Krondor: The Betrayal Book I of The Riftwar Legacy [111-066-4.3]

By: RAYMOND E. FEIST

Synopsis:

Based on the game Betrayal at Krondor Published by Dynamix, Inc.

Story by Neal Hallford, John Cutter, and Raymond E. Feist.

Also by Raymond E. Feist

Magician

Silverborn

A Darkness at Setbanon

Faerie Tale 311

Prince of the Blood

The King's Buccaneer

Sbadow of a Dark Queen

Rise of a Mercbant Prince

Rage of a Demon King

Shards of a Broken Crown

With Janny Wurts:

Daughter of Empire

Servant of Empire

Mistress of Empire

RAYMOND E. FEIST

Krondor,

The Betrayal

Book I of the R@(twar Legacy

Harpercollinspublisbers

Voyager

An Imprint of harpercollins publishers 77-85 Fulham Palace Road,

Hammersmith, London w6 Sib

The Voyager World Wide Web site address is
http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/voyager

Published by Voyager 1998 13 5 7 9 8 6 4 2

Copyright @ Raymond E. Feist 1998

The Author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of
this work

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 0 00 224694 5

Typeset in Adobe Caslon by

Palimpsest Book Production Limited, Polmont, Stirlingshire

Printed and bound by
Griffin Press Pry Ltd, Netley, South Australia

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior permission of the publishers.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of
trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated
without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover
other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition
including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Again I am in debt to many people.

The original Midkemians, for the universe in which I work, and for their
understanding of what makes a good story, a good game, and how the two
are different.

My agent Jonathan Matson, for shepherding me through major difficulties
in creating these games, with his usual deft touch and quick wit.

John Cutter, who thought it up in the first place.

Neal Hallford, who created a very nifty story for the core of the game
which provided the basis for this book.

The rest of the creative team at Dynamix who managed to squeeze the most
out of the processor to give us music, pictures, sound and story.

And to Jerry Lutrell, for keeping me apprised of what was what early on.

My wife, Kathlyn S. Starbuck, for being who she is.

My children Jessica and James, for keeping me in touch with what's
important daily and for being the most wonderful children any father
could ask for.

Raymond E. Feist

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

March 11, 1998

For John Cutter and Neal Harford with thanks for their creativity and
enthusiasm

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE: Warning I

CHAPTER ONE: Encounter 8

CHAPTER Two: Deception 24

CHAPTER THREE: Revelation 43

CHAPTER FOUR: Passage 57

CHAPTER FIVE: Mission 74

CHAPTER SIX: Journey 89

CHAPTER SEVEN: Murders 105

CHAPTER EIGHT: Secrets 124

CHAPTER NINE: Suspect 141

CHAPTER TEN: Nighthawks 156

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Escape 178

CHAPTER TWELVE: Preparations 197

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Betrayal 212

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Instructions 229

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Quest 244

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Tasks 258

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Misdirection 274

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Regroup 293

CHAPTER NINETEEN: Encounter 307

CHAPTER TWENTY: Retribution 323

EPILOGUE

Dedication 345

Afterword 350

PROLOGUE

4 warning

The wind howled.

Locklear, squire of the Prince of Krondor's court, sat huddled under his
heavy cloak, astride his horse. Summer was quick to flee in the
Northlands and the passes through the mountains known as the Teeth of
the World. Autumn nights in the south might still be soft and warm, but
up here in the north, autumn had been a brief visitor and winter was
early to arrive, and would be long in residence. Locklear cursed his own
stupidity for leading him to this forlorn place.

Sergeant Bales said, 'Gets nippy up here, squire. "The sergeant had head
the rumour about the young noble's sudden appearance in Tyr-Sog, some
matter involving a young woman married to a well-connected merchant in
Krondor. Locklear wouldn't be the first young dandy sent to the frontier
to get him out of an angry husband's reach. 'Not as balmy as Krondor,
sorry to say, sir. " 'Really? "asked the young squire, dryly.

The patrol followed a narrow trail along the edge of the foothills, the
northern border of the Kingdom of the Isles. Locklear had been in court
at Tyr-Sog less than a week when Baron Moyiet had suggested the young
squire might benefit from accompanying the special patrol to the east of
the city. Rumours had been circulating that renegades and moredhel -
dark elves known as the Brotherhood of the Dark

Path - were infiltrating south under the cover of heavy rains and snow
flurries. Trackers had reported few signs, but hearsay and the
insistence of farmers that they had seen companies of dark-clad warriors
hurrying south had prompted the Baron to order the patrol.

Locklear knew as well as the men garrisoned there that the chance

of any activity along the small passes over the mountains in late fall
or early winter was unusual. While the freeze had just come to the
foothills, the higher passes would already be thick with snow, then
choked with mud should a brief thaw occur.

Yet since the war known as the Great Uprising - the invasion of the
Kingdom by the army of Murmandamus, the charismatic leader of the dark
elves - ten years ago, any activity was to be investigated, and that
order came directly from King Lyam. 'Yes, must be a bit of a change from
the Prince's court, squire, " prodded the sergeant. Locklear had looked
the part of a Krondorian dandy - tall, slender, a finely garbed young
man in his mid-twenties, affecting a moustache and long ringlets - when
he reached Tyrsog Locklear thought the moustache and fine clothing made
him look older, but if anything the impact was the opposite of his
desired intent.

Locklear had enough of the sergeant's playful baiting, and observed,
'Still, it's warmer than I remember the other side of the mountains
being. " 'Other side, sir? "asked the sergeant. 'The Northlands, "said
Locklear. 'Even in the spring and summer the nights are cold. "

The sergeant looked askance at the young man. 'You've been there,
squire? "Few men who were not renegades or weapons runners had visited
the Northlands and lived to return to the Kingdom.

With the Prince, "replied Locklear. 'I was with him at Armengar and
Highcastle. "

The sergeant fell silent and looked ahead. The soldiers nearest

Locklear exchanged glances and nods. One whispered to the man behind
him. No soldier living in the north hadn't heard of the fall of

Armengar before the hosts of Murmandamus, the powerful moredhel leader
who had destroyed the human city in the Northlands and then had invaded
the Kingdom. Only his defeat at Sethanon, ten years before, had kept his
army of dark elves, trolls, goblins and giants from rending the Kingdom.

The survivors of Armengar had come to live in Yabon, not far from
Tyr-Sog, and the telling of the great battle and the flight of the
survivors, as well as the part played by Prince Arutha and his
companions, had grown in the telling. Any man who had served

with Prince Arutha and Guy du Bas-Tyra could only be judged a hero. With
a reappraising glance at the young man,* the sergeant kept his silence.

Locklear's amusement at shutting up the voluble sergeant was shortlived,
as the snow started to freshen, blowing harder by the minute. He might
have gained enough stature with the garrison to be treated with more
respect in days to come, but he was still a long way from the court in
Krondor, the fine wines and pretty girls. It would take a miracle for
him to get back in Arutha's good graces any time before the next winter
found him still trapped in a rural court with dullards.

After ten minutes of silent travel, the sergeant said, 'Amother two
miles, sir, and we can start back. "

Locklear said nothing. By the time they returned to the garrison, it
would be dark and even colder than it presently was. He would welcome
the warm fire in the soldiers'commons and probably content himself
sharing a meal with the troops, unless the Baron requested he dine with
the household. Locklear judged that unlikely, as the Baron had a
flirtatious young daughter who had fawned on the visiting young noble
the first night he had appeared in Tyr-Sog, and the

Baron full well knew why Locklear was at his court. On the two occasions
he had since dined with the Baron, the daughter had been conspicuously
absent.

There was an inn not too far from the castle, but by the time he had
returned to the castle, he knew he would be too sick of the cold and
snow to brave the elements again, even for that short distance; besides,
the only two barmaids there were fat and dull. With a silent sigh of
resignation, Locklear realized that by the arrival of spring they might
look lovely and charming to him.

Locklear just prayed he would be permitted to return to Krondor by the
Midsummer Festival of Banapis. He would write to his best friend, Squire
James, and ask him to use his influence to get Arutha to recall him
early. Half a year up here was punishment enough. 'Seigneur, "said
Sergeant Bales, using Locklear's formal title, 'what's that? "He pointed
up the rocky path. Movement among the rocks had caught the sergeant's
eye.

Locklear replied, 'I don't know. Let's go take a look. "

Bales motioned and the patrol turned left, moving up the path.

Quickly the scene before them resolved itself. A lone figure, on foot,
hurried down the rocky path, and from behind the sounds of pursuit could
be heard. 'Looks like a renegade had a falling-out with some Brothers of
the

Dark Path, "said Sergeant Bales.

Locklear pulled his own sword. 'Renegade or not, we can't let the dark
elves carve him up. It might make them think they could come south and
harass common citizens at whim. " 'Ready!"shouted the sergeant and the
veteran patrol pulled swords.

The lone figure saw the soldiers, hesitated a moment, then ran forward.
Locklear could see he was a tall man, covered by a dark grey cloak which
effectively hid his features. Behind him on foot came a dozen dark
elves. 'Let us go amongst them, "said the sergeant calmly.

Locklear commanded the patrol in theory, but he had enough combat
experience to stay out of the way when a veteran sergeant was giving
orders.

The horsemen charged up the pass, moving by the lone figure, to fall
upon the moredhel. The Brotherhood of the Dark Path were many things;
cowardly and inept in warcraft were not among those things. The fighting
was fierce, but the Kingdom soldiers had two advantages: horses, and the
fact the weather had rendered the dark elves' bows useless. The moredhel
didn't even attempt to draw their wet strings, knowing they could hardly
send a bowshaft toward the enemy, let alone pierce armour.

A single dark elf, larger than the rest, leaped atop a rock, his gaze
fixed upon the fleeing figure. Locklear moved his horse to block the
creature, who turned his attention toward the young noble.

They locked gazes for a moment, and Locklear could feel the creature's
hatred. Silently he seemed to mark Locklear, as if remembering him for a
future confrontation. Then he shouted an order and the moredhel began
their withdrawal up the pass.

Sergeant Bales knew better than to pursue into a pass when he had less
than a dozen yards'visibility. Besides, the weather was worsening.

Locklear turned to find the lone figure leaning against a boulder a
short distance behind the trail. Locklear moved his horse dose to the
man and called down, J am Squire Locklear of the Prince's court.

You better have a good story for us, renegade. "

There was no response from the man, his features stiff hidden by the
deep cowl of his heavy cloak. The sounds of fighting trailed off as the
moredhel broke off and fled up the pass, crawling into the rocks above
the path so the riders could not follow.

The figure before Locklear regarded him a moment, then slowly reached up
to throw back his cowl. Dark, alien eyes regarded the young noble. These
were features Locklear had seen before: high brow, close-cropped hair.
Arching eyebrows and large, upswept and lobeless ears. But this was no
elf who stood before him; Locklear could feet it in his bones. The dark
eyes that regarded him could barely hide their contempt.

In heavily accented King's Tongue, the creature said, 'I am no renegade,
human. "

Sergeant Bales rode up and said, 'Damn! A Brother of the Dark

Path. Must have been some tribal thing, with those others trying to kill
him. "

The moredhel fixed Locklear with his gaze, studying him for a long
moment, then he said, 'If you are from the Prince's court then you may
help me. " 'Help you? said the sergeant. We're most likely going to hang
you, murderer. "

Locklear held up his hand for silence. Why should we help you, moredhel?
" 'Because I bring a word of warning for your prince. "

Warning of what? " 'That is for him to know. Will you take me to him? "

Locklear glanced at the sergeant, who said, We should take him to see
the Baron. " 'No, "said the moredhel. 'I will only speak with Prince
Arutha. " 'You'll speak to whoever we tell you to, butched' said Bales,
his voice edged in hatred. He had been fighting the Brotherhood of the

Dark Path his entire life and had seen their cruelty many times.

Locklear said, 'I know his kind. You can set fire to his feet and burn
him up to his neck and if he doesn't want to talk, he won't talk. "

The moredhel said, 'True. "He again studied Locklear and said, 'You have
faced my people? " 'Artnengar,'said Locklear. 'Again at Highcastle. Then
at Sethanon. "

'It is Sethanon about which I need to speak to your prince, "said the
moredhel.

Locklear turned to the sergeant and said, 'Leave us for a moment,

Sergeant. "

Bales hesitated, but there was a note of command in the young noble's
voice, no hint of deference to the sergeant; this was an order.

The sergeant turned and moved his patrol away. 'Say on, "said Locklear.
'I am Gorath, Chieftain of the Ardanien. "

Locklear studied Gorath. By human standards he looked young, but
Locklear had been around enough elves and seen enough moredhel to know
that was deceiving. This one had a beard streaked with white and grey,
as well as a few lines around his eyes; Locklear guessed he might be
better than two hundred years old by what he had seen among elvenkind.
Gorath wore armour that was well crafted and a cloak of especially fine
weave;

Locklear judged it possible he was exactly what he said he was. 'What
does a moredhel chieftain speak of to a prince of the

Kingdom? " 'My words are for Prince Arutha alone. "

Locklear said, 'If you don't want to spend what remains of your life in
the Baron's dungeon at Tyr-Sog, you had better say something that will
convince me to take you to Krondor. "

The moredhel looked a long time at Locklear, then motioned for him to
come closer. Keeping his hand upon a dagger in his belt, should the dark
elf try something, he leaned close to his horse's neck, so he could put
his face near Gorath's.

Gorath whispered in Locklear's ear. 'Murmandamus lives. "

Locklear leaned back and was silent a moment, then he turned his horse.
'Sergeant Bales!" 'Sir!"returned the old veteran, answering Locklear's
commanding tone of voice with a note of respect. 'Put this prisoner in
chains. We return to Tyr-Sog, now. And no one is to speak with him
without my leave. " 'Sir!"repeated the sergeant, motioning to two of his
men to hurry forward and do as ordered.

Locklear leaned over his horse's neck again and said, 'You may be lying
to stay alive, Gorath, or you may have some dreadful message

for Prince Arutha. It matters not to me, for either way I return to

Krondor, starting first thing in the morning. "

The dark elf said nothing, content to stand stoically as he was disarmed
by two soldiers. He remained silent as manacles were fastened around his
wrists, linked by a short span of heavy chain.

He held his hands before him a moment after the manacles were locked,
then slowly lowered them. He looked at Locklear, then turned and began
walking toward Tyr-Sog, without waiting for his guards' leave.

Locklear motioned for the sergeant to follow, and rode up to walk his
horse next to Gorath, through the worsening weather.

ONE

Encounter

T he fire crackled.

Owyn Belefate sat alone in the night before the flames, wallowing in his
personal misery. The youngest son of the

Baron of Timons, he was a long way from home and wishing he was even
farther away. His youthful features were set in a portrait of dejection.

The night was cold and the food scant, especially after having just left
the abundance of his aunt's home in Yabon City. He had been hosted by
relatives ignorant of his falling-out with his father, people who had
reacquainted him over a weeles visit with what he had forgotten about
his home-life: the companionship of brothers and sisters, the warmth of
a night spent before the fire, conversation with his mother, and even
the arguments with his father. 'Father, "Owyn muttered. It had been less
than two years since the young man had defied his father and made his
way to Stardock, the island of magicians located in the southern reaches
of the Kingdom.

His father had forbidden him his choice, to study magic, demanding

Owyn should at least become a cleric of one of the more socially
acceptable orders of priests. After all, they did magic as well, his
father had insisted.

Owyn sighed and gathered his cloak around him. He had been so certain he
would someday return home to visit his family, revealing himself as a
great magician, perhaps a confidant of the legendary

Pug, who had created the Academy at Stardock. Instead he found himself
ill-suited for the study required. He also had no love for the
burgeoning politics of the place, with factions of students rallying
around this teacher or that, attempting to turn the study of magic

into another religion. He now knew he was, at best, a mediocre n1agician
and would never amount to more, and no matter how much he wished to
study magic, he lacked sufficient talent.

After slightly more than one year of study, Owyn had left Stardock,
conceding to himself that he had made a mistake. Admitting such to his
father would prove a far more daunting task - which was why he had
decided to visit family in the distant province of Yabon before
mustering the courage to return to the east and confront his sire.

A rustle in the bushes caused Owyn to clutch a heavy wooden staff and
jump to his feet. He had little skill with weapons, having neglected
that portion of his education as a child, but had developed enough skiff
with this quarterstaff to defend himself. cwho's there? he demanded.

From out of the gloom came a voice, saying, 'Hello, the camp.

We're coming in. "

Owyn relaxed slightly, as bandits would be unlikely to warn him they
were coming. Also, he was obviously not worth attacking, as he looked
little more than a ragged beggar these days. Still, it never hurt to be
wary.

Two figures appeared out of the gloom, one roughly Owyn's height, the
other a head taller. Both were covered in heavy cloaks, the smaller of
the two limping obviously.

The limping man looked over his shoulder, as if being followed, then
asked, 'Who are you? "

Owyn said, 'Me? Who are you? "

The smaller man pulled back his hood and said, 'Locklear, I'm a squire
to Prince Arutha. "

Owyn nodded. 'Sir, I'm Owyn, son of Baron Belefote. " 'From Timons, yes,
I know who your father is, "said Locklear.

Squatting before the fire, opening his hands to warm them. He glanced up
at Owyn. 'You're a long way from home, aren't you? " 'I was visiting my
aunt in Yabon, "said the blond youth. 'I'm now on my way horne. " 'Long
journey, "said the muffled figure. 'I'll work my way down to Krondor,
then see if I can travel with a caravan or someone else to Salador. From
there I'll catch a boat to

Timons. "

Well, we could do worse than stick together until we reach Lamut, "

said Locklear, sitting down heavily on the ground. His cloak fen open
and Owyn saw blood on the young man's clothing. 'You're hurt, "he said.
'Just a bit, "admitted Locklear. 'What happened? "

We were jumped a few miles north of here, "said Locklear.

Owyn started rummaging through his travel bag. 'I have something in here
for wounds, "he said. 'Strip off your tunic. "

Locklear removed his cloak and tunic while Owyn took bandages and powder
from his bag. 'My aunt insisted I take this just in case.

I thought it an old lady's foolishness, but apparently it wasn't. "

Locklear endured the boy's ministrations as he washed the wound
obviously a sword cut to the ribs - and winced when the powder was
sprinkled upon it. Then as he bandaged the squire's ribs, Owyn said,
'Your friend doesn't talk much, does he? "

J am not his friend, "answered Gorath. He held out his manacles for
inspection. 'I am his prisoner. "

Trying to peer into the darkness of Gorath's hood, Owyn said, 'What did
he do? " 'Nothing, -except be born on the wrong side of the mountains, "
offered Locklear.

Gorath pulled back his hood, and graced Owyn with the faintest of
smiles. 'Gods' teeth!"exclaimed Owyn. 'He's a Brother of the Dark

Path!" 'Moredhel, "corrected Gorath, with a note of ironic bitterness.
'"Dark elf ", in your tongue, human. At least our cousins in Elvandar
would have you believe us so. "

Locklear winced as Owyn applied his aunt's salve to the wounded ribs. 'A
couple of hundred years of war lets us form our own opinions, thank you,
Gorath. "

Gorath said, 'You understand so little, you humans. "

Well, "said Locklear, 'I'm not going anywhere at the moment, so educate
me. "

Gorath looked at the young squire, as if trying to judge something, and
was silent for a while. 'Those you call "elves" and my people are one,
by blood, but we live different lives. We were the first mortal race
after the great dragons and the Ancient Ones. "

owyn looked at Gorath in curiosity, while Locklear just gritted his
teeth and said, 'Hurry it up, would you, lad? "

Who are the Ancient Ones? "asked Owyn in a whisper.

The Dragon Lords, "said Locklear. 'Lords of power, the Valheru,
"supplied Gorath. AVHEN they departed this world, they placed our fate
in our own hands, naming us a free people. "

Locklear said, 'I've heard the story. " 'It is more than a story, human,
for to my people it gave over this world to our keeping. Then came you
humans, and the dwarves, and others. This is our world and you seized it
from us. "

Locklear said, Well, I'm not a student of theology, and my knowledge of
history is sadly lacking, but it seems to me that whatever the cause of
our arrival on this world according to your lore, we're here and we
don't have anywhere else to go. So if your kin, the elves, can make the
best of it, why can't you? "

Gorath studied the young man, but said nothing. Then he stood, moving
with deadly purpose toward Locklear.

Owyn had just tied off the bandage and fell hard as Locklear pushed him
aside while he attempted to rise and draw his sword as Gorath closed on
him.

But rather than attack Locklear, he lunged past the pair of humans,
lashing out above Locklear's head with the chain that held his manacles.
A ringing of steel caused Locklear to flinch aside as

Gorath shouted, 'Assassin in the camp!"Then Gorath kicked hard at Owyn,
shouting, 'Get out from underfoot!"

Owyn didn't know where the assassin came from; one moment there had been
three of them in the small clearing, then the next Gorath was locked in
a life-and-death struggle with another of his kind.

Two figures grappled by the light of the campfire, their features set in
stark relief by the firelight and darkness of the woods. Gorath had
knocked the other moredhel's sword from his hand, and when the second
dark elf attempted to pull a dagger, Gorath slipped behind him, wrapping
his wrist chains around the attacker's throat.

He yanked hard and the attacker's eyes bulged in shock as Gorath said,
'Do not struggle so, Haseth. For old times' sake I will make this quick.
"With a snap of his wrists, he crushed the other dark elf s windpipe,
and the creature went limp.

Gorath let him fall to the ground, saying, 'May the Goddess of

Darkness show you mercy. "

Locklear stood up. 'I thought we had lost them. " 'I knew we had not,
"said Gorath.

Why didn't you say something?'demanded Locklear as he retrieved his
tunic and put it on over the new bandages.

We had to turn and face him some time, "said Gorath, resuming his place.
We could do it now, or in a day or two when you were even weaker from
loss of blood and no food. "Gorath looked into the darkness from which
the assassin had come. 'Had he not been alone, you'd have had only my
body to drag before your prince. " 'You don't get off that easily,
moredhel. You don't have my permission to die yet, after the trouble
I've gone through to keep you alive so far, "said Locklear. 'Is he the
last? " 'Almost certainly not, "said the dark elf. 'But he is the last
of this company. Others will come. "He glanced in the opposite
direction. 'And others may already be ahead of us. "

Locklear reached into a small pouch at his side and produced a key.
'Then I think you'd better get those chains off' he said. He unlocked
the wrist irons and Gorath watched them fall to the ground with an
impassive expression. 'Take the assassin's sword. " 'Maybe we should
bury him? "suggested Owyn.

Gorath shook his head. 'That is not our way. His body is but a shell.

Let it feed the scavengers, return to the soil, nourish the plants, and
renew the world. His spirit has begun its journey through darkness, and
with the Goddess of Darkness's pleasure, he may find his way to the
Blessed Isles. "Gorath looked northward, as if seeking sight of
something in the dark. 'He was my kinsman, though one of whom

I was not overly fond. But ties of blood run strong with my people.

For him to hunt me names me outcast and traitor to my race. "He looked
at Locklear. We have common cause, then, human. For if I am to carry out
the mission that brands me anathema to my people,

I must survive. We need to help one another! Gorath took Haseth's sword.
To Owyn he said, 'Don't bury him, but you could pull him out of the way,
human. By morning he's going to become even more unpleasant to have
nearby. "

Owyn looked uncertain about touching a corpse, but said nothing as he
went over, reached down and gripped the dead moredhel by the

wrists. The creature was surprisingly heavy. As Owyn started to drag

Haseth away, Gorath said, 'And see if he dropped his travel bag back
there in the woods before he attacked us, boy. He may have something to
eat in it. "

Owyn nodded, wondering what strange chance had brought him to dragging a
corpse through the dark woods and looting the body.

Morning found a tired trio making their way through the woodlands,
staying within sight of the road, but not chancing walking openly along
it. 'I don't see why we didn't return to Yabon and get some horses, "
complained Owyn.

Locklear said, We have been jumped three times since leaving

Tyr-Sog. If others are coming after us, I'd rather not walk right into
them. Besides, we may find a village between here and Lamut where we can
get some horses. " 'And pay for them with what? "asked Owyn. 'You said
the fight where you were wounded was when your horses ran off with all
your things. I assume that means your funds, too? I certainly don't have
enough to buy three mounts. "

Locklear smiled. 'I'm not without resources. "

We could just take them, "offered Gorath. 'There is that, "agreed
Locklear. 'But without obvious badges of rank or a patent from the
Prince on MY person, it might prove difficult to convince the local
constable of my bona fides. And we should hardly be safe penned up in a
rural jail with cutthroats out looking for us. "

Owyn fell silent. They had been walking since sun-up and he was tired.
'How about a rest?'he offered. 'I don't think so, "said Gorath, his
voice falling to a whisper.

Usten. "

Neither human said anything for a moment, then Owyn said,

What? I don't hear anything. " 'That's the point, "said Gorath. 'The
birds in the trees ahead suddenly stopped their songs. " 'A trap? "asked
Locklear. 'Almost certainly, "said Gorath, pulling the sword he had
taken from his dead kinsman.

Locklear said, 'My side burns, but I can fight. "To Owyn he said, 'What
about you? "

Owyn hefted his wooden staff. It was hard oak, with iron-shod ends. 'I
can swing this, if I need to. And I have some magic. " 'Can you make
them vanish? " 'No, "said Owyn. J can't do that. " 'Pity, "said
Locklear. 'Then try to stay out of the way. "

They advanced cautiously, and as they neared the spot Gorath had
indicated, Locklear could make out a shadowy figure between the trees.
The man or moredhel - Locklear couldn't tell which - moved slightly,
revealing his position. Had he remained motionless, Locklear would never
have seen him.

Gorath signalled for Locklear and Owyn to move more to their right,
looping around behind the lookout. Without knowing how many men they
faced, they would do well to seek the advantage of surprise.

Gorath moved through the woods like a spirit, silent and almost unseen
once Owyn and Locklear left him. Locklear signalled for

Owyn to keep slightly behind and to the right of him, so he knew where
he was when they dosed upon their ambushers.

As they moved through the woods, they heard the sound of whispers, and
Locklear knew no elves waiting for them would utter a word. Now the
question was were these mere bandits or agents seeking to stop Gorath's
journey.

A grunt from ahead signalled Gorath's first contact with the ambushers.
A shout followed instantly and Locklear and Owyn ran forward.

Four men stood and one was already dying. The other three spread out in
a small clearing between two lines of trees, a perfect position for a
roadside ambush. Locklear felt an odd flicker behind him and something
sped past his eyes, as if an arrow had been fired from behind, but other
than the sensation of motion, there was nothing to be seen.

One of the three remaining ambushers cried out in shock, his hand going
out before him as vacant eyes stared ahead, 'I'm blind!" he shouted in
panic.

Locklear decided it was Owyn's useful magic, and thanked the

Goddess of Luck the boy had that much talent.

Gorath was engaged with one man while Locklear advanced on the other.
Suddenly their garb registered and he said, 'Quegans!"

The men were wearing short tunics and leggings, and cross-gartered
sandals. The man facing Locklear had his head covered with a red
bandanna, and over his shoulder hung a baldric from which a cutlass had
hung. The cutlass was now carving through the air at Locklear's head.

He parried and the blow shot fire through his wounded side.

Putting aside his pain, Locklear riposted and the pirate fell back.

A strangled cry told Locklear the second pirate was down.

The strange missile sensation sped by and the man facing Locklear winced
and held his hand up as if shielding his eyes. Locklear didn't hesitate
and ran the man through.

Gorath killed the last man and suddenly it was quiet again in the woods.

Locklear's side was afire but he didn't feel any additional damage.

He put up his sword and said, 'Damn me. " 'Are you hurt? "asked Owyn.
'No, "answered Locklear. 'Then what is the problem? asked Owyn.

Locklear looked around the clearing. 'These are the problem.

Someone has gotten word ahead of us. We can be certain of that. " 'How?
asked Gorath. 'These are Quegan pirates, "said Locklear. 'Look at their
weapons ' 'I wouldn't know a Quegan if I tripped over him, "said Owyn.
'I'll take your word for it, squire. " 'Do not pirates usually ply their
trade at sea? asked Gorath. 'They do, "said Locklear, 'unless someone's
paid them to stake out a road and wait for three travellers on foot. "He
knelt next to the man who had died at his feet and said, 'Look at his
hands. Those are the hands of a man used to handling rope. Those Quegan
cutlasses are the clincher. "He examined the man, looking for a

Pouch or purse, saying, 'Look for anything that might be a message

They did and came away with a little gold and a couple of daggers in
addition to the four cutlasses. But no messages or notes, nothing
indicating who had hired the pirates. We're not dose enough to Ylith

for a band of pirates to have made it this far north undetected in the
time since we left Yabon. " 'Someone must have sent word south when I
left the Northlands, " said Gorath. 'But how? "asked Owyn. 'You've told
me you only spent a couple of days in Tyr-Sog, and you were riding until
yesterday. " 'That's an odd question for a student of magic, "observed
Gorath.

Owyn blushed a little. 'Oh. " 'You've Spellweavers who can do
such?'asked Locklear. 'Not such as the eledhel - those you call "elves"
- call Spellweivers.

But we have our practitioners of magic. And there are others of your
race who will sell their arts. "

Owyn said, 'I've never witnessed it, but I have heard of a talent called
"mind speech" which allows a spell-caster to speak with another.

And there's something known as "dream speech" as well. Either -'
'Someone really wants you dead, don't they? "observed Locklear,
interrupting the boy. 'Delekhan, "said Gorath. 'And he was gathering to
his side any of my people who showed such talents. I know his goals, but
not his plan. And if magic arts are part of it, I fear the results. "

Locklear said, 'I understand that. I've had my share of encounters with
people using magic who shouldn't. "He glanced at Owyn and said, That
blinding trick was quite good, lad. "

Looking embarrassed, Owyn said, 'I thought it might help. I know a few
spells like that, but nothing that would overpower an enemy.

Still, I'll try to help where I can. "

Glancing at Owyn, Locklear said, 'I know. Let's get to Lamut. "

Lamut stood astride the road south, requiring anyone travelling from

Yabon to Ylith to pass through its gates or endure a long trek to the
east throueh danlyerous foothills.

The foulbourgh of the city sprawled in all directions, while the old
walls of the city stood behind, nearly useless now, given the ease with
which any attacker could mount the buildings next to them and gain the
parapet from their roofs.

It was nearly sundown and all three travellers were tired, footsore, and
hungry. We can present ourselves to Earl Kasumi tomorrow. "

Why not now? "asked Owyn. 'I could use a meal and a bed. "

'Because the garrison is up there, "said Locklear, pointing at a distant
fortress high above the city on a hillside, 'and that would be another
two hours'walk, whereas a cheap inn is but one minute that way. "He
pointed at the gate.

Will your countrymen object to my presence? "asked Gorath. 'They would
if they suspected your nature. If they think you an elf from Elvandar,
they may only stare a little. Come on. We've looted enough gold for a
night of relative comfort, and in the morning we'll visit the Earl and
see if he can get us safely to Krondor. "

They entered the city under the watchful gaze of otherwise boredlooking
soldiers. One of them stood out from his companions, being shorter, and
much more businesslike in his manner. Locklear smiled and nodded at the
guards, but the three travellers didn't stop or speak.

A short distance inside the city gates sat an inn, marked by a wagon
wheel painted bright blue. There, "said Locklear.

They entered the inn, busy, but not crowded, and moved to a table near
the far wall. As they sat a stout young serving woman came, took their
order for food and ale, and left. As they were waiting, Locklear spied a
figure on the other side of the room staring at him.

It took a moment for Locklear to realize the figure wasn't a man, but a
dwarf. The dwarf stood and made his way across the room. He bore a large
scar across his face, cutting through his left eye. He stood before them
and said, 'You don't recognize me, do you, Locky? "

Locklear realized the last time he had seen the dwarf he had not borne
the scar he now sported, but at hearing his name from the dwarfs lips,
he said, 'Dubal! Without the eye-patch, it took me a moment. "

The dwarf moved to sit next to Owyn, across from Gorath. J won this face
in battle, from one of his kin -'he pointed at Gorath'- and

I'll be a dragon's mother before I hide it again. " 'Dubal found me
hiding in a cellar after the Battle of Sethanon, " said Locklear.
'Locked in there with a pretty wench, if memory serves.'The dwarf
laughed.

Locklear shrugged. Well, that was by chance. "

Dubal said, 'Now tell me, what is a seigneur of the Prince's court doing
sitting in Lamut with a moredhel warchieff He kept

his voice low, but Owyn glanced around to see if anyone had overheard
him. 'You know me? "asked Gorath. 'I know your race, for you are the
enemy of my blood, and I know your armour for what it is. A human might
not notice, but we of the

Grey Towers have fought your kind long enough 1 wouldn't mistake you for
one from Elvandar. It's only your present company that keeps me from
killing you here and now. "

Locklear held up his hand. 'I would count it a kindness and a personal
favour, as would Prince Arutha, should you imagine this person on my
left to be an elf' 'I think I can manage. But you'll have to come to the
Grey Towers and tell me the story behind this mummery. " 'If I can, I
will, "said Locklear. 'Now, what brings you alone to

Lamut? " 'We've got problems at our mines and had a collapse. Some of us
are stuck on this side of the Grey Towers and I came in to the city to
buy some stores. I'll hire a waggon and head back in the morning.

For the time being, I'm content to sit and drink, and jabber with some
of these Tsuram here in Lamut. I fought them during the war, and they've
turned out to be a stalwart enough bunch once you get to know them. "He
pointed to the bar. 'That tall fellow -' Locky laughed to hear anyone
call a Tsurani 'tall" - he's Sumani, the owner. Has a fair number of
tales to spin about his days serving on the Tsurani world, and I'm
switched if it doesn't sound like he's telling the truth most of the
time. "

Locklear laughed. 'Most Tsurani I know don't indulge in tall tales,
Dubal. " 'Seems to be so, but you never know. I've fought the big bugs,
the Cho-ja, but some of those other things he talks about, wen, I'm
hard-pressed to believe them. "

The serving woman arrived with the food and ale and they fell to. 'Now,
"said Dubal, 'can you tell me what brings you here? " 'No, "replied
Locklear, 'but we can ask you if you've seen any

Quegans hanging around? " 'There was a pack of them through here two
days ago, according to the gossip, "said Dubal. 'I just arrived and was
brokering the material we need. Aren't Quegans a bit far from home? "

You could say that, "observed Locklear. We ran into some and wolldered
if they had friends. "

Well, according to the gossip, they were all heading north from here, so
if you didn't run into a big bunch, theyve got friends around. "

Locklear said, 'That's as I figured. "

They ate in silence for a while, as Dubal nursed his mug of ale.

Then the dwarf said, 'You wouldn't have run across one of those

Armengar monster hunters coming from the north, have you? " 'Monster
hunter? asked Owyn.

Locklear said, 'Beast Hunter, is what he means. I met one, once. "

He smiled at the memory. They had been travelling with Prince

Arutha away from a band of moredhel, and had run into a Beast

Hunter from Armengar with his Beast Hound. It had been a trap, but it
had saved them from the pursuing moredhel. 'No, I think those that
remain are up in the hills of northern Yabon. Why?." 'Oh, we've got a
Brak Nurr loose in the mine and need someone to hunt it down for us. We
can either rebuild the mine or hunt the thing, but there aren't enough
of us on this side of the mountain to do both. " 'What's a Brak Nurr?
"asked Owyn. 'I've never heard of such a creature. " 'It's more a
nuisance than a menace, "said Dubal. 'It's a pretty stupid creature, but
most of their kind stay in the lower mines and tunnels under the
mountain. It's roughly man-shaped, but looks like a walking pile of
rocks. That's part of its danger, boy, "Dubal said to

Owyn. 'You can't see one until you've stepped on its toes, as often as
not. Theyre slow and lumbering, but they're strong and can crush a man's
skull with a single blow. This one came up because of the rockslide, I
think, but whatever the cause, it's tried to hurt a couple of our lads.
We've chased it off, but can't take the time to hunt it down. If you're
up for a bit of fun, I can take you along and if you rid the mines of
it, I'll be happy to see you rewarded. " Reward? "said Locky. 'That's
always a good word, but time doesn't permit. If circumstances bring us
to the mines any time soon, we'll be glad to help, but for the moment,
we're heading south. "

Dubal stood. 'I understand. Once we get the tunnels finished, we'll go
looking for the beastie. Now, I'm for bed and an early start. It was

good seeing you again, squire, even in such company as this, "he said,
indicating Gorath. 'Good fortune follow you. " 'And you, Dubal. "

Locklear finished eating and rose to approach the innkeeper.

The innkeeper wore a Kingdom-style tunic and trousers, the latter tucked
into high-top calfskin boots. But he wore a fur-lined, woven-wool heavy
cloak, though it was thrown back, as if even in this warm inn it was too
cold for his liking. 'Sir? "asked the innkeeper, his heavy accent making
the word sound odd to Locklear. 'Honours to your house, "said Locklear
in Tsurani.

The man smiled and said something in return. Locklear smiled and
shrugged. 'Sorry, that was all the Tsurani I know. "

The man's smile broadened. 'More than most, "he said. 'You're not from
Lamut, "he observed. 'True. I learned a little of your native tongue at
Sethanon. " 'Ah, "said the innkeeper, nodding in understanding. Few who
were at Sethanon spoke of what had occurred there, mostly because few
understood it. At the height of the battle a great upheaval had driven
both armies, invaders and defenders, fleeing from the city. A green
light from the heavens and the appearance of something in the sky,
followed by the destruction of the centre of the city, had rendered most
men stunned, and a few deaf, after the battle. No one was certain what
had happened, though most conceded a great magic had been unleashed.
Most speculated the magician Pug, a friend of the

Prince, had a hand in it, but no one seemed to know for certain.

Locklear had missed most of the end of the battle, being hidden in a
cellar in the city, but he had heard enough accounts from other
eyewitnesses to have formed a pretty clear picture in his own mind.

And there was a special bond among those who had survived the

Battle of Sethanon, irrespective of their place of birth, for it had
been Tsurani, Kingdom, and even Keshian soldiers, who had driven the
moredhel and their goblin allies back into the Northlands. 'What I
said,'explained the innkeeper, 'was "Honour to your houses, and be
welcome to the Blue Wheel Inn"." 'Blue Wheel? That's one of your Tsurani
political parties, isn't it? "

The innkeeper's broad face split into a smile, revealing even white
teeth. His dark eyes seemed to glint in the lanternlight. 'You do

knoxv of us!"He extended his hand, Kingdom fashion, and said, 'I am
Sumani. If there is anything that my servants or I may do, you need only
ask. "

Locklear shook the innkeeper's hand and said, 'A room for the night
after we finish our meal would serve. We have business in the castle
tomorrow at dawn. "

The stocky ex-fighter nodded. 'You're in luck, my friend. Last night I
would have had to express my regrets and endure the shame of being
unable to ffilfil your request. We were full, but this morning a large
party departed and we have rooms. "He reached under the bar and produced
a heavy iron key. 'On my home world this would have been worth a man's
life; here it is but a tool. "

Locklear nodded, understanding the scarcity of metals on Kelewan.

He took the key. 'Large partyy 'Yes, "said Sumani. 'Foreigners. Quegans,
I believe. Their speech was strange -to my ear. "

Locklear looked around the obviously prosperous inn. 'How did a

Tsurani soldier end up running an inn in Lamut? 'After the war, Earl
Kasumi gave those of us who had been trapped on this side of the rift
the opportunity to live as Kingdom citizens.

When the rift was reopened, he gave those of us here in Lamut the choice
of leaving service and returning to the Shinzawai estates on

Kelewan. Most stayed, though some left service and returned to serve
again with Kasumi's father, Lord Kamatsu. A few of us, however, retired
here in Lamut. I had no living family back home. "He glanced around.
'And to tell the truth, I live better here than I would have back home.
There, I might have become a farmer, or a labourer on the

Shinzawai estates. "He pointed through the open door to the kitchen to
where a tall, stout woman was hard at work preparing food. 'Here,

I have a Kingdom wife. We have two children. Life is good. And I am part
of the citys militia, so I still train with my sword. The gods of both
worlds smile on me and I prosper. I find business to be as challenging
as warfare. "

Locklear smiled. 'I have no head for business, though I have been told
it often is like warfare. What gossip?

The old former fighter said, 'Much. Many travellers in Lamut over the
last month. Much speculation. A large party of Great

Ones came through here last week. And it is rumoured some

brigands from my home world, grey warriors, have also been seen near the
city. " 'Grey warriors?'asked Locklear. 'Houseless men? What would they
be doing here in Lamut? "

Sumani shrugged. 'It may be those without honour have heard that here a
man may rise by his own wits and talents, and not be bound by his rank
at birth. Or it may be they are seeking riches in this land.

With a grey warrior, who can say? "A frown crossed Sumani's face. 'What?
"asked Locklear.

Just this one thing: the rift is controlled by those who serve the

Great Ones on Kelewan, and Kingdom soldiers guard the gate on this side.
To pass through, these grey warriors would have to have documents, or
allies among those guarding the rift gate. " 'Bribes? "asked Locklear.
'Here, perhaps. I've found in the Kingdom the concept of honour is
different than at home. But betrayal from the servants of the Great

Ones? "He shook his head. 'That is impossible. " 'Thanks, "said
Locklear, smelling a puzzle. 'I'll keep my eyes and ears open.

The Tsurani laughed. 'That is a funny thing to say, "he observed. 'Let
me know if I may be of any further service. "

Locklear nodded. He took a lantern from the innkeeper and returned to
the table. Gorath and Owyn rose, and Locklear led his companions up the
stairs to a simple room with four beds.

He motioned for Owyn to help him move one of the beds across the door,
barring it against a sudden attack, then he moved another directly below
the window. 'Owyn,'he said, pointing to the bed under the window, 'you
sleep there. "

Why? "asked the young man from Timons. 'It's draughty under there. "

Gorath looked on with a slight turn to his lip, as if amused, as

Locklear answered, 'Because if anyone climbs in through the window,
theyll step on you and your shouts will alert us. "

Grumbling, Owyn wrapped his cloak tightly around himself and lay down.
Locklear indicated one of the beds to Gorath, who lay upon it without
comment. Locklear sat on his bed and blew out the flame in the lantern,
plunging the room into darkness. Voices from the common room below
carried upstairs, and Locklear let his mind

JA

wander. The presence of foreigners and the attack by the Quegans worried
him, and the rumour of Tsurani grey warriors in the area caused him
additional concern, but fatigue and his injury caused him to quickly
fall asleep.

h

TWO

Deception

T he soldier waved them in. 'You may enter, "he informed Locklear.

Locklear led his companions into the guardroom of the castle.

They had approached the castle on foot, after an earlymorning climb up a
long, winding road from the city. He was doubly glad they had chosen to
spend the night in the city. His ribs still hurt, but after a night's
sleep in a relatively warm bed and two meals, and he was feeling twice
as fit as he had the day before.

The captain of the castle guard looked up as they entered and said,
'Squire Locklear, isn't it? " 'Yes, Captain Belford, "said Locklear,
accepting the captain's hand.

We met when I passed through on my way north a few months back. " 'I
remember, "said the captain with a half-hidden grin. Locklear knew the
captain must have heard the rumour of the reason for his banishment to
the north. 'What can I do for you? " 'I'd like to see the Earl, if he
has the time. " 'I'm sure he'd love to see you again, sir, but the
Earl's not here, " said the seasoned old fighter. 'He's off on some
errand with a troop of men - all Tsurani-bred - leaving me here to take
care of things. " 'The Countess? "asked Locklear, inquiring after
Kasumi's wife. 'Down in the city, actually. Shopping and visiting with
her family. "

Earl Kasumi had married the daughter of one of Lamut's more prosperous
merchants. 'If you need something official, you can wait until one of
them gets back or ask me, squire. As long as you don't need an armed
escort somewhere. "

Locklear grimaced. 'I had been thinking about asking for some men to
accompany us down to Ylith. "

Wish I could oblige, squire, and if you've the Prince's warrant with
you, I'd scrape together a dozen swords for you, but as it is, the
Earl's off training recruits, I've got my usual patrols along the
frontier, and the rest of the lads are out looking for a bunch of
Tsurani renegades. "

Owyn said, 'Renegades? "Locklear had mentioned nothing of the

Tsurani grey warriors to his companions. 'I heard some rumours,'was all
Locklear said.

The captain motioned for the three of them to sit. Owyn was left
standing when Gorath and Locklear took the only two free chairs in the
office. 'I wish it was only rumours, "said Belford. 'You know that

Tsurani magician, Makala? " 'By reputation only, "said Locklear. 'He was
due to arrive in Krondor a few weeks after I departed some months ago.
The other Tsurani

Great Ones spoke of him, but as they weren't the most sociable bunch, I
only gathered a few things about him. He's very influential in their
Assembly of Magicians, is keen to foster trade and what I believe the
Prince is calling "cultural exchanges" between the Empire of Tsuranuanni
and the Kingdom, and he was personally coming for a visit. "

Well, he did that, "said the captain. 'He arrived here a few days ago
and called on the Earl. Every Tsurani of any rank does that, as the
Earl's father is very important on the Tsurani home world. So it's a
duty thing. "The old captain rubbed his beard-stubbled chin with a
gloved hand. 'The Tsurani are very deep into "duty', I have learned in
my time with the Earl. Anyway, they were here for a couple of days,

Makala, some other Black Robes, and honour guards and bearers and the
bunch, and it seems some of the bearers weren't really bearers, but were
some kind of dishonoured warriors from the Empire. " 'Grey warriors,
"said Locklear. 'I heard. "That would explain how the grey warriors got
through the rift, thought Locklear, disguised as bearers. 'That's who my
lads are looking for. Rumour is they fled east.

If they get over the mountains and into the Dimwood, we'll never find
them. "

Why the fass? "asked Owyn. 'Are they slaves or indentured? "

'Squire? "said the captain pointedly. 'He's the son of the Baron of
Tirnons, "explained Locklear.

Well, young sir, "said the captain, 'th-ese men are something like
outlaws on their own world, which by itself isn't enough to have me
chasing after them, but here they stole something of value to this

Makala - a ruby of some rarity, I gather - and he's making enough of a
filss about it that you'd think the go, ds themselves lent it to hini
and he's got to take it back in a week. S(> the Earl, some because he's
polite, and some because he's Tsurani an-d used to jumping whenever one
of those Black Robes barks, he's got us combing the hills looking for
those bastards. "

Locklear smiled at Owyn, as if aski@ng if that was explanation enough.
The captain looked at Gorath, as if expecting him to say something.
Gorath remained silen-t. Locklear didn ) t know if the captain
recognized the moredhel for what he was or thought him an elf, and
didn't see the need to explain things to him. The captain said, 'What
would you need an escort for, if I may make so bold as to ask? "

We've had some problems, "said Locklear. 'Someone's hired

Quegan swords to keep us from reaching Krondor. "

The captain stroked his chin again and remained silent a long moment as
he thought. 'Here's one thing I can do, "he said. 'I've got to run a
patrol out to the border with the Free Cities. I can have you travel
with it until it turns westwar-d, almost half-way between

Lamut and Zfin- That'll get you part of the way in safety. "

Locklear was silent a moment, then s2id, 'I have a better idea. "

Tv'hat? asked Captain Belford. 'If you can pick three men to play our
parts, and ride conspicuously out the south city gate, we'll head east
and slip over the mountain and head south to Krondor along the east
mountain highway, where we won't be expected. " 'A ruse? "asked the
captain. 'One I learned from the Prince, "said Locklear. 'He used it to
good effect in the Riftwar. If you can lead away those looking for us,
long enough for us to reach the far side of the mountains, we should be
safe. " 'I can arrange that. "He glanced at Owyn and Gorath. 'I've got
some men who can pass for you, if we keep the hood up on the one

playing your elf friend, here. "He stood up. 'Let me arrange to have the
evening patrol stop by your lodgings F He looked at them questioningly.
'The Inn of the Blue Wheel. "

Belford smiled. 'Sumani's place. Don't let his smiling countenance fool
you; he's a tough boot. If you get the time, have him show you some of
his fighting tricks. He'll make time for a few coins. His decision not
to stay in service was our loss. "

The captain left and returned a short time later. 'It's taken care of

Head back to the city and let anyone who might be following you see you
return. Lie low in the inn until tonight and I'll have three horses
waiting for you in the inn's stable. "He handed Locklear a piece of
parchment. 'Here's a pass. If one of our lads on the road to the east
stops you, this will set him right. "

Locklear rose. 'Thank you, captain. You've been a great help. If there's
anything I can do for you when you're next in Krondor, please tell me. "

The old captain smiled. Rubbing his chin once more he said, Well, you
could introduce me to that merchant's young wife I hear got you run up
this way in the first place. "

Owyn grinned and Gorath remained impassive as Locklear blushed and
grimaced. 'I'll see what I can do. "They rose and departed the office.

Owyn said, We walk? "

We walk, "said Locklear as they headed for the main gate of the cdsde.
'But at least it's downhill. "

Gorath said, 'That is actually more tiring. "

Locklear swore. 'It was a joke. "

Gorath said, 'Really@' His tone was so dry it took a moment for

Owyn to realize he was twitting Locklear. Owyn kept his own mirth in
check and they started back toward the city.

Locklear slipped through the door into their room. Gorath looked up
without alarm, but Owyn jumped off the bed. Where have

You been? " 'Nosing around. Sitting up here might be smarter, but I've
got this itch to scratch. "

Gorath looked on, but still said nothing.

Owyn said, 'Itch?

Locklear smiled. 'Too many years of keeping the wrong sort of company, I
suppose, but the reports of those grey warriors and the theft of some
sort of rich item dear to a Tsuram Great One had me thinking. If I stole
something on a different world, how would

I dispose of it? " 'Depends on what it is, I guess, "offered Owyn.

Gorath gave a slight nod, but stiff said nothing. 'There would have to
be a local contact, someone who knew where one disposes of something of
value. " 'And you expect to discover this person in the midst of the
throng of this city and use him to trace this band of thieves? "asked
Gorath. 'No, "said Locklear waving away the comment. 'The captain said
the stolen item is a gem, which being from Kelewan isn't a shock.

