingseveralheavychainsdesignedtokeepit

frombeingflungopenbyanintruder.Throughthenarrowgap,anoldKaresianfacesquintedattheenchantress.

‘Fuckme,it’soneoftheSevenSisters.Whichoneareyou,JezebeltheBitchorHarlottheNotParticularlyPleasant?’Kabrizzidisplayedthecarelessnessaboutinsultsthatonlytheveryoldpossessed.Hechuckledtohimself.

‘MynameisSaaratheMistressofPain,andifyouinsultmyorderagain,oldman,I’llmakeyoueatyourowncockbeforeIeatyourheart,’sheanswered,narrowinghereyesintoagirlishsmile.

‘Allright,don’ttakeitpersonally,witch.Whatdoyouwant?’heasked,notvisiblyconcernedaboutherthreat.

‘Iamtoldthatyourecentlycameintopossessionofaveryrarebook.Iwishtobuyitfromyou.’Saarasteppedforwardsotheoldmancouldseeherbetterinthedarkstreet.

‘Showmeyourcoin,’hesaidsuspiciously.

Saaraproducedaheavypurseandweigheditsuggestivelyinherslenderhand.ItssizemadeKabrizzi’seyeslightupandagrotesque

smileappearedthroughthegapinthedoorway.Saarawasgratifiedthat,despitelivinginTorFunweir,theoldKaresianhadnotlosthispeople’savariciousstreak.

‘Openthedoor,’Saarasaidplainly,notwantingtoconverseacrossthechainsanylonger.

Kabrizzipursedhislipsandsizeduptheenchantress,lookingheroverfromheadtotoe,assessingthedangersof

allowingoneoftheSevenSistersintohisshop.

‘Youhavenothingtofearfromme,oldman,Imerelywishtoseethebook.Youare,inasense,merelyaglorifieddoormaninthisencounter.’

HerconfidentmannerdidnothingtospeedupKabrizzi’smusings.‘IfIletyouin,youcouldbewitchme,orwhateveritisyoudo.’

Saaranodded.‘Indeed,Icould,’shereplied,‘butwhat’stostopmemerelymakingyouopenthedoor?You’llnoticethatyoustillhavefreewillandIambeingpolite.’

Thatplacatedtheoldmanalittleandhenoddedanddisappearedinsideforamoment.Saaraheardtheheavychainsbeingunlockedandamomentlaterthedoorwasopenedfully.He

beckonedherinwithafrailoldhandandsheleftthedarkstreettoenteranequallydarkshop.

‘Doyounothaveanylanterns?’sheasked.

‘No,lanternsareexpensive.Ihavecandlesandbooks.Ifyouwantcandlesorbooks,I’myourman.Ifyouwantanythingelse,youcanfuckoff,’hesaid,shufflinginside.

‘Yes,Ibelievewe’vecoveredthat,thankyou.’Saaracouldtoleratetheoldman’sabrasivemannersolongasshegotwhatshewanted.

Theshopwasalow-ceilingedroomwithseveralequallycrampedroomsspreadoutaroundit.Shecouldseeafilthy-lookingbedinthefurthermostroom,meagrewashfacilitiesinanother,buteveryother

conceivablespacewastakenupwithbooks,someonbookshelvesorinchests,butmostsimplypiledfromfloortoceiling.Kabrizzihadthreeorfourcandleslitatvariouspointsaroundthecentralroom,buttheilluminationtheyprovidedwasscant.

‘Closethedoor,witch,’Kabrizzisaidashemovedslowlytoagnarledoldwoodendeskthatmay,atone

time,havebeenashopcounter.

Saarastolealookoutintothedarkstreettomakesureshehadnotbeenfollowedandthenclosedthedoorandreplacedtherustybolts.

‘Now,whatwasthebook’sname?’theoldmanasked,openingalargeleather-boundtomeonthedesk.

‘ArKralDeshJek,’Saaraanswered,makingsureto

pronounceeachwordslowlyanddeliberately.

Kabrizzilookedupandnarrowedhiseyes.Saarathoughtshedetectedahintoffearastheoldmanlookedather.

‘Somebooksaredangerous,witch…somebooksshouldn’tberead.’Heclosedthetomeandsatbackinaricketychairbehindthedesk,reachingforaclaypipetohisleft.

‘Iamawareofthat,butmyrequeststands.’Saarawaseagertoreadthetextandtriednottoletherexcitementshow.‘You’vereadit?’sheasked.

Kabrizzifilledhispipewithsweet-smellingrainbowsmokeandtouchedatapertothebowlwhileinhalingdeeply.HeleantbackandpeeredatSaarathroughthecloudofsmoke.

‘AncientJekkanisdifficulttotranslate,mydear.Itrequiresadetailedcodetomakesenseofthecharacters.Luckily,Ihavesuchacode,’hesaid.

Hetookseveralmoredeeppuffsonhispipeandhispupilsdilatedastherainbowsmokeflowedthroughhisbodyandcausedhimtorelaxalittle.

‘Idecodedenoughnottowanttodecodetherest,’he

added,withacatchtohisvoice.

‘Showmethebook,’Saarademandedwithanoteofauthority.

NowthatKabrizziwaseasiertosee,hisfaceilluminatedbyaflickeringcandle,Saaraguessedhisrainbowsmokehabitwasmorethanjustrecreational.Hehaddeeplybloodshoteyesandthesmokewasofaveryhighgrade,thekindofdrug

thatonlyalifelonguserwouldneed.

‘Moneyfirst,’hesaid,hishandsvisiblyshaking.

Saarasmiledanddroppedherbagofcoinonthericketydesk.ItmadeasatisfyingthumponthewoodandKabrizziquicklypulleditintohislapandundidthetietolookinside.

‘Asmallpricetopayforyoursanity,’hesaidwithaviciousgrin.

‘Iwouldn’tconcernyourselfwithmysanity,oldman.Now,thebook,ifyouplease…’Sheheldoutherhand.

KabrizzistoodupslowlyandSaarainferredthathewasgivingherampleopportunitytochangehermind.Whenitbecameclearthatshewasn’tgoingto,heshookhisheadandmovedtoaclosedoakchestnexttoarottingwoodenbookcase.

‘IlockeditinherewhenIstartedhavingstrangedreams.Itdoesn’tstopmehavingthem,butitmakesmefeelbettertoknowit’slockedaway.’

Kabrizzi’shandshookasheremovedalargekeyfromabookshelfandslowlyturneditinthelock.Within,Saaracouldseetwobooks,onewaswellwrappedinwhiteclothandtheotherwastightlylockedwithanironclasp.

Kabrizzigingerlypickedupthecloth-wrappedbookandhelditatarm’slength.Saaradidn’ttroubleherselfwiththeotherbook.ShefeltherexcitementrisingasKabrizzicrossedbacktohisdesk.

‘Ittookmealongtimetofindthisand,mostdays,IwishI’dneverheardofit,’hesaid,withfearinhiseyes.‘TheBlueclericIgotitfromwashalfmad,livinginabasementunderthelibraryof

RoHaran.Heclaimeditwastheonlyremainingcopy.’

Saaradidn’treplyatfirstbutmerelygazedatthetome,sensingastrangeauraintheroom.ShelookedupattheoldKaresianbookseller.

‘Stepaside,Kabrizzi.’Hedidn’targue,butheld

hishandsawayfromthebookandtooktwowidestepstotheside.

Saaramovedroundthedeskandbrusheddustfrom

thechairbeforesittingdown,elegantly,withherfingersonthewhitecloth.Shebegantounwrapit,windingthefabricaroundherhandstorevealthefrontcoverofthebook.Itwasleather-bound,withdarkembossedwriting.Rustedfromyearsofneglect,themetalprintwasgrainyandindistinct,butitnonethelessreadArKralDeshJek,wordsoftheancientJekkanlanguage,longunspokenin

thelandsofmen.ThebookwassaidtocontainthechroniclesoftheLost,thoseGiantswhoneverbecamegodsorelsewerecastdownorkilledbyRowanoco,JaaandtheOne.ThebookwasdangerousbecausetheLostwerestrange,alienentitieswhoseexistencewasunknowntoallbutthemostlearnedscholars,andthefewwhostudiedsuchbeingsrantheriskofexposuretothings

thatmenwerenotmeanttoknow.

Saarawasnotafraid,astheDeadGod’snamewascontainedwithin,andshewasguidedbyhishandacrosscountlesslayersoftheworldandcountlessmorebeyonddeath.Hehadledherfar,directedtheSevenSisterstokillold-bloods,tocageexemplars,tohunttheDokkalfarandtoinvadetheFreelandsofRanen.Nowhe

haddirectedhertoanoldbooksellerintheKirinTorofRoWeirandtothebookthatwasinherhands.

KabrizzihadbackedoffafewstepsandwastoofarawaytoreadoverSaara’sshoulder.

‘I’lljustbebackhere…closethedoorwhenyouleave,’hesaidashemovedquicklyoutofthecentralroomanddisappearedintothebedroom.

Saaracomposedherselfandopenedthebook.Within,shesawstrangeJekkansymbolsandmagicalglyphsdesignedtocompelthereaderandtodamagefragileminds.Saarahadlearnedtoreadthelanguageoverthepastfewyearsandsheknewthathermindwasstrongenoughtoresistthebook’smagicalprotection.

Thepageswereofthick,palewhitepaperwithrough-

cutedgesandnumerousdarkstainsandfingermarks.Thefirstfewpagescontainedawarningthatmenwerenotmeanttoreadthisbook–thattheirmindswerenotsufficientlyadvancedtocomprehenditsmeaning.Thebookwasmeantforotherbeings–forDokkalfar,Jekkan,maybeevenforGiants–butithadoutliveditspreviousreadersandwasnowinthehandsofawoman.

Shebentforwardoverthedeskandmovedacandlethebettertoseethestrangewriting.ItspokeoftheWaterGiants,IthqasandAqas,thecreaturesnowcalledtheKrakens,whohadascendedtogodhoodbuthadbeenstruckdownbyRowanocoinanhonour-fuelledrage.

Sheturnedthroughpagesofgrotesquemonstersfromthefarreachesoftheworld,creaturesthathadoncebeen

godsintheagesofDeepTimebutwerenowmerelynumberedamongtheLost,thelosersintheLongWar.StormGiantswhoflewinpacksoverthehighestpeaks,ScaledGiantswhoforgedanempireintheforgotteneast,andstrange,namelessbeingsthathadoncewalked,crawled,flownorswum.

Sheleafedthroughthepages,keepinghermindclearandherwillstrong,asshe

searchedfortheForestGiants,theGiantsofpleasureandbloodwhobirthedtheDarkYoungandwere,longago,worshippedoutoffearbytheDokkalfar.

Thelorecontainedwithinthebookdidnotprovideatimeframeorascaleofthingsthatanyhumancouldcomprehend.ItspokeintermsoftheagesoftheworldandoftheDeepTimebetweenthem,when

mountainsroseandfellandthecontinentsformed.Ifthelandsofmenhadexistedforonlyablinkofaneye,thebookinSaara’shandsdetailedbeingsthathadlivedmillionsofblinksago.Tomen,theGiantsweresimplyanancientraceofbeings.Thebook,ArKralDeshJek,however,spokeofthemasacollectionofraces,andtheword“Giants”wasnomorethanacollectivetermforthe

varietyofmonstrousspeciesthathadlivedduringDeepTime.

Saaraturnedawayandtookamomenttocalmhermind,realizingthatevenshe,thegreatestoftheSevenSisters,wasnotaltogetherimmunetothebook.Ittriedtoscratchawayathermindinawayshehadnotpreviouslyexperienced.Therewasnodeliberateintentorenchantmentatwork,buta

constantbackgroundgraspingthatshehadtoconcentratetoavoid.Themagicinthebookwasoldandwasnotdesignedformen.Itwaslikeaweightpressingdownonherhead,oppressingherrationalmindandmakingherlight-headedandchaotic.

SaaraclungtothepoweroftheDeadGodthatdweltdeepwithinherandclenchedherfists,breathingslowlyandkeepingherwillstrong.She

neededtofindthename,thelostnameofhergod,thenamethatnomortalbeinghadspokeninmanymillionsofyears.Itwaswithinthepagesatherfingertipsandsheknewthatthehighpriestessofagodcouldneverbecompletewithoutthenameofhermaster.

Leaninginagainandwithasteelystrength,SaaratheMistressofPaincontinuedtoread.Shereachedpagesthat

spokeoftheDokkalfar,theancientandimmortalforest-dwellers,remnantsoftheGiantagestillpresentintheworld.Tohersurprise,theywerelinkedtoJaaandtothedeathoftheDeadGod.ThebookchronicledanuprisingwhentheDokkalfarhadrealizedtheywereneededtobirththeDarkYoungandthatwithoutthemtheDeadGodcouldnotspawnnewYoung.Sheleantinevenfurtherand

readthattheforest-dwellershadbeencreatedonlytobeslain,theirdeathreleasingthesporesthatwouldultimatelygiverisetonewDarkYoung;andthatwhentheFireGianthadslaintheirgod,Jaahadgiftedthemwithimmolationattheirdeath,agiftthatstoppedthesporesfrombeingproduced.ThissimpleacthadpreventednewYoungfrombeingbornandhadenabled

theDokkalfartosevercontactwiththeirformermaster.

Saarareadallthisandsatbackinherchair.Allatonce,sheknewwhytheDeadGodhadledhertothebookandwhyshehadbeendrawnintohuntingtheDokkalfar.WiththeSevenSisters’designsnearingcompletion,Jaahadbeenseparatedfromtheworldofmen,hisold-bloodsdeadandhisexemplarinert.Saaraknewthisalsomeant

thatthepowerhehadgiftedtheforest-dwellersmustalsohavebeensevered.KillaDokkalfarnow,shethought,andunlessheisburntafterhisdeathhewillproducethesporesthatwillenablenewDarkYoungtoflourishandgrow.

Shesmiledtoherself,almostforgettingaboutthedangersofthebookinherhand.Ascratchingsensationinhermind,however,made

herquicklystrengthenherresolveoncemore,closehereyesandbreathedeeply.

TheknowledgecontainedwithinArKralDeshJekwasanancientartefactofgreatpower,whichhadchangedhandsthroughouttheworldforcenturies,movingfromonescholartoanotheruntilsomeonecapableofunderstandingitshouldappear.Saaraknewitwasnotmeantforher,butshealso

knewthattheloreitcontainedwasnecessaryfortheDeadGod’swork.

Sheforcedherselftocontinuereadingandturnedthepagesquickly,lookingfortheentryconcerningtheForestGiants.Eachpagecontaineddepictions,invividcolour,ofnamelessmonstrositiesandstrangeshapeswhichthebookcalledlivingbeings.

Thenshepaused.AtthebottomofapagewasareferencetotheDarkYoung’sfather,afleetingmentionthatconveyedlittlesaveaname.Shereaditslowly,repeatingthesyllablesandlettinghermouthbecomeusedtothestrangewords.ThebookspokeofaForestGiantthatascendedtogodhoodandwasslainbyJaa,theFireGiant,asasinglemoveintheLong

War.TheGiant’snamewasShub-Nillurath.Saarafeltaeuphoriaassherepeatedlyspokethename.

‘Yourname…Iknowyourname,’sheshoutedupwards,hervisioncloudingoveraspleasureandpaininequalmeasureflowedovertheenchantress.‘Shub-Nillurath,theBlackGodoftheForestwithaThousandYoung,’sheproclaimedtothesky.

***

DalianThiefTakerdislikedthesmellinRoWeir.HehadstowedawayaboardaHoundtroopcarrier,disguisedasawhip-master,andwasnowsearchingforawaytoslipoutofthenewlyerectedbarracksonthemusterfieldofWeir.HehadnarrowlyevadedcaptureinKessiawhentheSevenSistershad

seenfittoframehimforthemurderofLarixtheTraveller,andifithadn’tbeenforhiswillingnesstokillmanyofhispursuers,Dalianhadnodoubthe’dhavebeenburnedtodeathbynow.He’dfoundmasqueradingasaHoundveryeasy–allheneededtodowasscowlalotandappearslightlypsychotic.Boththingswerepartofhisgeneralmake-upanyway,so

hispresencewasnotquestioned.

IzraSabal,thesadisticwhip-mistress,actingasMasterTurve’sadjutant,wasDalian’sbiggestproblem.Shewasabrutalkillerwhoseeyesneverremainedstillandshehadtakenaninterestinthenewwhip-masterwiththescarredfacewhomshedidn’trecognize.IfDaliancouldfindanopportunity,he’dkillthebitchinaheartbeat,but

thewhip-mistresswasconstantlysurroundedbyherHoundsandhethoughtitthewisercoursetoslipaway.

JaawasDalianThiefTaker’smasterandhadalwaysbeenso.HehadnodoubtthattheSevenSistershadbetrayedtheFireGiant,buthewasunabletopersuadetheotherwindclawsofthis.Hisorderwasnowdeeplydrawnwithinthedesignsoftheenchantresses,anditwas

hewhowasthetraitor,tobefound,torturedandkilled.Hedidnotdoubthisduty.If,ashesuspected,hewasJaa’sonlyservantnottobesoenthralled,itwasuptohimtopreservethedivinefearoftheFireGiantandtoeliminatethesepretenders.DalianThiefTaker,greatestofthewindclaws,feltrevitalizedandstrongofpurpose,forcinghisbodyandmindtobehaveasifhewereyoungerthanhisfifty

yearsasheprayedforaswiftendforJaa’senemies.

‘Iamyourstocommand,’Daliansaidquietlybywayofaprayer,‘butIwouldhaveansweredthiscallingmore…lustily,wereItwentyyearsyounger.’

AstheThiefTakerlookedoutfromthecanvastentwherehewaslyinglow,herememberedaconversationhe’dhadwithhisson,manyyearsago.Dalianhadbeen

giventhetaskofexecutinghisboyfortreasonagainsttheSevenSistersanditwastheonlytimeinthewindclaw’slifewhenhehaddisobeyedanorder.Hehadneverbeenalovingfather,largelyleavinghissontodowhateverhepleased,aswasoftenthewayinKaresia.However,hehadfoundhimselfunabletodeliverthekillingblowandhadinsteadallowedhischildtoescapetoTorFunweir.

Dalianhadneverbeencalledtoaccountforhisdisloyalty;hissuperiorshadbelievedhimwithoutquestionwhenhehadliedaboutkillingHasim.Hisson’sKirincompanionhadkilledanenchantress–sofarasDalianknew,theonlymanevertohavedoneso–andequalblamehadfallenonAl-HasimofKessia.

Dalianhadnotspokentohissoninnearlytenyears

andhadnoideanowhowtogoaboutfindinghim,buthewasconvincedthatfindingthenamelessKirinwho’dmanagedtokilloneoftheSevenSistersshouldbehisprimarygoal.

TheSevenSistershadbeendispersedthroughoutTorFunweirbySaaratheMistressofPainandtheywerenowspeedingtothecitiesoftheRo.Theywouldbeabletoswaydukesand

clericstotheirwillwithminimaleffortnowthatthekingofRohadbeenenchanted.LilliantheLadyofDeathhadbeensenttoRoArnon,ShilpatheShadowofLieswasonherwaytoRoHaran,andIsabeltheSeductresswastravellingeasttoRoLeith.KatjatheHandofDespairwasalreadyinRoTiris,andAmeiratheLadyofSpidersresidedovertheseainRoCanarn.Heknewitwas

onlyamatteroftimebeforeallthecivilizedlandsofmenwouldbeundertheirsway,withonlythebarbariannorthfreefromtheirinfluence.

Daliansteeledhimselfforabrashescapeandmarchedoutofthetent.ThemusterfieldofRoWeirwasaseaoftentsaccommodatingtenthousandHoundsofKaresia,fullyarmouredandreadyforaction.ThiswasnotaninvasionandtheHounds

wereunsurehowtoactasanoccupyingforce.Theywereallconvictedcriminalsorlow-bornpeasants,keptinlinebyenchantments,drugsandthesavagewhip-masters.Mostwerebrutalandsemi-suicidal,gladtogivetheirlivesforKaresiathemomenttheywererequired.Eachworeblackarmourandafull-facehelmet,andcarriedaheavybladedscimitar,sothat

theyappearedalmostidentical.

Dalianwalkedconfidentlythroughthecamp,keepinghalfaneyeonIzraandTurve’scommandtentattheendoftherow.Hecouldseeagreatdealofactivityinfrontofthelargetentanditlookedasifthewhip-mastersweresendingsquadsofHoundsintothecitytosuppressthesmalloutbreaksofdisobediencethathad

arisensincetheKaresianshadarrivedinRoWeir.

Hemovedbetweentents,stackedscimitarsandsmallcookingfires,tryingtoidentifythebestwaytoleavethemusterfield.HeknewthatthehorseswerecorralledtothenorthandneartotheKing’sHighway,buttheywereguardedandtheHoundsondutywereunlikelytolethimtakeone.TheKaresianHoundsrarelyusedhorses,

butSaarahadinsistedtheywerenecessary.Shehadalsosentmessages,viafastriders,toKatjaandAmeira.TheMistressofPainwasveryconcernedtolocateamantheycalledtheGhost.Apparently,hewasaClericoftheOneandSaarahadinstructedhersisters,alreadyinstalledinTorFunweir,toapprehendhimatallcosts.TravellingtowardsRoTiriswasallDalianhadmanaged

tolearnconcerningtheGhostfromareturningmessengerwhomhe’dtorturedforinformation.

Hesmiledasheapproachedthehorses,thinkingtheunderworldofTiriswouldbetheperfectplacetostartlookingforhisson.Dalianevenbegantothinkwhathe’dsaywhenhecamefacetofacewithAl-Hasim.

‘Iamyourservantasalways,mylord.’Dalianonceagainspokeskywards,addressingtheFireGiant.‘ButaglassofwineandsomeonetomassagemyfeetwouldbewelcomebeforeIsetoff.’

PART2

CHAPTER6

RANDALLOFDARKWALDINTHECITYOFRO

TIRIS

ReturningtoRoTiriswasnotahappyhomecomingfor

Randall.AhardnesshadcomeoverhimsinceleavingCozz,buthedidn’tlikehisnewviewoftheworld.Eachtimehe’draisedamirrortohisfaceduringthejourney,he’dseenamanhedidn’trecognizelookingbackathim–beardedandsolemn,withasadnesspreviouslyunknowntohim.

BrotherTorian’sbodywaswrappedinawhiteshroudandlaidacrossawoodencart

whichRandallwasdriving.ThePurpleclerichadbeentreatedwithvariouspreservingointmentsandanimageofhisserenefacecouldbemadeoutthroughtheweaveoftheshroud.

Uthahadrefusedtotalkabouthisfriend’sdeathsinceleavingCozz.TheBlackclerichadchangedinmannerandappearanceoverthelastfewweeks.Withnoreplacementarmour,hewore

asimplegreyrobeandnowlookedlesslikeawarriorandmorelikeamonkorBrowncleric.He’dbeguntoteachRandallhowtoholdasword,concernedatthewayhe’dthrownhimselfintothefrayagainstRhamJas,andtheyoungsquirefinallyfeltcomfortableholdingtheswordofGreatClaw.

UthahadbecomelesscausticandshowedmorerespecttowardsRandall,asa

resultofthewaythesquirehadhandledhimselfduringthefightinCozz.Heevengrudginglyacceptedthatthesquirehadprobablysavedhislife.

‘Now,attackhigh,’Uthasaid,astheyengagedintheirdailypractice.

RandallswungatUtha’sshoulder,meetinghisaxeinmid-swingandholdingtheposition.

‘Good,nowanswermyriposte.’TheclericswunglowtowardsRandall’sbodyandtheirweaponsclashedagain.‘Moveyourfeetmore,don’tstaytoostill.’

TheywerealittlewayofftheKing’sHighway,afewhoursfromthesoutherngateofthecapital,andhadspentthenightundercanvasratherthanenterthecityafterdark.ItwasabrightandclearmorningandRandallcould

seeplumesofsmokerisingfromTiris.

RandallsteppedtothesideanddeliveredathrusttowardsUtha’sside,hisaxeswingingdowntoanswertheattack.

‘Excellent,we’llmakeaswordsmanoutofyouyet,’Uthasaidwithasmile.‘Justdon’tattackanyKirinassassinsandyoushouldbefine.’

‘Theswordisstillheavyinonehand,’Randallsaid.

Hehadtriedusingthebladewithbothoneandtwohandsandfoundthesingle-handedtechniquemadehisshoulderache.

‘Ofcourseitis,it’sabigchunkofmetal.Ifitwastoolight,it’dbreak.’

Uthahadn’tentirelygotoverhisdismissiveattitudetowardstheyoungsquire,butRandallthoughtthatnowtherewasanoteofgoodhumourtohisjibes.

ElyotandRobinhadremainedinCozztorecoverfromtheirwounds,soRandallhadhadonlytheBlackclericforcompanyduringthetwoweeksithadtakenthemtoreturntoRoTiris.Ithadbeenadifficultjourneyforthefirstfewdays,withUthasayinglittleandRandalldeepinthought.AftertheypassedthetownofVoy,theBlackclerichadloosenedupalittleandbegun

tochatwithRandall.Thechangehadtakensomegettingusedto,butthesquirehadfoundUthapleasantenoughcompanywhenhewasn’tdeliveringbarbedinsults.

Hehadtalkedbrieflyaboutwhatwouldhappenwhentheyreachedthecapital,andRandallthoughtUtha’sinsistenceonstayingoutsidethecityforonemorenightwaslargelytodowith

himnotwantingtohastenhisownpunishment.ThedeathofaPurplecleric,addedtothetroublehewasalreadyinfordisobeyingorders,didnotbodewellfortheBlackchurchman.Uthafearedhe’dbeblamedforTorian’sdeathand,despiteRandall’sinsistencethatithadn’tbeenhisfault,hismoodremainedgrimwhenhespokeofit.Secretly,Randallwasterrifiedatthethoughtof

accompanyingUthatotheBlackcathedralinTiris,but,astheonlywitnessabletospeakaboutwhathadhappened,heknewhehadnochoice.IfhistestimonycouldsaveUtha’shonour,thenitwouldbeworthafewhoursofdiscomfort.

Theycontinuedtheirmorningpracticeforanotherhour,untilthesunwasjustvisiblethroughthethincloud.Utha’stutelagewasgoodand

Randallfeltcomfortablewithhisswordinhand.Hisstrengthhadgrownoverthelastmonth,andUtha’spatientstyleoffencinghadsuitedRandall’sinitialhesitancy.Thecleric’saxewascalledDeath’sEmbrace,andRandallhadcometorealizethatifUthawerefurtherdisgracedasaresultofhisactionsinpursuitofBrom,hisweaponwouldbetakenfromhim.Thisevidently

worriedtheclericandRandalloftencaughthimgazinglovinglyattheaxe,inamannersimilartothewaySirLeonhadstaredathislongswordbeforeRandallinheritedit.

‘You’restillover-extendingyourarm,’Uthasaid,afterRandallhadlosthisfootingattemptingahighstrike.‘Don’tletthebladegettoofarawayfromyourbody.It’salongsword,remember;

ithasenoughreachwithoutyoustickingyourarmout.’

‘That’swhathappenedtoElyot,isn’tit?’RandallrememberedthewaytheyoungwatchmanhadbeenopenedupbyBromandhadlosthisarm.

Uthanodded.‘Yes,hereliedonhavingtwobladestoBrom’sone,butforgotaboutthereachhewasconcedingtothelongerblade.Neverassumeyouhavethebetterof

youropponent,justfightandletyourskilldecidetheresult.’Hesmiled.‘Anddon’tbeafraidtokickorpunch.You’reusingaone-handedblade,soit’snotlikeyourotherhandisdoinganything.RememberhowBromvyknockedmedown?’

Randallfoundrevisitingtheencounterstrange,thoughheknewthatmanyvaluablelessonscouldbedrawnfromthecombat.

‘Hetookyououtofthefight,’herepliedplainly.

‘Indeed.HerecognizedmeasthegreatestthreatandputmedownsohecoulddealwithElyotandClement,neitherofwhomwashisequal.’

Swordplay,Randallrealizednow,wasaboutmuchmorethanjusthackingatmenwithablade.

‘How’stheporridge?’Uthaasked,ashesatdownon

hisbedrollandplacedhisaxecarefullyonthesaddleofhishorse.

‘It’sdone.’Randallspoonedalargeportionintoasmallwoodenbowl.

TheyhadeatenporridgeeverymorningsinceleavingCozz.TomorrowtheywouldbeinRoTirisandcouldeatheartilyataninn–anenticingthoughtafterthethick,slimysubstancetheyhadbeenlivingon.

Theyateslowlyandwithlittletalk,bothofthemintheirownworldofcontemplation.Randallthoughtofhislifeandtheunexpectedturnshe’denduredoverthepastmonth,andheguessedthatUthawasworryingabouttheBlackcathedral.TheBlackclericshadtheirheadquartersinRoTiris,unliketheotherclericalorders,whichwerebasedinRoArnon.Uthahad

frequentlyspokenaboutthetraditionofkeepingtheclericsofdeathclosetothekingandawayfromthePurplecardinals.Hehadbeenevasiveastothereasonforthistradition,buttheimplicationwasthattheyweretheoneorderthatwasalwaysundertheeyeoftheking.

‘Timetogo,youngRandall,’Uthasaid,finishinghisporridge.‘Getthecamp

togetherandI’lldealwiththefire.’

Uthawaswearinghiscleric’sboots–toughleather,withtightsteelbuckles–theonlyremnantofhisarmourthatremained.Hewasstillahuge,broad-shoulderedlumpofaman,butwithouthisblackarmourhelookedlessintimidating.Hispaleskinandpinkeyeswerelessstrikingandthescardownhis

neckwashiddenbythehoodofhisgreyrobe.

Theypulleddownthesmallcampquicklyandlargelyinsilence.Randalltriedtospeak,buthislightattemptsatconversationmetwithaglarefromUtha.Theclericspokenowordsashepackeduphisfewbelongingsandsheathedhisaxe,takingamomenttolookatthedouble-headedweaponbeforehe

stoweditforwhatmightbethelasttime.

‘Right,justsowe’reclear,Randall,asweridethroughTiris,keepyourmouthshut.Idon’twanttotalktoyou.Understood?’Hedidn’tlookatthesquire.

‘Iunderstand,butremindmeagainwhyIshouldobeyyourorders?’

TheBlackclericshothimathreateninglook.‘BecauseI

willknockyourteeththroughyourheadifyoudon’t.’

‘Ineedtobeabletospeaktodefendyou,remember?’RandallhadlostmuchofthefearheusedtofeeltowardsUthaandhadnocompunctionaboutspeakinghismind.‘It’snotlikeI’masquireanymore.’

Theclericstoodupandflexedhisback,makingashowofconsideringRandall’swords.Thenhe

turnedandcrossedquicklytostandinfrontofthesquire.Hesawthepunchcomingbutcouldn’tgetoutofthewayintimetoavoidbeingknockedtothefloor.Hetastedbloodonhislips,buttheblowhadnotbeenmeanttoinjurehim.

‘We’regoingtoridetotheBlackcathedralandyou’regoingtokeepyourfuckingmouthshutuntilItellyoutospeak.’Uthareachedinsidehisrobeandthrewagold

pieceonthefloorinfrontofRandall.‘There,nowyou’remypaidsquire,sodoasyou’refuckingtold.’

***

RandallkepthismouthshutasthetwoofthemrodeintoRoTiris.Hekeptfeelingtheswellingonhislipandtestinghisteethtomakesurethepunchhadn’tloosenedanyof

them.Uthawasnotamantoarguewith,butRandallwasfairlysuretheBlackclerichadlashedoutfromfearofreturningtothecathedral.

Theyenteredviathesoutherngate,thewatchmenondutyrecognizingUthatheGhostandnotdaringtoapproachhimastheyrodeintothecity.RandallheardthecustomarywhisperedcommentsabouttheBlackcleric–otherworldly

suspicionsandstoriesofrisenmen–buttheyoungsquirehadbecomeimmunetotheauraoffearthatsurroundedhisnewmasterandhebarelylistenedastheyrodealongtheKing’sHighwayintothecapitalofTorFunweir.

TheBlackcathedralwasasmallerbuildingthanRandallhadexpected.Itwasnestledwestoftheguildsquare,intheshadowofthehugebarracksoftheknightsofthe

Red.ThestreetswerelargelyemptyandRandallsurmisedthatonlytheknightsusedtheroadbetweenthetwochurches,renderingitofflimitstothecommonmenofTiris.Thecathedralwasaplainbuildingofblackstone,withnoadornmentsotherthanasingleirregularspirewhichroseatananglefromthecastellatedroof.

Hethought,astheyrodethroughthestreets,thatthe

traininggroundsoneachsideofthemwerestrangelyempty.TheknightsoftheRedwerebasedinRoArnon,butthebarracksofRoTiriswerehugeandheldtheking’sarmy.

Uthanoticedtheemptystreetstoo,andtookagoodlookatthetraininggrounds.‘Alotseemstohavehappenedwhilewe’vebeenhuntingtheBlackGuard,’hesaid.‘ThelasttimeIwas

here,thebarracksheldeightorninethousandknights.’

‘Wherewouldtheyhavegone?’Randallaskedthecleric,momentarilyforgettingthatUthahadorderedhimnottotalk.

‘I’mnotsure,butthecynicinmesuspectsnorthwards.Lookatthat.’

HepointedtotheWhiteSpireofTiris,themarkoftheking.ThebannersdisplayingthewhiteeagleofRoTiris

wereflyingathalfmast,indicatingthatKingSebastianTiriswasnotcurrentlyinthecity.

‘Ithinksomeonehasmadeahugemistake,’Uthasaid,shakinghishead.‘Imighthavecaredaboutthatamonthago.’Henudgedhishorseonwards.

Aheadofthem,asmallgroupofguardsmenstood,formallyattiredingold,outsidethevault-likedoorto

theBlackcathedral.Thereweresixofthem,eachcarryingalongswordathissideandatalllanceinhishand.

Theleaderofthegroup,agrey-hairedwarriorwithoutahelmet,noticedtheapproachingclericandsteppedintotheroad,motioninghismentofollow.

‘UthatheGhost,’hestatedwithaformalnod.

‘It’sactuallyBrotherUthaofArnon,’saidRandallwithoutthinking.

Theguardsmenalllookedatthesquireandthegrey-hairedleadershothimahardglance.‘Silence,boy.’

‘That’smysquire,guardsmen.Ifanyonetellshimtoshutup,it’llbeme,’Uthasaid,turningtolookatRandall.‘Thankyou,lad.I’mgladsomeoneremembersmyactualname.’Hesmiled

thinlyatthesquirebeforeturningbacktotheleadingguardsman.‘Whatdoyouwant,lieutenant?’

‘ByorderofPrinceChristopheTiris,youaretobetakenintocustody.’ThesixguardsmenhadmovedtoformuproundUthaandRandall,theirlancesheldinpractisedfashion,pointinginwardsatthetworiders.

Uthadidn’tmoveandkepthishandsinviewasthe

lieutenantmovednexttohim.‘I’llhavetotakeyouraxe,brother.’

‘Careful,guardsman,Idon’tanswertoyou.MyauthorityisinthatbuildingandIcouldwithalllegalitytakeyouandyourmenapartforhinderingme.’HespokequietlyandRandalldetectedfearintheguardsmen’sfaces.

‘Now,whyamIbeingarrested?’Uthaaskedcalmly.

‘Hishighnessdoesnotrevealhismindtome,brother,butyouwillbecomingwithme.’

Thehugeblackdoorthatledtothecathedralofdeathbegantoopenandeveryonepresentturnedtolook.Ablack-robedfigurehadappearedinthedoorway.Hisfeaturesweremaskedandhishandsremainedinsidethesleevesofhisrobe,buthespokeclearly.

‘BrotherUthaisnotyetexpelledfromthechurch,whichplaceshisfateinmyhands…notyours,guardsman.HeisGod’sman,notking’sman.’Thespeakerdidnotraisehisheadoridentifyhimself.

‘Brotherabbot,wehaveinstructionstoarrestthisclericandifyouinterfere,wearepreparedtouseforcetodoso.ThehouseofTirisruleshere,nottheBlack

church.’Theguardsmanspokeconfidentlyand,fromwhatRandallknew,theking’smenwereunswervinglyloyaltothecrownandunlikelytobecowedbytheclerics.

UthareachedbehindhisbackandplacedhishandonthehiltofDeath’sEmbrace.‘Youareclosetoactionsthatwillgetyoukilled,lieutenant,’hesaidwithangerinhispaleeyes.‘Theprince

isbraveindeedifhethinkshecanoverruletheOne.’

Thegrey-hairedlieutenantbangedhislongswordloudlyonhisgoldbreastplateandwithinmomentsanothertwosquadsofguardsmenhadappearedfromeitherside.They’dbeenhiddenandwaitinginthesidestreetsshouldtheircommandercallforaid,andnowtheyloweredtheirlancesandjoinedthe

firstsquadencirclingRandallandUtha.

‘Please,BrotherUtha.Thiscanbecordialoritcanbebloody.’Theguardsmanspokewithsincerity.‘Nooneneedstodie.’

TheBlackabbot,standinginthedoorway,raisedhisheadandRandallsawdarkeyesregardingthelargegroupofking’smen.Uthaslowlymovedhishandfrom

Death’sEmbraceandheldhisarmswide.

‘Youhadbetterbesureofyouractions,lieutenant,’hesaid.

‘IamassureasIcanbe,brother…assureasmyorderscamefromthehouseofTirisandmustbefollowedtotheletter.’Hecontinued,‘And,now,BrotherUtha,Imusttakeyouraxe.’

Withlightningspeed,UthadrewDeath’sEmbrace

andhelditatarm’slength,makingtheguardsmenjump.WhenitbecameclearthattheBlackclericdidnotintendtofight,thelieutenantmovedinandgraspedthehiltofUtha’saxe.

‘Takecareofthatweapon,’thealbinoclericsaid.‘Itisdeartome.’

***

RandallandUthahaddismounted,beendisarmedandwereledundercloseguardthroughthestreetsofRoTiris.Uthawassilentduringthejourney,takingnoteoflandmarksandtheroutetheyhadtaken,asifhewasattemptingtoascertainwheretheywerebeingled.

Astheyturnedfromawideboulevardnorthoftheguildsquare,Randallwastakenabackforamomentas

theroyalcompoundcameintoview.ThehouseofTiriswasalargewhitebuildingsetbackfromtherestofthecityandoverlookingtheharbour.ThesmelloftheseacarrieddownthestreetandhitRandall’snostrils,maskingthecity’susualodourandmakinghimsmile.HeturnedtoUthabutsawnosignofasmileoranythingotherthanconcernonthecleric’sface.Hedidn’tappeartobe

surprisedbytheirdestination,andRandallwishedhehadn’tagreedtoaccompanyhimintothecity.

‘Utha,’Randallwhispered,‘whyarewebeingtakentothepalace?’

‘Idon’tknow,Randall,butPrinceChristophemusthaveeitherlosthismindorelsebeprivytomoreinformationthanustotreattheBlackchurchwithsolittlerespect.’Hespokequietlyso

theguardsmencouldn’thear,andhiseyeswerenarrowandsuspicious.‘Keepyourmouthshutwhenwegetinsideandletmedothetalking.Understand?’

RandallnoddedandtheirmarchcontinuedtowardstheWhiteSpireofTiris,toweringovertheroyalcompound.

Thegateswereopenandwithintheornatefence,alargeareaofcourtyardseparatedthestreetfromthe

hugegoldendoors.Ranksofarmouredking’smenpatrolledthearea,walkinginstepandturningtosalutetheWhiteSpirewhenevertheypassedthefrontofthepalace.Thebarrackslayofftotheside,behindasecondfenceand,justashehadattheRedcathedral,Randallthoughttheplacestrangelyempty.

Moststrangeofall,however,werethecoveredprisonwagonsstanding

withinthecourtyard.Theywereempty,butRandallnotedthatallofthewindowshadbeenboardedshutandontheoutsideswereodd-shapedknivesthathadbeenthrownateachofthewagons.Astheywereledthroughthegatesandintothecourtyard,hecouldseeguardsmenonstepladderstryingtopulltheweaponsfromthewood.Theywerestruggling,fortheleaf-shapedkniveshad

evidentlybeenthrownwithsomeconsiderableforce.

Uthanoticedtheknivestoo,andturnedtoaddressthelieutenant.‘Sincewhendoguardsmenhuntrisenmen?’heasked,havingrecognizedthestrangelyshapedweapons.

‘Sincewewereorderedto,’themanreplied.‘ThehouseofTirishasanewadviserwhohasprovidedintelligenceonthemonsters,

enoughtomakehuntingandcapturingthemeasier.’

‘Doesthisadviserhaveaname?’askedUtha.

‘She’saKaresianenchantresscalledKatja…theHandofDespair,orsomething.Ithinkshe’softheSevenSisters.’ThelieutenanthadspokenthenamewithlittlejudgementandRandallcouldn’tbesurehowheviewedthiswoman.

Uthahadrecognizedsomethingintheman’swords,however.Itmayhavebeenthewoman’snameorthenameofherorder,buthevisiblyclenchedhisjawatthenews.

Randallmovedtowalknexttotheclericandasked,underhisbreath,‘WhoaretheSevenSisters?’

‘Enchantressesthatshouldn’tbehere…shouldn’tbecounsellingtheprinceand

shouldn’tbehelpingthemhuntDokkalfar,’heanswered.‘She’llenteryourmindifyoulether,soifweshouldhavetoaddressthewitch,keepyourwillstrong.’

‘AndhowdoIdothat?’Randallasked,unsurehowhewouldkeephiswillstrong.

‘Juststandnearmeandlookatthefloor,’Utharespondeddismissively.

Thehugegoldendoorwasopenedwithanaudiblecreak

astheyapproached.Astheinteriorcameintoview,thesquiregaspedoncemoreatthegoldenopulenceondisplay.ThiswasthehouseofKingSebastianTiris,hiswife,theLadyAlexandra,andtheirson,PrinceChristophe.ItwasformalanddecorativeinequalpartsandRandallcouldseelittleinthewayofcomfort.

Therewereservantsmovingthroughthewide,

carpetedrooms,cleaningandpolishingthewoodenandgoldsurfaces,andtherewerenosmallnumberofceremoniallyattiredguardsmenonduty.Thesquirethoughtitoddthatthey’dbeenledhereratherthantoaprisoncellandwonderedagainwhatbusinesstheprincecouldhavewiththem.

Theentrancehallwasdominatedbyahugestaircase

thatledupfromthefloorandcurvedround,formingacircularbalconyabove.Theguardsmenledthempastitandtowardsalessornatedooratgroundlevel.

‘We’renotgoingtothebedchambers,then?’Uthaaskedwithirony.

OneoftheguardstookoffenceatthisattemptatlevityandslappedUthaacrossthebackofthehead.Severalothersglaredathim,

challengingtheBlackclerictoreact.

Uthachuckledtohimselfandreacheduptofeelwherehe’dbeenhit.Hishandcameawaywithnobloodonitandhenoddedbeforeturningtothemanwho’dstruckhimandpunchinghimsquareintheface.Theguardsmanfellloudly,droppinghislanceontheornatecarpet.

Uthajuststoodthere,handsheldwideinagesture

ofsubmissiontotheothermen,andmadenofurtherattempttoattackthemanwho’dfallen.

‘Youhitme,Ihityou,it’sreallythatsimple,boy.’Theimposingclericspokeconfidently.

Thelieutenantinterrupted,‘That’senough.Soldier,keepyourhandstoyourself.’Hepointedtothemanonthefloor.‘Anyreprimandswillcomefromme.BrotherUtha,

Iapologize,thismanwillbewhippedforstrikingaclericoftheOne.’Hespokeformally,showingrespect.‘You,getupandreporttotheguardmarshal.’

Theguardsmanstoodquickly,salutedandleft,nursingwhatwasquitepossiblyabrokenjaw.Uthadidn’tlookparticularlyhappyorcontentwiththeresult,andRandallguessedhewasstilldeepinthought.

Thedoortheyapproachedwasmadeofwoodandiron,andwasinsharpcontrastwiththeopulencesurroundingit.ItwasreminiscentofadoortoadungeonandRandalldidn’tlikewhatthatimplied.Thelieutenantopeneditandtheywereledquicklydownsomenarrowstonesteps.Thedetachmentofguardsmenspreadout,withafew

remainingatgroundlevel,closingthedoorbehindthem.

Thestairsweredimlylitandthebrightmorningsunshinedidnotpenetrateintothebasement.Theywereledinsinglefileintoalongcorridor.Asthegroupmadeitswayfurtherintothedungeon,oneachsideofthepassagewayRandallsawdoorswithsteelgratings,indicatingprisoncells,althoughtheywereallempty.

‘We’rebeingtakentotheoubliette?’askedUthaastheynearedasingledoorinthemiddleofthecorridor.

Thelieutenantnodded.‘Theprincewantstomeetyouasfarawayfromothersaspossible.Heseemstothinkyou’redangerous,BrotherUtha.’

‘What’sanoubliette?’askedRandall,suddenlyfeelingafraid.

‘Aplaceofforgetting,’repliedtheBlackcleric.‘It’stheworstkindofdungeon.Thekingusesitonlywhensomeonehascommittedtreasonandhewantstoforgetaboutthem.’Helockedeyeswiththelieutenant.‘Havewecommittedtreason?’