There isn't much on that world of value that's also easy to transport
that would fetch a high value here. So my thinking is that the best way
to find this missing gem is to learn where it's most likely to end up. "
'A fence? "asked Owyn. 'No, for if as I suspect the value of the ruby is
enough to give a band of desperate men a new start on a strange world,
it would have to be the sort of man who has a legitimate enterprise, one
likely to mask the movement of this itern. " 'You seem to understand
this sort of business better than a noble of your race should, "observed
Gorath. 'I said I kept the wrong sort of company. After buying a few
drinks,

I discovered there's a merchant with less than a stellar reputation who
deals in gems, jewellery, and other luxury items. He's a man named

Kiefer Alescook. "

Who told you this? "asked Owyn. 'Our host, actually, "said Locklear,
motioning it was time for them to depart. They rose and gathered their
gear, and moved out down the stairs to the common room. With a wave
goodbye to Sumani, they moved through the door. Once outside the inn,
Locklear motioned for them to walk around the corner to the stabling
yard next to the inn. They moved inside the door and found three men
waiting for them, each holding two horses.

One said, 'Switch cloaks, quickly!"

Each was of a like height with Locklear and his companions and

the ex, hange was made. If the man playing the part of Gorath had any
notion of whom he was impersonating, he kept such thoughts to himself,
merely handing Gorath a large blue cloak, taking the dark grey one worn
by the moredhel. The others switched cloaks and

Locklear took the reins of one of the horses.

By the time the three impostors were mounted, the sound of hooves on the
stones announced the arrival of the patrol that would head down toward
Ain this evening. From outside the gate of the stabling yard, a sergeant
shouted, We're here to escort you south,

Squire Locklead'

Locklear took his cue and shouted back, We're ready!"He nodded to the
three men impersonating them who rode off and joined the van of the
column. Locklear waited and after a few minutes said, 'Owyn, you ride
out, turn left and head straight out the gate. Ride a mile, then wait.
Gorath and I will be behind you by a few minutes. "

Gorath grunted his approval. 'So should anyone linger, he won't see
three riders. "

Locklear nodded and Owyn said,'Hold this, please.'He handed his
quarterstaff to Locklear, climbed into the saddle, then took the long
oaken pole back. With a deft movement, he slung it over his shoulder,
through his belt, then twisted it, so it hung across his shoulders and
back, not encumbering him or the horse too much.

Gorath easily mounted, though he looked slightly ill at ease. 'Don't
ride much? "asked Locklear as Owyn departed. 'Not really. It's been a
while, thirty or so years. " 'Not a lot of horses in the Northlands? "

Without bitterness, Gorath said, 'Not a lot of anything in the

Northlands. "

Locklear said, J remember. "

Gorath nodded. We bled at Armengar. "

Locklear said, 'Not enough. It didn't keep you from coming through
Highcastle. "

Gorath pointed with his chin. We should go now. "He didn't wait for
Locklear, but put heels to the sides of his horse and rode out.

Locklear hesitated a moment, then followed after. He overtook the dark
elf as he rode easily through the foot traffic of the city. Men hurried
home for evening meals while shops dosed on every side.

Travellers fresh in from the highway hurried toward the inn, eager

to wash away the days trail dust with an ale, and women of the night
began to appear on street corners.

Locklear and Owyn rode out the gate, ignored by the guards, and set
their horses to cantering. A few minutes later they spied Owyn sitting
on the side of the road.

When they reached him, he turned and said, 'Now what? "

Locklear pointed toward a stand of woods a short distance away. 'A cold
camp, unfortunately, but at first light we ride north a few miles.

There's a mine road to the east that leads over the mountains. We'll
take that, then turn south on the other side. With luck we'll avoid
those seeking our friend here and make our way safely to the King's

Highway south of Quester's View. "

Owyn said, 'That means we're going to come out near Loriel, right? "
'Yes, "said Locklear, with a smile. Which means we'll have the chance to
visit one Kiefer Alescook along the way. "

Why involve ourselves in this matter? "asked Gorath. We need to hurry to
Krondor. "

We are, and a few minutes' conversation with Master Alescook may yield
u's a benefit. Should we discover the whereabouts of this missing gem,
we win credit with Prince Arutha, for I am certain he wishes to be a
gracious host to the visiting magicians from

Kelewan. " 'And if we don't? "asked Owyn as they rode toward the woods.
'Then I still have to come up with a compelling reason why I left

Tyr-Sog without his leave and returned with only this moredhel and an
unlikely story. "

Owyn sighed aloud. Well, you think of one to tell my father when

I get back home and I'll try to come up with something to tell the

Prince. "

Gorath chuckled at this.

Owyn and Locklear exchanged glances. Locklear shook his head in the
evening gloom. He had never considered the dark elves might have a sense
of humour.

The wind was cold in the passes, for as winter was coming, in the
elevations above them snow already clung tenaciously to the rocks and
ice lurked in depressions in the road, making the footing dangerous.

They rode slowly, Locklear and Owyn both with their cloaks pulled
tightly around them. Gorath kept his hood up, but rode without apparent
discomfort. 'How much longer? "asked Owyn, his teeth chattering. 'A
half-hour less than the last time you asked, "said Locklear.
'Squire,'said Owyn. 'I'm freezing. "

Locklear said, 'Really. How unusual. "

Gorath held up his hand. 'Quiet, "he said softly, with just enough
authority and volume to carry to his companions, but no farther. He
pointed up ahead. 'In the rocks, "he whispered.

Whatfasked Locklear in hushed tones.

Gorath only pointed. He held up four fingers. 'Maybe theyre bandits,
"whispered Owyn. 'Theyre speaking my tongue, "said Gorath.

Locklear sighed. 'Theyre covering all the roads, then. " 'How do we
proceed? "asked Owyn.

Pulling his sword, Gorath said, We kill them.'He spurred his horse
forward, with Locklear hesitating only an instant before following.

Owyn reached up and quickly pulled out his staff, tucking it under his
arm like a lance, then urging his horse forward. He heard a shout as he
rounded a turn in the trail and entered a widening in the road where one
dark elf lay dying in the road as Gorath sped past him.

The other three were not so quickly taken, but rather hurried up into
higher rocks where the horses couldn't follow. Locklear didn't hesitate
and in a move that startled Owyn, the squire jumped up on his saddle and
leaped off the running horse's back, knocking a moredhel from the rock
he was climbing.

On his right Owyn saw another one turn, rapidly stringing his bow, then
reaching in a hip quiver for an arrow. Owyn urged his horse forward, and
swept his staff, striking the bowman below the knee.

The bowman went down, his feet shooting out from under him, and struck
the rocks with the back of his head.

Owyn's mount shied from the sudden motion near his head and suddenly
Owyn found himself falling backwards. 'Ahhhh!"he cried, and then he
struck something softer than the rocks. A stunned 'oof accompanied the
impact, and a groan told him he had landed atop the already injured dark
elf.

As if scorched by the touch of a flame, Owyn turned over and sat up,
scrambling backward. Suddenly he was struck from behind by his horse as
the animal turned and sped down the trail. 'Hey!"Owyn shouted, as if he
could order the animal to stop.

He then realized there was a struggle going on, and the twice-struck
moredhel was attempting to rise. Owyn looked around for a weapon and saw
the fallen archer's bow. Owyn grabbed it, and using it like a club,
struck the moredhel in the head with as much strength as he could
muster. The bow shattered and the warrior's head snapped back. Owyn was
certain he wouldn't rise again.

The young magician turned to see Locklear standing away from a now dead
dark elf, while Gorath likewise stood over a fallen foe. The moredhel
turned and looked in all directions, as if seeking another foe.

After a moment, he put up his sword and said, 'They are alone. " 'How
can you tell? "asked Locklear. 'These are my people, "said Gorath
without apparent bitterness. 'It is unusual for even this many to travel
together this far south of our lands. "He motioned toward a small fire.
'They didn't expect to encounter us. " 'Then what were they doing here?
"asked Locklear.

Waiting for someone? "

Whof asked Owyn.

Gorath looked around in the late-afternoon light as if seeing something
in the distant peaks, or through the rocks on either side of the trail.
'I don't know. But they were waiting here. "

Locklear said, Where is your horse, Owyn? "

Owyn looked over his shoulder and said, 'Back down there somewhere I
fell off. "

Gorath smiled. 'I saw you land on that one over there.'He indicated the
body.

Locklear said, 'Hurry back down the trail and see if you can find him.
If he's heading back toward Lamut, we'll have to ride in rotation.

I don't want to be slowed any more than necessary. "

As Owyn ran off, Gorath said, 'Why don't you leave him behind?

Locklear studied the moredhers expression as if trying to read him, then
at last he said, 'It's not our way. "

Gorath laughed mockingly. 'My experience with your kind tells me
otherwise. "

t,ocklear said, 'Then it's not my way. "

Gorath shrugged. 'I can accept that.'He set to examining the corpse at
Locklear's feet and after a moment said, 'This is interesting. "He held
out an object for Locklear's examination. vwhat is this? "asked
Locklear, looking at a multi-faceted stone of an odd blue hue. 'A snow
sapphire. " 'Sapphire!"said Locklear. 'It's as big as an egg!" 'It's not
a particularly valuable stone, "said Gorath. 'They are common north of
the Teeth of the World. " 'So it's, what? A keepsake? 'Perhaps, but when
a war party leaves our homeland, we travel light. Weapons, rations,
extra bowstrings, and little else. We easily live by forage. " 'Maybe
this isn't a war party, "suggested Locklear. 'Maybe they live around
here?

Gorath shook his head. 'The last of my people south of the Teeth of the
World lived in the Grey Towers and they fled to the Northlands with the
coming of the Tsurani. None of my race has lived this near the Bitter
Sea since before the Kingdom came to these mountains.

No, while not of my clan, these are from the Northlands. "He put the gem
in his belt pouch and continued to examine the bodies.

Time passed and finally Owyn put in an appearance, leading his horse.
'Damn all horses, "he swore. 'He made me chase him until he got bored. "

Locklear smiled. 'Next time, don't fall off 'I didn't plan on it this
time, "said Owyn.

Gorath said, We need to hide these. "He pointed to the four dead
moredhel. He picked up one and carried it a short way down the trail
then unceremoniously threw the corpse over the side of a ravine.

Owyn looked at Locklear, and the young magician tied his horse's reins
to a nearby bush. He picked up the feet of the nearest corpse while
Locklear lifted the creature under the shoulders.

Soon all four bodies were consigned to the ravine hundreds of feet
below. Locklear mounted as did Gorath and Owyn. Leaving for the time
being the mystery of why these moredhel were waiting at this lonely spot
on a rarely used trail, they rode on.

Loriel appeared before them, a small city - really a large town -
nestled into the large valley which ran eastward. Another valley
intersected from the south.

Gorath said, We need food. " 'A fact of which my stomach is well aware,
"answered Locklear.

Owyn said, 'Not that I'm in a hurry to face my father, but this is
turning into a roundabout journey, squire. "

Locklear pointed to the southern valley. 'There's a road through there
that's a very straight course to Hawles Hollow. From there we have our
choice of routes, south along a narrow ridge trail, or southwest back to
the King's Highway. "

Gorath said, 'And then to Krondor? " 'And then to Krondor, "agreed
Locklear. 'Something in all this is making what my friend Jimmy calls
his "bump of trouble" itch like

I've been attacked there by fleas. " 'Gorath, this stolen ruby, the
Tsurani magicians, all of it is somehow ... more than coincidence. "
'How? "asked Owyn. 'If I knew, "said Locklear, 'we wouldn't be stopping
off to visit Mr.

Alescook. He may know something or know someone who knows what it's
about, but the more I think on this mystery, the more it bothers me that
I don't know what's behind all this. 'But we're going to find out or die
trying. "

Owyn didn't look happy at the second choice, but said nothing.

Gorath just looked out over the town as they rode down towards a small
guard post that sat beside the trail.

A town constable of advancing years and considerable girth held up his
hand and said, 'Halt!"

The three reined in and Locklear inquired, 'N'at is it? "

We've had a rash of renegades around here, lately, m'lad, so state your
business. "

We're travelling south and stopping for provisions, "said Locklear

'And who might you be, to be riding down out of the mountains?

Locklear produced the paper given him by Captain Belford and said, 'This
should explain as much as you need to know, constable. "

The man took the document and squinted at it. Locklear realized he
couldn't read, but he made a show of studying it. Finally, convinced

by the large embossment at the bottom, the constable handed back the
paper and said, 'You may pass, sir. Just be wary if you're out after
dark' cwhy? asked Locklear. 'As I said, sir, lots of ruffians and
bandits passing by lately, and not too few of those murderous Brothers
of the Dark Path. Look a bit like your elf friend there, but with long
black nails and red eyes which shine in the night. "

Locklear could barely hold back his amusement as he said, We'll be wary,
constable. "

They rode past and Gorath said, 'That one has never seen one of iny
people in his life. " 'So I gathered, "observed Locklear, 'though I must
pay more attention to your eyes at night. I may have missed the red
glow. "

Owyn chuckled and they found themselves an inn. It was dirty, crowded
and dark, which suited Locklear fine as he was low on funds.

He had thought about asking Captain Belford for a loan, but decided the
captain's only response would have been, 'wait for Earl Kasumi, " and
while Locklear didn't mind taking a circuitous route to get to

Krondor to avoid ambushes, he was anxious to put the mystery of what was
occurring in the Northlands before Arutha.

There were no rooms available, a situation that surprised Locklear, but
the innkeeper gave them leave to sleep in the commons. Owyn grumbled at
the need, but Gorath kept his thoughts to himself.

So far no one had objected to the moredhel's presence along the way,
either because they didn't recognize him for what he was, mistaking him
for an elf, or because a moredhel with renegade humans in these
mountains was not all that unusual a sight. Whatever the cause, Locklear
was grateful he didn't need to deal with curious onlookers.

They ate at a crowded table, and after the meal listened to an
indifferent troubadour. There were some games of chance and

Locklear itched to try his hand at some cards, either pashawa or pokir.
He resisted the impulse, as he could ill afford to lose, and one lesson
taught him by his father and older brothers was don't gamble what you
can't afford to lose.

As the inn settled down and those sleeping in the commons began to claim
corners and places under tables, Locklear approached the

barkeep, a heavy-set man with a black beard. 'Sir? "he asked as

Locklear moved between two other men to stand before him. 'Fell me,
friend,'began Locklear. 'Is there a merchant in this town who deals in
gems? "

The barkeep nodded. 'Three doors down on the right. Name's

Alescook. " 'Good, "said Locklear. 'I need to purchase a gift for a
lady. "

The barkeep grinned. 'I understand, sir. Now, one word: caution. " 'I
don't understand, "said Locklear. 'I'm not saying Kiefer Alescook can't
be trusted, but let's just say the source of some of his merchandise is
a bit dodgy. " 'Ah, "said Locklear, nodding as if now he understood.
'Thanks. I'll bear that in mind. "

Locklear returned to the table and said, 'I've found our man. He's
nearby and we'll see him first thing in the morning. " 'Good, "said
Gorath. 'I tire of your company. "

Locklear laughed. 'You're not exactly an ale and fair song yourself,

Gorath. "

Owyn said, Well, whatever. I'm tired and if we're to sleep on the floor,
I don't want to get too far from the fire. "

Locklear realized that men were now bedding down for the night and
replied, 'Over there. "

They moved to the indicated spot and unrolled their bedding. After a few
minutes of listening to the sounds of hushed conversation from those few
men still at the tables or the door opening and closing as men left to
return to their homes, Locklear fell into a deep sleep.

The merchant looked up as the three men entered the room. He was an old
man, looking frail to the point of infirmity. He regarded the three with
rheumy eyes. He studied Gorath for a moment, then said, 'If you've come
for gold, I sent it north with one of your kind two days ago. "

Gorath said, 'I did not come for gold. "

Locklear said, We came looking for information. "

The merchant fell silent. After a moment, he said, 'Information?

Find a rumour-monger. I deal in gems and other fine iterns. " 'And from
what we hear, you're not too particular as to the source of those items.
"

'Are you suggesting I deal in stolen property? "demanded the old nian,
his voice rising.

Locklear held up his hand. 'I suggest nothing, but I am seeking a
particular stone. "

What? 'A ruby, unusual in size and character. I seek to return it to its
rightful owner, no questions asked. If you came by it, no fault will be
placed at your feet, @f you help us recover it. If you don't, then

I suggest you may receive a visit from a royal magistrate and some very
disapproving guardsmen from the garrison at Tyr-Sog. "

The old man's expression turned calculating. His balding pate shone in
the light of a single lantern that hung overhead. With feigned
indifference he said, 'I have nothing to hide. But I may be able to help
you. "

What do you know? "asked Locklear. 'Lately, my business has been brisk,
but it's an unusual sort of trade, and I've been in this business for
fifty years, lad. 'Recently, I've been handling transactions for parties
I have not met, through agents and couriers. Most unusual, but
profitable. Gems of high quality, many of them very rare, even
remarkable, have passed through my hands. " 'Tsurani gems? "asked
Locklear. 'Precisely!'said the old man. 'Yes, similar enough to our own
rubies, sapphires, emeralds and the like to be recognized as such, but
with slight variations only an expert might notice. And also, other gems
unlike any found on this world. " 'Whom do you represent? asked
Locklear. 'No one known to me, "said the old man. 'At irregular
intervals of late, dark elves like your companion have come here, and
they drop off gems. Later a man comes from the south and brings me gold.
I take a commission and wait for the dark elves to return and take the
gold. "

Gorath turned to Locklear. 'Delekhan. He's using the gold to arm our
people. "

Locklear held his hand up, requesting silence. We'll talk later. "To the
old man he said, Who buys the gems? " 'I don't know, but the man who
receives them is known as Isaac. lie lives down in Hawles Hollow. "

'Have you seen this Isaac? "asked Locklear. 'Many times. He's a young
man, about your height. Light brown hair he wears long to his shoulders.
" 'Does he speak like an Easterner? " 'Yes, now that you mention it.
He sounds court bred at times. "

Locklear said, 'Thank you. I will mention your aid should any official
investigation come of this. " 'I am always eager to help the
authorities. I run a lawful enterprise ' 'Good. "Locklear motioned
toward Gorath's purse and said, 'Sell him the stone. "

Gorath took out the snow sapphire he had taken from the dead moredhel
and put it down before Alescook.

The merchant picked it up and examined it. 'Ah, a nice one. I have a
buyer for these down south. I'll give you a golden sovereign for it. "
'Five, "said Locklear. 'These are not that rare, "said Alescook, tossing
it back to Gorath, who started to put it away. 'But, on the other hand
two sovereigns. " 'Four, "said Locklear. 'Three, and that's done with
it. "

They took the gold, enough for a meal along the way, left and went
outside. To his companions Locklear said, We're passing through

Hawles Hollow on our way to Krondor, so our next choice is easy. We find
Isaac. "

As he mounted his horse, Gorath said, 'This Isaac is known to you,then?
"

Locklear said, 'Yes. He's the second biggest rogue I've known in my
life. A fine companion for drinking and brawling. If he's caught up in
something dodgy, it wouldn't surprise me. "

They turned their horses southward and left the large, rolling valley of
Loriel, entering the narrow river valley leading southward.

Locklear had been able to purchase a little food at the inn, but the
lack of funds was starting to worry him. He knew they could hunt, but
his sense of something dark approaching was growing by the day.

A renegade moredhel chieftain bringing warning of possible invasiony
money moving to the north to buy weapons from weapons runners,

and somehow the Tsurani were involved. Any way he looked at this, it was
a bad situation.

Unable to put aside his foreboding, he kept his thoughts to himself

Gorath held up his hand and pointed. Softly he said, 'Something there.
'I don't see anything, "said Owyn. 'If you did, I would not need to warn
you, "suggested the dark elf cvvhat do you see? "asked Locklear. 'An
ambush. See those trees. Some lower branches have been hacked off, but
not by a woodsman's axe or saw. " 'Owyn, "Locklear asked, 'can you still
do that blinding trick? " 'Yes, "said Owyn, 'if I can see the man I'm
trying to blind. "

Well, as we're sitting here, pointing at them, I expect in a moment
whoever's behind that brush is going to figure out we've spotted their
ambush -'

Locklear was interrupted by six figures rushing forward from the brush
on foot. 'Moredheff shouted Locklear as he charged.

He felt the sizzling energy speed past him as Owyn sought to blind an
advancing dark elf. The spell took effect, for the creature faltered,
reaching up to his eyes in alarm.

Locklear leaned over the neck of his horse as an arrow flew past him.
'Get the bowman, "he shouted to Owyn.

Gorath shouted a war cry and rode down one attacker while slashing at a
second. Locklear engaged a dark elf who seemed indifferent to facing a
mounted opponent, and Locklear knew from bitter experience how deadly
the moredhel could be. While rarely mounted themselves, they had faced
human cavalry for hundreds of years and were adept at pulling riders
from horseback. Knowing their tactics, Locklear spurred his mount
suddenly, turning it hard to the left. This knocked back the attacker he
faced and revealed the one poised to leap and drag him down. Locklear
slashed out with his sword, taking the creature in the throat, above his
metal breastplate. Locklear kept his horse circling, so he quickly faced
his first attacker.

The sizzling sensation told him Owyn was once more blinding an

opponent, and Locklear hoped it was the bowman. The moredhel who had
fallen back as the horse spun pressed forward with a vicious slash at
Locklear's leg.

He barely got his sword down in time and felt the shock run up through
his arm. His stiff ribs hindered his parry and the flat of his own blade
slammed into his horse's side, causing the animal to shy.

Locklear used his left leg and moved the animal back into a straight
line, twisting his body to keep his eyes upon his foe. His ribs hurt
frorn the effort, but he stayed alive as the moredhel swung at him
again. He knocked that blow aside and delivered a weak counter which
slapped his opponent in the face, irritating him more than doing any
real damage.

But the blow did slow the moredhel's advance, and Locklear got his horse
turned to face his foe. Locklear remembered something his father had
drilled into him and his brothers; a soldier who has a weapon and
doesn't use it is either an idiot or dead.

His horse was a weapon, and Locklear put his legs hard against his
horse's flanks and tugged hard on the reins with his off hand.

The horse picked up a canter, and to the moredhel it was as if the horse
suddenly leaped at him.

The warrior was a veteran and dodged to one side, but Locklear reined
his horse in, turning hard to the left. To the moredhel, it looked as if
Locklear was turning away, and the creature pressed forward,

Locklear kept the horse turning in a tight circle, and suddenly the
moredhel realized his error as the young squire completed his circle
with a slashing downward blow. This was no irritating tap, but a
powerful blow which smashed bone as it cut into the side of the
moredhel's skull.

Locklear glanced toward Gorath and saw him beset by two foes, then
looked back to Owyn, and saw that he was on foot a hundred yards away
and holding a swordsman at bay with his staff. Hoping the bowman was
still blinded by Owyn's magic, Locklear rode to Dwyn)s rescue.

He kicked hard at his horse's flanks and the animal leaped forward so
that he was approaching at a gallop when the moredhel heard him coming.
The dark elf turned to look at his second opponent, giving Owyn the
opening to strike with the butt of

4A

his staff. He broke the creature's jaw and sent him slumping to the
ground.

Locklear reined his horse in so suddenly the animal planted his hooves
and almost sat. Spinning the horse around, Locklear waved to Owyn,
shouting, 'Keep the bowman off us!"

As if the Goddess of Luck had turned a deaf ear to him, Locklear was
lifted out of the saddle by an arrow. He struck the ground hard, barely
avoiding broken bones by rolling. The arrow in his left shoulder snapped
and the pain caused his vision to swim and took his breath away.

For the briefest instant, Locklear fought to keep conscious, then he
felt his eyes focus and he willed away the pain in his shoulder. A
strangled cry behind him made him turn. Over him reared a moredhel,
sword raised to strike. Suddenly Gorath was behind the moredhel, and he
plunged his sword into the moredhel's back.

Owyn ran past, wheeling his staff above his head. Locklear looked up as
his would-be killer fell to his knees, then keeled over. Gorath turned
before Locklear could speak and ran after Owyn.

Locklear rose slowly on wobbly legs as he saw Owyn rush forward and
strike a moredhel bowman who was vainly rubbing his eyes as if trying to
clear them. The bowman was clubbed to his knees, and died a moment later
as Gorath delivered the killing blow.

Gorath spun around in a circle once, as if seeking another enemy, but
Locklear saw the six were dead. Gorath stood with his sword in hand,
frustration on his face, then he shouted in rage. 'Delekhan!"

Locklear stumbled to the dark elf and said, 'What? " 'They knew we were
coming!"said Gorath.

Owyn said, 'Somehow they got word south? "

Gorath put up his sword. 'Nago. " 'What? "asked Locklear. 'Not what,
who, "said Gorath. 'Nago. He's one of Delekhan's sorcerers. He and his
brother Narab served the murderer. They are powerful chieftains in their
own right, but right now they're doing

Delekhan's bidding. Without their help, Delekhan never would have risen
to power and overthrown the chieftains of the other clans.

Without their help, these -' his hand swept in a circle, indicating the
dead moredhel '- would not be here waiting. "He knelt next to one of the
dead and said, 'This was my cousin, my kinsman. "

He pointed to another one. 'That one is from a clan that has be sworn
enemy to mine for generations. That they are both serving this monster
hints at his power. "

Locklear indicated his shoulder and sank to the ground. ONNYN examined
it and explained, 'I can get the arrowhead out, but it,s going to hurt.
"

Locklear said, 'It already hurts. Get on with it. "

While Owyn ministered to Locklear, Gorath said,'Nago and Narab both have
the power of mind speech. Especially with one another,

Those we killed on the road to your town of Loriel, or another who spied
us, must have passed word to one of the brothers. He in turn alerted
these as to our whereabouts. "

Locklear said, 'So the chances are good that before they died, one of
these also let Nago know we are here? " 'Almost certainly. "

Wonderful, "said Locklear through gritted teeth as Owyn used his dagger
to cut out the arrowhead. His eyes teared and his vision swam again for
a moment, but by breathing slowly and deeply he kept conscious.

Owyn,dusted the wound with a pack of herbs from his belt pouch then
placed a cloth over it. 'Hold this here; press hard, "he instructed,

He went to the nearest body and robbed it of a strip of cloth, cut -away
with his dagger, then returned to bind it tightly around Locklear's
shoulder. 'Between that wound to your ribs and this shoulder, your left
arm is close to useless, squire. " 'Just what I wanted to hear, "said
Locklear as he tried to move his left arm and found Owyn's observation
correct. He could move it scant inches before pain made him stop the
attempt. 'Horses? " 'They've run off, "said Owyn.

Wonderu, "said Locklear. 'I was knocked out of the saddle, what's your
excuse@' fie demanded of the other two.

Gorath said, 'Fighting on the back of the beast was too awkward. "

Owyn said, 'I can't cast a spell from the saddle. Sorry. "

Locklear stood. 'So we walk. " 'How far is it to Hawws Hollow? "asked
Owyn. 'Too far, "said Locklear. 'If they're waiting for us, much too
far. "

THREE

Revelation

T he sentry blinked in surprise.

One moment the approach to the town was empty, the next three figures
were standing before him. 'What? "he exclaimed, bringing his old spear
to something resembling a stance of readiness. 'Easy, friend, "said
Locklear. He leaned upon Owyn's shoulder and looked as if he was close
to death. They had encountered three more ambushes between the one where
their horses had fled and Hawws Hollow. They had managed to avoid the
first two, sneaking around human bandits. The last had been a squad of
six moredhel who had been too alert. The fight had been bloody and
costly. Gorath was wounded, a nasty cut to his left shoulder that

Owyn had barely been able to staunch. Locklear had been injured again,
nearly dying if not for Owyn's intervention, and the young magician
himself was sporting a half-dozen minor wounds. 'Who are you? asked the
confused sentry. He was obviously a farmer or worker from town, part of
the citys militia Locklear guessed. 'Locklear, squire of the Prince's
court in Krondor, and these two are my companions. " 'You look like
brigands, to me, "replied the guardsman.

We have proof, "said Locklear, 'but first I'd like to find someone who
can help us before we bleed to death. " 'Brother Malcolm of the Temple
of Silban is in town, down at

Logan's Tavern. He comes through here every six months or so.

He'll help you out. " 'Where is Logan's? "asked Owyn as Locklear seemed
about to lapse into unconsciousness.

'Just down the street. Can't miss it. Sign out front of a dwarf. "

They made their way to the indicated establishment, which showed a faded
sign of a comically drawn dwarf, obviously once painted with vivid
colours.

They went inside and found several townspeople sitting by, waiting for a
priest in the robes of the Order of Silban who was in the corner
ministering to a sick child. A couple of local workers were waiting, one
with a bandaged hand, the other looking pale and weak.

The priest looked up as he finished with the boy, who leaped down from
his mother's lap without prompting and raced for the door. The priest
looked at Locklear and said, 'Are you dying? " 'Not quite, "answered the
squire. 'Good, because these fellows were here first and I'll only make
them wait if you're near death. "

Mustering as much dry wit as he could under the circumstances,

Locklear replied, 'I'll try to let you know when I'm about to die. "

Gorath's patience vanished. He moved to confront the priest and said,
'You will see my companion now. These others can wait. "

The glowering dark elf towered over the small priest and his expression
and voice left no room for argument this side of violence.

The priest looked once more at Locklear and said, 'Very well, if you
think it urgent. Bring him over to this table. "

They half-carried Locklear to the table and laid him out on it. The
priest said, Who bandaged this? " 'I did, "said Owyn. 'You did well
enough, "said the priest. 'He's alive, so that counts for much. "

After Locklear's tunic and the bandages were removed, the priest said,
'Silban preserve us! You've got three wounds fit to fell a bigger man.
"He sprinkled a powder on the wounds, which brought a gasp of pain from
Locklear, then the priest began a chant and closed his eyes.

Owyn felt power manifest in the room and the hairs on the back of his
neck stood up. He had only been exposed to a little clerical magic in
his life and it always seemed odd and exotic to him.

A faint glow from the priest's hands threw illumination over

Locklear's wounds and as Brother Malcolm droned his chant, Owyn

could see the wounds begin to heal. They were still visible, but no
longer fresh and angry. When the priest stopped, they looked old, past
the danger stage. The priest was pale from the exertion when lie
stopped. He said, 'That's all I can do now. Sleep and food will do the
rest. "Looking at Owyn and Gorath, he asked, 'Do you have wounds, as
well? "

We do, "said Gorath. 'But we can wait until you tend to those two. "He
pointed to the two locals waiting for treatment.

Malcolm nodded. 'Good.'As he moved past Gorath, he said, 'Your inanners
may be in question, moredhel, but your instincts serve you well. He
might have bled to death had we waited another hour. "

Gorath remained silent in the face of being recognized for what he was.
He moved to sit next to Owyn and wait.

When the two farmers, one with a smashed finger courtesy of a
badly-aimed hammer and the other with a bad case of fever, were
finished, Malcolm turned to Gorath and Owyn. 'Who's next?

Gorath indicated Owyn and the magician went to sit before the priest. He
watched with interest as the priest quickly treated and bound his
wounds. They spoke little, for Owyn was almost out on his feet.

When Gorath replaced him before the priest, the dark elf said, 'You
recognize my race, yet you do not call for the town guard. Why? "

The priest shrugged as he examined Gorath's wounds. 'You travel with men
who do not look like renegades to me. You are not here killing and
burning, so I assume your mission a peaceful one. "

Why do you assume I have a mission? "asked Gorath.

Why else would you travel in the human world? "Malcolm asked
rhetorically. 'I have never known the moredhel to travel for pleasure '

Gorath grunted, forgoing comment.

Malcolm was quickly done and said, 'You should have come second; this
wound was more severe than your friend's. But you'll live. "He washed
his hands and dried them with a towel. 'It is my mission to aid and
serve, but it is custom that those served donate. "

Gorath indicated Locklear, who was now sitting upright at the table upon
which he had lain. Locklear said, 'Brother, I fear I may only give you a
scant token of our debt, but should you come to Krondor any time soon,
visit me and I will repay you tenfold. "

Locklear dug into his purse and judged how much he would need for a room
that night, and other costs, then drew out a golden sovereign and two
silver royals. 'It is all we can spare. Y 'It will do, "said the priest.
'In Krondor, where might I find you? " 'At the palace. I am one of the
Prince's men. I am Squire

Locklear. " 'Then I shall call upon you when next I'm in Krondor, young
squire, and you can settle accounts with me then. "Glancing at
Locklear's freshly-bound wounds, he said, 'Go easy on those cuts for
another day. By tomorrow you'll feel better. If you avoid being stabbed
again any time soon, you'll feel like your old self by weeles end. Now,
I must go rest. This is more healing in one afternoon than I usually
experience in a week. "

The priest left and Locklear slowly rose to cross to the bar and found
the innkeeper cleaning up. The portly man said, Welcome to

The Dusty Dwarf, my friends. What may I do for you? " 'Food and a room,
"said Locklear.

They returned to a table and the innkeeper followed soon after, putting
down a large platter of cold meats, breads baked earlier that morning,
cheese and fruits. 'I've got some hot food cooking for later this
evening, but this early in the day, cold fare is all I have. "

Owyn and Gorath were already stuffing food into their mouths as

Locklear was saying, 'That will be fine. Some ale, please. " 'Right
away. "

The man was back with the ale in a moment, and Owyn asked, 'Sir, what is
the story behind the name of this place? " 'The Dusty Dwarf? "said the
man.

Yes. "

Well, truth to tell, it's not much of a story. Man named Struble owned
this place. Called it The Merry Dwarf. Don't know why.

But it had a bright sign. He never had the sign repainted in all the
years he owned the place, so by the time I bought it from him, the sign
was badly faded. All the locals called it The Dusty Dwarf by then, so I
just went along. Saves me the cost of getting the sign painted, too. "

Owyn smiled at the story, as the barkeep hurried off to meet the demands
of another customer. Locklear looked nearly asleep as he said,'AJ1
right. We have two choices. We can take the main road down

to Questor's View, or the back way through Eggly and Tannerus and lose a
few days. "

Owyn said, 'I'm only guessing, but from what Gorath has said, this

Nago or Narab is keeping in contact with their agents by mind speech.
z@s I said before, I know only a little about this speech, but what I do
know is it can be very taxing. The magician Pug's daughter is known to
be among the most gifted in the world at this and can speak across vast
distances, but she is rare, even unique. For lesser magicians, it
requires much rest. "

Gorath looked on impassively, but Locklear said, 'Come to the point, if
you don't mind. I'm having trouble staying awake. " 'The point is
whoever this magician is, he's lying low in one place, probably guarded,
and probably has one or two key agents in a given area. The rest of his
orders are being run by messengers, I'm thinking.

So they know where we've been, and may have even guessed where we are
today, but they don't know which way we'll be going. "

Locklear said, 'Fine, but what does that mean about our choice of route?

Gorath said, 'It means he must spread his men equally between the two
routes, so the best solution is to take the route where we will be best
able to defend ourselves or travel with a larger band, such as a trading
caravan. "

Locklear motioned to the innkeeper, who came and gave him a key,
indicating the room at the top of the stairs. As they mounted the
stairs, Locklear observed, 'If we were trying to come back from

Kesh, a caravan might be a good cover, but as the King's Highway is
usually well patrolled, most traders feel comfortable travelling with a
few mercenary guards or none at all. Most commerce along the coast is by
ship. "

As they reached the room, Owyn said, 'Could we make for

Quiestor's View and hire a ship?

With what? "asked Locklear. 'Captain Belford's letter of introduction
isn't exactly the King's writ. If a fleet ship is at anchor, I know I
could talk our way aboard and get it bound for Krondor, but I'm not
anxious to sit around waiting for one to show up. I'm not anxious for
anything but a good night's sleep, finding Isaac and getting this riddle
of a special ruby solved, and then figuring out how to get to

Krondor as fast as we can. "

Owyn said, 'I can't argue about that night's sleep. "

Gorath said nothing.

An hour after dawn they left the inn and Locklear felt remarkably
recovered. Where searing agony had accompanied his every movement the
day before, he now only felt slightly stiff and weak.

He indicated a journey toward the north end of the town as he said, 'If
I know Isaac, he's probably staying at the house of his cousin, a
certain young gentleman named Austin Delacroix. " 'From Bas-Tyra? "asked
Owyn as they started up the busy street.

Windows were opening as vendors put out their wares for display, or
housewives opened up their homes to the morning air and sun.
'Originally,'said Locklear. 'A family of marginal nobility, descended
from a one time hero of some forgotten war when Bas-Tyra was a
city-state; their house rank is all based upon that. " 'Your human
issues of rank and status are ... difficult to understand ' observed
Gorath.

Why? "asked Owyn. 'Don't you have chieftains? "

We do, "said Gorath. 'But it is a rank earned by deeds, not one
conferred, by birth. Delekhan rose by betrayal and bloodshed, yet he was
sheltered by his early service to Murmandamus and Murad. "He almost spat
the last two names. 'If his son Moraeulf gains his ambition to inherit
from his father, it will be over the bodies of many such as 1. In better
times, he would be a valued sword against our people's enemy, but these
are not better times. " 'This is the house, I think, "said Locklear,
pointing to a onceprosperous dwelling fallen on hard times. The house,
like those on either side, was a small but well-built structure of wood
and stone, with a sturdy door and shuttered windows. But while the
others were dean and recently painted, this was faded and dirty.

Locklear knocked loudly and after a few minutes a sleepy voice from the
other side of the door said, What? " 'Isaac? "shouted Locklear, and the
door opened.

A young man with light brown hair stuck his head out the door and said,
'Locky? "The door opened wide and the young man bid them enter. He wore
only a rumpled tunic and trousers, obviously having slept in them. 'I
was just getting up, "he said. 'Right, "said Locklear, as if humouring
him.

The room was dark, with the shutters and sashes still closed, and the
air was stale. Old food odours and sweat mixed with the sour aroma of
spilled ale. The furniture was simple, one wooden table with four
chairs, a single shelf behind the table, and another small table upon
which a lamp rested. Stairs led to a sleeping loft above. A faded
tapestry, once residing in surroundings far finer than those in which
they hung now, was the sole item of any note. It hung behind Isaac,
framing him with a tableau of a meeting between princes who were
exchanging gifts while notables of that day looked on from all sides.
'Locklear, "said Isaac, as if savouring the name. What a pleasure.

You're wearing your years well. I like the moustache. You always could
manage the flamboyant. "He turned away and moved with a visible limp.
'Sit down. I would offer you tea or coffee, but my cousin is temporarily
visiting other relatives in Bas-Tyra, and I have just arrived last
night, so we are not well provisioned. " 'That's all right, "said
Locklear. 'How long's it been? Since Arutha's wedding? "

Isaac sat in a small wooden chair, and crossed his legs so that he kept
his weight on his good leg. 'The very day. You should have heard the fit
old Master of Ceremonies delacy threw when he found out I wasn't the
Baron of Dorgin's son. " 'That's because there is no Baron of Dorgin,
"supplied Locklear. 'If you'd done your research, you would have avoided
that gaffe. " 'How was I supposed to know the lands outside the dwarven
enclave are the province of the Duke of the Southern Marches? " 'Study?
"suggested Locklear. 'Never my strong suit, "said Isaac with a wave of
his hand.

Well, at least delacy was too busy with the wedding to toss you out
until the next day, "said Locklear. We had a good time that night.

What have you been doing since? " 'I spent some time in the east with my
family, then returned a few years ago to the west. Since then I've been
doing odd jobs along the border. So, what brings a member of Krondor's
court so far from home with such unusual company? " 'Certain doings,
some bloody, which unfortunately point to you. " 'Me? "said Isaac.
'You're not serious. " 'I'm as serious as a royal torturer, Isaac, and
you'll have a chance to make a first-hand comparison if you don't answer
me truthfully.

I'll have Gorath sit on you while I go fetch the local constable. We can
have a pleasant talk here, or a very unpleasant one in Krondor. "

Locklear had no intention of summoning the local constable and trying to
sort out his claim of rank and authority, especially with no royal writs
or warrants. But Isaac didn't know that, and Locklear wasn't about to
enlighten him. 'I have no idea what you're talking about, "said Isaac,
starting to slowly rise.

Gorath said softly, 'Reach for that sword behind you and you'll have a
leg to match the other before your fingers touch the hilt, human. "
'Damn, "said Isaac quietly, sitting back down in the chair. 'The ruby,
"said Locklear. 'What ruby? "said Isaac. 'The one you bought from Kiefer
Alescook. The one you paid for with gold heading north to buy Delekhan
weapons. The ruby stolen from an important Tsurani magician. The ruby
that's the latest in a series of such transactions. "

Isaac ran a hand over his face and back through his hair. 'Locky, it's
been hard. "

Locklear's expression turned dark and his voice took on a menacing tone
that had Owyn sitting back in surprise. 'As hard as treason, Isaac?

As hard as the jerk at the end of a hangman's rope? " 'Who said anything
about treason, Locky? "Isaac's manner turned to pleading. 'Look, we were
boyhood friends before I had my accident.

If our positions had been reversed, you'd know, you'd understand what
it's like to be a hired sword with a bad leg. Locky, I was nearly
starving when this opportunity came along. 1 was too far in before I
discovered who was behind it. " 'Tell us what you know and I'll do you a
favour, "said Locklear.

Isaac looked downfallen, and said in a contrite fashion, 'I was in over
my head before I knew who I was dealing with. Alescook is an old
acquaintance. I know that from time to time he "finds" gems and
jewellery that has ... ah, "clouded" title is a polite way of putting
it. " 'Stolen, "said Locklear.

Isaac squirmed. Whatever the cause, the market in the Kingdom is
difficult, so those gems find their way south, to Kesh or over the

RONDOR: I HE BETRAYAL 51 water to Queg or the Free Cities. I'm just a
middleman, someone who can take a little trip down to the Vale or over
to Krondor or

Sarth and put something on a ship. That's all. " 'The ruby? "said
Locklear.

Isaac started to rise and hesitated as Gorath leaned forward, hand on
the hilt of his sword. Isaac continued rising slowly, then mounted the
stairs to the loft above. Locklear motioned with his head to Owyn,

Who stood up and hurried through a small door on the wall next to the
tapestry. He found himself in a tiny kitchen, one dirty enough he would
have to be far hungrier than he presently was to consider eating
anything prepared there. He ducked through the back door and looked up
at a window above, where he saw the head of Isaac disappear back inside.
Owyn smiled; Locklear's instincts had been correct. The lame ex-fighter
might attempt to escape from a first storey window, but he knew he
wasn't quick enough to pull off his escape if someone was waiting below.

A moment later, Locklear called for Owyn's return and the young magician
complied. He entered the room and stopped. The hairs on his arm stood up
and he said, 'Let me see the stone. "

Isaac handed it to him and said, 'It's really not a very valuable item,
but I get paid well. "

Owyn replied, 'I don't know anything about stones and their worth, but I
know this one is more than it appears to be. "He looked at it closely.
'This ruby has been prepared. " 'Prepared for what? "asked Locklear.
'Jewellery? " 'No, as a matrix of some kind for magic. I don't know much
about this sort of thing. "He put the stone down. 'Truth to tell,

I don't know much about any sort of thing magical, which is why

I left Stardock. The only magic I've learned so far was from a field
magician named Patrus, a sour old character. But my father objected and
last I heard Patrus headed north -' He shook himself out of his reverie.
'It doesn't matter, but what he told me is that some magic is harmonic
and can be focused by gems. Or stored in them. He claimed once that
magic itself might exist in gem form under the right conditions. For
example, you can rig a trap with certain gems, so that whoever steps
into a given area is imprisoned. " 'Can you tell what this was used for?
"

'No, "said Owyn with a shake to his head. 'It may be something that will
be used in the fature. " 'So you think it important? "asked Gorath. 'I
can now see why the Tsurani magician was so angry about it,
disappearance. "

Locklear picked up the stone and tossed it in the air a couple Of times
while he was thinking. After a moment he put away the stone and turned
to Isaac. 'Tell us what else you know. "

Isaac looked defeated and said, 'Very well. The stones come through the
rift on an irregular basis. Sometimes a bunch, sometimes a single one
like this one. Money comes to me in Krondor by various means; never the
same twice. There's a new gang in Krondor, run by someone calling
himself the Crawler, and he's causing the

Mockers fits. " 'Mockers? asked Gorath. 'Thieves,'said Locklear. 'I'll
explain it later. Go on,'he said, looking at Isaac. 'Someone in Krondor
is paying for gems. The Tsurani bring them in and hand them over to the
moredhel. They run them over to

Alescook and I go get them and bring them to Krondor. It's a fairly
simple arrangement. " 'But someone's running this. Who and where?

Isaac sighed. 'There's a village south of Sarth. Called Yellow Mule.

Know it? 'Villages like that don't put up signs, but if it's on the
King's

Highway, I've ridden through it. " 'It's not. About twenty miles south
of Sarth there's a fork in the road, and if you go inland, you're
heading toward an old trail up into the mountains. About five miles
along that road is where you'll find Yellow Mule. It's why the moredhel
are using it. No one travels through there, and it's easy for his kin -'
he indicated Gorath with a jerk of his chin '- to get there without
being seen. 'There's an old smuggler turned farmer named Cedric Rowe now
living there. He knows nothing of loyalty to anyone, or anything but
gold. He rents out his barn to a Dark Brother named Nago. " 'Nago!"said
Gorath. 'If we take him, then we have an opportunity to escape his
minions. Without him, they are blind and we can get to Krondor. "

'Maybe, "said Locklear. 'But certainly, if we leave him there, the
closer we get to Krondor, the easier it is for his agents to find us. "
why? "asked Owyn. 'He's tightening the noose, lad, "said Isaac. 'Less
land for his men to cover.

Locklear said, 'Now Quegans make sense. This Rowe has probably been
dealing with Quegan pirates all his life and just sent word to someone
in Sarth. First ship outbound to Queg passes word and within a month
he's got as many sea-hardened bully-boys as he needs.

And if Nago, is throwing gold around, there are more Quegans along the
roads to Krondor than a beggar has lice. " 'And Quegans aren't likely to
run to the King's soldiers if something goes sour; worst they do is
skulk back to the nearest port and find a ship heading out. Little
chance of being betrayed by someone going cold in the feet, "added
Isaac.

What else? "asked Locklear. 'Nothing, "said Isaac. He stood up and took
a cloak off the peg. 'As soon as I pen a note to my cousin, I'm bound
for Kesh.

I've just set Nago's assassin on my trail, but he doesn't know it yet.
Each hour I steal before he does, I stand a better chance of reaching
Kesh. " 'I said I'd do you a favour, Isaac, and I will. I'll let you run
for Kesh, for old times' sake and for keeping up your end of the
bargain, but only if you tell us everything. "

What makes you think there's anything else? "

Locklear pulled his sword suddenly and had the point at Isaac's throat.
'Because I know you. You always hold something back, just in case you
need an edge. I'm guessing this little bit of theatre is to give you a
chance to be out of town before us, just in case you can find one of
Nago's agents and get him set on us before they figure out you've sold
them out. Something like that. "

Isaac grinned. 'Locky! Why I wouldn't

Locklear pressed forward with the sword point and Isaac stopped talking
so suddenly he almost swallowed his own tongue. 'All of it, " demanded
Locklear in a menacing whisper.

Slowly Isaac raised his hand and gently pushed aside the sword

Point. There's a lockchest

AVHAT?"asked Locklear.

hka.,

1%"yffturl" L_@. I.Ctat I

Gorath said, 'A chest in which to lock valuables. My people make them to
transport items of importance! 'Go on, "said Locklear. 'There's a
lockchest outside of town. Go five miles down the road toward Questor's
View. To the right side of the road you'll see a lightning-struck tree.
Beyond that is a small clump of brush. Look there and you'll see the
chest. I am to leave the ruby there tonight, and when I return tomorrow,
my gold is supposed to be waiting for me! 'So you never see your contact
from Krondor? " 'Never. That was part of Nago's instructions to me!
'You've seen this moredhel? "asked Locklear. 'Met him, "said Isaac. 'At
Yellow Mule. He's a big one, like your friend here, not slight like some
of them can be. Nasty moods and no humour. Odd fire in his eyes if you
know what I mean. "

Locklear said, 'I can imagine. What can you tell us about his company? "
'He only keeps a couple of soldiers around him - I've never seen more
than three at any time - because it might be noticed. And there are
enough Quegans coming through there that if he needs swords he can get
them in a hurry. But he's a magic-user, Locky, a right nasty witch and
if you cross him he can fry you as soon as look at you. "

Locklear glanced at Gorath who gave a slight nod of agreement to what
was being said. Locklear said, 'Very well, Isaac, here's what you're
doing. Get something to write with!

Isaac glanced around the room and saw an old scrap of faded leather
sitting in a corner. He crossed to the small fireplace and fished out
some charcoal. He said, What do I write? "

Write this: "Ruby taken by Prince's man. Three you seek are on the way
to Eggly. I am undone and must flee. " Then sign your name!

Isaac signed, looking pale as he put down those words. 'This marks me,
Locky. " 'You were marked the moment you took gold to turn your hand
against your king. You deserve to be hanged, and eventually you will be
unless you change your ways, but it will be for another crime, not for
this. " 'Unless Nago's agents find you first, "added Gorath.

That was all Isaac needed. What do I do with this? "

'Put it in the chest where you are to leave the ruby, then I suggest

Voa start running. If you don't put that note there, and I get to

K-r,)ndor, I'll hire assassins even if they have to travel to the
farthest reaches of Kesh to find you. You can cut your hair and colour
it, grow a beard, and wear furs like a Brijainer, but you can't hide
that leg, Isaac. Now get out of here. "

Isaac didn't hesitate. He grabbed his sword, his cloak and the note and
hurried out the back door. 'How could you spare that traitor? "asked
Gorath. 'Dead he is of little use to us, and alive he may direct our
foes to another path. "Locklear looked at Gorath. 'And isn't it a little
odd you're showing contempt for a traitor? "

The look Gorath returned could only be called murderous. 'I am no
traitor. I'm trying to save my people, human. "He offered no further
embellishment, but turned and said, We must be away. That one cannot be
trusted and may attempt to bargain for his life. "

Locklear said, 'I know, but either way he plants the note, or he is
found and tells them what he knows, which isn't much. They were trying
to kill us before we got the ruby. They can't make us any more dead for
having it. " 'I think I have a way for us to avoid detection for a while
and perhaps reach Nago unseen, "Gorath said. 'How? "asked Locklear. 'I
know the way they reach this village of Yellow Mule. If we take the
ridge road toward the town you call Eggly, leaving as we told in the
note, there's a trail a day's quick run south of here that leads into
the higher ridges. It is, I believe, the same trail that empties out
near

Rowe's farm. " 'How could you know that? "asked Locklear, suddenly
suspicious.

Gorath's patience appeared near its end, but he managed to reply evenly.
'Because I lived in these mountains as a child, before you humans came
to plague us. Before this land became infested with your kind, my people
lived here. I've fished along these rivers and hunted in these
mountains. "His voice lowered and he said, 'I may have built my campfire
on the spot you humans have built this house.

Now, let us go. It's no long journey for a moredhel, but you humans tire
easily, and besides, your wounds will slow you even more. " 'And yours
won't? "asked Owyn.

'Not so that you would notice, "replied the dark elf, turning to the
door without waiting for a response and leaving the building.

Locklear and Owyn hurried after and found Gorath waiting. We need to buy
food. Have we enough gold? " 'For food, yes, "said Locklear. 'For
horses, no. "

They headed to an inn at the east end of town, and Locklear arranged for
travel rations, food bound in parchment heavily coated with beeswax,
mostly dried or heavily salted to prevent spoilage. While they waited
Locklear asked what conditions were like on the road to

Eggly, pointedly being loud enough that a few suspicious-looking men
hanging about the commons early in the day could overhear.

Should anyone ask about them, he was certain this would only reinforce
the false information in Isaac's note.

They left the inn and hurried on the road toward the town of Eggly.

Locklear glanced upward, considered the rapidly rising ridge above the
trees on the western side of the trail and considered the wisdom of
hiking up to that elevation and over the mountains down into a nest of
killers over which presided a murderous moredhel sorcerer. Finally he
was left with the only answer which he could come up with: there wasn't
a better idea presenting itself.

Resigning himself to a long walk and cold nights, he followed

Gorath, with Owyn at his side.

A

FOUR

Passage

T he wind howled through the pass.

Locklear spoke through chattering teeth. 'The things I do for king and
country. "

Gorath said, 'Ignore the cold. As long as you can feel your fingers and
toes, it is only discomfort, nothing more. " 'Easy for you to say, "said
Owyn shivering almost uncontrollably. 'You're used to it, living up in
the Northlands. " 'You're never "used to it", human. You just learn to
accept things over which you have no control. "He looked meaningfiluy at
the two young men, then pointed. We can expect to see a sentry any time
now. "

What should we do? "asked Locklear, the cold and his hunger robbing him
of his wits.

Wait over there, "said Gorath, 'while I scout. "

Locklear and Owyn went to the relative shelter provided by the lee side
of a huge boulder and waited. Time dragged on and Owyn and Locklear sat
close together to preserve warmth.

Suddenly Gorath returned. 'There are four guards near the barn,'he said.
Within, I do not know, but even alone Nago is dangerous. "

Locklear stood and stomped his feet to restore warmth, flexing fingers
and moving in place, getting ready to engage an enemy. 'What do we do?
"he asked again, content to let Gorath lead in this circumstance.

Gorath said, 'Owyn, I have no idea of what you are capable, but

Nago is a spell-caster of much ability. He can wither a foe with his
arts, turning him to lifeless ash, or drive one away screaming in
terror. He and his brother are among the most dangerous allies

of Delekhan, and serve him even more vigorously since the coming of the
Six. " 'Who are the Six? "asked Owyn.

Locklear waved away the question. 'So, how do we deal with

Nago? "

Gorath pointed to Owyn. 'You must distract him, boy. Locklear and I will
dispatch the other four, and anyone else who might be within the barn,
but the magician must be your concern. Cause him to falter, to hesitate,
to attempt to leave; anything, but you must keep him there for me to
deal with and you must keep him from bringing his arts to bear. Can you
do that? "

Owyn was obviously frightened, but he said, 'I will try. " 'No one can
ask for more, "said Gorath. To Locklear he said,

We have surprise, but we must kill the first two quickly. If we are
overpowered, or even if we are delayed overmuch in reaching

Nago, this will all come to a bad end. If Owyn can't occupy the magician
until we reach him, he will end our journey before we can warn your
prince. "

Locklear said, 'Then why are we doing this? "Before Gorath could answer,
Locklear held up his hand. 'I know, the noose is tightening and if we
don't do it now, we will never reach Krondor. "

Gorath nodded. 'Let's go. "

They hurried down the road until they could see the roof of a barn
across a small field that sat hard against the ridge. Locklear stooped
over, so as to be less visible as they moved down the trail. 'Where are
the guards?'he asked Gorath. 'I don't know. They were outside but a
moment ago. " 'Perhaps theyve gone inside the barn, "suggested Owyn.

Gorath pointed to a notch in the side of the trail, where rain had
eroded the soil between two large boulders. He moved between the rocks
and slid down the bank to the edge of the field, with Locklear behind
and Owyn bringing up the rear.

We must hurry, "said Gorath. 'The Mothers and Fathers have smiled on us
and the guards are inside. We don't know how long this might last. "He
set a punishing pace, not wishing to be discovered in the open. Locklear
forced himself to push on despite his stiff, aching joints. His wounds
had healed, though he still felt weaker than he should. He didn't
welcome another fight, but should this Nago be

the force behind all the attacks, he welcomed an opportunity to put an
end to them, and pay back some of the pain he had been forced to endure.

Gorath reached the barn and huddled in its shadow, glancing in an
directions. There was no sign they had been detected. He held up his
hand for silence.

They listened. Inside, muffled voices could be heard, though

Locklear could make nothing of them, for they were in a tongue he didn't
understand. Gorath's hearing was far more acute, for he said, 'They are
discussing the fact we have not been seen since Hawles

Hollow. They fear we may have slipped past them on the road through

Tannerus. "

What do we do now? "whispered Owyn. 'As before, we kill them, "said
Gorath. 'Act boldly. "He moved to the barn door and withdrew his sword.
He pulled forward his hood, throwing his features into darkness, then
put his sword under his cloak and turned to Owyn and Locklear. 'Be
ready, but wait a moment before entering. "

Then Gorath pushed open the door and in the late-afternoon gloom must
have seemed a black shape against a darkening sky.

From within a voice sounded a note of inquiry. Gorath stepped forward
with a stride that communicated purpose, answering in the moredhel
tongue. He must have confused them for a moment, for one asked another
question before a different voice shouted, 'Gorath!"

Locklear didn't hesitate when he heard that, but virtually jumped
through the open door. Owyn was a step behind.

The barn was empty save for five moredhel. A table had been placed in
the centre of a large barn aisle, with a bench behind it, where the
moredhel magician Nago was rising in shock at the appearance of his
intended prey.

A moredhel guard was falling from Gorath's first blow as he rounded on
another, lashing out with his blade and forcing the swordsman backward,
clutching his bleeding sword arm. Locklear dashed forward and caught the
wounded dark elf from behind, killing him with a blow to the back of his
neck as he sought to disengage himself from Gorath's attack, leaving
both swordsmen facing a ready opponent.

Owyn saw the moredhel magic-user who was still motionless in

astonishment at the appearance of the prey he had been seeking for;
weeks. But as Owyn moved through the doorway, he felt Power beginning to
manifest as Nago started an incantation. Knowing there was nothing much
he could do, Owyn unleashed the only spell he could throw on short
notice, the blinding spell he had practised so much on the journey.

The dark elf blinked in surprise and faltered, breaking his spell.

Owyn hesitated then raised his staff and started his charge, doing his
best to imitate a warcry. A thin warbling sound escaped his lips as he
ran between Gorath and Locklear as they struggled with their opponents.

As he closed upon the moredhel magician, Owyn slipped and fell forward,
which saved his life, for the enraged Nago unleashed a bolt of
shimmering purple-and-grey energy which sped through the spot where Owyn
had been a moment earlier. Rather than strike the lad full on, it
brushed over his back, and where it touched Owyn felt agony, a shocking
pain. His head swam from it, and he felt dizzy.

The muscles in his lower back and legs refused to obey him. He
struggled, but they felt encased in metal bonds.

Rolling. over, Owen saw the magician begin another spell, and without
any other option, Owyn threw his staff at the moredhel.

As he expected, the magician ducked aside, and his spell-casting was
interrupted. Nago shut his eyes, as if in pain, and Owyn knew the enemy
spell-caster was struggling to restart his spell. While only a novice at
magic, Owyn understood enough of it to know that an interrupted spell
could prove painful and that it might take Nago, a few moments to
refocus his thoughts and regain the ability to inflict harm upon his
opponent.

Owyn tried to focus his own thoughts, as if he might throw another spell
to distract Nago a moment longer, but his own thinking was chaotic, his
mind racing with conflicting images. Phrases and concepts previously
unknown to him intruded into his concentration and he couldn't force
himself to come up with any usefid conjuration.

He fumbled in his belt for a dagger and thought to throw that at Nago.

Nago opened his eyes and looked past Owyn, to where the struggle was
ending. Owyn rolled over and saw Gorath running his opponent through,
while Locklear seemed to be getting the best of his own.

Owyn looked over his shoulder at Nago and saw the magician was
hesitating, then starting to turn to flee. 'tie's trying to escape!"Owyn
shouted, but his voice was weak and he didn't know if he had warned his
companions.

Gorath heard and was past Owyn in three huge strides. The moredhel
magician turned and threw something at Gorath, and sparking energies
coursed around the dark elf chieftain. Gorath groaned in pain and
faltered.

Owyn threw his dagger, a weak underhand cast, but one which caused the
butt of the weapon to strike Nago in the temple. As if released from a
prison, Gorath rose up and with a single blow struck

Nago in the neck, nearly severing his head from his body.

Locklear hurried over and helped Owyn to his feet. We could have used a
prisoner, "he observed.

Gorath said, 'These guards know nothing worth learning. And

Nago could not be left alive. While you were trying to question him, he
would have been sending word to his confederates that we are here. "The
dark elf looked down at Owyn who still lay on the floor. 'You did well,
boy. Are you all right? " 'My legs don't work, "he answered. 'I think I
will get them to work in a while. " 'I hope so, "said Locklear. 'I'd
hate to leave you here. " 'I'd hate to be left, "said Owyn.

Gorath looked around. He moved to a large cache of provisions and dug
out some bread and a waterskin. He took a drink, handed it to Locklear
and tore the loaf into three portions, handing one each to the other
two.

Locklear helped Owyn sit up at a table and looked at a map unrolled
there. What have we here? he asked himself as he studied the map.

It was a map of the area south of Hawks Hollow, with guard locations
marked and fresh ink indicating sightings. It was dear that they had
avoided detection from Hawles Hollow to Yellow Mule.

Locklear said, 'Owyn, could Nago have got word out to others that we are
here? "

Owyn felt his legs with his hands as if trying to determine what was
wrong with them and said, 'It's doubtful. I kept him busy and he was
trying to kill us. I can imagine he could do two things at once, but
three is unlikely. If he's got a routine for checking in with

his agents, theyll soon know something is wrong because of his not
contacting them. " 'Then we must be on our way, "said Gorath. 'How far
to Krondor? " 'If we were taking a stroll down the King's Highway
without fear, another two days. By horse, less than a day from here.
Through the woods, maybe three. "

Gorath asked Owyn, 'How long before you can'move? " 'I don't know -
'Then suddenly Owyn's legs moved. 'I guess I can move now, "he said,
rising slowly. 'Interesting, "he said. 'What's interestingy asked
Locklear. 'That spell. It's designed to bind an opponent, but only for a
short while. "

"Why is that interesting? " 'It's some sort of combat magic. They don't
teach that at Stardock. " 'Can you do the same thing? "asked Gorath. 'It
could prove useful. " 'Reallyy asked Locklear dryly. 'I don't know,
"said Owyn. 'When the spell struck me, something happened, a recognition
of some sort. I will think on it, and maybe

I can figure out how he did it. "

Well, figure out how while we're moving, assuming you're ready to go,
"said Locklear around a mouthful of bread. They quickly rummaged through
the cache of supplies and found several dark grey-blue fur-lined cloaks.
'These will serve us well, "said Locklear, still warm from the fight,
but knowing all too well how cold the nights were along the coast this
time of the year. Locklear gathered up the maps and several messages,
all claiming forces were in place for key attacks at various locations
throughout the west. He placed those in a pouch and slung it over his
shoulder.

They left the barn and circled around the darkened farmhouse.

The owner was either sleeping or dead, betrayed by his guests, but
either way they did not wish to spend time finding out. They had three
dangerous days before them and knew there were perils enough along the
route to Krondor without stopping to look for them.

Twice they had avoided assassins or bandits; they didn't know which.

Once they had lain in the mud in a gully next to a woodland path while a
band of armed Quegans had hurried past. Now they stood

behind the last line of trees before open farmland. Beyond they could
see the City of Krondor. 'Impressive, "said Gorath in a neutral tone.
'I've seen Armengar, "said Locklear. 'I am surprised to hear you call
this impressive. " 'It's not the size of the place, "said Gorath. 'It's
the hive of humans within.'For a moment he looked off into the distance,
'You shortlived creatures have no sense of history or your place in this
world, "he said.

You breed like - 'He glanced over to see Locklear's dark expression and
said, 'No matter. There are just a great deal of you at any one tirne in
any one place, it seems, and this is more of you in such a small place.
"He shook his head. 'For my people, such gatherings are alien. " 'Yet
you rallied at Sar-Sargoth, "observed Locklear. 'Yes we did, "said
Gorath. 'To the sorrow of many of us. "

Owyn said, 'Do we just walk across this field to the road?

Locklear said, 'No. Look over there. "He pointed to a place where a
small farm road intersected the King's Highway. A half-dozen men stood
idly by as if waiting for something. 'Not exactly a place to hoist a few
and talk of the days labours, is it? " 'No, "said Owyn. Where do we go
then? " 'Follow me, "said Locklear as he moved along the tree line,
farther east. They reached a long gully, a naturally occurring
watercourse that would be flooded when the thaw came to the mountains to
the north and east, but which currently hosted only a small stream.
'This runs to a place by the eastern gate, in the foulbourgh. "
'Foulbourgh? "asked Gorath. 'The part of the city built outside the
wall. There are ways to get in and out of the city if you know them. The
sewers under the foulbourgh and city proper are not supposed to connect,
so an enemy can't use them to gain entrance. " 'But they do, "supplied
Gorath. 'Yes, in two places, and one of them is as dangerous as walking
up to those men gathered back there and asking for directions to the

Prince's palace. That entrance is controlled by the Thieves'guild. But
the other entrance - well, let's say that besides a friend of mine, only
a few others know of it. " 'How is it you know of it? "asked Gorath.

'My friend and I used it once, a long time ago, to follow Arutha to
Lorien. "

Gorath nodded. We have heard of that encounter. Murmandarnus,s trap to
kill the Lord of the West. " 'That's the one, "said Locklear. 'Now, it
would be a good time to move silently. "

They did as Locklear bid and moved through the gully, until they
encountered a culvert, made of stones polished by the water over the
years. They bent over and walked below the road, as the late-afternoon
shadows lengthened. Finally, the culvert ducked under a small stone
bridge that afforded them a hiding place. It was well shielded from
prying eyes by stores stacked in crates on each side of the road waiting
for transport. Bored workers slowly moved to load them.

We linger a bit, until it gets darker, "said Locklear. 'At the right
time, we need to get up and blend in with some traffic heading along the
road that runs beside this culvert. "He went to the other side of the
bridge and glanced upward, pulling his head back.

Pointing where he had looked, he said, 'Someone's hanging around up
there. "

What do we do? "asked Gorath, obviously as out of his element as
Locklear had been on the mountain trail.

We wait, "said Locklear. 'A patrol from the city watch passes along here
about sundown, and theyll order any armed men to move along.

After dark it gets dangerous outside the wall, and the watch doesn't
like too many swords gathered in one place. "

They sat under the bridge, in the puddles on either side of the stream,
waiting in silence as the hours dragged by. Flies annoyed them, and only
Gorath ignored their presence as Locklear and Owyn spent most of the
time swatting them away.

As sundown approached, Locklear heard the tread of boots upon the
cobbles above. A few voices were raised, and Locklear said, 'Now!"

He moved quickly up the side of the bank just beyond the bridge, ducking
behind some crates as a party of men dispersed under the watchful eye of
the city guard. 'Theyll come this way, back toward the palace, "said
Locklear. We just duck in beside them, and even if we're seen, it's
unlikely we're going to be attacked with a dozen soldiers ready to start
busting heads at the first sign of trouble. "He pointed to Gorath. 'But
you'd better fix that hood. Most people here

wouldn't know an elf from a moredhel if you hung signs around your neck,
but you never know. If Ruthia's fickle, the first person we meet will be
an old vet from the wars to the north. "Ruthia was the Goddess of Luck.

Gorath did as he was told and pulled his hood forward, hiding his
features and when the soldiers walked down the road beside the stream,
he followed Locklear and Owyn as they hurried to match pace with the
soldiers.

They walked from the northeasternmost corner of the city along its
entire length to the southern gate, and when the city watch moved toward
the palace entrance, Locklear pulled them aside.

Owyn said, "Why don't we just follow them in? " 'Look, "said Locklear.
They looked where he pointed and saw a work crew gathered before the
gate, with two teams of horses tied to a pulley. 'It seems someone has
sabotaged the gate, "said Locklear.

The watch commander shouted something down from the wall to the patrol
leader, who saluted and turned his men around. 'Come on, lads, "he said,
'we're for the northern gate. "

Locklear motioned for his companions to follow him and he led them
through a back alley. 'This way, "he urged.

He took them to what appeared to be the back entrance to a small inn,
and opened the gate. Once through, he closed the gate and they stood in
a tiny stabling yard, with a small shed off to one side. Looking to see
if they were observed, Locklear pointed to the rear door of the inn. 'If
anyone finds us, we're lost, looking for a meal and once we get inside
the inn, head toward the front door; if anyone objects, we run like
hell. "

Gorath said, 'Where are we? " 'The back of an inn owned by people who
would be less than pleased to discover we knew about this place, or what
I'm about to do. "He moved toward the shed, but rather than going
inside, he moved to where it joined with the wall. Feeling around behind
the shed, Locklear tripped a lever and a latch clicked. A big stone
rolled away, and Owyn and Gorath could see it was a cleverly-fashioned
sham, made of canvas and painted to look like the rock of the wall.

Locklear was forced to lie down and wiggle feet first through the small
aperture, but he successfully negotiated the entrance. Owyn went next,
and Gorath last, barely clearing the opening.

'Who uses that thing? "asked Owyn in a whisper. 'Children? 'Yes, "said
Locklear. 'The Mockers number many urchins in their ranks and there are
dozens of bolt-holes like that all over the city. "

Where are we? "asked Owyn. 'Use your senses, human, "said Gorath. 'Or
can't your breed smell its own stink? " 'Oh, "Owyn exclaimed, as the
stench of the sewer struck him.

Locklear reached up and pulled shut the trap, leaving them in total
darkness. 'My kind see in darkness better than yours do, Locklear, "said

Gorath, 'but even we must have some light. " 'There should be a lantern
close by, "said Locklear. 'If I can remember the distance ... and
direction. "

What? "asked Gorath. 'You don't know where a light is? " 'I can help,
"said Owyn. A moment later a faint nimbus of light started to glow
around the young man's hand, and it grew until they could see a dozen
paces in all directions. 'How did you do that? "asked Locklear.

Owyn held out his left hand. On it was a ring. 'I took it off Nago.

It's magic. "

Which way? "asked Gorath. 'This way, "said Locklear, leading them into
the sewers of Krondor.

'Where are we?'whispered Owyn.

Locklear lost his sure tone as he said, 'I think we're just north of the
palace. " 'You think? "said Gorath with a snort of contempt. 'All right,
"said Locklear with a petulant tone. 'So I'm a little lost.

I'll find -' 'Your death, quick and messy, "said a voice from outside
the range of Owyn's light.

Three swords cleared their scabbards as Locklear tried to pierce the
gloom beyond the light by force of will.

Who be you and what would you in the Thieves' Highway? "

Locklear cocked his head at the bad attempt at a formal challenge', and,
judging the owner of the voice to be a youth, he answered, 'I be
Seigneur Locklear and I do whatever I will in the Prince's sewers.

If you're half as intelligent as you're trying to sound, you'll know not
to bar our way. "

A young boy stepped forward from the shadows, slender and vvearing a
tunic too large for him, wrapped around the waist with a rope belt,
trousers he had almost outgrown, and sporting a pointed felt cap. He
carried a short sword. 'I'm Limm and fast with a blade.

Step any further without my leave and your blood will flow. "

Gorath said, 'The only thing you'll do is die, boy, if you don't stand
aside. "

If the towering presence of the moredhel chieftain had any effect on the
lad, he hid it as he bravely said, 'I've bested better than you yvhen I
was a boy. "He stepped back, cautiously. 'And besides, I've got five
bashers back there waiting for my call. "

Locklear held up his hand to restrain Gorath. 'You remind me of a young
Jimmy the Hand, "said Locklear. 'Full of bluster as well as guile. Run
off and there's no need for anyone's blood to flow. "

Softly to Gorath he said, 'If he has bashers nearby, we don't need the
trouble. " 'Jimmy the Hand, is it? "asked Limm. Well, if you're friends
of

Seigneur James, we'll let you pass. But when you see him, tell him he
had better come soon or the deal is off. "Before Locklear could answer,
Limm was deep in shadows, so silently they could barely hear him move.
From a distance he said, 'And watch your step, Locklear who knows Jimmy
the Hand. There are nasty customers nearby. "As the voice faded, Limm
added, 'And you're completely turned around.

Turn to the right at the next culvert, and straight on until you reach
the palace. "

Locklear waited, listening for more. But only silence punctuated by the
trickling sound of water and the occasional echo of some distant sound
in the sewer could be heard.

Gorath said, 'That was passing strange. " 'Yes, "agreed Owyn. 'More than
you know, "said Locklear. 'That boy was waiting for my friend James. And
James has the death mark on him from the

Mockers if he ever trespasses their territory. That was a deal struck by
Prince Arutha for James's life years ago. "

Owyn said, 'Sometimes agreements change. " 'Or are broken, "added
Gorath.

Locklear said, Well, we'll sort this out later. Right now we need to
find our way to the palace. " 'What did he mean by "nasty customers
nearby'? asked C1wm 'I don't know, "answered Locklear. 'I have a feeling
if we're not carefi:d we'll find out, "he whispered.

They turned in the direction instructed by Limm and moved to the comer
where he had told them to turn. A short way along the indicated route,
Gorath said, 'Someone ahead. "

Owyn put his ring under his arm, causing the light to diminish. 'Two
men, "whispered Gorath. Wearing black. " 'Which is why I can't see them,
"said Locklear. 'Who are they? asked Owyn.

Locklear turned and knew his withering look was lost in the gloom, so he
said, 'Why don't you just go up and ask them. " 'If they aren't the
Prince's men or those Mockers, then they must be enemies, "said Gorath,
stepping forward quickly, his sword ready to deliver a killing blow.

Locklear hesitated a moment, and by the time he started moving, the dark
elf was upon the two men. The first turned just in time to see his own
death arrive, for Gorath slashed him deeply across the chest and
shoulder.

The second man drew his sword and attempted to slash down on

Gorath's head, but Locklear stepped in and parried the blow high,
allowing Gorath to run him through. It was over in seconds.

Locklear knelt and examined the two bodies. They wore identical trousers
and tunics of black material, and black leather boots. Both men had
short swords and one had laid aside a short bow within easy reach. Both
men were without purse or pouch, but both wore identical medallions
under their tunics. 'Nighthawks!"said Locklear. 'Assassins? "asked Owyn.

I But they should have ..."Locklear shook his head. 'If these two are
Nighthawks, I'm Gorath's grandfather. "

Gorath snorted at the idea, but said, We have heard of your

Nighthawks; some were employed by agents of Murmandamus. "

Owyn said, 'The stories are they had nearly magical abilities. "
'Stories, "said Locklear. 'My friend James faced one on the rooftops of
the city when he was no more than a lad of fourteen years and lived

ten the tale. "Locklear stood. 'They were good, but no more than otherr
men. But the legend helped them get their price. But these, " be
indicated the two dead men, 'were not Nighthawks. "

A whistle sounded from down a nearby tunnel. Gorath spun, his sword
ready to face another attack. Locklear, however, just put two fingers to
his mouth and whistled in return. A moment later a young nian stepped
into the light. 'Locky? "he asked. 'Jimmy!"said Locklear as he embraced
his old friend. We were just speaking of you. "

James, squire of the Prince's court, regarded his best friend. He took
in the long hair gathered behind in a knot and the bushy moustache and
said, What have you done to your hair? " 'I haven't seen you in months
and the first thing you ask about is fashion? asked Locklear.

James grinned. His face was youthful, though he was no longer a boy. He
had curly brown hair he kept cropped short and was dressed in plain
clothing, tunic, trousers, boots and cloak. He carried only a belt
knife. 'What brings you back to court? Arutha banished you for a year,
if memory serves. " 'This moredhel, "said Locklear. 'His name is Gorath
and he brings a warning to Arutha. "Pointing to his other companion, he
said, 'And this is Owyn, son of the Baron of Timons. He's been of great
help to me, also. "

James said, 'A moredhel chieftain in Krondor. Well, things are getting
strange hereabouts, too. "He glanced down at the two dead men. 'Someone
has bribed a few very stupid men to play the part of

Nighthawks, here in the sewers and in other parts of town. "

Why? "asked Locklear.

We don't know, "said James. 'I'm on my way to meet with some ... old
acquaintances of mine. To see if we can cooperate in uncovering who is
behind this mummery. " 'The Mockers, "said Locklear. We ran into one of
them, a lad named Limm. "

James nodded. 'I'm to meet with some of them shortly. I had better not
disappoint them. But before I go, what are you doing down here in the
sewer? "

Locklear said, 'Someone wants Gorath dead very badly. I've been rlut
more times than a horse's flank by a cheap butcher. We're here

because we need to get into the palace, and I've seen lots of very
dangerous-looking men watching the entrances to the palace. When

I tried to get us in by shadowing the city watch trying to enter, we
found the gate damaged. " 'Someone sabotaged it, as well as the north
palace entry. The only way into the palace right now is through the
sea-dock gate, or here. "

Locklear looked concerned. 'They even had the gate jammed to keep us
from reaching the palace? "

James nodded. 'That would explain the mystery. Look, go see

Arutha and I'll catch up with you later. " 'That's the way;1' asked
Locklear. 'Yes, "said James. He fished out a key and handed it to
Locklear. 'But we've locked the secret door so you'd have had a long
wait if I hadn't chanced by. " 'I might have picked the lock, "said
Locklear. 'I've watched you do it a few times. " 'And pigs might fly,
"said James with a pat on his friend's shoulder. 'It's good to see you
back, even if under such dark clouds. "He pointed the way he had come.
'Make your way past two large culverts on the left, and you'll find the
ladder to the palace. "With a departing grin, he added, 'I suggest you
bathe before calling upon Arutha. "

Locklear smiled, then laughed. For the first time in months he suddenly
felt safe. They were but a short walk away from the entrance to the
palace, and he knew that soon he would be enjoying a hot bath. 'Come see
me when you've returned,'he said to James. We have much to catch up on.
" 'I will, "said James.

Locklear led Gorath and Owyn to the ladder that led up into the palace,
a series of iron bars hammered into the stones rising a floor above.
There a grate with a heavy lock had been erected, and

Locklear used the key James had provided to open it. They swung aside
the grate and moved into a small tunnel just above the sewers, leading
into the lower basement of the palace. Locklear silently led them to a
door. Once through, Owyn and Gorath saw they were in another passage,
this one lit by torches in widely separated sconces? and when the door
was returned to its resting place, it vanished into the stone wall.

1,ocklear led them to his quarters, past a pair of palace guards who
only watched with interest as the Prince's squire walked past with
another youth and what looked like a tall elf.

Glancing through a window overlooking the city, Locklear said,
Suppertime's in about an hour. Time for a bath and a change of clothing.
We can talk to the Prince after the meal. "

Gorath said, 'It seems so ... odd to be here. " opening the door to his
quarters, Locklear said, 'Not nearly as odd as having you here. "He
stepped aside to admit his guests, and turned to wave at a page hurrying
down a nearby hall. 'Boy!"he shouted.

The page stopped and turned to run toward him. 'Sir? "he said. 'Send
word to the Prince that I've returned with a message of the gravest
consequence. "

The boy, who knew Locklear well, indulged himself in an observation:
'It'll be grave, all right; your grave, if the Prince doesn't agree,
squire. "

With a playful slap to the side of the head, Locklear sent him off. 'And
pass word I need enough hot water for three baths!"

The boy waved he had heard and said, 'I'll tell the staff, squire. "

Locklear turned into his room and found Owyn sitting on his bed, lying
back against the wall. Gorath stood a short way off, patiently waiting.
Locklear went to his wardrobe and selected some clothing.

We'll send for something closer your size while we bathe, "he said to
Gorath. He took the clothing and handed a tunic and trousers to

Owyn, along with fresh smallclothes, then said, 'This way to the bath,
my friends. "

At the end of the hall he found four servants pouring hot water into a
large tub, while another waited. 'In you go, "he said to Owyn, who
stripped off his filthy garments and climbed into the tub. He settled in
with a satisfied 'ah' sound and rested back in the hot water.

Gorath said, 'Is that third tub for me? "

J was going to take that one, but if you 'Fill Iit with cold water. "

The servants exchanged glances, but Locklear nodded, so they finished
filling the second tub and ran off, turning around a pair

Of servants hurrying from the kitchen with hot buckets. Soon they
returned with cold water and started filling the tub.

Gorath stripped and climbed in, allowing them to pour the cold

water over his head. He endured the cold water without comment.

When they were done bathing and dean clothes had been fetched for
Gorath, Owyn asked, Why cold water? "

We bathe in mountain streams in a land that always sees ice upon the
peaks, "said Gorath. 'This water was too warm for my taste. "

Locklear shrugged. 'You learn something new every day. " 'Yes, "agreed
Gorath. 'You do. "

When they were dressed, they left the bathing chamber to discover a
squad of palace guards waiting for them. We're to escort you to the

Prince, squire. "

Locklear dryly said, 'No need. I know the way. "

The sergeant, a tough old veteran, ignored the young noble's marginal
rank and said, 'The Prince thought there was a need, sir. "

He signalled and two soldiers fell in on either side of Gorath and two
fell in behind him. They moved along the hall until they were ushered
into the dining hall, where Prince Arutha, Princess Anita and their
guests were finishing their dinner.

Arutha, ruler of the Western Realm of the Kingdom of the Isles, sat at
the centre of the head table. He was still a young man. Despite having
ruled the realm for ten years, his face was only now starting to show
the lines which age and responsibility bring. He kept his chin shaved,
so that he still resembled the youth who had emerged a hero of the
Riftwar. His hair was mostly black with a few stray grey hairs beginning
to show, but otherwise he looked much as he had when Locklear had first
come to Krondor, a page boy fresh from his father's court at Land's End.
His brown eyes settled on Locklear with a gaze that had reduced lesser
men to trembling children over the years; Locklear had endured that gaze
many times in the ten years he had served in Arutha's court.

Princess Anita favoured Locklear with a smile, her green eyes alight at
one of her favourite courtiers returning after a long absence.

Locklear, like the other younger men in the court, almost worshipped the
Princess for her effortless grace and genuine charm.

At the table were others known to Locklear: Gardan, Knightmarshal of the
Principality; Duke Brendan, Lord of the Southern

Marches; and others. But near the Princess's seat was one who was
unknown to Locklear; a man wearing the black robe of a Tsurani

Great One. He had receding snow-white hair that fell to his shoulders.

Is eves fastened upon Locklear, and Owyn could sense that this was rnan
who possessed powers rivalled by few in the world. Locklear knew it must
be Makala, the Tsurani Great One come recently to this court' Seigneur,
"began Arutha, formally, 'you were ordered to attend to the needs of the
Earl of Tyr-Sog for a year. By my calculations, you are many months
short of that duty. Have you a persuasive reason for ignoring my orders?
"

Locklear bowed and said, 'Highness. Only the most grave tidings from the
north would have me quit my post and hasten here. This is Gorath,
Chieftain of the Ardanien, who has come to warn you. "

Warn me of what, moredhel? asked Arutha with a suspicious gaze. His
previous experience with the moredhel was murder and deception.

Gorath stepped forward. 'I warn you of war and bloodshed. The war drums
beat at Sar-Sargoth once more and the clans gather. " 'For what purpose?
"asked Arutha. 'Delekhan, Chieftain of the Darkanien, gathers the clans.
He sings songs of power and musters to return south. "

Arutha said, Why?. For what purpose?

Gorath said, 'He swears that Murmandamus lives, and that you hold him
captive in the city of Sethanon. And he swears by the blood of our
ancestors we must return to free our leader. "

Arutha sat stunned. He had killed Murmandamus, though few had witnessed
the duel. He also knew that Murmandamus had been a fraud, perpetrated by
the Pantathian Serpent Priests to gull the moredhel into serving their
dark cause.

Arutha stood. We will speak of this in my private council. "He bowed to
his wife, then motioned to Makala. 'If you would join us? "

The Tsurani magician nodded and rose, and Locklear saw he was

Uriusually tall for a Tsurani, perhaps five feet ten inches in height.

Makala spoke briefly to a servant, who bowed low and hurried off to do
his master's bidding.

Locklear motioned for Owyn and Gorath to accompany him through large
doors on the right of the dining hall, the entrance into the Royal
Familys private apartments. To Gorath he said,'I hope you have more to
tell Arutha than that, or we're both in deep trouble. " 'More trouble
than you know, human, "said Gorath.

FIVE m 0 0 ission

rums thundered across the ridges.

Gorath stood rooted in confiision. Part of him knew this was

Da memory, yet the experience was as real as when he had lived it. He
clutched his hands and looked at them. They were small, a child's hands.
He glanced down and saw bare feet, and he had not gone barefoot since he
was a boy.

Atop the surrounding hills drummers pounded out their insistent rhythms,
as fires burned brightly in the night. Clans long at war with one
another watched for signs of betrayal, but all had come to hear the

Speaker. Gorath stumbled along, his feet leaden with mystic fatigue; no
matter how hard he tried, he could not move quickly.

The peace had fractured; he knew this. He knew his father's people had
been betrayed. He was but twelve summers of age and it should be
centuries before the mantle of leadership fell to him, but fate ruled
otherwise. Without being told he knew his father was dead.

His mother came up behind him and said, 'Move quickly. If you are to
lead, you must first survive. "Her voice echoed and was distant and when
he turned to look back at her, she was gone.

Suddenly he stood dressed in armour and boots; too big for him yet they
were his own. His father had fallen when the Speaker's peace had
dissolved in fury. Like others before him, the Speaker had sought to
raise the banner of Murmandamus, the only leader ever to unite the
numerous clans of the moredhel. Now Gorath, a boy barely able to hold
his dead father's sword, stood before the men of the Hawk Clan, as
dispirited a lot as had ever gathered around the fire. Gorath's mother
tapped him on the shoulder and he turned. 'You must say something, "she
whispered.

Looking at the men of his clan, Gorath could barely make a sound, yet
these warriors, some alive more than a century, waited to hear a boy's
words. The words that were to lift them from the depths of their
hopelessness. Looking from face to face, at last Gorath said, We will
endure. "

A wave of pain gripped Gorath and he fell to his knees, and suddenly he
was a man, kneeling before Bardol, swearing alliance in exchange for
protection. Bardol had no sons and needed a strong husband for his
daughter. Gorath had proven himself a wily leader, taking his people
high up into the great ice mountains, living in caves fined with lichen,
hunting bear and reindeer. For twenty-five years his people had
survived, healed, and when he returned home, he had hunted down his
father's betrayer. He had entered the camp of Jodwah and thrown down the
head of his brother, Ashantuk, at his feet in defiance. Then he had
killed Jodwah in fair combat, and the warriors of the Lahuta, the Eagle
Clan of the Northern Lakes had joined with the Hawk Clan of the Ice
Peaks, and Gorath had emerged the leader of the Ardanien, the flying
hunters in the ancient tongue. And he was but a stripling of
thirty-seven summers, yet he commanded more than a hundred warriors.

Twice more he had come to council called by chieftains who had claimed
rights beyond their reach, and he had watched as battles had bled his
people. He had been clever and kept his people outside such conflicts,
and he had become a man to be sought out, to give counsel, because he
had no ambitions of his own. Many trusted Gorath. He was approaching his
prime and numbered a hundred and six years of age. A thousand swords did
his bidding.

Time was a river, and he swam in it. Wives - two women who had borne him
children - he had seen the first dead from a human arrow: the other had
left him. He had sons and a daughter, though none alive now. For even
Gorath, he who was trusted for his wise counsel and cautious ways, even
he had been swept up in the madness that had been Murmandamus.

The one called Murmandamus had returned, as spoken of in the

Prophecies. He wore the mark of the dragon and possessed great

Powers. He was served by a priest of a far people, a creature who hid in
heavy robes, and first among his followers was Murad,

Chieftain of Clan Badger of the Teeth of the World. Gorath had

seen Murad break a warrior's back over his knee and knew that only the
most powerful leader could command Murad's allegiance. As a sign of
Murmandamus's potency, Murad had cut his own tongue, proof he would
never betray his master.

For the only time in his life, Gorath was caught up in madness.

The blood pounded in his ears in harmony with the thunder of war drums
in the mountain. He had led his army to the edge of the great

Edder, and had fought the mad ones, Old King Redtree's barbarians, and
had held the flank while Murmandamus assaulted the human city of
Sar-Isbandia, what the humans called Armengar.

Thousands had died at Armengar, but his clan was whole. A few had fallen
holding the flank against the forest and on the march through the pass
the humans called Highcastle. There, at Highcastle, he had lost Melos,
his blood kin, son to his mother's sister. There at

Highcastle, a third of the Ardanien had perished.

Then had come Sethanon. The fighting had been brutal, but the city had
been theirs. Yet at the moment of triumph, victory had been taken from
them. Murmandamus had vanished. According to some of the warriors one
moment he had stood in the barbican of the castle at Sethanon, and the
next he was gone. Then the Keshians had arrived, and the Tsurani, and
the battle had turned. The giants recruited from their high villages had
been the first to flee, then the goblins, courageous when victorious,
but quick to panic, had left the battle. It had been Gorath, the only
surviving chieftain at the castle who had been the first to call the
withdrawal. He had come looking for the master, because fighting had
erupted between two rival clans over spoils, and only Murmandamus could
settle the dispute. Humans had escaped because of the fighting. No one
could find the master, and

Gorath had cursed all omens, prophecies and heralds of destruction, and
had returned to gather the Ardanien and lead them northward.

Most of his warriors had survived, but many chieftains labelled

Gorath and his followers as betrayers. For nine summers, the Ardanien
lived in their valley, high up in the northern mountains, keeping their
own counsel. Then had come the call.

The banners were again raised and it was Delekhan, sworn enerny son of
the, man who had slain Gorath's father, and who had died at Gorath's
hands in turn - blood enemy from birth, who rallied the clans. Delekhan
who had eaten with Murad and the snake priest,

AL

and who had been the last surviving member of Murmandamus's council. And
it was Delekhan who vowed that Murmandamus still lived within a prison
in the heart of Sethanon and only by freeing him could the Nations of
the North take back the land seized by the hated humans.

And any who spoke against Delekhan was struck down. Dark magics were
fashioned by the Six, and one by one the opponents of Delekhan's plan
vanished. Gorath knew his day was coming, and knew that he must carry
word to his enemies to the south, for they were his people's only hope.

Night, and he fled through ice and pain. Men who were once as brothers
to him sought to hunt him down and end his life. Haseth, whom Gorath had
taught to hold a sword, last among his blood kin, had led them. It had
been by Gorath's own hands that his last surviving kinsman had died.

Then again, he heard the thundering drums. Again he saw the fires on the
hill, but now he felt his mind returning to the present, memories of his
life fading away slowly ...

The girl was young, not quite seventeen years of age, yet her hair was
nearly white with only the faintest hint of gold in it. Pale eyes of
blue regarded Gorath as she let go of his hands. Behind her stood the
Prince of Krondor, the black-robed Tsurani, and another spell-caster,
one who, while short of stature, was almost exuding power. Others were
nearby, but those Gorath had travelled with, Owyn and Locklear, were in
another room. 'What did you see? "asked the Prince.

J cannot find any falsehoods, Highness, "said the girl in a weary tone.
'But I cannot find the truth, either. His mind is ... alien, chaotic. "

Prince Arutha's brown eyes narrowed as he regarded Gorath. 'He hides his
thoughts? "

The bearded magician said, 'Highness, Gorath is moredhel, and even with
Gamina's exceptional talents for reading thoughts, his mind may have
many innate psychic defences. We have never had the privilege of
studying a moredhel. From what I learned in my time with the eldar -'

At mention of the ancient elven lore keepers, Gorath's eyes narrowed.
'You are Pug, "he said.

Pug nodded. 'I am. "

We have heard of you, who studied with the eldar, "said Gorath.

Arutha said, 'The point? " 'I think he's telling the truth, "said Pug.
'As do I,"said Makala. 'Forgive me, "said the Tsurani magician to Prince
Arutha, 'but I presumed to use my own arts to watch as the Lady Gamina
examined the moredhel. It is as she has stated; there is confusion and
an alien mind there, but no guile. Despite his differences from us, he
is as honest a creature as you will meet. " 'For what cause did you
presume to use your arts without leave? " asked Arutha. His tone was one
of pointed curiosity, rather than anger.

War in the Kingdom would have many wide-ranging consequences not the
least of which would be a disruption of trade between our two worlds,
Your Highness. The Light of Heaven would be most displeased if such
occurred, let alone the risk if such as these -' he indicated Gorath '-
gleaned the secrets of the rift. "

Arutha nodded, his expression thoughtfid. Gorath spoke. 'Trading
agreements notwithstanding, war benefits no one, Prince. Despite that,
you must prepare your army for war. "

Arutha's words were pointed, but his tone was even. What I must or must
not do will be my burden, renegade. And my decisions will be based upon
more than simply the word of one dissident chieftain. If not for
Locklear's faith in you, you'd be in our dungeon making the acquaintance
of our torturer, not holding hands with

Lady Gamina. "

Gorath glared at the Prince of Krondor. 'I would tell you no different
under hot iron, the lash, or the blade, human!"

Pug asked, 'Then why do you betray your own, Gorath? why come to Krondor
with a warning when your nations have sought to dislodge humankind from
this world as long as either race can remember? Why betray Delekhan to
the Kingdom of the Isles? Are you seeking to have our army do what you
cannot do by your own might, and destroy an enemyf

The dark elf studied the magician. Despite his youthful appearance he
was a man of great power, and to this point he had spoken to

Gorath only in tones and terms of respect. Softly, Gorath said,
'Delekhan may be a bitter draught to the Kingdom, but he is poison

in the throats of our people. He enslaves and conquers, and he seeks to
claim greatness, but -' He took a deep breath.

My people are few in number, "he said slowly. We will never count as
inany swords and arrows as you humans. We rely upon those who

Willingly serve us, the goblins, mountain giants, trolls, and renegade
men. "His tone took on a bitter edge. 'Two sons and a daughter I have
nourned, and of two wives, one I have seen travel to join the Mothers
and Fathers, while the other left me for being the one to call retreat
at

Sethanon. My last blood kin died at my own hands the night I met young
Owyn. "He looked directly into Arutha's eyes. 'I can never go back,
Prince of Krondor. I will die in an alien land among people who despise
my race. " 'Then why? "asked Arutha. 'Because my people cannot withstand
another war such as we had at Sethanon. Delekhan appears, wearing the
dragon helm of

Murmandamus, and swords are raised and blood oaths sworn, but while we
have courage and dedication in abundance, we lack strength of numbers.
Should enough of us die in futility again, the Northlands would lie open
to human conquest. We would be as echoes on the wind, for within a
hundred years no moredhel would remain alive. " 'We are content to stay
on this side of the Teeth of the World.

We have no ambitions in the Northlands, "said Arutha. 'You may not, here
in your warm castle in Krondor, Prince, but there are those among your
race would conquer to win a title, and you know this. If one came to
your King with word that he had seized the town of Raglam and had
occupied Harlik, and now controlled a third of the Northlands, would
your King offer him a hereditary title and income from those lands? "
'He would, "admitted Arutha. 'Then you see my point, "said Gorath.

Arutha rubbed his chin. He stood lost in thought a long moment, then
said, 'You are persuasive, Gorath. I will take what Makala and

Gamina say at face value and assume you have no guile in you.

But what now must be decided is if what you know to be true is, indeed,
truth. " 'What do you mean? "demanded Gorath.

Pug said, 'What he means is you may be an unwitting tool. If this

Delekhan knew of your animosity, might he not have given you the

information you seek to bring to us, to cause us to rush to meet him at
some place of his choosing? Pug indicated the maps and notes

Locklear had brought from the barn at Yellow Mule. 'There are at least a
half-dozen false messages here, to be conveniently found by the Prince's
agents, all stressing attacks at unlikely places, Tannerus,

Eggly, Highcastle, even Roniney. "

Gorath's head came up. 'I have heard that name. " 'Romney? "said Arutha.
What do you mean? " 'Only that I have heard Romney mentioned by those
who are in service to Delekhan. There are agents working for him in that
area. "

Would you know them? "

Gorath shook his head in the negative. 'Only a few close to Delekhan
might know who is working for him among the humans: Nago's brother

Narab, his senior most advisor, his son Moraeulf, and the Six. "

Who are the Six? "asked Pug. 'You've mentioned them before. " 'No one
knows. They are swathed in robes as dark as those of your

Tsurani friend and yourself, with deep hoods. " 'Pantathians? "suggested
Pug. 'Not snake priests, I'm certain, "said Gorath. 'They speak as you
or I do, though there is an accent to their voices. Yet, they serve

Delekhan and give him the might to unite the clans. Their magic was
powerful enough to force Nago and Narab to heel on two occasions when
they sought to distance themselves from Delekhan. And among our people,
they were the mightiest of Spellweavers. "

Arutha said, 'Pug, would you bring that map over here, please? "

Pug got the map indicated by the Prince, one of the central third of the
Kingdom. He placed it on the table next to the one brought by Locklear
from Yellow Mule. 'What cause would Delekhan have to operate out of a
river town in the heart of the Kingdom? "

Pug said, 'Perhaps because it is in the heart of the Kingdom? He pointed
to the location. When Murmandamus came against us, he moved through
Highcastle, and crossed the High Wold, moving to the southwest to enter
the Dimwood and strike south to Sethanon.

What if this time Delekhan ran this pass here, and came down the

River Cheston by barge? "

Arutha nodded. 'At Romney he could turn to the River Silden and north of
the City of Silden he could turn westward and force march to Sethanon.
It's his fastest route and his easiest if I've got the Armies

of the West tied up at Lamut and Tannerus and a dozen other places frorn
here to Yabon. He'd be west of the King's Armies, too. "

Arutha looked at Gorath. 'At last something starts to make sense.

Gorath said, 'If I go to Romney, I may be able to find you the proof. "

Arutha said, 'It's a long step from belief to trust, Gorath. Our people
have been enemies too many years for trust to come easily. " 'Send me
with your soldiers, then, "said Gorath. 'Delekhan must be stopped. If
you blunt his attack, send him back to the north with his nose bloodied,
his own supporters will throw him down and my people will be saved. As
will yours. "

Arutha considered, and said, 'I've got just the person to put on this
task. But Jimmy is out conducting some other business for me tight now
'Nighthawks? "asked Gorath.

What do you know of that? "asked Arutha.

Gorath explained the encounters in the sewers with the false

Nighthawks and Squire James.

Arutha nodded. 'Someone's anxious for me to send the army into the
sewers, cleaning out the Mockers while I'm at it. The two things may be
related, but they also may be coincidence. " 'I think them related,
"said Gorath. 'I have not heard anyone speak of the Nighthawks, but I
have heard them speak of Delekhan having sources of information
throughout the Kingdom. "

Makala said, 'And from what young Locklear said, agents working within
the Empire, as well. "He held up the ruby Locklear had returned to him.
'These thefts have been under way for some time now. "The Tsurani
magician looked at Arutha. 'I think these events are all somehow
related. "

Arutha nodded. He looked at Gorath and said, 'I'm returning you to your
room, under guard. I'll send for you in the morning and we'll map out
your journey to Romney. It's weeks out and back by even the fastest
horses, and we need information in as timely a fashion as possible. "

Gorath rose from the table and with a slight nod to Gamina and

Pug, he left the room.

Arutha let out a sigh of frustration. 'So much of what he knows is

based upon overheard conversations and rumour. I believe his warning is
sincere, but is it accurate? "

Knight-Marshal Gardan, who had remained silent while the moredhel was in
the room, said, 'I don't trust him, Highness. We fought them too often
over the years to trust any of them. " 'But what other choice do I have,
Marshal? "asked Arutha. 'If his warning is true, we face another Great
Uprising, and if we don't guess right, we may be in the same situation
as we were last time, with armies racing to converge on Sethanon, with
the moredhel already there. " 'Why Sethanon? "asked Makala, looking at
the map. 'Why do they believe this Murmandamus is imprisoned there? "

Arutha glanced at Pug and said, 'That is where he disappeared.

There's some rumour about the place, and Murmandamus was deluded into
thinking that if he seized that city he would cut the

Kingdom in half and defeat us. "

It was a weak lie, and Pug knew it, but Makala said, 'Often in war
decisions are based on bad assumptions. Is there some proof, though,
that Murmandamus is indeed dead? " 'Only my word, "said Arutha. 'For I
was the one who killed him. "

Makala looked at Arutha and said, 'And we can pretty safely assume they
will not take you at your word, correct?

Arutha nodded.

Pug shook his head in frustration. 'My daughter and I must leave for a
while, but we'll be back, Arutha. I am more concerned by these
mysterious six magicians than all the other news brought by

Gorath. " 'Yes, "said Makala. 'The mysterious magic-users. We of the

Assembly will be glad to aid you, Pug, if we can. just call on us. "

Pug asked, 'Are you coming to Stardock? "

Makala said, 'I have some messages to pen to those back on

Kelewan. I will join you at Stardock soon. "

Pug nodded, took an orb out of his robe and placed his arm around his
daughter's waist. He activated the orb, and, with a buzz, the pair
vanished.

Arutha said, Would that the rest of us could flit from place to place
with such speed. "

Makala said, 'To prevent armies from doing just that is one reason

MY brotherhood of magicians guards these devices so, Highness. We

hall have to be cautious of our part in such matters, though given our
Emperor's disposition -' he referred to the fact that Ichindar,

Emperor oftsuranuanni, was in favour of close ties with the Kingdom you
can expect aid quickly, should you need it. "

Arutha gave him thanks, and Makala and Gardan departed. Prince

Arutha sat in his chamber late into the night, weighing and judging the
warning brought by the renegade moredhel chieftain, and no inatter how
often he wanted to put it aside as a charade, or nothing more than the
jockeying for domination between factions in the moredhel nations, he
couldn't. Another war was coming; he could feel it in his bones.