‘Iwasonlyinstructedtobringyouhere.’Theguardsmanwasjustfollowingordersandwasunlikelytobe

abletoanswermorequestions.

TheBlackclericlookedatRandallandraisedaneyebrow.

Themanintheleadreachedthedoorattheendofthecorridorandproducedakey.Thedoorwaswellusedandbuiltforsecurityratherthanelegance.Thekeyturnedreadilyandthelargedooropenedoutwards,revealingasizeablesquareroombeyond.

ThelieutenantsteppedinsideandmotionedfortheotherguardsmentoleadUthaandRandallintotheoubliette.TheBlackclericwashesitantforamoment,thenheenteredslowly,placinghishandonhissquire’sshoulderandusheringhimin.

Randallwasafraid,buthetriedtonotletitshowashetookinhissurroundings.Theroomwaslargeandfilthy,withstrawpalletsarrayed

acrossthefloor.Aroundtheedgesoftheroomwereadozenorsocells,eachseparatedfromthemainroombyasteelgate.Randallthoughthecouldseefiguresinmostofthecells,buttheywereallhunchedoverorwrappedinbrownblanketsandhecouldn’tseewhotheywere.Inthecorneroftheoubliettewasastaircaseleadinguptoalargehatchwayintheceiling,

whichappearedconsiderablymoreornatethantherestofthedungeoncomplex.

‘Okay,we’rehere.Youhavedoneyourduty,nowtellmewhatthefuckisgoingon?’Uthademanded.

‘Youaretowaithereuntiltheprinceisreadytoseeyou.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme…’Thelieutenantmovedtothestaircaseandclimbeduptothehatch.Heknockedandthedoorwasunboltedand

openedfromtheotherside,allowinghimtodisappearabove.HehadtakenDeath’sEmbracewithhim.

TheremainingguardsmenplacedtheirlancesagainstthewallandencircledUthaandRandall.TheireyeslookedhostileandUthaspokewithawrysmile.‘Idon’tthinkyourlieutenantwouldlikeitifyoudecidedtogiveusabeating.’

‘Maybeyoutriedtoescape,’saidoneofthe

guards,abeardedman,removinghisgauntletsashespoke.

‘AndmaybeI’llbreakyourfaceifyoutakeanothersteptowardsme,piss-stain,’Uthasaidvenomously,clenchinghisfists.‘You’veonlygotninefriends,areyousureyoudon’twanttogoandgetafewmoretomakeitfair?’

Randallwaswithinthecircle,standingnexttoUtha,

andwastrembling.Hedidnotsharehisnewmaster’sbravado.

Whenthehatchreopened,Randall’sbreathingslowedasherealizedtheyhadprobablybeensavedabeatingatthehandsoftheking’smen.Uthalookeddisappointedandcontinuedtoclenchhisfistsashestareddowneachoftheguardsmeninturn.

Theyretrievedtheirlancesand,stillglaringatthecleric,

resumedtheirguardduties.‘Rememberwhoyouare

andrememberwhoIamandwe’llgetalongfine,’Uthasaidwithaviciousgrin,turningtoseewhowascomingthroughthehatch.

OutofthecornerofhiseyeRandallcaughtmovementsinseveralofthecells,andinthenearestonehesawdarkeyespeeroutfromunderathinblanket.Itlookedtobeaman,butinthe

minimallighthisskinlookedgreyandRandallcouldn’tmakeouthisfeaturesorguesswherehecamefrom.

Thefirstfiguretodescendthestairsmadeaconsiderablenoise.HewasquicklyidentifiableasanarmouredPurpleclericofmiddleyears.Hislongswordwassheathedanditsscabbardboreelegantpicturesoframpantlions,embossedinsilver.Hewas

olderthanUthaandthepossessorofamanglednose.

BehindhimcameabeautifulKaresianwoman,whomadeRandallgasp.Sheswayedherhipsasshewalkeddownthestairsandworeafigure-huggingdressofdeepred.Asshereachedthebottomofthesteps,Randallcouldseeatattooonherfaceshowingahowlingwolfandstretchingfromherneckacrossherleftcheek.

Onseeingthewoman,Uthasteppednexttohissquireandwhispered,‘Weareinthepresenceofanenchantress,youngRandall,sokeepyourwitsaboutyou.’

Again,Randallwonderedhowhewasgoingtodothis,buthetriednottolookatthewomanonceshehadnoticedhimandsmiled.

Thegrey-hairedlieutenanthadcomebackthroughthehatchwaybutstoodatthetop

ofthestairs,asifwaitingforsomeoneelsetoenter.HewasnolongercarryingDeath’sEmbrace.

‘Ithinkwecandispensewiththeguards,’saidthePurplecleric.‘Goaboutyourduties,gentlemen.You’llbesummonedifnecessary.’

Thearmouredmenappearedreluctanttoleave,buttheydidsowithonlyamoment’shesitation.Thedoorwasagainclosed,

leavingonlythePurplecleric,theenchantressandthelieutenantintheoubliettewiththeprisoners.

‘BrotherUtha,’saidthePurplecleric,bowinghisheadinagestureofrespect.RecognitionhadappearedonboththeirfacesanditwascleartoRandallthatthetwoclericskneweachother.

‘BrotherSeveren,’repliedUtha,thoughhedidnotbowhisheadanddisplayedlittle

evidentaffectionfortheoldercleric.‘Thisismysquire,RandallofDarkwald.SayhellotoSeverenofTiris,theprince’sconfessor.’

Randallmanagedtostumblethroughthemomentandsay,‘Hello,mylord.’

‘Asquire,Utha?Thatishighlyirregular.’Severenspokewithadecidedlyupper-classaccent.

‘Sowasthemeansofhisemployment.Hewas

Torian’ssquire,’Uthareplied.‘Thatis,untilTorianwaskilledbytheBlackGuard’sfriend,aKirincalledRhamJasRami.’

SeverenshoweddispleasureatthenewsthatTorianwasdead,butthemostinterestingreactionwastheexpressionthatcameovertheenchantress’sfacewhenRhamJasRamiwasmentioned.Sheseemedmomentarilyafraidatthe

name,thoughshequicklyrecoveredherpoiseandresumedsmiling.

‘AndyouwerewithBrotherTorianwhenhedied?’Severenasked.

‘Iwasstandingafewfeetawaywhenalongbowarrowpiercedhisneck.’Uthawassolemnandkeptatightreinonhisemotionsashespokeofhisfriend’sdeath.

‘AndyetyoustilldidnotapprehendBromvy,’

interjectedtheKaresianwomaninasultrydrawl.

‘Andwhoareyoutoaskanythingofme?’Uthagrowled.

‘Mindyourmanners,Utha,’barkedSeveren.‘ThisisKatjatheHandofDespair.SheisadvisingthehouseofTirisoncertainmattersandshe’sworthyofyourrespect.’

Randallthoughtthenamesharplyatoddswiththewoman’spleasingappearance

andgirlishsmile.ShewasaKaresianandhadanexoticbeautythatfewwomenofRocouldmatch,buttherewasnothinginherdemeanourtoindicatethatshewasahandofdespair.

‘TheSevenSistersareadvisingtheprince?’Uthaaskedsuspiciously.

‘Andtheking,’statedKatja,withanotherdisarmingsmile.‘Wehavebeenwelcomedfortheknowledge

wepossessandtheadvicewecangive.’

‘Andwhyistheoubliettefilledwithrisenmen?’Uthagesturedtothecellsaroundthem.

TheBlackclerichadnotpreviouslypaidattentiontothesmallcagesandRandallthoughtitstrangeheshouldknowwhowasinthemwithoutlooking.

‘I’msurprisedtohearacrusaderconcernedwiththe

fateoftherisen,’Severenrespondedwithanimperiousglare.

‘I’mnotacrusaderanymore,asyouwellknow.’UthawasnotcowedbythePurpleclericortheenchantress,butRandallalsonotedthathismasterwasonedge,keepinghisfistsclenchedandtryingnottolookatKatja.

‘TherisenmenareadangertothestabilityofTor

Funweirand,withourassistance,thechurchofRohasbeenabletohuntthemwithmoresuccessthanbefore,’Katjaresponded.‘Weplantohavethemallimprisonedorkilledwithintheyear.’

UthaglaredatherbeforeaddressingSeverendirectly.‘Brother,youandIhaveneverbeenfriends,butanswermethis,whyisthiswitchaffordedsuchrespect?’

Katjalaughedandtheroombrightenedvisiblyasshedidso.Severendirectedagleefulsmileatherandthelieutenantraisedhisheadthebettertohearthesoundofherlaughter.RandallandUthalookedateachotherandthesquiresensedthatsomethingwasverywronghere.

‘Answerme,Severen,’repeatedUtha,moreinsistentthistime.

‘Allanswerswillcomeintime,mydearGhost,’repliedKatja,notallowingthePurpleclerictoanswer.

‘Idon’trecallspeakingtoyou,witch,’shoutedUtha,becomingangrierwitheachpassingmoment.

SeverenwasstillsmilingeuphoricallyashesteppedforwardandslappedUthahardacrosstheface.‘Mindyourmanners,Ghost,’hesaid,withamaddeningsmile.

UthalookedasifhewereabouttoattackSeveren,butwasinterruptedbymovementfromabove.Thelieutenantheldthehatchwayopenasamanemerged.Hewasyoung,barelyolderthanRandall,andhisornategoldarmourspokeofceremonyratherthanaction.Hecarriedaswordathisside,butthehiltandscabbardlookedunusedandhisfacebetrayedlittleexperienceofhardship.He

wasblonde-hairedandclean-cut,withnobeardorblemishesonhisface,lendinghimanalmostangelicappearance.

ThiswasPrinceChristopheTiris,heirtothethroneofTorFunweir.BothKatjaandSeverenbowedastheprinceenteredtheoubliette,butUthamerelygavehimashallownod.

‘Myprince,’saidSeverenrespectfully.‘ThisisBrother

UthatheGhost,betrayerandturncoat.’

Uthanearlyexplodedwithangeratthesewords,butaraisedhandfromPrinceChristophecutoffhisresponse.

‘BrotherUtha…whydotheycallyoutheGhost?’Christopheaskedwithalisp.HehadevidentlynotregisteredthefactthatUthawasanalbino.Theprinceworethesamelookofgleeful

euphoriaonhisfaceasSeveren.

‘HeiscalledtheGhostbecausehewascursedatbirth,myprince,’respondedKatja,levellingherbeautifulbrowneyesatUtha.

‘Ah,Isee…yes,theOnecanbecrueltounworthymen,’theprincesaid,sneeringdownattheBlackcleric.‘Doesheknowwhyheishere?’

‘No,myprince,wewereawaitingyourarrival.’SeverenmadesurehewasstandingbetweenUthaandtheprince.Randallthoughtwhatevertheybelievedhismasterhaddonemustbeveryseriousindeed.

‘Well,nowthatIamhere,wecanbegin,yes?’

‘Indeed,yourhighness.’SeverenturnedtoUtha.‘BrotherUthatheGhost,youareherebyfoundguiltyof

treasonagainstthecrownandpeopleofTorFunweir.’HespokethewordsformallyandmotionedforthelieutenanttoentertheoublietteandstandincloseguardbehindUtha.

Randallhadbeenignoredupuntilthispointandhewasconsciousofthefactthathislongswordhadnotbeentaken.Uthaseemedtorealizethisaswell,andRandallcaughthismasterglancing

towardstheswordofGreatClaw.

ThenUthalaughed.‘Treason?AndherewasIthinkingwewerebeingserious.Yourhighness,Idonotknowthepurposeofthischarade,orwhyyouandSeverenbendyourkneetothiswitch,butIdonotanswertothePurple.IamaclericoftheBlackandIdemandtobetakenbacktomyorder.’

Theprinceappearedlividattheinterruptionandputahandtohisswordhiltinawell-practiseddisplayofindignation.‘Silence,traitor.’

‘I…am…no…traitor,’Uthashoutedbackindefiance,carelessofthefactthathewasaddressingroyalty.

SeverensteppedpasttheprinceandstruckUthaagain.Thistimewithaclosedfist,andtheBlackclericdropped

awkwardlytothegroundandspatoutblood.

‘It’scometothis,then…beatinganunarmedmaninafilthydungeon?’askedUtha.‘Hownobleofyou…Torianwouldbeproud,youpig-fucker.’Utha’seyesflashedonceagaintotheswordofGreatClawatRandall’sside.

KatjastoodinchesfromthefallenBlackcleric.‘Dear,sweet,gentleUtha,’shesaidwithaglintinhereye.‘You

areguiltyofaidingandshelteringrisenmen.Itisamostheinouscrimetochooseundeadmonstersoveryourownpeople,butwithproperguidanceI’msureIcancureyouofthisevilailment.’

Uthalookedconfusedforasecond,beforestandingtofacetheenchantress.‘So,you’veenchantedtheprince,’hestated.‘AndSeverentoo…and,I’llwarrant,manymoreweak-mindedmenofRo.’

Shecontinuedtosmileathimbutdidn’tnodtoconfirmhissuspicion.‘Therisenarebornevil.It’snottheirfault,anymorethanit’syourfaultthattheyusedtheirmagiconyou.’Shespokelyrically,withaffection.

‘Wehavequestionedandtorturedmanyoftherisenoverthepastfewweeks,Utha,’saidSeveren,‘andyournamekeptcomingup.Itseemsthemonstersconsider

youanally.Afriendtotheforest-dwellers,theysay.’

Uthaclosedhiseyesandbreathedin,composinghimself.‘Don’twejustkillthemanymore?Questioningtherisenisunheardof.’

‘TheLadyKatjahasadvisedusofabetterwaytoproceed,’Severenresponded.‘Wenowcagethemandusepaintoextractinformation.Theyarenothuman,soour

clericalcodedoesn’tprohibitsuchthings.’

UthatookastepbackandstoodnexttoRandall,judgingtheheightofhisscabbardandtheeasewithwhichhecouldacquiretheswordofGreatClaw.

‘Youarenotthefirstformerlyhonourablemantobefoundguiltyonthesecharges,Utha,’Severenstated,returningtoamoreformalmodeofspeech.

‘OthershavebeenimprisonedforassistingtherisenmenintheircampaignofterroragainstthenoblemenofRo.’

‘Theyhavenocampaignofterror,’Uthagrowledinfrustration.

‘Youaredamnedbyyourownwords,Ghost,’shoutedtheprince,inahigh-pitchedwhine.‘Youknownothingofthewaysoftheundead–cunningandevil,theywillswaythewillofweakmen

suchasyou,andmygrandfather.’

Atthementionoftheprince’sgrandfather,UthaturnedaquestioninglookonSeveren.RandallhadheardofBartholomewTiris–hewasKingSebastian’sfatherandwasconsideredawiseman.

‘Bartholomewdoesn’thaveatraitorousboneinhisbody,’saidUtha.‘Thisisajoke…oritwouldbeifitwerefunny.’

KatjaremainedclosetoUthaandherwordswerewhispered.‘Youcannotwin…youwouldbewelladvisedtoacceptyourpunishment.’Shepaused,beforecontinuinginawhisperonlyUthaandRandallcouldhear.‘YourlandistoovaluabletobeleftinthehandsofRo…old-blood.’

Uthatriedtostriketheenchantress,buthishands

wouldn’tmoveandRandallsensedhisexertionashetriedtolashout.HehadheardtalesoftheSevenSistersandtheirreputationasbeingsitwasimpossibletokill,areputationhewasbeginningtobelieveashewatchedhismasterstruggletogaincontrol.

‘MydearKatja,weshouldshowhimwhathappenstotraitors,’saidtheprinceexcitedly,pointingtoa

lockedgatethatledawayfromtheoubliette.

‘Iwouldbehappierifhewereshackledfirst,myprince,’saidSeveren.‘Uthaisadangerousman,nottobetreatedlightly…Lieutenant,’headdressedthegrey-hairedguardsman,‘besureheisundercloseguard.’

Thelieutenantcrossedtothedoor.Heopeneditandsummonedtwoofthemenfromoutside.Again,noone

hadpaidanyparticularattentiontoRandall,andherealizedhe’ddughisfingernailsintohispalmswiththetension.

‘MaybeyouwillbemorehumblewhenyouseehowthehouseofTirisdealswithtraitorstothecrown,’saidPrinceChristophe,likeapetulantchild.‘Leadtheway,BrotherSeveren.’

ThePurpleclericlockedeyeswithUthaforamoment

beforehecrossedtheoublietteandunlockedtheirongate.Itwasthesameasthecelldoorswheretherisenmenwereimprisonedbutledintoanunlitstonecorridor.

Randallchancedalookintooneofthecellsand,forthefirsttime,hadaclearlookatarisenman,oneofthebeingsUthahadcalledDokkalfar.He–foritappearedtobeamale–washunchedover,but

nonethelesslookedtobetallandgangly,withcleargreyskinandroundblackeyeswhichhadneitherpupilsnoririses.Thecreaturedirectedaquestioninglookatthesquireandtiltedhisheadashewatchedthempasshiscell.Randallthoughthelookedlittledifferentfromaman,althoughhiselongated,leaf-shapedearsandlongfingersgavetheDokkalfaranotherworldlyappearance.

AsUthaapproachedthedoor,hepausedandturnedtolockeyeswiththerisenman.SeverenmovedtostophimbutUthaquicklycrouchedinfrontofthesmallcellandreachedthroughthebars.

‘Iamsorry…Itriedtotellthem.IsweartoyouItried.’

RandallsensedadeepsadnessbothinUtha’swordsandinthecreature’sblackeyes,asSeverenroughly

grabbedtheBlackclericandmarchedhimaway.

‘Yousee,’proclaimedtheprince,‘hecaresforthebeasts…touchesthemandtreatsthembetterthanhisownpeople.’RandalldecidedthathedislikedPrinceChristopheintensely.

‘Theyarenotbeasts…highness.’Uthavirtuallyspatoutthelastword.

SeverendrovehisfistintotheBlackcleric’sstomach

andUthadoubledoverashelosthisbreath.

‘Idon’twanttokeephittingyou,brother,’hesaidashepulledUthauprightandheldhimfirmly.

Uthacoughedandnodded.‘So,stophittingme…brother.’HepushedSeverenawayandleantonRandallinstead.ThesquirelookedangrilyatthePurpleclericandtriedtohelpUthaupright.Hewaswinded,but

recoveredhiscomposurequickly.

Theguardsmenledthemdownthecorridor,pastrottingbrickwork,mossanddamp.AttheendRandallcouldseeabarreddoor,woodenandmoresolid-lookingthantheirongrates,whichappearedtobesecurelylocked.Thegrey-hairedlieutenantbegantoopenthedoor,beforeturningtotheprinceandasking,‘Are

werequiredwithin,myprince?’TherewasatraceoffearinhiseyesandRandallwonderedwhatlaywithin.

‘Yes,youare,guardsman,’PrinceChristophereplied,asifthequestionhadbeenastupidone.‘Youmustkeepthetraitorunderguard.’

Thethreeking’smenlookedwary,buttheywerenotgoingtodisobeytheprince’sorders.Theyformed

uproundUthaandthedoorwasopened,releasinganoxiousodourthatassaultedthesquire’snostrilsandmadehimfeelsick.ItwasdarkwithinandRandallcouldseenothingexceptaswayingdistortionintheairandtheglowfromasingletorch.

‘Move,’orderedSeverenfromtherear,shovingUthaintothedarkness.

Theyenteredoneatatimeuntilallwerewithinthe

room.Katjamovedroundthewallswiththetorch,lightinghalfadozenironbraziersaroundthecircularspace.

Asthelightspread,theroombecameilluminatedandRandall’seyeswidenedashesawahugedarkwoodtreesproutingupfromapatchofearthatthecentre,andadecrepitoldmantangledupinitsbranches.ThemanwasRoandworeasimplepurplerobe,thoughitwassplitin

places,andthetreeappearedtobeconnectedtotheman’sfleshbyneedle-likegrowthsalongitsblacksurface.

Themanwasn’tmoving,buthiseyeswereopenandhischestroseandfell,showingRandallthathewasstillalive.HeboreaslightresemblancetoPrinceChristopheandthesquireguessedthatitmustbeBartholomewTiris.Hiseyeswerebloodshotandshowed

nosignthathewasawareoftheirpresence.

Katjasteppedforwardandraisedherhandsinanextravagantgestureofworshiptowardsthestrangetree.SeverendrewhisswordandplaceditagainstUtha’sback,forcinghimforwardwithagruntofexertion.

‘Whathaveyoudone,prince?’demandedUtha,ashelookedwithhorroratthe

king’sfather,tangledintheblack,tentacle-likebranches.

‘Silence,’theprinceordered,withacackle,mimickingKatja’sgestureofworship.‘WaketheYoung,Katja,waketheYoung.’

Theylookedwithastonishmentattheprinceasaninsanefireappearedinhiseyesandhiscacklinggrewlouder.

Randallsparedaglanceatthethreeguardsmenandsaw

thatallwereavertingtheireyesandmakinganefforttolookatthefloor.BrotherSeverenhadalookofinsanegleeonhisface,andRandallguessedthatbothprinceandclericofnobilitywereunderKatja’sspell.HeturnedtoUthaandtriedtoconveyhisfear,buthismasterwasfocusedonthetreeasthegnarledbranchesbegantomove.

‘WehavefoundtheGhost,’Katjascreamed.‘Wehavefoundtheold-bloodoftheShadowGiants…heisyourstoconsume.’

Herwordscausedthetreetoshiftviolentlyandrearup,itsbranchesstartingtowritheintheairanditstrunkslowlyundulating.ThebodyofBartholomewTiriswasdroppedtothefloorandthepulsatingtentaclesmoveddowntoconnectwiththe

ground,actinglikelegsastheywrenchedthewidetrunkfromtheearth.

SeverenshovedUthaforwardwithhisswordandtheBlackclericappearedtransfixedbythehorrorbeforehim.Thetrunkwasnowintheair,shakingoffmudlikeabeastasittiltedforwardstorevealaneedle-filledmawreachingforthecleric.Randallwasrootedtothegroundwithterrorand

couldonlywatchasKatjadancedaroundthefloorandtheprinceclappedhishandstogetherlikeaderangedchild.Thetwoofthemhadmovedawayfromthedoorandwerenowoneithersideofthetree.

SeverenhadamalevolentgrinonhisfaceashepushedUthaforwards,towardsthethingthatusedtobeadarkwoodtree.

‘Thepriestandthealtar,’screamedKatja,‘thepriestandthealtar.’

RandallwastransfixeduntilastrangemomentofremembranceconjuredupanimageofBrotherTorian.ThePurplecleric,whohadbeenRandall’smasterforlessthanamonth,hadheldasenseofrightandwrongforwhichUthahadfrequentlyteasedhim–butatthatmoment,intheoublietteofTiris,the

memoryofhisfaceshookRandallfromhisterrorandenabledhimtothinkclearly.

Theneedlesprotrudingfromthebeast’scircularmawwerereachingforUtha,extendingandproducingasicklygreenfluid.

Randalldidn’tpausetothinkformorethananothermomentbeforeheroared,‘Utha…’atthetopofhisvoice,anddeftlydrewtheswordofGreatClaw.

TheguardswerestilllookingatthefloorandSeverenreactedonlyslowly,turninghisheadasheapparentlynoticedRandallforthefirsttime.HisownswordwasatUtha’sbackandhecouldn’traiseittoparryasthesquirestruck.Randallwasyoungandstrongandhisswordflewdownwards,strikingthePurpleclericattheshoulderandmakingagratingsoundasitcut

throughtheplateofhisarmourandbitintohisflesh.

Severen’sbloodsprayedacrossUtha’sfaceandtheBlackclericshookhishead,quicklyregaininghissensesandbackingawayfromthemonster.

‘Randall,sword,’hebarked,holdingouthishand.

Thesquirethrewhislongswordtheshortdistanceintohismaster’shands.TheguardslookedupandRandall

guessedthattheywerenotimmunetothetransfixingpowerofthemonstroustree.Thegrey-hairedlieutenantwasincontrolofhissensesbuttheotherswererootedtothespotwithfear.

Uthaturnedawayfromthetreeand,withcold,angryeyes,attackedthelieutenant.BrotherSeverenwasalivebutthrashinginpainonthestonefloorandRandallknelt

quicklyandseizedthePurplecleric’slongsword.

‘No…theYoungmustfeed,’screamedKatja.‘TheDeadGoddemandsblood.’

TheprincehadalsodrawnhisswordbutwasreluctanttoadvanceontheBlackcleric,andhispathwasblockedbythewrithingmonstrosityinthecentreoftheroom.ThetreewasstillreachingforUtha,buthe’dmovedoutof

itsreachandwasnolongerlookingatit.

Randallmovedquicklywithhisnewlyacquiredswordandshovedoneofthetransfixedguardsmenoutofthewaytoclearthedoorway.Themandidn’tresistbutjustfelllimplytothefloorasRandallgrabbedtheironhandle.

‘Getitopen,boy,’shoutedUtha,ashedrovethe

lieutenantagainstthewallwithbrutallyefficientskill.

ThedoorcreakedandRandallhadtothrowallofhisstrengthintoonehugeheave.Itbegantoopenandhesawthreemoreguardsmenstandingbeyond.Behindhim,Uthahaddespatchedthelieutenantwithacutacrosshisneckandwasturningtoreceivetheprince,who’dworkedhiswaypastthemonsterand,withawildlook

inhiseyes,leaptattheBlackcleric.

RandallheldhisbreathasUthaparriedPrinceChristophe’sclumsyattackandkickedhimsolidlyinthechest.Theprincelookeddeeplyindignantforamomentbeforethepainhithimandhefellbackintothepathofthetree.

Katjascreamed,‘No…thiscannotbe,’asthe

writhingbeastgrabbedthecrownprinceofTorFunweir.

Theneedle-likefeelersinitsmouthattachedtotheprince’sbodyandinasecondhehadslumpedintounconsciousnessasthecreaturebegantoconsumehimwhole,pullingthebodyhead-firstintoitsgrotesquemaw.

Uthawatchedforamomentasthebeastslowedtodigestitsmeal,beforehe

turnedsharplyandkickedthelastguardsmanoutoftheway.

‘Moveordie,it’sthatsimple,’Utharoaredattheking’smenwhostoodintheirway.

Allthreepaused,buttheywereprofessionalsoldiersandthethreatfellondeafears.Theycouldn’tseeintotheroomandthetreewasnolongeradvancingastheydrewtheirswords.

Uthathrustforward,piercingtheleadmaninthestomachbeforehewithdrewthebladeandansweredahighattackfromanotherofthem.Randalldidn’tstoptothinkashejoinedhismasterinthecorridorandengagedthelastguardsman,swingingfromhighandkeephisarmsasclosetohisbodyaspossible.

Theyfought,sidebyside,andRandallfeltexhilarationashisswordclashedwiththe

guardsman’s.Hislackofskillwasoffsetbythecrampedconditionsand,asUthaclubbedhisownopponenttotheground,Randalllashedoutwiththehiltofhisswordandconnectedwiththeman’sjaw.

Oneguardsmanwasdying,buttheothertwoweremerelydazedasUthaandRandalljumpedoverthemandrandownthenarrowstonecorridor,withthe

Karesianenchantressscreamingbehindthem.

‘Youhurt?’Uthaaskedastheyapproachedthemainroomoftheoubliette.

‘No,no,Idon’tthinkso,’repliedRandall.

Hequicklycheckedhimselfandfoundnobloodorwounds,althoughhismindwasswimmingwithfearandexhilaration.

Theyreachedthegatethatledtotheimprisoned

DokkalfarandUthakickedopenthedoor,sendingdustanddebrisflyingfromthefilthydungeonfloor.TheBlackclericrantothenearestcellandcrouched,extendinghishandashehaddonebefore.

‘Randall,helpmegetthiscellopen.’

Thesquirewasfrantictoescapeandthoughttheideaofpausingtorescuetheotherprisonersfoolish.

‘Didyouhearme?’Uthashouted.‘Jamthatswordinthehingesandhelpmewrenchthedooropen.’

Hedidashewastold,automaticallyfollowinghismaster’sorders,andthrusthisnewlyacquiredswordintothethickironhingeatthebaseofthecelldoor.Uthastoodandkickedatthebladewithallhisstrength,jammingitbetweentheironrivetsandbendingthehinge.Thenhe

grabbedthehiltoftheswordandpulleditsharplyawayfromthecelldoor,causingthehingetobreakandthedoortobuckle.

‘Helpme,’heshoutedtoRandall,andthetwoofthempulledfranticallyuntilthedoorwasbentsufficientlytoallowthebeinginsidetoescape.

‘Quickly,wehavetoleave,’Uthasaidtothecreature.

Nowatitsfullheight,Randallcouldn’tbelievehowtalltherisenmanwas–sevenfootatleast,withaslenderbuild.Itmovedtowardsthem,itsheadtiltingasitstudiedtheirfaces.

‘UthatheShadow…youareourfriend.’TheDokkalfar’svoicesangfromitsthinandsensualmouth,thoughitsaccentwasstrange,placingstressesinthewrongplaces,Randallthought.

TheDokkalfarlanguishingintheothercellshadallstoodandlookedsilentlyintothecentralroomasUthahelpedthenewlyfreedcreatureoutofthecell.TheBlackclericturnedtotheothersandlookedflusteredasheregisteredhowlongitwouldtaketorescuethemall.Hisbreathingquickenedasshoutingsoundedfromthechamberbehindthem.Theguardsmenhadrecovered

enoughtobegintopursuethem.

‘Utha,wehavetogo,’shoutedRandall,grabbinghismaster’sarmandtryingtopullhimtothedooroftheoubliette.

‘Weneedtosavethem,’Uthasaidquickly.

‘Ifwetry,they’llcatchus…comeon,’Randallshoutedagain,pullingmoreforcefullyatUtha’sarm.

Themuscularclericmovedawayonlyreluctantly,withthesinglefreedDokkalfarfollowingclosebehind.

‘I’msorry,’hesaidquietlytothecreatureswhoremained.

Aguardsman,groggilyswayingonhisfeet,appearedinthedoorwayandshouted,‘Youkilledtheprince…’

Uthaturnedand,withangerinhiseyes,hurledthe

swordofGreatClawattheman.Thelongswordthuddedintohimandskeweredhimthroughthechest.TheclericthengrabbedtheswordinRandall’shandandpulledopenthedoorthatledoutoftheoubliette.

Randallfoughthisrisingfearandranbackacrossthecentralroomtoretrievehissword.Heremovediteasily,buthadtoturnawaytoavoidthebloodspraythatcame

withit.Downthecorridorhesawtwoguardsmenrisingtotheirfeetand,attheendofthepassage,justemergingfromthedoorway,wasKatjatheHandofDespair.TheKaresianenchantressglaredatRandallwithstaringeyesandthesquirequicklylookedawayinordertoavoidfallingunderherspell.

‘Randall,hurrythefuckup,’shoutedUthafromthedoor.

‘They’recoming.’Randallwasbreathlessashejoinedhismaster.

Outofthecentralroom,Randallshutthedoor,jamminghisdaggerintothelocktokeepitfrombeingopenedagain.Theyranoutoftheoubliette,thefreedDokkalfarbehindthem.Randalldidn’tlookattherisenmanandtriedtofocusongettingoutoftheroyalcompoundalive.Whenhe

reachedthedoorthatleduptothehouseofTiris,Uthafranticallyflungitinwards.

‘Stop.’RandallplacedhishandonUtha’sshoulder.‘Thereareguardsandservantsupthere.Howarewegoingtogetout?’

Uthagrowled,‘I’mgoingtokillanyonethattriestostopmeandthenwe’regoingtostealthatwagon.’Withnomorewords,heslappedaway

Randall’shandandranupthestairs.

Thesquirewipedsweatfromhisforeheadandwenttofollowhim,butwasstoppedbyarestraininghandfromtherisenman.ThetallcreaturehadbeensilentasheranandRandallfelthispresenceintimidating.Thecreature’sskinwasgrey,andasmorelightplayedacrosshisfeaturestheyoungsquirecouldseenopigmentor

colourofanykindintheDokkalfar’sface.Hewassimplyanon-human,alivingbeingnotoftheraceofmen,andRandallinvoluntarilyshiedawayfromthecreature.

‘DonotthinktostoptheShadow,youngmanofRo,’itsaidinasonorousvoice.‘Hisnowismoreimportantthanyoursormine.’

Randalldidn’ttrytounderstandashewriggledout

ofthecreature’sgraspandranupthestepsafterUtha.

TheBlackclericwasmoving,swordinhand,acrossthecarpets.Hewascoveredinbloodandlookedterrifyingasherantowardsthecourtyard.Randallfollowedandsawservantscowering,unwillingtochallengetheenragedclericandtooafraidtorunforhelp.Theycrossedtheentranceway

quickly,reachingthedoorunchallenged.

UthapausedatthedooruntilRandallandtheDokkalfarhadjoinedhim.‘Thereareatleastadozenguardsmeninthiscourtyard,’hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.‘There’salsoawagon.Yougoforthewagon,I’llgofortheguards.Clear?’

‘Asitneedstobe,’repliedRandall,toofrantictobescared.

UthanoddedandputhishandonRandall’sshoulder.‘You’vesavedmylifetwice,boy,nowgetinthewagonandlet’sstayaliveawhilelonger.’

RandalllookeddowntoseethathishandwasnolongershakingandthelongswordofGreatClawfeltlighterinhisfist.

Uthabreathedindeeplyandscowled,openingthelargedoorwithanaggressive

growlandtighteninghishandaroundhisnewlongsword.TheglareofsunthathitthemastheyenteredthecourtyardmadeRandallsquintashefollowedhismaster.

Beyond,thegatewasclosed,andmorethanadozengold-armouredking’smenstoodingroupsorwalkedinlonepatrolaroundtheyard,evidentlyunawareofwhathadtranspiredintheoubliette.Thewagonwas

close,withthreehorsesattachedtothefrontandtwoguardsmenremovingDokkalfarknivesfromthecarriage.

Uthadidn’tpausebeforerunningatthefirsttwoguardsmen.Theysawhimtoolate,andRandallsawtheotherking’smenslowlyrealizethataroaringBlackclericwasintheirmidst.

Uthaswungwithpoweratthefirstman,halfsevering

hishead,beforespinningroundanddrivinghisbladethroughthebreastplateofthesecondman.Inamomenthe’dclearedthewagonofguards.

‘Guardsmen,toarms,’roaredoneoftheking’smen,standingatthemaingate.

‘Randall,thewagon,’Uthashoutedashekickedthedeadbodiesoutofthewayandturnedtofacetheother

guards,whowerebeginningtogathertheirsenses.

Thesquiredidn’ttakeintheoverwhelmingoddsarrayedagainsttheclericasheclimbedintothewagon’sdrivingpositionandgrabbedthereins.TheDokkalfar,hisfacestillmaskedbyhishood,wrenchedtwoknivesfromthewoodandjumpeduptositnexttoRandall.

Uthapickedupasecondlongswordfromafallenman

andswunghistwobladeswithintimidatingskill,roaringattheguardsmenwhilerunningatthem.TheBlackclericmovedlikeanenragedmonsterandRandallsawfearcomeintotheeyesofthosewhowerepreparingtofighthim.

Uthadidnotwaitforthementooverwhelmhimasheplungedintothemassofthem.Helashedoutwithbothblades,aimingtomaimrather

thankillasheseveredoneman’sswordarmattheelbowandcutanotherviciouslyacrosstheface.

‘Thegate,’heshoutedtoRandall,withoutlookingback,andthesquireflickedthereinsroughlytospurthethreelargehorsesintomovement.

Asthewagonmovedacrossthecourtyard,twocrossbowboltsthuddedintothewoodinchesfromwhere

Randallsat.Lookingup,hesawmorearmouredmenemergefromthebuildingbehindhim,reloadingtheircrossbows.Thesquirerecognizedoneofthemfromtheoublietteandguessedthattheenchantresswouldalsobeinpursuit.

Tohissurprise,theDokkalfarstoodupgracefullyonthewagon’sforwardseatandlaunchedbothhisnewlyacquiredknivesatthemen

surroundingUtha.Twodiedinstantlyastheywerestruckintheneck,andUthakilledanotherwhohadturnedtoseewherethekniveshadcomefrom.TheBlackclericwasnowsurroundedandonlythetwolongswordshewieldedkepthisadversariesfromclosingin.

‘Holdtight,’RandallsaidtotheDokkalfar,asthehorsesbarrelledintothe

ornategatesoftheroyalcompound.

Thewagonjudderedviolentlyasthemetalbentandbuckledundertheweightofthehorsesandtheheavywagon.

‘Utha,move,’roaredthesquireoverhisshoulder.Thewayaheadwastantalizinglyclear.

HepulleduponthereinstoslowthecarriageandturnedtoseeUtha

surrounded.Withoutthinking,Randallleaptfromhisseatanddrewhissword.AguardsmanwithhisbacktothesquirebecamethefirstmanRandallhadwilfullykilledwhentheswordofGreatClawstruckhimattheneckandsheareddownintohisbody.Asecondturnedtoengagethenewcombatant,butamomentlatercaughtaDokkalfarknifeintheneck.

Utharoaredagainasanopeningappearedamongtheencirclingguardsandheplungedforward,deflectingthrustsfromtheothermen.WithaskillandferocityRandallhadneverseen,BrotherUthatheGhostengagedfivemenatonceandfoughttoreachthecarriage.

Aglancingblowtohislegmadetheclericbuckleanditlookedasifhe’dbedrivenbackuntilRandallmovedin

tojoinhismaster.Hetriednottothink,lettinghismindforgetUtha’slessonsandjustrelyingoninstinct.Hewasnotamatchforthesemenintermsofskillortraining,butthedistractionprovidedbytheferociousclericofDeathgaveRandallthechanceheneeded.Hissecondkillcameintheformofathrustthatpiercedayoungguardsmanintheside,throughtheexposed

middlesectionofhisbreastplate.

Throughthepressofguards,RandallsawUthatakeanotherblow,thistimeadeepcutacrosshischest.Theclericforcedhimselfuprightandwhirledhistwoswordsinwide,skilfularcs,pushingtheguardsmenback.

Thenanotherknifewasthrownand,forasecond,therewasnoonebetweenUthaandRandall.They

lockedeyesandUtharanforwards.Hecaughtseveralblows,butdeterminationandangerspurredhimonandhedivedpasttheencirclingknightsintoanungainlyforwardrollontheflagstonecourtyard.

Randallcouldseemenemergingfromthecompoundwithdrawncrossbows,andstandingbehindthemwasthecacklingfigureofKatjatheHandofDespair.Witha

wildnessinhervoice,shewasdirectingmentostopUtha.

‘Hekilledtheprince,stophimatallcosts.’Hervoicecrackedasshespoke.

RandallgrabbedUthaandheftedhimupastheDokkalfarthrewhislasttwoknives,killingtwomoremenandbuyingthemamomenttohaulthemselvesupintothewagon.

‘Move,’shoutedUthaweakly,andthecarriagesprangintolifeagainastherisenmangrabbedthereinsanddrovetheprisonwagonforward.

Boltsthuddedintothewood,buttheshoutingquicklydieddownastheymadetheirescape.Uthawasbloodiedandpaleevenforanalbino,asRandallpulledthewagondoorshutandpushed

openthefrontwindowtoaddresstheDokkalfar.

‘Justgetoutofthecity.Don’tstopforanything.’Hehadtoshouttobeheardoverthenoiseofhoovesonstone.

‘Wewillnotstopandtheywillnotstopus,’thecreaturereplied,asRandallslumpedbackinsidethewagonbesideUtha.

‘That’sthreetimes,youngRandall.’Theclericworeathinsmile.‘Takemyhand.’

Utharaisedablood-coveredhandtothesquire,whichRandallgraspedfirmly.‘Iwouldcallyoubrother,RandallofDarkwald,’hesaidquietly,ashiseyesbegantoclose.

CHAPTER7

RHAMJASRAMIINTHESTRAITSOFCANARN

RhamJaswascoldanddislikedtheweatherofthenorth.Theshipwascheap

andthecaptainhadaskednoquestions,butcomfortwasinshortsupply.Itwaslateandthetemperaturehaddroppedsharplyasdarknesshadfallen.TheirjourneythroughTirishadbeenswiftand,withalittlecointhrownaround,relativelyeasy.KohliandJennerhadremainedinthecity,planningtofindawayofreturningtoKaresiaandleavingRhamJasandBromvywiththewordsDon’t

getkilledandsayhellotoAl-Hasim.

ThisadvicehadbeenplayingontheKirin’smindandhehadspentthepastweek,asthey’dcrawledslowlynorthacrossthestraitsofCanarn,thinkinghowbesttokeepBromandhimselfalive.

Theywereclosenow,withinadayofthecoastandthebeachwhereRhamJashadinstructedthecaptainto

putthemashore.TheforestsofCanarnweresmall,buttheirdense,talltreesprovidedperfectcoverfortheDokkalfarthatlivedthere.RhamJasrememberedthedirectionoftravel,buthisheadwasfullofwaysinwhichhisplancouldgowrong.Buthe’dagreedtohelphisfriendand,trythoughhemight,RhamJascouldnotbringhimselftoabandonBrom.Ithadceased

tobeaboutrepaymentfortheyounglordhavingsavedhislifeandhadbecomeapersonalgoal–toseethisdone,totakeBromtohishomeandtoplaywhateverpartfatehadinstoreforhim.

ItwasapproachingmiddayandRhamJascouldfeelnowarmth.Thesunwaspermanentlybehindtherollinggreycloudsandtheskywasdark.Bromwasbelowdeck,ashe’dbeen

mostofthepastfewdays.He’deatenandslept,buthadotherwisedoneverylittlesavesitinhiscabinandmope.RhamJaswasusedtospendingtimeonhisown,butstillhewouldhavelikedamoretalkativetravellingcompanion.TheKirinhadhopedforarelaxingeveningofwhoresandwineinRoTiris,butBromhadnotbeenkeenandinsistedtheyleavestraightaway.RhamJashad

beenforcedtowatchKohliandJennerstrollintothered-lightdistrictwithsmilesontheirsmugKaresianfaces.

‘RhamJas…’ThewordscamefromCaptainMakad,theKaresiantraderwhoowedhimafavourandhadagreedtodothejobforlittlemoney.‘Theseawillbegettingchoppy.Ifyouwantmetoputyouashoreonthatbeach,you’regoingtohavetorow.

I’mnotgettingneartherocks.’

‘Don’tworry,captain,we’llrow,’heresponded.‘Andyou’dbetterstayclearofCanarn.’

‘Thatwastheplan,’thecaptainsaidwithasmile,beforereturningtohisduty.

Theyhadnotbeenabletoreachthebarracksortheking’sharbour,soneitherRhamJasnorBromknewhowmanyknightswereinRo

Canarn.IfCaptainMakadweretocometooclose,hewouldriskbeingspottedandboardedbyknightsoftheRed,andRhamJashadnodoubtthatthecaptainwouldsellthemoutforverylittlemoney.NotthattheknightswouldbeabletofindthemintheDeepWood,butitwasstillbetterifheandBromremainedinvisiblefornow.

TheseawasstartingtogetroughandRhamJasdoubted

hewouldbeabletosleep.They’dreachthecoasttomorrow,andtheDeepWoodafewhoursafterthat,andhehopedhe’dhearthesongoftheDokkalfarforafewmomentsbeforetheykickedhimandBromoutoftheirrealm.

***

TheforestwasdarkandRhamJasdislikednotbeingabletoseethesunthroughthedensecanopy.ThetreesintheDeepWoodweretallandimposing,havingbeentherelongbeforetheduchyofCanarnhadbeenfounded,andtheyhadasolidityliketowersconstructedofwoodandbark.Theforestfloorwasfreeoftheusualdetritusoffallenbranchesandunevenground,withonlyathick

scatteringofleavescoveringagrassyfloor.

Despitehavingspentmostofhisyounglifewithinafewhours’traveloftheDeepWoodBromhadneverventuredintoitbefore,andthelookofaweonhisfaceasheperceivedthehuge,majestictreeswastestamenttotheirnear-magicalpresence.

EachtreehadanameintheDokkalfarlanguageand

thoughRhamJashadnevertriedtolearn,orevenpronounce,theirnames,heknewthatthereverenceinwhichtheDokkalfarheldthetreeswasmorethanasimplerespectfornature.Longago,theDokkalfarhadbeenboundtoaForestGiantand,unlikemen,theyunderstoodthatnaturewasbothbeautifulandterrible,deservingoffearaswellaslove.Animalsoftheforestwerelockedina

dailystruggleforsurvival,constantlyhuntingandbeinghuntedinanendlessgameoflifeanddeath.ThishadmadetheDokkalfarsuspicious,onedgeatalltimes,neveratrest.

RhamJaslikedthem.Despitetheopinionthemajorityofothermenheld,herespectedtheirsynergywiththewoodsandtheirancientacceptanceofpersecutionassomethingthat

hadtobeendured.AsheledBromdeeperintothewoods,theKirinassassinfeltasenseofcalmthatherarelyexperienced.AquicklookbehindshowedthatBromdidnotsharethisfeeling,andRhamJashadtoremindhimselfthatotherhumanswereuneasyaroundtheforest-dwellers.

‘Howmuchfurther?’askedtheyounglord.

‘Idon’tknow…maybeanotherhour,maybetwo.They’llapproachuswhenandiftheychooseto.’RhamJasknewthatactuallylookingforthemwasratherpointless.TheDokkalfarcouldremainhiddenindefinitely;theyhadn’tsurvivedforsolongbybeingeasytofind.

‘ThisforestremindsmeoftheFell.’Bromwaswalkingslowlybehindhisfriendand

craninghisnecktolookupatthetoweringtreetrunks.

‘That’sbecausethesametreesgrowhere.IthinktheFellistheir…homeland,Isuppose.ThoughI’mnotsureifthetermreallyapplies.’RhamJasslowedhispacetoallowBromtotakeintheirsurroundings.

‘ThisforesthasneverbeenhuntedbytheBlackclerics,sofarasIknow,so

theyshouldbemorerelaxed…shouldn’tthey?’

RhamJasraisedaneyebrow.‘Itdoesn’treallyworklikethat,I’mafraid.Theycommunicatesomehowoverlongdistances;eachsettlementsharesthepainofeveryothersettlementthat’sattackedandeveryDokkalfarthat’skilled.TheycallittheSlowPain.’

‘Interestingpeople,’Bromrepliedsimply.

‘They’renotpeople,myfriend,they’reDokkalfar.’Itwasabasicdistinction,butaveryimportantone.‘Theydon’tlikebeingcomparedtomen.’

‘Buttheylooklikemen,don’tthey?Imean,I’veneverseenone,butIalwaysimagined…twoarms,twolegs,ahead.’BromwasnervousandRhamJasallowedhimtoaskhisquestions.

‘Theyhavethesamelimbsandroughlythefeaturesasus,justabit…different,’theKirinreplied,realizingthatthisanswerwasnothugelyhelpful.‘They’retallerthanyouorIandthey…they’rejustnothuman.You’llsee.’

Theywalkedthroughthedensewoodslowly,RhamJastakingnoteoffamiliarlandmarks,butmakingnoparticularefforttobestealthy.Heknewthattotry

andremainhiddenintheDokkalfarwoodswaslargelypointlessasthey’dprobablyalreadyhavebeenseen.HeguessedthatthedecisionaboutwhattodowiththetwohumanswhohadwanderedintotheDeepWoodwascurrentlybeingmadesomewhereoutofview.Heknewthathewouldn’tbekilled,butworriedaboutBrom.Theyounglordwasanoutsiderhereand,asanoble

ofTorFunweir,hewasdirectlyrelatedtothenoblefamiliesthathadhuntedtheforest-dwellersthroughouttheirlands–andtheDokkalfarwereabletosensesuchthings.

RhamJasstoppedastheyreachedasmallpatchofopenground,aclearingbetweenthehugetrunksofhalfadozentreeswhereasinglerayofsunshinelanceddownthroughthecanopy.The

forestfloorwasflatandfeatureless,savefortheever-presentcarpetofgreenandbrownleavesuponwhichtheywalked.RhamJasrecognizedtheplaceanddecidedtostopforarest.

‘Let’sstophereforanhourortwoandgivethewatchersachancetogetagoodlookatus.’Heremovedhislongbowandsatatthebaseofatree.

‘They’rewatchingus?’askedBrom,alittlealarmedbythenews.

‘Theyhavebeensinceweenteredthewoods.It’stheirway.’RhamJasknewthathisfriendwasimpatient,buttheKirinwasnotgoingtorushthisencounter.ThemoreinsistentthevisitortotheDeepWood,thelesslikelyhewastosurvive.

‘Sitdown,Brom,wemayaswelltakesomerest.’

Hesitantly,hejoinedRhamJasagainstthebroadtreetrunk.Fromgroundlevel,theforesthadastrangeetherealqualityandthesinglerayofsunlightmadetheleavesglintandshine.Distantly,RhamJascouldhearaslightsound,therhythmicchantingoftheDokkalfar.ItsoundedlikenoothernoisetheKirinhadeverheard–achorusofhigh-pitchednotesthatroseand

fellwithbeautifulandelongatedtiming,eachnoteswellingbeforelowering,onlytoriseagain.

Bromheardthesoundtooandraisedhisheadthebettertolistentothebeautifulsongoftheforest-dwellers.Hiseyesclosedinvoluntarilyandhisheadbegantoswayslightlyastherhythmincreasedintempoandvolume.

‘It’sbeautiful,’Bromsaidashelistened.‘Isthatreallythemsinging?’

RhamJasnodded.‘Theysaythatit’showtheytalktothetreesandpassmessagestootherDokkalfarsettlements,’hesaidquietly,soasnottointerruptthesong.‘MywifeusedtospendhoursjustlisteningtoitinOslan.’

Theysatandletthesongflowoverthem,neitherofthemspeaking.RhamJassat

cross-leggedandBromlaybackasifbathingintheetherealglow,lettingtherayofsunlightplayoverhisface.Thesonghadcalmedtheyounglordconsiderably,andRhamJasallowedhimselftohopethattheywouldindeedfindhelpfromtheforest-dwellersofCanarn.

Theminutesstretchedandflowedtogetherasthetwofriendslistened,untilanothersoundcamefromhighabove.

ThissoundwasnotmusicanditcausedBromtositupsharplyandreachforhissword.

‘Easy,’saidRhamJasquietly.‘Keepitsheathed.’

TheybothlookedupandRhamJassawashapesittinginahighbranch.Thefigurewascrouchedandholdingtwoleaf-shapedblades,oneineachhand,heldacrosshischest.Nofaceorfeatureswerevisibleinthehigh

shadows,butthefigurecockeditsheadtooneside,asifstudyingthetwohumans.Sizewasdifficulttogaugeacrossthedistance,butthefigureappearedlargeandwascloakedinshadow,loomingoverthem.

‘RhamJas…’saidBrom,nottakinghiseyesfromthefigure.

‘Relax.They’dhavekilledyoubynowiftheyweregoingto,’theKirinreplied

simply,causinghisfriendtodartaquestioninglookathim.

‘Don’tyoumeanthey’dhavekilledusbynow?’

‘Oh,no,Iwasn’tinanydanger,’RhamJasansweredwithabroadgrin.‘You’reRo,remember–everyonehatestheRo.’

BromglaredatRhamJasbeforeturningbacktothefigureabove.‘CanIsay

hello,oristhatbadetiquette?’

‘Youcansaywhatyoulike,butdon’texpecthimtoansweruntilhe’sready,’RhamJasreplied.

Amomentlaterthefigurehadblurredintomotion,flexinghislegsandjumpingdowntolandgracefullyontheforestfloor.Hecrouchedwithonebladeinfrontofhisfaceandtheotherbehindhisback,inaguardedpose.

BromgaspedashelookedintothefaceofaDokkalfarforthefirsttime.

Itwasamale,maybesevenfeettall,withlong,jet-blackhairhanginglooselydownhisback.Hiseyeswerealsoblack,reminiscentofpoolsofinkywater,whichseemedtoflowfromsidetosideashelookedatthehumans.Hisskinwasgreyandhewasslenderwithlong,dextrous-lookingfingersand

sharp,talon-likenails.Ashestood,hishairmovedslowlytoreveallarge,leaf-shapedearsandnofacialhairofanykind.Hisclothingwasdarkgreen,withflashesofblackandgreyinlaidwithinthethinfabric.

Bromdidn’ttakehiseyesfromtheforest-dweller,andRhamJascouldtellthathisfriendwastryingtoreconcilethegracefulbeinginfrontof

himwiththeoft-toldstoriesofrisenmen.

TheDokkalfarmaletiltedhisheadandlookedfirstatBrom,andthendirectedalong,disquietinglookatRhamJas.TheKirinsmiledawkwardly,hopingthecreatureknewwhohewas.RhamJashadvisitedseveraldifferentDokkalfarsettlementsandtheirTyrwarriorsalwaysseemedtoknowhim,havingreceived

theinformationfromdistantforests.ThefactthattheTyrhadnotattackedthusfarmeantRhamJaswasfairlyoptimistic,buthewishedthecreaturewouldspeakandlessenthetension.

Whenhedidspeak,itwasinadeep,sonorousvoice.‘Paivaa,RhamJasRami.Hauskatutustua.’TheDokkalfarspokealanguageunknowntomanandBrom

shothisfriendaconfusedlook.

‘Erm…hello,’repliedRhamJas.‘Sorry,Idon’tspeakyourlanguage.Nanontriedtoteachmeonce,butIhavenoearforit.’RhamJasclearedhisthroatandtriedtosaytheonephrasehehadmemorized.‘PuhutkoRo?’heasked,inanattempttofindoutwhetherthecreaturespokethecommontongue.

TheDokkalfarappearedtosmile,thoughtheexpressionwasthinandconveyedlittlefriendliness.‘Iknowyourspeech,’hesaid,thewordsofmansoundingsomehowwrongashespokethem,withthestressesinthewrongplaces.

‘ThisisBromvyofCanarn,alordoftheRo,’RhamJassaid,anticipatingsomekindofreactionfromthecreature.Whennone

came,hecontinued.‘WeaskanaudiencewithyourVithar.’

‘Youarefriendtous,RhamJasRami.Thismanisnotknown.’TheDokkalfar’sheadwastiltingfromsidetosideashespokeandRhamJasthoughthemustbeassessingBrom.

‘Ihaveneedofyou,’saidBrom,unsureofhiswords.

‘Needisastrangeconceptamongstyourpeople,’the

forest-dwellerreplied.‘Youareimpatientandyourneedsmustalwaysbenow…nowyouwilldosomething,nowyouneedhelp,nowyouact.Ihavenointerestinthenowofmen.’

‘Nevertheless,westillaskanaudience,’RhamJasrepeated.

TheDokkalfarsteppedgracefullywithinafewfeetofBrom,hisheight,hisgreycolouringandhis

expressionlesseyesmakinghimappearhugeandintimidating.Hestillheldhistwoknives,buttheywerelooseinhishandsandRhamJasdidnotthinkhewasabouttoeruptintoviolence.Bromdidn’ttakehiseyesfromthecreatureandheraisedhisheadthebettertolookupintohisface,refusingtobecowedbytheDokkalfar.

‘Andwhatisyournow,BromvyofCanarn?’the

Dokkalfarasked.Bromglancedacrossat

RhamJasandtriedtoconveythathedidn’tunderstand.Thebeautyandotherworldlyqualitiesofthecreaturehadclearlyshakentheyounglord,butRhamJasfeltitwasn’thisplacetointerfere.Hestoodofftothesideoftheforestclearing,gazingintothewoods,asBromandtheforest-dwellersearchedfor

somethingineachother’sface.

WhenthelordofCanarnspokeitwaswithhard-foughtconfidence.‘Mynowisaneedtohelpmyhomelandandfreemypeople,’hesaidwithconviction.‘Andtomakethosedishonourablemenwhomurderedmyfatherpay.’

TheDokkalfarpaused,hisheadnolongertilting,andRhamJasguessedthathewas

thinkingaboutBrom’swords.‘IamcalledTyrSigurd,itis…interestingtomeetyou.’Theforest-dwellergaveashallowbowofhishead.‘Youwillfollowme.’Sigurdturnedsharplyandstrodeacrosstheclearing,placinghisleaf-bladesacrosshisbackashedidso.

‘Whatdowedo?’BromaskedRhamJas.

‘Wefollowhim,Isuppose,’theKirinreplied.

‘Oh,andBrom…welldone,hedidn’tkillyou.’RhamJassmiledbroadlyandreceivedaplayfulpunchtotheshoulderinreturn.

Sigurdwalkedslowlyandfrequentlylookedbehindhim,makinganefforttomoveatapacethehumanscouldmatch.Hisstridewashugeandheeffortlesslyavoidedobstaclesontheforestfloorwithoutlookingdown.Hemovedacross

fallenbranchesandthecarpetofleaves,makingnomorethanaslightrustleofsound,andhisfootstepsdidnothingtodisturbthedetritusoftheDeepWood.

Theyfollowedhimthroughtightlypackedtreesanddownasharpinclineintoanarrowvalley,protectedfromthesunbyanevendensercanopythanbefore.Thetreetrunksherewerethinandroseupfromtheflat

valleyfloorwithfewrootsattheirbase.RhamJasknewthatthissignifiedaDokkalfarsettlementunderthecarpetofleaves.Thetalltreeshadtheirrootslowerdownandaconstructedfloor,builthalfwayupthetrunks,madethesettlementallbutinvisible.

Sigurdstoppedbyoneofthetreesandturnedbacktothetwohumans.‘Youwillnotbeabletofindthis

locationagain,sodonottry…ifyoutryandsucceed,youwillbekilled,’hesaidinamatter-of-factway,beforereachingdowntorevealawoodenhatchwayhiddenamongsttheleaves.

Thehatchwascircularandhadbeenwovenoutofthinbranches,makingitevenmoredifficulttodetectwithacursorylook.Beneath,allRhamJascouldseewasaslightyellowglow,thoughhe

smelledthetelltalescentofDokkalfarfood–aformofnutritionthatinvolvedboiledvegetablesandherbs,withnomeatorbreadbutwithaheartyflavour.

Sigurdjumpeddown,makingnosoundashelandedbelow.BromlookedatRhamJas,andtheKirinsmiledbeforehetoojumpeddown,makingaconsiderablenoiseashethuddedontothetightlypackedearthbelow.

Bromfollowedamomentlaterandthetwohumanspausedtogettheirbearingsasthehatchwayclosed.

Theforestfloorabovehadgivennoindicationofthehugespacebeneath,andbothRhamJasandBromgaspedastheglowincreasedinbrightnesstoilluminatetheDokkalfarvillage.Startingalittlewayinfrontofthem,therootsofthetreesservedaspillars,stretchingawayin

chaoticlines.Aroundthebaseofeachtreeweresimple,organic-lookingstructureswhichappearedatoncebeautifullyconstructedandentirelynatural.Therewerenostraightlinesandneitherwindowsnordoors,butleafmotifswereinabundancethroughoutthesettlement.Theforestfloorabovewasahighceiling,perhapstwentyfeetfromtheactualground,andRhamJascouldsee

beamsandstrutsoftwistedwoodandearthactingassupportsforthebedofleavesabovetheirheads.HefounditdifficulttotellwhetherornotthesupportingbeamswerenaturalorhadbeenbuiltbythecraftoftheDokkalfar.TheexpressionofaweonBrom’sfaceindicatedthathisfriendwasjustasconfused.

Sigurdstoodalittlewayaheadofthemandwavedelegantly,indicatingthatthey

shouldfollowhimdeeperunderground.Neitherfollowedstraightaway,asotherDokkalfarwerevisibleinthesettlementand,withoutexception,theyhadalldirectedtheirblackeyestowardsthetwooutsiders.ThestructuresofwhichRhamJashadtakennotewerelittlemorethancanopiesorlargeawnings,andallkindsofDokkalfarwerepeeringoutfromtheirhomes.

RhamJasfeltself-consciousasseveraldozenheadstiltedtoregardthehumans.

‘Youwillfollow,’Sigurdstated.‘Nooneherewillharmyou.’Thewordsdidn’treassureBrom,butwithagentleshovefromRhamJastheywalkedfurtherintotheDokkalfarvillage.

Cookingpotsofamberandbakedmudhungfromcarefullyconstructedapparatusaboveglowing

rocks.Itseemedtheydidnotusefire,buttheircraftnonethelessenabledthemtoheatthingstoasufficienttemperature.

RhamJaswalkedafterSigurd,smilingnervouslyatthenearestDokkalfar,andBromfollowedcloselybehind.Theforest-dwellersfollowedtheirmovementsandRhamJassawbothcuriosityandangerintheir

eyes,thoughhesensednoimmediatedanger.

SigurdledthemthroughthethinlyspacedtreetrunkspastaDokkalfarpresenceasdiverseasanyhumansettlement.RhamJassawchildrenplayingwithbranchesandtwigsasiftheywereswords,runningacrossthedarkforestfloor,andTyrwarriorsatworkbesideheatedrocksthatservedasforges.

BromwasrightwhenhesaidthatBlackclericshadneverhuntedintheDeepWoodofCanarn.DukeHectorhadalwaysresistedattemptsbythechurchtosetupaBlackkeepinthearea,andalthoughthemenofCanarnwerenotawareoftheforest-dwellers’presence,theirdistrustoftheclericshadinadvertentlyprotectedtheirDokkalfarneighbours.

Thelooksdirectedatthetwomenwerehostile,however,andthechildreninparticularwhisperedquietinsultsatthehumans.

‘Theydon’tseemtolikeus,’saidBrom,statingtheobvious.

‘Justbethankfulit’sourracetheydislikeratherthanus,’repliedRhamJas.‘Ifitwerethelatter,ourheadswouldlikelybeadorningahightreetopbynow.’

‘WhoaretheVithar?’Bromasked,astheyfollowedSigurddownaninclinewhichledawayfromthemajorityofthedwellings.

‘Shamans,’answeredRhamJassimply.‘TheDokkalfardon’thaveleadersassuch,theytakecounselwiththeVitharshamansifacourseofactionisnotclear.TheVitharinvariablycounselpatienceandendurance.’

Bromnodded,butRhamJasthoughthewasonlyhalflisteningandhadbeentalkingmainlytoalleviatehisnervousnessinthealienenvironment.

AstheyfollowedtheDokkalfarmaleawayfromthehabitations,thesettlementopenedoutasthegroundslopedsharplyawayfromthem.Theforestfloorabovewasstillatthesameheight,butthetreetrunksbelow

groundwerenowvastwoodenpillars,astallasthetowersofCanarn,andadeepdepressioninthegroundprovidedanawe-inspiringvistaofwalkways,galleriesandplatformsbuiltinandaroundthetrunks.

‘Well,fuckme,’Bromsaid,ashepausedandlookedintotheheartoftheDeepWood.‘HowdidInotknowthiswashere?’

‘Becausetheforestflooraboveisnaturalandflat.Menhavewalkedoverthisgroundathousandtimes,neverknowingwhatwasbeneath.’

RhamJaswastryingtoactasifallthiswasonlytobeexpected–inreality,he’dneverseenanythinglikeiteither.TheDokkalfarsettlementshe’dseenintheFellandinOslanwerehumbletreehousesbycomparison.

‘Anyclericbloodleftonthosedirtyhandsofyours,RhamJasRami,Kirinman?’ThevoicecamefromaDokkalfarperchedonabranchoverlookingwheretheystood.

Sigurddidn’tlookup,butpausedasBromandRhamJasbothcranedtheirneckstoseewhohadspoken.TheDokkalfarjumpeddownfromhisperchandlandednosetonosewithRhamJas.

‘Youlookolder,’Nanonstated,lettinghiseyesmoveslowlyfromtheKirin’sfeettohishead.

‘Youlookthesame,’repliedRhamJas,‘butthenyouwould.’

He’dnotseenNanonforseveralyears,whentheDokkalfarhadhelpedhimambushaPurpleclericnearRoLeith.Helookedexactlythesameashehaddonethen–shortforaforest-dweller,

justoversixfoottall,andhisgreyskinwasscarredinplaces.RhamJasknewthatNanonhadtravelledwidelyfromhishomeintheDeepWoodandthathehadafascinationwithhumansthatwascuriouslyoutofplaceamongsthispeople.

‘IamasoldasIchoosetoappear,Kirinman.ThenowofmanistheforeveroftheDokkalfar,’hesaidwithasmile,thefirstgenuine

displayofemotionthateitherofthemenhadseensincetheyencounteredSigurd.

Bromrelaxedslightly,forNanonspokethelanguageofRowithlessofanaccentandhadafriendlierdemeanour.RhamJasknewthattheTyrwasmoredangerousthananyofthem,buthewasalsomoreworldlyandmoretolerantofmen.

‘WhyareyouandlordRomanhere?Thisisa

dangerousnowformen.’HiseyeswerejustasblackasSigurd’sbutsomehowconveyedmorefeeling,andhelackedthestrangeheadtiltcommontomostoftheforest-dwellers.

‘BromvyofCanarn,’Bromsaidbywayofanintroduction.

‘Weknowyourname,Roman,andweknowyouranger…perhapsyoushouldrelaxalittle.’Heturnedfrom

RhamJasandstoodequallyclosetoBrom,assessinghiminmuchthesamewayashe’ddonewiththeKirin.

‘Tyr,ImusttakethemtotheVithar,’saidSigurd.

Nanondidn’tacknowledgethisatfirstandcontinuedstaringatthelordofCanarn.RhamJasthoughtBromwasbecomingalittlenervousundertheTyr’sgaze,buthemaintainedhiscool

andsimplylethimselfbestudied.

‘Verywell,’saidNanonwithanothersmile.‘Iwillaccompanyyou.’

TheoldTyrmovedquicklytostandnexttoSigurd,andthetwoDokkalfarresumedwalking.TheyledRhamJasandBromdowntheslopetowardsthebaseofthelargertrees.Allaroundthemnewvistascameintoviewwitheachstepas

highplatformsandstrangeorganicstructuressnakedtheirwayacrossthesettlement.Dokkalfar,mostlywearingsimplegreenrobes,madetheirwayacrossplatformsandwalkwaysbetweenthethicktreetrunks,goingaboutunknowablebusinessandscarcelyacknowledgingtheoutsidersbelow.

ItwasbewilderingtoRhamJasthatthehugeroof

ofthesettlementwasalsotheforestfloorabove;hesimplycouldn’tconceiveofthebizarrecraftitmusthavetakentokeepthefloor–orceiling–stableandinvisiblewhileallmannerofanimalsandmenwalkedacrossit.Itwasaknottedlatticeofwoodandsproutingplants,withnothingtogiveawayitspresence.He’dseensimilarundergroundsettlementsinthesouth,butneveranything

onthisscale,andhewonderediftheDeepWoodheldsomeparticularsignificancefortheDokkalfar.

Aheadofthem,RhamJascouldseetheforestfloorlevellingoutandthehugerootsoftreesbecamevisible.Ashelookedup,heestimatedtheheightofthetreestobefiftyfeetatleastandaslightfeelingofvertigocameoverhimattheenormityofthe

place.NexttotheKirin,Bromwassimilarlyimpressedandwasstandingwithhismouthopenandhiseyeswideashestaredupatthetrees.RhamJasdidn’tknowwhethertheVitharwouldagreetohelpthem,buthewassurethatBrom’snewstationasrulerofRoCanarnwouldbethekey.Iftheyweretosucceedinliberatingthecity,andifBromwereinstalledasduke,hewould

havetheopportunitytotaketheunprecedentedstepofdeclaringtheDeepWoodasanctuaryfortheDokkalfar.Though,asRhamJaslookedaroundtheimmensesettlement,hewonderedwhethertheforest-dwellerswouldcareaboutsuchthings.

‘Follow,’orderedSigurd,andheandNanonsteppedontoawoodenplatformsecuredtoatreetrunkbythickvines.

BromglancedatRhamJasandthetwooutsiderslikewisesteppedontotheplatform–andnearlyfelloverasitbegantoriseandmoveacrossthesettlement.Bromgraspedavinetosteadyhimself.

Lookingup,RhamJascouldseeadensetangleofsimilarvinesallacrossthevillage.Theyranthelengthofthetreetrunksandheldnumerousplatformsand

hangingbridgeswithintheirmass.Someweremoving,butmostsimplylookedasiftheywerepartofthetreestowhichtheywereattached.Again,thiswaslikenothingRhamJashadeverseen.

‘Impressive,isn’tit?’Nanonasked,withadegreeofprideastheplatformspedthroughthetrees.

‘It’smakingmesick,’jokedRhamJas.‘Couldyougetthemtoslowitdown?’

SigurdlookedconfusedattheKirin’shumour,butNanonlaughedloudly–asoundthatcarriedafairdistancethroughthetreesandsoundedstrangecomingfromaDokkalfar.

‘You’restillfunny,Kirinman.Imissthewitofyourpeople.’

‘I’vebeenwithhimforamonthandI’mgettingsickofit,’mutteredBrom,stillclingingontothevineand

tryingnottolookdowntotheforestfloor.

RhamJaswasmoresure-footedthanhisfriend,butevenhewasclumsyincomparisonwiththeDokkalfar.SigurdandNanonstoodwithnoassistanceandappearedtoknowintuitivelywhentomaketheslightadjustmentsneedednottofallfromtheplatform.TheirgracewasathingofalienbeautyandBromstruggledto

reconciletherealityofthesecreatureswiththestorieshe’dheardabouttherisenmen.

JustwhenBromlookedasifhewereabouttobesick,theplatformcametoasuddenhaltonahighterrace.ThetwoDokkalfarsteppedoffassoonasitstoppedandthetwomenalmostflewofftheedge.RhamJaswassavedbyhisabilitytobalanceandBrombythefirmgripheheldonthevine–butbothlooked

ungainlyandfoolishastheystumbledaftertheforest-dwellers.

RhamJastookaquicklookaroundandsawtheywereabouthalfwayupahugetreetrunkandwithinsightofagreenauditoriumarrangedbetweenbranches.ThebridgethatledtotheauditoriumwashungwithvinesandswayedominouslyastheDokkalfarmadetheirwayacrossit.

‘Didyouknowallthiswashere?’Bromasked.

‘Ofcourse…doesn’teveryone?’RhamJasliedwithamaddeninggrin.‘Well,notthisprecisely,no,butsomethinglikeit.’

RhamJascouldseeseatedDokkalfarwithintheauditoriumandguessedthattheVitharshamanswerearrayedbeforethem.

‘Letmedothetalkinguntiltheyaddressyou,okay?’

‘Noproblem,’repliedBrom.‘Butifitlooksasifthey’regoingtoattackus,tryandgivemesomewarning.’RhamJasthoughthewasjoking,buthecouldn’tbesure.

TheysteppedontotheswayingbridgeandfollowedtheTyrontoamorestableplatformatthefrontoftheauditorium.Galleriescomprisedoftwistedwoodroseaboveitandspreadout

inirregularfashion,providingseatsforseveraldozenDokkalfar,thoughonlyahandfulwerecurrentlyoccupied.NanonandSigurdheldtheirpositionatthebaseoftheauditoriumandmotionedforRhamJasandBromtopassthem.

TheKirinputahandonhisfriend’sshoulderandthetwoofthemsteppedinfrontoftheraisedseating.Therewaslittlelightinthe

settlement,butsomethingaboutthisareamadetheirfeaturesstandoutasiftheywereheldbyagazethatpenetratedtheobfuscatingdarkness.Beforethemsatgreen-robedDokkalfar.

‘RhamJasRamidark-bloodandfriendtotheDokkalfar,’saidthefigureseatedinthemiddle.‘YouarewelcomeintheHeart.’

‘Thankyou,’RhamJasreplied,immediatelythinking

itafoolishthingtosay.‘Iwishtoasksomethingofyouandyourpeople.’

TheDokkalfarwhohadspokenraisedhisheadandRhamJassawhisdarkgreyskin;blackerthantheothers,hemeldedintothedarknessaroundhim,becomingdistinctonlywhenhespoke.

‘IamcalledJoror,’hesaidinafalteringaccent,andRhamJasguessedhehadnotspokenthelanguageofRofor

sometime.‘WearetheVitharandwewillhearofyournow.’

‘Wait,’roaredanothervoicefrombehind.

RhamJasandBromturnedtoseealargeTyrstridepastNanonandSigurd,comingtoastopnexttothehumans.HewasthelargestDokkalfarthatRhamJashadeverseen–notjusttallbutmuscularandbroad-shouldered.Heworealarge

leaf-swordacrosshisback–aweaponthattheKirindoubtedcouldbeliftedbyaman,letalonewieldedincombat–andhisblackeyeslookedatthehumanswithdisdain.

‘Youmayspeak,Rafn,’saidJororwithabowofhishead.

‘Ididn’taskpermission,’repliedthehugeTyr.‘Iamnothereforcounsel.Iamheretostopthenowofthese

ignorantcreaturesbeingheard.TheirpoisonouswordswillserveonlytodamageusandIwillseethemkilledbeforetheytalk.’

RhamJasraisedhiseyebrowsandturnedawayfromtheseatedDokkalfartolookupintothefaceofthecreaturecalledRafn.

‘Thosearebigwordsforalittlegirl,’hesaid,withoutasmile.

FrombehindhimNanonlaughed,buteveryotherDokkalfarremainedsilentwhileRhamJasstaredupatRafn.

‘YouareRhamJasRamidark-blood,friendtotheDokkalfar,’saidRafn.‘ButheisaRomanofnoblebloodandIwillkillhimforhispeople’smurderousways.’

TheTyrwasangryatthehumanintrusionintohishomeandRhamJassized

himup,lookingforthebestandquickestwaytokillhimiftheneedpresenteditself.Hewashuge,buttheKirinassassinknewhewouldbleedanddielikeanyothercreature.

‘Iamyourfriendandheismine.’RhamJasspokeloudlyandwithdefiance.‘Ifourpresencebothersyouthatmuch,Iinviteyoutostayandhearourwords…alongwithyourVithar.’

‘Youinviteme?Youinviteme?’Rafnshouted.

RhamJasdidn’tbackaway,thoughhecouldsensethatBromhadtakenasteptotheside,tryingtokeepclosertothefriendlierpresenceofSigurdandNanon.

‘I’mnotalittleboywhoisscaredofyou,greyskin.Don’tforgetthat,’RhamJassaidashestareddownthehulkingDokkalfarinfrontofhim.‘Thismanismyfriend

andIwilltakeyouapartbeforeIseeyouharmhim.’

TheVitharcalledJororstoodfromhisseatandapproachedtheconfrontation.RhamJasknewtheshamanshadnoauthorityovertheotherDokkalfar,exceptwhencounselwasneeded,buthehopedtheirwisdomwouldstophimhavingtofightRafn.

‘Thisisfoolish,’saidJoror.‘Thismanisknowntoyou…toallofus.Heisour

friendandifhesaysthatthenowoftheotherisworthlisteningto,wewillhearit.’

RafnhadnotturnedfromtheKirin,buthewasevidentlyreluctanttoanswerthechallengewithviolenceand,afteranothermoment’stiltinghishead,heloweredhiseyesandsteppedback.

‘RhamJasRamidark-blood,Iwillnotstrikeyou.’HeturnedtoJororandsaid,‘I

willremainandhearthenowoftheRoman.’

CalmreturnedtotheplatformandRhamJaswassecretlythankfulhehadn’tneededtotesthisskillagainstsointimidatinganopponent.Bromalsorelaxedalittleashesteppedbacknexttohisfriend.

‘Couldyouhavebeatenhim?’heaskedinawhisper.

‘Noidea,’repliedRhamJas,‘butIstoodmoreofa

chancethanyou.’HiswidegrinreturnedandBromchuckledinvoluntarily.

‘Whydotheycallyoudark-blood?’heasked.

‘I’mnottotallysure.Ithinkit’sgotsomethingtodowithadarkwoodtreeIwaspinnedagainstforafewhours.’Hehadbeencalleddark-bloodbeforeandhadnevergivenitmuchthought.‘Theyfearandrespectthetree,somyhavingsomeofits

sapinmybloodstreamisabigdealtothem,Isuppose.’

RafntookaseatnexttoJororand,withNanonandSigurdstandingbehindthem,thetwomensteppedforwardtobeheardbytheassembledVitharshamans.

‘MyfriendiscalledBromvyofCanarn,heisanobleofTorFunweir,thelandsofRo,andhehasneedofyourhelp.’RhamJastriedtospeakasloudlyandas

formallyashecould.‘Heisanoutlawinhisownlands,aBlackGuardinthelanguageoftheclerics,andhisfatherhasbeenmurderedbyRedknightsoftheOneGod.’ThiscausedaslightrippleamongtheDokkalfarandRhamJaswasgladtheforest-dwellersstillloathedthechurchofRo.

‘Whydoesthisconcernus?’askedRafndismissively.‘RokillingRosimplymeans

theywillleavetheforestsaloneforatime.’

AfewnodsfromtheothersshowedRhamJasthattheDokkalfarwerestilltooconcernedwiththeirownsurvivaltocareaboutBrom’spredicament.

‘Ihavewords,’saidNanonfrombehindthem.

‘TyrNanonmayspeak,’announcedJororwithawaveofhishand.

‘IknowthisKirinmanbetterthanmostandIseehisheartinhiswords.Heisconcernedbyamaleficiumthatabidesinthecityofmen.’

RhamJashadnotheardthetermbefore,butthereactionoftheDokkalfarwasinstantandstartling.TheVitharclenchedtheirfistsandshivereduncomfortably,andtheTyralmostinvoluntarilyadoptedaprotectiveposture.

Thereactioncalmeddownafteramoment,butRhamJashadneverseenanythinglikethisamongtheforest-dwellers.

NanonwaslookingintoRhamJas’seyes,searchingforsomething.TheKirinknewthatthelongeramanspentwithaDokkalfar,themoreunderstandingwouldexistbetweenthetwo.Inthiscase,itmeantNanonunderstoodhishumourbetter

thantheotherDokkalfarandhadarudimentaryabilitytoknowhismind.

‘SheiscalledtheLadyofSpidersandshehastheheartsoftheRedmeninherevilhands,’hesaid,pluckingtheknowledgefromRhamJas’smind.

‘YouknowoftheSevenSisters?’askedBrom,forgettinghisfriend’sadvicetostayquiet.

‘Silence,lesserbeing,’commandedRafn,stilluncomfortablewithBrom’spresence.‘Youcouldnothopetounderstandwhatthisbeingiscapableof.’Hewasobviouslydisturbedbytalkofthemaleficium–apparentlyaDokkalfartermthatreferredtotheenchantressesofKaresia.

Bromtookastepforward.‘ThiswomanhasmanipulatedtheknightsoftheRedinto

invadingmyhomeland,slaughteringmypeopleandexecutingmyfather.Iknowwhatsheiscapableof.’Hespokedefiantly.

RafnwassilentforamomentashestudiedBrom’sface.ThenheturnedtoJororandsaidquietly,‘ThenowofmancoincideswiththeforeveroftheDokkalfar…Iwouldneverhavethoughtitpossible.’ThenalaugheruptedfromthehugeTyr

andRafnstoodandstrodepurposefullytowardsBrom.

RhamJasmadeamovetointercepthim,butNanonheldhisarmandstoppedhim.Rafndidn’tattackandBromwasinanycasetooangrytobecowedbythehugewarriorbeforehim.

‘Tellmeyournameagain,Roman?’askedRafninalowgrowlingvoice.

‘IamLordBromvyofCanarn,sontoDukeHector,

andBlackGuardofTorFunweir.’

ItwasthefirsttimethatRhamJashadheardBromadmittobeingoftheBlackGuardandhethoughthisfriend’spredicamentmusthavefinallysunkin.

‘Bromvy,’repeatedRafn,soundingoutthestrangehumanname.‘Yournowismoredangerousthanyouknow,forthemaleficiumseek

tobringyourlandscrashingdownandyourgodstoruin.’

‘IaskforyouraidagainsttheLadyofSpidersandherRedknightthralls.’Bromspokewithconviction,fightingtheurgetobackawayfromthehugeTyr.

AfemalevoicespokefromunderahoodseveralseatsdownfromJoror.‘Listentoourforever,BromvyandRhamJasRamiofthelandsofmen.’The

wordsweremorelyricalandsofterthanthoseofthemaleDokkalfar.‘Thebetteryouwillunderstandwhywewillhelpyou.’

Thespeakerpushedbackherhoodtoreveallightergreyskin–almostwhiteincomparisonwiththemales–andherearsweremoreelongated,partingherblackhairastheyroseinanelegantleafshape.

‘IamcalledJofnandIspeaktheforeverofagespast,’thefemaleDokkalfarbegan,holdingtheattentionofallthosepresent.

‘Weweremuchasyourkindarenow–withbirth,life,loveanddeath.Wehadlands,societyandhomestocallbyourownnamesandagodwhomwecherished.’

ShespokeofthingsunknowneventoRhamJas.Hehadalwaysthoughtthe

forest-dwellerstobealostremnantoftheDeadGod’sfollowers.

‘OurShadowGiantdeitywasslainagespastbythebeingyouknowastheDeadGod–aForestGiantofpleasureandblood,achaoticbeingofpurestmalevolence,whomweservedoutoffear.Ourowngodwaslost,oneofmanycausalitiesoftheLongWar.’

TheotherDokkalfarbowedtheirheadsinremembrance,thoughRhamJascouldnottrulycomprehendthetimescaleofwhichshespoke.Heknewthattheforest-dwellerswerelong-livedandthattheyhaddweltinthelandlongbeforetheriseofmen,butthespanofmillenniaitwouldrequireforgodstoriseandfallmadehisheadspin.

‘TheDarkYoungoftheDeadGodwereourstobirth.Hetwistedourformsfrombeingsoflightandbeautyintotheblackcountenancesyouseebeforeyouandusedourdeathstocreatemoreofhismonstrousservants.’

RhamJashadheardtheterm‘DarkYoung’appliedtothedarkwoodtrees,buthewasconfusedastotheirsignificance.

‘Andthen,inthegapsbetweenDeepTime,othergodsroseand,asaboldmoveinthegametheynamedtheLongWar,thoseGiantsyoucallRowanoco,JaaandtheOneconspiredtoslaytheForestGiantandhistwistedservitors,justashehaddonetoourforgottenShadowGiantgod,theoneweloved.’AblacktearappearedinhereyeassherecountedtheoldesttalesoftheDokkalfar.

‘TheOnefoundhim,RowanocofoughthimandJaastolehispower,thinkinghimdead.ThearrogantFireGiantgiftedtheDokkalfarwithimmolationupondeath,sowewouldnolongerspawntheDarkYoung,andthatwashowtheworldremainedforcountlessmillennia.

‘Then,withtheriseofman,thethreeGiantschosefollowersfromtheyoungracesandgavethempowerto

enforcetheirlawsandtofighttheLongWar.RowanocoandtheOnegaveoftheirownbeingtostrengthentheirpriesthoods,butJaa…Jaasoughttogainadvantagebygivingnoneofhisownstrength.HeusedthestolenpoweroftheDeadGodtoempowerhisenchantresses,unknowinglyfreeingthemfromtheFireGiant’slaws.’

BromandRhamJaslookedatoneanotherin

surpriseandconfusionattheVithar’swords.Shespokeasiflegendandmythwerehistory.

‘Wearebutmenandyouspeakofthingsbeyondus,’saidRhamJasasrespectfullyashecould.

‘Themaleficiuminyourcity,BromvyofCanarn,seekstoseverthepowerofthethreeandtobringbacktheworshipoftheBlackGodofthewoodswithathousand

young.ThenotsoDeadGod.’

‘ButthatGiantwasslain,howcanitcomeback?’RhamJasasked,alreadysuspectingtheanswer.

‘ThepowerJaastoleresideswithinthemaleficiumwitches–theSevenSistersofKaresia–andsolongastheylivetheDeadGodcannevertrulybedead.’Shepausedandadeepsadnessentered

herblackeyes.‘Instrangeaeonsevendeathmaydie.’

RhamJasfelttheenormityoftheVithar’swordsandknewthathewasasnobodyincomparison–aKirinassassinwhohad,forwhateverreason,decidedtohelponeofhisfewfriends.

‘RhamJashaskilledonebefore,’saidBrom,makingtheKirinsmileawkwardlyasallthosepresentturnedtolookathim.

ThefemaleVitharcalledJofnreturnedhissmile,thoughherswassomehowmoreknowing.

‘YoualsopossessthepoweroftheDeadGod,RhamJasRamidark-blood.TheessenceofaDarkYoungflowswithinyourbody,giftingyoustrength,speedandresilience.Theirstolenpowersdonotworkonyouandyouwillneverbetheirthrallandyouwillneverbe

helplessintheirpresence.’Shesnappedouttheselastwordsasifshewerespeakingtospitetheenchantresses.‘Ourgoalscoincide,forthemaleficiumwitcheshaverealizedtherealitiesoftheirpowerandhavewillinglyturnedasidefromJaatolaythemselvesatthefeetoftheDeadGod.’

TyrRafn,whohadbeensilentthroughoutthetale,nowraisedhischinandspoke

clearly.‘These…witcheshavedesignedtheseveringofthethreeGiantsandtheirevilschemenearsitsend.TheyhaveonlytoseverthepoweroftheIceGiantRowanocoandtheywillbefreetoimplementfreshworshipthroughoutyourlandsofmen.’

‘Youknewthisbeforetoday,’statedBrom.‘Whyhaveyounotacted?Isee

strengthinyourpeople,strengthIhadn’tdreamtof.’

TheothersturnedtoJoror,who,RhamJasguessed,wasasclosetobeinganeldershamanasanyofthem.

TheDokkalfarVitharclearedhisthroatandsaid,‘Thenowofmanisablinkofaneyetous.Themaleficiumwitchesarehumanandtheirmovementsaretoofastandtooerraticforustokeepupwiththem.Dokkalfardonot

adaptwelltochange.Weknowittobetrue,aseachofuscanfeelthatJaa’sgiftofimmolationupondeathhasleftus.ThiswouldonlybepossibleifthelastFireGiantold-bloodhadbeenkilled.’

RhamJasknewalittleoftheold-bloods,buthecouldseeconfusioninhisfriend’seyes.However,thelordofCanarnshookofftheconfusionandstepped

forwardtostandclosetoJoror.

LookingdownattheseatedDokkalfar,Bromvysaid,‘Whatwillyouaskofmeinexchangeforyouraid?’

‘Askofus,’correctedRhamJas.

Jorordidn’tturnfromBromvy.‘Youmustgiveusyourwordthatyouwilljoinusinopposingthemaleficium.TheHeartwillremainfreefromthe

interferenceofmenandinreturnwewillaidyou.RhamJasRamidark-bloodmaybetheonlycreatureabletoslaythewitchesandwewouldallywithhim.’

RhamJasagainfelttheunwelcomeweightofresponsibilityonhisshoulders.Hecouldhandlekillingandhadhurtallmannerofpeopleinallmannerofways,buttothinkthathewasinanyway

specialorsignificantmadehimfeelnauseous.

‘IthinkIneedadrink,’hesaidsuddenly,causingeveryonetostareathimwithvarioussortsofdisapprovinglooks.‘Justtosteadymynerves.’Hegrinnednervously.‘SomeDarkwaldredwouldbenice.’

***

TheDokkalfarwerenotparticularlyinterestedinalcohol.Afterafewhoursoftryingtoconvincethemthatdrinkingoneselfinsensiblewassometimesadesirablething,RhamJashadgivenupandsettledforsomekindofstrangeplanttea.

NanonhadtakenBromandRhamJastoahighbalcony,wellabovetheVitharauditorium,andtheysatlookingoutoverthe

beautifulDokkalfarsettlement.RhamJaswasn’tsurewhetherornottheHeartwastheirnamefortheplaceorjustadescriptionofitsimportance,buteitherwayhe’dlearnedmoreabouttheforest-dwellersinthepastfewhoursthanintheentiretyofhislife.

HetriedtofocusonthefactthatJororhadagreedtohelpthemandnottodwellontheRhamJasRamisavesthe

worldelement.He’dkilledoneoftheSevenSisters,almostbyaccident,buttoconspiretokillthemallstruckhimasalittleoutofhisleague.

BromandNanonhadbeentalkingaboutCanarnandtheyhadsimilarideasabouthowtoapproachapotentialassault.NanonhadspentenoughtimewithRhamJastohaveagoodgraspofhumourandirony,andBrom

hadrespondedwelltotheforest-dweller’sbluntappraisaloftheirchances.

‘Ifwekillenoughofthemquickly,wecanwin,’Nanonwassaying.‘Ifnot,we’llallgetkilled.’

‘Wedon’tknowhowmanythereare,’respondedBromashetookasipofhisowntea.‘AndJororhasyettotellmehowmanyofyouwillbecomingwithus.’

Nanontiltedhishead,indicatingthat,despitehispeculiarities,hewasstillDokkalfar.

‘Doesitmatter?’heasked.RhamJasknewthatthe

forest-dwellershadastrangegraspofnumbers.Theyfoundtheconceptofarmiesdifficulttounderstand,becausetheygenerallythoughtintermsofindividuals.Asalong-livedrace,theydidnotthinkofanyoneasexpendableorless

importantthananyother,whereastheraceofmenhadahabitoffieldingmassesoffacelesssoldiers.Rank,wealthandlawlefthumansconstantlyquestioningtheirstationinlife,andthehabitofplacingonemanaboveanotherinevitablycreatedastructureofperceivedimportance.ThiswasbewilderingtotheDokkalfar,whohadnoconceptofleadershiporseniority,but

ratherasocietybuiltonsharedneedandrespect.

Bromwasunawareofthisandsaid,‘Ofcourseitmatters.Iftheyhavetwothousandknights,weneedenoughtostandagainstthem.’

‘We’llhavewhoevercomeswithus,’respondedNanon,inawaythatinfuriatedBrom.‘Andthatwillhavetobeenough.’

‘Enough?’Bromaskedwithirritation.‘Enoughiswhatevertakesbackmyhome.’

‘Thenwhoeverwehavewillhavetobeenough,’Nanonrepeated.

RhamJasthoughtheshouldinterjectbeforeBrombecametooannoyed.‘YourBrownclericfriendwillbeabletogiveusanideaofnumbers.IfyouandIgoandseehimfirst,we’llforma

planbasedonthat.’Thiscalmedhisfriendsomewhat.‘Nanon,doyouhaveanyblackwart?’RhamJasasked,hisever-presentgrinbecomingbroadenoughtocoverhiswholeface.

BothofthemlookedupattheKirin–NanonsmilingandBromlookingconfused.