Unless his prized agent, a former thief turned courtier, could somehow
steal that war out of the very hands of those who sought to unleash it.

Arutha picked up a bell on his table and rang it. Instantly a page
appeared at the door. 'Highness? " 'Send word to the guard to notify me
the moment Seigneur James returns to the palace, whatever the hour. "
'Highness, "said the page, closing the door as he left to do as he was
bid.

Arutha still didn't return to his own quarters, for even having made the
decision to send Jimmy with Gorath to Romney, he had a thousand other
questions to consider, and foremost among them was Who are the Six? "

Gorath was awake as soon as the door began to open. He rose, fists
ready, for while unarmed, he was ready to defend himself.

He was not confident that no assassin could find his way into the
palace. He remembered events from -many years ago where the

Princess of Krondor almost died at the hands of one employed by

Murmandamus.

Gorath relaxed when he saw his visitor was Squire James. 'Greetings '
said the young man.

Greetings, "said Gorath. He sat down in a chair next to a window
overlooking a garden. 'Am I to be questioned again? " 'No, "said James.
We're going on a trip to Rornney. "

Gorath rose. 'As I have nothing to pack, I am ready. " 'Provisions are
prepared, though we will be travelling light. "

Gorath said, 'I expected an escort of at least a fiifl company against
attack on the road to Romney. "

James smiled and said, 'Too much noise and bother. "He reached into his
tunic and pulled out an odd-looking device, an orb with tiny levers on
it that could be adjusted by one's thumb. 'And we're not riding. " 'How
are we getting theref came a voice from behind James.

James turned to find Owyn standing behind him.

We are not going. Gorath and I are. You are staying here or heading home
to Timons, as pleases you. " 'I can't stay here, "said Owyn. 'I've got
nothing to do and I'm not in the Prince's service. And I can't go back
to Timons. What if I'm captured along the way and made to talk? "

James smiled. What do you know? "

I know you're bound for Romney, "said Owyn. 'How do you know that? 'I
know how to read a map and I overheard enough between Gorath and
Locklear to know that's where I'd be heading next. "

Owyn hurried on in his pleading, 'Besides, I'm from the east and know my
way around back there. I've got cousins in Ran, Cavell and

Dolth and have visited Silden and Romney. "

James shook his head as if remembering something, and said, 'Never mind.
I seem to recall that Locklear and I made a similar brief to someone who
didn't want us along, as well, many years ago.

Very well, you can come. It's better to have you underfoot than out of
sight and dead, I guess. "

James led them to an empty room in another part of the castle, where
weapons and travel items were piled. Gorath picked up one sword and
said, 'A lamprey!"

That's a bloodsucker, all right, "said James, 'but why do you call it
that? " 'A name, that's all, "said Gorath. 'My people did not always
live in the mountains, human. Once we abided on the shores of the Bitter

Sea. "He admired the curve of the blade and weighed the heft of the hilt
in his hand. He put the sword back in its scabbard and said, 'I will not
ask how you came to possess a blade fashioned by my people. "

James said, 'As you might expect. "He pointed to three backpacks 'Food
and other stores, for we may have to do some travelling, but

for the most part I hope we're able to conduct our business quickly and
be out of Rornney. " vvhere's Locky? asked Owyn. 'He leaves in an hour
on another mission for the Prince. I will meet with him after we're done
in Romney. This isn't the only iron jr, the fire, so to speak, though it
may be the most important. "

They picked up their belongings, and Owyn asked, 'Now what? "

Again James produced the orb and said, 'Stand close by. Gorath, place
your hand on my shoulder, and Owyn, yours on his. "James put his left
hand on Owyn's shoulder, and with the right, activated the orb.

There was a buzz in the air and the room around them seemed to shimmer.
Suddenly they were in a different room. Where are we? " asked Gorath.
'Malac's Cross.'James crossed to open the door and peered out.

We are in a building owned by friends of the Prince, and I had best
lead, else you may find your head split before you can identify
yourself. "

They were on the second floor of a building. As they descended the
stairs, a monk in plain grey robes turned a corner and stared
openmouthed at them. 'Ah -'he began.

James held up his hand. 'Tell Abbot Graves we're here, brother. "

The monk turned and hurried off to do as he was bid. James led them into
what had obviously once been the common room of an inn. A large man with
a short, grey-shot beard hurried over and said, 'Jimmy, you scoundrel!
What is all this? He indicated Gorath and Owyn. 'Hello, Ethan. A person
of some consequence desires to see us quickly on our way to the east,
and back again. Using that Tsurani device was our fastest start. " 'So
you come from Krondor? "

James nodded yes. 'Have you horses we might borrow? " 'No, but I'll send
a brother over to Yancys stable and get three.

Care to tell me what this is about? " 'No, "said James. 'Frust me. "

The man named Ethan Graves said, We go back a long way, together, lad,
to darker days when I was another man. But while I hold your master in
high regard, my loyalty now lies exclusively with

the temple. If this is some matter of concern to the Temple of Ishap,
you should tell me. "

James shrugged. 'If I can, I will, but at this point all I have is
conjecture and speculation. Still, let me say that it's time to be
wary.,

Graves laughed. We are always wary. Why else buy this inn and turn it
into an abbey on the fly? " 'Are things ... wely

Graves said, 'Go see yourself. You know the spot. "

Will you have horses ready when we return? "

And whatever else you need. " 4 Just horses. We have our necessaries in
hand! He indicated the packs they carried.

He removed his pack and said to the others, 'Come with me. Well be back
for these in an hour. "

They left the inn and Owyn looked over his shoulder. It was a modest
building, two storeys tall, with a stabling yard, a pair of outbuildings
near the barn, and a storage shed. It sat on the outskirts of a
modest-looking town, which stretched off to the east. Monks of

Ishap were hard at work replacing the wooden fence around the end of the
property with stone. 'What is all this? "asked Gorath as they walked
southward, down a path through some woodlands. 'An abandoned inn, which
has been taken over by the Temple of

Ishap. They are converting it to an abbey. " 'To what ends? "asked
Gorath. 'There's something not too far from here they wish to keep an
eye on. '@Which is?'asked Owyn. 'Something neither of you needs to know
about. "

They walked for about ten minutes along a path through the woods

They reached a clearing and Gorath halted, momentarily startled by what
he saw. Rising up before them was a statue, perfect in detail, of a
recumbent dragon, its head upon the ground, its wings unfolding as if it
was just about to rise up. 'What is this? "asked the dark elf. He walked
around it, inspecting it closely. 'This is the Oracle ofaal,'saidjames.
He indicated a votive offe ring plate on the ground before the dragon.

J1

Owyn said, 'I thought it but a legend. " 'Like many legends, one based
in truth, "said James. He motioned to the plate. 'Toss in a coin and
touch the dragon. "

Owyn fished out a silver coin from his pouch and tossed it into tile
plate. A moment before it touched the surface of the plate, the coin
vanished. Owyn reached out and touched the dragon ...

And was someplace else. It was a large chamber; immense was more
accurate, thought Owyn. Air moved in the chamber with the stately
leisure of ages, and before Owyn reared up a dragon of gigantic
proportions, the head resting upon the ground larger than the largest
waggon Owyn had ever seen. The creature's body was resplendent with gems
of all hues. Diamonds predominated, but emeralds, sapphires, rubles and
opals formed patterns that swirled on the dragon's back, and made her
look as though she wore a shimmering rainbow. It was hard to look away.
'I'm asleep?'asked Owyn. 'In a fashion. But quickly, you tread a
dangerous path. What would you ask of the Oracle of Aal? " 'I find
myself caught up in something I don't understand, yet I feel compelled
to continue with my companions. Is this wise? " 'At journeys end you
shall not be as you are now, nor may you ever return the way you have
come. The days ahead of you are filled with hardship and many times to
come you will think yourself less significant than you truly are. " 'Can
I trust the moredhel, Gorath? " 'He is more than even he knows himself
to be. Trust him, though he will not always trust himself. He will
become a great champion, even to those who curse his name and will never
know of his greatness. "

Suddenly Owyn felt his knees go weak and he faltered. Strong hands
grabbed him, holding him upright. He blinked and was again standing
before the statue. What? 'Aye you all right? asked Gorath. 'You touched
the statue and seemed to falter. " 'I was someplace else, "said Owyn.
'How long was I gone? " 'Gone? "said Gorath. 'You weren't gone. You but
touched the statue and staggered slightly, then I grabbed your arm. "
'It seemed longer, "said Owyn.

'It happens that way, sometimes, "said James, touching the stone.

He withdrew his hand a moment later. AVHO gets to speak to the

Oracle is the Oracle's choice. What did she say to you? "

Owyn glanced at Gorath and James. 'Only that I must trust . you both. "
'Did the Oracle say anything useful? asked James, gripping Owyn by the
arm. 'Only that the days ahead are filled with hardship. "

Gorath snorted in contempt. 'As if we need an oracle to tell us that. "

James said, 'Let's get back to the abbey and see if our horses are,
ready. We still have a fair ride ahead. " 'Where are we bound? Salador?
"asked Owyn. 'No, the high road to Silden. It's less travelled and more
dangerous for that, but anyone looking for us is still hanging about
outside

Krondor, I wager, waiting for us to stick our heads out of the palace.

With luck, we will be on the road to Romney before our enemies finally
learn we are no longer in the palace. "

Owyn nodded, and as they began their return to the inn-turnedabbey he
cast a backward glance over his shoulder toward the clearing in which
the dragon statue rested. There was something he had sensed in his dream
state, something he had not spoken of the

Oracle was afraid.

six journey

T he Abbot waved a greeting.

They climbed the trail from the dragon statue to the converted inn, and
found Abbot Graves waiting for them. 'You'd better get into town before
you leave, James, "he said.

Why? asked James, looking for signs of trouble in the Abbot's manner.
'About five minutes after you vanished down that trail, a column of
riders came past here, heading into the city. "

James squinted towards town, as if trying to see the riders. 'Something
was notable about them, else you wouldn't be remarking on them. What? "
'They wore the Kines colours. And unless I don't remember my days as a
thief in Krondor, old Guy du Bas-Tyra himself rode at their head. "
'Thaes something we need to see then, "said James. He motioned for
Gorath and Owyn to faflow him and started walking toward town.

We'u be back in a while, Graves. "

The Abbot waved goodbye, and turned back into the building.

They hurried into the town, heading down the main boulevard, and reached
the town square. There, a fiili squad of riders were dismounting and
tending to their horses before an inn with a chess piece - a white queen
- on its sign. The soldiers were all attired in the livery of the royal
house, black trousers and boots, grey tunics over which each wore a
scarlet tabard a white circle scarlet lion rampant, crowned gold and
holding a sword: the King's coat-of-arms.

A line of purple around the edge of the circle and upon the cuffs of the
tunic showed these were palace guards, those whose first duty

was to the Royal Family. Two guards stood at the door, and one said,
'Easy now, friend. The Duke of Rillanon is taking his ease in the
commons and no one goes in until he's left or without th

Duke's say-so. "01 'Then get yourself inside, soldier, and tell him
Seigneur James of

Krondor is here on the Prince's business. "

The soldier gave James and his companions an appraising look, then went
inside.

A moment later a large man, his grey hair flowing to his shoulders and a
black patch over his left eye, appeared before them. He stood with his
hand upon the door a moment, then waved them in.

Inside the common room, James and the others could see the soldiers of
the King's Royal Guard were efficiently checking out the surroundings.

Guy du Bas-Tyra, Duke of Rillanon and First Counsellor to the

King of Isles, waved them to a table where he sat down heavily. 'Get me
something to drink!"he shouted, and a soldier detailed to be his orderly
hurried to where an intimidated-looking barman waited. The man almost
hurt himself on the edge of the bar trying to bring out a tray of pewter
jacks. He filled them quickly and ran over to place the first one before
Bas-Tyra and then served the others at the table.

He said, Would m'lord care for something to eat? " 'Later, "said Guy,
slowly removing his heavy gloves. 'Something hot for me and my men. Cook
up a side of beef' The innkeeper bowed and backed away, knocking over a
chair at the next table, which he quickly righted. Guy looked at James
and nodded.

James's brow furrowed but he returned the nod. Duke Guy said, 'So,
Arutha is sending you east to snoop around? "

James said, 'That's one way of putting it, Your Grace. "

Guy pointed to Gorath. 'Now, explain to me why I shouldn't cut his heart
out and hang you for being a black-hearted rogue and traitor to the
Crown? "

Gorath's hand tightened slightly on the hilt of his sword, but he didn't
move. Owyn's face drained of colour, but he saw James smile. 'Because it
would irritate Arutha?

Guy laughed. 'You haven't lost any of that mouth, have you,

Jimmy? "

The young man said, 'I probably never will. We've been through

too Inuch for you to seriously wonder about where my loyalties lie, so I
judged you were taking out your bad temper on me because you couldn't
take it out on Arutha. Whys he got you so peeved? "

The Duke of Rillanon, most powerful noble in the Kingdom after the Royal
Family, leaned back in his plain wooden chair and made an A-encompassing
gesture around him. 'This. Because I'm here in a town whose only excuse
for existing is its location between Krondor and Salador, and because
Lyarn is concerned about reports that have been coming to the court of
renegade moredhel - 'he locked his one good eye on Gorath ' - and some
other unsavoury types running loose between here and Romney. "

Why you? 'A variety of reasons, "said the Duke. He took a long drink of
ale.

J usually don't drink this early in the day, but I'm usually not riding
all night, either. " 'Those other unsavoury types wouldn't be
Nighthawks, would they? "asked James. 'They might be, "said Guy. What's
Arutha hearing? " 'Nothing until I get back and report, "said James.
'But on the way into the city, Locky and these two found a pair of
frauds playing the part of the Guild of Death. "

Guy looked off into the distance for a moment, as if weighing his words.
'If you were trying to revive the Nighthawks, "he posed to

James, 'and you wanted someone to think that you weren't, how useful
would it be to have a bunch of bunglers found out as false

Nighthawks?

James's eyes widened. 'Brilliant! It would take attention off what I was
really trying to do, I would have some pawns to offer up as a sacrifice,
and the people I'm the most worried about wouldn't take me seriously. "
'Look deep, Jimmy,'said Guy.'Find who's really behind the troubles we're
having. There's an old axiom: absent any contrary information, assume
your enemy will act intelligent,@. The coronary of that is: act stupid,
and your enemy won't take you serious,@."

James said, 'You still haven't said why you're here. "

Guy nodded. 'The King wanted me to personally take a hand in this
region. It seems some of our local nobles are suspect. " 'Of treason? "

'Not that, though it might be a remote possibility. "Guy finished his
ale. 'Rather, they're suspected of incompetence. My lord, the Earl of
Romney, has a guild war about to break out, and seems unable to do
anything about it. I ordered a company of Royal Lancers to head that way
to bail him out as I left; they should be arriving some tirne in the
next week. "

What sort of war? "asked James. 'I don't know the details, but it seems
the Brotherhood of Riverpullers has raised prices to the point where
merchants can't afford to have their goods hauled up or down the river,
and the other guilds are lining up in opposition to the Riverpullers.
Both sides are hiring, swords, and, for all I know, the Earl of Romney
has declared martial law by now. Hell, for all I know, the city is in
flaming ruin.'He slapped the table for emphasis, as if he didn't care
whether Romney did go up in flames. 'And besides this tour to get things
in hand, we're showing the King is personally interested; the banners
are waving in front of people who need to see them, and I'm also
required by His Majesty to give a lecture tonight. ) 'Lecture? "asked
James, barely able to keep from laughing. 'On what? And to whom? "

Guy sighed. 'On the Battle of Armengar, and to anyone who wants to
listen. "He shook his head as if he couldn't believe his own words.

You know that thug, Graves, who the Ishapians sent here to start that
new abbey? "

James nodded. 'I knew Ethan before he heard the call. He was a rough one
in those days; one of the better bashers in the Mockers! 'I can believe
it. In any event, he has decided, or rather the Ishapian

Temple in Rillanon has decided, that a school is to be built here, in

Malac's Cross, "the centre of the Kingdom", and that young nobles are to
attend. They call it a collegium! He lowered his voice a bit. 'I think
theyre distrustful of what our friend Pug is doing down in Stardock and
think they may gain by having a similar venue for influencing the young
nobles of the Kingdom. And I think they also want a base near ..."His
eyes flickered from Gorath to Owyn, and he let his words lapse.

James knew what he was about to say: near Sethanon and the

Lifestone, so all he did was nod slightly. Glancing around the

foor, "James said, 'I don't notice a lot of young nobles in the rea,
Guy. "

Guy reached across the table and attempted to give James a playful slap
to the head, which James adroitly avoided. 'You always were a smart
mouth, Jimmy, and you always will be a smart mouth.'James grinned. 'Even
if you some day get your wish and connive to be 1,arned Duke of Krondor,
you'll still be a smart mouth. "

James laughed. 'Maybe. Now, where are these young nobles? "

Guy sighed. 'A few will wander in from surrounding estates, no doubt.
That's why I rode all night to get here. Damn weather had my ship
reaching Salador two days late, so I'm riding through the night so as
not to make a liar out of the King. "He took another sip of ale. 'And
it's why I want you to attend the lecture tonight. If s in a house down
near the eastern edge of the town. You won't be able to miss it; it'll
be the one with all the Royal Guardsmen standing in front of it. "He
stood up, and James did as well, Owyn and Gorath a moment after. 'Lyarn
asked me to do this while I was making arrangements along the frontier
with the Western Realm, and as a favour to the

Ishapian Temple. I, loyal duke that I am, could hardly say no to my
king. You, loyal squire that you are, cannot say no to me. You will
attend the lecture this evening as my claque, seigneur. Now, I'm going
to see to my men, and then I plan on getting some sleep. "

The Duke departed, heading upstairs to the rooms set aside for him.
Gorath turned to James and said, 'What is a claque?

James laughed. 'Theatre owners hire them to cheer loudly at
performances, to gull the uninformed into thinking the play was
brilliant. It gets quite funny sometimes. Five or six people will be
cheering wildly, while the rest of the audience is booing and throwing
rotten vegetables at the actors. "

Gorath finished his ale and shook his head in dismay. 'Humans. "

The innkeeper came over and said, 'Anything else, gentlemen? "

He studied James's face for a long moment, then said, 'Sorry.

Thought you were someone else. "Clearing his throat, he repeated,
'Anything else? 'If I don't get food on top of that ale, I'll be asleep
in an hour, " said Owyn. 'I've never drunk so early in the day. "

Gorath let out a disapproving grunt, but said nothing.

James said, 'Whatever food you're serving, ah ... ?"

'Ivan's the name, sir, "he said, bowing as he turned to leave.

The door to the tavern opened and three men entered. James,

Gorath and Owyn all looked, their mission making them wary.

The three men were locals, and one was carrying a chess set.

They set it up on a table and two began to play while the third watched.

Ivan returned and served the food: cold meats, cheese, spiced greens and
sweetened apples. He put the platter on the table and said, 'More ale? "

James nodded. Another pair of men came to set up another game of chess
and James said, This goes on here a lot? "

Ivan nodded. 'The Queen's Row, sir? The chess piece on the sign means
something. Old man Bargist, who opened this inn some thirty years ago,
was a fair player, and since then, well, travellers and locals alike
know that this is where you come to play a match if you want to test
your mettle. You play, sir? " 'Not well, "said James. 'My ... employer
plays very well, and has taught me the basics. " 'You can always find
someone here willing to play, "he said as he departed to see what the
soldiers were ordering.

The door opened and a ragged old woman slipped through, dosing it behind
her. She came across the room and stood next to James. 'I thought you
gone up to Lyton, Lysle. And where did you get those clothes? "She felt
the fabric of his tunic at the shoulder. 'Must have snitched them off a
baron, from the feel of them. "She squinted at

James as if she had trouble seeing him. 'I think you have mistaken me
for someone else. My name is

James -' 'Jarnes, is it? "she interrupted Well, then, if ies James, then
it's

James. "She nudged him with her elbow and winked. 'Like the time you
chewed soap and walked a ' round foaming at the mouth, eh, dearie?

Taking alms from the gullible? If you say so. Be a love and buy old

Petrumh some food, will you? "She then noticed Gorath and said,

What are you doing with an elf, boy? Don't you know theyre bad luck?
Theyre the ones killed my old man Jack, and theyre causing all that
trouble up at Sethanon. What are you thinking? "

James asked, What trouble in Sethanon? "

She leaned down, and blinked, studying James's face. 'You're not

Ly'sle!"she said. Slapping him weakly on the shoulder she said, What arc
you doing with his face? "Her hands came up to her mouth and she stepped
back. 'Ow!"she cried. 'You're an evil fairy, that's it! You've taken
Lysle's form to trick me!"

James put up his hands. 'Madam! We are not evil fairies. " 'And I am not
an eltl' grumbled Gorath under his breath.

The old woman leaned forward again. Well, you don't look evil, that's a
fact. But you could be Lysle's twin, and that's also a fact. "

James waved Ivan over and gave him a coin. 'See the woman gets some
food, "he instructed. To Petrumh, he said, 'You say this Lysle has gone
to Lyton? " 'Left a few days ago, he did, "she agreed. 'Said he was to
meet a gentleman there. I suspect he'll be in trouble, sorry to say.
That's

Lysle. Has a knack for trouble, he does. And I doubt the bloke he's
meeting is a gentleman. "

Ivan took the woman by the elbow and moved her to a corner table and sat
her down before food. She dug in without looking up and

James turned his attention to his companions. 'A double? said Gorath.

Owyn said, 'Could someone have put a lookalike on the road to

Romney ahead of us?

James shrugged. 'Maybe. It's been done before. I saw a double of the
Prince years ago in the sewers of Krondor. If it hadn't have been for
muddy boots, he might have convinced people he was Arutha and played
havoc with things for a while. "He shook his head and said, 'But I doubt
it. From what the old woman said, this fellow

Lysle's been around here a while. It may just be a coincidence. A while
back some fellows up in Tannerus kept trying to beat me up for something
done by some other fellow until I convinced them

I wasn't that person. Twice, in less than a year, makes me think there's
someone walking around who resembles me, and from what

I've heard, he's not doing me any favours with the resemblance. "He
waved the innkeeper over. 'Have you seen me before? "asked James. 'Can't
say as I have, "said Ivan. 'But you thought you had, earlier, "observed
James. 'No, I said I thought you were someone else. " 'Who? "asked
James.

'Lysle Riggers, "said Ivan. 'Local scoundrel, truth to tell. Has his
hands in a lot of ... questionable activities. Still, he's also a good
rnan to know if you need something done, if you know what I mean. "

J do, "said James. 'Have you known this fellow long? " 'On and off, off
and on, maybe ten years or so, "said Ivan. comes and he goes. Sometimes
he's here for a month, then gone'a year, other times he's here a year,
then gone a month. Never can say what he's up to. "He looked at all
three in turn. 'Can I get you anything else? 'No, that will be all,
"said James.

What now? "asked Owyn, yawning from the effects of drinking early in the
day.

James said, 'I'm heading back to chat with my old friend Graves.

You might do well with a nap. And tonight we'll go listen to Duke

Guy lecture local youths about the Battle of Armengar. "

Gorath said, J may stay here. I already know about Armengar. I was
there. "

James grinned. 'So was I. But we'll go. It's not politic to disappoint a
duke, my friend. It can cause troubles if you do. "

Gorath's answer was an inarticulate snort, but he stood and said, 'I am
going to scout around. From what the old woman said, som@ of my people
may have been nearby. I will look for any signs. 'Good, "said James,
standing up. We all have something to do. "

James and Gorath left, and Owyn went to where Ivan stood cleaning
glasses behind the bar. 'Could I rent a room for tonight? he asked.
'Normally I'd be happy to oblige, "said Ivan. 'But the King's me have
taken them all. "

Owyn asked, 'Is there another inn nearby? " 'There's one a half days
ride to the west, though I wouldn't recommend it. And there's another a
half days ride to the east, but I wouldn't recommend it, either. "
'Perhaps a spot in your barn? " 'King's men won't allow it, lad. Sorry.
"

Owyn turned away and decided to catch up with James. If he couldn't nap,
perhaps he might find something interesting to study at the Ishapian
abbey.

Much to James's surprise, there were a fair number of attendees at

Guy's lecture on the Battle of Armengar. Owyn sat nearby looking sleepy.
He had returned to the makeshift abbey and managed to find some books to
read. He had become engrossed in one that touched on magic and found
several things of interest.

During the talk James had elbowed Owyn twice as the young man was about
to drop off to sleep. As the lecture wrapped up, James was forced to
admit the old commander of the defences at Armengar had been truly
brilliant in his tactics. The mere fact that a fair number of survivors
reached Yabon safely while the Teeth of the World had swarmed with
goblins and moredhel looking for human refugees had been an
accomplishment.

The audience applauded politely when Guy concluded his remarks and
several young nobles from the area approached to talk to the

Duke. James said, Wait here, "and went to make his goodbyes to Guy.

When he returned, he said, 'Let's go. "

Where?'asked Owyn. 'There's nowhere to sleep in town. "

We can sleep on the floor at the abbey and get a fresh start in the
morning. " 'Good, "said Owyn yawning. 'I'm all in. " 'You'd better learn
to hold your ale, Owyn, "said Jimmy with a grin.

They moved down the road and James wasn't surprised to find

Gorath suddenly beside them, though Owyn nearly leaped sideways when the
dark elf materialized out of the evening gloom. 'Find anything? "asked
James. 'Tracks. Moredhel have been through here recently. "

What else? " 'A fair number of people are passing to the north of town,
not through it. "

We can assume they don't wish to be seen. Which way were they going,
east or west? " 'Both. A lot of people moving in both directions, but
keeping out of sight. "

James shook his head in consternation. 'Damn, I don't like any of this.
"

They remained silent as they reached the abbey. Well, "said

Graves, as they entered the former common room, 'how was the lecture? "
'Could have used a singer, "said James with a straight face. 'Duke Arm
and de Sevigny will be lecturing here next month, "said

Graves, 'and Baldwin de la Troville the month after!

James assured him, 'I'll try not to miss the lectures. Have you a place
we can sleep tonight? " 'You're welcome to bed down under the tables
here in the conni mons, Jimmy; but the rooms upstairs are being used by
the brothe or for storage! 'Under the tables will be fine, "said Owyn,
unrolling his beddi from his travel bundle. Gorath did likewise without
comment.

James sat opposite the thief-turned-deric and, keeping his voice low,
said, Why here, Ethan? "

The Abbot shrugged. 'I don't know, Jimmy. You know the order wants to be
close to Sethanon, "he said. 'There's a rough village forming up a few
miles south of the old city but nothing you'd call a proper town. It's
still a decent trading route, though, and some folks seek to profit by
caravans and traders passing by. It would be too obvious for us to try
to build an abbey there. But here we can be circumspect and still send a
brother up there to snoop around from time to time, just to ensure
nothing disturbs the status quo. " 'I noticed the next two lecturers are
men Bas-Tyra trusts!

Graves nodded. 'There're too many strange things going on for him to do
otherwise. Some of the other nobles ...'he shrugged. 'They're not as
trustworthy as they could be. " 'You don't think treason, do you? " 'I
don't know what to think, "said Graves. 'I'm a former thief who has been
handpicked by the temple in Rillanon for a potentially difficult, even
critical assignment! He looked down as if afraid to look James in the
eyes. 'I don't know if I'm equal to the task. " 'I've never heard you
act the shy role before, Ethan!

Graves sighed. 'There's a lot you don't know, Jimmy. I have some old ...
ties, you could say. They aren't easily broken. You know how it is!

James laughed. 'Better than most. I have a death mark on me from the
Mockers if I cross their boundaries, yet I do so all the time. And n

they conveniently ignore my trespass when it suits them. I know what you
mean, I think!

Graves said, 'I hope when the time comes you do know what I rne@ui. "He
stood up. 'I must retire. There's a great deal to be done around here.
Have a good night, Jimmy. " 'You too, Ethan. "

James undid his own bedding and lay down next to Owyn, who was already
fast asleep. As he drifted off himself, he wondered just what

Graves had meant by 'when the time comes'.

The north wind cut through the night. James huddled under his cloak as
the three stayed dose to their fire. The road from Malac's Cross to
Silden was far less travelled than the King's Highway to Salador, but it
was a more direct route. Behind them, the three horses James had
purchased, along with tack, were quietly eating the grain he had bought
for them.

Owyn said, 'James, I'm worried about something and I've been rneaning to
talk to you about it since we left Malac's Cross. "

Gorath said, 'You have seemed troubled. "

James asked, What is it? " 'I don't know exactly, but it's something I
picked up from the

Oracle ... A sense of foreboding. " 'Given our circurnstances, "said
Gorath, 'that is not particularly inappropriate. "

What do you mean? "asked James, looking intently at Owyn. 'It's like the
Oracle was worried. "

James was silent, then said, 'I'm no expert, and I've never seen the

Oracle myself, but from what I hear, the Oracle can tell futures, but
not her own. " 'Futures? "said Gorath.

James paused, then said, 'Maybe I'm telling it wrong, but the rnagician
Pug once told me that the future is not set in stone, but the result of
many acts, and that by changing an act today, the future changes. "

Owyn said, 'As if you had not come south, Gorath, Delekhan's plans would
be further along. " 'I understand that, "said Gorath. 'But if the future
is fluid, what good is an Oracle? "

James shrugged. 'There is a great deal of wisdom in this Oracle, I have
been told. "

Owyn looked at Gorath and said, 'I think James is right. But I still
don't know about that feeling of worry. " 'Perhaps the Oracle's fate is
bound up in what we do, "suggested

Gorath. Then it would be difficult for her to see the future, if what

James said is correct. Perhaps that is the source of the worry. "

James said nothing. He was one of the few who knew of the existence of
the Lifestone under Sethanon. Only a handful of those who had been at
the battle knew of the magic relic from the time of the Dragon Lords.
Few knew that the Oracle of Aal was the guardian of the Lifestone and
resided in a vast chamber below the

City of Sethanon.

The statue at Malac's Cross was designed to mislead those who knew
nothing of the dragon Oracle's existence. Should any come seeking the
Oracle, it provided the means for them to contact her without actually
being in her presence.

James said, 'I'm trying to puzzle together some things. We have

Tsurani Great Ones getting their riches stolen, so that Tsurani
renegades can sell them to moredhel raiders, who swap them for weapons.
We have a false Guild of Death, maybe to mask some real

Nighthawks who survived the night we burned their headquarters to the
ground in Krondor, and a lot of false trails in the west predicting an
invasion from the north. "

Gorath said, 'My people will proceed cautiously. They will want some
indication from Delekhan that Murmandamus indeed is alive in

Sethanon, being held there against his will, before they win march. "

James said, 'No offence to your people, but that sort of "proof' is easy
to make. " 'Agreed, "said Gorath, 'which is why Delekhan is attempting
to remove all of us who were in opposition to him. "

James lay back, wrapping the cloak around him. Well, we may find answers
or we may not, but right now I could use some sleep. " 'You going to
look for that double of yours in Lyton? asked

Owyn. 'It's on the way, "said James. 'Might as well while we're passing
through town. "

Owyn rolled over, trying to get close enough to the fire to stay warm
without burning himself. Gorath just lay silently, until he was asleep.

Sleep was a long time in coming forjames as he wrestled with all the
fragments and clues he had. Somewhere in all this apparent chaos was a
Pattern; somehow all the pieces came together and made sense.

The ride to Lyton was uneventful until they reached the outskirts of the
town at sundown. Off the side of the road stood a forlorn farm,
abandoned by the look of it, with a ramshackle barn, around which
skulked black-clad figures.

Gorath saw them first, and James said, 'I wouldn't have even noticed
them if you hadn't pointed them out to me. " 'There are four of them,
and they seem very curious as to the contents of that abandoned barn,
"said the dark elf. james said, 'My bump of trouble is itching like mad.
I think we've found our real Nighthawks. "

Owyn said, 'What do we do? "

Pulling out his sword, James replied, 'Kill them before they notice us,
if we're lucky. " fle turned his horse off the road and moved forward at
a trot. They travelled across an abandoned field overgrown with tall
grass which rose to chest height on the horses. It masked their movement
for a while, as the dark-dad figures seemed intent on the barn, which
allowed James and his companions to reach the edge of the field before
being seen.

The assassin who first saw them shouted and two others turned, as James
spurred his horse forward to charge. One of the black-clad men carried a
sword and readied himself to strike at James, while another leaped out
of the way. At the corner of the barn, a third figure easily drew an
arrow and nocked it to his bow, pulling back in a fluid draw. Suddenly a
dark nimbus of energy splashed the side of the barn, missing him, but
distracting him enough that he fen back without shooting.

Gorath upon the second man was leaping from the back of his horse, while
James engaged the first. Owyn cursed as he realized that while he had
managed to unravel the mystery of the spell Nago had thrown at him and
could now duplicate it, he couldn't control it very well. He hoisted his
staff over his head like a war dub and rode toward the bowman, trying to
strike him before he could loose his arrow.

Gorath crushed his opponent's throat with the flat of his blade, a d
rose up to see James having difficulty with his man, while Own rod,
around flailing at the third with his staff. The bowman was sso bus@
trying to keep from having his head stove in by Owyn's staff he couldn't
stop long enough to shoot. He finally tossed down his bow and tried to
draw his sword.

James saw Gorath standing uncertain of which way to move, and shouted,
'Find the fourth one!"

Gorath was off without another word, moving around the corner to find
the door of the barn open. Inside was darkness to confound the human
eye, but to the dark elf it was a pattern of darkness and light, greys
and darker greys. He saw movement in the rafters above and along one
wall to his left. He waited.

A moment later the figure in the rafters slipped, causing some hay to
fall, and the figure near the wall let fly with an arrow in the
direction of the sound. Gorath charged. Before the Nighthawk could pull
and fire again, the dark elf was upon him.

The struggle lasted mere seconds as Gorath quickly killed his man.

Outside Jimmy bested his own and turned his attention to the one

Owyn-harried.

When the fighting was over, James and Owyn entered the barn and James
said, 'What's here? "

Gorath pointed up to the rafters and announced, 'Someone hides up there.
"

James said, 'Come down. We mean you no harm. "

A man lowered himself from the rafters, hanging by his hands a moment
before releasing his hold and dropping to the dirt floor.

He landed nimbly on his toes and looked at his rescuers. 'Thanks, " he
said.

The man moved toward them and when he stopped a few feet away, Owyn
said,'Gods!"

James looked at the man, who looked enough like him to be his twin. 'You
must be Lysle, "said James. 'Why do you assume that? "asked the man.
'Because people keep mistaking me for you, "said James, moving around so
he faced the door and the scant light from outside could strike his
features. 'It got me almost murdered by some unhappy folk, up in
Tannerus some months back. "

Thc man laughed. 'Sorry, but they're waiting for me to return with some
items they sent me to purchase on their behalf. I've been distracted and
am overdue in getting back there.'He paused a moment, then said, 'You do
look enough like me to confuse people, it's true. I'm

Lysle Riggers. " I'm James, from Krondor, "came the reply. 'These are my
friends, owyn and Gorath. We were on our way to Romney and when we were
in Malac's Cross an old woman thought I was you. " 'Old Petrumh, "said
Lysle. 'She's a little crazy. She's been that way since her husband died
in a fire. Most of the folks in town give her something to eat or let
her sleep in their barns. For some reason she's taken to telling
everyone she's my gran. "He shook his head. 'Care to tell us why a bunch
of Nighthawks are trying to kill you? " 'Nighthawks? "asked Riggers,
shrugging. 'Assassins? Can't say as I would know why. Maybe they thought
I was you. "

Gorath looked at James and said nothing. Owyn said, 'Maybe

James cut him off. 'No, someone wants you dead, Riggers. Let's head into
town and maybe by the time we get there you'll remember why. "

The man looked at the three before him as if weighing the possibility of
flight or resistance. Obviously discarding either as an option, he
nodded. 'Let's go. The Wayside is a decent enough inn, and I could use
an ale after all this. " 'Check the bodies, "said James. Gorath and Owyn
went outside to do so. 'You have anything you need to fetch? "asked
James.

Riggers said, 'No. I had a sword, but lost it somewhere back in the
woods running from those four. It wasn't a very good one. I'll take one
off the dead outside. "

Moving outside, James said, 'Fair enough. "

Owyn said,'Theyre carrying nothing, James. No papers, no money, nothing.
just weapons and those black clothes. "

Gorath came over and said, 'And these, "as he held up a medallion with a
hawk on it.

James took it, inspected it, and threw it to the ground. 'These are the
real Nighthawks, "he said. 'Not those frauds down in Krondor. "

Trauds? "asked Riggers.

It's a long story. "

'Good, "said Riggers. 'That means a second ale. Let's go. "He set off
toward the distant lights of the town, while the others mounted up.

Owyn rode next to Jimmy and said, 'For a fellow who was about to be
chopped up by assassins, he's pretty cheerfid. " 'Yes, he is, "said
James.

They followed their new acquaintance into town.

SEVEN

Murders

T he inn was crowded.

Lysle Riggers led James, Gorath and Owyn into The Wayside, a tavern
whose location was reflected in its name, situated as it was just on the
edge of the city, and a good walk from the main street.

But it seemed a popular place, with workingmen, armed fighters and some
unsavoury-looking sorts packing the common room.

James and his companions had left their horses with the lad who worked
in the stabling yard, giving instructions for their care, and followed
Lysle inside.

Lysle led them over to a table in the corner. He motioned for them to
sit and waved to the barman, who hurried over to take their order.

James ordered a round of ale and some food, and the barman offered a
quick glance between him and Riggers, but said nothing as he headed back
to the kitchen.

Riggers said, Well, then, I owe you a story. " 'A long one, you said,
"observed Gorath.

Riggers said, 'And you shall have it, but I have one question.

What brought you so fortuitously to my rescue? "He studied James a
moment, then said, 'If it was pure chance, then fate has a curious sense
of humour, my friend. "

James said, 'It was chance of a sort, though I had heard your name down
in Malac's Cross, as a few people seemed to think I was you. As to how
we came to your rescue, that was pure chance, though we were on the
lookout for just the sort of trouble you found yourself in. "

Toli recognized my assailants, "Riggers said, lowering his voice.
'041ously you know more than the average mercenary. "He jerked

A toward Gorath. 'His kind have been seen around here in

increasing numbers lately, though rarely openly walking around humans.
All of which leads me to think you're someone about

I need to know more before I launch into my long story. "Whorn

James grinned. Riggers returned the grin and again the others were
struck at the resemblance. Owyn said, 'If you're not brothers, the gods
have a fine sense of whimsy. " 'That they do, "said Riggers,
'irrespective of any other thing. "

James said, 'Here's what I can tell you. I'm working for people who
presently have no reason to want you dead, Riggers. Let's not give them
one. They are also people who are at odds with those employing your
would-be killers. " 'And the enemy of my enemy is myjr-iend, "said
Riggers, quoting the old truism. 'To a point, "said James. 'At this time
I like to think we may have more reasons to help one another than not. "

Riggers was silent for a minute, then the food arrived, giving him
another moment of respite as he took a slice of cheese and laid it over
warm bread. After the ale arrived and he took a long pull on his mug, he
said, 'Allow me to be a little circumspect, and I'll ten you What I can.
'I represent interests in Krondor, well established and well connected
They have trading relationships throughout the Kingdom, and into Kesh
and across the Bitter Sea to Natal. Lately theyve been harried by a new
competitor, who seeks to disrupt established business relationships and
carve out a new trading ernpire. "

James considered this a moment, then said, 'Care to name your principals
or your new competition? "

Lysle's grin stayed in place, but the humour left his eyes. 'No, to the
first, but the second is a personage of some mystery. He's called "the
Crawler" by some. "

James leaned forward and spoke low enough that only those at the table
might hear him. 'I'm Seigneur James, of the Prince's court, so I'm the
King's man. But I was also known for a time as Jimmy the Hand, so I know
of whom you speak. "There's a Party at Mother's"." And a good time will
be had by all, " finished Riggers. 'You're

Jimmy the Hand? I never would have believed it. "He sat back. " don't
visit Krondor much. My ... employer prefers I stay out he,c in the east.
But tales of your rise have travelled far and wide. "

IN@KUN LJUK; I H b Dh I KAY A L IU7 qt nay be we have more in common
than you know, "said James. lie t,ld of the false Nighthawks in the
sewers of Krondor and the susplcion that someone was trying to finesse
the Prince into raijing the Mockers' hideouts in an attempt to find
those false rqighthawks. 'That sounds like the Crawler, "said Lysle. 'He
would happily set crown against Mockers, and sit back and watch. If the
Mockers somehow survived, they would be weakened enough that they
couldn't oppose him; if they were destroyed, he could move in and take
their place. "

That's unlikely as long as Arutha's in Krondor, "said James. 'He's too
savvy to get sucked into that obvious a ploy. What is of real concern to
us is the existence of these genuine Nighthawks, the ones who were
seeking to separate your head from your shoulders. " 'I won't even ask
why, "said Lysle. 'I'll assume that it has sormething to do with the
good of the Kingdom. " 'They had a strong hand in repeated attempts to
kill Prince Arutha ten years ago. If theyre the survivors of that first
bunch, or someone else is attempting to trade on their reputation,
either way theyre a menace. What can you tell us about them? "

Lysle sat back. 'I'm off for Tannerus in the morning - to put right that
little matter that almost got you beaten to death when you were last
there - so I'll tell you what I know. There's two places this Crawler
seems to have taken a foothold. I hear he's got a lot of the crime on
the docks in Durbin under his control, and he's dislodged the locals
over in Silden. The Mockers were never strong outside Krondor, but they
always had good working relationships throughout the Bitter Sea, and a
lot of influence in Silden. Lately problems in several Bitter Sea

Ports have put a crimp on Mocker business and those friendly to the

Mockers have vanished in Silden. But the real pot about to boil over is
up north; there's a lot of confiision in Romney right now, and from what
I can gather, a lot of this Nighthawk business is being

"In through there. "

We've heard of some problems there. " 'The Riverpullers' Guild? "asked
Lysle.

James nodded. it 7hat's the Crawler, "continued Lysle. 'He staris at the
docks, making difficult for cargo to get in and out of a city, and wears
down both the

merchants and local thieves. After a while, people start paying
protection to get their goods in, and once he's in their pockets, he
never leaves. Damon Reeves is the head of the Riverpullers, and he's an
honest man, but someone near him has been whispering in his ear. "

James said, 'You think this Crawler is behind the revived Nighthawks '
'I don't know what to think. He may have tired of me flitting around
causing him troubles and put a price on my head. Or he might be behind
them. Or it might be someone else wants me dead for entirely different
reasons. I've made a few enemies in my time. "

Lysle grinned at that. 'I have no doubt, "said Gorath, dryly.

"Where should we start? "asked James. 'Start with a man named Michael
Waylander. He's always at the centre of these problems, it seems. Arle
Steelsoul, of the Ironmongers, is leading the opposition to the
Riverpullers. Both sides, at least, will talk to Waylander. It's
rumoured he has his hands in a couple of shady things; nothing too
important, but enough to make him dangerous. " 'Anything besides that?
'Nothing I care to share with you, but also nothing that kept from you
will hinder your efforts. "

Well, "said James, 'it's more than we had before we ran across you.

If you're off for Tannerus tomorrow, we'll know where to find you. "

Lysle grinned and James felt as if he was looking in a mirror.

While Lysle was two or three years older than James, the likeness was
uncanny. 'That's where I'm heading now. Who knows where I'll be if you
come there looking for me? "

James fixed him with a knowing gaze and said, 'Trust me, my friend. Now
that I've made your acquaintance, I'll be keeping an eye on you. We'll
meet again, have no doubt. "

Lysle finished his food, excused himself and left the three alone. 'I'll
see about a room, "said James. He made arrangements and the three
retired for the night.

In the morning, they headed for the stabling yard of the inn and
discovered a confused stableboy. 'Horses, sir? But last night you took
one, and sold my master the other two. "

James turned and looked down the westward road where beyond his vision
the village of Tannerus lay. Silently he swore he would

certainly find Lysle Riggers again some day. And if any doubt at their
being related had existed in James's mind until this minute, it was now
completely vanquished. Suddenly laughing, James said, Well, I guess vve
need to buy some horses, lad. What have you to sell us?

Owyn and Gorath exchanged curious glances at James's strange reaction,
but neither said a word as James waited for the boy to fetch the
stable-master so he could start haggling to buy three horses.

Armed men had thrown a barrier across the road into Romney, and
signalled the three riders to halt. What's this? "asked James.

One of the men stepped from behind the barrier, mostly grain sacks and
crates, and said, We're not letting strangers into Romney right now. "

James said, 'I'm on the King's business, and I bear warrants from the
Prince of Krondor. " 'Prince of Krondor, is it? said the man, rubbing
his chin with his gloved hand. He looked like a stevedore, shirt sleeves
rolled up high on his powerfiil arms, heavy chest and neck, his face
burned brown by the sun. He carried a long wrecking bar, the kind used
to open heavy crates off-loaded from riverboats, and he looked eager to
use it. Well, the Prince is a long way away-, it's not even the Western

Realm, you see, so I can't see as why that cuts any ice with us. "
'Who's in charge here? said James, jumping down from his horse and
handing his reins to Owyn.

Well, normally if s Michael Waylander, who's trying to keep the

Riverpullers from taking over the city, but he's in town right now
taking care of some business, so he left me in charge. " 'And your name
is ... F 'I'm Karl Widger, "said the man.

Before he could move, James spun on him, hitting him as hard as he could
in the stomach. The man went over with a loud 'oof 'and

James brought his knee upward into Widger's descending face. Karl went
down like a dropped brick.

Pointedly stepping over the fallen dockworker, James said, Would one of
you run into the city and fetch Michael Waylander here? Tell him Karl is
incapacitated and there's no one in charge. Unless, "he added, pulling
his sword, 'one of you cares to come over here and claim he's now
responsible for keeping us out of Romney?

iio Kaymona P_ Peist

Two men behind the barricade conferred and one ran off, heading over a
small bridge that separated the road into Romney from the

King's Highway. None of the others seemed eager to come over the
barricade and challenge James, but James knew he couldn't just ride
through a dozen armed men.

Owyn dismounted and handed the reins back to James. 'That was bold. "

Under his breath, Jimmy said, 'And a little stupid. I hit that walking
tree trunk as hard as I could. Damn near broke my hand, and it was only
his stomach. I'm glad I didn't try to hit his head. I'd probably have
broken every knuckle. My knee's throbbing like mad. "

It didn't take long for Michael Waylander to arrive. He was a tall man,
blond and sporting a short-cropped beard that looked reddish in the
afternoon sun. 'What is going on here? "he demanded. 'I might ask you
the same thing, "said James. 'I bear warrants from the Prince of Krondor
and I'm on the King's business. How dare you bar my way? "

We're acting under the authority of the Earl of Romney, "sai

Waylander. We've had a lot of trouble lately-, damn near a guild war.
'Guild war? "asked James, as if he had heard nothing about this before.
'Damn Riverpullers are raising prices in violation of every agreement
that's in place, and they're threatening to shut down all business up
and down the river. I represent an alliance of other guilds: glaziers,
rope-makers, carpenters, smiths and most of the local merchants, and we
refused to pay. "

James said, 'Let me shorten this for you. You tried to make arrangements
to get your own cargo in and out of the city and the

Riverpullers started dumping goods in the river and wrecking boats. "
'More, "said Waylander. 'They killed two apprentices three weeks ago and
fired a half-dozen boats. "

James said, Well, those are local matters. We're on business for the
Crown and will brook no more delays. " 'Let me see your warrants, "said
Waylander.

James hesitated. This Waylander was no noble or Crown official.

By rights he had no legal standing and James was not under any
obligation to humour him. But practical considerations and a dozen

NRONDOR: I HE BETRAYAL III arn'cd men made him reach into his tunic and
pull out his travel warnint and a demand for aid warrant, instructing
any noble to aid jarnes in his mission for the Crown.

AVELL, we couldn't be too careful. The Riverpullers were hiring sn,vords
and the citys become an armed camp. We can't do much about those inside
the city already, but we can keep more from coming in. "He handed over
the warrants.

"Mat about the Earl? "asked Owyn. 'Isn't he keeping the peace? "

We don't have a garrison here, son, "said Waylander, and something in
his tone led James to think he liked the idea. We're in the heart of the
Kingdom and the most trouble we have is the occasional drunken brawl on
the docks or a few bandits riding down from the northern hills to ambush
someone on the road. We have a city constabulary, but most of those men
are on one side or the other in this dispute. The Riverpullers are the
most important guild in this area, but the other guilds together are
stronger. It's a dose thing and we don't have many neutral parties in
Romney. Earl Richard asked me to come up from my home in Sloop, a
village a half-day's ride south of here, just because I'm not local; I
have a lot of friends on both sides of this, and sometimes they'll
listen to me. But the Riverpullers are out of line and there's no other
way to see it. "

James put his warrants back in his tunic and said, 'I expect theyd have
something different to say on that matter. But that's no concern of
mine. I need to see the Earl. "

Waylander was about to say something when a clatter of hooves from
behind caused James to look. A company of riders was approaching at a
leisurely pace up the road, a banner at the head of their column
announcing the presence of the Royal Lancers.

Their leader approached, held up his hand for the halt, and said,

What's this then? Clear the way, you men. "

James nodded, Waylander gave the order, and the men started pulling
aside the grain sacks and crates.

James walked to stand before the officer, and after a moment, the
officer said, 'N'at are you looking at, man? "

James grinned. Walter of Gyldenholt? So Baldwin sent you south, finally?
"

The former captain from the garrison at Highcastle said, 'Do I know you?
"

ilz "ymona r,. reisr

James laughed. We met at Highcastle. I'm James, squire Of the

Prince's court. " 'Ah, yes, "said the old captain. 'Now I recall you. "

James couldn't help but grin. When he had first met the captain, he had
been one of the victims of Guy du Bas-Tyra's fall from grace, an officer
in service to Guys most loyal ally, the result of which had been years
of hard service with the border barons. Glancing at Walter's girth, he
said, 'Peacetime's been good, it seems. " 'What brings you here, squire?
"asked the captain, ignoring the friendly barb. 'The Prince has us
running some errands for him. You're the company Guy sent here to
restore order? "

We are, "said Walter. Would have been here a few days ago, but we ran
into a spot of trouble to the south. Band of lads in black objected to
our coming this way. Caused us a merry chase, but we managed to kill a
few before the rest got away. "

James looked at Owyn and Gorath. 'These are things we had better not
speak of in the open, captain. I have to talk to the Earl. I imagine you
do as well. " 'Indeed, "said the captain, motioning for his men to move
forward, through the barricade now open before them. 'Ride in with us,
squire.