‘I’msureIcouldfindsome,’repliedtheDokkalfar.‘Whatareyouthinking,Kirinman?’

‘I’mthinkingaboutawaytothintheranksofknightsandgiveusachance.’RhamJaswasusedtocomingupwithcreativewaysofkillingpeopleandafewsacksofDokkalfarblackwartwouldmakealovelysurprisefortheknightsoftheRed.

‘IknowI’monlyanignorantRo,’saidBrom,exasperated,‘butwhatthefuckisblackwart?’

‘It’slikeKaresianfireorRanenpitch,but…’RhamJaslookedatNanonandgrinned,‘it’salittlemoreexplosivethanflammable.’

SomethingseemedtooccurtoNanon.‘Thatremindsme,everyDokkalfarthatfallsmustbeburnedtoashwithinafewhoursofdeath.’

Bromlookedbackathim.‘That’stheRowayofdoingthingsanyway.Isita

particularfuneralriteofyourpeople?’

‘No,it’ssimplythebestwayofstoppingahundrednewDarkYoungsproutingupfromourbodies,’hesaidwithdeepsorrowinhiseyes.‘OurgiftfromJaacausedustoburstintoflameupondeath.ButnowwearewithouttheFireGiant’sgift,andweneedtothinkofothersolutions…inyourterminology,it’squiteshit.’

***

Theyhadspentarestlessfewhourstryingtosleepinthehightreesandnow,justaftermidnight,theyfoundthemselvesattheedgeoftheDeepWood.

BromstoodnexttoRhamJasandthetwoofthemlookedoutacrosstheduchyofCanarn.Theyounglordwaswistfulashehadhisfirst

glimpseofhishomesincehehadbeennamedtotheBlackGuard.

OneithersideofthemalineofTyremergedfromthetrees,eachcarryingseveralsmallwovensackscontainingexplosiveDokkalfarblackwartaswellasanumberofknivesforthrowingandfighting.Theirbladeswereheavyandleaf-shapedwithornatelydesignedhandles,farmorebeautifulthanthe

functionalweaponsofmen.Bromhadacquiredoneofthebladesandworeitinhisbeltasasecondaryweapon,andRhamJashadbeengivenafreshquiveroffinelycraftedarrows,severalofwhichhadblackwartontheirtips.Boththeirswordshadbeensharpenedandtheirarmourreinforcedwithhardwoodenstruts.Thetwomenfeltasreadyforcombatastheywouldeverbe.

TheyhadfortyDokkalfarTyrwiththem,includingNanon,SigurdandthehugefigureofRafn.Theywereanintimidatingpresence,eventoRhamJas,buthewasscepticalwhethertheirnumbersweresufficient.Asthingsstood,theydidn’tevenknowhowmanyknightsheldCanarnanditwouldrequireastealthyincursiontoseeBrotherLanrybeforethey

couldevenbegintoformulateaplan.

‘Bronwynhadbetterstillbealive,’gruntedBrom,focusingonhissister’ssafetytodistracthimselffromthedangerousjobathand.

RhamJassimplynodded.

CHAPTER8

LADYBRONWYNINTHERUINSOF

ROHAIL

BronwynroseearlyfromherbedandwalkeduptotheforwardbattlementsofRo

Hail.ShehadbeensharingasmallroomwithStoneDog’smother,anoldwise-womanofWraithcalledFreyaColdEyes,whileAl-HasimsleptinthecommunalroomsurroundedbytheFreeCompanymen.

They’dbeinRoHailfornearlytwoweekswhileHorrockGreenBladeandHaffenRedFacesupervisedthefortificationsoftheruinedcity.Thegatehadbeen

rebuiltusingsolidplanksofhardwood,thebattlementsreinforcedwithfallenstonesandmortar,andthebuildingssurroundingthecentralcourtyardturnedintoaxe-throwingplatforms.ThetwohundredandfiftymenofWraithCompanyhadgoneabouttheirtaskswithgustoandsolidarity,dailypreparedtoundertakeback-breakingworkinordertodefendtheirland.Now,astimewas

beginningtorunout,thecitylookedlikeafortratherthanaruin.

‘Youcan’tholdit,youknow,’HasimwassayingtoHaffenasBronwynwalkedupthestonestaircaseleadingtothegatehousebattlementsoverlookingtheGrassSeatothesouth.

‘Horrockthinkswecan,’repliedthemanofWraith.

Hasimlookeddoubtful.‘No,hedoesn’t,he’sjust

hopingthatyoucanholdthemofflongenoughforScarletCompanytoarrive.’

‘What’swrongwiththat?’Haffenaskedwithslightannoyance.

‘HowmanymendoesJohanLongShadowcommandatSouthWarden?’

Haffenshrugged.‘Idon’tknow…maybeathousandaxe-men.’

‘Athousand…addedtoyourtwohundredandfifty

makesonethousandtwohundredandfifty–againstfivethousandknights,clericsandguardsmen.Youcan’twin,’Hasimsaidplainly.

‘AndtheFjorlanders?’Haffenshowedastubbornrefusaltoacceptdefeat,atraitBronwynhadnoticedfrequentlyamongthemenofWraithCompany.

‘Iftheycome,they’llcomebyseaandattackCanarn,whichmeansthey

won’tbehereforamonthatleast.Youcan’tholdoutthatlong.Ihatetosayit,butyoushouldlistentoVerellian.’HasimhadcounselledawithdrawalinlinewiththeRedknight’sinsistencethatamassacrewouldhelpnoone.

‘Horrocksayswestay,sowestay,’Haffengrunted.

Bronwynreachedthebattlementsandapproachedthetwomen.Itwasjuststartingtogrowlightandthe

windwasbitingandcoldasitwhistlednorthofftheGrassSea.Bothmenworearmour,thoughHasim’swaslightandmadeofleather,insharpcontrasttotheheavychainmailwornbyHaffen.BronwynhadnotyetdonnedherarmourandworeasimplecottondresswhichFreyahadprovided.

‘Wecouldstillfallback,’shesaidbywayofagreeting.

‘Don’tyoustart…’snappedHaffen.‘Youtwodon’trepresentthebraveryofRoandKaresians,doyou?’

‘Doyourepresentthestubbornpig-headednessoftheRanen?’Bronwynshotback.

‘Yousaystubbornness,wesayhonour…didyourolloverandaccepttheRedknightswhentheymarchedintoyourhome?’Haffen

asked,nothappyatbeinggangedupon.

Bronwynsmiledslightlyandshookherhead.‘Ididn’tgetmuchchancetofight,butno…Ididn’t,’sheconceded.

TheGrassSeawasbarrenandquietasthethreeofthemgazedsouthwards.Therainhadstayedawayforthepastfewdaysand,thoughamistclungstubbornlytotheplains,theweatherhadbeenkindtothedefendersofRo

Hail,allowingthemfairconditionstofortifytheirbase.MostoftheentrancestotheundergroundcomplexhadbeensealedandFreyahadbeengiventhetaskofprotectingtheyoungandinfirmoncethetimecametofight.Behindthem,menofWraithbegantheirdailydutiesofpatrollingandconstruction,intendedbyHorrocktokeepeveryman

readyforwhenthearmyarrived.

Bronwynlikedthesemen–theywerecommonerswhohadchosentojointheFreeCompaniesandtodefendthelandsofRanenfrominvaders.Althoughtheyhadnotbeenrequiredtorepelanattackingarmyfordecades,theywerestubbornnowthatthetimewasrapidlyapproachingwhentheymightberequiredtodiefortheirland.

‘Al-Hasim,’shoutedStoneDogfrombelow,‘Horrockwantsyoudownstairs.’

TheyoungmanofWraithhadbeenassignedbythecaptaintolookafterWilliamofVerellianduringtheknight’sincarcerationandthismeantbothBronwynandHasimhadspentmuchtimewithhim.HewasaproudyoungmanwhospokewithconvictionabouthisdutytoWraithCompanyandthe

FreelandsofRanen,andheneverwentanywherewithouthislarge,hook-pointedaxe.

‘Whatdoeshewant?’askedHasim.

‘Idon’tknow,justgetyourarsedownhere.’StoneDogwasfrequentlyaggressiveandbluntinhislanguage,buthewasaconsummatesoldieranddidwhateverHorrockaskedofhim,whetherhethoughtitworthwhileornot.

‘Allright,givemeaminute,’repliedHasimwearily.‘MaybeI’llgetsomesleeponeofthesedays.’HewinkedatBronwynbeforeturningtowalkdownthestairs.

‘LadyBronwyntoo,’shoutedStoneDog.

‘Whatdoeshewantwithme?’

‘HowamIanymorelikelytoknowthatthanwhathewantswiththeKaresian?’

heaskedironically.‘Justgetamoveon,he’simpatient.’

HaffensmiledbroadlyandpulledhisbearskincloaktightlyaroundhisshouldersasthewindpickedupandBronwynandHasimturnedtoleave.

Theywalkeddownthenewlyrepairedstonestepswhichranparalleltotheforwarddefencesandheadedacrossthecourtyard.Eithersideofthem,wherebefore

therehadbeenonlycrumblingstoneruins,therenowstoodwoodenconstructionsbuilttodefendinwardsshouldtheknightsbreachthecitygates.BronwyncouldseemenofWraithmovingbundlesofthrowing-axesaroundandstowingtheminhiddenplacesbehindthefortifications.ThemenwereallcladinchainmailandBronwynknewthey’dbeen

onhighalertforseveraldaysnow,expectinganattackatanymoment.Fromthenewlyconstructedwoodenwalls,stairshadbeenbuiltleadinguptothestonebattlementsthatlookedoutovertheGrassSea,andmenstoodatthehighpoints,keepingawatchontherealmofWraith.

Althoughthecitywasnowwelldefended,Bronwyncouldstillnotconceivehowsofewmencouldturnback

fivethousandknightsoftheRed.

‘YouandIcouldleave,youknow?’Hasimsaid,echoingherthoughts.‘Noneofthemwouldblameusifweflednorth.’

Bronwynlookedathimandconsideredchidinghimforcowardice,butshehadtoadmittoherselfthattheideaofescapehadoccurredtoheroverthepasttwoweeks.

‘Icouldn’tdoit,’shesaid.‘EvenifIwantedto,Icouldn’tbringmyselftoabandonthem.’

HasimstoppedandheldBronwyn’sarm,pullinghertofacehim.‘You’renotthinkingaboutdrawingthattoothpickandattackingtheknightsareyou?’

‘I’mnotstayinginthebasementwithFreya.Ihaveasmanyreasonstowanttofighttheknightsasanyman

ofWraith.’BronwynknewthatHasimwouldplaythepartofaprotectorsoonerorlater,becausehisfriendshipwithherbrotherdictatedthatheshouldtrytotakecareofher.

‘Theywon’tthinktwiceaboutcuttingyoudown,nobleornot.Thesemenarenotcomingheretomakeapoint:thefuckersaremarchingtowar;theywanttoinvadeandconquerRanen.’

Hasimhadadeadlyseriouslookinhiseyesashespoke.

StoneDogwasalittlewayaheadofthemandhadreachedoneofthefewdoorstothebasementthatwasstillvisible.HenoticedthatBronwynandHasimhadstoppedinthecourtyardandtheyoungmanofWraithturnedbacktofacethem.

‘AmIinterruptingsomething?’heasked,withamockingtoneinhisvoice.‘I

knowyoutwoforeignersneedyoursexualtensioninordertofunction,buthurrythefuckup.’

Al-HasimlaughedandplayfullyslappedBronwyn’sbehind.Shedidn’twaitformorethanasecondbeforeturningandpunchinghimhardintheface.StoneDogeruptedinlaughterandHasimstaggeredback,feelinghisbloodylip.

‘Bromwouldkillyouifhesawyoudoingthat,’shethreatenedwithasmile.‘AndImightifyoutouchmyarseagain.’

StoneDogsaunteredslowlyovertostandnexttoHasim.‘Whenyou’vequitefinishedyourbizarreflirtingritual,’hesaidwithagrin.‘Horrockislong-suffering,buthedidsaytohurryup.’

Theyenteredtheundergroundcomplexand

walkedquicklythroughthenowmostlyemptybasement.Healingsupplieshadbeenpreparedandbandagesandthreadlayinbasketsaroundthecentralroom,buttheplacewasotherwisebare.

HasimandBronwynenteredHorrock’schamberbehindStoneDogandimmediatelyheardthecaptainofWraithCompanytalkinginaquietandgentlevoice.HewascradlingaRanencloud

stoneandtherewasalookofdeepconcerninhiseyes.

‘Wait,’hesaid,‘Ihavesomefriendsherenow…trytostopcrying,okay?’HorrockrarelyshowedemotionandBronwynwastakenabackbythisdisplay.

StoneDogstoodatthedoorasHorrockmotionedforBronwynandHasimtocomeandjoinhim.Astheysatdownaroundthecentralwoodentable,Bronwyncould

hearthesoundofachildcrying.Itsoundedlikeagirl,andhersobswerequietandindistinctwhenfilteredthroughthecloudstone.

‘Hasim,Ihaveafriendofyourshere…andshesaysshe’llonlytalktoyou,’Horrocksaid,withaconfusedexpressiononhisface.‘MychildrenareallgrownupandIthinkIlackthegentletouch.’Heplacedthestone

onthetableandsaid,‘Al-Hasimishere.’

‘Al-Hasim,’achild’svoiceexclaimedexcitedlythroughhertears.

‘Whoisthat?’Hasimaskedwithnarrowedeyes.

‘IngridTeardrop,’wasthereply,causingHasimandBronwyntolookateachother.

‘Ingrid,whatareyoudoing?’theKaresianasked

gently.‘Howdidyougetholdofyourfather’scloudstone?’

MoretearscouldbeheardfromthestoneandBronwynleantforwardtoseethehazyimageofayounggirl.Shewasblack-hairedandblue-eyedandhadtearsstreamingdownherface.

‘Idon’tknowwhattodo,’shewhimpered.‘Tellmewhattodo.They’rehittingpeoplewithaxesandIhidandIcan’tfindAlahanandI

tookthestoneandIhid.’Thewordstumbledoutoneaftertheother.

‘Ingrid,’snappedHasim,‘calmdown.Ineedyoutotellmewhat’shappened.Breathedeeplyandstartagain.Canyoudothatforme?’

BronwynwasimpressedwiththewayHasimdealtwiththeyoungRanengirl.

AlgenonTeardrop’sdaughterpausedandsniffedloudlyseveraltimes,rubbing

thetearsfromhereyeswiththesleeveofherbluetunic.

‘Fatherleftafewweeksagoinhisship.HehadlotsandlotsofmenwithhimandtheyweregoingtorescueUncleMagnus.Ioverheardthemtalking,theydidn’tthinkIwaslistening,butIwasandIheardthem.’

Horrockleantback.BronwynguessedhewaspleasedtohearthenewsofAlgenon’slaunch,but

concernedaboutwhatwashappeninginFredericksand.

‘Okay,thenwhathappened?’Hasimaskedgently.

Ingridstartingcryingagainasshesaid,‘ThenthemenfromJarvikturnedupyesterdayandstartedhurtingpeopleandtheybrokeintothehallandsmashedfather’schairandtheywerelookingforme,buttheycouldn’tfindmesotheyburntdownour

houseandstartedchantingthingsaboutanewhighthain.’Again,thewordswerejumbledandHasimshookhisheadtryingtomakesenseofthechild’sspeech.

‘MenfromJarvik,whataretheyplayingat?’Horrockdirectedthequestionatnooneinparticularandwasgrowingmoreandmoreconcernedwitheachpassingmoment.

‘Ingrid,you’reokay,Iwon’tletthemhurtyou,’saidHasimwithsincerity,‘butyouneedtofocus.Imagineyou’reathainessandFredericksandisyourcity.Okay?’

Ingridnoddedandstoppedcryingmomentarily,herbigblueeyespleadingforHasimtohelpher.

TheKaresianpickedupthecloudstoneandtriedto

smile.‘Whathappenedtoyourfather?’

Ingridwasfightingbacktearsandshelookedaway,bitingherlipandsniffingagain.

‘ThebigmanthatkickedoverhischairwasshoutingaboutfatherbeingatthebottomoftheKrakensea.It’snottrue,isit?Itcan’tbetrue.Fatheristhestrongestmanintheworldandnothingcankillhim.’Herwordswereatthe

veryedgeofdespairandshedesperatelywantedsomeonetotellherthatherfatherwasaliveandwell.

Hasim,BronwynandHorrockshareddarklooksacrossthetable,butnoneofthemsaidanything.BronwyncouldtellthatHorrockwasfightingbackhisangerandHasimwasclosetotearshimselfashespoketoIngridagain.

‘Whereareyourightatthismoment,littlewolf?’Hasimasked.

‘I’mhidinginthemonsterman’schapel.Idon’tthinkthemenwithaxeswilllookformehere.IneedtofindAlahan,he’llknowwhattodo.’ShewasalittlecalmernowshehadHasimtotalkto,butshewasstillnottheidealconveyerofdarknewsfromFjorlan.

‘Monsterman?’queriedHorrock.

‘It’swhatshecallsSamsontheLiar,’Hasimreplied,nottakinghiseyesfromthecloudstone,‘theold-bloodofFredericksand;shewasalwaysfascinatedbyhim.’

Bronwynknewofold-bloods–thosewhohadthebloodofGiants–butshehadneverseenone.TheyweresupposedlyextinctinTor

Funweir,thoughstoriesoccasionallysurfacedofstrange,semi-humanbeingshidingincavesorhighupinmountainpasses.

‘Doyouknowwhothebigmanwas?’HasimaskedIngrid.‘Themanwhosaidyourfatherwas…dead.’Hesaidthelastwouldinalowwhisper,tryingtonotmakeIngridcryanymore.

‘Yes,Isawhimwithfatherbeforetheshipsleft.

He’scalledRulagUrsa.Ithinkhe’sabattle-masterorsomethingbutWulfrickandHallathoughthewasanidiot.Hewasmeanaboutyoutoo.HesaidyouwerejustaspybutIstuckupforyou.’

Hasimflashedawearysmileather.‘I’mluckytohavefriendslikeyou,littlewolf.’HewasconcentratinghardonthecloudstoneandBronwyncouldseehewas

strugglinghardtothinkwhattosaytothegirl.

‘IfAlgenon’sdead…’beganHorrock,‘Idon’twanttothinkaboutwhathappenedtothedragonfleetintheKrakensea.Ursawouldhavehadtokillthousandsofmentogettothehighthain.’Hewasspeakingquietlyandmostlytohimself,keepingthewordsfromIngrid’sears.

‘Ingrid,doyouknowwhathappenedtoWulfrick?’

Horrockasked.‘HeleftwithFatheron

boardtheHammerofFjorlan.Hewouldn’tletthemhurtFather,wouldhe?’

AnoisestartledtheyoungRanengirlandsheturnedawayfromHasim.‘Someone’scoming.Icanhearthemonthestairs.’Shewasclearlyfrightened.

‘Ingrid,stayquietandfindsomewheretohide,’Hasim

orderedwithauthorityinhisvoice.

Thenaloudnoiseand,intheflowingmistsaroundtheimageofIngridTeardrop,Bronwyncouldseeahugefiguremovepasther,holdinganoversizedhammer.Ingridmovedtostandbehindthehugebeing,whoputaprotectivearmaroundher.

‘Samson,keephersafe,’shoutedHasim,recognizingthefigureofSamsontheLiar.

TheimagesbecameevenmoreblurredasothermenenteredthechapelandstartedtoattackSamson.TheycouldhearIngridscreamingandshedroppedthecloudstoneatherfeetandhuddledinthecorner.Theviewtheywereaffordedwasoftheold-bloodroaringandsmashinghishammerintothetraitorousbattle-brothersofJarvik.

Thendarkness,asastrayaxeblowsmashedthecloud

stoneandcutofftheirview.Hasimroaredandthrew

thetableacrosstheroom,breakingitagainstthewall.‘I’llfeedthebastardstoafuckingtroll,’heshouted.‘She’sjustachild.’Hewasaddressingthenowsilentcloudstone,wishinghiswordstobeheardbytheaxe-menwhopursuedIngrid.‘Thisisnothonour…whatisRowanocoforifnotfor

honour,youtreacherouscunts.’

HorrockstoodandgrabbedholdofHasim.ThecaptainofWraithCompanywasseveralinchestallerthantheKaresianandheheldhimfirmlybytheshoulders.

‘Getaholdofyourself,Hasim,orI’llthrowyouagainstthewall,’hesaidwithcustomarycalmness.

Hasimwasbreathingheavilyandhiseyeswere

filledwithrage,butheslowlyslumpedandjuststaredatHorrock.

‘We’reintrouble,captain,’hesaidquietly.

BothmensatdownandBronwynsawavarietyofexpressionsflowacrosstheirfaces.Hasim’swasstillamaskofanger,buthewasalsodeepinthought.Horrock’spiercingeyesshotfromsidetosideasifconsideringhisoptions.

Bronwynherselfwastryingnottogiveintodespair.Ifthedragonfleethadbeenlost,herhomelandwouldremaininthehandsoftheknights,andRoHailcouldnotbeheld.Thelastfewweekshadbeenfilledwithhalf-whisperedhopethattheFjorlanderswouldcomesouthandexpeltheknightsfromtheFreelandsofRanen.Ithadhappenedoncebefore,longago,whentheRohad

lasttriedtosubjugatetheRanen.ThemenofFjorlanwerebrutalandfearsomeinbattle,morewarrior-likethanthecommonmenoftheFreeCompanies,andevenHorrocklookedtothemastheirlasthopeforvictory.

‘HowlonguntilJohanLongShadowgetsherewithScarletCompany?’askedHasim,afterseveralminutesofsilence.

‘Hesaidthey’dleavejustafterIspoketohim…thatwasfourdaysago.Iftheyridehard,it’llstilltakeaweektogethere.’Horrockshrugged.‘Ifwecan’tcountonhelpfromFjorlan…’

‘We’refucked,’suppliedHasim,unhelpfully.

‘Weare,asyousoeloquentlysay,fucked,’Horrockagreed.‘EitherRulagUrsahasgonemadorheismorepowerhungrythan

Ithought.NotcontentwithstealingtherulershipofJarvik,thebastard’sgettingdelusionsofgrandeur.’

‘UrsausedtobeafriendofHallamPevain,didn’the?’askedHasim.

Horrocknodded.‘Stillis,asfarasIknow.PevainhelpedhimsecureJarvik,andtheyshareasimilarlylaxattitudetohonour.’

BronwynsensedthatHorrockandHasimwereof

theimpressionthataplotwasbeingplayedoutbehindthescenes–aplotthathadledtoAlgenonTeardrop’sdeathandwouldsoonleadtothesackingofRoHail.

Horrockstartednoddingtohimself,asifhe’ddecidedonacourseofaction.‘Okay,weleave,’hesaid.‘Wecanpackupfoodandprovisionsandbeoutofthisdeathtrapbynightfall.We’llheadeastand

joinupwithJohanandScarletCompany.’

***

TimemovedatanagonizinglyslowpaceasthepeopleofWraithCompanyfeverishlygatheredtheirbelongingsandloadedcartswithfoodandsupplies.WordofAlgenon’sdeathandthepresumedlossofthedragon

fleetspreadquicklythroughthecityandBronwyndetectedadefinitechangeinthedemeanouroftheRanen.Before,theyhadstubbornlyheldontothebeliefthatiftheycouldholdRoHailforadayortwo,helpwouldcome,firstfromScarletCompany,thenfromthenorth,andtheknightsoftheRedcouldbepushedback.Asshelookedovertheirfacesnow,shesawmenandwomenfearfulfor

theirlivesintheknowledgethattheysimplycouldn’twin.

Haffenstillwantedtostayandhedidn’tjointheothersinpackingforaswiftretreat.Instead,hestayedathispositionontheforwardbattlements,keepingasilentvigilouttowardstheGrassSea.HorrockassuredthemthatHaffenwouldbeatthefrontoftheretreatingcompanyandsimplyneededtimetocomeroundtothe

ideaofrunningawayratherthanfighting.Theseweretoughpeople,andBronwyncouldseethatnoneofthemlikedthesituation,wherefightingwassimplynotanoption.TheFreeCompaniescouldnothopetomatchthearmiesofTorFunweirwhenitcametoskill,equipmentortactics,buttheyhadalwayshadanindomitablespiritthatmadethemfearsomeincombat.Asthepeopleof

WraithCompanysaidgoodbyetotheirhome,thehardestthingofallwastherealizationthattheywouldprobablyneverreturn.Asidefromthetwohundredandfiftywarriors,WraithCompanynumberedsomefourhundredmen,womenandchildrenwhowerenotfighters,whowereundertakingmostofthepreparationsfortheevacuationofRoHail.

Hasimhadbeenquietmostoftheday,confininghimselftoassistingbyloadingcartsandweaponryforthelongjourneyeast.WheneverBronwynhadseenhimhe’dlookedclosetotears,andsheguessedthattheprobabledeathofIngridTeardropwasaffectinghim.TheroguishKaresianhadoftenspokenofhisfondnessforFredericksandandhisrespectforthehouseof

Teardrop,whetheritwashisfriendMagnus,thehighthainAlgenon,orthechildren.TheyoungwarriorAlahanandthespiritedIngridwerelikefamilytohim.HewasuniqueamongKaresiansinthathedidn’tseemtomindtheweatherinthefarnorthandpreferredthefoodanddrinkofFjorlantothatofhisdeserthomeland.

Aseveningfastapproached,Bronwynfound

herselfwithStoneDogandFreyahelpinganoldmanofWraithtoclimbthestepsoutofthebasement.

‘I’velivedhereallmylife,’theoldmanmutteredashesawthedarkeningsky.‘IfIwereafewyearsyounger,I’dshowthosedamnableknightsathingortwoaboutWraithCompany.’

‘Andthey’drun,shriekinginterror,I’msure,’quippedStoneDog,asheheldthe

man’sarmsandusheredhimtowardsanemptywoodencartinthecentralcourtyard.

Nexttoitwereseveraldozenothercartsloadedwithallmannerofbelongingsandsupplies.RoHailmayhavebeenaruin,butithadalsobeenhometoseveralhundredpeople,andBronwynfeltsadlookingatthepilesofitemsofpersonalsignificance.Shesawamud-stainedtoybearsittinginabasketnexttoan

oldfluteandadirtyrockinghorse.Anothercartcontainedtablesandchairstakenfromtheundergroundrooms,andathirdwasfulltoburstingwithclothingandlinen.

Plentyofcartsalreadyhaddriversanditlookedasifthepopulationwouldbereadytoleavebynightfall.Theyclusteredinsmallfamilygroupsaroundtheircarts,andwhilemostwereunhappytobeleavingtheirhome,

BronwyncouldsenseacommunityspiritthatenabledthemtoremainupbeatastheywrappedupwarmandpreparedtostrikeouttowardstherealmofScarletCompany.

Nearerthecentralcourtyard,waitingbythegate,werethewarriorsofWraith.Allwereattiredinchainmailandheavilyarmedwithaxes,hammersandshortbowsforhunting.Therewas

littletalkamongstthem,saveforoccasionaljokesabouttheknightsoftheRedandvaguelyformedplanstodefecateinthecourtyardasawelcominggifttotheRo.

Haffenstillstoodonthebattlementsabovethegatehouse,thoughhewasnowlittlebutashadowinthetwilight.HisbackwasfacingthecourtyardandHorrockhadtoldthemhe’dkeepwatchuntilthelastpossible

moment.Bronwynthoughtthattimewasrapidlyapproaching,andshesawHasimmountingthestepstowardsHaffen.

TheyhelpedtheoldmanintoaseatedpositioninthebackofthecartandBronwynwatchedHaffenandHasim,waitingforthemtocomedownandsoundtheevacuation.Instead,however,theywerediscussingsomething,andHaffenwas

gesturingofftothesouth-east.Hasimwaspeeringintothegreyeveningandthetwomenwerebecominganimatedastheyspoke.

Allofasudden,Haffenturnedsharplyandscannedthecourtyard.HiseyesfixedonHorrockGreenBladestandingamongthecartsandheshouted,‘Horrock,getuphere.’Hisvoicewasurgent.

ThepeopleofWraithstoppedtheirown

conversationsandcranedtolookupatHaffen.ThecaptainofWraithCompanyappearedconcernedashewalkedrapidlyfromthecartstothestonesteps.BronwynquicklyleftStoneDogandmovedtojointhecaptain,asshe’ddecidedshortlyafterarrivingthatshewasn’tgoingtoletanythinghappenwithoutherknowingaboutit.Shewasstillanobleandshefeltthattheleastshecoulddo

wastolistentotheothersandoffercounselifshewereable.

Horrockglancedatherasshejoinedhim,butsaidnothingasthetwoofthemrapidlyascendedthesteps.Oncetheyreachedthebattlements,BronwynglancedoutacrossthedarkeningGrassSeaandbreathedalittleeasierwhenshedidn’tseeanyimmediatecauseforalarm.Nocampfiresorotherindicatorsofan

advancingarmywerevisibleandshehopedwhateverHaffenhadspottedwasnotaprecursortoanimminentattack.

‘We’rereadytoleave,Haffen.What’sthealarm?’Horrockaskedwearily.

Haffenwasstillpointingofftowardsthesouth-east,roughlythesamedirectionfromwhichBronwynhadapproachedRoHailtwoweeksago.Hasimwas

standingnexttohimandpeeringalongthelengthofhisarm.

‘Lookoverthere,bythefirstlineoftrees,’Haffensaidtohiscaptain.

Horrockleantforwardoverthebattlements.

‘Areyousureyou’renotjustlookingforareasontostay,’BronwynaskedHaffen,tryingtomaintainalightmood.

Heglaredatherandreplied,‘Justlookoverthere,Bronwyn,andtellmeifyouseesomethingbythetreeline.’

ShestoodnexttoHasimandtookalonglookoutintothetwilight.Thetreesbeganatthefurthestextentofhervisionandshecouldbarelymakeouttheareaastheskyrapidlydarkened.

Thesmallcopsewasarrangedinseverallinesand

blowinggentlyinthewind.Astheyblewback,Bronwynthoughtshesawsomethingshininginthedarkness–adull,silverysurfacewhichwasoutofplaceamongthetrees.AllthreeinvoluntarilyleantforwardandBronwynheldherbreathasshesaw,inagapbetweenthebranches,anarmouredknight,onhorseback.witharedtabard.Itwasamomentaryglimpse,nothingmore,butaquick

glanceattheothers’facestoldhertheyhadseenittoo.

‘Rowanocosaveus,’saidHaffen,‘that’saknightoftheRed.’

Theireyesremainedlockedonthetreelineasthequickeningwindrevealedasecondknightandthenathirdandthen,withaheavygust,afullcolumnofknightswasbrieflyvisibleinthedistance.

TheyremainedsilentforamomentbeforeHorrock

turnedswiftly,strodetotheinneredgeofthebattlements,androareddownattheassembledpeopleofWraith.

‘Thetimetofleehaspassed…themenofRohavecomeandwemustfightforourland.’Hepausedforamomentwhilethosebelowlookedupwithastonishmentontheirfacesandfearintheireyes.‘Strength,myfriends,’shoutedHorrock.‘Strengthforoursonsandour

daughters…ifwearetodieonthisground,defendingthisland.’Hisvoicerose.‘WewillmakethosethattakeourlivesrememberthenighttheyfoughtthefreepeopleofWraith.’HiswordscarriedconvictionandBronwyncouldseethepeoplestirredwithanticipation,fearandrisingbloodlust.

HaffenmovedtojoinHorrock.‘Wedefendthisground,’orderedthecaptain.

‘Getthewagonsoutofsight,thewomenandchildrenintothebasementandyoulot,’hepointedtothebattle-brothersofWraith,‘killanythingthattriestobreachthewall.’

‘Toyourstations,’Haffensaidquietly.

Movementeruptedfrombelowastheyhurriedlycarriedouttheirinstructions.Thewagonswerehastilypulledoutofthewayandintocoveredbuildingstothenorth

oftheruinedtown.Thewomen,childrenandotherswhocouldn’tfightwerecorralledbyFreyaColdEyesintothebasementcomplex,andBronwynsawtheaxe-meninthecourtyardmovequicklytothewoodenfortifications.

‘GowithFreya,’HasimsaidtoBronwynastheystoodontheforwardbattlements.

‘YouknowI’mnotgoingto,sowhydoyouask?’she

repliedpetulantly.Heturnedtodirectahard

stareather.‘Becauseyou’retheladyofRoCanarnandnothingwouldbeservedbyyoudyingunderaknight’sblade.’HewasdeadlyseriousandBronwynnotedtherealconcernforhersafetyinhiswords.

‘Getthethrowing-axesstowed,bundlesateverypointofthecourtyard,’Haffenwasshoutingnearby.

‘StoneDog,you’reupherewithme.’

BronwynsteppedclosetoAl-Hasimtospeakmoreprivately.‘Iknowyoucare,Karesian.ThoughI’msurenotwantingtoannoymybrotherhasalottodowithit…butIknowyoucareallthesame.’

‘JustgowithFreya,’herepeatedtenderly,slowlyreachingdowntoholdherhand.

Bronwyninvoluntarilypulleditaway.‘Don’tdothat,’shesaid.‘You’reworriedabouttheknightsandit’smakingyourheadgosoft.’ShesmiledattheKaresianscoundrel–aman,farfromhome,who’dfoundhimselffightingalongsideRanenforapatchoflandthatwasnothisown.‘Ifthelastfewweekshavetaughtusanything,it’sthatsurvivalis

alwayspossible,nomatterwhattheodds.’

‘Thisisn’tanadventure,Bronwyn,’hesaidwithsadnessinhiseyes.‘Thisisawar.I’veneverfoughtinonebefore,either.I’vealwaysgoneoutofmywaytoavoidthem.’Hereachedforherhandagain.‘Lookaround…lookatHaffen,atHorrock,atallthosepeopledownthere…bymorningtheywillallbedead.Ifyou’reinthe

basementwiththeothers,theymayjustspareyourlife.’

Theystoodlookingateachotherforseveralmoments,sayingnothing,untilBronwynsawsomethingbrightonthedistanthorizonandturned.Hasimwasstillholdingherhandandshefoundthatshelikedthewarmthofit.Thetwoofthemmovedsidebysidetolooksouthwardsandsawalineoffireinthedistance.

‘Haffen,’Hasimcalledoverhisshoulder.‘Theknightsmeantobombardus.’Hiswordswerequietandsolemn,andasBronwynpeeredintothetwilightshecouldmakeoutaheavycatapultundereachfieryglow.

Haffenlookedandsworeloudlytotheskybeforequicklyturningandshoutingtothecourtyard,‘Catapults,takecover.’

Themenbelowranforthecoverofstonejustastheaudiblesoundofwoodflexingsignalledthereleaseofflamingrocks.

Theskyeruptedinlightasseveraldozencatapultsshottrailsoffirefromthehorizontowardsthecity.Bronwynwatchedwithwideeyesasthefiremovedslowlythroughtheskyandthenthunderedoverherhead.Horrockappearedbehind

themanddraggedherandHasimbehindthebattlements.

‘Incoming!’shoutedthecaptainofWraithCompany.

Themenbelowtookcoverasthefirstflamingrockcrashedintothecourtyard,scatteringtheremainingcartsandlightinguptheruinsofRoHail.Morerocksfollowedandwoodandflameeruptedacrossthecourtyard,crushingmenandbreakingthe

fortifications.Menaflameranfranticallytofindwaterordroppedtorollontheground.Mostofthewoodenconstructionswerestillintact,butsomewereonfireandBronwyngaspedasshesawFreya,stillaboveground,runningtoawaterbarrel.ThemenofWraithhadsecretedbarrelsofflammablepitcharoundthecourtyardinpreparationforuseagainsttheknights,andtheyhurried

tomovethemawayfromthefires.

ThenahornsoundedfromtheGrassSeaandaroarfollowed,signallingtheknights’advance.

‘Toyourstations,’Horrockorderedquietlyasheunsheathedhistwo-headedaxeandmovedalongthebattlements.

HaffentookalastdeepbreathandturnedtoBronwynandHasim.‘Let’sdiewell,

shallwe?’hesaidwithaviciousgrin.

HasimandBronwynsharedameaningfullookandsherealizedhewasstillholdingherhand.

***

ThemenofWraithwerepoisedbehindthebattlementsasmorerocksthuddedintotheouterwallsandthe

reconstructedgates.BronwynwascrouchedabovethegatehousenexttoAl-Hasim,withHaffenandadozenmoremembersofWraithCompanyonguardnexttothem.Theknightswerearrayedacrosstheplaintothesouth,maybefivehundredofthem,identifiedbyHasimasthearmy’sadvanceguard.TheknightsoftheRedshoutedchallengesatthebattlementsandbangedtheir

longswordsontheirredtabards.Thecatapultshadbeenwheeledcloserbutnowthrewnofire.Instead,theyheavedhugerocksintotheair,designedtosmashthewallsandopenthegate.

TherehadbeennoofferofparleyandBronwynsurmisedthattheknightssimplyplannedtoclearRoHailandholditasastagingarea.Theyhadnotsurroundedtheruinedtown,buttheRanenmadeno

attempttoescape.Theknightshadlargewarhorsesandcouldeasilyridedownanyonewhotriedtobreakfreefromthebarricades.Sheconsideredcounsellingsurrender,butthefacesoftheRanenwarriorsaroundhertoldoftheirintentiontostayhiddenuntiltheysawthechancetokill.

Theyhadnocatapultsorartillerywithwhichtoanswerthebombardmentand

Horrockhadquicklyorderedthemtotakecoverandremainpatient.TheknightswouldnothaveseenthemajorityoftheRanen,andHorrockwashopingtheywouldenterthecityunawareofthoselyinginwaitforthem.Histacticalmindwasfocusedonhowtocausethemostdamagetotheadvanceguardofknightsandtobuytimeforthecartstoescapeviathenorth,whereFreya

hadledmostofthenon-combatantsthroughtheundergroundcomplex.

Bronwyncouldbarelyseedownintothecourtyard,butshecouldmakeoutalargespacefilledonlywiththeburningremnantsofsmashedcartsandafewdeadbodies.PatiencewasclearlynotacommontraitamongtheFreeCompaniesandthemenwereshakingwithbattlefervouras

theywaitedfortheknightstoenterthekillingground.

ThewallshookasmorebouldersthuddedintothestoneandBronwynhunkereddownbehindthebattlements.Hasimwasstillwithherandhadadoptedaprotective,crouchedpositionaboveher,hisscimitarheldthreateninglyinhishand.

Thenthesoundofsplinteredwoodsoundedfrombelowandthemain

gatesofRoHailflewinwards.TheknightsoftheRedletoutaraucouscheerandahornsoundedtosignalthecharge.Inunison,thecolumnoffivehundredknightswheeledtheirhorsesandrodehardfortheopengates.

‘Steady,’shoutedHorrock,astheadvanceguardformedintoalinenarrowenoughtopassthroughthegatehouse.‘Mark

yourtargetswellandmakeyouraimtrue…Iwantfiftydeadinthefirstvolley.’

TheRanen,hiddenbelowraisedwoodenfortifications,werepoisedforaction.Eachmanheldtwothrowing-axes,oneineachhand,andclosetoahundredofthebattle-brothersofWraithhadbeendesignatedasaxe-hurlers.TheirjobwastothintheranksinpreparationforasecondlineofRanento

emergeatgroundlevelandrollbarrelsofflamingpitchtowardsthemountedknights.Ifthatdidn’tforcetheknightstoretreat,thethirdrank,whichincludedHasim,HorrockandHaffen–andBronwyn–wouldemergeandengagetheknightsinclosecombat.

Horrockheldhisaxeupinreadinessandshouted,‘Hold…’

Theknightsreachedthesouthernwallandturnedsharplytoaimtheirhorsesatthegateway.

‘Hold,’roaredHorrockasecondtime,astheknightsreachedthegateandbegantoenterthecourtyard.

‘Hold,’heshoutedforthelasttime,hisvoiceraisedabovethesoundofthearmouredknights.

ThemenofRofloodedin.Bronwynwastakenabackmy

howmanytherewere.FivehundredfullyarmouredknightsoftheRedrodeintothecourtyardandfannedoutinpractisedfashion.TheyheldlongswordsaloftandroaredchallengesandpromisesofdeathatthemenofRanen.

‘Now,’bellowedHorrock,andhestoodandturnedtofacetheadvanceguardofknights.

Therewasbarelyamomentbetweenhiscommandandthefirstvolleyofaxes.TheRanenroseasonefromtheirplacesofconcealmentoverlookingthecourtyardandshoutedwordsofdefianceasonehundredaxeswerehurledattheknights.

TheruinedcityburstintolifeasthemenofWraithCompanyunleashedtheirpent-upangeragainstthemen

ofRo.ThesoundwasdeafeningandBronwyncouldn’thearanyoftheknightsovertheshoutingoftheaxe-men,buthervantagepointgaveheragoodviewofthecourtyardandshesawmenandhorseshitbyrazor-sharpthrowing-axes.

Horrock’sdemandthattherebefiftydeadinthefirstvolleywasclosetothemark,asheadswerecleaved,

armoursplit,limbsseveredandhorseslamedorkilled.

‘ThisisthelandofWraith,’roaredHaffen,standinghighontheforwardbattlementsandraisinghisaxeabovehishead.‘Youwillnottakeitwhilewelive.’

Theknightshadbeentakenabackbythefirstvolley,butrecoveredquicklyandBronwynsawtheircaptain,protectedbyacircularshield,giveordersto

stormthebarricadesandkilltheRanen.

Thenthesecondvolley.TheiraimwastruernowandnofewheadsweresplitbythewhirlingsteelofWraithCompany.

‘That’sit,lads.’Haffencontinuedtoshoutfromthegatehouse.‘ShowthebastardshowtheRanendothings.’

BronwynandAl-Hasimwerestillbehindtheforward

battlements,thoughlessconcernedtohidenowthetraphadbeensprung.Bronwyncouldstillseethecatapultsacrossthemistyplainstothesouth,butthebombardmenthadstoppedoncetheknightshadbreachedthetown.

Thetwovolleysofthrowing-axeshadkilledorincapacitatedmorethanahundredoftheknightsandriderlesshorseswereloosein

thecourtyard.Knightswhowereunhurtbuthadbeenunhorsednowpulledthemselvestotheirfeet.

‘Firethebastards,’shoutedHorrockfromhispositiononthestairs.

Allaroundtheground-levelbarricades,flamingtorchessprangintolifeasthesecondwaveofWraithCompanyopenedwoodenhatchwaysandrolledheavybarrelsattheknightsofthe

Red.Eachwaslitbyalongwickattheendandseveralhadbeenbreachedwithaxestohastenthespreadofthefire,astwentyorsobarrelsofsticky,flamingpitchracedtowardstheattackers.

Theknightscouldn’treactquicklyenoughandwereengulfedinflameswithinseconds.Screamingfilledthecourtyardasfrightenedhorsesrearedandthrewtheirriders.Oneclumsilystampedona

flamingbarrelandsprayedstickyflamesacrossthecobbles,settinglighttoagroupofknightswhoweregettingbacktotheirfeetinthemiddleofthekillingground.

Orderdisappearedfromtheknights’advanceasflamingmenandhorsesflailedaroundinanattempttodousethefire.Bronwynwincedandturnedawayfromthegrislyscene.

ThewoodenbarricadesweresplashedwithwatertostopthefirespreadingtotheRanendefences,andthefewknightswhoattemptedtoclimbthefortificationswereswiftlycutdownbythedefenders.Theknightcaptainwasaliveandwhirlinghislongsworddefiantlyoverhead,mimickingHaffen’sgesture.

‘Rallytome,’heshoutedathisremainingknights.

Lessthanhalfofthefivehundredknightswerestillreadyforcombatandmanyofthosehadbeenunhorsedorwerecorralledbylinesofflameanddeadhorses.Thefirebarrelshadrobbedthemofanyimmediatechanceofstormingthebarricades,butnowtheyregrouped.

‘Toarms,’commandedHorrock,drawinghisdouble-headedaxeanddescending

thestairstotheraisedwoodenfortifications.

‘That’sus,’saidAl-HasimquietlytoBronwyn.‘Takethis.’Hehandedherasmallwoodenshield.‘You’veabetterchanceofstayingalivewiththisthanifyoujustrelyonthatbigknife.’Hepointedtohershortsword.

‘Afteryou,’saidBronwyn,afteradeepbreath.

Haffenwasnearbybuthadalreadybeguntosprintacross

thehighwallstojoinhiscaptain.OthermenofWraith,wieldingavarietyofheavyaxesandhammers,movedquicklytodefendtheinnerfortificationsandBronwyncouldseelongspearsbeingusedbytheaxe-hurlers.

Assheturnedfromthegatehouse,somethingcaughthereyeandshepaused.‘Hasim,’sheshouted.‘Look!’

Acrossthemistyplain,justbeyondthepositionof

thecatapults,dustwasrisingfromtheGrassSea.Bronwyncouldseeanenormouslineofhorsesridingintoview.Theyweretoonumerousforhertocount.Highoverhead,twobannersflewerraticallyintheeveningwind.OnewasthewhiteeagleofRoTirisandtheothertheominouspurplesceptreoftheclericsofnobility.Bronwynsworetoherselfasthebulkofthe

king’sarmyappearedwithinsightofRoHail.