We'll keep the ruffians off your back. "He smiled at James.

James laughed and mounted his horse, motioning for his companions to
join the end of the column. There were fifty lancers in the company,
enough to prevent serious trouble, and keep both sides of the dispute
from doing anything rash, or at least James hoped so.

Waylander said, We were only holding this bridge until the lancers
arrived, squire. Tell the Earl my men and I are heading home to Sloop. "

James acknowledged the man's request and they rode across the bridge.

Romney was a major trading centre in the east. The city was big enough
to be considered huge by western standards, but here in the eastern half
of the Kingdom it was a modest sized place, about half the size of
Krondor. With fifty lancers at hand, the Earl could re-forin his
constables and restore order as long as neither side in the dispute
opted for open warfare.

The tension in the city was almost palpable. As they rode in, curious

A

Onlookers glanced out of windows or cleared the streets, letting the
soldiers pass.

Gorath said, 'There is a lot of fear in the air. " people worry when
riots break out, "said James. 'Even if you're not taking sides, the
violence can sweep you up and carry you into harm's Way. Many a man has
died trying to explain he wasn't taking sides in a guild riot. "

They rounded a comer and found themselves entering the citys square
dominated by a large fountain. James was struck by something odd. 'There
aren't any hawkers or vendors about. "

Owyn nodded. 'I've been here before, on my way up to see my uncle in
Cavell Keep, and there are always merchants in the main square. "

Gorath said, 'Perhaps they were fearful of being swept up in that
violence you spoke of'

James nodded. A large inn occupied the north side of the square, a black
sheep against a green meadow painted on the sign hanging over the door.
We'll headquarter here, "announced Walter of Gy1denholt.

The lancers dismounted and whatever James might have thought of the
truculent former captain from Highcastle, his squad was the model of
efficiency. The captain waved over a passer-by and said, 'Do you know
where the Earl of Romney is? "

The man said, 'He's taken up residence in that house there, sir. "

He pointed to a house across the square.

Handing the reins of his horse to an orderly, Walter dismounted and
said, 'Squire James, let's go call upon his lordship. "

James dismounted and said to Owyn, 'Find us a room, but in a different
inn. We'll be able to snoop about a bit easier if we're not keeping
company with fifty Royal Lancers. "

Owyn said, 'I know just the place. I stayed here with my father once.
"He pointed. 'Down that street is another bridge, crossing the

River Cheam, and just on the other side is an inn marked by a green-cat
sign. We'll wait for you there. "

James turned and followed Walter, who marched purposefully to the door
of the house. He had barely knocked when the door opened and a servant
said, 'Enter, sirs. "

The man wore a castle tabard, with the Earl's coat-of-arms on it, a

Stylized river with a fish jumping from it and over a star. The servant

W them to a small parlour at the rear of the house.

114 Aaymona P- -eist

Earl Richard was a youthfid man, but one who looked more the, part of a
merchant or tradesman than a noble, despite we armour and a sword. James
had grown up amidst nobles who were fighting men as well as rulers, and
these eastern nobles who wore swords for decoration took some getting
used to. The Earl's voi was surprisingly deep and forceful. Welcome,
gentlemen. My Lor

Bas-Tyra answered my request. "

James let Walter speak first. We came straight away, sir. " 'How many
men did you bring? " 'A full company of fifty Royal Lancers. "

The Earl appeared worried. 'I hope that's enough. I would really prefer
to settle this dispute without resorting to force. "

Walter glanced at James and shrugged. The Earl noticed the exchange and
said, 'And you are? "

James, squire to Prince A-rutha, "he said, producing his travel warrants
and demands for assistance. The second document seemed to produce
increased distress in the Earl. What sort of assistance? " 'At this
point, information, m'lord. We have heard rumours of increased activity
in the area by the Brotherhood of the Dark Path, as well as the
possibility of a return by the Nighthawks. " 'Possibility? "asked the
Earl, his colour rising. 'Doesn't anyone read the reports I forward to
the Crown? Of course there's apossibility!

Theyve killed two members of the Ironmongers' Guild for the

Riverpullers, and killed two members of the Riverpullers, as well;
theyll kill for whoever pays them. I hear Baron Cavell is hiding out in
Cavell Village because theyre stalking him! He lives in a small
residence with his household guards in every room. "

Something about Cavell rang familiar in James's memory, but he couldn't
put his finger on it.

James said, Well, then, m'lord, my companions and I will be around for a
few days, asking questions. We'd prefer it if no one else knew our visit
was official. If anyone asks, we are here to convey the Prince's
greetings while enroutee to somewhere else. "He glanced at Walter. 'I'll
be staying over at the Green Cat Inn, to lend credence to that, captain.
"

Walter of Gyldenholt shrugged as if it were of no importance to le

Ig re 'rel rd,

him. He said, 'My lord, we'll be at your disposal. I'll need to speak
with your chief constable in the morning and establish a patrol. As

Lx. m U n v U K .- I H h D ETR A Y A L 115 soon as the folks around here
see a few of my lads riding around, things will calm down. "

James and the captain excused themselves from the Earl's presence.

Outside the door, Walter said, Well, squire, we'll have things in hand
around here soon enough. "

Again feeling the tension in the air, James said, 'I hope you do,
captain. I most sincerely hope you do. "

They parted company and James found his horse, mounted, and rode across
the city in the direction Owyn had indicated. As he rode, he studied the
city.

Romney was located across all three points of an intersection of three
rivers. The River Rom coursed down from the Teeth of the

World, near Northwarden, the oldest of the border baronies. At

Romney the River Cheam branched off to the southeast, while the

Rom continued to run southwesterly, turning southeast again as it neared
the coast. James paused at the bridge he faced, which arched over the
River Cheam. Something was eating at him, a memory he couldn't quite
place, and he knew that it was somehow important.

He waited to see if anything bubbled to the surface of his mind, then
decided it would come in its own good time.

James moved across the bridge and found this side of the city even more
tense than the other. Citizens moved quickly, eyes darting around as if
expecting attack from any quarter, and nowhere could any of the usual
street hawkers be seen.

He reached the Green Cat Inn and rode around to the back of the stabling
yard, where he found Gorath and Owyn waiting for him.

Why aren't you inside, eating? asked James as he dismounted.

A terrified-looking stableboy said, 'Sir, my master is unwilling to
serve your ... friend.'He indicated Gorath.

Muttering, 'I wouldn't quite call him a friend,'James tossed his reins
to the boy and marched in the rear door of the inn. Owyn and

Gorath hesitated a moment, then followed.

Inside, James saw a large man, advancing in years, but still broad of
shoulders with imposing muscle under a broad girth, turn to see who
entered from the stable yard. He pointed a beefy finger at Gorath and
said, 'You! I told you I'll have none of your kind in my inn!"

James hurried to put himself between the innkeeper and Gorath. 'And just
what kind would that be? "he asked.

The man looked down at James, appraising him and coming to a halt. The
young man was quite a bit smaller, but something in his manner made the,
barman stop. 'Dark elves! Fifteen years I served on the border, and I've
killed enough of his kind to know then,.

They killed enough of my comrades, as well. And who the hell are you to
ask? "

James said, 'I'm Senior James, squire to Prince Arutha of Krondor.

He's my companion and we're on a mission for the Crown. " 'And I'm the
Queen of Banapis, "said the innkeeper in return.

James grinned as he reached into his tunic and produced his warrants.
Well, Majesty of Love and Beauty, read these, or else

I'll have to go fetch Earl Richard to vouch for me, and lef s see how
much he likes being dragged over here given the temper of the city right
now. "

The old man could read, but slowly, with his lips moving. James didn't
offer to help him out. After a moment, he handed back the documents.
'Damn, you are some sort of Prince's officer, aren't you?

James shrugged. 'If I were in the army, I'd be a Knight-Lieutenant, if
that makes it easier for an old soldier like you to grasp. Now, I want a
room big enough for the three of us, ale, and food. "

The man threw a black look at Gorath and turned his back on

James. 'Come this way ... sir. "He led them to the bar and went behind
it. He produced a large iron key and said, 'Top of the stairs, 0 the way
back on the right. "James took the key, when a light entered the man's
eyes. 'Six golden sovereigns a night. " 'Six!"said James. 'You thiefl'

Us two per person. Take it or leave it. "

Knowing full well that the fifty lancers would eat up a lot of rooms at
local inns, James said, We'll take it. " 'In advance. "

James counted out twelve coins and said, 'Two nights. If we stay longer,
we'll pay the day after tomorrow. "

The man swept up the coins. 'And that doesn't include the cost of food
or ale, "he said. 'I was sure of that, "said James. To Owyn and Gorath
he said,'Let's fetch our kits, then we'll eat. "

They got their travel bags off their horses, ensured the stableboy

k, w what he was doing, and went upstairs. As James had expected, it was
the least desirable room in the inn, at the back over the stable. f-Ic
decided not to make an issue of it.

Downstairs they endured slow service, even though there wasn't rnuch of
a crowd. James was deciding at what point he would have to take the old
soldier who ran the place down a peg when the food finally arrived. To
James's delight, it was well prepared and of good quality.

As they ate, they discussed the situation. James shared the little
information he had with them, and Owyn said, 'So the Nighthawks are
working for the Riverpullers or the Ironmongers? 'Neither, "suggested
Gorath. 'Confusion and discord are Delekhan's allies here in the
Kingdom. " 'I believe Gorath is correct. I don't know if the Nighthawks
are in league with this Crawler, Delekhan, or both, or if we've just
wandered into a conflict that has nothing to do with our mission, but
either way it's to Delekhan's benefit. Which means we must help to end
it. " 'How? asked Owyn. 'Find out how this thing started, and see if we
can figure out a way to get the two sides talking to one another. If the
Earl can mediate the conflict, perhaps we can return this city to
something close to order. Those lancers can only hold down the lid on
this simmering pot so long; sooner or later someone's going to pull a
sword or break a head, and a full-scale city riot will be under way. "He
lowered his voice even more. 'And if most of the citys constabulary is
on one side or the other, even those fifty lancers won't be able to stop
it. "

Owyn nodded. 'What do you want us to do?

Pointing to Gorath, he said, 'First light tomorrow, I'd like you up
snooping outside the city. You know what to look for.'To Owyn he said,
'Do you know any of the prominent families of Romney? " 'Not well, "said
Owyn, 'but as my father's a baron and I've got enough names to drop
around, I should be able to get an invitation to tea or supper from
someone around here. "

James said, 'Good. I'll snoop around. " 'Where? "asked Owyn.

James grinned. 'In parts of the city where wise men fear to go. "

Owyn nodded. 'What else? " 'Do you know a Baron Cavell, north of here?
asked James.

Owyn finished a mouthful of food. 'Corvallis of Cavell? I should.

He's my uncle. My mother's uncle, actually, but only a few years older
than her. Why? 'Richard of Romney says he's being stalked by the
Nighthawks. "

Owyn said, 'That doesn't surprise me. Uncle Corvallis always had a hot
temper and an unforgiving nature. Made it easy for him to collect
enemies. Still, I find it hard to imagine that anyone wants him dead. "

James shrugged. 'That's what Earl Richard said the Baron of

Cavell claims. "

Gorath said, 'If they wanted him dead, he'd be dead. "

James said, Well, according to Richard, your uncle Corvallis is hiding
out in a room in a house in the middle of Cavell Village, with armed
guards in every room. "

Owyn nodded. 'The old keep was gutted mysteriously in a fire years ago.
The familys been living in the best house in the village since then, and
talking about restoring the old keep, but at this point it's still
abandoned. "

James said, 'Well, we might have to go talk to your uncle if we can't
find the Nighthawks down here. "

Gorath observed, 'I haven't noticed much difficulty in finding them. "

James nodded agreement. 'Too true. "

They finished their meal and turned in for the night.

The shout had barely registered on James the next morning and he was out
of bed, grabbing his trousers and boots. Gorath was also awake and
reaching for his sword. Owyn stirred on his pallet next to Gorath's and
said, What? 'Sounds like a riot is commenced, "said Gorath.

James listened to the sound and said, 'No, if s something else. "

He finished dressing and hurried down the hall to the stairs to the
common room. As he approached the front of the building he could hear
the voices from out in front. The landlord stood at the door to his inn,
listening as people hurried by. 'What is it? "demanded James.

With a dark look, the innkeeper said, 'Murder. The cry is murder has
been done in the night. "

NRONDOR: I HE DETRAYAL 119

'Murder? "asked Owyn, coming down the stairs. Who? 'I don't know, "said
the innkeeper. 'But theyre saying it was done over at the Black Sheep
Inn. "

James was through the door before the words had vanished from the air,
Owyn and Gorath following. He didn't bother to go and saddle his horse,
but rather sprinted through the streets, following the flood of people
who swept along like a stream, heading across the bridge toward the main
square of the city.

As he neared the square, he found a press of people being held back by a
few men with pole arms, all wearing armbands. None of the Royal Lancers
was in evidence. James had to push his way through the crowd and when he
reached the front, he was barred by a man holding a pike.

James pushed aside the pike shouting, 'On the business of the

Crown!"

The man obviously wasn't prepared for that and hesitated, letting

James, Gorath and Owyn pass. But he managed to keep others back as
Richard, Earl of Romney, came striding across the square, toward the
fountain. He saw James and exclaimed, 'Squire!"

James crossed to where he waited and said, 'My lord? What is it? "

Barely able to speak because of his rage, he pointed to the open door of
the Black Sheep Inn and said, 'Look!"

James hurried to the entrance.

Entering the commons he saw Royal Lancers, sprawled across tables or on
the floor, their eyes vacant and fixed. He needed no healer or priest to
pronounce the men dead. He looked over at a cowering stableboy, who had
found the bodies when he had come in for breakfast an hour earlier, and
said, 'All of them? "

The boy was so terrified he could barely speak. 'Sir, "he nodded. 'The
officer is in his room upstairs, and the sergeant and some of the
others. The rest died down here. "

Gorath crossed to the table and picked up a mug of ale. He sniffed at
it. 'Poison, "he said, 'or I'm a goblin. You can smell it. "

James took the mug and sniffed it, judging the moredhel's sense of smell
keener than his own, for he could detect no odour beyond that of warm
ale. He noticed a slight black sediment in the mug.

He fished out a tiny bit with his finger, then touched it to the tip of
his tongue. Spitting it out, he said, 'You may be right,

6L

and there may be poison in this ale, but what you're smelling is
tarweed. " 'Tarweed?'asked Owyn, looking pale despite the number of
corpses he had seen already.

James nodded, putting down the mug. 'Old trick in some of the seedier
inns in the Kingdom. Tarweed is nasty stuff in large amounts, but in
small doses it makes you thirsty. You lace bad ale with it, and the
customers drink it like it was dwarven winter ale. " 'Can it kill you?
"asked Owyn. 'No, but there are many tasteless poisons that can, "said
James.

He turned to the boy and said, 'What's your name? " jason, "the boy
answered, terrified. 'What are they going to do to me? "he asked.
'Nothing, whyy 'I served these men, sir. My master always said the care
of our guests was our responsibility. "

James said, 'Perhaps, but you couldn't know the ale was poisoned, could
you? " 'No, but I knew something was odd, and I didn't say anything!

James was now acutely interested. 'What was odd? " 'The men who came
with the ale. We buy our ale from the Sign of the Upturned Keg down in
Sloop. I know the waggon drivers. This time it was strange men. "

James took Jason by the shoulders and looked him in the eye. 'Is there
anything you can tell us about these men, anything speciay

Jason stared at the ceiling a moment, as if struggling to remember.
'They were dark men, maybe Keshians, and they spoke oddly. And they
seemed worried, but they didn't say anything. One wore a medallion that
swung out from under his tunic when he leaned over to hand a keg down to
his partner. "

What did it look like? demanded James. 'It had a bird on it. "

James glanced at Gorath and Owyn. 'What else? "asked James. 'They told
me to forget I had ever seen them, "replied Jason. 'And they smelled
funny, like sailors from Silden do when they come here, like sun on
canvas and flowers. "

Gorath and Owyn began inspecting the room, while James went outside. He
saw Earl Richard, rooted to the same spot he had occupied

Nvhen James had entered the inn. The shock of the murders had rendered
the Earl nearly unable to function. James had seen it before Ath men who
were unused to bloodshed. He hurried to the Earl and laid, 'My lord,
what do you propose? "

Blinking as if he had difficulty understanding James, Richard t,,,hoed,
Tropose?

James pointed at the crowd and said, 'You must tell them something
Disperse them before things get any uglier than before. Then dle bodies
must be attended to. "

Yes, "said Earl Richard. 'That's so. "He mounted the fountain and stood
where everyone could see him. 'Citizens of Romney, "he shouted, and as
the words came from him, James could see that speaking before the
citizenry was something the Earl did often, for the familiarity of the
task returned his wits. 'Go to your homes!"commanded the Earl. 'Stay
calm. Black murder has been done and those responsible will be hunted
down and punished. "He jumped down and waved over a constable. 'I

Nvant someone from the Riverpullers and the Ironmongers here in five
minutes. " 'Damn!"said the Earl to James. 'I need send to Cheam for more
troops. Black Guy won't be pleased when he learns fifty of the King's

Own have died in my city. " 'Nor will the King, "observed James. Seeing
the Earl's face cloud over at the mention of King Lyam, James said, 'My
companions and

I will do anything we can to help. " 'The best thing you can do right
now, squire, is find out who is behind this. " 'I already know, "said
James. He told them of the tarweed and the two men who, appeared to be
from Silden. 'Nighthawks!'whispered the Earl, so as not to be overheard
by any of the crowd who were slowly leaving the area. 'Damn! I almost
wish it had been Damon Reeves or Arle Steelsoul behind this. "

Why them? asked James. 'Because then I could hang one or the other with
cause and end two problems for the price of one. Reeves runs the
Riverpullers, and

Axle Steelsoul is the head of the Ironmongers' Guild. They are at the
heart of the dispute.'He indicated two men approaching. When they vvere
standing before the Earl, he said, 'Tell your respective factions

that I have had enough with violence in Romney. I hold the head of the
Riverpullers and Ironmongers personally responsible for the good
behaviour of both sides of this dispute. Any further violence and I will
hang them, side by side, from the city gate. Carry word back to them
now!"

The first man, one of the Ironmongers, said, 'But Arle Steelsoul's down
in Sloop!" 'Then carry word to Sloop, "instructed the Earl.

James said,'M'lord, I will do that.'The two men exchanged glances, as if
asking who the stranger was to bear such tidings to the leaders of the
two warring factions.

The Earl said, 'Pass the word that Arle and Damon's lives will be
forfeit if there are any more problems in my city. "The two men bowed
and ran off. 'Can you enforce the threat, m'lord? "asked James when the
men were out of earshot. 'Probably not, but it may shock them into
behaving themselves until the next detachment of soldiers arrives. "He
looked at James.

Why do you choose to go to Sloop? " 'Because that's where the poisoned
ale is from, and because I think we need to continue on down to Silden
after that. " 'Then tell Steelsoul and Michael Waylander that I expect
both men to be here in three days' time, along with Reeves and the other
local leaders of the various factions, and should either not appear, I
will know he has a hand in black murder. I'll issue the death warrant
myself. If they both show up, I'm locking all of them in a room and
neither side will be permitted to leave until we have a settlement of
these differences. I don't care if they have to pee on the floor, or die
of starvation, I'll have an end to this business before any of them sees
the sun again. "

Convinced of the Earl's earnestness in the matter, James said, 'My
companions and I will be off in an hour, m'lord. "He bowed and returned
to the Black Sheep, where two workers were helping Jason move the bodies
so they could be piled up on a waggon and taken from the city for
cremation. Owyn waved James over. 'Find anything interesting? " just
this, "said Owyn. He held out two items. One was a small silver brooch,
looking like an oversize spider.

'What's this? "asked James. 'Turn it over, "said Gorath.

James did as he was bid and saw a large groove running down the centre
of the item. In it a tightly-packed gummy substance could be een. James
lifted the device to his nose and sniffed. 'Silverthorn!" fie said. 'Are
you sure? asked Owyn. 'I'd recognize that odour anywhere, trust me,
"replied James. 'It's an assassin's tool, "said Gorath. 'You run the
edge of a dagger along that groove and even if you don't strike a
killing blow, the victim dies within hours. " 'What else? "asked James.

Owyn held out a brass tube with glass at each end. 'A spyglass? " asked
James. 'Look through it, "suggested Owyn.

James did and his perspective altered. The colours through the glass
changed and he suddenly saw shifting patterns on the clothing of his
companions as well as on the walls of the building. Pulling it away from
his eye, he said, 'What is this? "

Owyn said, 'It's magic. 1 will have to study it, but I think it lets you
see things you otherwise can't see, such as magically-hidden items. "

James looked down at the two items. He wished he had better clues, but
these two would have to do as a start.

EIGHT

Secrets

D ark shapes moved in the evening shadows.

James pointed to them and Owyn asked, Whao'

Gorath said, 'I see them. "

They had ridden south at midday, pushing the horses as much as possible,
to reach the village of Sloop and deliver the Earl's ultimatum to
Steelsoul and Waylander. As sundown approached, they had crested a rise
and come within sight of town. Armed men were filtering through the
trees at the north end of the town, heading toward a clump of houses.

Gorath urged his horse forward, pulling his sword. James and Owyn were
on his heels a moment later. They charged the men, while James started
shouting, 'Alarm! Raiders in the village!"

He knew that depending on the make-up of this village, the response to a
call of alarm would either be for the men of the village to rush out
with weapons in hand, or for doors and windows to be locked down. In the
west he knew there would be a dozen men in the streets to meet the
invaders in a minute. Here in the relatively calm east, he wasn't so
sure.

As they passed the first house, he saw a curious face peeking through a
window. Again he shouted, 'Raiders in the village! To arms!"

The man slammed shutters, and James could imagine him barring the door
as James left the house behind.

Gorath was upon the first swordsman, leaping from his horse onto the
man. James considered that he probably should devote at least one
afternoon teaching the dark elf how to fight effectively frorn
horseback.

Owyn, on the other hand, had become quite adept at using his eavy staff
from horseback, cracking skulls and breaking arms with quick efficiency.

Within minutes the raiders were on the run, heading back into the woods.
James rode to where Gorath seemed poised to give chase and shouted for
him to halt. 'It'll be dark soon, "he said. 'Even with our woodland
skill, we don't want to try chasing a half-dozen angry

Nighthawks into a dark forest. "

Gorath said, 'Agreed, "and turned to find his horse.

James went to the house that was the obvious target of the raid and
dismounted. He pounded on the door. 'Open in the King's name!"he
shouted.

Through a viewing slit a pair of eyes, wide with fear, regarded him.

The door opened and Michael Waylander said, 'Squire. What was all that
noise about? "

James said, 'It looks like someone is taking the game to a higher stake.
We just chased off a band of Nighthawks coming to see you. "

Waylander turned pale. 'Nighthawks? His knees went weak and he gripped
the doorjamb to stay on his feet. 'What have I got myself into?

James said, 'That's what we've come to talk about. "

Gorath and Owyn tied their horses next to James's and came to the door
as Waylander stepped aside to admit them. It was a modest house, but
James noticed at once it was well kept. There was enough wealth evident
in the furnishings and appointments that it was clear

Michael Waylander was very well situated for a common worker in a small
village. The house, while not large, had three rooms, a bedroom visible
through a door, and James saw the bed was a well-carved four-poster with
a mesh netting and canopy. Through the other door

James could see a kitchen. Waylander sat heavily on a chair, and James
sat in the other one next to a table. 'Someone wants you dead, Michael,
"said James. 'Who could that be?

Waylander sat back a look of defeat on his face. 'I'm a dead man. "
'Maybe not, "said James. 'I represent Prince Arutha and while you've
obviously irritated some powerful people, the Prince of Krondor is still
the most powerful man in this nation after the King. Ifyou cooperate,

I may be able to get you under his protection. "

L

Waylander stared off into space a moment, as if thinking. 'I'm in over
my head. I'll do whatever I must to get out of this. "

James leaned forward and suggested, Why don't you start with what "this"
is. " 'About a year ago, some men came to me from Silden. They had an
idea, and I took that idea to Arle Steelsoul. " 'V'at was the idea? "
'The idea was to take control of all the business along the river, from
Silden to the small villages in the mountains. " 'How were they to
accomplish this? asked James. 'They said they had connections in the
Riverpullers, who had told them the Guild was going to raise prices for
hauling cargo up the river. " 'So the Guild wanted to raise their rates?
" 'Yes, "said Waylander. 'Theyre usually cautious about that, because if
the rates go too high, merchants start using waggons to send goods north
along the King's Highway. " 'But if there was a lot of trouble on the
Highway, merchants would be forced to use the barges and the
Riverpullers, "finished James. 'Yes. "Waylander nodded agreement. 'These
men said that they could ensure the Riverpullers would have no
competition. Then we,

Arle Steelsoul and 1, would organize the other guilds in Romney and the
surrounding villages to stand against the Riverpullers. When things got
bad enough, the King would declare martial law, and the

Riverpullers would be put out of business. " 'And what does it matter if
some heads get broken along the way? " asked Owyn dryly.

Waylander, "asked James, 'what made you think the Riverpuffers would be
out of business if the King declared martial law? "

We planned on having Damon Reeves, head of the Riverpullers'

Guild, murdered. "He hung his head as if ashamed at this admission. 'I
didn't want that, but by the time they told me of the plan, I was in too
deep. They said they'd make it look like Nighthawks did it, so that no
blame would fall to us. In fact, they said theyd make it look like
someone within the Guild did it, to get Reeves out of the way, and the
Guild would fall apart from dissension within. I've known Damon for
years; he's an old friend, but there was nothing I could do. "

James glanced at Gorath and Owyn. '@Vhose idea was it to cast blame on
the Nighthawks? " 'The men from Silden, "said Waylander. 'N"y? " 'Just
that the notion is familiar to us. "

Owyn realized James was talking about the false Nighthawks in the sewers
of Krondor and nodded in understanding.

What should I do? "asked Waylander. 'Get Steelsoul, get to Romney, and
sit down with the Riverpullers and make peace. If you don't, the Earl
will hang you two and Reeves, and start over with whoever replaces you.
" 'The Earl's never resorted to threats before. Why is he suddenly
threatening us now? "asked Waylander. 'Because someone just murdered
fifty Royal Lancers in his city, " answered James.

Waylander's eyes widened and his face turned ashen. 'Fifty! Gods of
mercy!"He gripped the table and said, 'Who could do such a thing? "
'Chance has you crossing paths with the Nighthawks, it seems, "
suggested James. 'And by all appearances they don't seem all that
pleased by these attempts at implicating them in deeds for which they
are not responsible. No matter how clever you gentlemen thought you were
being, you were being played for fools by agents of a man who is called
"the Crawler". He's attempting to dislodge the Mockers in Krondor and
seems to want to control the docks in the eastern cities as well. They
were not helping you; you were being set up to create a situation where
they would emerge in control after you, Reeves, Steelsoul, and anyone
else inconvenient to their goals were out of the way. It wouldn't
surprise me if the Crawler's agents hadn't leaked the information to the
Nighthawks about your attempting to hang the blame for Reeves' murder on
them. " 'As if another charge of murder is going to make them any more
hunted, "Gorath observed. 'True, "said James, 'but if s been my
experience that criminals take tl certain pride in their own crime, but
want nothing to do with blame if r crimes for which they are not
responsible. It's odd, I know, but at's the way it is. " 'You talk as if
you've known a lot of criminals, "said Waylander.

L

'Yes, I do, don't V James's smile lacked even a suggestion of warmth.
'What do I do after I see the Earl? " 'I suggest you beg for leniency,
"said Owyn,

James nodded. 'People have died as a result of your choices, and you and
Steelsoul have much to answer for. But if you help the Earl restore
order and help us uncover those behind this plot, we'll do what we can
to keep you off the gibbet. " 'Maybe I should just run, "said Waylander.
'You won't reach Silden, "said James. 'They would be on you like hounds
on a hare, and where would you go, anyway? " 'I have connections in
Kesh, "said Waylander. 'If I can get to

Pointer's Head, I can take a caravan over the Peaks of Tranquillity. "

Well, don't do anything rash, "said James. 'If my friends and I have our
way, the Nighthawks will not be a problem much longer.

My advice is to see the Earl, then sit tight. I'll get word to you when
it's safe. " 'But what about the men in Silden?

James stood up. 'They're also a problem. " 'But I only know them by
sight and first names, Jacob, Linsey and

Franklin, and they may not even be their true names. " 'Probably not,
"said James. He took the spyglass and the silver spider out of his
travel bag and said, '@What can you tell me about these?

Waylander said, 'The spider I got from a trader named Abuk. He travels
the roads between Malac's Cross and here, stopping in at Silden each
way. I last saw him there, so he may be on his way toward us right now.
He drives a trader's waggon painted green, with his name in red letters
on the side. "

Owyn winced at the description. We can hardly miss that. "

James's expression turned dark. We found this spider this morning among
the bodies of the dead lancers!

Waylander said, 'It can't be the same one, then!"

Why? demanded James. 'I bought one from Abuk, but I gave ours to the
false Nighthawks who were sent to kill Damon Reeves. "

James looked at the device and said, 'There may be more than one2 but
you'll need more proof of your innocence than that. "

Waylander examined the spider, then said, 'Look!"He pointed to

A

the groove containing the poison. 'I don't know what this is, but mine
had deadly nightshade in it!"

Gorath said, 'Silverthom would be hard to locate this far south. " 'But
not impossible, "said Jam' es. 'Still, I'm inclined to believe you.

What about the spyglass? " 'I don't know anything about that, "said
Waylander, 'but it's the sort Of thing Abuk trades for as well. "

James led the others to the door. 'Get to the Earl, Michael, "he

S1,dd. 'You and Arle should be there before sundown tomorrow if

Vou value your heads. We're in the inn until dawn, and then we're going
south. " 'I'll walk with you as far as Arle's house, "said Waylander.
'And then we'll see the Earl tomorrow. Where south are you going? "
'First to Silden to find Abuk and those three men you mentioned.

If we have any luck, we'll put paid to this mess within a few days. "

Waylander said nothing, and James knew it was because even if all the
Nighthawks and Crawler's men vanished overnight, there would still be
crimes to pay for. But even years in a dungeon, thoughtjames, were
better than dying. At least in a dungeon there was the chance of escape.

The last thought made him smile as he headed up the road toward the inn.

As they neared the town of Silden, they slowed. A band of men were also
riding toward the town, coming in from the west. We don't know theyre
looking for us, "said James. 'But as many times as you've been attacked,
Gorath, I'd just as soon wait to see what theyre up to. "

Gorath had no disagreement, so he remained silent. The riders crossed
over the bridge which arched over the River Rom into the town proper.
Because it was built on a bluff that sloped down to a deep harbour,
Silden had no foulbourgh outside the city walls. Rather, a series of
small villages dotted the coastline around the bay of Silden, and a
large village dominated the western shore of the bay, on the other side
of the bridge.

They rode into the northern gate of the city, and passed a
boredlookingpair of city watchmen. James turned to Owyn and asked,'Any
friend or relatives here? "

'Not that I'm aware of, "said Owyn. 'Or at least none my father would
admit to. "

James laughed. 'I can understand that. This isn't exactly a garden spot,
is it? "

Silden was only important to two groups: those who lived in it and
smugglers. The majority of trade coming up the river to the north
entered through the much larger trading port of Cheam, which had
spacious docks, a huge warehouse district, and was the second largest
port on the north shore of the Kingdom Sea after Bas-Tyra. Silden was
therefore a far more profitable destination for those seeking to conduct
business without benefit of Kingdom Customs officers. They made an
attempt to curtail smuggling, but with the host of villages within a
days ride to the east and west, keeping smuggling under control was
impossible. As a result, control of Silden had for years been an ongoing
goal of competing criminal gangs, from the Mockers of Krondor, Keshian
drug smugglers, and bully gangs from Rillanon, I to an alliance of local
thieves. This constant struggle had turned Silden into the closest thing
to an open city seen in the Eastern Realm of the

Kingdom.

The Earldom of Silden, while a reasonably attractive fiefdom, with rents
and income sufficient to keep a noble family in style, was an absentee
office. The last Earl of Silden had died during the Riftwar, in the
great attack by King Rodric IV against the Tsurani in the final year of
the war. King Lyarn had yet to award the Earldom to anyone, which was
fine with the Duke of

Cheam, who presently enjoyed the income from the property in the
Earldom. James was of the opinion it should be turned into a proper
duchy and run from here in the city. A resident noble would clear up a
lot of the problems of this valuable port city. He would have to mention
it to the Prince when he returned, but for the moment, it was still a
neglected, backwater town without proper oversight.

The upshot of this situation was an almost complete absence of law and
order in Silden, beyond that which was enforced by the local
constabulary. And from what James could tell, it ended where the market
district of the city turned into the waterfront, and at a boulevard
marked by a sign of four gulls in fiight. One side of the street was
marked by prosperous-looking shops and homes, the other

inns and warehouses. Down the middle of the street a long red line had
been painted. 'what is that? "asked Gorath as they rode across to it. 'A
deadline, "said James. 'If you're brawling overthere, no one cares.

Brawl on this side, and you're off to the work gangs. "

He motioned for them to cross the deadline and as they entered the dock
district, he said, 'Ah, I love a town where they let you know how things
stand with no apology. "

Gorath looked at Owyn and shrugged. Then he asked, `why is it called a
deadline? "

Owyn said,'In the past if you were caught after curfew on the wrong side
by the soldiers of the King, you were hanged. "

They rode through a series of dark streets, bounded on either side by
high warehouses, and crossed another fairly large street, rumbling with
waggons and large men pushing carts piled high with goods.

Then they were looking at the harbour below, a jumble of docks and
jetties, some stone, mostly wood, pushed hard against one another.

Small boats were moving in and out of the harbour. Silden was blessed
with one saving grace, the high bluffs upon which the three riders now
stood, which provided shelter from the harshest winter storms.

James conducted them down the long roadway which led to the docks and
pointed to an inn in front of which hung a sign made from an old ship's
anchor, painted white. A modest stabling yard stood to the side and when
James rode in, a grubby-looking boy hurried over. 'Pick their feet, give
them hay and water, and rub them down, "said

James as he dismounted.

The boy nodded and James said, 'And tell whoever's interested that

I would consider it a personal courtesy if these animals were here in
the morning. "He made a small gesture with his thumb and the boy iiodded
slightly.

What was that? "asked Owyn.

As they entered the Anchorhead Inn, James said, 'Just a word dropped in
the proper ear. " 'I mean the thing with the thumb and fingers. "
'That's what let the boy know I deserved to be listened to. "

The common room was seedy and dark, and James looked around at its
clientele. Sailors and dockhands, soldiers of fortune looking for an
outward-bound ship, ladies of negotiable virtue, and the usual

assortment of thugs and thieves. James took them to a table in the rear
and said, 'Now we watch. " 'For what? asked Gorath. 'For the right
person to show up. " 'How long do we wait? "asked Owyn. 'In this hole? A
day, two at the outside. "

Gorath shook his head. 'You humans live like ... animals. " 'It's not so
bad once you've got used to it, Gorath, "said James. 'It's a fair
improvement over some places I've called home. "

Gorath said, 'That is an odd claim for one who serves a prince of his
race. " 'Agreed, "conceded the squire, 'but none the less true for being
strange. I have had an unusual opportunity to improve my situation. "
'The opposite is my fate, "said Gorath. 'I was a clan chieftain; I was
sought out in council and was counted among the leaders of my people.
Now I am sitting in squalor with the enemy of my race. "

James said, 'I am no one's enemy lest he harm me or mine first. "

Gorath said, 'I can believe that, squire, though it strains my senses to
hear myself saying it; yet I can't say that for most of your race. "

James said,'I never claimed to speak on behalf of most of my race. If
you@ve noticed, we're often a great deal more busy killing one another
than we are causing problems for the nations of the north. "

Suddenly Gorath laughed. Both Owyn and James were startled by the sound,
surprisingly musical and full. 1VWAT's so fianny? " asked Owyn.

Gorath's smile faded and he said, 'Just the thought that if you were a
little more efficient killing one another, I wouldn't have to worry
about a murderous dog like Delekhan. "

At mention of the would-be conqueror, James was reminded of the
importance of unravelling the knotted cord of who was behind which plot.
So far he had decided that this Crawler, whoever he might be, was more a
problem for the Upright Man and his

Mockers, and Prince Arutha, and whatever other local nobles he was
plaguing, but his part in Delekhan's plans was coincidence, not design.

The Nighthawks were obviously working with either the Crawler, the
moredhel, or both. And what caused James to worry was that they might be
again the pawns of the Pantathian Serpent Priests. At some

I

point James would bring up the serpents with Gorath, but not here in
this public a place.

The barmaid, a stout woman who had probably been a whore in her youth,
but now could not rely on her faded looks to earn her fivelihood, came
over and with a suspicious look at Gorath asked their pleasure. James
ordered ale, and she left. James returned to his musing.

There was another player in this, some faction who was orchestrating all
this turmoil in the Kingdom, either the Pantathians or someone else and
that was what had James concerned. Going over what Gorath had told
Arutha and James several times, he said, 'I would give a great deal to
know more about those you call the Six. "

Gorath said, 'Little is known of them, save by Delekhan's closest
advisors, and I know of no one who has actually met them. They are
powerfid, and have provided my people with weapons in abundance.

But Delekhan's enemies have been disappearing suddenly. I was called to
council and taken on the road to Sar-Sargoth and locked away in the
dungeon by Narab, Delekhan's chief advisor. "

James said, 'You didn't mention that part before. " 'You didn't ask
about what I had been doing before I met Locklear, " said Gorath. 'How
did you escape? " 'Someone arranged it, "said Gorath. 'I'm not sure who,
but I suspect it was an old ... ally. She is a woman of some influence
and power. "

James was suddenly interested. 'She must have a great deal of influence
to get you free right under Delekhan's nose. " 'There are many close to
Delekhan who will not openly oppose him but would be pleased if he
failed; Narab and his brother are among them, but as long as the Six
serve Delekhan, they win as well.

Should anything befall Delekhan before he consolidates the tribes, any
alliance he has forged will disintegrate. Even his wife and son are not
fiffly trusted by him, and for good reason. His wife is Chieftain of the
Hamandien, the Snow Leopards, one of the most powerful clans after
Delekhan's own; and his son has ambitions that are obvious. "

Owyn said, 'Sounds like a happy family. "

Gorath chuckled at that, his tone ironic. 'My people rarely trust those
who are not of our own family, tribe or clan. Beyond that are

political alliances and they are sometimes as fugitive as dreams. We are
not a trusting people by nature. " 'So I have determined, "said James.
'Then, for the most part, neither are we. "He slowly stood up. 'Excuse
me. I'll be back in a moment. "

He passed the barmaid who ignored him as she brought the ale to the
table, which forced Owyn with ill humour to pay for the drinks from his
meagre purse. Gorath found this amusing.

James crossed to where a man had emerged from the back room, dark skin
and beard marking him as one of Keshian ancestry. 'Can

I help you? "he asked with an appraising look. By his accent, he was a
Keshian by birth. He was thin, and James assumed dangerous, and while
his dose-cropped beard was greying, he was probably still vigorous
enough to be a deadly opponent.

James said, 'You're the owner of this establishment? 'I am, "he said. 'I
am Joftaz. "

Lowering his voice, James said, 'I am here representing interests that
are concerned with some downturns in their business of late.

There are difficulties stemming from the activities of men who have been
most recently both up in Romney, and to the west. "

Joftaz regarded James with an appraising eye. 'Why mention this to me? "
'You live in a place where many pass through. I thought perhaps you
might have heard something or seen someone. "

Joftaz laughed in a jovial manner that was entirely unconvincing. 'My
friend, in my line of work, given where we are, it is in my interest to
hear nothing, notice no one, and say little. "

James studied the man a moment. 'Certain information would have value. "
'How much value? " 'It would depend on the information. "

Joftaz looked around and said, 'The wrong thing said in the wrong ear
could end a man's life. " 'Daggers have points, "said James, 'and so do
you. " 'On the other hand, I do find myself in need of some help in a
delicate matter, and for the right man I could possibly remember a few
things I've heard or faces I've seen. "

James nodded. Would this delicate matter be aided by a sun, of gold? "

joftaz smiled. 'I like your thinking, young man. What may I call you? "
'You may call me James. "

For an instant the man's eyes flickered and he said, 'And you are from
... ?, 'Most recently, the village of Sloop, and before that Romney. "
'Then the men you seek who had been recently in Romney are involved in
some matter up there? " 'Some matter, but before we discuss what I need
to know, I need to know the price. "

Joftaz said, 'Then, my young friend, we are at something of an impasse,
for to tell you any of my need is to tell you all my need, and as they
say, "in for a copper, in for a gold"."

James smiled and said, 'I'm hurt, Joftaz. What must I do to win your
trust? " 'Tell me why you seek these men. " 'I seek them as nothing more
than a link in a chain. They may lead me to another, one with whom I
have some serious issues. He is one behind murder and treason, and I
will have him to the hangman or dead at my feet; either is fine with me.
" 'You're the King's man, then? " 'Not directly, but we both respect my
employer. " 'Then swear by Ban-ath you will not betray me, and we shall
strike a bargain. "

James's grin broadened. 'N'y by the God of Thieves? " 'Who better? For a
pair of thieves such as we. " 'By Ban-ath, then, "said James. 'N'at is
your need? " 'I need you to steal something from the most dangerous man
in Silden, my friend. If you can do that, I will help you find the men
for whom you are looking. Assuming you survive, of course. "

James blinked. 'Me, steal? Why would you think I would steal for you? "
'I have lived enough years to know where eggs come from, young man.@ He
smiled. 'If you are willing to swear by Ban-ath, you've walked the dodgy
path before. "

James sighed. 'I would be forswearing my oath to speak truly if I denied
such. "

'Good-. to the heart of the matter then. There is just a short walk from
here a house, in which dwells a man, by name Jacob

Ishandar. " 'A Keshian? "

There are many from Kesh who reside here. "He touched himself on the
chest. 'Such as 1. But this man and others like him have but recently
come to Silden, less than two or three years ago. They work on behalf of
one who is a spider, sitting at the heart of a vast web, and like the
spider, he senses any vibration along that web. "

James nodded. 'You speak of one known as the Crawler? "

Joftaz inclined his head, indicating that this was the case. 'This was
never what one might cau a peaceful community, but it was orderly after
a fashion. With the Crawler's men - Jacob and two called Linsey, and
Franklin - came bloodshed and pain beyond what is reasonable for men in
our line of work to endure. "

What of the local thieves, and those with ties to Rillanon and

Krondor? 'AU gone, save myself. Some have fled, others... disappeared.
Any thief I contacted in Silden today would be working for the Crawler.

Being Keshian by birth, I think these men did not recognize me for one
such as those they sought to destroy. There are still a few of us in
Silden who survived, but we conduct no business except what we do in the
open, such as my inn. Should these interlopers' enterprises fail, there
will, be enough of us returning here to reclaim what was taken from us.
"

James scratched his chin as he thought. 'Before I agree, let me show you
something. "He produced the silver spider. 'Do you know this? 'I have
seen such before, "he said. They are rare and when one comes my way I
take notice. They are crafted by a smith in a village in the Peaks of
Tranquillity. Those that reach the Kingdom come from Pointer's He-ad or
Mallow Haven. "He took it from James's hand and inspected it. 'I've seen
bad copies, but these are far finer.

You can@t work silver like this and have it endure unless you have the
knack. " 'Odd sort of bird buys an item like this. "

Joftaz smiled. 'Night birds, for the most part. You play a dangerous
game, my friend. You are just the man I seek. "

Well, then, can you tell. me who you sold this one to? "

'Yes, I can, and more. "joftaz lost his smile. 'But not until you
conduct some business for me. " 'Then to specifics. " 'This man I
mentioned, Jacob Ishandar, is chief among those recently come from Kesh.
He has in his possession a bag -' he held his hands apart, indicating a
bag the size of a large coin purse or belt pouch '- and the contents of
that bag are worth enough to underwrite his operation here in Silden for
the next year. " 'And you want me to steal that bag?." joftaz nodded. 'I
would think you able to undertake such a task yourself, "said

James. 'Perhaps, but I must continue to live here in Silden, success or
failure. Should you fail, I will still be here. " 'I see. Whaes in the
bag. " 'Heart of Joy, "said Joftaz.

James dosed his eyes a moment. Joy was a common drug in the poor
quarters of most cities in Kesh, and showed up from time to time in
Krondor and other port cities in the Kingdom. A small amount consumed in
wine or water would induce a pleasant euphoria for up to a night. A
slightly larger dose would transport the user to a state of happiness
that could last days. If the dose was too large, the user would be
rendered unconscious.

Heart of Joy was a different thing. It was the essence of the drug,
compounded in such a way as to make it easy to transport. When sold, it
would be mixed in with a harmless powder, often powdered sugar or even
flour, anything that would dissolve. By weight it was worth a thousand
times more than Joy when sold on the streets of the city. 'A bag that
size is worth 'Enough to ensure that Jacob will have to run for his life
when the

Crawler finds out, and any who might be held responsible as well say

Linsey and Franldin - will flee along with him. "

James filled in, 'Leaving a void into which you can step to reestablish
business locally in a fashion more to your liking. "Narrowing his eyes,
James added, 'And he who finds it will find anxious buyers

Willing to say nothing about where the drug came from, realizing
enormous profits. "

With a smile, Joftaz said, Well, there is that. " 'So, if I get that
bag, you put the Crawler's agents in Silden out out of business and make
yourself a fortune in the process. " 'If all goes well. "

James said, We'll be in the corner, my friends and 1. When you are
ready, tell me where I must go and what I must know. "

We dose the common room at midnight. Wait untii I do, then we shall see
about your needs. "

James returned to the table, and Owyn said, What did you find out? "

That nothing in life is ever free, "said James, sitting down -and
leaning his chair back against the wall, settling in for a long
afternoon's wait.

The house was apparently deserted, its occupant away on some errand,

Gorath was instructed to standa few doors down, watching for anyone,
coming up from the docks, Owyn stood on the other side of the street,
watching in the other direction. Both agreed to cooperate, both
expressing their doubts as to the wisdom of this enterprise.

James quickly inspected the door for obvious alarms and found none. He
judged the lock an easy enough one to pick, but just for reassurance, he
ran his thumb along the doo@amb. Unexpectedly he found a crack in the
wood, which moved under his thumb. Carefully he pushed on it, and heard
a slight click from within. Pushing harder, he moved the wood. From
behind it protruded a piece of metal.

James removed a brass key from a hiding place in the wood. He almost
laughed. It was an old, very simple trick, and served two purposes: the
key was never lost if the owner was in a hurry leaving someplace else,
and it disarmed whatever trap waited inside. In the daylight, James
expected he could have looked for hours and not seen it, but an old
thief had once taught him to trust his other senses, including touch.
Running the thumb over the doo@amb occasionally brought splinters as its
only reward, but the sound of that click made the hours James had spent
fishing splinters out of his thumb with a steel needie worth it.

James still knelt as he pushed the door open slightly, ready for
anything that would alert him to another trap. By kneeling, any crossbow
bolt aimed at the door should fly overhead.

A

The door slid open easily and no device sent death his way.

He moved quickly through the door and closed it behind him. fie
inspected the room without moving. He never knew where someone would
hide valuables, but most people were predictable.

This time, however, he considered the owner of this place was not most
people', but someone who would do something unpredictable.

So his first choice was to look for something out of place.

The room was undistinguished. A simple table, a large breakfront clothes
closet, and a bed. A door to a rear yard where the outhouse would be. A
fireplace, above which rested potted plants on a wide mantel, and next
to that a door leading into a small kitchen.

Then it registered on James. Potted plants? He moved to inspect them.
They were dry and dying, and he knew the reason why. He couldn't
remember the name of the variety, but Princess Anita had struggled to
raise the same plants in her garden in Krondor. She had remarked that
they were difficult to grow in soil with as much salt as the soil near
the palace, and that they demanded a great deal of sunlight.

Silently, James asked, why would a leader of a gang of cutthroats in a
pesthole like Silden have potted plants on his mantel? He carefully
lifted the pots, one at a time, until he picked up the one on the far
right. It was lighter than the rest. He lifted the plant and it came
away, devoid of dirt on the roots. Under it he found a bag, and he
returned the plant to the pot and opened the bag. In the dim light
coming from the sole window to the house he saw what he expected to see,
a slightly yellowish powder.

He tied the bag and moved quickly to the door. One backward glance
reassured him he hadn't inadvertently touched anything. He slipped
through the door and dosed it behind him. He locked it, and returned the
key, resetting whatever trap had awaited the unwary on the other side.

He motioned without looking at either of his friends and they returned
to the Anchorhead Inn. As they neared the door at the rear, left open
for them by joftaz, James felt a flush of excitement.

No matter how high he might someday rise in the King's service, there
was a part of him that would always be Jimmy the Hand.

Inside he handed over the bag to Joftaz and said, Well, then, your part
of the bargain!

Joftaz admired the bag of powder for a moment, then put it behind the
bar. 'To find the owner of that spider, you must seek out the trader,

Abuk. I have sold four such as this to him over the last two years. "

James produced the spyglass. 'What about this? "

Joftaz admired the glass and held it up to his eye. His eye widened and
he put down the glass, glancing around the room. 'This is a dangerous
thing, my friend. "

Why" 'It shows secrets, and some secrets are worth killing to preserve
or to learn. "He handed the spyglass back to James. 'I have heard of
such as these. They are modest-looking, but valuable. You pierce
illusions, see traps and hiding places with a glass like that. I have
heard of such glass being fashioned for generals to pierce the fog and
smoke on the battlefield. " 'Do you know who might have sold this? "
'Again I say, Abuk. Had this item come to you from any other source, I
would not guess, but if you found it near the spider, I suspect they
were both sold by him, and to the same man. " 'Then we need a room for
the night, my new old friend, and then we're off in search of Abuk. "

They shook hands and Joftaz said, 'You serve your king well, MY new old
friend, for not only do you seek out Nighthawks who do black murder in
the darkest hour of the night, you have rid Silden of the plague of the
Crawler. Jacob and his companions will be on the first ship bound for
distant lands once word of this reaches their employers. Now, IT show
you to your rooms, then I must find a certain rumour-monger to spread
word that three Keshian gentlemen now residing in Silden have just sold
a great deal of Heart of Joy to a smuggler bound for the island Kingdom
of Roldem. "

Joftaz took them up to a room and bid them goodnight, and informed them
that they should expect to encounter Abuk on the road between Silden and
Lyton, as he was due back from there in the next few days. James settled
in and quickly fell asleep, feeling at last he was making some progress
in unravelling these mysteries.

NINE

Suspect

T he mules lumbered up the road.

There was no mistaking the waggon as it hove into sight around a bend, a
days ride east of Silden. The green wagon had huge red letters on the
side, proclaiming 'Abuk. Trader in fine wares. "

The driver was a large, bull-necked man with an impressive mane of
flaming red hair and a long beard that reached to his belt. If a dwarf
could grow to more than six feet in height, this is what he'd look like,
thought James as they halted before the waggon. 'You're the trader,
Abuk? asked James loudly.

The trader reined in his team of mules. 'It's what is written in large
letters on the side of this waggon, -stranger, so either you can't read
or you're oblivious to the obvious. I am Abuk. "

James grimaced at the remark about the obvious. Well, you could have
stolen his rig. " 'True, and I could have cut his hair and beard to
create my disguise, as well. But I didn't. "He regarded the three riders
before him. 'What may I do for you? "

We are in the market for some information. "

Abuk said, 'Information is often my most profitable commodity. "

James walked his horse close enough to the buckboard of the waggon to
hand over the silver spider. 'Can you tell me to whom you sold this? "
'Yes, "said Abuk. 'For the sum of a hundred golden sovereigns, I can. "

James grinned, and there was nothing but menace in his smile. 'Or we
could arrange for you to have a discussion with the Royal

Interrogator regarding your part in the death of fifiy of the King's

Own Royal Lancers. "

What? "demanded the startled Abuk. 'Fifty Royal Lancers were murdered? "
'In Romney, "supplied Owyn.

The trader was silent for a moment, calculating his chances of survival
against his potential for profit, if James was any sort of judge of men.
Finally he said, J take no responsibility for that act; I merely sell
goods which are not banned by law. "He handed the spider back
toiames.'This is one of two I sold in the north, A poor imitation was
sold to a man named Michael Waylander in the village of Sloop. He is a
prominent member of the Glaziersguild in the City of Romney.

The other was sold to a man whose name I do not know, but I know he is
from the north. "

James showed Abuk the spyglass. What of this? "

Tou have proven the man you seek is the one I described, for he also
purchased this glass. I sold both items to him at the Queen@s

Row Tavern in Malac's Cross, and you might inquire there of the
innkeeper, who seemed to know this man. He was an exceptional chess
player, by what I overheard. " 'If you met him in Malac's Cross, why
then did you say he was from the north? 'Because I overheard the
innkeeper ask him if he was returning to the north, and the man said he
was indeed heading home!

James did not look pleased. We must then return to Malac's Cross. "

Abuk said, 'I might be able to save you a journey, for a small fee. "

James asked, 'How small? " 'A dozen golden sovereigns, I think! 'Five, I
think, and I forget your name when I speak to the King's

Inquisitor. " 'Done, "said Abuk.

James gave him the money and the man said, 'Now that I recall, he did
mention the town of Kenting Rush. "

James looked at Owyn, who nodded. 'I know it. If s north of my

Uncle Corvallis's home in Cavell Village. "

Abuk looked at Owyn. 'Your uncle is the Baron Corvallis;"

Owyn said, 'Yes, he is. " 'I know him, "said Abuk. 'He's a man of ill
humour, if you don't mind me saying so. "

Owyn grinned. 'No one who knows him will argue that. "

'If we are done? "asked Abuk to James. James indicated they were, and
the vivid green waggon started forward again.

After Abuk was safely away, James turned to Owyn. 'What do you think?
Malac's Cross or north to Kenting Rush? "

Owyn said, 'Kenting Rush is a small town, barely more than a dozen shops
and inns. Mostly farmers and small estates in the area.

There can't be too many men matching the description of the man we seek
in residence there. "

Gorath said, 'Good, because time is growing short. It's been more than a
month since I left my homeland and Delekhan's power grows while we seek
out information. It would do us no good to discover his plans by
witnessing them executed! 'A good point, "said James, turning his horse
around. 'Let us head north. "He urged his mount forward and set off at a
brisk trot. A few minutes later they overtook and passed Abuk, and with
a wave of farewell, continued down the road.

The passage between their encounter with Abuk and the tum-off to the
City of Romney went without a hitch. They paused in Romney to change
horses and see if things were calming down there.

Michael Waylander, Damon Reeves and Arle Steelsoul had heeded the Earrs
warning and appeared within days of the message being delivered. They
were now locked in earnest negotiations with the other guild leaders to
end the struggle between the rival guilds in the city and order was
slowly returning to Romney.

The next morning, James, Gorath and Owyn departed on fresh horses, and
hurried north through the rolling farmland that bordered the River Rom.
The towns and villages along the river were undistinguished, much like
the village of Sloop, bearing names like

Greenland, Hobbs, Tuckney, Pranles Stone and Farview. For days they
rode, always alert, and by keeping a steady pace, they reached the area
south of Cavell Village. Several times they had passed bands of armed
men, but none had offered them challenge, and they arrived without
incident.

Rounding a bend in the road, they crossed a small bridge that took them
over a swift-running stream. James looked down and observed, 'This is
deep. "

Owyn said, 'Deeper than it looks. More than one idiot's been

drowned trying to swim across. It's a feeder to the River Rom, coming
down from the mountains over there. "He pointed to the west, where
bluffs rose. 'Let me show you something, "he added as he turned his
horse off the road.

They followed an old dirt roadway, grown over by grass in several
places, obviously unused for a long time. Gorath said, 'I see fresh
tracks. Someone has ridden here lately. "

Owyn said, 'Undoubtedly. I'll show you why when we round this bend. "

They rode around a sharp turn, where a bluff rose up to a cliff-top
overhead, and halted. Before them an impressive-looking waterfall
thundered down from the cliffs above, exactly three hundred feet above.
On both sides the gorge rose steeply, and was covered with thick
forests. 'Cavell Run, "said Owyn.

What's that? "asked James. 'It's the name of the stream. It's also what
we call the tunnels under the old keep. "He pointed to the top of the
cliffs and by squinting

James could make out the grey edifice that rested atop the cliffs. 'How
did you know about this?

Owyn turned his horse back and said, '@When I was a boy, we came here
several times. I used to play with my cousin Ugyne in the run.

They're a huge set of tunnels and caves under the keep. Used for storage
in ancient times, but mostly abandoned now. "He pointed backwards as
they left sight of the waterfall. 'There's even a bolt-hole behind the
waterfall if you know where to look. Ugyne and I found it from the
inside of the run when I was nine and she was eight. We stripped off and
went swimming. We almost froze to death; the water is all snowmelt
running down the ridges from the mountains above.

Ugyne got a pretty heavy whipping from her father, too. My uncle has
never curbed his temper as long as I've known him. 'But it still didn't
stop Ugyne and me from playing up there. "

James asked, 'How many know about the run? " 'Most of the locals know
there are tunnels under the old keep. A few might even suspect there's a
bolt-hole under the waterfall. But

I doubt anyone outside the family, the old guard commander, and maybe
one or two of the older servants, has any idea where it is. It's pretty
well hidden. "

Theycontinued on toward Cavellvillage, arriving at mid-afternoon.

As they turned off the road and moved to within sight of the place,

James said, 'For a village it's rather prosperous. "

Owyn laughed. 'I guess. It was a village for a couple of hundred

Vears, but became a busy farming centre about fifty years ago. Since the
fire in the keep forced my uncle to move into the village about three
years ago, all business is conducted down here. I think he and his
household account for a third of the houses here in the village. "
'Fire? asked Jimmy as they reached the outer buildings. 'What was that?
" 'No one knows, "said Owyn. 'The story is my uncle was having some work
done in one of the lower chambers and a fire broke out, working its way
up through the building, gutting it and making it unsafe to live in.
There had already been a collapse in the lower tunnels, where my uncle
was expanding his wine cellar. My cousin Neville died in that collapse.
He was a few years older than Ugyne and me. He was an

Odd boy-, it always seemed to me his father didn't care much for him.

Ugyne was always Uncle Corvallis's favourite.'He was lost in memory for
a moment, then returned to the present. 'Anyway, that basement was just
sealed off, with my cousin's unclaimed body still under tons of rock.
'The fire started not far from there, and the maid who is blamed for
starting it died in the flames, so no one is quite sure how it began.

It burned up from below, weakening timbers and causing floors and walls
to collapse. Uncle's been telling everyone he was going to repair
everything and move back in some day, but so far we've seen little proof
of it. "

They rode down the main street of the village, a broad thoroughfare that
ended in a large square, dominated by a fountain and three other streets
which ran off at odd angles to the one on which they rode. 'That house
over there, "said Owyn, turning his horse so they could ride around the
fountain. The afternoon market was underway and the buyers and sellers
ignored the three riders for the most part, though one or two gave
Gorath a second glance.

They reached the front of the Baron's house and a stableboy ran over and
said, 'Master Owyn! It's been years. "

Owyn smiled. 'Hello, Tad. You're caring for horses now? "

The boy, no more than twelve or thirteen years old, nodded. 'Yes,

sir. Now that we have no proper stable the Baron's keeping his guests'
mounts over at the inn. "He pointed to an inn directly opposite the

Baron's house. It was dominated by a sign of a wood-ducles head. 'I'll
arrange rooms for you. "

Owyn smiled. 'You're telling me my uncle won't be happy to see me and
offer me a room? "

The boy nodded. 'He's not really happy to see anyone, these days,

Master Owyn. If you were here alone, he might offer, but with your
friends ... ?'He smiled apologetically and said no more.

Owyn sent him off with the horses and instructions to get them one large
room for the night.

They mounted steps to the large house. James glanced around and said,
'This house dwarfs the rest in the village. "

Owyn smiled at the understatement. The rest of the village ranged from
simple huts of wattle and daub with thatch to some two-storey wooden
houses with small gardens. The inns were the only buildings that matched
the Baron's residence. 'It used to be an inn, but fell on hard times. My
uncle bought it and converted it to his own use. There is a stable in
the rear, but it's occupied by his company of personal guards.'Lowering
his voice, Owyn said,'Like many minor nobles, my uncle has more rank
than money. The rents are modest, the taxes to the Duke of Cheam
considerable, and my uncle has never been what you would call an
enterprising man. "

They knocked upon the door. The door opened a crack. A serving woman of
middle years peeked through and when she saw Gorath in his armour
standing before her, her eyes widened and her complexion turned pale.
'Hello, Miri, "said Owyn, coming into her field of vision. 'It's all
right. Theyre with me. "

The woman said, 'Master Owyn, "and swung the door wide. 'Could you
please tell Uncle Corvallis we're here? "

The woman nodded and hurried off. A few minutes later a tall man,
affecting a velvet coat and lace-front shirt, with far too many rings)
arrived and said coolly, 'Nephew, we had no word of your arrival. "H
cast a disapproving eye upon James and Gorath. 'Thaes all right, uncle.
We intrude. We've already made arrangements to stay at the inn across
the square. May I present to you

Seigneurjames, squire to Prince Arutha, and our companion, Gorath.

Gentlemen, my uncle, Baron Corvallis of Cavell. "

At the mention of a relationship to the Prince of Krondor, Baron

Corvallis's attitude softened slightly. He nodded at James and said,
'Seigneur. "Looking at Gorath as if he didn't know what to make of him,
he said, 'Elven sir, welcome. "He made a sweeping gesture and said, 'If
you will join me in my parlour, I'll send for some wine. "He signalled
to the serving woman and said, 'Miri, a bottle of wine and four goblets.
"

They followed the Baron into a hallway through what had been the old
common room of the inn, now divided into several different rooms. The
rear stairway to the upper rooms was visible at the end of the entrance
hall, and James absently wondered if the old bar was still intact.
Apparently he would never know, as they turned into a corner room with
two large windows, overlooking the village square.

The Baron indicated three chairs and took a fourth for himself. What
brings you to Cavell Village, Seigneur? 'The Prince's business, "said
James. 'There was some trouble down in Romney, and, as an outgrowth of
that, we're investigating rumours of Nighthawks returning to the
Kingdom. "

At mention of Nighthawks, the Baron almost levitated out of his chair.
'Rumours!"he shouted. 'They are not rumours. There is wicked slaughter
being done here in the north and I have sent reports to my lord the Duke
of Cheam. They have tried to kill me three times!"

James attempted to look concerned. 'It was those very things that
brought me here. The Prince is adamant, as is his brother the King - '

Lyam probably had no idea what was happening, but James had long ago
learned that dropping the King's name from time to time was a very
powerful thing to do' - can't countenance the idea of unprovoked
assaults upon their nobles. "

At mention of the King, the Baron seemed almost reassured. 'Good, it's
about time. "

James said, Why don't you tell us of your situation. "

His face flushed with emotion, the Baron spoke quickly and with anger.
'Fhree years ago a maid died in a fire that started near the abandoned
wine cellar. At the time, I thought it was merely a tragic accident, but
now I'm convinced it was but the first attempt on my life. 'A year ago,
while out hunting, a band of riders, all clad in black, appeared on the
ridgeline and rode at us with weapons at the ready.

Only a fox flushed by my hounds saved me, as the animal bolted

across a field before the attackers, and the pursuing hounds caused
their horses to falter. Lost my best hound that day. "

He motioned to Miri, who had appeared at the door, to serve his guests.
'Then last month, I was shot at by men from behind cover.

The arrow cut my tunic, here. "He pointed to his shoulder. 'A hand's
span lower and I'd be a dead man. "

James glanced at Owyn who nodded slightly, indicating the Baron wasn't
exaggerating.

Baron Corvallis continued. 'I dare not leave my own house, save perhaps
to visit the inn with personal guards on all sides. My daughter disobeys
me and runs like a common child across the fields and consorts with all
manner of questionable riff-raff. She should be meeting respectable
suitors at her age, but instead she walks through the fields with a
despicable creature who woos her with sweet lies. "

Owyn tried to look serious, but was obviously amused by something He
said, '@Who is this foul being, uncle? 'A man of commerce! Ugyne should
be accepting court from the sons of barons, earls, even dukes, but not a
common merchant.

My solicitor Myron loves her, and while lowborn, has some ties to
nobility. I would suffer him ask for her hand if she would settle down,
but she's filled with fanciful notions of romance and adventure,
irritating enough traits in a son, but utterly unacceptable in a
daughter. " 'Does this agent of chaos have a name, uncle? asked Owyn.

Nearly spitting, Corvallis said, 'Navon du Sandau! I know he is a
criminal. He wears clothing of costly weave and rides the finest black
horse I have seen, yet he speaks little of his commercial enterprises.
He claims to be a factor for several rich families and nobles, as well
as an agent for trading concerns in the south and west. Yet I have never
seen him on an errand of business; rather he is mysteriously absent or
hanging around, wooing MY daughter. "

Owyn sipped at his wine, then asked, Where is Ugyne, unde? 'Probably out
near the road, wandering the fields, waiting for snow to fall or Navon
to arrive. "

James took another drink of the somewhat indifferent wine and said,
We've imposed upon your hospitality long enough. "He stood

and said, We'll investigate this as quickly as we can and see what can
be done to end these threats on the peace of your village. " 'Thank you,
Seigneur, "said the Baron. He said, 'Owyn, give my regards to your
father and mother when next you see them. "He nodded at Gorath as the
moredhel walked past. Unsure of what to say, he merely nodded again.

At the door, he said, 'Owyn, if you're in the village next Sixthday, do
me the pleasure of dining with us. Bring your friends. "

The door closed and James laughed. 'That gives us five days to find what
we're looking for and leave before he's forced to make good on his
offer. "

Owyn said, 'My uncle is a difficult man at the best of times, but he is
genuinely frightened. " 'Even I, who know not your race that well, could
tell that, "said

Gorath. 'Yet one thought bothers me. "

What? asked James. 'Only one? 'Among many, "said Gorath. 'If the
Nighthawks had truly wanted him dead, he would be dead. The dogs
interrupting the attack on horse, perhaps. But a near miss by an archer
seems improbable. " 'Having faced the Nighthawks several times, I'd
agree, "said James.

They entered the Ducles Head Inn.

The common room was relatively uncrowded, it still being afternoon The
innkeeper crossed from behind the bar and said, 'You're the gentlemen in
to see the Baron? 'Yes, "said James. 'I'm Peter the Grey, "he said with
a slight bow, 'and I have the privilege of owning this establishment.
Your rooms are ready any time you are, and we have a full board and a
choice of wines and ale. " 'Ale, "said Gorath. 'I have little affection
for wine. "

James laughed. 'Given the Baron's choice in wine, I don't blame you.,

Owyn nodded. 'You can't imagine what it would have been had

You not been a member of the Prince's court. "

Peter the Greys eyebrows shot up. 'A member of the Prince's court? Well,
then, I best ensure we only serve the finest. A member, gentlemen!"

As Peter hurried away, James called after, 'And food, please. "

They sat and Owyn said, 'Sorry you had to endure the ramblings

of my uncle. Compared to the troubles we're investigating, his woes must
be pathetic by comparison. "

James was thoughtful. 'Perhaps, but there may be a connection here. I'm
not quite sure what it is, but why would the Nighthawks harass your
uncle, yet not kill him? " 'To keep him frightened, "suggested Gorath.

Just then Peter the Grey arrived with the ate and placed frosty mugs
before each of them. James sipped and nodded with appreciation.

Wonderful. " 'Ale from the Grey Towns, sir, and we keep it cold. " 'You
ship ice down here? " 'No, "said Peter. There are deep caves not too far
from here where

I leave my barrels. I sell it too quickly for it to warm up before the
barrers empty. "

James smiled. 'Situated as you are directly across the square from the
Baron's home, you must see him a lot. "

Peter shook his head. 'Hardly at all, truth to tell. The Baron only
leaves his home rarely, and then always with armed guards.'He picked up
his tray and said, 'Ill bring some food straight away, sir. "

James said, 'Something is eating at my mind, but I can't quite pin it
down. " 'Something to do with my unde? " 'Yes, "said James, 'but Gorath
has pointed out the one thing in this that makes no sense: why go to the
trouble of frightening the Baron, but not kill ..."Suddenly James's eyes
widened. 'Peted' he called.

The patron of the inn returned in a hurry. 'Sir? "

What was it you just said about the Baron, about you not seeing him. "
'I just said the Baron leaves his home only rarely, and then with armed
guards. " 'When did this start? " 'Right after the Nighthawks started
hunting him, I guess. " 'You know about the Nighthawks? asked James.

Well, we know what people say. " 'And what would that be? " 'That the
Guild of Assassins has set up shop around here an they've marked the
Baron for some sort of punishment. "

James said, 'Thank you, Peter. Sorry to have disturbed you. "

Owyn said, 'My did you want him to come back? " 'To help me think this
through,'said James. 'Look, the Nighthawks aren't trying to kill the
Baron. They're trying to make the Baron stay in his house. " asked
Gorath.

James said, 'To stop him from rebuilding the keep. "

Owyn said, 'what in the world good would that do? It's an old
fortification, and if there's an army heading this way, it's not going
to cause them much trouble. "

James said, 'I don't think anyone cares about the keep. I think they
care about what's under it. "

Owyn's eyes widened. 'The run? 'You said there was a secret passage into
caverns that run under the mountains, and the old keep's armoury and
storage are down there.

You could hide an army under there, I bet. " 'Or a nest of Nighthawks,
"added Gorath.

Owyn said, 'But how would they know? " 'The run isn't a family secret is
it? " 'No, a few others know of its existence, but finding the entrance
from outside would be nearly impossible. " 'Owyn!"a female voice cried
happily from across the inn.

They turned to see a tall, leggy young woman in a simple dress hurrying
across the room. She nearly knocked Owyn back into his chair as he tried
to stand up while she threw her arms around him. 'Uh, Ugyne!"said Owyn,
grinning and blushing at the same time as she hugged him.

The girl was pretty in a sunburned, wild fashion. Her hair was windblown
and unkempt and she looked as if she had been sitting on the ground, as
her dress was streaked with dried mud in the back.

She stopped hugging him long enough to deliver an enthusiastic kiss on
the lips, then she stood back, holding him at arm's length as she
studied her cousin. 'You've grown into a fair-looking man, given what a
pathetic little boy you were, "she said with a laugh.

Owyn blushed deeply and laughed. 'You haven't changed, I see. "

She pushed him back into the chair then sat down imperiously on his lap.
'Of course I have. I was a little girl the last time you saw me; now I'm
a grown woman. "

James grinned. This grown woman appeared to be eighteen at the

outside, and while she was striking in her vivaciousness, she was still
a little gangly and moved with a studied purpose, as if to mask her
uncertainty.

Owyn said, 'Ugyne, these are my friends, James and Gorath. "

She nodded and smiled as she said, 'Hello. "Of Owyn, she asked, 'Have
you seen Daddy yet? I assume you did. Tad was the one who told me you
were here. "

We did, and if we're here on Sixthday, we'll be dining with you. " 'Oh,
please do stay. Supper alone with Father is such a bore!

James said, We may be gone, Ugyne. We have pressing business. " 'What
sort of business?'she asked with a pout. She looked at Owyn.. 'My
favourite cousin comes to town after too many years and wants to bolt
the next day@'

Owyn said, 'No, but we're on ... business for the Crown. " 'Oh? she said
with raised eyebrows. 'Really? "

James nodded. 'Really. "

Well, then, "she said, 'I'll have to insist that either Father have you
over earlier or you stay, but you'll not leave town until we've had a
chance to visit. " 'What have you been doing with yourself? "asked Owyn.
'Your father seems very concerned about how you spend your time. "

She turned up her nose at the mention of her father's opinion and said,
'Father wants me to sit around all day in that dark house, waiting for
some noble to ride up and take my hand in marriage, and is terrified
I'll run off with someone. " 'Anyone in particular? asked Owyn.

She reached over and took his mug of ale and took a delicate sip from
it, as if it was the most brazen act imaginable. 'There's Myron,

Daddys solicitor here in the village. He's a widower with a lovely
little girl I adore, but he's so .. 'Dull? supplied James. 'No,
predictable. He's a nice man, but I want something more. " 'Anyone else?
"asked Owyn.

Why?. Did I say there was anyone else? she asked with a glimmer in her
eyes and a smile on her lips. 'No, "said Owyn, 'but your father did. "
'Navon du Sandau, "said Ugyne. 'He makes Father farious. " asked James.

'He's a man of trade, not nobility, and even Myron, my father's
solicitor, is related to nobility: he's the nephew of the late Earl of

Silden, on his mother's side. " Are you in love with Navon? "asked Owyn.

She shook her head and wrinkled her nose. 'Not really. He's interesting,
if a little ... strange. " 'Strange? "asked Owyn. 'How? " 'I find him
staring at me in odd ways, when he thinks I'm not looking. "

Owyn laughed and tickled her. 'That's because you are odd looking

She playfidly slapped his hands away. 'But he's interesting. He's very
attractive, and intelligent, and he says he's been everywhere.

And he has a great deal of wealth, which is the only reason Father
hasn't ordered him whipped out of town by the guards. If I can't marry
nobility, Father will settle for wealth. " 'Are you going to marry this
Navon? " 'Probably not, "she said, jumping out of Owyn's lap. 'He's too
ardent and ... dangerous. " 'Dangerous? "said Gorath, speaking for the
first time to the girl. 'I know little of your customs, but isn't that
an odd term to describe a suitor.

She shrugged and replied, 'I don't know. He's fascinating, if a little
odd at times, and he's taught me a few things. " 'Oh? "asked Owyn, his
voice registering both curiosity and disapproval

She punched him in the shoulder. 'Not that, you evil boy! He's taught me
about things like poetry, music, and he's taught me to play chess. "
'Chess? "asked Owyn, casting a glance at James. 'Yes, "she said. 'He's
the finest chess player in Kenting Rush, probably in the entire area. He
travels to Malac's Cross regularly to play against the best in the
Kingdom at the Queen's Row Tavern and has played against nobles in
Krondor and Great Kesh!'Her description indicated some pride in the
claims.

Well, "said James. 'Perhaps we can meet him some time. " 'Come to supper
on Sixthday and you can, "she said. 'He's coming to see me by the end of
the week!"

With a laugh and a half-twirl that set her skirt swirling around her
knees, she turned and half-skipped, half-walked to the door. Looking
over her shoulder, she smiled at Owyn and left.

Gorath said, 'The women of your people are ... interesting. "

James laughed. 'She's young. She's working a little too hard at being
vivacious.'He shook his head in appreciation. 'But give her a couple of
years and she won't have to work. She's quite the charmer. "

Owyn sighed as he leaned back in his chair. 'She's the only member of my
family I ever really cared for around here. "

Peter the Grey arrived with their food and as he set the table, Owyn
said, 'I never knew my cousin Neville - he died when I was young and

I had only seen him once before that. "

Peter interrupted, 'Baron Corvallis's Neville? You said you were in to
see him, young sir, but nothing about being his nephew. " 'Sorry, "said
Owyn. 'I wasn't trying to hide the fact. " 'You're young Owyn, "he said.
'You don't remember me, do you? "

Owyn said, 'Sorry, but I don't. " 'I was one of the cooks up in the
keep, before that tragic day when young Neville died. You were only six
or seven back then, and I only saw you once or twice when you visited. I
bought this inn not long after, and you never stopped in before today.
The old Baron, well, it changed him. He was a different man after that,
but it killed his wife. " 'I don't remember much about it, "admitted
Owyn.

Peter needed little prompting to gossip and said, Well, the story goes
that there was some difficulty between the Baron and the master builder
he hired to work on the lower caves and tunnels as he expanded his wine
cellar. The odd thing was he was also named du Sandau, like

Navon. "

James and Owyn exchanged glances.

Peter went on. Well, this Sandau was the finest stonemason in the
region, but he was also a drunk and a womanizer; rumour is he had his
way with many of the ladies of the court down in Rillanon before coming
north. 'He worked on several portions of the old run, under the keep,
and usually the Baron was happy with the work. But this wine cellar, for
some reason, had problems. They argued and the Baron was always in a
foul temper.

'Then came that black day. " 'The day Neville died? "asked Owyn. 'Yes,
it was the same accident that killed Sandau. The ceiling collapsed. No
one knew why. All the men in the area struggled for days to remove the
rubble, but it was to no avail; Neville and the workers in the room
died. " 'What was the boy doing in the room? "asked Gorath. 'No one
knows. He liked to watch the masons, and his father didn't object.
"Peter shrugged. 'But the Baron's. never been quite the same since then.
And the loss of the boy killed the Baroness, I will avow.

She mourned for months, then got sick, and even the healing priests from
the temples couldn't keep her alive. She died a little more than a year
after. Before the boy died, she was a woman of unusual steel.

Ugyne's like her; it's what kept the girl sane, I think, losing a
brother and mother within a year. "Peter shook his head in sympathy as
he recalled the girl's pain. 'She's managed to turn into quite a special
person, by my lights. "

James nodded as Owyn said, 'She is, no argument. "

Peter left and James said, 'This family of yours has had its share of
tragedy. "

Owyn said, 'I know. But Ugyne seems to have found some happiness. "
'Even if it's only tormenting her father, "said James, and even

Grorath laughed at that.

Well, then, "asked Owyn, 'what are we to do? " 'I think we have dinner
with your uncle on Sixthday and I think we see if someone here wants to
play chess. "

Owyn nodded and sat back, content to rest a few days before the next
conflict.

TEN

Nighthawks

W ater ffi@ ndered down mountainside. m , r a el ath and sat on their
horses near the base of f s.@ i f tjhe th a e to fill in between their
discussion with Ugyne and their coming supper with her father on
Sixthday,

James had decided to scout around. He had made sure the talkative

Peter the Grey knew they were heading down the road on business, but as
soon as they had cleared the precinct of Cavell Village, they had turned
off the road to investigate Cavell Run.

The spray struckjames as the wind shifted. 'You used to play here? " he
asked Owyn. 'No, not really. "He pointed up the side of the mountain.
'We used to play up there, in a pool, near the spot the bolt-hole exits
the hillside. "

Gorath said, 'My people's children are not allowed to play unsupervised.
"With a note of contempt, he added, 'But then you humans breed like
fieldmice; if a child dies, you just have another. "

James threw him a black look. 'It's not quite that simple. "

Gorath asked, 'So why are we here?

James asked, 'If you wanted to use the old run as a base of operations,
would you want the Baron and his family up there? "

Owyn's eyes widened. 'You think the Nighthawks started the fire? "

James shrugged. 'I don't know. But it's pretty convenient, and by
harassing him, they keep the Baron from starting his rebuilding. "

They rode along the banks of the river toward the cliffs, and Gorath
said, 'I have fought these Nighthawks at your side, and you have
mentioned them before, but I still do not understand their part in all
this. "

James said, 'It isn't difficult; theyre a brotherhood of assassins who
work for whoever pays their way. Mercenaries. I faced one on the roofs
of Krondor when I was a boy and have faced them many times since then.
'They were pawns of Murmandamus for a while and served with iiis Black
Slayers. "

Gorath almost spat. 'The Black Slayers were an obscenity! Men of no
honour who gave over life and spirit to Murmandamus for promises of
eternal power and glory! It is said by our lore keepers that those who
did so will never join the Mothers and Fathers in the Life After. "

James turned his horse to follow around a small knoll, and said, 'I must
admit, I know little of you or your elven kin, Gorath, though I've
fought the moredhel and spent time with the glamredhel and elves. "

Gorath said, We dislike one another enough that we don't like to alk
ther, ies true, so I have no doubt you heard little good of
us from the eledhel. The glamredhel are the mad ones, those without
purpose and without magic. They lived by their wits and held strong in
the Edder Woods in the Northlands until they were hunted down and
destroyed. "

James shook his head. 'Destroyed? Theyve gone to Elvandar and now reside
there. "

Gorath reined in his horse. 'Delekhan!" 'What? "asked James, turning to
look at the dark elf. 'He let it be known that he had destroyed Earnon
and his tribe in the Edder. "

Well, Old King Redtree is alive and well, living up in Elvandar.

Last I heard they were involved in some sort of discussion as to who was
in charge. "

Gorath tilted his head, as if listening to something. 'In charge? I do
not understand. " 'I don't pretend I do, either, "said James as they
followed another bend in the road, and began approaching the waterfall.
'Duke Martin is a regular visitor to Elvandar and sends reports to
Krondor. As I understand it, Redtree and his people are trying to decide
if they're going to be part of Aglaranna's people, or separate, but
living among them. Something like that. " 'It's passing strange, "said
Gorath. 'I would assume Aglaranna would enslave them had they come
begging for refuge. "

James laughed. 'You find that funny? " 'I've met old Redtree and he
doesn't exactly strike me as the type to beg or to accept slavery
without killing a couple of hundred people first. "

Gorath nodded. 'He is a warrior of great skill and power. "

They could again feel the spray off the waterfall and James asked,
'Owyn, where is the entrance? "

Owyn said, We'll have to tie the horses and walk from here. "

They did so, and as they reached a place beside the waterfall, where the
spray was heavy enough to soak them in minutes, James said,'How many
people knew of this entrance? " 'A few, in my family, and among the
staff. Ugyne and I, along with

Neville, used to play there. We got beaten when we were caught, and

I don't think the Baron ever found out that we knew the entire route
from the keep to the bolt-hole. "He pointed to a rock a few feet above
his head. 'This is why no one in the village ever found their way into
the keep. I need a leg up. "

James made a cup with his hand and gave Owyn a boost, and the young
magician pulled himself to the ledge. He said, 'Hand me my staff. "They
did, and he said, 'Now, stand back. "

They stood away, and Owyn used his staff to move a rock. A rumbling
caused James to move even farther back. A large rock face moved aside.
Owyn jumped down with an'oof 'and stood up. 'Getting oues easy. There's
a lever just inside. Getting in is impossible if you don't know the
trick. "

James moved just inside the entrance and said, 'Someone found the trick.
Look. "

Dust had coated the entire length of the tunnel, but the middle of the
tunnel showed clearly that many feet had trodden the floor recently.
Gorath said, 'As we move along this tunnel, we will soon lose the
masking noise of the waterfall. Tread softly. "

James said, We need a torch. "

Owyn said, 'No, we don't. I'll make us some light. "

Owyn dosed his eyes, then held out his hand. A sphere of soft light
surrounded him, less than would have come from a torch, but enough for
them to see by. That's handy, "said James.

Owyn shrugged. 'Until recently I didn't know if I'd ever use it for

anything more significant than finding my way to the jakes in the middle
of the night. "

James grinned. 'Let's go. "

He pulled out his sword as did Gorath, and without a word they set off
down the tunnel.

A soft tread of boot leather on stone was all Gorath needed to warn
them. He held up his hand and listened, his more-than-human hearing
announcing the approach of someone. He turned and held up two fingers.

James nodded and motioned for Owyn to move back down the tunnel, taking
his faint light with him, while he and Gorath waited in the gloom for
whoever came toward them. A moment later a light could be seen down the
hall, approaching rapidly. Voices echoed off the rock. 'I don't like it,
"said one. 'You don't have to like it. You only have to follow orders. "
'There used to be a lot more of us, if you remember. " 'I remember, but
the fewer of us, the more gold -'

The two men turned the corner and Gorath and James leaped upon them.
Catching them unexpectedly, James and Gorath had them down before they
knew they were under attack.

But surprise didn't mean surrender, and the two assassins fought like
cornered animals, forcing Owyn to run forward with his staff and lay one
low with a crushing blow to the head.

The other died upon his own knife, as James fell heavily atop the man.

James slowly rose, saying'damn. I wanted a prisoner. "

Gorath said, We are in their nest. It would be wise for us to leave now
that we know where they are and return with soldiers. "

Wise, perhaps, but my experience with these birds is they will have
flown by the time we return. They are never abundant in number, and
quite a few have died recently. I doubt there are more than a half-dozen
left between here and the Teeth of the World.'James pointed a finger
down the hall from where the two had come. 'But if we identify or trap
their leader, we may finally be done with this bunch. 'I thought them
dead and buried ten years ago, but obviously I was wrong. At the least
one or two of them fled to start this murderous

brotherhood again. Only fanatics kill themselves like that. I must find
out if these are but hired blades working for whoever pays the most, or
if they are willing allies of your Delekhan. " 'What difference does it
make when it's Kingdom throats being cut? asked Gorath. 'Men who work
for gold are one thing. Men pledged to dark causes are another. If these
are men working for gold, we can deal with them at leisure, for they
will know little beyond where to pick up their 9014@ and whom to kill.
But if they are involved in these dark plots, perhaps' we will learn
something - ' he pointed down the hall ' - down there!

Gorath and Owyn exchanged glances, and Owyn said, Well, I'd, get bored
out there waiting for you to come back. "He held up his. glowing ring.
'Besides, I have the light. "

Gorath gave a grunt that might have passed for a chuckle.

For nearly half an hour they walked through a long tunnel, then

Owyn said, 'There's a storage room ahead, if I remember. "

They found a large wooden door, still intact and well oiled, behind
which was a barracks. A score of beds were lined up, ten against each
wall, and racks of weapons occupied the far end of the room. Most of the
beds hadn't been slept in, but four showed recent occupation.

Owyn pointed and whispered, 'Those two we killed may have friends dose
by. " 'Or they could already have left, "said James.

They moved to the racks and saw that the weapons were polished and
ready. A variety of lethal-looking blades were stored in orderly
fashion, as well as daggers, throwing knives, darts and strangling
cords. A shelf full of jars was attached to the wall above the rack.
'Poisons, I'm willing to bet, "said James. He looked at Owyn. 'How much
further do these tunnels go? 'Miles, if you mean all the levels. This is
the lowest gallery, and there are three between this one and the
basement of the old keep.

Though I don't think we could get there because of the caved-in wine
cellar.'He pointed to a door at the opposite end of the room. 'Through
there is another room like this one, and then stairs up. "

James went to the door and listened. Hearing nothing, he opened it and
found another barracks, with twenty well-made empty beds. 'No one has
been here for a while, "he observed. 'Not quite true, "said Gorath,
pointing. 'One pair of footprints.

Heading that way. "He indicated the far end of the room, where stone
stairs rose up the wall to a hole in the ceiling. Next to the stairs was
a bed left unmade, apart from the others. A huge wardrobe had been
placed next to the bed, incongruous in its setting. It was made of
highly polished wood with gilt trim, and when James opened it, clothing
of expensive weave and boots of fine leather could be seen. 41Y m
willing to bet the leader of this band of cutthroats is the dandy who
uses this bed. "He looked around. 'See if there's anything here that
might identify this fashion pate. I'm going to check the next floor. "

James hurried up the steps and discovered a large wooden door barred the
way. It was attached to the stones by heavy hinges and a hasp with a
lock. Locks had rarely proved a problem to the former thief, but this
one was of ingenious design and James had fallen out of the habit of
travelling with lockpicks. 'Owyn, what's up here? "

Owyn paused, as if searching his memory, then said, 'It's another
storage room, smaller, but similar to this one, and then there's a long
tunnel leading back into the mountain. "

James came down the stairs. 'Either our quarry is hiding something up
there from his own men, or he's fearful of someone stumbling into this
lair from above. " 'I doubt the second case, "said Owyn. 'Someone would
have to get into the old keep, know how to activate the door from the
armoury to the first tunnel, and besides, most of the upper passages
were buried in the collapse of the old wine cellar. " 'Then he's keeping
something under lock for his own reasons. " 'Perhaps gold, "suggested
Gorath. 'Assassins would have to be paid. "

James said, 'There is that. "He came down the stairs. 'Find anything '
'Just this, "said Owyn. He held out a book.

James took it and read the title on the first page. 'Tbe Abbot's

Journal, "he read aloud. He flipped a few pages and said, 'It's a
collection of stories about your uncle's family, it seems. "He handed it
back to Owyn. 'How did it get here? "

Owyn said, 'I have no idea. It may have been lost when my uncle
evacuated the keep after the fire, and someone combing the rubble above
might have found it. "

'Bring it along, "said James. 'I think I'll do some reading before bed
tonight. "

James led them back the way they had come.

James moved the beds and Gorath asked, 'Is this some human custom of
which I'm not aware? "

James grinned. 'Unless there were no other Nighthawks around, someone is
going to find it odd that two of their lads went missing. My best guess
is Nighthawks don't usually go absent without permission.

So it's not unlikely that whoever discovers they are gone might decide
to come see if we three had something to do with it. "

Once he had the beds crowded against the door, he said, 'If they act as
usual, one or more of them will come through that window while the rest
come in that door. They'll come fast, through the outer door and up the
stairs before Peter the Grey can get out of bed to find out what's
causing all the noise. If they work as planned, by the time old Peter
gets through the kitchen and up these stairs he'll find three bodies
here and an open window. "

Owyn said, 'If they come. "

James grinned. 'Oh, theyll come. We're the only newcomers in the area
whove been hanging around, visiting the Baron, asking questions. I just
don't know if theyll come tonight or tomorrow night.'James turned the
lamp down low, enough so he could read, sat down next to the lamp on the
floor, and opened the book he had had Owyn carry back from Cavell Run.

Owyn produced a second book and said, 'I might as well put this time to
good use, as well. I've neglected this too long. "

What is it? "asked Gorath. 'My book of magic. " 'You wrote a book?
"asked the dark elf. 'No, it's a book each student keeps, recording
thoughts, discoveries, and notations of things observed or learned. "He
produced a quill and a tiny vial of ink. 'When Nago almost hit me with
that spell he threw,

I sensed something, and, well, it's hard to explain, but I'm puzzling
out how he did it. I think with some more study I can do it. "

James looked up. What does it do? " 'If I'm right, it should immobilize
the person struck, maybe more. " 'More? "asked James, now very
interested.

'I think it might eventually kill the victim. "

Gorath, said, 'If it immobilizes, what does it matter? You just pull out
your dagger and walk up and cut his throat. "

Owyn said, 'I guess. When I was at Stardock, the teachers didn't delve
too deeply into violent applications. "

James yawned. Which is wise. It wouldn't do to have a bunch of you
youngsters wandering around that island tossing off fireballs and blasts
of lightning at each other. The tavern brawls would be pretty impressive
in the carnage they left behind. "

Owyn laughed. 'Maybe you're right. Some of the students were twice my
age. I think magic takes a long time to master. "

James said, 'If one ever does master it. " 'I heard Pug was a true
master, "said Owyn.

James yawned again. 'I've seen him do some pretty impressive things, "he
admitted through his yawn. 'Mercy, but this waiting is trying on the
nerves. "I 'Then get some sleep, "said Gorath. 'I'll watch. "

Owyn asked, 'Do you know Pug well?

We met a few times, "said James. Why? Didn't you meet him at

Stardock? " 'No, I saw him from time to time, with his family, but he
spends most of his time in his tower or off away from Stardock. Most of
the teaching is done by others. I met him only that one time in Krondor,
briefly, when his daughter was trying to read Gorath's mind! 'I've never
met the girl, though I hear she's a nice kid, "said James, as he thumbed
through the book. 'Her brother Willie's a good lad.

He's training to be an officer in Arutha's guard. " 'Hmmm, "said Owyn,
and James glanced over to see the young magician lost in his notes.

James looked through the book in his lap again for nearly a half hour.
'This is the most improbable collection of accounts and ... outright
fabrications I've ever encountered. "

Owyn looked up. What do you mean? " 'There's lists of births and deaths,
as if someone sat down one day and told this Abbot Cafrel the Cavell
family history in one sitting, then suddenly we're talking about missing
treasure, swords of incredible magic power, and curses. " 'Sounds
interesting, "said Gorath, who was trying to be polite.

James laughed. 'I agree,'he said, putting aside the book. 'You watch and
I'll sleep. Wake me in two hours. "

James curled up and Owyn studied, and Gorath watched the window, his
hand resting on his sword.

They came the next night. James had again been reading the Cavell family
history and Owyn was meditating on the bed, his eyes dosed as he was
developing a method of casting the spell Nago had used on him. Gorath
lay sleeping on the floor, having elected to sit the later watch.

One moment James was reading, and the next he was moving, his sword
coming out of his scabbard. Owyn was shot forward by two heavy bodies
hitting the other side of the door as the window shutters exploded
inward. An assassin had tied a rope to the roof beam and swung out, so
he could crash feet first through the wooden shutters into the room.

He caught James full in the chest and the squire flew backwards into
Gorath. Owyn came up on his knees, then fell back out of the way of a
sword blow, while behind him someone was trying to force the door open.

Owyn had been halfway through constructing the spell in his mind when
suddenly letters of fire seemed to burn in his mind's eye. He raised his
hand and pointed it at the assassin who was again raising his sword. An
evil purple-grey sphere, black veins of energy dancing across its
surface, leaped from his hand, striking the assassin in the face. The
man froze as if suddenly transformed into purple stone, blue sparkles of
energy dancing across the surface of his body. A faint moan of pain
escaped his lips.

James was up and ran to the window, thrusting his sword through it as
another man tried to swing in. The second Nighthawk was impaled on the
blade and fell into the stable yard below, striking the stones with a
sickening wet thud.

Gorath regained his footing and threw his weight against the door.

He shouted, 'Do we try to hold the door? "

James said, 'When I yell, jump back and pull that last bed with you. "

Owyn was staring at the entranced assassin in wide eyed wonder. 'It
workeff he whispered.

James struck the ensorcelled man as hard as he could across the back of
the head with the flat of his sword and he crumpled to the ground, the
energy around him vanishing. 'Can you do it again? g 'I don't know!"
'Then get out of the way! Gorath, now!"

Gorath did as he was told, and Owyn grabbed the bed and pulled it away
as well. The other two beds began to slide away from the door. 'If I
know my Nighthawks, "said James. 'I suggest you duck ... flow!"

Both men did so as James fell to the floor. The door burst open and two
crossbow bolts flew into the room and vanished out the window. James
instantly jumped atop the bed Gorath and Owyn had just moved. He bounced
off the bed and crashed into the two men closest to the door, sending
them through the railing of the stairs to the floor below. He slid over
the edge of the landing, barely avoiding a fall by grabbing a part of a
shattered post. His sword went clattering to the floor below, as an
astonished and shocked Peter the Grey entered the room from behind the
bar. 'N"at?

James looked up from where he hung to see a Nighthawk standing over him,
sword raised high. The assassin's eyes went round as Gorath ran him
through with his sword. The last Nighthawk tumbled over

James to the floor below, landing at Peter's feet. 'Oh, my word!"said
the innkeeper. 'My word!"

James hung by one hand and said, 'If it wouldn't be too much trouble
..."

Gorath's powerfid hand seized him by the wrist and hauled him up to the
landing. James said, 'Thank you, "and hurried down the stairs, rubbing
his sore shoulder. 'I'm getting too old for that sort of thing, "he
observed.

What is going on? asked Peter.

James knelt next to the last assassin and began searching the body.
'These men tried to kill us, "he answered calmly. We didn't let them. "

Well ..."said the innkeeper. Well ... I...'After a moment, he said,
Well, "one more time.

James said, 'Get somebody in here to clean up the mess, Peter.

Else your customers may be put off their meals. "

The innkeeper turned and hurried off to do as he was bid.

Instructions like that he understood. To Owyn, James said, 'You'd better
go get your uncle and explain to him that we've just removed most of the
Nighthawks who were stalking him. "

Owyn said, 'I think he might not even object too much to being awakened
in the middle of the night for that bit of news. "

After Owyn left, Gorath said, 'I noticed you said, "most of the

Nighthawks who were stalking him"."

James stood up, after having found nothing useful on the bodies.

We still have one Nighthawk to go, I think. At least one who matters. "
'The leader? " 'Yes. " 'And how do you propose to find him? " 'I don't,
"said James with a satisfied smile. 'He will find us. And I think it
will be this weekend when a certain chess player arrives to pay court to
Owyn's cousin. "

Gorath considered that, then nodded. 'He's a logical suspect, but how
will you prove it? Accuse him in public? " 'Unlike your people, where I
suspect an open challenge of honour carries some weight, this is a man
whose honour is non-existent. He is one who lurks in shadows and kills
from behind trees. He would only deny an accusation. " 'So then how do
you get him to confess? Torture?

James laughed. 'I've always considered torture to be of dubious benefit.
Fanatics will die with a lie on their lips, and an innocent man will
condemn himself to stop the pain. " 'I have found that torture, applied
judiciously, can yield interesting results. " 'No doubt, "said James,
with a look of mixed amusement and alarm.

Peter the Grey returned with his stable man and two workers, all of whom
lost their sleepy slowness when they saw the bodies. 'Take them out back
and burn the bodies, "instructed the innkeeper. As they complied, he
looked at the shattered balcony railing and asked, 'Who will pay for
this? "

James dug out a gold coin and said,'I will. If I find the man behind
this, I'll recover my gold from him. No need for you to bear the burden
of the cost. "

'Thank you, "said Peter, greatly relieved.

Owyn returned with his uncle behind him, dressed in his nightclothes
with a large cloak around his shoulders. He was still barefoot. 'You've
killed the Nighthawks? "he asked.

James said, 'I'm certain we've stamped out most of them in the area. "

Baron Corvallis was almost beside himself with glee. Then his mood
turned darker. 'Most? " 'There's some business I think needs to be
finished by Sixthday, then I think you'll be safe from the Guild of
Assassins, m'lord. "

Corvallis said, 'Owyn, you couldn't have awakened me for better cause.
"To James he said, 'I must pen a missive to Arutha, commending you to
him for your good works this day. " 'Thank you, sir, "said James, 'but
I'll be sending my own report to the Prince. " 'No false modesty, my
boy. "He put a fatherly hand on James's shoulder. 'You must take praise
where it comes. You might not be a squire all your life. Who knows, with
a friend in court, and with recommendations such as mine, why some day
you might rise to the rank of baronet or even baron!"

James grinned. 'One never knows. "

Well, then, "said the Baron, turning toward the door. To Peter he said,
'Provide these gentlemen with whatever they need. "To Owyn he said, 'I
can't tell you how pleased I am. I look forward to your company on
Sixthday. "

He hurried out, and Owyn asked, 'What now? "

James looked at the mess and said, 'I think some sleep is in order. "

He retrieved his sword from where it had landed, cleaned it off on the
tunic of the last dead Nighthawk, and as Peter the Grey returned to the
commons, said, 'Master Grey, there's another dead one up in our room.
Please remove it as well. " 'Oh, my word!"said the innkeeper.

'He's here, "said Owyn, hurrying into the room. Gorath and James had
been resting on their beds, trying to relax after the fiiry of the night
before.

James said, 'You're certain it's him? "

il

'Dandy, wearing fine clothing, and Ugyne is riding behind him with her
head on his shoulder, just to annoy her father! 'That's our man, "said
James. 'Let him find us already half drunk. "

They hurried downstairs to an empty commons, and found things ready as
James had requested. A chessboard had been set up and

James had positioned the men as he wanted. Several empty tankards had
been left nearby, and he signalled for Peter to bring over three
half-filled.

Owyn sat opposite James and said, 'I hope you don't expect me to comment
on this game. I have no idea what I'm looking at. " 'Good, "said James,
'because your part is to do nothing but look confused. "

Owyn's brow furrowed as he said, Well, I can do that with conviction. "

The door opened a short while later and Ugyne came in, almost skipping,
leading by the hand a person who could only be Navon du Sandau. He was
what James expected: tall, dressed in black with a white scarf around
his neck. He wore a neatly trimmed pointed beard, a golden earring with
a large diamond, and several golden chains which hung down his chest. He
walked easily, with his left hand upon his sword hilt. James noted that
while the hilt of the sword was decorative too, it was well worn, and
the blade was almost certainly sharp and well-oiled. It was a rapier,
and the only other man

James knew who preferred the rapier as a weapon of choice was the

Prince of Krondor. Light and agile, the rapier was a deadly weapon in
the hands of a master, but in the hands of a novice, it was an easy way
to get killed.

James had no doubt that Navon was a master. As Ugyne approached she
said, 'Owyn, I have someone I want you to meet. "

Owyn looked up and said, 'Good. You can save me from humiliation '

Ugyne introduced Owyn, James and Gorath, and said, 'This is my friend,
Navon du Sandau. "

James nodded, doing his best imitation of a man who had started drinking
early. He nodded slightly to Owyn who said, 'I think I should resign. "

With a smile, du Sandau said, 'Don't resign. Your position is difficult,
but not hopeless. "

Owyn looked at James who again nodded slightly and Owyn said, 'Would you
care to take over? I'm out of my depth. "

Navon said, 'If James doesn't mind?