HasimjoinedherandlookedoutatthearmyofRoarrayedacrosstheGrassSea.‘Jaapreserveus,’hesaid.‘Somany…’

BronwynthoughtshedetectedfearontheKaresian’sface.

‘Horrock,’heshouted,‘itseemsthekinghasarrived.’

Ifhiswordswereheard,therewasnosignthatthe

captainofWraithCompanywasgoingtoalterhisplan.Instead,hejoinedthethirdwaveofdefendersandbeganhackingatthefewknightswhoweretryingtobreachthefortifications.

‘Comeon,theyneedhelp.’HasimgrabbedBronwyn’sarmandledherdownthestonestepstotheinnerbarricades.

Shesteadiedherselfandfeltherhandshakingasit

grippedthehiltofhershortsword.She’dkilledbefore,inthetunnelsofRoCanarnassheandHasimweremakingtheirescape,butthiswasdifferent–thiswasabattleand,ifshecouldnotstriketokill,sheknewshe’dbeuseless.

Theyreachedthebattlementsandjoinedtheotherdefenders.Theknightshadregroupedandwereattemptingtofighttheirway

ontothewoodenramparts.Theyhadonlylimitedsuccessasthelongspearsheldbytheaxe-hurlerswerekeepingthematadistance,butBronwynthoughtitcouldonlybeamatteroftime.

TheknightcaptainwasstillonhishorsedirectinghistroopsanddeterminationwasonthefacesofthemenofRoastheirprofessionalismandskillreturned.Theyhackedattheground-levelwooden

hatchesandseveraloftheRanenwhohadlitthebarrelsdiedaslongswordssmashedandcutatthegapsbetweenthewoodenplanks.

‘Getthosehatchesopen,’orderedtheknightcaptain,shoutingatthetopofhisvoicetobeheardoverthemelee.

Bronwynfoundherselfattheedge,lookingdownontheknightstryingtobreakopenthedefences.Shelocked

eyeswithamanofRo,burntfromthefireandangrilyhackingatthewood.Amomentlaterhetookaspeartothechestandfelltothecobbledfloor.Asecondmantookhisplaceandthenanotherjoinedhimastheybegantosmashopenthehatch.

Hasimappearednexttoherwithaspearinhishandsandgruntedwithexertionasheskeweredamanthrough

theneck.Thebloodsprayedoverhisfellowknights,whoyelledangryinsultsandchallengesfrombelow.

Thenabarrelofpitchthathadn’tsplitopenwasthrownfromthecourtyardupontothewoodenbattlements.Bronwynheldherbreathasshesawitsmashneartoheranderuptintoflame,sendingtwoRanendivingforwardfromtheirpositionsofsafety.Theflamesspreadquickly

andshehelduphershieldarmtoblocktheheatofthefire.

‘Putthatfireout,’shoutedHorrockfromnearby.

Severalmenrantograbbucketsofwater,butthestickypitchhadquicklyattacheditselftoalargeareaofwoodandthefirewasspreading.

Witharoarofdefiance,CaptainHorrockGreenBladejumpeddownfromthe

battlementsandbecamethefirstmanofWraithtoengagetheknightsinclosecombat.Hekilledonequickly,cleavinginhischestwithamightyblowfromhisaxe,butotherknightsmovedtoengagehim.

‘Timetogetbloody,lads,’announcedHaffenwithagrimsmile,ashejoinedhiscaptaininthefray.

Othersfollowed,chanting,‘ForWraith!’astheyset

abouttheknightsoftheRed,untilthemajorityofthethirdwavehadleftthefortificationsandenteredthecourtyard.

‘Stayhere,’orderedHasim,droppingthespearanddrawinghisscimitarandkrisblade.

‘Notonyourlife,’Bronwynreplied.

Heshotheralookoffrustrationbutdidn’targueas

thetwoofthemjumpeddowntogether.

‘Stayclosetome,then,’heconceded.‘Strikeattheneckandheadandkeepthatshieldup.’

Thefighttheyjoinedwasbrutalanddesperate,withmanyRanengoingberserkastheyhackedatthearmouredknights.Haffenwasparticularlyviciousandfoambegantoappearatthecornersofhismouthashegrasped

hisaxeinbothhandsandwhirledround,killinganyoneclosetohim.Theknightsinitiallybackedawayfromtheferociousaxe-man,butBronwyncouldtellthatthemenofWraithwereoutmatchedintermsofskill.

ShecouldseeMicahStoneDogfightingdesperately,withhisbacktoawall,againstayoungknight.Nearby,HorrockwasengagedagainsttwoRo,his

sizeandstrengththeonlythingpreservinghim.AsBronwynbegantosensehopeslippingawayshewasfacedwithabatteredknightlaunchingahighattackather.Withoutthinking,sheraisedhershieldandbuckledunderthestrengthoftheblow.Anotherhighswingfollowed,andanother,untilshewasbarelyabletostand.

‘Nowaytotreatalady,youhorse-fucker,’shouted

Hasim,asheappearedbehindtheknightanddeftlyopenedtheman’sthroatwithasinglecut.

‘Isaid,staynearme,’herepeatedashepulledBronwyntoherfeet.‘Iwillnotletyoudiehere.’

Theyfoughtbacktoback,bothrelyingonspeedtokeeptheknightsatbay.Bronwynbegantousehershieldmoreandmore,withonlyoccasionalswiftswordcuts

directedattheattackers’facesandnecks.Sheblindedonemanandseveredanother’sear,butreceivedseveralsmallwoundsherself.Hasimwasfaringbetterandwaslargelyunhurtashekilledanothermanwithawell-placedthrustofhiskrisknife.Kickingthemanoffhisblade,heshovedBronwynbackoutofthewayasahugeknightchargedatthem.

‘Fightme,youKaresianwhoreson,’theknightshoutedashesmashedhissworddownatHasim’shead.

Henarrowlyavoidedtheblowbydartingbackwardsandstickinghisscimitarintotheknight’sside.Thehugemancriedoutinpain,butgrabbedtheprotrudingbladeandwrencheditfromHasim’sgrasp.Kickingout,hesenttheKaresiantumblingtotheground.

‘Bronwyn…’heshouted,astheknightadvancedontheyoungladyofCanarn.

TheRowastoocaughtupinbattlefervourtonoticethewoundHasimhadgivenhimandhelikewiseignoredaglancingblowfromathrownaxe.

‘Timetodie,BlackGuard,’theknightsaidwithagrotesquegrin.

Asheraisedhisswordoverheadtodeliverakilling

blow,hepausedandhiseyesgrewwideasaknifepusheditswayintohisneckandFreyaColdEyesappearedoverhisenormousshoulders.TheoldRanenwomantwistedtheknifetomakesuretheknightwasdeadbeforeshepulleditbackandlethimdroptothefloor.

‘Freya…’Bronwynbreathedwithgratitudeasshequicklystoodup.

‘Don’tthankme,younglady,justbemorecareful.’Theoldaxe-maidenwassmilingbutthebloodspreadingdownherfacetoldBronwynshehadbeenfightingashardasanyofthem.

HasimretrievedhisscimitarfromthefallenknightandpulledBronwynbackoutofthemelee.

‘It’snotjustaboutBrom,okay?Iwillnotletyoudie.’

HerepeatedthesamephraseandBronwyncouldsensedeepsincerityintheKaresianscoundrel’swords.‘Now,Iknowyouwon’ttakecover,butatleaststayawayfrombigbastardslikehim.’Hegesturedtothelargedeadknight.

BronwynnoddedandtenderlytouchedHasim’sface.Withoutmorewords,theyreturnedtothecourtyard.Itwasdifficultto

seewhohadtheupperhand,butHorrockandHaffenwerestillaliveandcausingtheirfairshareofslaughter.ShecouldnolongerseeStoneDog;andthemajorityoftheknightswerenowonfoot,withtheirwarhorseseitherrunninginwildcirclesorhavinglefttheruinsaltogether.

Thenextfewminutespassedagonizinglyslowlyashackedbodypartsand

sprayedbloodturnedthecourtyardofRoHailintoabutcher’syard.BronwynstayedclearofthecentralmeleeandremainedwithHasimonthefringes.Somewhereinthemiddle,shecouldhearHorrockroarachallengeattheknightcaptain,andthescrumpartedbrieflytoallowthetwocaptainstomeetinthecentre.

Theaxe-hurlershadjoinedthefightandtheknightswere

largelypennedin.AsHorrockandtheknightcaptainclashed,theotherfightsslowedtokeephalfaneyeonthetwomen,eachsideinvestingheavilyinthesurvivaloftheircommander.EvenHaffenhadpulledbacktotheedgeofthemeleetotakeamoment’srestandwipethebloodandsweatfromhisface.

HorrockdidnotfightashehadagainstVerelliantwo

weeksbefore,butratherfoughtdirty,employingkicksandpunchestokeeptheknightoffbalance.BronwynsensedthemanofWraithwasafastlearner.TheknightcaptainquicklybecamefrustratedwithHorrock’sdishonourablefightingstyle,butwashelplesstostophimasaxeblowsbegantolandonhisplatearmour.Ashisbreastplatebecamedented,hisparriesgrewmore

awkwarduntilafeintopenedhimupandathunderousdownwardstrikesplithisheaddownthemiddle.

Asthebloodymessthathadbeentheircommanderfellinaheaptotheground,theremainingknightsoftheRedbrokeandbegantofallback.Itwasadisorderlyretreat,withmostofthemenonfoot,andseveralmorediedastheyturnedtoflee.Theknightsrantowardsthe

opengatewayandfledintotheGrassSeabeyond,asWraithCompanyheldtheirweaponsaloftandroaredtheirvictorytothesky.

‘Stopfuckingcheering,’shoutedanexhaustedHorrock.‘Putthatfireoutandbarricadethegate.’Hismenpausedforamoment,lookingattheircaptain.‘Move!’hebellowed,causingeverymantohurrybacktohisposition.

Haffenledagroupofwarriorstothegatewayandpiledthebrokenwoodupinsomesemblanceofagate,usingspearstowedgethemakeshiftdoorinplace.Severaldozenmenshuttledbucketsofwatertotheburningbarricades.Theremainderfelltothegroundfromsheerexhaustion.

HasimandBronwynmadetheirwayacrossthekilling

groundtowhereHorrocksat,pantingheavily.

‘Thatwasjusttheadvanceguard,’saidtheKaresian.

Horrocklookedupasifthisinformationwasnothelpful,but,afteramoment,hesmiledathinsmile.

‘Iknow,butatleastwe’vemadethempause.’Hestoodagainandsurveyedthedefences.

Bronwynthoughtthatonlyaroundhalfoftheinner

woodenfortificationsnowprovidedsomecover,andthefirehadcausedalargesectiontocollapseentirely.Thecourtyardwaslitteredwiththedeadand,thoughthereweremanymoreRobodiesthanRanen,shewasstillshockedathowmanymenofWraithhadfallen.

‘Wecan’tholdiftheystormagain,’shesaidwithoutthinking.

‘Trueenough,’repliedHorrock,standingnexttoher,‘buttheydon’tknowthat.’Hewasstillpanting,butBronwynsensedsteelyresolveinhispiercingblueeyes.

‘IfIknowtheknightsoftheRed,’beganHasim,‘andIthinkIdo,Idon’tthinkthey’llriskanotherfrontalassault.’HepointedtothegatesthatHaffenwashastilyrebuilding.‘Ifwegetthose

lookingsolidagain,Ithinkthey’lltrysomethingdifferent.Theknightsdon’tlikegettingabloodynoseandtheywon’triskitagain.’

‘Sothey’lljustthrowmorerocksatus?’Horrockaskedwithgallowshumour.

Hasimnodded.‘Probably,yes.Butthey’remorelikelytoencirclethecityandstarveusout.Theyhavethenumberstodoitandnow

theyknowwe’repreparedtofight…’

‘Ofcourse,thereissomeonewhosecounselmaybeusefulrightnow,’Bronwyninterjected,referringtoSirWilliamofVerellian.

Theybothlookedatherwithdoubtontheirfaces.

‘He’sstillaknightoftheRed,Bronwyn,’respondedHasim.‘Hewouldn’twanttobetoohelpful,I’dguess.’

‘True,buthe’shonourable.Ithinkhe’dhelpinanywaythatmeantfewerpeoplewerekilled.’Sheconsideredandcontinued,‘Atleasthe’dbeabletotelluswhatthey’relikelytodonext.’

Hasimsmiled.‘So,you’resayingyoudon’ttrustmyknowledgeofknightlytactics?’

AmanofferedHorrockabowlofwaterandhe

immediatelywashedhisbloodstainedfaceandthenshookhisheadrapidlyfromsidetoside.Ashewipedhisfacewitharaghestoodup.‘Yourknowledgemaybeextensive,Hasim,butyou’renotactuallyaknight,’hesaid.

Hismenwerebusilymovingaroundthefortifications,repairingwhatevercouldbequicklymended,movingbodiesfrom

thecourtyardandcollectingthrowing-axes.

‘Ifyou’lltakeanorderfromme,Karesian,goandfetchtheredman,’saidHorrock,withoutturningawayfromhismen.‘FindStoneDogandtakehimwithyou…andkeeptheknightchained.’

Al-HasimwasnotaRanen,letaloneamanofWraithCompany,butherespondedtoHorrock’sorder

withonlyaslightpause,movingquicklyawayandacrosstothenorthsideofthecourtyard.Bronwynfollowedhismovements,mostlytoconfirmthatStoneDogwasstillalive.

‘Youdidwell,mylady,’Horrocksaidsuddenly.‘You’recoveredinblood,havedentsinyourshieldandyou’restillalive…thisbodeswell.’

‘FreyahadtosavemylifeandItriedtostayawayfromthemainfight,butyes,I’mstillalive.Alotofyourmenaren’t,’sherespondedsadly,unabletoturnawayfromthebutcheredmeninthecourtyard.

FreyaandseveralyoungRanenfromthebasementweretakingnoteofthedeadandmovingthewoundedtothesafetyoftheundergroundcomplex.Thedeadknights

weretreatedwithrespect,butwithnospacetotaketheminside,theyweresimplystackedofftothesideinaroughpyre.Haffenwasstilldoinghisbesttorepairthemaingate.Thewoodenfortificationswouldfunctionasaxe-throwingplatforms,butwouldbeuselessasadefensiveposition.

‘Youneedalongerreach,’Horrocksaidtoheroutoftheblue.

‘Er,sorry…whatdoyoumean?’Bronwynasked.

‘Theshieldworksfine,butyouactuallyneedtoattackoccasionally,andthatshortswordandyourshortarmsdon’thelp.’Bronwynlaughedathisfamiliarmanner.‘Everswunganaxe?’heasked.

‘Mybrothertaughtmehowtouseasword,butIhadn’tattackedtokilluntilamonthagowhenweescapedCanarn,’shesaidquietly.‘I

hadn’treallythoughtaboutkillingmen.Isupposethereweretoomanyotherthingstothinkabout.’

Horrocknarrowedhisblueeyes.‘ImetBromonce.AcoldbastardfromwhatIremember.’Hesmiled.‘You’rethesame.Mostpeopleagonizeovertheirfirstkill.Youdidn’teventhinkaboutit.’

‘There’salotatstake…myhome,mypeople,my

family’shonour…’Shebowedherhead.‘WhileCanarnisoccupied,I’mnotallowedtobesqueamish.’

CHAPTER9

BROTHERLANRYINTHECITYOFROCANARN

ItwasjustbeginningtogetdarkasLanrybeganhisnightlywalktothemarshal’s

office.SirPevaininsistedhearrivebeforethemercenaries’nightlydrunkenritualbegan.Theyweredifficultenoughtodealwithwhensober,butLanrydislikedtheviciousnessthataccompaniedtheirmoredrunkenmoments.Hehadagreatneedofextrafoodandwater.ThepeopleofRoCanarnwhohadstayedindoorsduringthebattlewerebeginningtosufferstarvation.Themercenaryknighthad

turnedoffthewaterpumpsandwasusinghiscontroloverfoodandwatertokeepthepopulationinorder.Thecommonpeoplewerebeingdeniedbasicnecessities,andthosewhohadrecentlylosttheirhomesandfamiliesfacedanuncertainfuture.

‘Fulton,hurryup,’Lanrysaidtotheformertavernerwhopulledthecartbehindhim.‘It’sgettingdark.’

‘Whydon’tyoupullthecart?’Fultonshotback,withdropletsofsweatformingonhisforehead.

Lanryputahandontheman’sshoulderandsmiled.‘BecauseI’mafatoldmanwithabadbackand,ifIwaspullingit,we’dnotgettheretilltomorrow,’theclericsaidwithhumour.

Lanrytriedtostayjollydespitethebrokentownaroundhim,andsincethe

deathofDukeHectorthepeoplehadlookedtotheclericforleadership.Hewasnotamantoabandonhishometotheravagesofwar,andbeingachurchmanoftheBrownmeanthewaslargelyimmunetothetortureanddeaththathisfellowmenofCanarnhadtoendure.He’dseenmuchofbothoverthelastmonthandhadcometorealizethattheknightsoftheRedhadaverydifferentway

ofdoingtheOne’swork.TheBrownclericsrepresentedtheOne’saspectofpovertyandcharity,andLanryhaddevotedhislifetothecareofthepeopleofRoCanarn.HehadbeentheonlychurchmaninthetownandDukeHectorhadallowedhimtostayonsufferance.IthadtakenLanryseveralyearstoconvincethedukeofhisgoodintentionsandnow,twentyyearsafterhehadbuiltthesmallBrown

church,hewasneededmorethanever.

Hesmiledtohimselfasherecalleddrawinghisheavyquarterstaffandjoiningtheduke’sguardindefenceofthetown.HefeltalittleembarrassedathavingactuallyclubbedaRedknightovertheheadandhesecretlyhopedthatthemanwasallright.Lanrywasnotafighter,buthehadfeltitwashisduty

tofightforhishomeasmuchasanyothermanofCanarn.

Theyledthecartpastthemainsquareandtowardsthelordmarshal’sofficeoverlookingthedocks.Pevainhadkilledthemarshalandtakenoverthestonebuilding,holdingcourtlikeaconqueringheroanddispensingrandomjusticeuponthosewhodispleasedhim.Themercenaryknighthadexecutedmorepeople

thanLanrywishedtorecall,andhefoundhimselfministeringnowtolessthanhalfthepopulation.Theystilllookedtohimforguidance,buthewassecretlycryingoverthetormenthispeoplehadtoendure.He’dseenchildrendieofstarvation,andwiththelackofcleanwaterdiseasewasbeginningtoappear.Pevaingavehimadailyration,butitwasbarelyenoughforahundredpeople

andLanryfoundhimselfhavingtoarrangearotasystemforthesurvivors.Ifamangotwateroneday,he’dhavetodowithoutthenext.Itwasapainfulthingfortheclerictohavetodo,butsofarithadkeptmostofthemalive.

‘Whatifwejustwaituntiltheypassoutwiththewineandthenhelpourselves?’suggestedFulton,asthey

nearedthetoweroftheWorldRaven.

‘Interestingidea…thoughpleasebegoodenoughtotellmewhathappensthedayafteryoupassoutfromdrinking?’respondedLanry,tryingtobeastolerantaspossible.

‘Youwakeupwithaheadache…Ido,anyway.’

‘Andwhatdoyouthinkthesemenwilldowhentheywakeupwithaheadacheand

realizewe’vepilferedtheirfoodandwater?’

Thetavernerconsideredthis.‘Isupposethey’dcomelookingforus,’heeventuallyconceded.

‘Enduranceisourgreatestweaponnow,myfriend,’Lanrysaidgently,placingareassuringhandonFulton’sshoulder.‘Markmywords,yourtavernwillbeopenforbusinessagainoneofthesedays.’

LanrytriedtoremainoptimisticwhenhewasaroundtheothermenofCanarn,evengoingsofarastosuggestthatyoungLordBromvywouldreturntosetthemfree.Inprivate,however,theBrownclericwasclosetodespairandheldoutpreciouslittlehopethattheirsituationwouldimprove.

Theyroundedastreetcornerandthemarshal’s

officecameintoview.Previously,theareahadbeenathrivingport,withseveralgood-humouredtavernsandasmallauditoriumforfishtrading.Now,everywherewasboardeduportorndownandtheonlyactivitywasintheofficeitself,whichhadbeenturnedintoanimproviseddrinkingestablishmentandheadquartersforPevain’smercenaries.Lightswereon

throughoutand,evenhalfastreetaway,activitycouldbeseenandheard.Themercenariesweretoonumerousforallofthemtofindquarterswithinthebuildingandsoaroughcamphadformedintheopensquareoutside.Theyloungedaroundsmallfires,passingbottlesofstolenwineandtellingunlikelytalesoftheirsexualprowess.Lanryrecognizedthefacesof

rapists,murderersandthieves–menwhohadbeenlivingoffthebonesandfleshofRoCanarnformorethanamonth.Withtheexceptionofthedozenorsomenonpatrolinthetown,theycouldallbefoundhere,andLanrygrittedhisteethashepreparedtowalkamongthem.

‘Justkeepyourheaddownandignorethem,’hesaidoverhisshouldertoFulton,

whowasbecomingincreasinglyagitated.

TheywerenoticedquicklyandLanryheardanumberofoff-colourcommentsthrownatthem–nastychallengestotheirmasculinityandsomephysicalgesturesthattheBrownclericdidn’tfullyunderstand.Dirty,beardedfaceslookedupatthem,displayingunpleasantsneers.Lanrysmiledpolitely,awarethatthesemenwouldn’tharm

him,butmakingsurethatFultonstayedclosebehindhim.

‘Whatdoyouwant,boy-fucker?’barkedatoothlessmercenarywhostoodnearby,onguardoutsidethemarshal’soffice.

HewasoftenthemanwhogreetedBrotherLanryashearrivedforsupplieseachevening.Themercenarywasilliterateandhadnodoubthadapoorstartinlife,but

BrotherLanrystillsmiledatthethoughtofsmashinghisquarterstaffintothescumbag’sface.

‘I’msorry,areyoutalkingtome?’Lanryrepliedabsently.

‘YouknowI’mfuckingtalkingtoyou,cleric,’saidthemercenarywithwell-practisedaggression.

‘AndyouknowwhatIwant,sowe’rebothbeingstupid.’Lanrydirecteda

laconicexpressionattheidiotandthenshooedhimawaydismissively.‘I’mnotheretospeaktoyou…Idon’tevenlikelookingatyou,sogetoutofmyway,’theBrownclericadded.

Fultonnarrowlysuppressedalaughandthemercenarylookedconfused,confirmingLanry’ssuspicionsabouthislackofeducation,buthegotoutof

thewayandtheyproceededtowardstheopendoorway.

‘Howdoyougetawaywiththat?’askedFultonquietly,withanervoussmileonhisface.

‘Becausethesepeopleareworthyofnothingbutscornandsharpmetalimplements,mydearFulton,andthey’restupidenoughnottorealizehowhatefultheyare.’Hepausedandturnedtodirectaserenesmileatthetaverner.‘I

liketothinkthatsubconsciouslytheyknowtheydeservetheseinsults.’Lanryresumedwalking,leavingFultonlookingconfusedashefollowedonbehind.

Thedoortothemarshal’sofficeusedtobepermanentlyopenandanycitizenofCanarnwasabletoenterfreely.SinceSirPevainhadtakenover,he’dstationedguardsoutsideandonly

admittedpeoplehewantedtosee.Thedailyinquiriesaboutfood,waterandhousingbotheredthemercenaryknightandhehadkilledseveralmenwhohadcomplainedthattheirwinestorehousehadbeenpillagedandburneddown.Subsequently,thedoorhadremainedclosed.BrotherLanrywastheonlycitizenofRoCanarnwhoPevainwouldtolerate,andthatwasonly

becausethemercenarywasunderordersnottoharmhim.

AsLanryandFultonentered,anoverpoweringstenchofwineandvomitassaultedtheirnostrilsandbothmeninvoluntarilymovedtheirhandstotheirmouths.

‘Dotheyevercleantheplace?’Fultonaskedquietly.

‘Aboutasoftenastheycleanthemselves,’replied

Lanry,‘andthat,bythestateofthem,isinfrequent.’

ThedooropenedintotheoldtownhallofRoCanarn–alarge,airyspacethathadbeenusedvariouslyasfishmarket,meetingplaceandassemblyhall.ThefishermenhadstoppedfishingnowandthehallwaslittlemorethanadosshouseforPevain’smoretrustedlieutenants.Theyloungedaroundonpillagedfurniture,drinkingstolen

wineandeatingstolenmeat.ThesemenwereallofRo,butbelongedtothelowestlevelofsociety.Theywereswordsforhire,menwho’dfoundawaytoindulgetheirfondnessforkilling,stealingandrapingwhilestillsomehowremainingwithinthelaw.Lanryknewthatcriminalitywasasketchyconceptwherewarwasconcerned,buthestillhopedthatthesescum

wouldsomedaybemadetoanswerfortheircruelty.

Theywalkedthroughtheentrancehall,pastsmallgroupsofblack-armouredmercenaries,mostofthemtheworsefordrink,andascendedthecentralstairstothemarshal’sofficeonthefirstfloor.NomorecommentsweredirectedatthemandFultonappearedalittlemorerelaxedoncetheywereaway

fromthemainforceofmercenaries.

ThetavernerstoppedatthetopofthestairsandLanrysawanexpressionofsurpriseandangercomeoverhisfriend’sface.

‘Fulton,whatisit?’theclericasked.

‘Thatman…’hereplied,pointingwithashakinghandatalarge,beardedmercenaryslouchingonabenchoutside

Pevain’srooms.‘He’stheonewho…tookBella.’

LanryfrownedandrememberedFulton’scheerfulwife.Shewasacookwhoworkedwithherhusbandinthetaverntheyhadowned.AmercenaryhadsmashedhiswayintotheirhomeonthenightoftheattackandBellahadtriedtofighthimoffwithakitchenknife.Asaresult,she’dbeentakentotheprisonpensinthe

townsquare.FultonhadbeentrappedintheBrownchurchatthetimeandhadonlyseenhiswifeagainseveralnightslater,asshewasrapedandbeheadedbythemanshe’dtriedtofightoff–themannowlaughingatsomeoff-colourjokewhilerelaxingoutsidehismaster’snewoffice.

LanryplacedarestraininghandonFulton’sshoulder.‘Nothingwillbeservedby

youdyingtoday,myfriend,’theclericsaidinawhisper.‘Justkeepyourheaddownanddon’tlookathim.’

Fultonbegantosobquietly,buthenoddedandtookheedofLanry’scounsel.TheBrownclericwasasclosetoaleaderasthepeopleofRoCanarnhadleft.FultonwasnowarriorandheknewfullwellthatLanry’sinstructionwaswise.

Theywalkedpasttheman,whobarelylookedupfromtheconversationhewashavingwithanothermercenary,andBrotherLanryknockedontheofficedoor.

‘I’mbusy,’wastheimmediateresponsefromwithin.

‘He’sbusy,brother,’repeatedthemanoutside.‘Pissoffandcomebacklater.’

‘IfIdothat,I’llbetoldthathe’sstillbusy,’saidLanrywithasmuchpateinceashecouldmuster.‘Wedothiseveryday.Can’tIjustglidepasttheusualdanceofcock-wavingandgettothepartwhereIreturntomychurchwithfoodandwater?’

ThemanlaughedheartilyandslappedLanryontheback.

‘You’reallright,cleric,’hesaidwithasmile,and

bangedonPevain’sdoorhimself.‘Hallam,it’sthatBrowncleric.’

Therewasamomentarypauseandthenafrustratedvoicefromwithinsaid,‘Allright,Lanry,getyourclericalarseinhere.’

Lanrysmiledpolitelyatthemercenary,takingcaretokeepFultonasclosetohimaspossible,turnedthedoorhandleandenteredthemarshal’soffice.

Within,heimmediatelyavertedhiseyesfromthespectacleofSirHallamPevain,loungingbackonhischair,hisroughhandonthebackofayounggirl’shead.Pevain’sleathertrouserswerepulleddownandthegirlwascrouchedbetweenhislegs.Therewasalookoftwistedpleasureonhisfaceasheroughlyjerkedthegirl’sheadbackandforth,andshe

grippedhischairwithred,tremblinghands.

‘Ihopewe’renotdisturbingyou?’askedLanrythroughgrittedteeth,lookingdownatthefloor.

‘IsaidIwasbusy,cleric…’Hedidn’tlookatthem.

Hegrabbedahandfulofthegirl’shairandpulledheraway,makingaloathsomesoundofcontentmentashedidso.Lanryglancedupand

recognizedthegirl.Shewasaservantfromtheinnerkeep,oneofLadyBronwyn’sattendants.Theclericcouldn’trememberhername,butrecalledhavingheardhersingatDukeHector’sbirthdaycelebrations.

AsPevainroughlyshovedhertowardsthedoor,thelookonherfacewasoffearandrevulsion.BrotherLanrystoppedhermomentarily,whispering,‘Strength,sister,

strengthandwewillovercome.’

Hehopedthewordsmighthelp,buthealsoknewhowpettytheymustsoundtoayounggirl,nomorethansixteen,whowasdailybeingabused.

‘Sametimetomorrow,darlin’,’saidPevainwithachuckle,asthegirlhurriedlylefttheroom.

Fultonhadn’tlookedupandLanrythoughtthathe

oughttocomealoneinfuture,oratleastleavehiscompanionoutsidewiththecart.

Lanrytriednottoshowhisangerashecrossedthesmallofficetostandinfrontofthedesk.Pevainstyledhimselfassomekindofmilitarygovernor–alessermasterofCanarnnowthatSirRillionhadmadeitclearhecarednothingforthecommonpeople.Theknightsofthe

Redweremorehonourableand,intheirownway,kinderthanthemercenaries.However,Lanryhadnotseenanyofthemsincethelargerforcehadmovedthroughsometwoweeksago,andhe’dbeenstuckwithPevainandhisbastards.Lanrywasn’tsurewhetherthebastardswasactuallytheirnameorjustafittingdescription,buteitherway

thetermhadenteredcommonusage.

‘Foodandwaterisit,Lanry?’askedPevain,makingashowofstandingtofastenhistrousersandstretchhisbackandarms.

‘Itisindeed.Alittlemorethanyesterdaywouldbeappreciated,’repliedthecleric.

‘You’llgetwhatyouget.’PevainremainedstandingandgloweredatLanry.‘Ionly

havesomanysuppliesandmymenneedtoeatanddrinktoo.’

‘Butyourmentakeitwhentheywantit,mypeoplehavetorationthelittleIamallowed.Peoplearedying,Pevain.’

ThematterwasseriousandLanrywasresponsiblefortheirwell-beingnowtherewasnoduketospeakforthem.

ThemercenarylaughedasthoughLanryhadsaidsomethingfunny.‘So,somepeasantcuntsloseabitofweight…what’sthebigdeal?’

Lanryclenchedhisjawandfeltasuddenurgetohaveawashwhenhegothome.Havingtobeinthepresenceofsorefinedascumbageachdaywasnotaneasythingtoputupwith.

‘Justbecauseyou’vekilledhalfthepopulation,itdoesn’tmeantheremainderneedanylessfoodandwater,’Lanrysaid,withasmuchrestraintashecouldmanage.‘Winewecandowithout,hugefeastsofmeatandfisharebarelyadistantmemory,butbread,grainandwaterareessential…sirknight.’

Pevainmovedroundthedeskandstoodcloseto

BrotherLanry.Theknightwasaverytallmanandcarriedanunpleasantodourwithhim.TheclerichadwonderedrecentlywhetherPevainactuallycultivatedthesmellinordertomakehimselfmorememorable.

‘Don’ttakethingssoseriously,Lanry.Whydon’tweopenabottletogetherandgetsomepeasantbitchtomakeusgladwe’remenforacoupleofhours?’Pevain’s

smilewasalmostasbadasthesmell,anddirty,rottenteethpokedthroughhisstragglyblackbeardashespoke.

‘IamaclericoftheBrownfirstandforemost.I’llbesuretoremindmyselfthatI’mamanatalaterdate.Fornow,canIpleasehavesomesupplies?’Lanryasked,allowingsomeoffencetoshowinhisvoice.

Fultonwasstilllookingatthefloorand,asidefromtheoddfrownofdiscomfort,thetavernerhadremainedsilentandexpressionless.PevainhadnotpaidanyparticularattentiontohimuptothispointbutnowhedirectedaquestioninglookatLanry.

‘Yourfriendlooksnervous.Maybeheshouldbetheonetorememberhe’saman.’ThemercenarysteppedinfrontofFulton.‘How

aboutit,littleman?Youwantagirltofuck?’

LanrymovedFultongentlytothesideandtookhisplaceunderPevain’sglare.‘Ifyoucould…weareinahurry,’hesaidpolitely.

‘Verywell.’Themercenaryknightwasirritated.‘You’reallbusiness,youchurchtypes.Followme.’

LanrybreathedalittleeasierasPevainwalkedtothe

sidedooranddownthestairsbeyond.Themarshal’sofficewasastonestructureontheoutsidebutinsidealatticeworkofwoodenstaircasesledtovariousgrainsilosandfoodwarehouses.Intimesofpeacethestoragespaceswereusedforsaltingandsmokingmeatandfish,andforstockpilinggoodsfortheharshwintersofCanarn.Whileundertheknights’occupation,thewarehouses

werelargelyusedasameanstocontrolthestarvingpopulation.

LanryandFultonwalkedafterPevainanddescendedtwoflightsofwoodenstairstoatunnelbelow.ThisledunderthecobbledstreetsoftheportsideofRoCanarnandwasoneofseveralentrancestothegrainsilos.TheyhadbeenbuiltundergroundbyDukeHector’sfatherinorderto

protectagainsttheftandtohelppreservethegoods.Formerly,thelordmarshalhadbeenresponsibleforthem,butovertheyearsLanryhadbeeninthetownthey’dbeenusedlessandless,asbusinessflourishedandthepeoplehadenjoyedseveralgoodharvests.

Attheendofthetunnelmorewoodenstaircasesledbackuptothestreets.Asmallgroupofmercenarieswas

hangingaround,watchingthewarehouseswhiledrinkingthemselvesinsensible.

‘Allright,boss,’saidoneofthemercenariesbywayofgreetingtoPevain.

TheknightignoredhimandmotionedforLanrytoascendthenearestsetofstairs.

‘Arewenotgoingtothewarehouse?’theclericasked.

‘No,’repliedPevain.‘IthoughtthatI’dhaveafewof

myladsprepareyoursuppliesaheadoftime.It’llstopyoulookinglonginglyatthestuffyoucan’thave.’HisgrotesquesmilereturnedandLanryfeltalittlesick.‘Yousee,brother,’hesaid,placingapatronizingarmroundthecleric’sshoulders,‘youneedtoknowyourplace.I’minchargehereandthat’snotgoingtochange.Getit?’

Lanrydidn’tlookawayfromPevainandsmiled

throughgrittedteeth.‘Andifthesuppliesyourmenhavepreparedarenotenough?’

‘Thenpeoplemaygohungry.It’suptoyoutomakesureitgoesfarenough,brother.Isn’tthatwhatyouBrownfuckersareallabout?Charityandthat?’

Pevainwasasignorantofcharityashewasofkindnessorhonour,andLanryagainhadtoforcehimselfnottoberudetothemercenary.

Nottrustinghimselftoengageinfurtherdialoguewiththebastard–atermLanrywasbeginningtothinkincreasinglyappropriate–theBrownclericpulledhimselfupthesteepwoodenstaircaseandbackuptothestreet.FultonfollowedandtheyreturnedtotheeveningairofCanarn.TheywerejustoffthedocksandunderneaththetoweroftheWorldRaven.Lanrylookedupwardsand

saidaquietprayertoBrytag,theRanengodofluckandwisdom,beforehewasshovedoutofthewaybyPevainastheknightcameoutofthetunnelbehindthem.

Atthesideofthestreet,flankedbythreemercenaries,wereanumberofbarrelsandafewsacks.Lanryestimatedthecontentswouldbebarelyenoughforfivehundred,letalonethetwothousand

hungrypeoplewhowerewaitingforfood.

‘Pevain,isthisall?’Lanryaskedwithoutturninground.

‘Itis,’hereplied.‘Andyoucanaddressmeassirknight,cleric.’

‘Verywell.Thisisn’tenoughtostopstarvationandIhumblyrequestmore…sirknight.’LanryknewhisdutytothepeopleofCanarnmustcomebeforehispersonalfeelings.

‘Comebacktomorrow,sametime,andI’llseeaboutaloafortwoextra,’Pevainreplied,andthethreemercenariesnearbychuckledtothemselves.

‘Fulton,gofetchthecart.I’llwaithere,’Lanrysaidtothetaverner.

Hisfriendleftquickly,andLanrythoughthe’dbehappieroutofthepresenceofthemercenaryknight.

PevainletFultonwalkawaytowardsthefrontofthemarshal’sofficetoretrievethecartbeforehemovedtostandinfrontofBrotherLanry.

‘Right,youlittleshit-stain,nowwecantalkwithoutthecommoncitizenrylistening,Iwanttomakeyouanoffer,’hesaidconspiratorially.

‘Idon’tthinkI’dbeinterestedinyouroffer,sir

knight,’Lanryresponded,withaslightbowofthehead.

‘Waittillyouhearit.’PevainwasgrinningbroadlyandhisbreathmadeLanryfeelnauseous.‘Itmightbeawayforyoutomakethingseasierforyourself.Afterall,there’snoreasonwhyyouandIshouldn’tbefriends.’

‘Icanthinkofseveral,sirknight,butnonethatIcaretorepeattoyourface.’

Lanrywasskirtingroundtheedgesofbeingrude,buthedidn’twanttopushhislucktoofar.Pevainwasunstableand,givensufficientmotivation,Lanrywassurehe’dignoreRillion’sorderandkilltheBrownclericassoonashe’dkillanyoneelse.

‘You’renotanidiot,cleric,’saidtheknight,ignoringLanry’shalf-insult.‘AndyoumustappreciatethatI’minchargehereand

amgonnabeforawhileyet.Sowhymakethingsdifficultbetweenus?Ifyouplaythisright,IcanseeBrotherLanrybecomingarichmanifhemakestherightfriends.’

Lanrysmiledagain,thistimewithhiseyeslockedonPevain’s.Theknightwasalargeman,easilyafoottallerthantheBrowncleric,butLanrydidn’tfeardeathandtheswordandarmourmatteredlittletohim.

‘Youarea…singularman,withsingularskills,sirknight.Ahumbleclericsuchasmyselfdoesnotthinkofrichesorstation.Weprefertogainourrewardinthegratefulfacesofourflock.’Inwardly,Lanrylikedtoplaythepietycard,andhesawalookofconfusioncomeoverPevain’sface,asifthemercenarysimplydidn’tunderstandamantowhommoneymeantnothing.

‘Theremustbesomethingyouwant,cleric.CantheBrowntakewomen?’heasked,raisinghiseyebrowsinasuggestivelyvulgarexpression.

‘Wecanmarry,yes,’Lanryreplied.‘ButnotuntilourworkfortheOneiscompleted,andIhavemuchworklefttodo.’

Fultonappearedagainatthecornerofthemarshal’soffice,pullingthecartbehind

him.Beforehecamewithinearshot,PevainsteppedclosertoLanryandwhispered,‘Allright,cleric,Iunderstand.JustknowthatHectorisdead,BromvyisdeadandI’mallyou’vegotleft.You’dbettergetusedtoit.’

‘Bromvy…?’queriedLanry,whohadnotheardthatHector’ssonhadbeencaptured,letalonekilled.‘Youknowthis?’

‘It’sonlyamatteroftime.Purpleclericshavebeendespatchedafterthelordling.Evenwiththenastyfriendshe’sgot,he’sdonefor.’PevainshowednorespecttowardsthehouseofCanarn.‘So,unlessLadyBronwynwantstorideintothecity,I’dsaythehouseofCanarnisdeadandgone,’headdedwithasnarl.

‘We’llsee,sirknight,’wasallLanrysaidbefore

turningtoloadthemeagresuppliesontotheircart.

***

ThewalkbacktotheBrownchurchwasasombreone.Thestreetsweredesertedand,oncetheywereoutofsightofthemarshal’soffice,eerilysilentaswell.Fultonsaidnothingandmerelyconcentratedonpullingthe

heavycartovertheunevencobbles.ItwasalighterloadthanLanryhadsecuredonpreviouseveningsandhegenuinelydoubtedthepeopleofCanarnwouldsurvivemuchlonger.PevainhadgiventhemnonewhealingsuppliesandLanry’sskillwouldonlygosofarinhelpingthosewhoweremalnourishedorinjured.Itwouldbeadifficultnightand,theclericthought,it

wouldgetmuchworsebeforeitgotanybetter.

TheBrownchurchofCanarnwasasmallbuildingontheedgeofthetownsquare,previouslyajoyousplaceofmarketstallsandcolour.Now,itresembledacrossbetweenabuilder’syardandabattleground,withwoodendebrisandtheremnantsoffuneralpyresspreadhaphazardlyacrossthecobbles.Thepensthathad

beenusedtoconfinedissentingcitizenswerenowempty,andthemajorityofthepopulacehadreturnedtotheirhouses,steadfastlyrefusingtogivethemercenariesanyexcuseforfurtherbrutality.ThosewhohadlosttheirhomesduringthebattleorintheweeksthatfollowedwerestayinginthevaultsoftheBrownchurch,whichhadformerlybeenusedforstorageandwere

nowheavingwithdisplacedcommonfolk.

‘It’snotenough,’saidFulton,breakingthesilenceastheyapproachedthechurchdoors.‘There’retwopregnantwomen,dozensofchildrenandoldpeople,andI’velostcountofhowmanyinjuredorstarving.Wecan’tliveonporridge,driedfruitandwaterforever.’

‘Iknow,’wasLanry’ssimplereply.

TheBrownclericpausedbeforethedoortohischurchandturnedtofaceFulton.Heputanarmroundthetaverner’sshoulder.

‘DoyourememberwhenLordBromvyhadthattournamentforhiseighteenthbirthday?’

Fulton’seyeswidenedslightly,asifheweretryingtorecall,andnoddedslowlyinresponse.

‘Greatfun,fromwhatIremember,’suppliedLanry.‘DukeHectorallowedanyonetotakepart.’Theclericsmiled.‘IevenhadagoatduellingwithBrom.Ilost,buthewasniceenoughnottocrowaboutit.’

Fultonsmiledweaklyashebroughttomindtheeventthathadtakenplacefiveyearsbefore.‘IthinkIunhorsedHaakeinthejoust,’hesaid.‘ThoughI’mpretty

suretheguardsmanletmewin.’

‘DoyourememberwhatDukeHectorsaidashegaveouttheprizes?’Lanryasked.

FultonshookhisheadandLanryplacedacomfortingarmroundhisfriend’sshoulder.LookingoutacrossthedesertedcityofCanarn,theBrownclericsaid,‘Mymemorymaybefailingme,butIthinkhesaid,“Brothersandsisters,friendsand

family,westandtogetheraspeopleofCanarn,peoplewithanunbreakablespiritandinexhaustiblewarmth.”’Lanrywasparaphrasing,butthewordshadstuckwithhimandhehadrecalledthemoften,particularlyoverthepastmonth.

‘Spiritandwarmthneedtobefuelledbyfoodandwater,’Fultonrepliedwithafriendlysmile.

‘Thatmaybetrue,butlet’skeeptheoldduke’swordsinmindaswetrytomakethisstuffstretch,shallwe?’HekepthisarmroundFulton’sshouldersandledhimtowardsthedoor.

Within,theBrownchurchwasquiet,andbothmenbreathedasighofreliefasiftheyfeltsafeoncetheywerewithinitswalls.ThefacesofmenandwomenofCanarnlookedupastheyenteredand

Lanrysawweaksmilesacrossthefloorofthechurch.Theseatshadbeensetasideormadeintomakeshiftbeds,andtheweakestandmostneedyhadcalledthisplacehomeforseveralweeks.Inthevaultsbelowwerethosewhosimplyneededaplacetostay–men,womenandchildrenwhosehousesandbusinesseshadbeenpillagedanddestroyed.

AblacksmithnamedCarahanandhisheavilypregnantwife,Jasmine,wereclosestandLanrysawconcernontheman’sfaceashelookedatthemeagresupplies.

‘Isthereanothercartoutside,brother?’Carahanasked.

‘I’mafraidnot.ItseemsSirPevainisnotfeelingespeciallycharitablethisevening,’Lanryreplied,

directingathinsmileatJasmine,whoshifteduncomfortablyonherricketybed.

‘Anymorehealingsupplies?’askedtheblacksmith.‘We’realmostoutofetterrootandthecrampsaregettingworse.’

LanryshookhisheadandsawrealconcernonJasmine’sface.Etterrootwasapainkillerwhichwasneitherexpensivenordifficultto

find,butnowtheonlyapothecaryintownhadbeendestroyedandPevaincontrolledthesupply,ithadbecomeasrareasgold.

‘Imaybeabletofindsomeupstairs,butit’llbethelastuntilthemercenariesletushavemore.Unfortunately,Istillhavewoundedwhoneeditaswell.’

Lanryhatedhavingtorationmedicine.ItwasthewayoftheBrownclericsto

wanttocareforallpeople,andtohavetodecidewhowasthemoredeservingofpainreliefwasoneofLanry’smostunpleasantresponsibilities.