James shrugged. 'By all means. It was simply a friendly game; no stakes.
"

Owyn stood up and stepped aside and Navon took his place. He studied the
board and said, 'My move?

James nodded. 'It's blacles move. "

Navon studied the board and moved exactly as James had expected.

James knew Navon was almost certainly a far better chess player than he
was, but he had positioned the pieces as they had been during a game
with the Keshian ambassador, Lord Abdur Rachman Memo

Hazara-Khan, only he had been in Navon's position then. The ambassador
had taken great pains to explain James's mistake to him after the match
and the game was etched in James's memory. Navon had moved exactly as
Lord Hazara-Khan had told James he should have moved in that long-ago
game.

Ugyne showed Owyn a silver locket with a tiny emerald in it. 'See what
Navon brought me?

Owyn nodded appreciatively and watched the match. Both men took great
pains to consider every option before they moved. After three moves
James was convinced that should this game run its course,

Navon would eventually win. Only by starting from a position of
dominance was he able to appear competent enough to keep Navon's
interest.

Gorath stood up, as if bored, and moved toward the door. 'I'll be back
shortly, "he said to no one in particular.

This was Owyn's cue, and he said, 'Oh, Ugyne, do you remember that odd
book on the family@' 'Which book? asked the girl. 'The one with all
those strange stories in it. You showed it to me

Nvhen we were little. It was written by some cleric. " 'Oh!"she said,
her eyes wide. 'You mean The Abbot's Journap Yes,

I do. It's funny, but I lent it to Navon here, a while ago, so he could
learn about the family. "

Owyn said,'Oh, I was hoping to read something in it I remembered from
when I was a boy. "

James studied his opponent. If he was paying attention to the

exchange behind him, he was a master of control. Not a twitch or flinch
or even the slightest urge to turn and look at Owyn was evident. He was
fixed upon the board before him.

Owyn asked, 'Navon, do you have the book with you? " 'What?'he asked,
looking over. 'Book? " 'The family journal, "said Ugyne. 'I lent it to
you a month ago. " 'Oh, that, "he said offhandedly. 'I left it at home.
I'll return it next week. "

James nodded slightly, and Owyn returned the nod. He went to his
backpack, which was on the floor behind Navon and withdrew the journal
from the pack. He put the book upon the table next to the board.

Suddenly Navon rose, overturning the table as he did so, knocking

James on his back. He threw an elbow at Owyn's chin, stunning the young
magician.

Ugyne shrieked in alarm, and said, 'Navon! What is it? "

The man grabbed her by the wrist and turned her arm behind her back. He
held her before him as he began backing toward the door. James came to
his feet with his sword drawn, and saw

Navon retreating. 'Stand back or I'll kill her, "he shouted, drawing his
sword.

Ugyne shouted, 'You bastard!"and stepped down as hard as she could on
his instep. While he hopped backward, she twisted away.

James reached out as quickly as possible and yanked the girl free,
sending her sprawling toward Owyn, who caught her.

Navon glanced backward and said, 'I suppose your elf friend is standing
outside the door. "He circled away from the door, putting his back to
the wall.

James advanced, sword at the ready. 'Put that down and we'll have a
chat. There are some questions that must be answered. "

Navon said, 'The instant I set eyes on you, I knew you were trouble. You
look like that bastard Lysle Riggers down in Malac's"

Cross. "

James grinned. 'I've been told that before. "

Navon said, 'I assume you are the bunch who killed my men. 'Sorry we
couldn't accommodate them in their mission, "said James, 'but I have
work yet unfinished. "

Navon leaped forward and lashed out with his blade and James

parried. He knew he faced a master swordsman. The only comfort he took
was that he had spent ten years practising with the best swordsman in
the Kingdom. The exchange was quick: parry, counter, thrust and parry,
and both men moved back.

Well done, "said Navon, a note of honest appreciation in his voice. 'I
don't suppose you could see your way clear to just backing away and
letting me get to my horse. " 'Too many secrets, Navon. Or should I say
Neville. "

Ugyne screeched, 'Neville!"

Navon's eyes widened slightly and a look of concern crossed his face.
'Say what you will, James of Krondor. Soon it won't matter. "

He launched another attack: a low, high, low combination that drove

James back and almost got him killed as he tried to counter and

Navon changed his fine of attack.

James managed to avoid a lunge, getting inside Navon's extension and
almost cutting him in return. After the two furious exchanges, both men
stood dripping with perspiration, and knew they faced an accomplished
opponent.

Owyn moved Ugyne away from the struggle, toward the kitchen, and said,
'Stay out of the way. " 'But your friend called him Neville. What is he
saying? "

What he's saying, dear sister, "said James's opponent, 'is you have been
gulled into thinking I was dead. " 'Sisted' shrieked Ugyne, resisting
Owyn's attempts to get her out of the way. 'My brother's deaff 'I'll
explain everything, after I kill your friend here. "

The fight continued. Every move was met by a counter, and every riposte
was parried. The two men fell into a rhythm and each waited for the
other to make a mistake. After another two minutes, James knew that's
what it would come down to: whoever made the first mistake would die.

Back and forth they fenced, as fine a display of swordsmanship as had
ever been seen in Cavell. Owyn tried to move to a place he, might help
James, but the movement of the two men was so precise and fluid, so
quick and deadly, he hesitated lest he inadvertently cause his
companion's death

James's hair hung limply, drenched with sweat. He crouched low, sword
ready, awaiting the next attack. The man known as

Navon said, 'You're very good. Both chess and swordsmanship. A rare
combination. " 'I had good teachers,'said James, using the pause to
catch his breath.

He studied every move of his opponent, waiting for some hint of what was
to come next.

Navon stood motionless, also catching his breath. James was tempted to
press the attack, then realized that was his opponent's tactic. As if to
demonstrate the point, Navon let his sword point lower slightly, as if
fatigue was making him sloppy. James calculated the odds of using this
to his advantage. He said, 'I learned chess from the ambassador from
Great Kesh. "

Navon smiled. 'Hazara-Khan! I would love to play him. I have heard he
may be the best in the world. " 'Put down your sword, and I'll see if I
can arrange a match. Of course, you'll have to play in the dungeon in
Krondor, "and with that last word, James launched an intentionally poor
attack, and as he suspected, Navon's response was fast and deadly. Only
James's swift reflexes saved him.

Navon grinned. 'Close. " 'I've had closer, "said James, now sure of his
opponent's abilities.

Who taught you the sword? "

James started another bad attack, a high line with his sword hilt higher
than the point, so that it appeared he was attempting to stab downward.
Navon responded exactly as James had expected, and had

James leaped back as most men would in that position, Navon would have
skewered him. Instead, James leaned forward, his left hand touching the
floor, allowing Navon's blade to pass over his back, actually cutting
through the cloth of his tunic from shoulder down to mid-back. James
rolled his wrist, bringing the point of his sword under, then up and
Navon ran onto the point.

As the leader of the Nighthawks stood stunned in astonished silence,
James said, 'I learned the sword from Prince Arutha. "

James pulled free the point of his sword and Navon collapsed to his
knees. For a moment he stared at James with his eyes full of questions,
but then life fled from them and he fell forward to strike the floor.

James put up his sword and knelt to examine Navon. 'He's dead, " said
the squire.

Ugyne stood behind the bar, next to Peter the Grey, and demanded
shrilly, What is going on? "

James stood up and said, We'll explain everything, but right now

I need Owyn to go get your father. There's a mystery still to be
unravelled. "

As Owyn ran to the door, James shouted, 'And watch out

Owyn opened the door, and Gorath unloaded a blow to the face that sent
the young magician flying back into the room. 4 - for Gorath,'finished
James. He rose and crossed to where Owyn lay unconscious. Shaking his
head, James turned to Ugyne and said, 'Could you please get your father,
miss? "

The girl ran off to do as bid, and Peter the Grey came over and said,
'Pardon me, sir, but ... well, I don't know any other way to say this: I
really must ask you to leave!

James looked at the mild-mannered innkeeper and laughed. 'I understand.
"

A pale-faced Baron Corvallis arrived as they were hauling away the body
of the man named Navon. James said,'M'lord, we have a mystery to
unravel!

The Baron said, 'NWAT is all this?

Ugyne said, 'He called Navon "Neville", Father!

If the Baron had looked wan when he arrived, what remaining colour had
been in his face drained and he looked as if he might faint. 'Neville? "

James indicated the Baron should sit, and said, 'My lord, there's been
murder done, not just recently, but years ago. Tell me about du

Sandau and the wine cellar. "

The Baron put his hand over his eyes and leaned forward, and for a
moment James thought he was weeping, but when he pulled his hand away at
last, James saw mostly relief in his eyes. 'He was your brother, Ugyne.
That is why I was so adamant about your not seeing him. He was courting
you to enrage me! 'I don't understand, "said the girl.

James said, 'Neville was your brother. "He looked at the Baron. 'But he
was not your father's son!

The Baron's colour rose and he nodded, looking as if he couldn't bring
himself to speak.

James said to the girl, 'I did some snooping around. There are always
those willing to gossip. It seems the man your father hired,

Sandau, was a sculptor as well as a mason. He was reputed to have a way
with the ladies. According to one of the old women I talked with, he was
a big, handsome man, with a flamboyant nature, the type who appeals to
some women. "

The Baron's face flushed.

Ugyne said, 'My mother was unfaithful? "

James said, 'It has been known to happen. "

She looked at her father as if he was a stranger. 'You had

Sandau killed? " 'I arranged for an accident, "he said weakly. 'I didn't
know it would get so out of hand. The cave-in killed a half-dozen men.
And, I thought,

Neville. "Looking as if he was growing angry, the Baron said, 'I didn't
know the boy was going to be down there!"He slapped the table. 'I tried
to treat him fairly. "Looking at Ugyne, he said, 'Your mother and I
never talked about it after I found out. I tried to raise the boy as my
own. "

She stood up and said, 'I don't know you. "She backed away a few steps.
'I don't know you at all. "She turned and ran from the inn.

James said, 'Baron, we have pressing business, but this will all be
mentioned in my report to the Prince of Krondor. I suggest you take a
trip to see your liege lord in Romney, and perhaps the King as well.

To both of them you own a complete confession and I think you need to
put your affiirs in order. I doubt the King will permit you back as
Baron. I might also suggest you send Ugyne to stay with Owyn's family
for a while. "

Owyn regained consciousness and said, 'What happened?

Gorath helped him to his feet. 'I was expecting someone else.

Sorry. "The last actually sounded sincere.

Owyn rubbed his swelling jaw. 'I'll be all right. "He looked around.

What happened? " 'I'll tell you on the way. " 'On the way where? "asked
Owyn.

James 'produced a key he had taken off of Navon. 'Back to

Cavell Run. "

When the door was again open, James said, 'I knew that only a family
member would be able to know how to trigger that door from the

outside, "as Owyn jumped down from the ledge. 'If the other children in
the village couldn't find it, Navon du Sandau from Kenting Rush wasn't
going to blunder up here and find his way into the run. 'So, I asked a
few questions and got the clues I needed, "he said as they walked back
into the dark tunnel. Owyn produced another light with his magic and
James continued. We've met the Baron. it doesn't take much imagination
to see the Baroness attracted to a flamboyant, handsome man, even if
he's a common mason. So

Neville is conceived. 'The Baron finds out he's not the father, and he
and his wife agree not to discuss it, but every day he sees the boy and
is reminded of the betrayal. 'So, after a decade of daily insult to his
manhood, he decides to lure the betrayer up to the run, rig an accident,
and extract his revenge.

Unfortunately, the boy was watching the work being done when the
accident happened. "

Owyn said, 'And I wasn't here, and Ugyne couldn't open the entrance by
herself from outside. " 'And perhaps the Baron himself didn't realize
there was an outside trigger. I don't know and mostly I don't care. He
killed at least four men and will have to be tried for that. "

They reached the barracks and headed for the stairs to the door with the
lock. 'Neville somehow found his way out of the run. I suspect he was
either injured, terrified, or both. We will never know how or why, but
somehow he got out and lived. Someone found him and he survived. It
might have been the Nighthawks, or he might have come to them later. It
may be that a bright young and talented lad like Neville might have
seized the opportunity to take control of the Nighthawks when Arutha all
but stamped them out in Krondor, ten years ago. It would have been the
right time for survivors of that destruction to have been seeking
sanctuary in an out-of-the-way place like the run. 'They changed his
appearance enough so it wasn't apparent to those who knew the boy that
he was the same person. Some people change dramatically between eleven
summers and twenty-two. Or maybe they used some magic. As I've said,
we'll never know. But we do know there were relationships that Neville
inherited, between the Nighthawks, the moredhel and the Pantathians. "

Gorath almost spat at the last. 'Damn snakes and their hot land magic. I
can't abide them. " 'But Murmandamus counted them useful, "said James,
not knowing that Murmandamus had actually been a Pantathian in disguise,
magically altered to look like a moredhel.

He reached the lock and used the key he had taken from Navon.

The key turned and the lock opened, and James pushed up on the trap
door. It swung away and he mounted the steps and found himself in
private quarters. He quickly glanced through the single door and found
another barracks, empty and unused for years. But the small room
contained chests with gold, gems and documents.

James ignored the gems and gold, and quickly read through documents.

After a moment, he said,'Damn me!"

What? "asked Owyn. 'Northwarden. Delekhan is attacking through
Northwarden. "

Gorath said, Ivvhy?

James was silent for a moment, holding up his hand to fend off questions
while he thought. 'It makes sense. That's why all this murderous
insanity has been under way. 'If Delekhan overruns Northwarden, he can
come down the River

Vosna; it runs along the northern foothills of the Calara Mountains, and
runs through Mastak Gorge. From there if s only a short portage to the
headwaters of the River Rom. After that, he's only days from

Romney. Romney!"He looked at Owyn and Gorath. That's why all the
troubles in Romney. He needs a city in chaos so it can't mount
resistance. "

Why Romney? "asked Owyn. 'Because from there he takes the River Rom
south and where it turns back toward the southeast he lands and marches
overland to

Sethanon. There's nothing but open plain and light woodlands by that
route. "

Owyn said, 'And by burning the keep at Cavell and occupying the run he
prevents anyone from occupying a strong position behind a

his lines, "finished James.

He stood up and hurried down the steps. We must leave now. "

Gorath and Owyn hurried after. A'ere are we goine. "

'I'm heading for Northwarden, "answered James, 'to warn Baron 'Tabot of
the attack. You need to take these documents to Arutha. "

I le handed three rolled-up parchments to Owyn. 'Arutha? "Owyn shook his
head. 'Unless we use your Tsurani orb, it'll. take us weeks to return to
Krondor. " 'He's not in Krondor, so the orb is of no use, "said James as
they reached the waterfall. exit. 'He's encamped within the northern
edge of the Dimwood with a large portion of his army, waiting for word
on where the attack is staging, so he can rush to support. He can be
within sight of Tyr-Sog, Highcastle, or Northwarden within a week of
getting word! 'So you want us to tell him to come to Northwarden. "
'Yes, "said James, as he scrambled down wet rocks to where the horses
were tied. '\What if he doesn't believe us? "asked Gorath. 'He seemed
dubious about my claims when last we met. " 'Far less dubious than he
appeared, "said James. 'Let me advise you never to play cards with the
Prince. In any event, if he expresses doubts, tell him, "There's a Party
at Mother's". That way he'll know the message is from me. "

Owyn said, 'Odd, but we will. " james, "said Gorath,if the Prince is in
the Dimwood, so will be the advanced elements of Delekhan's forces. If
the final goal is Sethanon, many of my people will have filtered down
through the small gullies and passes in the Teeth of the World and will
be readying things for the advancing army next spring. "

Well do I know, "said James. J remember when we evacuated

Highcastle and rode across the High Wold and down through the

Dimwood. " 'What if we're captured or killed? "

Mounting his horse, James said, J have one thing to say to that. "

What? "asked Owyn. 'Don't be, "said James, turning his horse and riding
off.

Owyn mounted and said, 'Let's stop so I can see Ugyne safely on her way
to my parents, and we'll get some food. "

Gorath said, 'Fhat would be wise. "

Owyn said, 'Then that's about the only wise thing about this plan.

ELEVEN

Escape

pebble clattered down the hillside.

Gorath had his sword in hand before it stopped rolling, and said,
'Owyn!"

The young man from Timons stood peering into the night, blind from
having gazed at the campfire. From out of the darkness a voice spoke in
a language Owyn didn't comprehend. Arrows slammed into the dirt at
Owyn@s feet, to emphasize whatever command was given.

Gorath said, 'Don't resist. We're surrounded!

A group of men and moredhel advanced into the light. One of them walked
up to Gorath and looked him in the eyes a moment; then with as powerful
a blow as he could muster, he struck Gorath across the face. Owyn looked
-at the moredhel, sure he had seen him before, but not certain where.

Then the moredhel advanced upon Owyn, and spoke the King's

Tongue. 'You must have conspired with that walking garbage to kill my
brother. "Suddenly pain exploded in Owyn's face as he was struck.

In shock and dizzy from the blow, Owyn lay on the ground. He realized
that this must be the brother of the magician Nago, whom they had slain
in Yellow Mule. To the two of them, Narab said, 'I would happily put
your head on a pike, human, and hoist it while

I drag this traitor behind me from here to Sar-Sargoth, but I am going
to give that pleasure to Delekhan. "Turning to the others, he said,
'Drug them, bind them, and bring their horses!"

Owyn was roughly pulled upright and a bitter drink was forced past his
lips. He tried to spit it out and was hit hard across the face for his
trouble. His head was cruelly pulled back and his nose held while the

concoction was poured down his throat. He was forced to swallow. A few
moments after he had, he felt his legs and arms growing leaden, his mind
confused, and his vision hard to focus. He found his hands tied tightly
behind him and a blindfold tied around his head. Then he was hoisted
into his saddle by rough hands. Once there, his feet were laihed to his
stirrups, and the horse was led away. Other men and dark elves appeared,
leading horses, and Narab ordered them to mount.

The nightmare ride began.

The horses were changed many times, and Owyn remembered resting for a
period - minutes or hours he couldn't recall - but he knew time was
passing. The drug was obviously designed to dull. his mind so that
whatever magic he might have possessed was unavailable to him.

Several times he became aware enough to realize the drug was wearing
off, but then he was given more to drink. Once he fell awkwardly from
the saddle and hung by the ties on his feet, forcing his captors to halt
and right him. They added more ropes.

He was vaguely aware of being thirsty and hungry, but it was a distant
discomfort. Mostly he existed in a grey fog, punctuated by the constant
pounding from the horse upon which he rode. Then he was dragged from the
horse and hauled through a cold, damp place and cast down onto rough
stones. He lay there for a time, lapsing in and out of consciousness.
Then, eventually, one moment @eased passing into the next, and he awoke
in pain. He moved slowly, and discovered himself free of leg restraints,
though his arms were still. bound and he was still blindfolded.

Owyn sat up and moved his aching and stiff legs. The insides of both of
them were bruised and he knew he had ridden a long way without being
able to sit a comfortable seat. Even had he been conscious he sensed the
ride would have been punishing; it had taken at least seven or eight
days, from what he could recall, and he had switched horses a number of
times. But with senses dulled and tied to his saddle, it was only by the
gods' mercy he was still alive.

The sound of footfalls, heavy boots on stone, approached and the sound
of a cell being unlocked announced the arrival of his captives.

Rands yanked Owyn to his feet and he couldn't avoid groaning in pain.

The blindfold was removed from his eyes and even the relatively

low brightness of a torch outside the cell caused Owyn to blink. A
dagger cut through the ropes around his wrists, and when he moved his
arms, agony shot through his shoulders. The pain almost caused him to
fall, but he was held upright by two guards.

Narab came to stand before Owyn and said, 'He should still have enough
of the drug in him to be harmless. "He turned and they escorted Owyn out
of the cell. From a cell next door, Gorath was also escorted, and Owyn
noticed he didn't seem to be in better shape, though he walked with
apparently less discomfort.

The tunnel was long and dark, and Owyn sensed it was deep underground.
Despite his dulled magic senses, he knew immediately that at one time
great power had resided here. There was something ancient and terrible
about this place, and despite his drug-dulled senses, he was very
afraid.

They were taken through a series of tunnels to a landing from which rose
broad stairs. They were escorted up the stairs along a wide hallway, and
led to a massive chamber. In the centre of the chamber rested a massive
throne, currently empty. At its right was another, smaller throne, upon
which sat a large, powerfully-built moredhel, who could only be
Delekhan.

Narab said, 'Master, I have a prize for you. "

The guards pushed Owyn and Gorath forward, so they landed sprawling at
Delekhan's feet. 'What is this? "Delekhan demanded, rising to stand over
Gorath. 'Gorath of the Ardanien! I have captured him. Let me have the
honour of cutting out his heart to revenge my brother's death. " 'Your
brother was a fool!"shouted Delekhan. Owyn looked up at the towering
figure, and saw a broad face, surprisingly blunt of features for one of
elvenkind. His face was a mask of rage, the most expression

Owyn had seen on a dark elf so far. 'And you are as well, "Delekhan
added. 'You've wrecked everything, you dog!"

Owyn looked at Narab, who stood white-faced, almost trembling with shock
and outrage. 'But ... I have brought back a traitor! We can torture him
to discover the names of the other dissidents 'You know notbing4'
Delekhan turned to the guards. 'Return those two to their cells below. I
will question them later.'To Narab he said, 'Your life hangs by the
slimmest thread. Presume one more time and your head will adorn a pike
outside the gate!'Walking away, he said,

'Now get out of my sight, you bungler, and do not dare to approach rne
until I send for you. "

Although Owyn was no expert on the facial expressions of the rnoredhel,
he could see murder clearly written on Narab's face. And it was directed
at Delekhan's retreating back. Owyn was jerked around by two guards,
hauling him to his feet, and once again he was forced to march back into
the bowels of the dungeons at Sar-Sargoth.

No food or water was brought, and Owyn considered it academic, as they
were likely to be dead within hours. Time passed slowly and

Gorath was silent. Owyn felt no impulse to speak, as he was awash with
numbing fatigue. The ride, the lack of food and sleep, the drug, dl were
making it difficult for him to do anything but lie on the icy stones and
attempt to rest.

Time passed slowly, a blur of thoughts which fled before they were
remembered, perhaps he dozed for a while.

Then suddenly he sat up, his skin tingling. Magic! Energized by the fey
effect of someone, somewhere casting an enchantment, he reached for the
bars of his cell. A metallic click sounded and the bars pushed open.
'Gorath!"he said in a harsh whisper.

Gorath looked over and his eyes widened as he saw Owyn free. 'Someone is
using magic to set us free!"Owyn said, moving through the door, his
injuries and fatigue forgotten.

Gorath tested his door and found it also unlatched. "Whof he wondered.
'I have no idea, "said Owyn. 'Whoever helped you escape the north the
last time, perhaps? 'Let us worry about that later, "advised Gorath. We
must get out of this fortress before we are missed. "

They moved through the halls of the dungeon. At the large hall that led
upward they found a dead guard, his blood freshly pooled on the floor.
'Whoever threw the spell must have done it from here, " quggested Owyn.
'Over there, "said Gorath, pointing to a table upon which were piled the
belongings that had been stripped from the two prisoners.

Gorath put on his sword and tossed Owyn his staff. Owyn said, 'I don't
suppose they left me any of my gold?

Gorath said, 'Hardly. "

Owyn knelt and examined the dead guard. He came away with a small pouch.
Well, this will have to do. "

Moving to the stairway, Owyn asked, 'Do you know a way out of here? "
'Several, "replied Gorath. 'This city was built for tens of thousands of
my people to occupy. If Delekhan has more than a few hundred outside of
the central palace area, I'll be shocked. Moreover, many of the tribes
here are strangers to one another, and there are many human renegades as
well, so once we are free of the central palace, we may be able to use
guile to find our way out. "He moved up the stairs. 'But only if we are
away from here when they find we are gone. "

Gorath led Owyn up a flight of stone steps, through a hall, and down a
dark passage. Moment to moment they expected to hear the alarm raised
behind them, but no hue sounded.

Suddenly they were above ground, in a courtyard devoid of life.

Gorath motioned and Owyn followed, the twin spurs of fear and hope
moving him despite his injuries and the drugs still in him.

They hid in a grove of scrub as fresh snow fell. 'Does spring ever visit
this land? "asked Owyn. 'Yes, "said Gorath slowly. 'Very late, and our
warm days are too few. But yes, we do see spring. " 'I thought Yabon a
cold place, "said Owyn. 'What is your home like? "asked Gorath. 'Timons?
Warm, most of the time. "Owyn stared into the distance We get rain quite
a bit and occasionally great storms off the sea, but in the summer it's
quite hot. My mother tends the garden and my father breeds horses. I
didn't realize how much I miss it until now. " '\Wy did you leavey

Owyn shrugged. 'A boy's foolishness. My father had a servant, a magician
from the north named Patrus who lived with us for a time.

He taught me my first lessons. After I studied a while at Stardock,

I came to understand that he wasn't very powerful as magicians go, but
he was very smart. He understood things. I think that's what was really
looking for, how to understand the world better. "

Gorath was silent a while, then at last he said, 'I think we all would
be better off if more of us sought understanding and fewer

of us sought power. "He glanced at the fading light. 'Come, it is time.
"

They had been waiting for darkness, to attempt to slip out of the
precinct around the fortress. Moredhel warriors and renegade humans,
infantry and mounted soldiers had been moving for hours. At first they
had assumed they were the object of a search, but after a while it was
clear this was far more than a hunt for a pair of fugitives. This was a
mobilization.

Gorath led them through a series of snow-filled gullies, over a hill,
and then down a long draw that led to a flat plain south of the city.
'The plain of Sar-Sargoth, "said Gorath. 'Legend has it this is where
the Valheru met in council. Great circles of dragons rested there while
their riders assembled. "

Owyn saw a sea of tents and a large pavilion in the centre, in front of
which rose a standard: a crimson field upon which a white leopard
crouched. 'How do we get around that camp? "

We don't, "said Gorath, leading him toward the centre of the encampment.
'If we don't find friends here, at least I think we shall not find
enemies. "

Several moredhel warriors glanced at Gorath and Owyn as they walked
through the camp. They appeared indifferent to Gorath and

Owyn's approach, though one got up and ran ahead. By the time they
reached the large pavilion, the occupant stood waiting at the door to
greet them. 'Greetings, Gorath of the Ardanien. Were not the dungeons of
Sarsargoth to your liking? "The speaker was a striking female moredhel.

Tall and regal of features, her hair was gathered into a knot behind her
and allowed to fall in a cascade of dark red. She wore armour in the
same fashion as the males of her tribe, yet even in her warrior's garb,
Owyn was struck by her beauty. Alien and strange it was, but no less
compelling for that. She stepped aside, indicating that they niight
enter. She waved them to a place near a small fire. 'Eat, rest for a
while. I thought Delekhan would have killed you by now. Your escape will
cause him no little discomfort. " 'You sound pleased at the prospect,
Liallan. " 'My husband's rise took me with it, Gorath, "she said, 'but
our

Tilarriage had nothing to do with affection. It was a wedding of

Powerful tribes, to seize control of our respective clans, and to

keep them from shedding one another's blood ... for a time.

Nothing more. " 'Is that why the charade, Liallan? You don't believe in
Delekhan's mad plans any more than 1, yet you openly support him. You
command a tribe as powerful as his own; your influence in council is
second to none but Narab. " 'You've been gone from us too long, Gorath.
Much has changed in a short while. Narab even now musters his clan, and
turns to face

Delekhan. "She sat down next to Gorath and took a small piece of meat
from a simmering pot next to the fire. She placed it between

Gorath's teeth in a gesture that was clearly seductive, yet even Owyn
could tell it was a ritual rather than an open invitation. 'Our new
master is displeased with Narab. Something to do with your capture,

I believe. "

Gorath accepted the ritual offer of food, then handed a bowl to

Owyn. Owyn tore off a large piece of bread from a loaf next to the plate
and used it to scoop up a mouthful of hot stew. Gorath said,

Why would your husband be upset with my capture? He certainly tried hard
enough to keep me from fleeing south. "

Liallan sat back. She looked at Gorath for a moment, then said, 'You are
a warrior of great honour, Gorath, and your bravery is unquestioned, as
well as your caretaking of your clan, but you are naive at times. "

Gorath looked ready to take umbrage and studied the woman with a narrow
gaze. 'You come close to giving insult. " 'Don't take it as such. In
these cynical days, your openness and honesty are refteshing. "She
reached up and unbuckled her breastplate, removing her armour. Owyn saw
she wore a simple sleeveless tunic beneath the armour. She possessed a
long neck and slender arms, yet there was nothing frail about her. Her
movements hinted at speed, and the muscles of her arms and neck showed
power. She was a dangerous woman, by any race's measure. '@What are you
saying, Liallan? " 'I'm saying you were picked for a role. You were the
ideal clan chieftain for this part. " 'I was allowed to escape? "

Liallan said, `who do you think engineered your escape from

Sar-Sargoth all those months ago?'After a moment, she said, 'I did.

just as I misdirected Delekhan's soldiers into the snow plains while

Obkhar's family fled to the mountains near the Lake of the Sky. If they
avoided the eledhel and the dwarves at Stone Mountain, they may be
safely back in the Green Heart. " 'Why? "asked Gorath. 'To keep Delekhan
busy, "said Liallan. 'He has his timetable, I have mine. It suits my
purpose to delay his assault of the Kingdom a

Aile longer. His stupidity in treating with Narab will buy me another
month. Once Narab's head is upon a pole at Sar-Sargoth's gate, it will
take at least a month for Delekhan to bully the fractious clan leaders
back into obeying him without question. Delekhan wants an early-spring
campaign; I prefer one a little later in the year. "

Owyn asked, 'Did you help us escape? " 'This time? No, "said Liallan. 'I
reap no gain in doing so. Whatever you may have done, you achieved on
your own. "

Owyn said, 'No, someone else opened that cage. " 'Then I suspect it may
have been Narab. That fit of pique is what

I would expect of him. If Delekhan threatens him for capturing you, then
why not release you?

Will you help us again? "asked Gorath. 'I will consider such an effort
an investment against the future of the

Northlands, Gorath. Killing you or turning you over to my husband gains
me nothing. Letting you go costs me little, and in the future your help
may be useful. I have agents throughout the Northlands, and I will send
word to certain of them to aid your travels south. "

Gorath said, 'I will do what I can to assist you if fate allows. "

She smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. 'Rest for a while, then I
will have horses ready for you. Take to the west, and avoid the roads.

The best route is by what the humans call the Inclindel Gap, south of
Sar-Isbandia. But avoid the village of Harlik, for Moraeulf camps there
and he knows you well. "

She stretched and Owyn was again struck by her beauty and catlike grace.
'Rest now, for in the morning things will become quite lively outside
the city. Narab's clan answers his call, and Delekhan will no doubt call
down the wrath of the Six upon him. It should be over shortly. "

Who are these six magicians? "asked Gorath.

Liallan's voice dropped to a near-whisper, as if someone might be

listening. 'They advise, and more. They scheme into the night with

Delekhan. Only a few see them, and no one knows who they truly are. It
was they who advised Delekhan to obliterate your tribe. " 'But why?
"demanded Gorath. We were never among Delekhan's rivals, even if we
served only with reluctance. " 'Because you were small, and your tribe
had long been one to stay aloof. When your father died, you took your
people and fled to the cold northern mountains. Wise, but it made you
suspect. You avenged yourself, which was expected, but among those you
killed were those related to Delekhan by blood. He could not ignore your
acts, for he was under scrutiny, and he was driven by his need for
powerful allies.

In short, you made a bitter enemy, and your tribe's destruction was an
effective object lesson. As will be Narab's death. " 'Did the Six order
that? "

Liallan shrugged. 'I do not know, but I would not be surprised if my
husband didn't hear warnings over the last few months casting doubts on
Narab and Nago. Your slaying of Nago, did Delekhan a favour. He was
reluctant to move against one brother while the other was alive..
Together, they were the two most powerful spell-casters of our nation,
and their clan is not one that can be ignored. "

Gorath ate in silence a moment, then said, 'Where did the Six come from?
" 'No one knows. No one even knows what race claim them. They are
Spellweavers far beyond the powers of our race. Some suspect they may be
Pantathians come among us again. " 'Murmandamus,'Gorath said softly.
'Yes, "said Liallan. 'The same as those who served the Marked

One. " 'Do they abide in Sar-Sargoth? "

When they counsel Delekhan. Presently they are with his son

Moraeulf in Harlik. They seek out more fugitives from your clan, those
who are trying to win freedom and get south to the Green

Heart. "

Gorath said, 'Then I have even more pressing reasons to carry warning to
Prince Arutha. If I cannot get my hands around Delekhan's throat, I will
aid one who will bring him low. " 'Tread carefully, "said Liallan.

To Owyn it sounded as if she were being sincere in her concern.

'Perhaps all our schemes will bear fruit. If I raise my Snow Leopard
banner above the walls of Sar-Sargoth, Gorath, you and the surviving

Ardanien will be welcome to return to the heart of their people. "

Gorath's expression was guarded. 'You are as much to be feared as
Delekhan, Liallan. "

She smiled and again looked dangerous. 'Only by those who seek to harm
me or my tribe, Gorath. Return to your northern mountains in peace if
that day comes. "She stood, and said, 'Rest. I will have horses outside
before sunrise.'As she reached the doorway, she looked over her shoulder
and said, 'Hide well and move quickly, Gorath. If you return to my sight
before Delekhan is overthrown, I must needs present him with your head
as a peace offering. " 'I understand, Liallan. You've been generous to
one humbled by fate. "

She left, and Gorath said, 'She's right, Owyn. We need to rest. "

Owyn lay down next to the fire, content with a full stomach, and glad to
be rid of the drugs that had dulled his senses for so many days. Still,
it seemed as if only a moment passed between closing his eyes and
Gorath's shaking him, saying, 'It's time. "

He rose and forced stiff aching muscles to obey as he wrapped a heavy
fur-lined moredhel cloak around him and mounted a waiting horse. If the
guards were curious as to who Liallan's guests were, they said nothing,
merely standing aside as the two strangers rode off.

The building was run-down, but there were a dozen horses tied in front
of it. We can get something to eat inside, "said Gorath.

The purse Owyn had liberated contained a few coins, Kingdom,

Quegan and even a Keshian silver piece, as well as some gems. They
lismounted and Owyn said, 'What is this place? " 'You'd call it an inn.
One of the conventions brought to the north by your people. My kind have
never created such, but we have come o appreciate their benefits. "

They went inside to find a dark, small room, with as many as twenty
"then and moredhel standing around. A bar that was little more than long
planks set upon barrels ran along the far wall of the building.

Gyorath shoved aside two men and said, 'Ale and something to eat. "

The human barkeeper produced a platter of cheese and bread,

Mrprisingly good given the shoddy surroundings. They ate, and Owyn

trusted Gorath's instincts on his ability to blend in. 'Where are we?
"he whispered. 'Near the City of Sar-Isbandia. What you humans call
Armengar.

There are villages and towns throughout this region. Much trading with
the south. "

Owyn said,'Most of us who live in the Kingdom think of the Teeth of the
World as a wall separating our peoples. " 'It's a barrier to warfare,
perhaps, but enterprising men find a way to trade. There are a dozen
ways through the mountains south of here. "

From behind, a voice spoke lowly. 'And all are heavily guarded,

Gorath. "

Gorath spun, his hand falling upon his sword hilt. 'Draw steel and die,
"said the other moredhel. 'Eat your cheese and live. "

Gorath didn't smile, but his face relaxed. 'I see you've managed to keep
your head attached to your shoulders, Irmelyn. " 'No thanks to Delekhan,
"said the other moredhel. He indicated with a nod they should move to a
small table in the corner. Owyn picked up the cheese, took his ale and
followed.

Sitting in the crowded room, the moredhel named Irmelyn said, 'Delekhan
will have the rivers running piss and chickens laying dust by the time
this all ends. Drink while you can, my old foe. "

Why are you here, Irmelyn? I was told Obkhar's tribe had fled. " 'Most
have, but a few of us remain behind, in the hope we can free our
chieftain. "

Lowering his voice to a whisper, Gorath asked, 'He's alive? "

Irmelyn nodded. 'He's alive, and dose by. He's being held prisoner in
the naphtha mines under the destroyed city. " 'Prisoner? "Gorath looked
confused. `Why isn't he deady 'Because Delekhan doesn't know he's
working as a slave in the mines. They think he is a man called Okabun,
from Liallan's Snow

Leopards. "

Gorath said, 'So you linger nearby to free him? "

Irmelyn nodded. We do. We need help. Would you care to provide that
help? " 'In exchange for what? " 'For a way south. As I said, the passes
are all heavily guarded, but

I know a way to get through. "

What do we need to do? "asked Gorath. 'Come outside. "

They rose and left the relative warmth of the inn. Once they were
outside Irmelyn said, We have discovered a way out of the mines.

Unguarded! 'Then why doesn't Obkhar just walk out? asked Owyn.

With a snarl, Irmelyn said, 'When I want to hear from you, pup,

I'll kick you. "

Gorath said, 'Then tell me, why doesn't Obkhar just walk out? 'Because
of the fumes that hang in the tunnels. When the humans fled after firing
the city, several tunnels from the old keep collapsed.

One didn't, but it is small, and the fumes that hang there would explode
if a spark was struck. They would overcome anyone seeking to pass. "
'But you have a plany said Gorath.

We have found masks, used by humans in the old days, constructed of bone
and membrane from a dragon's lungs. They let air pass through but keep
the deadly fumes out. " 'So you need someone to get inside and get a
mask to Obkhar, " said CKVYN.

The tall moredhel glared at the young human, but said, 'Yes, we need
someone to get a mask to Obkhar and escape with him. "

Why us? "asked Gorath. Why not a member of your clany 'There are only a
few of us left in the Northlands, and Moraeulf's soldiers know us all.
You, on the other hand, while known by name, are not well known by
sight. The Ardanien lived apart for many years; you could claim to be a
member of any number of clans and who would say no? " 'What do you
proposef asked Gorath. 'Go to the slaver, a human named Venutrier. He
claims to be from the Kingdom city of Lan, but I know him to be a
Quegan. Tell him

You wish to sell the boy. "

What? Owyn was about to object.

Gorath held up his hand. 'Say on. " 'Venutrier is as venal a human as
you could wish to meet. He will ertainly try to capture you. Let him.
'Two of his guards will be alerted and allow you to enter the inines
with your bundles and will store them for you. When you

are taken below, they will come to you with your bundles and leave you
unwatched. Obkhar will be somewhere on the level to the west of the
great gallery. More than that we can't tell you. If you agree and get
him out, we will see you and your companion safely south. "

Gorath said, 'Before I say yes or no, tell me: have you word of

Cullich?

Irmelyn said, 'Yes, she is not far from here. A hut between here and the
village of Karne. We can see her on our way south if that is your
desire. "

Gorath was quiet for a moment, then said, 'It is. We will do it. "

Irmelyn said, 'Then walk to the mine entrance. You will be challenged.
Tell the guard you wish to speak to Venutrier. I will take your horses
and weapons and meet you at a place Obkhar knows. " 'Care to tell us?
"asked Owyn. 'If you do not free Obkhar, you have not kept your part of
the bargain, human. You can fare as well as you may without our aid. "

Gorath said, 'Come along, Owyn. We have a distance to walk. "

Without looking back, he led the human away and set out for the mines,.

Venutrier was a huge man, gross fat barely contained by a massive belt
he wore around his waist. He looked over at Owyn and said, 'Where'd you
catch him? " 'I didn't, "said Gorath. 'He's a runaway kitchen whelp from
the

Kingdom who thought to come fight for gold. Well, he couldn't play
knucklebones and it turns out he can't pay his gambling debts. " 'He's a
bit scrawny, "said the slaver. 'Come with me.'Without waiting to see if
Gorath followed, he walked toward the mine entrance.

They entered the mine and Venutrier asked, 'Who are you, warrior? " 'I
am Gorath of ... the Balakhar, from the Green Heart. " 'Not from around
here? said Venutrier. 'Good. We could use a strapping worker such as
yourself. "

Guards lowered spears and suddenly Gorath and Owyn were surrounded. 'Had
you been from here, my friend, you would have known that no one comes
without allies to my mines. Lord Delekhan has ordered an impossible
amount of naphtha for the invasion of the

Kingdom and I need workers. Get them below. "

Gorath and Owyn were hustled below by the guards and taken to the second
level of the mines, as Irmelyn had predicted. Then they were taken to a
large empty cavern.

One of the guards lingered as the others walked away, and he whispered,
'Stay here. "

They remained alone for a period, the darkness cut through by only one
faint light, a lantern cleverly fashioned with a thin transparent
rnembrane covering the flame. J don't expect we're going to see a lot of
torches around here, "observed Owyn. 'If there are fumes of naphtha in
the tunnels, I expect you're correct. "

Shortly a guard returned, carrying the bundles taken from Owyn and
Gorath. He also carried a third bundle. 'Here. Take that tunnel there.
You will be facing west. Find your friend and then go down to where you
hear water. You must swim out. "

The guard vanished and Gorath picked up the new bundle. It contained
three odd-looking devices, obviously designed to wear over the nose and
mouth. They gathered up their remaining possessions and departed.

The tunnel to the west went downhill, and abruptly Gorath stopped.

What is it? "asked Owyn.

We must be under the old city of Sar-Isbandia. "

Owyn didn't know what to say.

Gorath continued walking. Soon they came to a large gallery, where the
sound of work could be heard. A single guard moved idly around the huge
gallery, overseeing the wretches labouring to lift buckets of the thick
oil that ran through the earth, to bubble up to the surface.

Owyn's eyes teared and he said, 'I can see why they need the mask if it
gets much worse than this. "

Gorath said, 'Look for one of my people who wears his hair in a high
fall, and who has a scar running down his face from forehead to chin. "

When the guard was at the farthest point in his rounds, they slipped
through the main gallery to another tunnel. Those who laboured hardly
spared them a glance, intent as they were upon their own miseries.

Not seeing Obkhar, Gorath said, 'Let us continue to the west. "

They moved down a long corridor that turned into another gallery, and in
that one laboured a small band of moredhel.

Owyn looked around and said, 'I don't see any guards. "

Wiping away tears, Gorath said, 'I think they linger near the fresher
air at the ends of the tunnels. Where would these prisoners flee to? "
'Nowhere, Gorath, "came a voice from behind them.

They spun to be confronted by a large, gaunt moredhel who possessed the
scar Gorath had described. 'Obkhar!"

Looking Gorath up and down, Obkhar said, 'At first I thought the fumes
had finally taken my senses, but I see they have not. How is it you are
here? I heard that your head had been spitted on a stake outside
Sar-Sargoth. "

Gorath folded his arms across his chest. 'Not all who remain in the
Northlands willingly bend to Delekhan's will. And not all who rebel die,
I had help in escaping, as you do now. Others died so that

I might win ftee. " 'You have a grave debt to repay. " 4 All the more
reason to see Delekhan's reign ended, Obkhar! He shall payblood debt to
me and mine. " 'Most of my kin are now in the Green Heart, but should
you raise your banner against Delekhan, Gorath, we will come to your
cause. "

Gorath smiled. 'So you at last forgive me for giving you that scar? "

Laughing, Obkhar said, 'Never. I still intend to kill you for that, some
day, but for the time being we need to be allies. "

Owyn produced the masks. `Where is the tunnel of fumes? " 'This way,
"said Obkhar, leading them down a side tunnel.

They reached a point where the fumes threatened to suffocate them, and
Obkhar said, 'Put on your mask. They will help your eyes not at all, but
you will be able to breathe. We have a long way to go and an icy swim at
the end of it. The tunnel out is half flooded, and leads to a branch of
the River Isbandi. "

They put on the masks and Owyn was surprised to discover they worked.
The fumes burned his eyes, but by blinking rapidly he could see. He
almost gave Obkhar a heart attack when he illuminated himself and his
companions with his magic. The old moredhel chieftain said, 'For a
moment I thought you had struck a flame, and we were all about to be
incinerated. "

They reached the tunnel that was flooded and entered icy water that rose
to their knees. As they walked they moved deeper and soon they were up
to their chests. Obkhar signalled and ducked his head underwater. Owyn
and Gorath did likewise. They felt a tug and suddenly were swept into an
underground stream.

Kicking hard, Owyn followed and when he came up, his head bumped stone.
Fighting down panic, he moved a short distance away and his head broke
clear of water. Obkhar said, 'You can take your mask off. "
'Good,'replied Owyn. 'Because mine came off underwater. "

Something that may have been a chuckle came from Gorath.

Obkhar said, We have less than a mile to swim. "

They set off, Owyn fearing he would be pulled down by the weight of his
sodden clothing, but he mustered the strength to continue.

Suddenly above he saw stars and he realized they had come outside.

A short way down the river torches burned and when they swam toward
them, voices softly called out. 'It is 1, Irmelyn. "

They were helped out of the water, taken to a fire and given heavy robes
to wear while their clothes were dried. 'Any alarm? " asked Obkhar.
'None so far, "said a moredhel unknown to Owyn. 'The guards we bribed
will say nothing. It may go unnoticed for a very long time that you are
not there. Many die in the mines and their bodies lie unnoticed in
tunnels. "

Gorath asked, 'Now, what of Cullich? "

Obkhar said, 'Is she still alive? "

Irmelyn said, 'Yes, and she lives nearby. " 'I was told I could see her
on our way south, "said Gorath.

Obkhar looked at Irmelyn who nodded. 'A promise is a promise, "said the
chieftain. 'I must leave now, with those of my tribe who are to travel
the passes with me. Irmelyn win guide you to Cullich and then on your
way over the mountains. " 'Avoid Harlik, "said Irmelyn. 'Moraeulf and
the Six are there. " I will') said Obkhar, as he finished changing into
dry clothing. He said: 'Gorath, fare you well, old foe. Let no one but
me take your life. " 'You survive, "said Gorath, 'so that I may take
your head some day. "

After they had gone, Owyn said, 'You two sound almost fond of one
another. "

Gorath ate a piece of dried beef given him by Irmelyn and said,'()f
course. Friends can betray you, but with an old enemy, You always know
where you stand. "

Owyn said, 'I never thought of it that way. "

Irmelyn said, 'They are an odd race, aren't they@' 'Very odd, "agreed
Gorath.

The hut was primitive, barely four walls of scrap wood cobbled together
and roofed with thatch. A stone chimney emitted a faint wisp of smoke,
the only sign of anyone inside. 'She's in therey asked Gorath.

Irmelyn nodded. Yes. "

Gorath dismounted, as did Owyn. Irmelyn said,'Delekhan has her watched
occasionally. I had better stay here. If I call, come quickly. "

Gorath nodded, and opened the door.

If the woman who waited inside was shocked at the unexpected appearance,
she masked it well. She merely looked up from her corner next to the
fire and said, 'Enter and dose the door. " 'Is that your warmest
welcome, Cullich? Your husband has returned.

Owyn's mouth dropped open.

She rose, sinuous and powerful in her movement, and while her gown was
in tatters and her hair dirty and matted, Owyn was struck by the
resemblance between this woman and Liallan. Despite the fact that this
woman's hair was raven dark, and Liallan's red; and where

Liallan had been slender and lithe, Cullich was buxom and broad of hip,
her face wide-boned, there was something in common with the
sunken-cheeked leader of the Snow Leopard Clan. Both women radiated
power. 'Husband? "said the woman in mocking tones, her blue eyes
fastened on Gorath. 'How so? Clan leader? By what right? Ruler of a
host? No more. Once you held those titles and had earned that rank, with
guile and bravery, cunning and strength. Around you the

Clan Ardanien lay curled like a sleeping dragon, awaiting your word to
rise up and crush whoever opposed us. Where is that dragon now? " 'Gone,
scattered to the north, across the Teeth of the World, hiding. "

'Then call yourself clan chief and husband no more, Gorath. You lost the
right to those titles when you gave the order to flee Sethanon and
refused my wisdom. " vvisdom, old witch? You counsel murder and madness.
Do you still dream of conquest, of all the ranting of Murmandamus? Did
you learn nothing by the obliteration of our people at Armengar and ri@
Two sons did I see fall along the way. One of them was

Sethano our son. 'What would you have of me, old man? "asked the woman,
'I seek to end the madness. Will you aid me? " 'How, by dying and having
my head placed on a spear outside

Sar-Sargoth? " 'Delekhan must be stopped. " 'Why? What destiny would you
choose for our people, Gorath?

Would you have us bend our heads to the earth once more? Should we serve
the eledhel Queen as we once did the Valheru? We are a free people! Or
do you feel the tug of the Returning? " 'No!"said Gorath, his eyes
flashing in anger. 'But I have heard things, learned things. "Pointing
to Owyn, he said, 'Not all humans are our enernies. " 'No, "said
Cullich. 'There are those who will serve us for gold. " 'No, I mean
there are those who would live with us as neighbours, in peace. "
'Peace? "said the woman, with a laugh of contempt. 'When have the
nioredhel spoken of peace? You sound like one returned to Elvandar.

They who were once rampaging bulls are now gelded oxen, serving the
Queen, no better than slaves. " 'This is not so, wife, "said Gorath.
'The glamredhel have joined the eledhel, and not as slaves, but as
welcomed brethren. " 'The mad ones!"said the moredhel woman. 'You think
it true, then you go. I will abide. Here is my home, and eventually I

Will find someone who can use my talents and my knowledge, and he win be
a warrior, and I will show him how to rise and take power and how to
hold it. I will have other sons, sons that will live.,

Gorath sighed. 'I feared that such would be your reply. " 'Then why have
you come here? Surely not to rekindle a love long dead between us. "

'No ... I need your help. For a short time, then I shall be gone from
your life, one way or another. " 'For the sake of that love, now dead, I
will listen, "she said, openly surprised by Gorath's admission. 'Where
are Delekhan's forces now? "

Cullich looked out of the frosted window. 'Massed on the Kingdom border.
The banners of Clans Krieda, Dargelas and Oeirdu are held in reserve
near Raglam. I hear both Liallan and Narab's forces are to march soon. "

Gorath smiled. 'Narab has turned on his master, like a rabid wolf. "
'Nevertheless, there are ample armies along the border to make crossing
difficult. "

We have a way, "said Gorath. 'Then what would you have of me? " 'You
know things, witch. What do you know of the Six? " 'I once sought to
scry on them, and for my troubles I was rendered senseless for more than
a day. I know only that they possess arts beyond my understanding. Of
all the things Delekhan has his hand in, this may be the most dangerous.
He thinks he controls them; I wonder. "

From outside the house, Irmelyn shouted.