‘Fulton,’hesaidtothetaverner,‘Carahanwillhelpyoudistributewhatwehave.Givetotheneediestfirst,thenthosewhohadnothingyesterday.Ifthere’sanythingleft,rationitasusual.Thesamewiththewater.’

Fultonnoddedandmotionedfortheblacksmithtoassisthim.BrotherLanrywalkedpastthemenandapproachedthestairsleadinguptohispersonalchamber.Hegreetedpeoplewhostoodeagerlyawaitingarationofgrainandsomethingtodrink.Attheendofthenave,thetubsforcollectingwaterhadbeenboughtdownfromtheroofandhesawthesupplyofrainwaterwaspitifullylow.

‘IcanprayforsalvationorIcanprayforrain,’hesaidtohimself,ashebegantowalkupthewoodenstairs.‘Iwonderwhichismorelikelytoyieldresults.’

Atthetopofthestairsheopenedthesimpleoakdoorthatledtohischamber.Ithadfewcomforts–allofhislinenandclothinghadalreadybeendistributedamongsttheneedy–butthesmallroomwasstill

amuch-neededrefugefromthedespairallaroundhim.

BrotherLanry,BrownclericoftheOneGod,satdownheavilyinhisoldrockingchairandloosenedtheneck-fasteningsofhisrobe.Onasmalltablebyhisrightarmwereanoillanternandhisclaypipe.Allowinghimselfamomentofcalm,Lanryloadedthepipewithsweet-smellingtobaccoandtouchedamatchtothebowl.

Herockedbackonhischairandturnedtolookoutoftheshutteredwindow.Seeingthedark,ghostlytownbeyond,heinhaleddeeplyandtriedtothinkhowtokeepthepeople’sspiritsup.Theweekssincethebattlehadpassedslowly.LanrythoughtthepeopleofCanarnhadenduredmorethantheirfairshareofhardshipsatthehandsof,first,theknightsoftheRed,andnowthehateful

mercenariesofSirHallamPevain.

Ashemusedonthesituationandpuffedonhispipe,Lanrysensedsomeonebehindhimandbegantoturnround.Hewasstoppedbyahandonhisshoulderandanarmroundhisneck.Thegripwasnottightorconstrictingandwasmostlydesignedtostoptheclericfromturninground.

‘Whoeveryouare,yousneakedinherewithoutmakinganysound.Thatistobecommended,’Lanrysaid.‘Ihavelittleofvaluetosteal,I’mafraid,soifburglaryisyourintention,mayIrecommendthelordmarshal’soffice.Anythingofworthleftinthetownisprobablytheresomewhere.’Heignoredtherestrainingarmandmovedhispipebackuptohismouth.

‘Youshouldlockyourwindow,Lanry,’saidafamiliarvoice,atwhichtheclericswiftlyremovedthearmandspunroundinhischair.

‘MyLordBromvy!’Lanryexclaimedwithemotioninhisoldface.‘Itis…beyondwords.’Theclericabandonedanysenseofproprietyandflunghisarmsextravagantlyroundtheyounglord.

‘Easy,brother,’saidBrom.‘YoulookthinandIwouldn’twantyoutohurtyourself.’

Lanrylookeddownathisshrinkingwaistline.‘Yes,Ihavebeenonanenforceddietforamonth,’hesaidwithasmile.

LordBromvyofCanarnlookeddifferent–tallerandmoregrizzledthanthelasttimeLanryhadseenhim,withahardlookinhiseyes

andafewnewscarsonhisface.Hisarmourwasofleather,withhardenedwoodenstrutsofastrangedesign.LanrygrinnedbroadlyashesawthecastofBrytagtheWorldRavenonthehiltofBrom’ssword–aninsigniaofthehouseofCanarnthathadbeenpresentedtohimbyDukeHectoronhissixteenthbirthday.Itwasstrangetoseetheyounglordagain,and

strangerstillthatBromhadmanagedtokeepholdofhislongsword–aweaponnobleinappearanceanddangerousforaBlackGuardtocarry.

‘Didyoureturnwithanarmy?’Lanryasked,onlyhalfjoking.

‘No,butI’mhere,’saidanothervoicefromashadowinthecorneroftheroom.

‘Who…?’beganthecleric,beforeaswarthyKirinmansteppedintothelight.

HewasshorterandthinnerthanBrom,withlankblackhairhangingtohisshoulders.Hecarriedalongbowacrosshisbackandathin-bladedkatanaathisside.ThestrangestthingabouttheKirinwasthebroadgrinsplashedacrosshisface.

‘RhamJasRami.Pleasedtomeetyou,BrotherLanry,’saidtheKirin,extendinghishand.‘I’dintroduceyoutoourotherfriends,buttheyare

alittleshy,sothey’rewaitinginthecity.’

LanrywasperplexedatthenotoriousKirinassassinaccompanyingLordBromvy,butheshookhishandnonetheless.Anyalliesaregoodallies,thoughtthecleric.

‘Doyourfriendsnumberinthehundreds?’heasked.

‘Forty…notincludingustwo,’saidBrom,‘butwehaveaplan.’

CHAPTER10

HALLASUMMERWOLFINTHEREALMOFWRAITH

Thesnowhaddisappearedswiftlyastheymovedinland

andheadedsouth-eastfromthefrozencoastline,progressingslowlyandwithincreasingcautionasthedayswenton.HallahadinsistedthathergroupofbeleagueredFjorlandersholdadefensivepositionclosetotheseafornolessthanaweekinordertoallowwounds,bothmentalandphysical,tohealasbesttheycould,andnow,afurtherweekintotheirunplannedexpedition,theywere

approachingtheGrassSeaofWraithCompany.

TwohundredandfivemenofFjorlanwereallthathadbeenaccountedfor.Afurthertwentyhadnotleftthebeachandsixhadneededassistancetocomethisfar.MostoftheRanenhadtakenofftheirarmourandstoweditincartstheyhadmanufacturedoutofthewreckageoftheships.Theyhadnooilormetalworking

equipmenttocarefortheirchainmailandbreastplates,andHallahadorderedittobepreservedincaseofneed.Theycarriedtheirweapons,thoughoverthelastweekmosthadbeenusedaswalkingsticksorforhunting,andthefewwhetstonesthatremainedhadbeenpassedaroundtokeeptheirbladessharp.

Huntinggameonthelowgrassyplainswasachallenge,

andwithnohuntingbowsornetsthepartyhadbeenrelyingonstationarytargetslikeGorlannestsandediblemushrooms.Wulfrickhadmanagedtosneakuponadeerandfellitwithawell-aimedthrowofhisaxe,butthemeathadbeentoughandhadnotlastedlongwhendividedamongsolargeagroup.Halla’smen,asshehadbeguntothinkofthem,hadnotcomplainedabout

theiremptybellies,andeachhaddonehisbitduringtheirforcedmarchinland.

RexelFallingCloudwasstilllimpingbutheactedasaninvaluablelieutenanttoHallaandshewasgratefultohavesomeoneelsedotheshouting.OleffHardHead,thechain-masterofFredericksand,haddisplayedanunlikelytalentforsingingduringtheirjourneyandhaddonehisbittokeeptheir

spiritsup.Hissongswereusuallyvulgar,butamusing,andhehadmadethemenlaughatthemostinappropriatetimes.EvenWulfrickhadbeencaughtinthemidstofaraucousbellylaughatoneofOleff’ssongs–oneofthefewmomentswhenhe’dnotbeenbroodingoverthelossofhisthain.

‘WeshouldsightRoHailtomorrow,mylady,’saidFallingCloud,astheysettled

downforthenightamongtherockyprotrusionsattheedgeoftheGrassSea.

‘Havethemendonarmourinthemorning,Idon’twantanysurprises,’repliedHalla,inthecommandingvoiceshe’dadoptedsincetakingchargetwoweeksbefore.

Therocksrosefromthegrassinirregularpinnaclesandprovidedoneofthebetterrestspotsoftheirjourney.Theywereoutofthewind

and,withswiftlyarrangedcanvas,outoftherainthatfrequentlysweptthisland.ItwaswarmerthanTiergartenandtherewasnosnow,butwithoutcold-weatherclothingthemenwerefeelingthebitingbreeze.

WulfrickcametojoinHallaandFallingCloud,plonkinghisenormousframedownonthegrassnexttotheirsmallcookingfire.

‘Doweactuallyhaveanythingtocookonthat?’heasked,pointingtothelowflames.

Hallashookherhead.‘No,we’reoutofGorlanpartsandthere’sbeennosignofgameforacoupleofdays.You’dknowthatifyouhadn’tbeenoffsulking.’Shewasn’tbeingmean,butwasbecomingincreasinglyannoyedwithWulfrick’smood.

‘Sulking?Cheekybitch,’hesaidwithamockhurtexpression.

‘MyLordWulfrick,’interjectedFallingCloud,‘Imustcautionagainstspeakingtomybattle-mistressinthatmanneragain.’Hewassmiling,butthesentimentwasappreciatedbyHalla.

‘Okay,soImayhavebeenalittle…outofsorts,’Wulfrickconceded.‘Stillalive,though.’Theaxe-

masterhadusedthisphraseseveraltimessincetheshipwreckandseemedtotakecomfortinthesimplefactofhiscontinuedexistence.‘I’llbebetterwhenIgetbacktoFredericksandandhavealittlechatwithRulagUrsa.’

‘That’salongwaynorth,brother,’saidFallingCloud,whooftenprovidedthelevelheadamongtheboisterousaxe-men.

‘Indeed,butthat’swhereIneedtobe.Alahanneedsme,ashisfatherdid,andI’mstillpledgedtoFredericksandandthefamilyofTeardrop.’

Hetookcomfortinhishonour,andHallafoundthateasiertodealwiththanhisearliercomplainingabouthowhehadgotAlgenonkilled.

‘I’mquiteeagertoseewhoelsegotawayaswell.Ashiportwoofmentally

unbalancedberserkerswouldberatherhandywhenIcalloutthetraitorousbastard.’Hehunghisheadforamoment.‘AndIneedtotellAlahanandIngridthattheirfatherhasfallen.’

‘Later,Wulfrick,’saidHalla.‘Canwenothaveasingledaypasswithoutmusingontheunfairnessofoursituation?Wehavepressingissuesofsurvivaltoconsider.Foodisgettingthin

onthegroundandifwedon’treachRoHailsoon,menaregoingtobetooweaktomakeitthroughtheDeepCross.’

ThemountainpassesthatledfromthesouthlandoftheFreeCompaniestothenorthlandofFjorlanwereanaturaldefensivelineandduringthecoldermonthstheywereimpossibletotraverse.Hallaknewthatiftheydidn’treachthelowlandsoftheDeepCrosswithinamonth,with

thestrengthrequiredtoweatherthehighpasses,they’dbetrappedbysnowandwoulddieunremarkeddeaths.

‘Findatrollandfollowhim,’FallingCloudsaidwithasmile.‘Ifyoucanstandthesmell…’

‘Haveyouevermetatrollwithasenseofdirection,Rexel?’askedWulfrickwithagrin.‘I’veseenoneofthe

bigidiotsdiveoffacliffinpursuitofabird.’

ThiscausedarippleoflaughteramongthemenwithinearshotandHallawasagainimpressedattheirabilitytolaughinthefaceofadversity.

‘I’veneveractuallymetone,’interjectedHalla.‘I’veseenthemfromadistance,butnevercloseup.’

‘You’renotmissingmuch,’saidFallingCloud.

‘InHammerfall,welosesettlementstothethingseverysooften.’

‘Trollbells,’suppliedWulfrickunhelpfully.‘Atleastyou’llbeabletohearthemcoming.’

‘Youneedtoshootthebellintothemfirstandwe’reabitshortofballistaethatcanpiercetheirhides.HammerfallisnotFredericksand,remember.’

Hallahadbeentoldbyhermotherofthetroll-wranglers,whowouldenterthehighpasseswithheavy,winch-operatedballistaedesignedtoattachlargebronzebellstothetrolls.Theoversizedarrowsdidn’tkillthecreatures,buttheyweretoodim-wittedtorealizewhattheringingsoundwas,andstoriesexistedoftrollsremainingaliveforcenturieswithballistaarrowsstuckin

theirdensebodies.‘That’sanobscure

strategy,’Wulfrickmusedcryptically.

‘Whatis?’askedHalla.‘Well,ifyoucould

shepherdabunchoftrollssouth,wecouldunleashthemattheRo.’Thelaughtercausedbythiscommentwasloudandechoing,sendingagood-humouredrippleacrossthecamp.‘Ibetthey’denjoyeatingsteelplatearmour.’

‘Wouldn’tthescrawnysouthernbastardsgetstuckintheirteeth?’FallingCloudjoked.‘Atrollwithindigestion…notaprettysight,I’dbet.’

ThelaughtercontinuedwellintotwilightandHallafoundherselfenjoyingthecompanyofthesemen.They’dalllosttheirfamilyandfriendstothetraitorouslordofJarvikortotheKrakens,butdespitetheir

circumstancesthemenofFjorlanwereupbeatandgladsimplytobealive.Wulfrickwasjustaboutrecognizableonceagainastheboisterousaxe-masterhe’dbeenbefore,andHallathoughthimmorefocusedanddriventhanhehadbeenaweekago.Thelossofhisthainwasstillatopicofconversation,buthe’dceasedtobeoffendedwhenHallatoldhimtoshutup,andnowsheregardedhim

asavaluableallyratherthanabroodingdeadweight.IftheyweretoreturnhomeandbringRulagUrsatojustice,thegroupwouldneedtheirmostfearsomewarrior–andnoonedeniedthatWulfrickhadatotemicqualitywithhisaxeinhand.

ShehadalsolearnedfromOleffthereasonwhyWulfrickhadnofamilyname–ananomalyamongtheFjorlanders,whowere

traditionallyveryconcernedwiththeirfamilyheritage.HallawasproudtobeaSummerWolf,justasRexelwasproudtobeaFallingCloud.Wulfrick,however,wasonlyevercalledbyhisfirstnameandHallahadbeentoldnottoaskthereasonforthis.Thestory,apparently,wasthatWulfricktheEnraged,sonofLarstheEnraged,hadbeendestinedforgreatnessuntilhisfather

hadledafailedcoupagainstRagnarTeardropandhadbeenexecuted.Wulfrickhadbeenspared,buthehadhadtopledgehislifetoservethefamilyofTeardrop.He’dgivenuphisfather’snameasawayofwipingawaythedishonour.InHalla’sestimation,thisalsoexplainedhisfanaticismaboutservingAlgenonandhischildren,andtheextentof

hisindignationatRulag’streachery.

Shelookedacrossthefireatthedark,beardedfaceoftheaxe-masterandfoundherselfvaluinghispresence.Atthebackofhermindwasahalf-whisperedcommentshe’dheardjustaftertheyhadleftthebeach.AyoungmanfromHammerfallhadsaidtoacompanion,‘We’llbeokay,Wulfrickisstillwithus.’Hallaknewthatthis

sentimentwassharedbyothersandsheknewthathergroupwouldbemuchlessintimidatingwithoutthehugeaxe-man.

‘It’llbewarmertomorrow,’FallingCloudsaidabsentlyafterthelaughterhaddieddownandnighthadbeguntofall.‘Hopefully,WraithCompanycanlayonaheartymealforus.Ithinkmybellymaystop

talkingtomeifIdon’tgiveitsomemeatsoon.’

Hallasmiledandrealizedthatshetoowasstarving.‘Whatdowehaveleft?’

‘Notmuch,’hereplied.‘Afewsacksofnettlesandmushrooms,nothingtoonutritious.We’reokayforrainwater,butmenneedfoodaswellasdrink…womentoo.Youallright?’

Shewasalittlesurprisedattheshowofconcernand

realizedhersexhadnotbeenanissuesincetheshipwreck.She’djustbeenoneofthemen–infact,she’dbeeninchargeofthemen,andifanydoubtedherabilities,they’dkeptitquiet.

‘I’masfineasyou…butthankyoufortheconcern,’shesaid,scratchingbehindhereyepatch.Hallahadfoundhermissingeyegrowmoreandmoreitchyoverthepastfewdaysandshewonderedif

itwasanervousticboughtonbytheunexpectedcommand.

Justastheywerebeginningtosettledownagainsttherocks,adistantsoundwasheardacrossthecamp.Itwasfaraway,butitwaslikethenoiseofanimpact,perhapsalandslideorstonestrikingstone.

Faceslookedupfromlow-burningcampfiresandHallaperceivedquestioninglooksonthefacesofhermen.No

onesaidanythingatfirstandtheyalllistenedasanothersoundwasheardinthedistance.Awhistlefollowedbyadullimpact.Itwasn’taloudnoise,butitcarriedacrossthestillnightairoftheGrassSea.

‘Where’sOleff?’HallaaskedFallingCloud.

‘Hetookahandfulofmentohigherground,scoutingfortomorrow.’Hepointedtoajuttingrockypromontory,just

visibleinthedistance.‘Heleftafewhoursago.HighplacesarerarearoundhereandIthinkhewantedtomakesurethereweren’tanysurprises.’

Hallaconsideredandquicklydecidedtogoandinvestigate.‘FallingCloud,stayhere.Wulfrick,comewithme.Let’sgoandfindoutwhatwecansee.’

NeitherofthemenarguedandWulfrickswiftlypicked

uphisaxeandaccompaniedherthroughtherockypinnacles.TheypassedsmallcampfiresandgroupsofRanenshakenfromtheirdozingbythesamedistantsound.

‘Easy,lads,’Wulfricksaidquietly,astheypassedagrouppreparingtoputontheirarmour.‘Noalarmsjustyet.’

Hallareceivedrespectfulnodsofacknowledgementas

theymadetheirwaythroughthecampandoutontotheplainbeyond.ThepromontorywasstilladistanceawayandHallabrokeintoagentleruntocoverthegroundquickly.

DarknesshadnowdescendedandtheGrassSeawasmist-shroudedandsinister-looking,dewyandwetunderfoot,withlittleinthewayoflandmarkssavefor

thejuttingrocksaheadofthem.

‘FallingCloudthinkswe’llsightRoHailtomorrow,’HallasaidtoWulfrickastheyjoggedacrosstheplain.‘I’veneverbeenthere.’

‘Iwentoncelongago.Itwaslittlemorethanaruin,fromwhatIremember.ThemenofWraithlivedintunnelsbeneaththecityanddidn’tbotheraboutrepairing

theplace,’Wulfrickresponded,asheheftedhisaxeacrosshisshoulderstorunwithgreaterease.‘They’llbesurprisedtoseeus,though.’

‘Aslongasthey’renottoosurprisedtoofferusfood.’HallaknewthemenwerecountingonWraithCompanytosupplythemwithprovisionsandrest,andsheprayedtheirhopewasnotmisplaced.

Astheynearedtherocks,Hallacouldseeasmallfigureclimbingdownandmovingtowardsthem.Hewasmakinglittleefforttobestealthyandwasrunningwithadegreeofurgency.SheturnedtoWulfrickandsawhiseyesnarrowwithinterestasthefigureapproached.

‘LadySummerWolf,’theRanenmansaid,clearlyalittleagitated.‘Oleffsentmetogetyou.’

‘Well,you’vegotme.What’sthenoise?’sheasked.

‘You’dbettercomeandsee.Followme.’Hequicklyspunroundandranbacktotherocks.

‘Shouldwebeconcerned?’Wulfrickaskedastheyspedup.

‘Justfollowme,’themanrepeated.

Atthefootofthepromontory,Hallalookedupandsawjaggedrocksrunning

inalineacrossherfieldofvision.Thereweresmall,irregulartreessproutingalongthetop,providingcoverforOleff’sscouts,andnumerouslittlecranniesthatmadeclimbingrelativelysimple.

Shegotafirmhandholdandpulledherselfup.Itwasashortclimbandbythetimethey’dreachedthetopshecouldtellwhyOleffhadchosenthisforascoutingpoint.Itwasthehighest

groundanywherewithinsight,andshecouldseethevastplainsoftherealmofWraithstretchingoutonallsides.

Crouchingdown,shemovedslowlythroughthetrees,awareofthehugefigureofWulfrickbehindher.Hewasfindingitmoredifficulttohaulhismassivebodythroughthetreesandshecouldhearwhispered

swearwordsashecaughthimselfonsomethorns.

‘Halla,isthatyou?’askedavoicefromalittlewaythroughthetrees.

‘Oleff…’sherepliedbywayofgreeting,asshejoinedthechain-masterbehindarockyprotrusionfacingsouth-east.

Wulfrickcametocrouchnexttoherandtheybothlookedwithastonishmentat

thesourceofthenoisethathadarousedthem.

AcrosstheGrassSea,afewhundredpacesdistant,wasamassofcampfires.TentsandfortificationsforseveralthousandmenhadbeensetupontheplainsandHallagaspedasshesawtheflutteringbanneroftheRedknightsofRoflyingoverhead.Therewereotherbannersshedidn’trecognize,andsiegeequipmentwas

visibleatthefrontofthecamp.Holdingherbreath,Hallasurveyedthescenebeforeher.Thelowwalledshapeofacitywasjustvisibleinthedistanceandtheencirclingarmyhadbeguntohurlhugerocksagainstthewalls,whichmadeawhistlingsoundastheyspedthroughtheairandadullthudastheystruckstone.

‘Rowanocosaveus,’whisperedWulfrick.‘That’s

RoHail.’ThecityofWraith

CompanywasundersiegebyanarmyofknightsoftheRed,itswallsbatteredbyhugebouldersanditsdefendersnowheretobeseen.

Thecampwasvastbutwasnowlargelydesertedasthemajorityofthetroopshadbeencommittedtoencirclingthetown.Hallahadneverseensomanyknightsinoneplace,andasshelookedover

thewidecirclesetbackfromRoHail,sheturnedtoOleffandaskedinawhisper,‘Howmanyarethere?’

‘Fivethousand,bymyreckoning.Mostlyknights,buttherearePurpleclericsandadetachmentofking’sguardaswell,’heanswered,withouttakinghiseyesfromthesiege.

‘King’sguard?’questionedWulfrick.‘Whataretheydoinghere?’

Oleffpointedtotheotherbannersflyingoverthecamp.‘Youseethewhitebirdonthatflag?That’sthebannerofKingSebastianTiris.’

Halladirectedheroneeyebacktowardsthecampandcouldseeonlyaveryfewarmouredmenaroundseverallargepaviliontents.Wulfrickwasdirectinghisgazeattheking’sheraldryandalookofangerhadcomeoverhisface.

‘ThekingofTorFunweirhasmarchedintotheGrassSea?’heaskedthroughgrittedteeth.‘Suchathinghasnothappenedfortwohundredyears.’

AllFjorlanderssharedacommonknowledgeoftheagestheirsouthernbrethrenhadspentundertheyokeofRooccupationandallweredeeplyoffendedbythenotionthatitmighthappenagain.Wulfrickwasclenchinghis

fistsandHallaevensawhimreachforthecomfortinggripofhisaxe.Thehugeaxe-masterofFredericksandinchedforwardandcranedhisnecktoseebetter.

‘TheWraithmenaretrapped…theseRobastardswillstarvethemout,bombardthemtilltheycan’tholdthewallsandthenslowlysweepitclear.’Hewasclearlyitchingtogetinvolved.‘Robattletacticsrelyonnumbers,

andcowardicewillseeyouthrough…WraithCompanywillfallwithouthavinghadachancetofight.’

OleffandWulfrickembarkedonalengthytiradeagainstthedishonourabletacticsoftheRo,makingeachothermoreandmoreangryattheirownhelplessness.

Hallatunedouttheirwhispersasanideabegantoform.Sheturnedawayfrom

thetownandtriedtofocusonthecampbelowthem.Fewfireswerevisible,exceptaroundthepavilions,andsheguessedthattheknightssurroundingRoHailwouldcampintheircurrentpositions,maintainingthesiegeforaslongasnecessary.Anoccasionalsuitofgoldenarmourwasvisible,glintinginthemoonlightthroughthetents,asshetriedtoassessthenumbersremaininginthe

camp.Judgingbythefewfiresandtheceremoniallookofthegold-armouredguardsmen,Hallathoughtthatonlytheking’spersonalguardwasleft–nomorethanthreehundredmen,maybefewer.Ofmostinterest,however,weretheadditionalballistaeandcatapultsthatstoodunusedattheedgesofthecamp.Theyhadnocrewsbutatleastonelookedasifitwereloadedandreadytofire.

Itlookedasiftheartillerybeingusedagainstthetowncomprisedmostlyshort-rangeenginesdesignedtobreachdefences,whilethelargercontraptionsleftatthecampweretallerandcouldhurlrocksmuchfurther.

‘Ihaveanidea,’shesaidquietly,causingthetwomentostoptalkingandturntoher.‘Wulfrick,returntothepinnaclesandmusterthe

men.Armsandlightarmouronly,weneedtobestealthy.’

Helookedconfused.‘Halla,I’mallforfacingoverwhelmingodds,butattackingthoseknightsissuicide.’

‘Idon’tthinkweshouldattackthoseknights,’sheresponded,pointingatthecity.‘Ithinkweshouldattackthoseknights.’Shethenpointedwithagrinattheking’scamp.‘Thekingwon’t

actuallybeinvolvedinthesiege,no?’

Oleffshookhishead.‘Iimaginehe’llbesippingwineinfrontofhistentandbeingtoldhowcleverheisbythePurpleclerics.’

‘Andwecouldendthissiegeswiftlyifweweretocapturehim,yes?’sheaskedwithatoneofauthorityinhervoice.

Thetwomenrealizedwhatsheplannedand

Wulfrickbithisliptostophimselferuptingintoaviciouslaugh.

‘AlephSummerWolfisaliveandwellandtalkingtousthroughhisdaughter,’hesaidwithabroadsmile.

‘No,he’sdeadandthevoiceyouhearisHallaSummerWolf,axe-maidenofRowanocoandladyofTiergarten,’sherespondedwithpride.

Wulfricksmiled.‘Yes,mylady.’

Oleffpeeredacrossthedarkplaintowardsthecamp,assessingtheirstrength.‘Ifwemovearoundtheserocksandcomeatthemdirectlyeast,we’llbemaskedbydarkness,mistandthoseboulders.Ifwekeepquiet,theywon’tknowwhat’shitthem.’HeturnedtoHalla.‘I’mimpressed,mylady.Thecamp’sjustfarenoughfrom

thesiegethatit’sdoubtfulthebodyofknightswillnoticeuskillingtheirmen.’

‘Waituntilyouheartheplanforthosecatapultstheknightshavesocarelesslyleftunmanned.’Hallahadcountedtencatapultsandfiveballistae,enoughtocauserealdamagetothebesiegingknights.‘Oleff,you’lltaketwentymentotheartilleryand,oncewehavetheking,you’llannounceourpresence

tothearmy.Thintheirranksasmuchasyoucanbeforefallingbacktoourposition.’

Thiselicitedamenacingchucklefromallthreeofthem,andHallawasgratifiedthattheydidn’tquestionherordersortrytousurpthecommandnowthatbattlewasplanned.

‘Andifthekingisn’tcooperative,I’llstartcuttingofffingerstillheis,’said

Wulfrick,clutchinghisaxemenacingly.

HalladirectedahardlookatWulfrick.‘Igaveyouorders,axe-master…whatareyoustilldoinghere?’ThehardlookturnedintoasmileasWulfrickbangedhisfistonhischestinsaluteandbackedaway.‘Bringthemtothebaseoftherocks…remember,noheavyarmour,weneedtobequietuntilthelastpossiblemoment.’

Hallakeptawatchfuleyeonthescenebeforeher,tryingnottothinkaboutallthethingsthatcouldgowrongwithherplan.IfcapturingthekingallowedthepeopleofWraithCompanytoescapeeasttotheotherFreeCompanies,she’dstillhavetheissueofwheretotakeherownmen.HallahadnodoubtthatthekingofTorFunweirwouldplacehisownsurvivalbefore

thatofhisknights,butshesuspectedthey’dhavetokeephimhostageforlongenoughtosecuretheescapeofalltheRanen.Ultimately,theFjorlandersneededtoheadnorthtotheDeepCrossandtobepursuedbyfivethousandRowouldnotmakethejourneyapleasantone.ThealternativewastogivethemonarchtoWraithCompanyastheymovedeast,practicallyensuringthatthe

Rowouldfollowinthatdirection.Thesimpleconclusionwasthat,whereverthehostagewastaken,thearmyofRedknightswouldsurelyfollow.

‘Oleff,howfartotheDeepCrossfromhere?’sheasked,assessingheroptions.

‘Maybethreeweeks…ifwereallymoved.SouthWardeniscloser,butifwedon’tgetnorthofthepasses

soon,winterwillarriveandwe’llbestuck,’heresponded.

‘AndthesafestplaceforWraithCompanyisSouthWarden,yes?’HallaknewthatthecombinedmightoftheFreeCompanieswouldbeenoughtoengagethearmyofknights,buttheywerespreadthinlyalloverthesouthernFreelandsandrarelymassedasasingleforce.

‘I’dsayso,yes.It’safortress–highwalls,

catapults,everythingadefendingforcecouldneed.Notenoughmentofacethatlotdirectly,butthey’dhavemoremenandabetterchancethandefendingRoHail.’OleffwasoriginallyfromRanenGar,thegreatsouthernstrongholdofGreywoodCompany,andheknewtheFreelandsbetterthanmostFjorlanders.

‘Okay,sowedemandthekingliftsthesiegeandallows

thepeopleofWraithtogettoSouthWardenasquicklyaspossible.Oncethey’reoutofsight,wegonorthwiththehostage.’

Itwasaboldplanandreliedheavilyontheknightsnotbeingwillingtoriskthelifeoftheirking,butthesemenwereRotowhomproprietyandstatusmeanteverything.Hallawaspreparedtogambleontheking’slifebeingmore

importantthantheneedtokillRanen.

‘They’llfollowus,youknow?’hecautioned.

‘Good.It’llgivetheFreeCompaniestimetomuster.’Shetriedtosoundasconfidentaspossible.

‘AndwhatdowedowiththekingoncewereachtheDeepCross?’heasked,echoingHalla’sownthoughts.

Shewasn’tsurehowtoanswerandhadtoadmittoherselfthatthispartoftheplanwas,asyet,unformed.Shetriedtolookconfidentasshereplied,‘Maybewe’llreleasehimintrollcountryandlettheknightsbangtheirheadsagainstthemountainsforafewweeks.’

Olefflaughedquietlyand,afteramoment’sthought,said,‘I’mgladyou’reincharge,LadySummerWolf.

You’regoingtosavealotofRanenlives.’

ItwasacomplimentthatmadeHallaglowwithpride,thoughshesuppressedtheurgetogrinbroadlyandmerelynoddedformallyatthechain-masterofFredericksand.

***

IttooklessthanhalfanhourtoassemblethemenofFjorlanatthebaseoftherockyoutcropandHallahadwatchedeverymanarrivetoensurethatnonewerewearingheavymetalarmour.Wulfrickhadmadeherordersclearandmostoftheaxe-menworeonlytoughenedleatherbreastplatesornoarmouratall–eventheaxe-masterhimselfhaddiscardedhisheavytroll-hidearmour.They

alllookedleanandhungryforcombat–heftingaxes,grittingtheirteeth,flexingtheirmuscles.ThepeopleofFjorlanwerewarriorsfromtheirfirststepsandHallathoughthercompanylookedasintimidatingasanyarmy.

‘Silencefromthispointon,’shesaidunderherbreath.‘Wehaveafewhundredpacesofopengroundtocoverbeforewegettothecamp.Oleff,takeyourmentothe

rearandsecuretheartillery.FallingCloud,you’reonthenorthsidetoguardagainsttheknightsreturning–signaliftheygetwindofwhatwe’redoing.Everyoneelse,you’rewithme.Wekilleveryoneasquicklyandquietlyaspossibleandsecuretheking.’

Awaveofexcitedanticipationflowedoverthewaitingwarriors;severalofthemwerefightingtheurgetoroaroutachallenge.With

awaveofherhand,sheandWulfrickmovedtothefrontandbegantomovealongthebaseoftherocks.Hallawasimpressedathowquietlythewarriorsproceededandshehadtoturnbackandcallforsilenceonlyoncebeforetheyreachedopenground.

Crouchingattheedgeoftherocks,shecouldjustmakeoutthecampthroughthemistydarkness.ThesiegeofRoHailwasproceedingto

thenorthandcouldmostlybeobservedasaseriesofcampfiresandtheoccasionalboulderlaunchedthroughtheair.Atgroundlevel,shewasnowevenmorecertainthatthey’dremainunseenastheyassaultedthecampand,wavingtohermentofollow,shebrokeintoadeadrun.

Theyfannedoutacrossthedew-coveredgrassand,withabrightmoonoverheadandweaponsattheready,the

Fjorlandersspedtowardstheunsuspectingcamp.Wulfrickheldhistwo-handedaxebracedacrosshisshoulders.Hallafeltbetterforhavinghimatherside;theshudderofanticipationwasvisibleinhishugebodyasheran.

Hallafeltnobloodlustassheapproachedthecamp,butratherasolemnsenseofresponsibilitytowardshermenandanimpatiencetoseetheirbloodyworkbegin.The

king’sguardsmenwouldbetoughopponents,butiftheywerecaughtunawaressheknewthemenofFjorlanwouldbemorethanamatchforthem.

ThelineofdesertedtentsappearedjustinfrontofthemandHallascannedherfieldofvision,lookingforsentries.Shecouldseenoneandhopedthearroganceofroyaltymeantthekinghadlefthisperimeterunguarded.

Slowingdown,shesignalledbehindhertoFallingCloud,whobrokeoffwithtwentymentocircletowardsthenorthtocoverthem.AnothersignalandOleffheadedtowardstheunmannedcatapultsandballistae.ThemenofFjorlanmovedwithpurposeandHallacouldseeconvictionontheirfacesastheyfollowedhercommands,withoutquestion.

‘There,’saidWulfrick,pointingtoaguardjustvisibleattheedgeoftheemptytents.‘Silence,’hesignalledtothemenbehindhim.

TheystoppedandWulfrickpassedhisaxetoHallabeforedrawingaheavydaggerfromhisbelt.Movingaslowtothegroundashecould,Wulfrickbrokeofffromtheothersandsneakedupbehindthenearesttent.

Wulfrickmovedstealthilybetweenthedarktentsandemergedbehindthesinglesentry.Withahugehandplacedoverhismouth,heeasedthedaggerintotheguardsman’sneckandcuthiswindpipe,holdingthebodytightlyasthelifeebbedfromthemanofRo’seyes.Wulfrickwasimmenselystrongandthemanlookedlikeachildincomparisonas

thehugeaxe-masterkilledhim.

Hallamotionedtheotherstofollowandquicklycrossedtheremaininggroundtothetents.ThrowingtheaxebacktoWulfrick,shemovedbetweendarkcanvasandsmokingcampfires.Themenbehindfannedoutagainandsweptthroughthecamp,stayinginshadowsandkeepingasquietastheycould.Hallacouldseethe

banneroftheking,awhiteeagle,flyingoverheadastheymadetheirwaytowardsthelargepavilionsatthecentreofthecamp.Anotherflag,showingapurplesceptre,wasflyingbelowtheroyalbanner,signifyingthataseniorPurplechurchmanwasalsopresent.

Shecouldseelightfrombetweenthetentsastheyapproachedtheking’spavilion.Asshehoped,theking’smenweretotally

obliviousandhadnotbeenexpectinganattack.SignallingtoWulfricktomoveroundthesidewithhalfthemen,shetookadeepbreathandadvancedonthepavilion.

Herestimateofthreehundredguardsmenlookedaboutright,buttheywerenotpreparedforactionandmostwerenotevenarmedorarmoured.ThemenofRoweresittingroundtheir

campfiresorwithintheirwhitefabrictentsandsomethingaboutthewaytheywerecasuallyrelaxingwhileRoHailwasundersiegeannoyedtheaxe-maidengreatly.ShemovedwithhermentothelastlineofdesertedtentsandpauseduntilshewassurethatWulfrickandtheotherswereinposition.

‘Firstbloodismine,’shesaidtothemenbehindher

andstood,heftedheraxe,andrantowardsthefirstgroupofguardsmen.

AssoonasHallaemergedthroughthelineoftentsandintothelight,closetotwohundredmenofFjorlanfollowedherandquicklyfloodedtheareafromalldirections.AmanofRo,recliningnexttoacampfireandholdingabottleofwine,lookeduptostareather.Shegruntedathimbefore

severinghisheadwithapowerfulswingofheraxe,signallingthestartoftheirassault.

Shoutsofalarmonlyslowlywentupfromtheking’smen.Bythetimetheyrealizedwhatwashappening,therampagingaxe-menhadkilledanyoneintheirpath.OnlyafewofthemenofRohadweaponsatthereadyandmostofthemmettheirdeaths

swiftly,withoutevenstandingup.

Halladidn’tstopmovinganddrovehermenforwardtowardsthecentreofthecamp,despatchinganyonewhoclumsilyattemptedtostandintheirway.Shekilledamanashetriedtopullonhisgoldbreastplateandanotherashewrestledwithastubbornscabbard.ShecouldseeWulfricknearby,asthehugeaxe-mastercleareda

widepathfromthenorthtowardstheking’spavilion.

Then,allofasudden,Halla,Wulfrickandtheirmenwerestandingonthecentralgroundinfrontoftwolargewhitepavilions,directlybeneaththebannersofTorFunweir.ConfusedPurpleclerics,armedandarmoured,stoodintheirpathandadetachmentofspearmenclosedranksroundthemainpavilion.

‘Killthemall,’roaredWulfrick,notmissingastepasheswunghisaxeskilfullyandadvancedonthenearestcleric.

Thesilenceevaporatedasoathswereshoutedandbattlewasjoined.They’dkillednumerousguardsmenandHallawasgratifiedtoseethatnowtheclericsandspearmenwereheavilyoutnumberedbyrampagingFjorlanders.

ThePurpleclericswereskilledswordsmenandthethesoundofsteelonsteelsoundedthroughthecamp.Assheengagedacleric,HallahopedtheyweretoofarawayfromRoHailtoalertthemainarmy.

Shewasshakenbacktomattersmorepressingwhentheclericshewasfightingdeflectedheraxeandopeneduphershoulderwithaskilfulthrust.Cryinginpain,the

axe-maidenfelltotheground,butwasrelievedtoseeanothermancleavetheclerictothegroundbeforemovingon.Hallaquicklygottoherfeetandtriedtoblockoutthepainassherejoinedhermen.

Theiradvancehadslowedanditwasnowagrimpushthroughthelastlineofdefenderstogettotheking’spavilion.Hallatriedtofavourheruninjuredshoulderassheparriedaspearthrustandthen

severedthewielder’sarmbeforekickingtheguardsmanoutofherway.

Toherleft,Wulfrickwasdifficulttomiss–toweringovertheothermen,theaxe-masterofFredericksandwasanightmareofwhirlingsteelandrageasheannihilatedanymanfoolishenoughtostandinhisway.Hallacouldseeseveralclericswholookedolderandmoreskilledthantherestandoneofthem,a

dark-hairedmanwearingornatearmour,wasmovingintentionallytowardsWulfrick.ThePurpleclerickilledseveralofHalla’smenwithlightningspeedashefocusedonthehugeaxe-man.

‘Barbarian,’heroared,bywayofachallenge,‘IamCardinalMobiusofthePurpleandyourIceGiantholdsswayherenolonger.’

WulfrickroaredskywardsandHallasawthefoamof

frenzyappearatthecornersofhismouthashebeheadedtwoclericsandmovedtoengagethePurplecardinal.Therewerestillmenbetweenthem,buttheirintentionwastofighteachother.Shetriedtofocusonthemeninfrontofher,butsecretlysheworriedforherfriend.Itwasstrangethat,inthemidstofbrutalcombat,ithadoccurredtoherthatWulfrickhadindeedbecomeherfriend.

Shewrestedaspearfromaguardsmaninfrontofherandthrewitataclericstandingoverafallenaxe-man.TheRanenwaswoundedbutalive,andweaklynoddedhisthankstoHallabeforedragginghimselfawayfromthemaincombat.Shespunroundandsawnoothermentofightinherimmediatevicinity.Theentrancetothemainpavilionwasstillguardedbyclerics,though

WulfrickandhismenhadpushedthembackbeforeCardinalMobiushadappearedandstoppedtheiradvance.Allaroundherlaydeadmen,mostlyRo,andtheking’spavilionwasnowdangerouslyisolated.

‘Helpthem,’sheorderedallthemennearby,pointingtotheRanenatthepavilionentrance.

Anaxe-man,noticingherwound,offeredheranarm

andHallaSummerWolfleantheavilyagainsthimbeforeturningtoseeWulfrickapproachCardinalMobius.

Theotherwarriorspartedasthetwomenclashed.ThesoundofaxestrikingswordrangoutloudlyandHallarealizedthecardinalwaseverybitasdangerousasWulfrick.Thetwomenfoughtinwildlydifferentstyles.Wulfrickreliedonsuperiorstrengthand

unnaturalspeed,whereasMobiuswasaduellist,givingandtakinggroundinacomplexdanceofsteel.Theirweaponsdifferedtoo–atwo-handedaxeversusalongswordandshield–andHallathoughttheclashmorethanasimplefightbetweenmen.

Theremainingspearmenwereboxedinandwerekilledwithoutmercy,leavingonlyahandfulofclericsinfrontof

thepavilion,wheretheywereswiftlyoverwhelmedbyHalla’smen.Tothenorth,theaxe-maidensawthesignalfromFallingCloudindicatingthattheyhadclearedthefewsentriesandguardsmeninthatdirection,andsheknewOleffwouldbeloadingthecatapultsandmakingreadytofire.

Mobiusdodgedtothesideofapowerfulaxeblowandnimblythrusthisbladeinto

Wulfrick’sside.Itwasaglancingblow,butonethatmadetheaxe-masterwinceandgavethesurroundingFjorlanderscauseforconcern.

‘You’requick,purpleman,’spatWulfrick,asthetwomencircledeachother.

Bothmencouldseethefightwasover,withtheRanendefiantlyvictorious.TheFjorlanderssurroundedthepavilionandstoodback

fromwhereWulfrickandMobiusweresizingeachotherup.

‘Wulfrick,we’redone,’Hallashoutedacrossthecamp.‘You,’shenoddedtowardsMobius,‘standdown,you’velost.’

‘IamaclericoftheOneGod,bitch,’heroared.‘Iwillneversurrendertoabarbarian.’

TheRanenshothimangrylooksandmovedintoisolate

theRo.Hallaheldupahand,indicatingtheyshouldn’tkillhim.

‘Takehisswordandtiehimup,’sheorderedtheclosestgroupofmen.

AfewofthemensmiledastheygottheirfirstsightofaPurplecleric–menofRocloselyassociatedwiththeage-oldoppressionoftheRanenpeople.RopeswereretrievedfromnearbytentsandtheRanenbegantocircle

theclericwithquicklyfashionedlassoes.HallamovedpastthemandmotionedforWulfricktojoinher.Thewoundedaxe-mastertorehimselfawayfromthecorneredmanofRoandsteppedintothepavilionentrancewithfourotheraxe-men.

‘Myking,wearedefeated,’CardinalMobiusshoutedintothetent.

Atangleoflegsandropemadehimbuckleawkwardlytothegroundanddrophislongsword.

‘Youcannotwin,barbarians,’hegrowledangrilyashisfacehitthemuddygroundandthemenofFjorlanquicklyswarmedoverhim.

Kickingandpunching,theyrenderedhimunconsciousinamatterof

momentsandsecuredropesroundhisarmsandlegs.

‘Iwouldhavewon,’saidWulfrickquietly.‘Itwasjustamatteroftime.’

‘Timewedon’thave,’repliedHalla.‘Let’sgetthisdone.’

Wulfricknoddedandflungopenthetentflapacrossthepavilionentrance.HallaandfivemenfloodedintothecommandtentandWulfrickfollowed.Observingagarish

habitationoffursandheraldry,theyquicklysearchedforthekingofTorFunweir.

Thepavilioncontainedalargemap,onalowtable,showingthesouthlandsofRanen.AroundtheedgesofthetentwerebannersofTirisandtheotherhousesofTorFunweir–birdsforthemostpart,ofmanydifferentcoloursandbreeds.Alargefeatherbedofwhitelinen

lookedasifithadbeensleptinandonatablenexttoitwasahalf-eatenmealofwhatlookedlikevenison.Hallamovedtothefarsideofthetentandheardwhatsoundedlikecryingcomingfromthefloorbeneaththebed.Sheraisedhereyebrowsandpointedinthedirectionofthesound,causingWulfricktostridenexttoherandtipoverthewoodenbed.

Coweringonthefloor,hisheadburiedinhisarms,andwearingasimplewhiterobe,wasamaninhismid-fifties,clean-shavenandsmellinglightlyofperfume.ThefigureofKingSebastianTiriswasnotanoblesightandapoolofliquidspreadingoutbyhislegindicatedthatthemonarchwasveryscaredindeed.

‘Havewepissedourselves,yourhighness?’

askedWulfrickwithavicioussmile.

‘Please,’thekingcried,‘don’tkillme…Icangiveyougold…goldandjewels…justsparemylife.’HelookedupatthemthroughbloodshoteyesandHallafeltangerthatsuchacowardlywormcouldberesponsibleforsomuchdeath.

‘We’renotgoingtokillyou…mylord.’Shepracticallyspatoutthe

honorific.‘Youarenowaprisoner.Getusedtoit.MynameisHallaSummerWolfandthisisWulfrick,axe-masterofFredericksand.’SheturnedbacktoWulfrickandsaidwithaggression,‘Grabthislittleboyandbringhim.’

‘Comeon,yourhighness,meandyouaregoingtobegoodfriends.’Theaxe-masterroughlypulledthekingtohisfeetandturneduphisnoseatthepoolofurine.

‘ArekingsnottaughttousethetrenchinTorFunweir?Ithoughtwewerethebarbarians,’Wulfricksaidwithasneer.

Hewrappedahugearmroundthecoweringmonarchandledhimoutofthepavilion.Outside,amutedcheerrosefromtheassembledFjorlandersastheysawtheterrified,captivefigureofthekingofTorFunweir.Hiseyesopenedas

wideastheywouldgowhenhesawthemassofRanen,whowouldallhavegladlykilledhimattheslightestopportunity.HelookedacrossthedeadguardsmenandclericsandsawtheboundandunconsciousformofCardinalMobiusheftedoveraman’sshoulder.

‘Now,yourhighness,’saidHalla,‘weneedyoutocalloffyourattack.’Shetriedtoconveyasmuchmenaceas

possible,despitetheincreasingpaininhershoulder.‘Ifyoudon’tdoexactlyasIsay…thisman,’shegesturedtothehulkingformofWulfrick,‘isgoingtostartcuttingthingsoff.’

WulfricksmiledandtightenedhisgriparoundKingSebastian’sneck.‘I’llstartwithyourfingers…thenyourhands…andbythetimetheygettoidentifyyour

body,therewon’tbemuchleft.’

Thekingwasshakingviolentlyintheaxe-master’sgraspandhenoddedatHalla.Hewasutterlybroken,andthemenofFjorlanwerelookingatherwithsilentadmiration.Herplanhadworkedthusfar,withonlyahandfulofRanendead.

Thecompanyofmensheathedtheirweaponsandmadetheirwayquickly

throughthetentstothenorth.FallingCloudjoinedthemafteramomentandlookedwithconcernatWulfrick’ssideandHalla’sshoulder.

‘Youtwoneedhealing,’hesaid.

‘Thatcanwait,’repliedHalla.‘RexelFallingCloud,mayIpresentKingSebastianTiris.’

WulfrickshovedthemonarchforwardandFallingCloudlookedathim,raising

hiseyebrowsbeforesmiling.‘Notverynoble-looking,ishe?’

‘Rexel,don’tbemean,’saidWulfrick.‘Thelittlelambiscoveredinhisownpiss…thatwouldruinanyone’sday.’

AlaugheruptedfromseveralofthenearbyFjorlanders.

‘Therearestillalotofthingsthatcangowrongwiththis,’saidHalla,more

nervouslythansheintended,‘solet’skeepalertuntilit’sdone.’

OncetheyemergedthroughthelastlineofdesertedtentsandpastthebodiesofthosekilledbyFallingCloudandhismen,Hallasawthewidevistaofknightsandcatapultsarrayedacrosstheplainbeforethem.Theencirclingtroopswerestilldistant,butHallaneverthelessgaspedatthe

enormousnumbersoftroopslayingsiegetoRoHail.

Immediatelyinfrontofthemweretencatapults–tallwoodenenginesdesignedtothrowbouldersagreatdistance–andOleffHardHeadgrinnedviciouslyasHallaarrived.

‘LadySummerWolf,artilleryattheready,’hesaidcheerfully.‘Who’syourfriend,Wulfrick?’

‘This?Oh,don’tyouworryabouthim,he’sjustakingIfoundcoweringinatentandbeggingforhislife,’repliedthehugeaxe-master.

Olefftookasteptowardsthecaptivemonarchandpaused,nosetonosewiththeking.‘Goodevening,youcowardlytrollcunt,’hegrunted,showeringthekingwithspit.

‘Please,’KingSebastianpleaded,‘mylifeisworth

much…youwillberichifyouleavemeunharmed.’

Olefferuptedintoangerandsaidloudly,‘Lookaroundyou,shit-stain,dowelooklikemoneymeansanythingtous?’

‘Enough,Oleff,’orderedHalla.‘Arethecatapultsready?’

Thechain-masterbroughthisangerundercontrolandturnedbacktoHalla.‘Sorry,mylady,it’srareIgettolook

intothefaceofamanresponsibleforsomuchneedlessdeath…killingRomakesmelosemymanners.’Hebreathedindeeplyandcontinued,‘Tencatapultssightedandready.They’repointedatthenearestcompanyofknightsandshouldgettheirattention.’

‘Verywell.FallingCloud,assemblethemenincolumnsbehindus.Lookmean,butdon’tstartanything.’

RexelnoddedandturnedtoissueorderstothemenofFjorlan,whoquicklyrespondedbyformingintolooselypackedlinesbehindthecatapults.

‘Wulfrick,Iimaginethey’llchargeusassoonastheyrealizewhat’sgoingon,’shesaidtotheaxe-master,whowasnowholdingthekingoffthegroundwithanenormousarmroundhiswaist.‘Assoonastheyget

closeenough,showthemourcaptive.’

‘Let’sjusthopetheystop,’Oleffjoked.

‘Theywill…theywill,’splutteredthekingfromhisundignifiedpositionunderWulfrick’sarm.‘I’llorderthemtostopandtheywouldn’triskmysafety.’KingSebastianwaslessakingandmoreofashelterednoble–afarcryfromtherulersHallaSummerWolf

hadbeenusedto.AlgenonTeardropwouldhavegivenhisliferatherthanbecapturedandtheaxe-maidenmomentarilypitiedthemenofRoforhavingtoliveundertheruleofsuchaman.

ShecroucheddownnexttoKingSebastianandlethersingleeyestareintohisface.‘You’dbetterscreamyourordersatthetopofyourlungs,yourhighness,’shesaidquietly.‘Wewouldn’t

wanttheknightsnottohearyounow,wouldwe?Iftheydon’t,Ipromiseyou,you’llbethefirsttodie.’

Hermenshowedprideontheirfacesandsheheardwhisperedwordsoftriumphbehindher.ThesurvivorsoftheKrakenseahadhadlittletobehappyaboutforweeks,butastheylookedattheircommandersandatthebrokenking,eachbattle-brotherworeanexpressionof

elationattheoverwhelmingoddstheyhadovercome.

‘Oleff,sendtheknightsmywarmestregards,’Hallaordered.

‘Apleasure,mylady,’heresponded,givingherarespectfulsalute.

AsimpledownwardwaveofhisarmandtheRanenatthebaseofeachcatapultleveredtheengineintolife.Eachartillerypiecegaveoutaloudnoiseasthewoodof

thearmstruckthepaddedbraceratthetop,andthecatapultsjumpedforwardsastenhugeboulderswerelaunchedhighintotheair.Hallasmiledtoherselfandfollowedtheirtrajectoryastheyflewintothedarksky,beforearcingsharplydown.

Thefirstimpactwasloudandcouldbeheardclearly,evenattheirdistantposition.Hallasawarmouredmenflyinalldirectionsasthe

boulderssmashedintotheknightsoftheRed.Shecouldn’tseetheirfaces,ofcourse,andcouldonlyguessattheconfusioncausedbytheunexpectedbombardment,butthosecompaniesthathadbeenhitlosttheirformationsinstantlyandothers,notyethit,begantomoveawayfromthecitywallstoregroup.Sheheardtrumpetssound–nodoubtanalarmcall–andwithinmomentsagood

quarteroftheencirclingtroopsweremakingtheirwayquicklybacktowardsthecamp.

Theknightsweremountedanddrewlonglancesastheyplungedacrossthemuddyground.Itwasunlikelythattheycouldseewhohadfiredonthem,butthefactthattheshotshadcomefromtheking’spositionhadclearlycausedwell-foundedalarm.

‘Holdyourground,lads,’orderedWulfrick,stillfirmlyholdingtheking.‘Itlooksscary,butthey’llpullupsoonenough.’

‘Showthemtheprisoner,’Hallaorderedquietly.

‘Getreadytoshout,yourhighness.’

Wulfrickpulledthesmallermanroundandheldhimupeffortlessly.KingSebastianwasnotespeciallydiminutive,butinWulfrick’s

grasphelookedlittlemorethanachildashewasheldaloft.

Theknightschargedtowardsthelineofcatapultsatanalarmingspeed,andtheassembledFjorlandersstoodtheirgroundnervously,ferventlyhopingthechargewouldstoponcethemenofRosawtheircapturedmonarch.HallacouldidentifyaPurpleclericamongtheridersandadecoratedolder

manwhosheguessedwasaknightcommander.

‘Halt,’shoutedthekingthroughafilteroftearsandfear.

‘Louder,’promptedWulfrick,punchinghimlightlyintheribs.

‘Myknights,halt,’thekingrepeatedloudly,genuinelyshoutingasloudashecould.

ThePurpleclericwasattheheadoftheknightsand

squintedtoseewhowasshouting.Hallasawtherealizationonlygraduallydawnonhisdeterminedface,asheraisedhislanceandforcefullypulleduponhishorse’sreins.TheknightcommanderlookedwithamixofangerandsurpriseashesawthelineofFjorlandersstandinginranksbehindthecapturedking,andtheknightsthatfollowedbegantopullbackontheirreinstoo.

Severalhorsesbuckledandthrewtheirriders,andseveralothersrodeatfulltiltintothemeninfrontastheordertohaltonlygraduallyreachedthebackranks.

AroundathousandmountedmenofRostoppedonthedarkplaininfrontofthelineofcatapults.Atleastahundredofthemhadbeenthrownandsomeofthosehadbeentrampledtodeathbytheheavywarhorses.

‘Ithinkwegottheirattention,’quippedOleffnervously,ashelookedatthelargecompanyofknights.

ThePurplecleric,ayoungmanwithanelaboratelycrestedhelmet,rodepastthebulkoftheridersandwasjoinedbytheolderknightcommander.TheybrokeofffromtheknightsandrodeatatrottowardsHalla’sposition.TheothermenofRofollowedonlyslowly,many

ofthemstillconfusedatwhatwasgoingon.

‘Releasetheking,Ranenheretic,’orderedthecleric,drawinghislongsword.

‘BrotherJakan,’saidKingSebastianinatremblingvoice,‘sheatheyourswordimmediately.’

Wulfrickslowlyloweredthekingtothegroundandheldhimroughlywithanaxebladeacrosshisthroat.

Theknightcommander,lessimpetuousthanthecleric,kickedhishorsealittlefurtherforwardsandlookedattheRanenwarriorsbeforehim.HiseyewasdrawntothedeadguardsmenlitteringthegroundbehindthemandtheunconsciousbodyofCardinalMobius,casuallythrownoveraman’sshoulder.

TheknightoftheRedwasolderthantheclericandbore

numerousscars,includingonethatranthelengthofhisleftcheek.

‘KnightCommanderTristram,’thekingsaid,addressinghim,‘youaretoliftthesiegeandstanddown.’Hisvoicewaspanickedandhiseyeshadnotmovedfromthebloodstainedaxethatrestedagainsthisneck.

‘We’realongwayfromFjorlan,’theknightstatedcalmly,addressingWulfrick.

‘Andthat’sbarelyacompany…youhavenoarmyandnohopeofsurvival.’

‘Iwouldlistentoyourking,redman,’growledHallafromherpositionnexttoWulfrick.‘Liftthesiegeandnooneelseneeddie.’

‘Silence,one-eye,’barkedthecleric,causingeveryFjorlanderpresenttohefthisaxeandstandattheready.

Thechurchmanwasclearlytakenabackbythisshowofsolidarityandhishorserearedastwohundredaxe-mengrowledathimwithangerintheireyes.

‘Talktoherlikethatagain,’shoutedOleff,‘andmyfriendherewillcutsomethingoffyourking.’

Toemphasizethepoint,Wulfrickgrabbedoneoftheking’shandsandbentbackthefingers,withavicious

grinonhisface.ThekinghowledinpainandthemenofRobaulkedatthesight.

‘Enough,’shoutedBrotherJakan.‘ReleasetheKing…now!’Hestillheldhissword,despitethecommandtosheatheit,andHallathoughthimlikelytodosomethingfoolish.

Shesteppedclosetotheknightcommander’shorseandspokequietly.‘Thisiswhatisgoingtohappen,Sir

Tristram,youaregoingtocallallofyourmenbacktothiscamp.WearegoingtotakeyourkingandenterRoHail–andyouaregoingtoletus.’

HallaglaredattheRoasshespokeandsawaseriouslook,tingedwithconfusion,staringbackather.Tristramwasassessinghisoptionsashelistenedtotheaxe-maiden,andheappearedtohermuchmorelevel-headedthanthe

Purplecleric,whowasstillholdinghisswordnearby.

‘Verywell,’hesaidplainlyandwithobviousreluctance.‘Ifthekingishurtinanyway,Iwillhuntyoutotheendsoftheearth,axe-bitch.’

Hallasmiled.‘I’dexpectnoless.WewillreleasehimwhenWraithCompanyisaweek’straveltotheeastandweareasimilardistancenorth.Understood?’

Tristramgrittedhisteethandnodded,tryingtokeephisangerincheck.

‘ThisisheresyagainsttheOne,’roaredthePurplecleric.‘Youwillreleasehimnow.’

ThefrontlineofFjorlanderstookastepforwardatFallingCloud’sinstruction,andWulfrickgrabbedtheking’shead,pullingitbacktoexposehisneck.

‘ThisisRowanoco’sland,boy,’saidtheaxe-master.‘Yourgoddoesn’tlikethecold.’

HallasteppedawayfromtheknightandturnedtoaddressBrotherJakanasheglaredatWulfrick.

‘IfIseeanyoneleavingthiscampwhileweareinthecity,thekinglosesahand.Ifyoutrytofollow,helosesanarm,’shesaidloudlyenoughforallpresenttohear.‘I

expectyoutosendsomeonetocollecthiminaweek–nomorethanfivemen.’Shesmiled.‘We’lltiehimtoatreeandyou’dbettergettohimbeforethetrollsdo.’

BrotherJakanwasabouttosaysomething,buthiswordswerecutoffbySirTristramgrabbinghisswordarmandpullinghimback.TheknightsoftheRedlookeddejectedandHallabreathedalittlemoreeasily.

‘Dowhatshesays,’criedKingSebastianinthemannerofafrightenedchild.

CHAPTER11

MAGNUSFORKBEARD

RAGNARSSONINTHECITYOFRO

CANARN

Magnuslookedupthroughthefeedingtroughandsawthebackoftheguardsilhouettedagainstthemoon.SirNathanhadinsistedthataboundmanbestationedthereatalltimes,followingAl-Hasim’sappearance,andforalmostamonthhehadbeentheonlyregularfigure,asidefromCastus,inMagnus’slife.

Ifescapeorrescuewerestillapossibility,theRanen

priesthadlargelystoppedthinkingaboutit.Instead,hisheadhadbeenfilledwithconcernforthefateofhispeoplesincehehadseentheking’sarmyridenorthintotheGrassSea.CaptainHorrockwasanexcellentcommander,buthewasstillacommonmanleadingothercommonmen.IftheFjorlanderswereunabletohelp,asthewitchinsisted,MagnusknewthatWraith

Companywouldeitherbewipedoutordrivennorthintothemountains.AddedtothiswashisconcernforthefateofAl-HasimandBronwyn.HehadheardnothingofthemsinceVerellianleftalmostamonthago,andtheirfatewouldnowbetiedtothatofHorrockandthemenofWraith.

Theworldwaschangingandhehateditthathewasstuckinacellwhilewheels

turnedandgameswereplayed.HewantedtofeelthesunonhisfaceandSkeldinhishand.TherewasmuchcombatandglorytobehadandtheOrderoftheHammerwerenotanimalstobeignored,butrathermentobeonthefrontline,displayingthemightofRowanocototheenemiesoftheRanenpeople.

HecouldseethedarkskyofCanarnovertheshoulderofhisguardandthesmellof

saltwaterhadreturnedafterweeksofnothingbutthescentofdeath.ThingsinthetownweremoderatelystablewithPevainandhisbastardsbasedintheoldlordmarshal’sofficeonthewaterfrontandtheknightslargelyconfinedtotheinnerkeepandthegreathall.ThepeopleofCanarnwhoremainedfreewerelockedinthedailyritualofqueuingforthemeagrefoodandwater

thatPevainallowedthem,andalmosthalfthepopulationwereeithercorralledlikecattleandstarvingtodeath–oralreadydead,theirashesadorningthetownsquare.

RillionandNathancarednothingforthecommonfolkofCanarn.Magnushadnotseenorheardanythingfromtheseniorknightsfornearlytwoweeks.HeguessedthatRillionwasstillannoyedatbeingconfinedtothecity

whilethekingandCardinalMobiusmarchednorth.Theknightcommanderhadbeenleftwithjustaskeletongarrisonandtheactualworkwasbeinglefttothemercenaries,whiletheknightssataroundandlamentedtheirmiserableassignment.

TheenchantresswasstillhereandherassurancethatnobattlefleetofFjorlanderswaslikelytoshowupanytime

soonhadallowedtheknightstorelax.Theplaintruth,asMagnussawit,wasthatnoonewouldbecomingtohisaidorthatofCanarn.

Themoonwasfullandthelackofcloudmadeforacoldnight,thoughnothingliketheextremetemperaturesofMagnus’shome,fartothenorth.Hemissedthefieldsoficeandsnowandrealizedhe’dnotseenhisbrotherorhishomelandforalongtime.

Beinginacellwasdeeplyinsulting,butbeinghelplesswhilehisbrotherandhispeoplestruggledforsurvivalwasalmosttoomuchforthepriesttobear.

Hestillworethesamewoollenleggingsandblackshirtaswhenhe’dbeenincarceratedoveramonthbefore,andthesmellbotheredhimalmostasmuchashisimprisonment.Hisfaceandskinwerecleanenough

andhestillreceivedfreshwatereachday,alongwiththin,waterygruelandbread,butnochangeofclotheshadbeenprovided–andhelongedforthecomfortingfeelofchainmail.

Ashelookedoutofthesmallcell,overtheshoulderoftheboundman,Magnusmomentarilythoughthesawmovementfurtheralongthefeedingtrough.Ashetriedtofocus,adarkshapeappeared.

Mostlyhiddeninshadow,thefigurewassilentlymovingtowardstheguard.Magnussquintedandthoughthecouldidentifythesilhouetteofalongbowasthefigurecrouchednexttotheadjoiningcell.Hecouldn’tseethesilentintruder’sface,butheknewofnomanofRowhowouldusesuchaweaponandathinsmilecrossedhisfaceashealsomadeoutasheathedkatanaat

thefigure’sside.Therewasnoindicationthattheboundmanwasawareoftheintruder’spresenceandhewasleaningagainstthestonewall,fedupwithanothernight’smundaneguardduty.

Whatthemandidn’tyetrealizewasthathisnightwasabouttobecomeratherlessmundane,asRhamJasRami,theKirinassassin,startedtoascendthefeedingtroughtowardstheguard’sback.

IthadbeenseveralyearssinceMagnushadseentheKirin.RhamJas’sfacewascoveredbythehoodofablackcloakandhecreptlikeapredatorashecameclosetotheguard.Hemovedwithstealthtowithinafootofhistarget,beforeslowlyandsilentlydrawinghiskatanaandgraduallystandingup.TheguardwascompletelyunawareofthefigureathisbackandthemanofRoeven

yawnedandpuffedouthischeeksinanunconsciousgestureoftirednessandboredom.

RhamJasheldhiskatanawiththebladepointingdownandgraduallymovedhisarmroundtheguard’sneckuntil,atthelastpossiblemoment,hishanddartedtocovertheman’smouthandthebladeenteredhisside,justunderthearmpit,andangledsharplydownwards,killing

himinstantly.ThedeadmanmadenosoundbeyondafaintgroanasRhamJascarefullyremovedhisswordandcradledthebodytotheground.TheKirinthenpokedhisheadouttocheckthatnoonehadseenhistargetfall,beforemovingbackintotheshadowsandcarryingthedeadmandownthefeedingtroughtoMagnus’swindow.

‘Youstink,’hesaid,withthesameinfuriatinggrinthat

hadmadeMagnuspunchhiminthepast.

‘Andyou’reugly,’thepriestreplied,offeringhishandtohisoldfriendthroughthebars.‘Goodtoseeyou,Kirin.’

‘Andyou,Ranen,’RhamJasreplied,withanevenbroadergrinashegraspedMagnus’shandandshookitwarmly.

‘Ihavenoideawhyyouarehere,butit’sanice

surprise.Didyoubringanarmywithyou?’Magnusasked.

‘Notexactly.’RhamJaspointedtosomethingbehindthepriest.

MagnusturnedquicklyandsawCastus,thegaoler,standingwide-eyedinthedungeonpassageway.Hewasn’tmovingandhismouthwasopen,withaslightdrizzleofbloodonhislips.Thenhecrumpledlimplyto

thegroundandbehindhimappearedthefigureofLordBromvyofCanarn,holdingabloodiedlongsword.

‘Brom!’exclaimedMagnus,louderthanhehadintended.

‘Stealthwasneveroneofyourgifts.’Bromsmiled.‘Don’tworrytoomuch,though,theboundmenthatwerewiththispigarebothdead.’HekickedthelifelessbodyofCastustoemphasize

thathe’dtakencareoftheotherguards.‘RhamJas,gettoit,’hesaidtotheKirinthroughthecellwindow.

RhamJastookaquickscanbehindhimtomakesurethewaywasclear,thendartedbackoutofthefeedingtroughandintothecity.

‘Howdidyougetinhere?’MagnusaskedBrom,unsurewhathistwofriendsintended.

‘Letmegetyououtoftherefirst,’hesaid,retrieving

thecellkeyfromthegaoler.‘Where’sSkeld?’

Magnusscowled.‘Pevainwasgivenhimasatrophy.’Thefactthatthedishonourablemercenaryknighthadhiswar-hammerstillbotheredMagnusgreatly.

‘Well,Ihopeyou’vebeenpractisingwithalongsword,’Bromsaidwithasmile,kickingthegaoler’sswordtowardsthecell.

TheyounglordofCanarnwaswearingtough-lookingleatherarmourandcarriedaheavy-lookingleaf-shapedbladeinhisbelt.

BromunlockedthedoorandthegratingsoundwaslikeastrangekindofmusictoMagnus’searsas,forthefirsttimeinamonth,hesetfootoutofhiscellwithoutaguardofRedknightsforcompany.

‘You’reawantedman,Brom.Comingherewasnotwise.’Magnuswasdeeplygratefultoberescued,butthelastthinghewantedwastoseeeitherofDukeHector’schildrencapturedandbrandedaBlackGuard.

BromshothimaseriouslookastheRanenpriestpickeduptheRolongsword.‘YoudoubtedI’dcomeback?TheRedbastardskilledmyfather,Magnus…they

beheadedhimasatraitor.’Brom’sfacehadalwayslookedfierce,butMagnusthoughthe’dgainedanextraedgeofdarknesssincethey’dlastmet.

‘Theymademewatchastheykilledhim…Imournhimtoo.’Hedirectedagrimlookathisfriend.

‘Iknowyou’dhavestoppedthemifyoucould.’Brombegantowipethegaoler’sbloodfromhissword

andturnedtolookdownthenarrowstonepassageway.‘Whyaretheresofewknightshere?’heasked,changingthesubject.‘Lanrysawamassivearmypassthrough,buthedidn’tknowwhatwasgoingon.’

‘Rillionwasleftwithonlyatokenforcetoholdthecitywhilethekingwentnorth,’Magnusreplied.

Bromlookedgenuinelysurprisedbythisnews.‘The

king?AsinthekingofTorFunweir?AsinKingSebastianTiris?’

‘Ithinkthat’swhatyourpeoplecallhim,yes,’repliedMagnus.‘There’smuchyoudon’tknow,myfriend.’

‘Thatgoesforyouaswell,’Bromsaid,stillprocessingthenewsthatthekinghadpassedthroughthecity.‘WeranintoKohliandJenner,soweknowHasimwashereandtookmysister

north.Pleasetellmeyouknowwhathappenedtoher?’Theybegantowalkbackalongthedungeonpassageway.‘Pleasetellmeshe’sstillalive.’

‘IwishIcouldansweryou,myfriend,butIhaven’tseenhersinceHasimsmuggledheroutofthecity.’

‘WillshebesafeinRoHail?’

Magnusfrowned.‘Hardtosay.Iftheygotoutbeforethe

kingarrived…’Hepaused.‘IttakestimefortheFreeCompaniestomuster.’

BromresumedwalkingtowardstheguardstationattheendofthepassagewayandMagnuscouldseetwomoredeadknights,proppedupagainstthewallwiththeirthroatsslit.TheyounglordofCanarnwasjustascoldanddangerousasMagnusremembered,andthepriestwasimpressedattheway

he’denteredthedungeonandkilledthethreeboundmenwithoutmakingasound.

‘Let’skeepthingssimplefornow,’Bromsaid,ashesteppedoverthedeadknights.‘Howmanyfightingmenareleftinthekeep?’

‘FiftyRedknightsandahundredboundmen.IthinkPevainhasacoupleofhundredmercenariesinthecity…morethanwecanhandle.’

‘IknowaboutPevainandhisbastards–Lanryhasasurpriseforthem,’Bromstated.

‘Afewcommonmendon’taddmuchtoourfightingstrength,’Magnussaid,beginningtowonderifBromintendedsomekindofgloriouslaststand.

Bromturnedoffthepassageway,beforethestairsthatleduptothekeep,andsteppedintoadusty

antechamberthatcontainedadisusedslittrench.

‘Wehaveafewfriendshereaswell.They’rewaitingforthesignaltojoinusinthekeep.We’vegotachance,that’sall.’

HehadaviciouslookonhisfaceandMagnusthoughtBromwasverymuchonedge,wantingtogetbloodyassoonaspossible.Infact,hisfriendwasshakingwithanticipation.

MagnusnoticedthattheirongratingabovethedisusedtoilettrenchhadbeenopenedfromwithinandrealizedhowBromhadsneakedinwithouthavingtopasstheknightsinthecourtyardabove.

TheRanenpriestpausedashewatchedBromquicklymovetotheopengrating.‘Brom,’hesaidquietly,makinghisfriendturnbacktohim.‘Youneedtosettledown.Yourhandisshaking.’

Bromlookedathisswordhandandsmiled.‘IfeellikeI’mgoingtowarforthefirsttime.’

‘Rillionandhisknightsaretruefightingmen.They’llkillyouifyou’renotfocused.YouandIarenotburdenedwithRhamJas’sgifts,Brom…simplemenlikeusneedtorelyonskill,steelandluck.Takeamomenttofocus,myfriend.’

Theyounglordhadtowrestlewithhisimpatiencebeforehesatdownheavilyonthegrating.HewasbreathingdeeplyandMagnusrealizedhehadbeenfunctioninglargelyonadrenalinuptothispoint.

‘RhamJasiswaitingupstairs,wecan’ttaketoolong,’hesaid,glancingupatthehugeRanenpriest.‘Apparentlyhe’sgotaplan.’

‘He’spatient.Thelongerwegivehim,themoretimehe’llhavetorubhishandstogetherandbeimpressedathisowncleverness.’

ThedisusedslittrenchledoutfromtheinnerkeepanditlookedasifBromhadbypassedthecourtyardentirelywhenhecametorescueMagnus.

‘Doeshisplaninvolvegettingoutalive?’Magnusasked.

ThelordofRoglancedupandsmiledthinly.‘Iftheplanworks,weshouldbealiveandabletostayinthecity.’

‘Soundslikeagoodplan,then,’Magnussaid.‘Ifitworks.’

‘Well,youdon’tjusthavemeandtheKirintorelyon…don’tworry.’Brompuffedouthischeeksandstoodupslowly.‘We’vefoundsomeunlikelyallies…andwegave

LanrysomethingthatshoulddealwithPevain.’

Magnuswascuriousbutalsoeagertoexperiencefreedom.Iftheyhadalliesandaplan,thatcouldonlybeagoodthing.

‘Weneedtomove,’saidBrom,asheslidthesteelgratingaside.

‘Areyoucalm?’askedMagnus.

‘No,notatall…butwestillneedtomove.’

Magnuswasn’tgoingtopatronizetheyounglord.HehadgothimselftoRoCanarnandsneakedintothecitywithonlyaKirinscumbagforcompany.Ifhecoulddothat,thoughtMagnus,maybehewasn’tjustaRolordplayingatbeingabrigand.

‘Okay,solet’smove,’hesaid,asBrombegantoclimbintotheslittrench.‘Andyourallieshadbetterbesomethingspecial.’

TheyclimbeddownintoanarrowstonetunneljustlargeenoughtoaccommodateMagnus’shugeshoulders.Itwasalmostpitch-black,withonlyinfrequentshardsofmoonlightpenetratingfromabove,andMagnuswasgladhisfriendknewthepassagesaroundhisfather’skeep.Thetrenchhadnumeroussidetunnelswhichsnakedroundthecastle,buttheywereheadingnowdownashallow

inclinethat,longago,hadbeenpartofthesewersystemofCanarn.DukeHectorhadnotusedthedungeonformanyyearsandthetrencheswererottenandgrownoverwithmoss.

Bromstoppedafterafewminutesofuncomfortablecrawlingandpokedhisheadupoutofthetrench.ThenheduckedbackdownandwavedMagnusforwardtojoinhim.AstheRanenpriestmoveda

partofthesteelgratingoutoftheway,hestraightenedandjoinedBrominlookingoutontoRoCanarn.TherewasaropesecuredtothegratingwhereBromhadclimbedupfrombelow,andthetownsquarecouldbeseenbetweenbuildings.Magnusquicklygainedhisbearingsandsawthedrawbridgetohisrightandthekeepbeyond.Theyhadcomeoutonthesamelevelasthecourtyard,and

lowcookingfireswerejustvisiblethroughanotherstonetunnel.

Bromtuggedontheropeandsignalledtosomeonebelow.Magnuscouldn’tseethefaceofthemanstandingatthebaseofthewall,buthewastallandcloaked.

‘Who’syourfriend?’heaskedBrominawhisper.

‘Hisname’sTyrNanon.I’llintroduceyoutohimifwedon’tgetkilled,’theRo

lordreplied,withgallowshumour.

‘What’stheKirin’splan?’Magnuswasstillwhisperingandhecouldseenoarmytocometotheiraid.

‘Itinvolvesexplosionsandsurprise.’BromturnedtolookatMagnus.‘Whodoweneedtoworryabout?’

‘RillionandNathanaretheseniorknightsandPevain’sinthetownsomewhere,’Magnus

responded,secretlylongingforachancetokillthemercenaryknight.

‘Okay,let’sgetintoposition.’BromhadalookofextremeconcentrationonhisfaceandMagnusrealizedhisfriendhadbeenwaitingforthisopportunityforawhile.

Theyclimbedoutoftheslittrenchandenteredthesemicirculardrainagetunnelthatledtotheinnerkeepandpastthedrawbridge.Onthe

otherside,MagnusgaspedashesawdarkshapesmovinglikeshadowsthroughthestreetsofRoCanarn.Allthefiguresweretallandtheymovedwithaninhumangraceastheymadetheirwaytowardsthedrawbridge.Magnussawthreemercenarieshangingaroundbytheentrancetothekeepandallthreediedsilently,pulledintothedarknessanddespatchedbytherapidly

movingfiguresbelow.SomeofBrom’smysteriousallieswerecarryingsacksslungacrosstheirbacks,andallwieldedlarge,leaf-shapedblades.

‘Brom,didyouenlistacompanyofghoststohelpyou?’heasked,ashecrawledaftertheyounglordtowardsthecookingfiresinthecourtyard.

‘They’refriendsofRhamJas…andmeaswell,I

suppose.Risenmen,Dokkalfar,forest-dwellers–I’veheardafewnamesforthemoverthelastcoupleofdays.’

Magnuswasstruckbythisstrangenews,butaskedpragmatically,‘Aretheytrustworthyandhonourable?’

‘Ibelieveso.They’vebeenfairlystraightwithussofar,’answeredBromoverhisshoulder.‘AndRhamJastruststhem.’

‘Ha,thetrustofafilthyKirin,Ibetthatishard-won,’Magnussaidwithasmuchhumourashecouldinthecircumstances.

RhamJaswashisfriend,buttheirrelationshiphadbeenbasedonmutualteasingandtheoccasionalfistfight.Bromknewthisandsnortedquietlywithamusementashereachedtheendofthetunnel.

Insilence,thetwoofthemcrawledoutofthe

semicirculardrainagetunnelandcrouchedindarknessinthecourtyard.Opposite,Magnuscouldseethetowerthatledtothegreathallandthewoodenstairsthatsnakedtheirwayupwardsfromthedustyinnerkeep.Aroundtheedgesofthecourtyardsatgroupsofboundsoldiers–nottruefightingmen,butknightsoftheRednonetheless,eachcarryingalongswordandwearinga

steelbreastplate.Magnuscountedsomefiftymenandwonderedhowmanyofthestrangeforest-dwellershadcometohelp.Thedrawbridgewascloseby,maybetenpacesfromtheirposition,andhecouldjustaboutmakeoutdarkfiguresformingatthetoponthewoodenramp.

Bromgaveasignalthatthenearestfigureregistered,beforemovingsilentlytothewinchthatcontrolledthe

drawbridge.Theplanwasclearlytocutoffreinforcementstothekeepwhiletheydealtwiththesmallergroupofknightswithin,withoutinterferencefromPevain’sbastards.

Therisenmandidn’traisethewoodenramprightaway,butappearedtobewaitingforsomething.Magnusthoughtthatsomethingmustbethesmallfiguremovingacrossthebattlementshighabove–

whomthelongbowinhishandsidentifiedasRhamJas.

‘Stayagainstthewallandbereadytoduckbackintothetunnel,’Bromsaidinawhisper.

Someoftheshadowyfiguresmassingjustinsidethekeepmovedslowlyforward,takingcaretostayoutofthelightandremainhidden.Theyheldsmallsacksand,oncetheyhadcomeascloseastheydared,they

threwthemtowardsthecampfires.

BeforethesackslandedtherisenmenhaddartedswiftlybackandMagnussawconfusiononthefacesoftheRedknightsastheparcelsflewsedatelypastthemandexplodedwhentheytouchedtheflames.MagnushadseenpitchandKaresianfireusedinasimilarwaybefore,butneverwithsuchexplosiveresults.

Sound,fireandlighteruptedinthedarkcourtyardasoneafteranotherthecampfiresexplodedandmenweretorntopieces.Theknightsreactedwithnothingbutpanicandhalfofthemhaddiedwithinmoments.Inlessthanasecond,thedark,silentkeephadexplodedintoflames.Bromdrewhisswordasthesignaltoraisethedrawbridge.Asitcreakedintolife,asecond,louder

explosioncouldbeheardfromthetown.Magnusglancedbackoutofthekeepandcouldjustseetheedgesofthemarshal’sofficeburningviolentlybythedocks.LanryandthepeopleofCanarnhadevidentlydecidedthattheydidn’twantPevainaroundanymore.

Noiseandfirehadburstuponthequietoftheevening,andBromwasframedinlightasheshoutedadefiant

challengeatthepanickedknightsinthecourtyard.TherisenmenwereastepbehindhimandMagnusgrinnedbroadlyashejoinedthem.

Thesackshadexplodedviolentlybutthefireshadquicklyburneddown.Bromwasshoutingashehackedtwoknightstodeathwithswipesofhislongsword.Magnusdislikedusingasword,buthewasstillmorethantheboundmencould

handleashecleavedhiswaythroughtheirranks,barelytakingtimetoparryastheirwildattackswerebluntedbyaswiftdeath.

ItwasabizarresensationtobefreeandfightingaftersomanydaysofcaptivityandtheRanenpriestwasenjoyingthefeelingofmenfallingunderhisimmensestrength.TheboundknightswerepoorenoughopponentsandMagnuscouldallowhimself

aglanceacrossthecourtyardtoseetherisenmendealingoutdeathfromtheshadows.Therelookedtobearoundtwentyofthemandtheywhirledtheirleaf-bladeswithgraceastheykilledthestartledmenofRo.TheRanenpriestwastakenabackbythecreatures’otherworldlymightandmomentarilywonderedwhysuchpeoplewouldallythemselveswithanidiotlikeRhamJas.

Magnusdeflectedaclumsyblowfromabadlyburnedknightanddecapitatedhimwithapowerfulbackwardswingofhissword.Nearby,Bromwasholdingaleaf-bladeinhishandashefuriouslykilledanyboundmenwhocameacrosshispath.

‘Isthisthebestthey’vegot?’heshoutedacrossthemelee.

Asifinanswertothequestion,Magnusheardashoutfromthewoodenstairsthatledtothekeepand,lookingup,sawmoreknightsoftheRedemergingfromthegreathallofCanarn.ThechurchmenthatappearedwerenotboundmenbuttrueknightsoftheRedanddangerousfoes.MagnusrecognizedthemassomeofSirNathan’scompanyandguessedthatRillion’s

adjutantwouldbeclosebehindhismen.

Highabove,MagnussawRhamJasdrawaflamingarrowandshootacrossthekeeptowardsthestairs.Thearrowhadsomethingattachedtoitwhichexplodedonimpact,blowingseveraloftheknightsbackwards,theirbrokenbodiesinflames.SeveralmorefledbackinsideandMagnusexperiencedamomentofrespectforthe

Kirinandhisplanningabilities.Raisingthedrawbridgehadcutoffthemercenariesandawell-aimedexplosivearrowortwowouldcutoffthetruefightingmen,leavingBromandMagnustofinishoffthoseinthecourtyard.TheoldBrownclericinthetownmusthavekilledahugenumberofthemercenarieswhenhedetonatedthemarshal’soffice.

Asmendiedaroundthem,itoccurredtoMagnusthatiftheyweretokilltheseniorknightsandretakeCanarn,someonewouldhavetofightRillion–andhewasnotkeentoseeBromtakeafoolishsteptowardshisowndeathbychallengingtheknightcommander.Hackingapartboundmenwasonething,defeatingacompanyoftruefightingmenwassomethingelse.RhamJaswasakiller

withoutequal,Bromwasaskilledswordsmanand,fromwhathe’dseen,theforest-dwellerswereformidable,butMagnusdoubtedtheyhadthestrengthtowinagainstoverwhelmingodds.Also,itwouldbeonlyamatteroftimebeforePevainfoundawayofloweringthedrawbridge,orapaththroughthesecrettunnels,andjoinedtheminthecourtyardwithhismen–althoughjudgingby

theexplosionsstillsoundinginthetownbelow,BrotherLanrywasprovingmorethanaminorinconveniencetothemercenaries.

Helookedupandwipedbloodfromhisface.Aroundhimwereslaughteredboundmenand,ataquickglance,hecouldseenonedeadonhisownside.Bromwasconservinghisenergyandexpendingminimumeffortindespatchingthefrantic

knights,whilehighaboveRhamJaswasfightingseveralmenwhohademergedfromtheguardtowers.TheKirinwaseverybitasdangerousasMagnusremembered,andhiskatanadealtoutdeathwithchillingprecision,quicklyclearingthebattlementsofboundmen.

Magnuspaused.Thenumberofknightsremainingwasnegligibleandtheywere

coweringanddroppingtotheirkneesinsurrender.

‘Killthemall,’shoutedBromcoldly,andMagnusturnedsharplytofacehisfriend.

‘No,’heresponded,moreloudlythantheyounglord.‘They’vesurrendered.’

Bromwasdoubledoverandsweatwasstreamingdownhisface.Hekickedapleadingknightoutofthewayandquicklysheathedhis

sword,beforestraighteningupandbreathingdeeply.

‘Yourpriestiswise,Bromvy,’saidoneoftherisenmen,abeingshorterthanhisfellowsbutstilltallanddangerous-looking.TherisenmenassembledtheremainingknightsintoagroupandMagnuscouldseethatnomorethansixhadsurvivedtheinitialassault.

‘Yes,’wasallMagnussaidinresponsebeforehe

turnedbacktotheyounglordofCanarn.‘Brom,youneedtocalmdown.Theplanisworkingthusfar.What’snext?’

‘Magnus,thisisTyrNanon,’Bromsaidquietlybywayofintroduction.Therisenman’sskinwasgreyandhisearswerepointed,butMagnuswasaFjorlanderandlessstartledbynon-humansthantheRo,havinggrownuparoundtrolls.

‘Wellmet,Ranenman,’Nanonsaid,withastrange,thinexpressionwhichsomehowresembledasmile.

Aroundthem,thecourtyardranwithblood–lessthanhadbeenspiltamonthbefore,whentheRedknightsfirsttookthekeep–butstillagrislysceneofslaughter.TherisenmenhadtakencoverbyalineofbarrelsatthebaseofthewoodenstairsandRhamJas

wasmakinghiswayacrossthebattlementstowardsthegreathall.

‘TheotherDokkalfarareinthesecrettunnels.Igavethemdirectionstogettothegreathall,’saidBrom,ashemovedtowardsthelineofbarrels.

Theyallduckeddownatthebaseofthestairsandpaused.RhamJashaddisappearedagainandthefire

fromhisexplosivearrowswasjustdyingdown.

‘Howmanymorearethere?’Magnusasked,cleaningbloodfromCastus’slongsword.

‘Anothertwenty.They’llhavestartedclearingthetunnelsofknightsbynow,’hisfriendreplied.‘Let’sgoandseeRillion,shallwe?’Bromhadcalmedhimselfdown,butMagnusdecidedto

remainathissideforaslongashecould.

MoreexplosionssoundedbeyondthekeepandMagnusguessedthatBrotherLanryandthecommonfolkofCanarnweretakingbacktheirtownwithDokkalfarexplosives.TheRanenpriestsmiledatthethoughtofPevain’sbastardsbeingkilled,butheregrettedbeingunabletofightPevainhimself,andhewasresigned

totheideathathewouldhavetosiftthroughtherubbletofindSkeld.

Bromtookthelead,withMagnusandNanonclosebehind,andascendedthewoodenstairstowardshisfather’sgreathall.Thebodiesofdeadknightswerestrewnacrossthefirstlandingandtheyhadtostepoverbloodiedchunksoffleshtoreachthemaindoor.Theking’smenwhohadbeenstationedatthe

doorhadgonenorthwiththearmyandNathanhadnotpostedanotherguard–notthatanothermanortwowouldhavemadeanydifference.

Bromreachedthedoorandcroucheddownatthesidewithhishandonthehandle.HemotionedforMagnusandNanontojoinhim,andtheotherrisenmengracefullyadoptedcombatposeseithersideofthe

landing.BromlookedbehindhimandMagnussawRhamJaswasinpositionbehindaturret,withanotherflamingarrowdrawnonhisbowstring.Hehadtakenupapositionwherehewouldbeabletofiredownthroughthedoorwayand,havingconfirmedthattheKirinwasready,Bromflungthedooropen.

Instantlyaflamingarrowflewpastthem.Shotwith

skill,itflewthroughthedoor,justundertheframe,andtravelledashortwayintothehallbeforeitthuddedintothecarpetedfloorandexplodedviolently.

MagnusmomentarilyshiedawayfromthebrightflamesandheheardscreamsfromwithinasknightsoftheRedwerecaughtintheexplosion.Tworisenmensteppedforwardandthrewtheirsacksintothehall,

causingmoreloudexplosionswithin,andmorescreamsofpain.AquicklookthroughthedoorshowedMagnusthatNathan’smenwerearrayedwithin,waitingforthemtoenter.Theexplosionshadcausedpanicanddisorder,butNathanandtheotherseniorknights–RashabaldtheexecutionerandRillion–werevisiblethroughtheflamesatthebackofthehugehall.

Twomorearrows,firedatthesametime,flewthroughthedoorfromalowerangleandMagnussawthatRhamJashadquicklychangedposition.Thearrowstravelledfurtherintothehallandonethuddedintothebreastplateofaknightbeforeitexploded.

Knightsdroppedtothefloortoextinguishtheflamesandranbacktogetawayfromthefires.Rillionwas

roaringatthetopofhisvoice,shoutingattheknightstoformadefensiveline.Severalmenwerestillstrugglingtoputontheirarmour.

MagnussearchedthesceneforAmeiratheLadyofSpiders,butshewasnowheretobeseenandhewouldhavetokeephiswitsabouthimuntiltheenchantressappeared.Shewastheunknownquantityintheassault–theonepersonwho

genuinelyworriedtheRanenpriest.

RhamJashaddisappearedagainandMagnusthoughthemusthaveduckedintothesecrettunnelsthatledalongthegreathall.ThefireswerequicklydyingdownwithinthehallandbeyondhecouldseetheremainingknightsoftheRedformingupinfrontoftheraisedplatform.

Nomoreexplosivesackswerethrownandtherisen

menwerewaitingsilently,fannedoutoneithersideofthelanding,behindBromandMagnus.

Thenaboomingvoicesoundedfromthehall.‘BromvyBlackGuard,’shoutedKnightCommanderRillion.‘Iassumethatit’syououtthere.’

AlookofgrimconvictionhadreplacedBrom’ssmileashepreparedtoadvanceontheknights.Heheldhis

longswordlooselyinonehandandtheheavyleaf-bladeintheother.MagnusknewBromwellenoughtoguesshe’dbepreparinghimselfforafight,theoutcomeofwhichwouldbeuncertain.RillionwasrenownedasoneofthefinestswordsmeninTorFunweirandMagnusdoubtedwhetherBromcouldbesthim.OverandabovethiswasthequestionofAmeiratheLadyofSpiders.Hehadnot

seenherinthegreathallbutsuspectedthatherfoulcraftwouldyetplayapartinthisencounter.If,asshehadboasted,RhamJaswashelplessagainsther,thewell-plannedassaultwouldhaveallbeenfornothingandthewitchwouldbeabletoswaytheirmindsandescape.ThepeopleofCanarnmightbefreeoftheknights,buttheenchantresswouldbeableto

continueherdesignselsewhere.

‘Don’tforgetabouttheenchantress,’MagnussaidtoBromacrosstheopendoorway.

‘RhamJashasaplanforhertoo,’hereplied.

‘ShewasconfidentthattheKirinwouldbehelplessagainsther.’MagnuskeptthematterofRhamJas’ssontohimselffornow,knowingitwouldaddunnecessary

tensiontoanalreadyfraughtencounter.

‘LettheKirinworryaboutthewitch.YouandIhavetoworryabouttheknights,’Bromresponded,clenchingandunclenchinghisfistsashebegantoprepareforthehardestfightofhislife.

‘Okay,butatleastletmehandleRillion,’saidMagnuswithsomeinsistence.

Bromturnedtolookathim,adarkglareacrossthe

opendoorwayintohisfather’shall.

‘YouknowIcan’tdothat,’hereplied.‘Thebastardhastobemine.Thereareplentyofknightsforyou,myfriend.’Hetriedtosmile,tosuggestitwasjustaquestionofMagnus’svanity.

‘Don’tbeafool,Brom,’saidtheRanen,‘youcan’thandlehim.’

Brom’ssmilegrewmoregenuineashenoddedtohis

friendbeforesaying,‘ThenI’lldie.’TheyounglordofCanarnsteppedboldlythroughthedoorandintothegreathall.

‘Rowanoco’scock,’mutteredMagnusbeforejoininghisfriend.

Therisenmenmovedasonetofollowthemandasagroupoftwentyorsotheystrodeintothehall.

Thefireswereburninglowandwerenowmostly

confinedtothebacksofdeadmenandafewitemsofwoodenfurniture.ThepillarsleadingfromthedoortothemainhallwerelargelyuntouchedandMagnussawBromglanceattheheraldryofhishouseashemadehiswaythroughthecarpetedentrance.

Theknightsstoodinalinebeforetheraisedplatformandmadenoefforttointerceptthem,fearfulofcomingtoo

closeandexperiencingmoreexplosions.ThemenofRojustwaitedforthestrangegroupofwarriorstoenterthegreathall.Magnusnotedthattheforest-dwellersheldnomoresacksandhesuspectedthatonlyRhamJaswasstillinpossessionofexplosives.

‘WelcometoRoCanarn,BromvyBlackGuard,’Rillionshoutedfrombehindthelineofknights.‘Myhallmayhavelostsomeofits

hospitality,butIassureyouthatyouarewelcome.’

Bromsteppedintothelightofthemainhall.Helookedaround,takinginthehugespacethathadbeenhishomefortwenty-fouryears,andbrieflyclosedhiseyes.

Magnusandtherisenmensteppedafterhimandformedalinesometenpacesinfrontoftheknights.Theoddshadevenedoutconsiderablyafterafewwell-aimedarrows

fromRhamJas,andthetruefightingmenarrayedagainstthemnownumberedonlyahandfulmorethantwenty.Magnusknewthatotherswouldstillbeinthekeep,butBrom’sassurancethatmoreforest-dwellerswouldbedealingwiththemrenderedthefightpleasinglyeven.

‘SirRillion,’saidBromformally,‘Imeantokillyou.’Thewordswerespokencalmlyandmomentarilytook

theknightcommanderbysurprise.

‘Youandyour…friendswillmeetonlythejusticeoftheOnetoday,BlackGuard,’shoutedRashabaldfromnearby.

MagnusnotedthatSirNathanwasglaringacrossthegroundandfocusingontheRanenpriest.

‘Youconsortwiththerisen…Ithoughtaduke’ssonwouldknowthemforthe

undeadmonsterstheyare,’Rillionsaidfrombehindhisknights.

TyrNanonwasstandingnexttoMagnusandwastheonlyoneoftheforest-dwellerstoreacttothis.‘Iforgiveyouyourignorance,Roman,’hesaidwithasmile.‘Yourmindisnotyourown.’

‘Silence!’shoutedthecommander.

Thelargestoftherisen,ahugecreature–tallerthanMagnusbynearlyafoot–steppednexttoNanonandheldhishugeleaf-bladeinfrontofhisface.

‘IamcalledTyrRafn,greatestofthedefendersoftheHeart,andIsayyouarecowardswhopreyontheweak.’Hiswordsweredeepandgruff,likethegrowlofatroll.‘Igiveyouthechancetoproveyourselvesworthywith

bloodandsteel,’hesaidcalmly,bywayofchallengetotheknights,wholookedillateaseinthepresenceofthehugecreature.

‘Willyoustaybehindyourknightsallevening?’askedBromwithasneer.

Slowly,andwiththemovementsofaseasonedsoldier,KnightCommanderMortimerRillionsteppedofftheplatformandaddedhisswordtothelineofknights.

NathanofDuBanandRashabaldtheexecutionerfollowed.ForthefirsttimesinceMagnushadbeencaptured,hesawtheseniorknightsjointheirtroops.

ThetwoforcessizedeachotherupandMagnustooknoteofNathanoppositehim,clearlyintendingtosinglehimoutforcombat.Theknightcaptainsmiledandhelduphislongswordinsalute.Magnusdidn’t

respondandplannedtokilltheknightquicklysohecouldgettoRillionandassistBrom.

Thestand-offlastedonlymomentsbeforeBromyelled,‘ForCanarn!’andranatRillion.

Theothersfollowedandthetwolinesofwarriorsclashedinthemiddleofthegreathall.MagnusmetNathanandparriedafuriousseriesofhighattacksfromthe

knight’ssword.TheRanenwasalittlestartledbyNathan’sskill,butgatheredhimselfquicklyandheldhisground.Tohisleft,BromandRillionexchangedbarbedinsultsastheyfought,Brom’ssecondbladetheonlythingpreventingRillionfromquicklykillingtheyounglord.Therisenmenwerelessdangerouswhennotattackingfromshadowsandemployingtheelementofsurprise,but

thefightwasstillagonizinglyeven.Nanonkilledaknightwithhisfirstattack,runninghimthroughwithamanoeuvreresemblingadancemove,andMagnussurmisedthattheforest-dwellers’styleofduellingwascompletelyalientothemenofRo.ThehugefigureofTyrRafnwasthemostintimidatingpresenceontheirsideandonlySirRashabaldwaspreparedtofighthim,

usinghistwo-handedswordtokeeptherisenmanatbay.

Menandforest-dwellersdiedasswordsandkniveswhirled,cuttingandstabbingfleshasthehallbecameabattleground.ThetwolinesbrokeupquicklyandMagnusfounditdifficulttokeeptrackofwhowasaliveandwhowasdead.Nathanwasadangerousswordsmanandheneededtoconcentrateonbestingtheknight,reluctantly

turninghisbackonBromwhowasbeingmethodicallypushedbackbyRillion.

‘Youcan’twin,priest,’growledNathan,ashelevelledathrustatMagnus’sside.‘Idon’twanttohavetokillyou.’

Magnuslaughedashefought.Itwasaboisteroussoundthatcutthroughthenoiseofsteelonsteel.‘Ifyoudon’twanttokillme,you’vealreadylostbecauseIwantto

killyou,’heroared,redoublinghiseffortsandusinghissuperiorstrengthtounbalancetheknight.

Nathanfellbackagainsttheedgeoftheraisedplatformandrolledtotheside,narrowlyavoidingahighswipefromMagnus.Theknightgottohisfeetandtheysquaredoffagain,thoughNathanwasnowmoreonthedefensiveasherealizedMagnushadbeenkeeping

halfaneyeontherestofthefightandnotgivinghisfullattentiontotheknightcaptain.

OverNathan’sshoulder,Bromcouldbeseen.ThelordofCanarnwasfightingwithhisbacktoalargewoodenfeasttableandtherewasanastycutonhisface.Rillionhaddisarmedhimofhisleaf-bladeandBromwasfuriouslytryingtoresisttheknight’ssuperiorskill.

‘Timetodie,knight,’spatMagnus,intendingtofinishoffNathanandgotohisfriend’sassistance.

Nearby,asickeningsoundofsteelcleavingfleshsoundedoverthemeleeandMagnussawTyrRafnhaddeliveredahugeoverheadstrikeatRashabald.Theforest-dwellerhadstruckwithsuchpowerthathe’dshatteredtheexecutioner’sswordandsplithisheadin

two,drivinghisbladedownpasttheknight’snecktoendupwedgedinhisbreastplate.

ThedeathofRashabaldmadeRillionroarwithangerandhebeganacombinationoflightning-faststrikesatBrom.Thelordgraspedhislongswordinbothhandsinanattempttokeepofftheattack.Asheheldthebladeabovehishead,RillionrotatedhisarmandhisswordslippedunderBrom’sdefenceto

deliveraviciouswoundtohisshoulder.BloodspurtedfromthewoundandBromfelltothefloor.MagnusheldhisbreathforamomentasRillionpulledbackhisswordandpreparedtofinishhimoff.Justashebeganthefatalstrike,Nanonappearedtohissideandroughlytackledhimtotheground,causingbothknightandforest-dwellertorollinaheaptowardsthefarwall.Bromwasmovingonly

slowly,graspingthebloodywoundandtryingtofocusthroughthepain.

MagnuskickedoutatNathanandreceivedanansweringcuttothestomachtoremindhimthattheknightcaptainrequiredallofhisattention.Hetriedtoconcentrateondefeatingtheknight,butthespectacleofBromlyingonthefloorwasapowerfuldistraction.ForcinghimselftofocusonNathan,

Magnusdeliveredafeintandsawanopeningemergeintheknight’sdefence.Itwasasmallopportunity,buttheRanenwasabletobypasstheknight’slongswordandspearNathanthroughtheside.Theknightcaptaincriedoutinpainandalmostlaughedashelookeddowntoseethefatalwoundinhisside.

‘Iamkilled,priest,’hesaidthroughthepain,

droppinghisswordandgrabbingMagnus’sshoulders.

‘Youdiedwell,knight,’Magnusresponded,asheslowlydrovehisswordfurtherintoNathan’sbody,causingbloodtoappearatthecornersofhismouth,andthelifeslowlydrainedfromhiseyes.

AsMagnusturned,hesawTyrRafndesperatelytryingtopullhisbladefreefromRashabald’sbreastplate.The

hugeweaponwasstuckand,asthebodyfellawayfromhim,theforest-dwellerstoodunarmedforamoment.Magnusmovedtoassisthim,buthewasnotquitecloseenoughandthreeknightsseizedtheopportunityandleaptatRafn.Hewasunabletodefendhimselfproperlyandcouldonlyanswertheswordthrustswithpowerfulkicksandpunches.Thethreeknightsstabbedathim,and

greybloodseepedoutfromnumerouswoundsashefranticallytriedtofightthemoff.AsMagnusquicklykilledaknightwho’dmovedtointercepthim,hesawRafndroptohiskneeswithknightsjumpingonhimandstabbingfuriouslyathischestandback,causingthehugeforest-dwellertocryoutinpainandanger,beforeslumpingtothefloorinabloodymess.

Nearthefarwall,NanonwasastrideRillionandpummellinghimwithhisfists.BothhadlosttheirswordsandRillionwasatleastneutralizedforthemoment.Magnusmadehiswayacrossthehall,despatchinganyknightswhogotinhiswaywithbrutalefficiency,butthepriestcouldseethatmorerisenmenlaydeadthanknights.

AshenearedBrom’sunconsciousbodyaloudexplosionsoundedfromaboveandMagnuslookeduptoseethreeknightsoftheRedflyfromabrokenwatch-holeandfalldeadintothegreathall.Fromtheholeafaceemerged,andRhamJasRamijumpeddowntolandgracefullyonthestonefloor.

‘RhamJas,where’sthewitch?’Magnusshoutedacrosstohisfriend.

‘Sheranawayfromme,cackling,’heresponded,ashetookinthesceneofbloodycombatbeforehim.HesawthemauledbodyofRafnandthelimpformofBrom,beforestowinghislongbowanddeftlydrawinghiskatana.

‘Ishedead?’heasked,pointingtoBrom.

‘Hewillbe,’answeredKnightCommanderRillionashesmashedhisforeheadintoNanon’sfaceandroughly

kickedtheforest-dwelleroffhim.

Standingquickly,heretrievedhisswordandpickedupNanon’sleaf-bladeinhisotherhand.Theforest-dwellerdidn’tmove.

‘Comeon,priest,’heshoutedatMagnus,bywayofchallenge,ashemovedtostandbeforetheRanen.

‘Letme,’saidRhamJasangrily,withaglanceatBrom’sbloodiedbody.

‘No,’repliedMagnus.‘Youneedtofindthewitch.’HelockedeyeswithRillion,thoughRhamJasdidn’tmove.‘Kirin,’heshouted.‘Ican’tkillher…youneedtomove…now!’

RhamJasnoddedreluctantlyanddartedpastthemtoexitthehallthroughasidedoor,hiskatanaheldlow.

BothMagnusandRillionallowedthemselvesaquick

glancearoundthehallandbothsawthatmorethanhalfoftheirforceswereeitherdeadordying.Nathan,RashabaldandRafnweregone,andBromandNanonwereoutofthefight.

‘Knights,’roaredRillion.‘Standto.’TheordercausedtheremainingknightsoftheRedtodisengageandformupinaline,facingtherisenmen.

Theforest-dwellerswereconfusedforamoment,butMagnusraisedareassuringhandandtheyunderstoodandpulledbacktore-formtheirownline.Bothforcesweredowntolessthantenwarriorsandthestonefloorbetweenthemwascoveredwithbrokenbodiesandblood.ThebattleforRoCanarnhadclaimedmoredeadthanMagnuscouldcount–fromtheinitialassaulttothe

prisonershe’dseenexecutedtothedeadmercenariesinthetown.Ro,Ranen,risenmen,commoners,knights,mercenariesandnobles–hewonderedifanygoalcouldbeworthallofthisblood,andifthesurvivorsevenknewthataKaresianwitchwasresponsible.

RillionandMagnusmovedtoamorecentralpositionastheycircledeachother,anditwasclearthatthe

resultoftheirduelwoulddecidetheoutcomeofthefight.AmeirawasstillnowheretobeseenandMagnushadtohopetheKirinwouldbeabletodealwithher.

Then,withnomoreposturing,Rillionattacked.TheknightcommanderwasolderthanMagnusbymorethantenyears,butthoseyearshadgivenhimexperienceandaskillthatthepriestofthe

OrderoftheHammerhadrarelyencountered.HealsowieldedtwobladestoMagnus’soneandhedeftlypushedhimbackwithadizzyingarrayofswordsmanship.Theyclashedwithswift,glancingstrikesanditwasclearthatRillionwasnotgoingtotradepowerfulblowswithMagnusorbedrawnintoacontestofstrengththathecouldn’twin.

Magnusfocusedontheknightbeforehimandmanagedtoholdhisground,usinghisstrengthtokeepRillioninadefensivestance,astheyfoughtbackandforthacrossthebloodstainedfloor.Thepriestknewthatthelongertheirduellasted,theweakerRillionwouldbecome.Hecouldn’tfindanopeningintheknight’sdefence,butheknewthatalongencounterwouldbe

moretohisadvantagethanRillion’s.Hedidn’tchanneltherageofRowanoco,knowingthattokeephiswitsabouthimwouldbethekeytodefeatingsuchaskilledopponent.

Then,morerisenmenbegantoappearfromthesidedoorsandMagnussawtheoddschange.Thosethathadenteredthekeepthroughthesecrettunnelshaddonetheirworkindespatchingtheother

knightsandnowtheymovedtojointhemainforceinthegreathall.NoneofthempaidanyparticularattentiontoRafnortheotherdeadforest-dwellersbutsimplystoodwiththeirkinoppositethelineofknights–alinethatnowlookedsmallandinadequate.Theknightsnumberedfewerthanhalftheforest-dwellersandMagnussurmisedthatifRillionwere

tofall,hismenwouldsurrender.

Theknightcommander’sfaceshowedangerandsomethingakintosurpriseas,maybeforthefirsttime,hecontemplateddefeat.Magnusknewthattheirbattlewasstillinquestion,however,andwhenRillionattackedagaintheknight’sskillwastingedwithmoreferocitythanbefore.Heabandonedhisdefensivestanceand

launchedanall-outattack,rainingswiftcutsatMagnusfromhighandlow.TheRanenpriestpulledbackandparriedasbesthecould,butwithoutarmourMagnusknewthathewasintrouble.Hedidn’tallowhimselftolookattherisenmenstandingnearby,oratthebloodiedformofBrom,astodosowouldhavemeanthisdeath.

Thenaheavyblowfromtheknightconnected.Magnus

hadparriedadownwardswingbuthadnotbeenabletomoveasidetoavoidthefollow-upthrust,whichcaughthiminthestomach.He’dmanagedtomovefarenoughtoensurethattheleaf-bladeconnectednearerhissidethanhismiddle,butinturningawayfromthebladehe’dcausedthewoundtoripopen.

Magnusdidn’tfallordrophisblade,thoughthepain

wasexcruciating.Heslappedtheleaf-bladeawayanddisengagedasquicklyashecould.

Sweatingandgrittinghisteeth,hesaid,‘You’velost,Rillion.Canarnisnolongeryoursandonewayoranother,you’redead.’Hefeltlight-headedashespokeandwasstrugglingtostaystanding.

ThenBrommoved–slowlyatfirst,asifhe’dbeen

consciousforafewmomentsandwasnowreadytoact.HisswordhadnotfallenfarfromhishandandhesilentlygraspeditbeforelungingfromthefloortowardsKnightCommanderRillion.TheknightheardhimgruntwiththeexertionandturnedtoseetheornatecastofBrytagtheWorldRavenjustbeforethebladeconnectedwithhisbreastplateandpiercedfarenoughthroughtobiteinto

flesh.Bromcollidedheavilywiththecommanderanddidn’tstopmovingforwards,pushinghissworddeeperintoRillion’schest.Theknightdidn’tcryoutastheswordemergedatanupwardanglethroughhisback.

‘KilledbyaBlackGuard…howdishonourable,’hewhimpered.

RillionwasdeadbythetimeheandBromhitthefloorandallthosepresent

stoodsilentforamoment,thesmellofblood,deathandburnedwoodhangingintheair.Bromdidn’tstandupbutjustlookedatthecommander’sface,whiletheremainingRedknightsweretoostunnedtoact.

MagnussmiledandhadadistantthoughtofhisbrotherandhowproudAlgenonwouldbeofwhathadhappenedhere.HelamentednothavingtoldRhamJas

abouthisson.Thenhiswoundcausedthedarknesstocloudoverhisvisionandhefelltothefloor.

***

RhamJasRamiwasassilentasheknewhowtobeasheenteredtheantechamber.Beyond,hecaughtaquickglimpseoftheenchantressasshemadeherwaytowardsthe

greathall.They’dbeenplayingcatandmousegamesforthepastfewminutesandthewitchhadn’tstoppedcacklingtoherselfasRhamJashaddealtonebyonewiththemanyknightswhowerestillinthekeep.She’dprotectedherselfwellwithmenofRo,whowereclearlypreparedtodieforher.RhamJasnoticedthenoisefromthehallhaddecreasedandguessedthatMagnusmust

havedealtwithRillion,leavingonlyAmeiraandRhamJastofinishtheirgame.Theenchantresshadappearedsomehowtooconfident,asifshehadacardyettoplay.

‘RhamJas!’avoicesoundedfromthehall.

BromwasclearlystillaliveandhiscryindicatedthatAmeirawasenteringthegreathall.RhamJasmovedafterher.Hecouldn’tsee

Ameira,butheknewshewasclose.

RhamJasstayedsilentashesteppedontothecarpetandmadehiswaytowardsthemainhall.HecouldseetheDokkalfarandBromstandinginthelightnexttoakneelinggroupofsurrenderedknights.Magnuswaslyingonthefloorwithtwoforest-dwellerstendingtohim.RhamJascouldn’ttellwhetherhewasaliveornot.

Suddenlythepressureintheairincreasedviolently,causingeveryoneinthegreathallfranticallytoraisetheirhandstotheirearsandtocryout.Ameirahadappearedthroughtheforestofpillars,herhandsheldwideandwithalookofdeviantpleasureonherface.RhamJassmiledasherealizedthatwhateversorceryshewasemployingwasnotworkingonhim.Slowlyhedrewanexplosive

arrowandmovedroundapillar.HecouldseetheknightsandtheDokkalfarbentoverinpain.RhamJascouldfeelthepressure,butitwaslikeasimplehuminhisearsandnotuncomfortableinanyway.

‘TheDeadGodwillacceptyourlivesasasacrifice…mayyoudieinexquisitepain,’saidAmeira,contortingwithpleasureasshespoke.‘RhamJasRami,

comehere…’ShegesturedwithherhandandRhamJasfeltagentlepullinherdirection.Itwaseasyenoughtoresistandhesurmisedthatthiswassomethingelsetowhichhewasimmune.

Notchingtheblack-wartarrowtohisbowandstrikingthewickintoagentleflame,theKirinassassinsteppedintoview.

‘Youarepowerlesstoharmme…wehave

consumedyouroffspringandwithhisbloodweweregrantednewpoweroveryou.Yoursonwaseaten…hewaseaten.’Shelaughedmanicallyasshespoke.

RhamJaspausedamoment,stunnedbythewords.Nearby,Bromwasdoubledoveronthefloor,palewithbloodlossandholdinghisears.Hiseyeswerecloudedashelookedup

athisfriend,imploringhimtoshoot.

Witheffort,heforcedhismouthtoframethewordsandspatout,‘Lightthebitchup.’

RhamJaslookedthroughthesmallflameattheendofhisarrowandsawAmeiratheLadyofSpiderslaughing.Herbodywasundulatinginagrotesque,inhumandanceandshedirectedbalefuleyesathim.Withadeepbreath,RhamJasRamiloosedhis

arrow.Itflewstraightandtrueandstrucktheenchantressinthebreast,explodingviolently.Shedidn’thavetimetoregistersurprisebeforeherbodyblewapartandspreadacrossthestonefloorofthegreathall.

***

SaaratheMistressofPainthrewherheadbackandcried

outinanguishasshefelthersisterdie.Somewheretothenorththeunthinkablehadhappened,andSaarasatupinbed,herfingersgraspingthebedclothes,sweatrunningdownherbody.ThewarmnightairofRoWeirblewbrisklythroughthewindowasshequicklystoodup,shakingofftheintensenauseathatAmeira’sdeathhadbroughton.

Breathingdeeply,Saaramovedtothewindowandclosedhereyesasshefacedthebreeze.Yesterdayshehadbeentoldthatthelastremainingold-blood,UthatheGhost,hadescapedandtodayshehadlostasister.Asfarastheirplanhadcome,andascloseasShub-Nillurathwastobeingreborn,thingscouldstillgowrong.

SaarahadbeentoldinherprayertotheDeadGodthat

theblood-sacrificeofZeldantorwouldprotectthemagainsthisfather.Itwasablowtofindoutthathewasstillabletoharmthem.Saarabegantothinkofareplacementsister.SeventeenwomenhadbornethetitleofLadyofSpiders.ShewouldhavetosendamessagetotheabbeyatOronKaatobeginpreparinganeighteenth.

AsforherprayertotheDeadGod,shedeterminedto

meditateonitandtofindanewwayofinterpretinghermaster’swill.ShecaredlittleornothingforthechunkoffleshthathadbeenAmeira,andshewasstrangelyexcitedattheprospectofachallengetoherownmight.

Shesmiledandthoughtofhernextmove.ThesubjugationofRanenwasallbutacertainty,withRulagUrsainthenorthalreadyhavingtakencontrolof

FredericksandandthefoolishRobringingtheirlawtothesouthlands.

InTorFunweir,SaarawasconfidentthatherHoundswouldbeadequatetothetaskofhuntingdowntheDokkalfarandherdingthemtogetherforthepurposeofbirthingnewDarkYoung.Manyhadalreadybeentaken,andnowthatshehadArKralDeshJekSaaraknewthatin

theendshewouldtriumph.Itwasinevitable.

EPILOGUE

BromvyofCanarnhadnotitle.Hewasnotalord,adukeorathain,andthenameofBlackGuardwasnotonethathecoulddisplay.

Ashestoodonthehighbattlementsofhisfather’skeep,withthestraitsof

Canarnbelow,hethoughtoftheSevenSistersandofhispromisetotheDokkalfar.Theforest-dwellerswhohadfallenduringthefighthadalreadybeenarrangedintoapyreandBrotherLanrywasabouttosetthemalight.

Magnuslayfaceuponhisownpyre,awhiteshroudcoveringhisbodyintheRanenway.ThepriestoftheOrderoftheHammerwasoneofthebravestmenBrom

hadeverknownandtoseehimdeadwasahardthingtobear.IfitwastobehisandRhamJas’stasktostandagainsttheSevenSistersandtheirDeadGod,BromlamentedthatMagnuswouldnotbeattheirside.

PevainhadfledwithafewmenaboardoneoftheRedknights’vessels,althoughseveraldozenmercenarieswerestillhidinginthecity.Otherwise,Canarnwasfree.

TyrNanonappearedbehindtheBlackGuardandcoughedpolitely–ahumangesturethattheforest-dwellerdidn’tquitegetright.

‘How’syourwound?’heasked.

Bromlookedatthebandageheworeacrosshisshoulderandchest.‘Lanrysaysit’llhealandI’llbeleftwithabastardofascar…hisactualwords.’

‘Ineverfullyunderstoodthehumanneedtocurseforemphasis,’theDokkalfarsaid,screwinguphisface.‘Rafnjustusedtohitpeople.Ithadthesameeffect.’

Bromsmiledandrealizedthecoldwasn’tbotheringhim.ThewindsthatblewoffthestraitshadatendencytomakethepeopleofCanarnstayindoorsandtobuildlargefireplaces.

‘Weswearwhenwe’reangry…Idoanyway.Lanryswearsbecausenooneexpectshimto.’TheBrownclericplayedthepartofakindlyoldman,buthewasasjadedasanyoftheOneGod’sfollowers.

HesteppedawayfromthebattlementsandfacedNanon.‘Didyouwantsomething?’

TheoldTyrnodded.‘Iwantedtowarnyou.’

‘Aboutwhat?’Bromwasconfused.

‘You’veenteredthefray,Roman…thiswarismoredangerousthanyoucanknow,’Nanonrepliedcryptically.

‘Imayhavemissedsomething,myfriend,butIthoughtwe’dwon.’

TheDokkalfarsmiled.‘That’snotwhatImean…you’reasoldierintheLongWarnow,whetheryoulikeit

ornot.’HeputhishandonBrom’sshoulder.‘Enjoythemomentsofpeace…theGiants’wardoesn’tallowthemveryoften.’

Bromwishedthatheunderstood–hewishedthathewaswithhisfatherandsisterandthathe’dneverheardoftheSevenSistersortheirDeadGod.TobeasoldierintheLongWarwasbeyondhisunderstanding.Themoretimehespentwith

Nanon,themorehelplessandinsignificanthefelt.

***

SeveralhoursandseveralfuneralpyreslaterandBromwassittinginhisfather’sstudy,theroomSirRillionhadusedforthepastmonth.He’dremovedanythingthatwasredincolourandhadthrowntwoRedknight

bannersonthefuneralpyres.Hehadnotyetreturnedtohisoldroomandhewasnotkeentoseewhohadbeensleepingthere,orwhatstatethey’dleftitin.Currentlyhewascontentmerelytoremovehisarmour,unbucklehisswordandhaveadrink.LanryandRhamJashadjoinedhimandthemoodwasfarfromjovial.

‘WhatifPevainreachesTirisandtheysendanotherfleetofknights?’asked

BrotherLanry,takingapullonhispipe.

‘Unlikely,’repliedBrom.‘Fromwhattheprisonerssay,thebarracksinTirisaremostlyemptynowandanyreinforcementswillbesenttojointheking.Idon’tthinktheyeverreallygaveapeasant’spissforRoCanarn.’

Lanryshookhishead.‘Somuchdeathforsolittlegain.’

‘Andwe’renotexactlyhelplessanyway,’supplied

RhamJaswithagrin.‘Nanonandafewoftheotherswanttostay.Youneverknow,CanarnmaybecomethefirstplacewheremenandDokkalfarlivesidebyside.’Heconsideredhisownwords.‘You’llneedtoplantmoretrees,though.’

Bromtookalongswigofaleandwipedthefoamfromhischin.‘There’smuchthatneedsdoingandplantingtreesisn’tnearthetopofmy

list.Peoplearesick,homelessandmanyhavelostfamilyandfriends.Canarnisnotgoingtobethesameforalongtimeyet.’

‘Well,withnorationingoffoodandhealingsupplies,theworstofthedespairwillpassquickly,’saidLanry.‘Pevainhadamplefoodandwaterforeveryone,butrefusedtogiveitout.I’vesentFultonandafewotherstoopenthewarehousesandgivethe

peoplebackwhatwaspillaged.Fullbellieswillmakeeverythingseembetterinshortorder.’

BromhadlefttheBrownclerictoministertothepopulaceand,otherthananaddressplannedforthefollowingmorning,hethoughthistimewouldbebestspentthinkingaboutthearmyofknightsoftheRedfartothenorthandabouthissister’ssafety.IfCanarn

couldbemadestrongagain,itwouldprovideapivotalsouthernfortressfortheFreelandsand,Bromhoped,itmightevenpreventreinforcementsbeingsentacrossthestraits.TherewasnootherusablelandingonthecoastofCanarnandthedocksofhiscitywerethefirstthingthatneededtobereinforcedanddefended.Ifthekingwantedmorementocomenorth,theywouldhavetogo

overlandthroughtheDarkwaldandHunter’sCross.

‘Howlongdoyouwantmetostayfor?’RhamJasasked.TheKirinhadbeenalittlequietersincethedeathofAmeiraandthenewsofhissonwasclearlyplayingonhismind.‘I’vegotafew…appointments.’

‘Ihopeyou’renotplanningtogoonanenchantresskillingspree

withoutme,’Bromsaidwithafriendlysmile.

‘Thatwastheplan,’RhamJasrepliedwithouthumour.‘I’mtheonlyonewhoisimmunetotheir…’hewiggledhisfingersintheair,‘sorcery,orwhateveryoucallit.’

BESTIARYCOMPANIONWRITINGS

ONBEASTSBOTHFABULOUS&FEARSOME

THETROLLSOFFJORLAN,THEICEMENOFROWANOCO

HistorydoesnotrecordatimewhentheIceMendidnotprowlthewastesofFjorlan.Aconstanthazardtocommonfolkandwarrior

alike,thetrollsarerelentlesseatingmachines;neverreplete,theyconsumerocks,trees,fleshandbone.AsayingamongsttheOrderoftheHammersuggeststhattheonlythingstheydon’teataresnowandice,andthatthisisoutofreverencefortheirfather,theIceGianthimself.

Storiesfrommyyouthspeakofgreatballistae,mountedoncarts,usedtofirethickwoodenarrowsin

defenceofsettlements.Thetrollswereconfusedbybellsattachedtothearrowsandwouldoftenwanderoffratherthanattack.Worryingly,therearefewrecordsofmenkillingtheIceMen,andthosethatdoexistspeakofwilybattle-brothersstampedingthemoffhighcliffs.

Inquietmoments,withonlyamanoftheHammerforcompany,Iwonderifthe

IceMenhavemoreofaclaimonthislandthanus.From‘MemoriesfromaHall’byAlguinTeardropLarsson,firstthainofFredericksand

THEGORLANSPIDERS

Ofthebeaststhatcrawl,swimandfly,noneareasvariedandunpredictableasthegreatspidersofNar

Gorlan.ThenorthernmenofTorFunweirspeakofhuntingspiders,thesizeoflargedogs,whichcarryvirulentpoisonsandviewmenasjustanotherkindofprey.EventheicywastesofFjorlanhavetrapdoorGorlan,calledicespiders,whichassailtravellersanddrainthebodyfluidsfromthem.

However,noneofthesenorthernersknowofthetrueeight-leggedterrorthatexists

intheworld.Thesearegreatspiders,knowninKaresiaasGorlanMothers,whichcan–andindeeddo–speak.Notactuallyevil,theynonethelesspossessakeenintelligenceandaloathingforallthingswithtwolegs.

BeyondtheGloomGatesisalandofwebandpoison,alandoffangandsilenceandalandwheremanshouldnotventure.

From‘FarKaresia:ALandofTerror’byMarazon

Vekerian,lesservizierofRikara

ITHQASANDAQAS,THEBLINDANDMINDLESS

KRAKENSOFTHEFJORLANSEA

IttroublesmetowriteoftheKrakenstraits,forwehavenothadanattackforsomeyearsnowandtodosowouldbeliketemptingfate.ButI

amthelore-masterofKalall’sDeepanditmustfalltome.

ThereareremnantsoftheGiantageabroadinourworldand,totheeyesofthisoldman,theyshouldbeleftalone.Notonlyforthesakeofsafety,buttoremindusallthatoldstoriesaremoreterrifyingwhendrawnintoreality.

ButIdigress.TheGiantsoftheoceanwereformless,iflegendistobebelieved,and

travelledwiththeendlessandchaoticwaterswherevertideandwindtookthem.

AsacoughinDeepTime,theyroseupagainsttheIceGiantsandwerevanquished.Thegreatestofthenumber–near-godsthemselves–hadthehonourofbeingfelledbythegreaticehammeroftheEarthShakerandweresentdowntognawonrocksandfishatthebottomoftheendlessseas.TheBlindIdiot

Godstheywerecalledwhenmenstillthoughttonamesuchthings.Butasagespassedandmenforgot,theysimplybecametheKrakens,veryrealandmorethanenoughwhenseentodrivethebravestmantohiskneesinterror.From‘TheChroniclesofthe

Seas’,vol.IV,byFatherWessel

IceFang,lore-masterofKalall’sDeep

THEDARKYOUNG

Anditshallbeasapriestwhenawakeanditshallbeasanaltarwhentorpid,anditshallconsumeandterrify,anditshallfollownonesaveitsfather,theBlackGodoftheForestwithaThousandYoung.Thepriestandthealtar.Thepriestandthealtar.

From‘ArKralDeshJek’(authorunknown)

THEDOKKALFAR

Theforest-dwellersofthelandsofmenaremanythings.TotheRo,arrogantintheirsuperiority,theyarerisenmen–paintedasundeadmonstersandhuntedbycrusadersoftheBlackchurch.TotheRanen,fascinatedbyyouthfultalesofmonsters,theyareotherworldlyandterrifying,aremnantoftheGiantage.TotheKaresians,proudandinflexible,theyareanenemy

tobevanquished–warriorswithstealthandblade.

ButtotheKirin,tothoseofuswholivealongsidethem,theyarebeautifulandancient,deservingofrespectandloyalty.

ThesongoftheDokkalfartravelsagreatdistanceinthewildforestsofOslanandmorethanoneKirinyouthhasspenthourssittingagainstatreemerelylisteningtothe

mournfulsongsoftheirneighbours.

Theywereherebeforeusandwillremainlongafterwehavedestroyedourselves.From‘SightsandSoundsofOslan’byVhamDusani,

Kirinscholar

THEGREATRACEOFANCIENT

JEKKA

Totheeast,beyondtheplainsofLeith,istheruinedland.Menhavecometocallitthe

WastesofJekkaortheCannibalLands,forthosetribesthatdwelltherearefondofhumanflesh.

However,thoseofuswhostudysuchthingshavediscovereddisturbingknowledgethatpaintsthesebeingsasmorethansimplebeasts.

InthechroniclesofDeepTime–inwhateverformtheyyetexist–thisclerichasdiscoveredseveralreferences

totheGreatRace,referencesthatdonotspeakofcannibalismbutofchaosandempirestorivalman,builtonthebonesofvanquishedenemiesandmaintainedthroughsacrificeandbizarresexualrituals.Theywereproud,arrogantandutterlyamoral,believingcompletelyintheirmostimmediatewhimsandnothingmore.

WhatevertheGreatRaceofJekkamightoncehave

been,theyarenowashadowandamyth,bearingnoresemblancetothefangedhuntersinfrequentlyencounteredbyman.

From‘ATreatiseontheUnknown’byYacobofLeith,

BlueclericoftheOneGod

CHARACTERLISTING

THEPEOPLEOFRO

ThehouseofCanarn–descendedfromLordBullvyofCanarnHectorofCanarn–Dukeof

RoCanarn–deceasedBromvyBlackGuardof

Canarn(Brom)–errant

lordandsonofDukeHector

BronwynofCanarn–daughterofDukeHector,twinsistertoBromvy

HaakeofCanarn–DukeHector’shouseholdguard

ThehouseofTiris–descendedfromHighKingDashellTirisSebastianTiris–scionofthe

houseofTirisandkingofTorFunweir

LadyAlexandra–wifeofKingSabastian

BartholomewTiris–theking’sfather–deceased

ChristopheTiris–sontoKingSebastian,princeofTorFunweir–deceased

ClericsoftheOneGodMobiusoftheFallsof

Arnon–CardinalofthePurple

SeverenofVoy–CardinalofthePurple

BrotherJakanofTiris–Purpleclericofthesword,protectortoKingSebastianTiris

BrotherTorianofArnon–Purpleclericofthequest–deceased

AnimustusofVoy–Goldcleric

BrotherLanry–Browncleric,confessortoDukeHector

BrotherUthatheGhost–Blackclericandold-blood

oftheShadowGiantsBrotherRoderickofthe

FallsofArnon–Blackcleric

KnightsandnoblesMortimerRillion–Knight

CommanderoftheRedarmy–deceased

NathanofDuBan–KnightCaptainoftheRed,adjutanttoKnightCommanderRillion–deceased

RashabaldofHaran–executionerandknightoftheRed–deceased

WilliamofVerellian–KnightCaptainoftheRed

FallonofLeith–KnightLieutenantoftheRedandthearmy’sfinestswordsman,adjutanttoKnightCaptainVerellian

TristramofHunter’sCross–KnightCommanderoftheRed

HallamPevain–mercenaryknight

CastusofWeir–boundmanandgaoler–deceased

LeonGreatClaw–aknight,firstmastertoRandallofDarkwald–deceased

LyamofWeir–DukeofRoWeir

CommonfolkBracha–oldknightsergeantCallis–sergeantintheRed

army

ClementofChase–watchsergeantofRoTiris

ElyotoftheTor–watchmanofRoTiris

FultonofCanarn–tavernkeeper

KaleGlenwood(formerlyGlenWard)–forger,residentinRoTiris

Lorkesh–guardsmanLux–watchsergeantofRo

TirisLyssa–childintheBrown

chapel

Mott–abanditRandallofDarkwald–

squireto,insuccession:SirLeonGreatClaw,BrotherTorianofArnon,andBrotherUthatheGhost

RobinofTiris–watchmenofRoTiris

Rodgar–childintheBrownchapel

TobinofCozz–blacksmithandfixer

THEPEOPLEOFROWANOCO

TheRanenofFjorlanThehighlordsofFjorlanhave,sincethefirst,soughttokeeptheirnamesalivethroughtheirchildren.Thoseofminorhousesareaffordednosuchhonourandmanydeliberatelystriketheirfather’snameduetodishonourableactions.

ThehouseofTeardrop–namedforAlguinTeardrop,thefirsthighthainofFjorlan.RagnarTeardropLarsson–

fathertoMagnusForkbeardRagnarssonandAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson–deceased

MagnusForkbeardRagnarsson–youngerbrothertoAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson,priestoftheOrderofthe

Hammer,friendtoLordBromvy–deceased

AlgenonTeardropRagnarsson–highthainofRanen,elderbrothertoMagnusForkbeardRagnarsson–deceased

IngridTeardropAlgedottir–daughtertoAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson

AlahanTeardropAlgesson–sontoAlgenonTeardropRagnarsson

WulfricktheEnraged–axe-masterofFredericksand

ThorfinAxeHailer–lore-masterofFredericksand

SamsontheLiar–old-bloodoftheIceGiants

ThehouseofSummerWolf–anancientandrespectedhouse,namedforKalallSummerWolfAlephSummerWolf

Kallsson–thainof

Tiergarten–deceasedHallaSummerWolf

Alephsdottir–daughtertoAlephSummerWolf,axe-maiden

BorrinIronBeard–axe-masterofTiergarten–deceased

ThehouseofUrsa–Anewhousewithnohonourablelineage,theynameastheyseefit

RulagUrsaBearTamer–thainofJarvik,fathertoKalagUrsa

Rodgar–childintheBrownchapel

KalagUrsaRulagsson–lordlingofJarvik

Lyssa–childintheBrownchapel

JalekBlood–axe-masterofJarvik

Survivorsofthedragonfleet

RexelFallingCloud–axe-masterofHammerfall

OleffHardHead–chain-masterofFredericksand

TheRanenofthesouthlandsTheFreeCompaniesarecommonfolkwhoearntheirhonournamesandhaveneversoughtnobilityorfamilynames.WraithCompany–protectorsoftheGrassSea

HorrockGreenBlade–captainofWraithCompany,commanderofRoHail

HaffenRedFace–axe-masterofRoHail

FreyaColdEyes–wise-womanofRoHail

MicahStoneDog–youngaxe-manofRoHail

DarronMoonEye–priest–deceased

JohanLongShadow–commanderatSouth

Warden

THEPEOPLEOFKARESIA

TheSevenSisters–enchantresses,formerlyofJaa,nowofShub-NillurathSaaratheMistressofPain–

leaderoftheorderoftheSevenSisters,bearsnomark

AmeiratheLadyofSpiders–aSevenSister,marked

withthesignofaspider’sweb–deceased

KatjatheHandofDespair–aSevenSister,markedwiththesignofahowlingwolf

SashatheIllusionist–aSevenSister,markedwiththesignofafloweringrose

LilliantheLadyofDeath–aSevenSister,markedwiththesignofahand

ShilpatheShadowofLies–aSevenSister,markedwiththesignofbirdsinflight

IsabeltheSeductress–aSevenSister,markedwiththesignofacoiledsnake

TheWindClaws–menwhogivetheirlifetoJaaDalianThiefTaker–

greatestofthewindclawsLarixtheTraveller–awind

claw–deceased

TheHounds–criminalsservingastheKaresianarmyIzraSabal–whip-mistress

oftheHoundsTurveRamhe–whip-master

oftheHoundsCommonfolkAl-Hasim,princeofthe

wastes–exileandthief,friendtothehouseofCanarn

EmanizKabrizzi–bookdealerofRoWeir

JennerofRikara–Karesiansmuggler,brothertoKohli

KohliofRikara–Karesiansmuggler,brothertoJenner

VoonofRikara–exemplarofJaa,missingsomewhereinKaresia

THEGODLESS

Kirin–amongrelrace,neitherRonorKaresian

RhamJasRami–assassin,dark-bloodandfriendtoBromvy,BlackGuardofCanarn

Zeldantor–sontoRhamJasRami,slavetoSaaratheMistressofPain

TheDokkalfar–anancientraceofnon-humanforest-dwellers.TyrNanontheShapeTaker

–warrioroftheHeart

TyrRafn–warrioroftheHeart–deceased

TyrSigurd–warrioroftheHeart

TyrVasir–aforest-dwellerheldcaptivebythemenofRo

VitharJoror–shamanoftheHeart

VitharJofn–shamanoftheHeart

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Iwouldliketothankthefollowingpeopleformorehelp,supportandlovethancanbeadequatelyexpressed.YouallcontributedtothisandIreallyhopeyouenjoyit.

SimonHall,MarkAllen,TonyCarew,MartinCubberley,CarrieHall,BenjaminHesford,Marcus

Holland,PaoloTrepiccione,AlexWallis,KarlWustrauandmymum(whothinkstheswearingalittleunnecessary,butreadthefirstthreechaptersanyway).

ABOUTTHISBOOK

ThecityofRoCanarnburns.Withtheirfather’sblood

freshupontheheadsman’ssword,LordBromvyandLadyBronwyn,thelastscionsofthehouseofCanarn,facefugitiveexileordeath.Byroyaldecree,theirnoblelineisnowreviled,namedBlackGuard,andstruckfrompastandfuturehistoriesthroughoutthelandsofRo.

InthecourtofRoTiris,menfeartospeaktheirminds.The

ArmyoftheRedismarchingupontheNorth.ThosewhoopposeitsadvanceriskthebloodyfateofhouseCanarn,forstrangeaccidentsbefallthosewhodarequestiontheKing’snewadvisors…ThosefoolishenoughtospeaktheirnamescallthemtheSevenSisters:witchesofthefiregod;eachasbeautifulandasdangerousasaflame.

And,calledfromthelongagesofdeeptimebywarandsacrifice,thechildrenofadeadgodarewakingwithapitilesscry—

Allthatwasdeadwillrise.

Allthatnowliveswillfall…

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

A.J.SMITHhasbeendevisingtheworlds,historiesandcharactersoftheLongWarchroniclesformorethanadecade.Hewasbornin

Birminghamandworksinsecondaryeducation.

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