We must leave!" 'Go, "said the witch. 'I think we shall never see one
another again, and for that I am not sad. Too much pain has passed
between us.

These will be our last words as husband and wife. When you pass through
that door, our marriage will end. But know this: I wish you well in
whatever life awaits you. " 'As do I,"said Gorath sadly. 'Be well, wife.
" 'And you, husband. "

Gorath left the hut and when the door slammed shut, ending his marriage,
he hesitated for an instant, then he and Owyn mounted and rode off

Irmelyn shouted as they rode: We must clear a pass before sundown, or
those who will look the other way when we go by will have been replaced.
"

Lost in thought, Gorath said nothing, and Owyn could only think that
with luck, he might live to see the Kingdom again.

TWELVE

Preparations

riders. s was preferable to the snows he had

W de of the mountain, for while it was warmer, it was far wetter. His
heavy fur-lined robe was sodden, weighing on him like lead. But at
least, he thought, this time he wasn't drugged and tied to his horse.

The escort provided by Obkhar's clan had seen them safely to a pass
controlled by their faction. As they reached the foothills of the
mountain, they intercepted a runner carrying warnings of a falling-out
near Sar-Sargoth. Delekhan's forces were surrounded by Narab, who had
been removed from Dele"an's inner council and replaced by

Delekhan's son, Moraeulf. Speculation was that Narab had to move to
capture and destroy Delekhan before the Six intervened or else he and
his clan would be crushed. Gorath greeted the news with indifference,
later mentioning to Owyn that he would be pleased if either of them
destroyed the other.

At the summit of the small pass they had taken, the escort turned back,
saying this pass was heavily patrolled by Kingdom forces. As if
predicted, later that same day they had been intercepted by a Kingdom
patrol of Krondorian regulars. The officer in command, Lieutenant

Flynn by name, had been ready to brand them both renegades, but

Owyn mentioned Arutha's name and said they carried a message from

Squire James; and more to the point, they knew Arutha was camped in the
Dimwood.

The patrol had handed off Gorath and Owyn to another detachment who had
escorted them to a camp in the Dimwood. For several miles, the
bivouacked soldiers' fires were visible. Gorath had

observed that a significant portion of the Kingdom army must be in the
woods.

Arutha sat at a command table, Knight-Marshal Gardan at his side,
looking at marks on a large map of the mountains leading to the north.

Looking up as Gorath and Owyn were ushered into his presence, he said,
'You look on the verge of collapse. Sit down. "He indicated a pair of
camp chairs nearby. Owyn didn't need a second invitation and sat
heavily, while Gorath walked to the map and studied it. 'Here, "he said,
putting his finger on the spot designated Northwarden. 'This is where
Delekhan plans to assault your forces. "

Arutha was silent for a long while, studying the moredhel. Finally, he
said, 'If you will forgive my caution, where is Squire James? "

Owyn said, 'Sire, he sent us to bring you word while he hurried to
Northwarden to carry warning to Baron Gabot. He gave us these documents.
"He handed the documents to a soldier who gave them to Knight-Marshal
Gardan. Owyn filled them in on how they had uncovered and destroyed the
nest of Nighthawks near Cavell Keep.

He detailed James's theory that Delekhan was planning on going by boat
and portage from Northwarden to Romney, then straight overland to
Sethanon.

Arutha again was silent as he studied the documents. 'These are much
like those we saw when first you came to Krondor, Gorath.

Then they claimed the attacks were in places like Tannerus and

Yabon. What are we to believe? "

Gardan's dark face was set in an expression of doubt. He said, We hear
you speak of leaving James at Cavell Keep, yet we intercept you coming
south through the mountains again. You picked a most indirect route to
reach us, moredhel. "

We had little choice, my lord, "replied Owyn. He explained about the
capture and attempted to outline the chaotic conditions among the
various clans of the north.

When he finished, Arutha said, 'You paint a picture of confusion and
rival factions battling for control, yet our patrols and advanced units
see only a unified opposition, working in a co-ordinated fashion. " 'You
see only those forces loyal to Delekhan south of the Teeth of the World,
Prince Arutha, "said Gorath. 'Clans who either oppose or resist him are
either fleeing to refuges in the ice-bound mountains to

the far north or seeking to travel near the Lake of the Sky south past
the eledhel and dwarves -to the Green Heart. "

Gardan said, We have had reports from Duke Martin of heavier than usual
sightings of bands of moredhel moving past the eastern boundary of
Crydee, Highness. Martin says he's seen women and children, so they're
not war parties. "

Arutha said, 'I am stiff dubious. I sent Locklear two weeks ago to
gather reports from the border barons to the east. He is going to
Highcastle and Northwarden. He should return in another two weeks. If
James is there, Locklear will return with word. "

Gorath said, 'James said you might need to be convinced. He said to tell
you ..."He glanced at Owyn. 'There's a Party at Mother's, "said Owyn.

Arutha nodded. "And a good time will be had by A." It's a

Mockers' password, used by James and me the first time we met. " 'Do you
believe us now, Highness? "asked Owyn. 'I believe that James believes
this to be true, "said Arutha. He sat back thinking. 'I just hope he's
right. " 'Orders, Highness? "asked Cardan. 'I have no choice. Either I
trust James's intelligence or I don't. I want a detachment left behind
to secure this area, but the balance of the army is to march to
Northwarden. "

Gardan studied the map. Would it not be wiser to alert the King and
muster the Army of the East to reinforce Cabot? " 'It would if the Army
of the East was mustered, already. I'll send a message to Lyarn asking
him to be ready to stand behind us, should Delekhan win past
Northwarden. But we can be there faster than Lyam, so let us be
expedient. Order camp broken at first light tomorrow. "

Gardan saluted and left the tent to give orders. Arutha said, 'Tell me
about the Six. "

Owyn tried to recall everything that was said about the mysterious
magicians working for Delekhan. When at last he had finished, prodded by
several acute questions from the Prince, Arutha said, 1 have a mission
for you two. "

Gorath said, 'I would rather be on the wall at Northwarden,

I lighness, so that I might greet Delekhan as he deserves. "

I have no doubt, "said Arutha. 'But personal honour and debts of

blood must be put aside. If we all fail, who will revenge us? I want you
to go back to Krondor, to find Pug. If he is not there and his wife

Katala is, she will be able to reach him. If she has also gone, simply
use a talisman Pug gave me for the purpose, The Princess knows it and
how to use it, and when Pug comes, tell him of the Six. I think magic
will play an even bigger part in this coming conflict, and I am
ill-prepared if we are to encounter such at Northwarden. " 'Cannot the
boy alone do this? "asked Gorath. 'Pug will have means to extract things
from your memory you may have forgotten, "said Arutha. 'But I doubt he
can do such without your help. "

Gorath was silent for a long while, then said, 'Once this is done, I
wish to return and fight. "

Arutha nodded. 'I understand! Then he paused. 'No, I don't understand.
That was presumptuous. I know nothing of your race and what drives you.
"He studied Gorath's face for a moment, as if trying to read something
inside the moredhel chieftain. 'But I would like the opportunity to
learn some time. I can appreciate the drive to right a wrong,
personally. When you are finished with Pug, return and I will welcome
your sword!

Gorath said, 'You are also more than I expected, Prince Arutha. I also
would appreciate the opportunity to learn more of your people!

He glanced at Owyn. 'Though this boy and the other have shown me a great
deal already that has made me question many of my people's attitudes
toward your race. "

Arutha said, 'That is a beginning. Perhaps one day we can have more. "He
came around the table and extended his hand to Gorath, who took it. They
shook hands and it was more than a gesture. 'Your Highness is gracious,
"said Gorath. 'Rest, and tomorrow go with the patrol I send to Malac's
Cross.

It is faster than trying to go straight through the woods toward

Sethanon and around the mountains to Darkmoor. I'll have documents drawn
and you can commandeer an escort at Malac's Cross and at Darkmoor. They
should get you to Krondor safely. Once there,

Pug will know what to do. "

Owyn and Gorath departed, and a soldier escorted them to a tent.

He held aside the tent flap and said, 'The lads who sleep here are on
patrol until tomorrow, so they won't mind your sleeping here if you

don't steal nothing. "He smiled to show he was joking, but Gorath fixed
him with a stare that caused the smile to fade. He hurried away saying,
'There's food at the big fire near the Prince's tent when you're hungry.
"

Gorath said, 'It will be good to eat hot food again. "He glanced over to
one of the bedrolls to find Owyn already face-down and snoring.

James cursed all petty barons who answered only to the King as he
negotiated his way along a frozen ridge, his breath forming clouds of
white before him as he exhaled. The air stung each time he inhaled, his
toes were numb, and his stomach reminded him he had not eaten yet.

James had arrived within hours of Locklear at Baron Gabot's fortress, a
towering keep of stone which dominated one of the three major passes
through the eastern half of the Teeth of the

World. Unlike Highcastle, which had sat in the middle of the pass
itself, providing a barrier that was a controlled gate, Northwarden rose
up on a small peak, around which wound the pass known as

Northland's Door. A single road wound down the side of the large hill in
a lazy s-curve, widening as it descended. Designed this way, the road
gave the double benefit of allowing the Baron's forces to spread out as
they charged down to intercept any foe, while forcing any attackers to
concentrate a smaller force in the van should they be foolish enough to
attack up the road.

What kept the road below in Baron Gabof s control was a series of siege
engines mounted on two walls, the north and the west. The western
defences were the heaviest, while the northern were designed to harry
any forces attempting to come down the pass and negotiate the turn up
the road to the keep. Mangonels and catapults, as well as a trio of
heavy ballistae over the main gate, ensuring that any army attempting to
pass would take critical casualties before they rounded the pass and got
beyond the engines' range. Some soldiers would get past, it was certain,
but nothing resembling an organize dforce And to deal with any who did
win through, the Baron kept a small garrison of horse soldiers in a
barracks near the small town of

Dencamp-on-the-Teeth.

Baron Gabot had felt confident that any threat coming through

Northwarden could be dealt with by his command. That had been

a welcome response to James, though he hoped fervently that Owyn and
Gorath had reached Arutha in the Dimwood and help was on the way. He was
beginning to worry. Had they reached Arutha and convinced him of the
warning, the Prince's army should have been arriving at Northwarden now.

Instead, there was only silence. Gabot had sent another message to the
Dirnwood, at James's urging, requesting support from the Prince, and had
also sent word south via fast messenger to the King, his liege lord. At
least, thought James, Gabot wasn't as stiff-necked as old

Baron Brian Highcastle, who had managed to get himself killed ignoring
Arutha's advice when Murmandamus had driven south over his position.
With luck, Arutha would receive Gabot's message even if Gorath and Owyn
hadn't survived.

James found himself hoping that wasn't the case; he had grown fond of
the youth from Timons, and he was surprised to find he also had come to
like something about the moredhel. He couldn't quite put his finger on
it, but there was something definite about the dark elf, a lack of
uncertainty about who or what he was; few men had it, and James admired
it: even more, he admired the moredhers ability to put aside his own
personal dislike for humans to seek their aid in opposing what he saw as
a great wrong against his people.

Locklear waved and pointed. As a favour for Baron Gabot, since dawn, he
and James had been scouting ahead to see if advance moredhel units were
anywhere in the north end of the pass. A patrol had headed out two days
before, accompanied by a magician now in the Baron's employ, and the
Baron was concerned about their fate. It went unsaid that the two
squires were no loss to the Baron should any harm befall them, while
losing another patrol to the enemy would severely weaken Northwarden.
James and Locklear couldn't contrive a plausible reason to say no, so
here on the second day of their trip they were working their way through
the frozen dawn, with James silently cursing all border barons.

A noise ahead had alerted them to a possible enemy position.

Locklear was holding his horse while James climbed above the floor of
the pass to a high ridge to get a look ahead. A single figure scampered
along the trail, holding the hem of his ivory-coloured robe with one
hand, exposing spindly legs as he hurried. In his other hand he held a
large staff, shod at either end with iron caps.

Every hundred feet or so, he would turn and pause, and when a pursuing
figure would come into view, he'd unleash a bolt of energy, a blast of
flame the size of a melon; a tactic that was producing little real
damage, but which served to keep the pursuer from closing.

James began scrambling down the hillside, while Locklear shouted,

What is it? "

Sliding the last dozen yards, James hit the ground running and said, 'I
think we've found Gabot's magician. "He pulled a crossbow off the back
of his horse and quickly cranked it up and placed a bolt in it, while
Locklear drew his sword and waited.

The old man rounded a corner and hesitated when he saw the two squires.
Locklear signed for him to come on, and shouted, 'This wayr

The old man hurried and when the moredhel who was chasing him rounded
the same corner, James drew a bead on him, then let fly with his
crossbow. The bolt sped across the gap and took the moredhel right off
his feet, propelling him backward.

Locklear said, 'You've been practising. I'm impressed. " 'I'll never
learn to use the bow, but this thing is pretty easy, "said

James, putting away the crossbow. 'Not very accurate, though. "

James nodded. 'Find a good one, then keep it. Some of them shoot all
over the place; this one usually hits what I'm aiming at. "

The old man was puffing a bit and when he reached them, he put his staff
down and leaned on it. 'Thanks, lads. That was a little closer than I
care to think about. " 'Are you Master Patrus? asked Locklear. 'Just
Patrus, "said the old man. 'Yes, I'm he. Why, you looking for me? "

James said, 'And a company of Baron Gabot's soldiers. "

The old man was slender and sported a wispy grey moustache and goatee.
He wore a hat that looked more Eke a nightcap than any sort of proper
hat, and along with the ivory-coloured robe, it made him appear to be
walking about in his nightclothes. Pointing back the way he had come, he
said, We got jumped a half-day back, by a

Mixed company of those damned Dark Brothers and trolls. Those trolls
were a handful, I can tell you. "

James said, 'I've fought them. You're the only one to get away? "

'One or another of the lads may have found a way through. Some of them
got up into the ridges. I'm an old man; best I could do was hurry along
the road and keep them ducking behind me. "

Where did they jump you? 'About two miles ahead, "said the old magician.
'That staff of yours is handy, "observed Locklear.

Well, lad, the truth is it's a little bit of fire, not much more than a
scorch mark if it hits you, but it's just hot enough to make you duck if
you see the fireball coming at you. I made the thing years ago to
impress some pesky townspeople down south who were trying to run me off.
A few little fireballs tossed their way and they left me alone. "

James laughed. 'Owyn didn't tell me you were such a character. " 'Owyn
Belefote? Where do you know that rascal from? asked

Patrus. 'It's a long story. I'll tell you while we walk. If you're up to
it, I want to check out the place those trolls jumped you. Otherwise you
can continue back to Northwarden. It should be safe between here and
there. " 'I think I'll stick dose to you, lads. Who are you? " 41) m
Squire James of Krondor, and this is Squire Locklear. We're members of
the Prince's court. "They started walking their horses rather than ride
while the old man walked. 'Prince Arutha's lads? You wouldn't happen to
know Pug of

Stardock, would you?

We've had the pleasure, "said Locklear. 'I'd like to meet him, some
time. I've heard a thing or two about his academy. Told Owyn he ought to
get himself down there; I'd taught him everything he could learn. "

James said, 'Locklear here met Owyn on his way back from

Stardock; he was visiting his aunt in Yabon. I think Stardock didn't
work out too well for him. " 'Bah!"said the old magician, picking his
way along the road with his staff. 'The boy has talent, a fair amount
from what I can tell, but

I think he's one of those Greater Paths, because a lot of what I tried
to teach him just didn't work. But the things that did, why, he was
fierce with it, he was. "The old country magician looked up the pass and
said, 'Companys coming. "

Locklear drew his sword and James unlimbered his crossbow again.

But rather than trolls or dark elves, two dusty members of Baron

Gabot's company came into view. One was obviously wounded and the other
looked very tired. 'Patrus!"said the wounded soldier. We thought theyd
got you. " 'Not even close, "said the old man with a grin. 'These lads
lent a hand. " 'I'm Squire James. What did you see?

The senior-most soldier reported, indicating that a squad of twenty

Dark Brothers and an equal number of trolls had ambushed their patrol,
and only a falling-out between the two factions had kept them from
killing all of Gabot's men. 'That's interesting, "said Locklear. 'Very,
"agreed James. 'If they're fighting, it's over pay. "

Patrus nodded. 'Troll mercenaries don't wait to get paid. They go back
home or take it out of your hide. " 'I don't know what caused the row,
"said the wounded soldier, 'but we were running and one of the
Brotherhood of the Dark Path yelled something at a troll, and instead of
chasing us, the troll turned and tried to slice up the Brother. It was a
fair m6l6e by the time we got away. "

The other soldier nodded. 'They had their blood up, the trolls did, and
they seemed just as satisfied killing Dark Brothers as they did us. "
'Great, "said James. 'Confusion to the enemy. Now, you boys all right to
get back to the Baron alone? " 'If there's no one waiting between here
and there to jump us, we'll be okay, "said the wounded soldier. 'Good.
Go and report to the Baron and when you're done telling him what you've
seen, tell him we're going to go snoop around and see what else we can
find. " 'Very well, squire, "said the unwounded man, saluting.

The soldiers continued on and Locklear said, "V'at do you have in mind?
" 'If those soldiers got jumped by trolls, there's a camp nearby. "
'Yes, "said Patrus. 'The town of Raglam's ahead. It's sort of an open
town. Not quite Kingdom, but enough humans living there that it's not
particularly Northlands, either. Lots of weapons runners, slavers and
other no-accounts visit there all the time. " 'Sounds like my kind of
place, "said James with a grin.

L

'You going to get us killed? "

James's grin widened. 'Never, Locklear, my old friend; you're going to
get killed some day over a woman, not because of anything I'm planning.
"

Locklear returned the grin. Well, if she's beautiful enough. "

They laughed, and Patrus said, 'You boys got something you'd like to
tell an old conjurer like me about? " 'I thought we might take a ride
into Raglam and-have a look around. "

Patrus shook his head. 'Crazy, that's what you two are. Sounds like fun.
"

The old magician started to march up the draw, and James and

Locklear exchanged glances, then laughter.

The patrol leader signalled for his men to halt and said to Gorath and
Owyn, 'Malac's Cross. "

They were arrayed before The Queen's Row Tavern, which was obviously
crowded, and Owyn said, Why don't we try the abb6y? "

Gorath nodded. They bid their escort goodbye and rode on, and Gorath
said, 'I would have thought you'd prefer an ale and the company of
others than the monks of Ishap. " 'I would, had I the means to pay for
that ale, "said Owyn. 'Unless you've secreted away some booty you failed
to mention to me, I'm without a copper to my name, thanks to Delekhan's
guards. In all the preparation for heading off to Northwarden, the
Prince was so busy ... I forgot to ask for funds. "

Gorath said, 'So we beg? "

We ask for hospitality. I suspect Abbot Graves is a more likely source
for such than an overworked innkeeper. "

Gorath said, 'Perhaps you're right. " 'Besides, we might even convince
the Abbot to lend us the price of a meal or two between here and
Krondor. "

We should have thought of that before leaving Prince Arutha. " 'I didn't
think of it, "said Owyn. 'You didn't think of it. We didn't think of it.
So, there's no "should", is there? "

Gorath grumbled that this was so.

They reached the abbey and saw that the gate was closed. 'Hello, the
abbey!"called Owyn.

'Who is it? came a voice from within. 'Owyn Belefote. We came to see the
Abbot. "

Wait, "was the terse reply. And they waited,

Nearly a quarter of an hour passed before the gate opened, and a very
worried-looking monk admitted them. As soon as they had passed through
the gate, it slammed behind them. Dismounting,

Owyn asked, 'What is this? "

A monk took their horses and said, 'The Abbot waits for you within. "

They went inside and found Abbot Graves overseeing a pair of monks who
appeared to be packing things up. 'Are you leaving? "asked Gorath.

Looking at the two, Graves said, 'Where is James? " 'Last we saw him he
was on his way to Northwarden, "replied

Owyn. 'Why? " 'Damn!"swore the Abbot. 'I was hoping he could do me a
service.

Owyn repeated Gorath. 'Are you leaving? " 'I must, "said Graves. 'Twice
in the last week Nighthawks have tried to kill me. "

Owyn and Gorath exchanged questioning looks. Owyn said, 'But

Abbot, James killed the leader of the Nighthawks. " 'Navon is dead?
"asked Graves.

Before anyone could react, Gorath had his sword drawn and the point
levelled at the Abbot's throat. Two monks leaped to their feet, one
trying to put as much distance between himself and the moredhel as
possible, while the other assumed a fighting stance, as if ready to
defend the abbey's leader.

Wait!"shouted Owyn, putting his hands out. 'How did you know du Sandau
was the leader of the Nighthawks? " demanded Gorath. We could have been
killed for lack of that knowledge. "

Graves held up his hands. 'Because he was extorting me. "

Owyn put his hand on Gorath's sword and slowly forced the point down.
'Let's talk, "he said calmly.

Graves motioned for the monk who was ready to attack to withdraw and the
young cleric nodded and departed, the other monk a step behind him.

Gorath said, 'Explain this "extorting@' before I kill you. "

Owyn said, 'Sandau was forcing Graves to do something against his will
by threatening him with something. Isn't that right? " 'Yes, "Graves
replied. 'He found out something about me and used it to gain my help in
whatever he was plotting. "

Owyn sat on the table where the monks had been working and said, 'How
can anyone force a priest of Ishap to do anything? You have magic and a
powerful church to call on. What did he do? "

Graves said, 'As I told Jimmy - James, I have ties from my old life that
aren't completely severed. "Graves sat and Gorath put his sword away. 'I
used to be a thief, a basher, for the Mockers in Krondor.

I provided protection for cargo we were running in and out of the city,
and kept anyone else from setting up a gang, and I protected our girls,
so no one roughed them up. "

He looked down and his expression was one of regret. When I felt the
call and went to the Temple of Ishap, I tried to put that life behind
me. The church trained me for two years, and I took vows.

But I wasn't honest in my vow. " 'How could you lie taking a vow in a
temple? "asked Owyn, his expression showing astonishment. 'It can't be
done!"

Graves said, 'It can, if you don't know it's a lie when you make it. I
honestly thought I was rid of my past, but I was lying to myself. "

What does that mean? "asked Gorath.

J thought I had severed all ties, but I hadn't. When I was placed in the
brotherhood of monks, I was asked to work on behalf of the temple in
Krondor. So I was back among my old haunts. "

He fell silent, as if reluctant to go on.

What happened? "asked Owyn. 'There's a woman. She was a girl I knew when
I was a basher.

She was as tough as a boot and mean as an alley cat. That's what we
called her, Kat. Her name is Katherine. " 'A whore? "asked Gorath. 'No,
a thief, "said Graves. 'She was a fair pickpocket and tough enough to be
a basher, but where she really excelled was boosting.

She could steal your nightshirt off you while you slept and you'd wake
naked and wondering where your laundry was. "He sighed. 'She was

little slip of a thing when I met her. I used to tease her and watch her
get mad at me, Then when she got older I'd tease her and she'd tease
back. 'Then I fell in love with her. " 'But you left her to take orders
with Ishap? "said Owyn. 'She's a lively thing, and she could do better
than me. A lot of the younger boys would like to take up with her. I
thought she would be better off with someone else. I thought it would be
easy to put her out of my mind. But it wasn't. 'I saw her on the streets
from time to time, and somewhere, somehow, a fellow named the Crawler
got wind of her, and one night this Navon du Sandau comes up to me,
bright as gold and sits down at a table at the Queen's Cross and says,
'We know about your little kitty cat in Krondor. If you don't do what we
tell you to do, she's dead. " He said if I asked the temple for help
she'd be dead. " 'You believed him? "asked Owyn. 'I had to. He knew
things. This Crawler had been looking for people for a long time, I
guess, because he knew enough about my old life I knew he'd kill her
before I could do anything. "

Owyn said, 'So why are you getting ready for travelf 'I was expecting a
message a month ago from du Sandau. Instead a

Nighthawk tried to climb the wall of the abbey. The brother responsible
for defending the abbey intercepted him and it was close, but the
assassin died. 'Then two weeks later, I was walking back from the centre
of town when a crossbow bolt intended for me struck the brother walking
next to me. "

Where are you going? "asked Owyn.

Graves said, 'I am owed some favours by a man in a village Dear

Sloop. He has dealings in Kesh. I sent him a message asking him to htlp
me get out of the Kingdom. Today a message came from him

U)dicating he could help. "

Owyn said, 'Michael Waylander? 'Yes, "replied Graves. 'How did you know?
"

Owyn said, 'There is a relationship here. Waylander, you, the
'Nighthawks, and this Crawler. I'm not sure I can begin to guess at it,
but if James were here he might puzzle this out. "

'I can't wait. Even if Sandau is dead, there are other Nighthawks.

The one who shot at me is still out there. " 'True, "said Gorath, 'but
won't your order protect you?

Graves shook his head and his expression was one of regret. 'If I had
gone to them at once, perhaps. But I didn't, and I've broken my vow. My
only hope is to get Kat out of Krondor, and to reach Kesh before the
Nighthawks find me. " 'We're heading for Krondor, "said Owyn. 'Should we
travel together? 'Your magic and your friend's sword would count for a
lot, but you'd be putting yourself in harm's way. "

Ovyn laughed. 'I've been doing that on a regular basis since I met

Gorath. " 'Life is danger, "Gorath said. 'I do not understand how your
love for this girl could blind you to your duty, but then much about you
humans is strange to me. If Owyn says we should not kill you for your
part in this business with the Nighthawks, I will follow his lead. "

He leaned forward, his boot on the bench on which Graves sat, until his
face was before the Abbot's. 'But if you betray us again, I will eat
your heart. "

Graves smiled back, and the old basher could briefly be seen, as he
said, 'You're welcome to try at any time, elf. "

Gorath snorted.

Owyn said, Well, we are lacking funds, so we must needs depend on your
generosity to eat on the road. "

Graves stood up and called for his monks, who returned to help him
finish packing. 'If you get me to Krondor alive, you'll have earned your
meals and some gold as bonus. "

Owyn said, 'If that Nighthawk is out there watching the abbey, he'll
know we're here. "

We leave tonight, "said Graves.

Owyn winced. 'I wanted to sleep in a bed, "he complained. 'Sleep now,
"said Graves, pointing to his own pallet in the corner of the room.
'I'll wake you when it's time to go. "

Owyn nodded. 'If we must. "

We must, "said Graves.

Owyn lay down on the straw-stuffed mattress on the floor, a

Graves said to Gorath, Would you like to sleep?

'Yes, "replied the dark elf, but he remained standing, his eyes on
'Traves. 'But after we're on our way to Krondor. "

Graves nodded and returned to overseeing the preparations for bis
cieparture.

I

THIRTEEN

Betrayal

T he trolls looked up.

James said, 'Just keep moving slowly, like we know what we're doing!

Patrus whispered, 'Do we know what we're doing? 'Don't ask, "Locklear
replied.

The trolls were raising weapons and spreading out to fight. James slowed
his horse and said, 'Just keep moving, but be ready!

The trolls were roughly human in appearance, with almost no necks. Their
heads thrust forward from their shoulders, so they always looked as if
they were shrugging. James knew their somewhat comical appearance was as
far from the truth as it could be. The lowland trolls were little more
than beasts, without language or the ability to use tools and weapons.
Their mountain cousins were intelligent, if stupid by human standards,
and knew how to use weapons. Very well. Their language sounded like
grunts and squawks to humans, but they had a social organization and
knew how to fight.

As the trolls approached, James held up his hand in greeting. 'Where is
Narab? "he asked conversationally.

The trolls halted their advance, and looked one to another. They had low
foreheads and jutting lower jaws and large teeth, with tvvo lower tusks
that protruded up over their upper lips a short way. One turned his head
as if listening and said, 'No Narab here. Who you? "

We're mercenaries, but we've been sent to find Narab and find out why
you trolls haven't been paid!

At the mention of payment, the trolls began an excited conversation
After a few minutes, the first troll to speak - James assumed he was the
leader - said, 'We no fight if we not paid!

rhat's the problem, "said James. He leaned over the neck of his h(,,-se
and spoke conversationally. 'Look, I understand. If I were you and
weren't getting paid I wouldn't fight either. I might even just take my
lads and go home, the way this Delekhan's been treating you. " 'You pay?
"asked the troll, holding his war club in a suddenly rnenacing fashion.

James quickly sat back in his saddle, ready to spin his horse away if he
saw that weapon moving with any but the most casual purpose.

J suppose, "said James. He turned to Locklear and said, 'How much gold
do you have? " 'My travel allowance!"hissed Locklear. 'A bit more than a
hundred good sovereigns. "

James smiled. 'Give it to them. "

What? "

Just do it!"insisted the senior squire.

Locklear took off his belt pouch and tossed it to the troll, who caught
it with surprising dexterity. What this? " 'A hundred golden sovereigns,
"said James. 'Gold is good, "said the troll. We work for you now. "

James grinned. 'Very good; then stay here until we get back. And if
anyone is following us, stop them. "

The troll nodded and waved his companions aside so that James could
pass. As they moved away from the trolls Locklear said, Why don't we
just buy them all off and send them horne? "

James said, 'Truth to tell, it would be cheaper in the long run. But the
dark elves are unlikely to set so low a price. "

Patrus said, 'Mountain trolls are only one thing more than stupid boys.
" 'What? "asked Locklear. 'They're greedy. You think that bunch is going
to let us just ride past and not ask for more? " 'No, "said James,
'which is why I have this other purse here, in case hey do. "

Locklear said, 'So that's why you needed my gold? So you could use your
own on the way back. " 'No, "said James. 'If we can get back without
paying, we will. I had

N-ou use your gold, because I didn't want to give them my gold. "

Locklear snorted and Patrus laughed. They moved along the road

and after a while saw a company of riders moving at a leisurely pace
gong the horizon. We must be getting dose, "said James.

Tes, Raglam's just on the other side of that rise, "said Patrus.

They plodded along, attempting to look unconcerned and relaxed as they
rode into the heart of enemy territory. James had managed many times in
his young life to go places he wasn't supposed to be simply on the
strength of looking like he knew where he was going and had a reason for
being there, and he hoped that proved as true with dark elves as it had
with humans.

They rounded a corner as they topped the rise, and James halted. 'Gods
of mercy!"he exclaimed.

Engineers were hard at work building siegetowers for the walls of

Northwarden. Well,'said Locklear,'I dora thinkwe have to see much more
to convince the Baron they are coming this way, do we? "

Patrus walked forward. 'Let's see what else they're up to. "

They passed a bored-looking band of humans, sitting alongside a huge
catapult. A moredhel warrior walked toward them. 'Where are you
going?."he demanded.

James assumed a look of indifference. Where's Shupik?

The moredhel said, 'Who? " 'Shupik. Our captain. We're supposed to
report to him, but we can't find his camp. " 'I have never heard of this
Shupik, "said the moredhel.

Before James said anything, Patrus said, Us not our fault you're
ignorant, you pointy-eared lily-eater! Get out of our way so we can find
our captain, or you can explain to your chieftain why he didn't get the
information we were sent to fetch back here!"

Patrus set off at a brisk walk and James and Locklear moved after him.
James gave the moredhel a shrug as he walked past. As they rode on,
Locklear muttered, 'And I thought you were brazen. "

James could barely suppress a laugh. They passed half a dozen towers
under construction and James said, 'Someone did their fieldwork Those
will be hard to get up the road to the keep, but if they can move them
quickly enough and they reach the wall, they'll fit snug up there and
get warriors on the wall in quick order. "

Locklear nodded. 'Nothing like those big lumbering monstrosities at
Armengar. "

James nodded. He remembered the huge war engines being pulled across the
plains of Sar-Isbandia to the walls of Armengar. Only the brilliance of
Guy du Bas-Tyra had kept those machines from reaching the walls time
after time. James doubted Baron Gabot would prove as able a defensive
general.

As they rode past, Locklear said, 'Some shallow trenches on the road a
half mile or so before the walls might cause them some problems. "

James grinned. 'Serious problems, especially if we started throwing
things down onto the road. " 'Like boulders? "asked Patrus, who then
began to laugh, a sound that could only be called 'evil'.

Locklear was openly cheerfijl as he said, 'Could be quite a mess. "

As they moved down the road, Locklear said, 'Say, Patrus, how did you
end up here in the middle of thisf

The old magician shrugged. 'Old Earl Belefote ran me out of

Timons for "infecting" his son, as he called it. Like the boy wouldn't
have discovered he had talents without me. Anyway, I wandered a while,
up to Salador, where that Duke Laurie was downright hospitable to
magicians. But I get bored easily if I don't have something to occupy
myself with, and Laurie said that Gabot had wanted someone up here who
knew about magic to advise him about these Dark Brother Spellweavers, so
I came up and have been working with the Baron for the last year or so.
"

What have you discovered about the moredhel Spellweavers? " asked James.
'Got some notes back at Northwarden. A lot of little things. Not much
that makes sense, at least as I understand magic. I wish I knew more
about the elves out in the west, then I might have a better idea about
what I've learned. When we get back to the castle, I'll show you what
I've come up with. But right now, "he said, pointing ahead, 'I think we
have a problem. "

James slowed down as they approached two bands of warriors, humans on
one side and a mix of humans and moredhel on the ther. They were
involved in a heated exchange and by the time 'fames and his companions
reached them, they appeared to be on the verge of open conflict. 'I
don't care what he says, "exclaimed the apparent spokesman

for the human-only faction. Xroldech isn't fit to command fleas
attacking a dog. " 'You're bound by oath! You took gold,
hurnan!"retorted a moredhel war chieftain. 'You'll go where you're
ordered, or you'll be branded traitor. " 'I signed on with Moraeuffl I
took bis gold. Where is he? " 'Moraeulf serves his father, Delekhan, as
we all do. Moraeulf is in the west, because his father wills it. If
Delekhan places Kroldech at our head, then that is who we're following.
"

James appeared uninterested as they rode by, but he listened to every
word.

When they were a short distance past, Locklear said, 'Dissent in the
ranks. " 'Pity, "said James, dryly.

James reined in. 'What is it? "asked Locklear. 'Look at that catapult. "

Locklear looked at the war engine. 'What about it? " 'Does something
about it strike you as funny? " 'Not particularly, "said Locklear.

Patrus laughed. 'You'll never make general, boy. If you were to move
that thing, what would you do first? "

Locklear said, Well, I'd unload it -' Suddenly Locklear's eyes widened.
'It's loaded? "

That's what your sharp-eyed friend was trying to make you see, " said
Patrus. 'Not only is it loaded, it's pointed the wrong way-y 'And unless
I'm mistaken, that rather large rock in the basket end of the arm is
sighted to land right over there on that inn. "James moved his horse's
head around and started riding toward the inn in question. 'Is this a
good idea? "asked Locklear. 'Probably not, "replied James.

As they approached the inn, a pair of moredhel warriors walke toward
them. 'Where do you go, human? "asked one. 'Is that headquarters? "asked
James. 'It is where Kroldech holds camp. " 'Is Shupik in there with him?
" 'I know of no one named Shupik inside, "replied the guard.

'I guess he's not here yet, "said James, turning his horse off toward
the centre of town.

They rode away and James said, 'Someone really doesn't like the idea of
Kroldech being in command. " 'What are you thinking? "asked Locklear.
'Locky, my best friend, let's you, Patrus, and I go and see if we can
sow a little dissent. "

Patrus chuckled his evil laugh as they approached another inn.

Locklear and James dismounted, tied their horses to a line before the
inn, and went inside with the old magician.

Pug sat wearily at his study table, in the small apartment set aside by
Arutha for those times when he and Katala visited from Stardock.

His eyes grew unfocused as he tried to read yet another report from one
of Arutha's patrols, regarding an encounter with moredhel near Yabon.

He had spent hours sifting through reports, rumours and accounts from
soldiers, spies and bystanders regarding the Six, Delekhan's mysterious
magical advisors. The time he had spent with Owyn

Belefate discussing his encounter with Nago, and what was before him now
convinced Pug of an unsettling possibility.

He stood up and crossed to stand before a window that looked out over
the harbour and the Bitter Sea beyond. Whitecaps danced on the sea as
cold north winds cut down the coast. In the late-afternoon light, he
could see ships racing for the harbour, attempting to reach safe haven
before the storm arrived in full ffiry.

At times like these, Pug wished he had spent more time studying what was
commonly known as the Lesser Path. Weather magic was an intrinsic part
of that canon. His mind wrestled with a concept, one that he had been
formulating for years, since he had returned to

Midkemia as the first practitioner of the Great Path, as the Tsurani
called their magic. Sometimes he felt as if he was peeling an onion,
where every layer revealed only showed another layer below, made all the
harder to perceive by the tears in his eyes. Then it hit Pug, it's
always an onion.

He laughed. 'There is no magic. There are only onions!"

He knew he was too tired to continue, yet he returned to the table.

He had come to one frightening conclusion, a possibility he really

didn't want to accept, but it was the only answer. Somewhere along the
way, the moredhel had encountered and recruited a new ally.

A soft gong sound caused Pug to look up. The sound was a signal sent by
a Tsurani Great One prior to arriving at the domicile of another, but he
had not heard such a tone since leaving Kelewan, nine years earlier. He
had no pattern here, so how his visitor had located him was a mystery.

The air before him shimmered for a brief instant, then Makala was
standing before him. 'Greetings, Milamber, "said the Tsurani magician.
'Forgive the presumption of calling unannounced, but I felt it was time
for us to come to an understanding. "

Pug said, 'How did you manage to arrive here without a pattern? "

Makala said, 'You are not the only member of the Assembly -' 'Former
member, "said Pug. Despite the fact of his rank and powers being
returned to him after the Riftwar, he had never returned to assume a
position among the other members of the Assembly of

Great Ones on the Island of Magicians on Kelewan. 'As you wish. Former
member of the Assembly. You are not alone in your ability to progress
beyond what many consider to be the conventional limits of our arts. I
find that one can move at will to a location or person without the
constraints of a pattern. " 'A useful ability, "said Pug. 'I would like
to learn how to do it some day. " 'Perhaps some day you will, "said
Makala. 'But I came here on another matter. "

Pug indicated a seat. The Tsurani magician declined. 'I will not be here
long. I came to give you warning. "

Pug was silent. He waited and after a moment Makala continued. 'I and
some of our brethren are involved in an undertaking that will not
tolerate your interference, Milamber. " 'Pug, "he corrected. 'On this
world I am Pug! 'To me you will always be Milamber, the barbarian Great
One who came to our world and sowed destruction among us!

Pug sighed. He had thought that particular debate was a decade behind
him. 'You're not here to revisit the past, Makala. What are you doing
and what warning are you trying to convey? "

Makala said, What we are doing is of no concern to you, Milamberand my
warning is: do not attempt to involve yourself in any way. "

RONDOR: I HE DETKAXAL Z.19

Pug was silent a long moment, then said, 'I know you were among those
who were most resistant to my acceptance in the

Assembly, all those years ago when Fumita brought me from the

Shinzawai estate. " 'Resistant? "Makala smiled. 'I was among those who
voted for your death before you entered training. I then considered you
a grave risk to the Empire, and from my perspective, subsequent events
bore out that suspicion. "

Whatever I did, it was, in the end, for the good of the Empire. "
'Perhaps, but history teaches us that often such issues are merely a
question of perspective. No matter. What is occurring now is being done
without question for the good of the Empire, as is our mandate. "

Pug said, 'So then what I was on the verge of uncovering is now revealed
to me by your appearance here. " 'What would that be?

That these magicians aiding Delekhan, the so-called "Six" are

Tsurani Great Ones. " 'I congratulate you on arriving at that conclusion
based upon evidence you didn't gather first hand. Impressive deduction,
Milamber.

But then Hochopepa always insisted you possessed an unusual mind. " 'It
was easy enough if one paused but a moment to examine the behaviour of
the participants in these various acts. The moredhel?

They have always held a deep, abiding hatred of all other races, deeming
anyone not of their people to be intruders in their domain.

The trolls and goblins are often their tools, 'But when I looked at the
pattern, I see gems from the Empire coming to Midkemia and being
exchanged for gold. Had the gold returned to Tsuranuanni, there would
have been no question, for there the gold is worth a hundred times more
than here. But the gold never did. It went for weapons, and those
weapons went to the moredhel. There was nothing in this for the Tsurani
involved; nothing apparent. 'Then when reports of the magic used by
Delekhan began to appear, things didn't fit. Some of the things reported
could only have been done by Tsurani Great Ones.

Which leaves me with this one question: whyll'

Why is not for you to know. Your judgment is called into question,

Milamber. You revealed yourself as not being one of us when YOU
destroyed the Emperor's celebration and drove the warlord to take his
own life in shame. You live here, your birthworld, and you've taken a
Thuril for your wife. 'You have a daughter who has shown power, yet you
let her live.

Pug's eyes narrowed in warning that his temper was about to come to
play. Walk softly, Makala! This is not the Empire, and your words are
not law. "

We have difficulties on both sides of the rift, "said the Tsurani

Great One. 'Others of our brethren now must deal with the consequences
of the destruction of House Minwanabi by House Acoma.

The order of the Empire is threatened. And here, on your birthworld,
this academy you create at Stardock, why even some of our own have
agreed to come teach your students. "His voice rose in anger. 'Our
former enemies!"

We are not your enemies, "said Pug, his fatigue suddenly threatening to
overwhelm him. 'Ichindar knows this. " 'The Light of Heaven will not
live for ever. Eventually, the

Assembly will press for a return to the order we have enjoyed for two
thousand years. 'But to ensure that you, the single biggest threat to
our plans, do not interfere, we have arranged to take your daughter to a
place where she will remain until such time we are satisfied you are no
longer a threat. "

Pu's anger threatened to spill over. Barely able to hold back rage, 9

Pug choked, 'Gamina! what have you done with her? 'She is unharmed. She
will remain safe as long as you do no attempt to hinder our plans. "
'Your plans involve murder on a wholesale scale if you're in league with
the moredhel, Makala! Can you think I'd stand aside, even if it means my
daughter's life and let you destroy my homeland? He moved to stand
before the Tsurani Great One. 'And do you think to match your power with
mine? " 'Never, Milamber. You are the greatest of our brethren, which is
why you must be neutralized. But if you destroy me, there are others who
will see that what must be done is done. We will not oppose you if you
seek to reach your daughter. "He stepped aside and said, 'In fact, we
will provide you with means to go to her, but I warn

you this might prove a mistake, as even your daunting prowess will not
prevail in returning you here. " 'Let me go to her, "Pug said, his fear
for his daughter washing away his fatigue. 'As soon as I write a note to
my wife. " 'No, "said Makala. 'If you go, you go now. "He took out a
device, similar to a Tsurani transportation orb, but somehow different.
He put it down. 'There is only one position, Milamber. It will take you
to your daughter, but only if you leave within a minute of my activating
it.'He clicked a slide on the side of it, and put it down on the pile of
maps. 'That minute begins now. "He turned and walked away, producing
another device and as he held his hand out to activate it, he said, 'My
motives are for the good of the Empire, Milamber. I have never harboured
any personal ill-will toward you. That is for lesser men.

At the end of this, I hope you and your family are well, but if you
oppose me, I will see you all destroyed, for the good of the Empire. "

He vanished.

Pug grabbed a quill, dipped it in ink, and swept away all the papers and
parchment on his desk, but one, a map upon the back of which he hastily
penned six words. Then he dropped the quill and grabbed a writing
charcoal, two pieces of parchment, and seized the device left by Makala,
and with a fey humming, a high-pitched whine, the device activated, and
he was grone, leavin only shifting papers on 9 the floor as outside the
window, the fury of the storm broke upon

Krondor.

The inn was crowded, dirty and noisy, with men on the verge of brawling
at the least excuse. James stood at the bar grinning. 'What are you so
happy about? "whispered Locklear. 'I'm home, Locky. I've missed places
like this. " 'You're crazy, boy, "said Patrus. 'You looking to die
young? "

I'll tell you about some of the places I spent my time in when I was a
kid, some day. Right now I'm just enjoying the prospect of this bunch
being the ones heading south in a few weeks. " 'Something's not right,
"whispered Locklear. This isn't an army; it's rabble. "

Locky, let's get some fresh air. "

He led his companions from the inn and outside. Evening had fallen, cold
and damp, with a mist of rain starting to fall. When

he saw they weren't overheard, James said, 'Everywhere I look I see wall
fodder, with a few moredhel clans I would wager are not high on
Delekhan's list of dose friends. "

Wall fodder, "chuckled Patrus. 'I like that. " 'Not if you'd ever had to
be the first over the wall, "said Locklear who had stood on the walls at
Armengar and Highcastle with James and watched warriors die trying to do
just that. 'Where's the army? "asked James rhetorically. 'Moving toward
us, even as we speak, "replied Locklear humorously

We might have a better idea if we knew what Kroldech knows.)

Well, then, "suggested Patrus, 'why don't we just go ask him? "

James said, 'Or I could sneak in and see what he's got lying around that
looks like orders. " 'You read that moredhel chicken scratching, boy?
"asked the magician

James lost his smile. 'No, I hadn't thought about that.'Orders from

Delekhan to his field commander would be in that language, not the

King's Tongue.

Patrus grinned. Well, I can. " 'How? "asked Locklear. 'Who taught you to
read moredhel? " 'No one, "said the magician with a look of disgust on
his face. 'Oh!"said Locklear, suddenly getting it. 'Magic!"

Rolling his eyes, Patrus said, 'Right, magic. "With a playful slap to
the back of Locklear's head, he added, 'Idiot. "

James said, 'I think we have a problem, still. " 'What? "asked Patrus.
'You sneak in, get the papers, bring them out, I'll read them, you sneak
in, put them back, and we leave. " 'That's the problem, "said James. 'I
should be able to sneak in and out, once, but the second time? Amd if
the plans are removed and found missing, theyll change them, almost
certainly. " 'How many ways can they march down that pass and up to the
walls of the keep? "asked Locklear. 'Several, "said James, 'and if we
ready for one, and they come a different way, well, even this rabble
could create problems enough to cost us dearly. "He shook his head in
frustration. 'Damn. "

They kept walking, not wishing to have anyone see them lingering.

While most of the camp in the town was either asleep or drinking

in one of the several taverns in Raglam, there were enough soldiers
round to view with suspicion anyone loitering.

Locklear said, 'What if we could have a reason for being in there
looking through the papers? "

What?

Locklear grinned. 'I have an idea. "

James said, 'I usually end up not liking it when you say that. " 'Come
on, "said the younger squire. 'This is brilliant. " 'Oh, I really don't
Eke it when you say that. "

Locklear crossed the largest street along the south end of town, and
moved to the open field where the catapult aimed at town sat.

A company of engineers lay sleeping at the base of the engine, and

Locklear signalled for silence. He tiptoed to where the massive war
engine sat and inspected it from a few feet away. Then he looked around
on the ground until he found a rock the size of his fist. He pointed to
the machine and in a whisper asked, 'Do you think you could hit that
release lever from here?

James looked a moment and said, 'No, but I could hit it from over there.
"He pointed to a location the same distance from the catapult but at a
different angle. 'I think you mean could I hit it and make it release?

Showing frustration, Locklear said, 'Yes, that's what I mean. Go stand
over there, and when I signal you, count to one hundred. Then throw the
rock and release the lever. " 'And what about the lashings? 'I'll take
care of that. Patrus, come with me. "

Locklear took the old magician and said, Walk around over there -' he
pointed to a location on the other side of where the engineers lay
sleeping'- and wait for me. "

Patrus headed off to do as he was bid, and when he saw James hadn't
moved, Locklear shooed him away with a fluttering hand.

Jarnes shook his head in disbelief, but he went where he was told to
g-o.

Locklear crept close to the catapult and looked at the large restraining
rope across the mighty engine's arm. If it wasn't in place, only the
lever and gear arrangement kept the huge arm from discharging its deadly
missile. As silently as possible, Locklear took his dagger and cut
through the rope. It took several tense moments,

as he sawed through the huge bundle of fibres, watching to see if any of
the engineers stirred.

When the rope was severed, he moved away and quickly circled around the
camp. He went to Patrus, took the old man by the arm and led him off
into the dark. Just as he was about to vanish from sight, he signalled
to James.

James, still not knowing what Locklear's plan was going to accomplish,
counted to one hundred. When he reached seventy, he heard voices raised
in the distance. When he reached ninety, he heard feet running in his
direction. Not waiting to reach one hundred, at ninety-two he threw the
rock. With his keen eye and strong arm, he put the stone right where it
needed to be, knocking loose the lever. With a loud crash, the huge arm
unloaded its stone, slamming hard against the crossbeam at the top of
its arc. The sound instantly awoke the engineers who leaped to their
feet, shouting.

What was that? What? Who did that? "

Just then Patrus and Locklear arrived with a company of moredhel
warriors. 'There they are!"shouted Locklear. 'They tried to kin

Kroldech!"

The warriors rushed forward while the still-stunned engineers milled
around in mute astonishment. That lasted but a moment, then suddenly
they were yelling at the moredhel guards, who were accusing them of
treason.

Locklear took Patrus by the arm and hurried to James's side, while
shouts and confusion came from the other side of the town. 'What did you
tell them, Locky? " just that this concerned old man, out looking for
his lost cat, had come across this nest of traitors who were training
their catapult on the commander's house, and he didn't know who to turn
to, so I was bringing him over to that loyal bunch there. " 'Are they
loyal? "asked James with a laugh.

Locklear returned the laugh. 'How do I know? Even if they're part of the
faction trying to kill Kroldech, they're going to be all over those
engineers for not waiting to do it when they were told. "

James spoke in appreciative tones. 'Damn, but you can be a sneaky
bastard at times. " 'I take that as high praise, considering the source,
"said Locklear.

They reached the area around Kroldech's headquarters and James said, 'I
think I know what to do. "

He pushed through confused-looking soldiers and townspeople, saying,
'Stand away! Let us through. "

When he got to where he could see the damage he had to stop a moment in
amazement. The stone had crashed through the centre of the roof,
crushing the upper floor and collapsing it down on the second floor. The
main doors were off their hinges. 'Damn, those guys were good,
"whispered James in appreciation of the engineers' skill.

Then he realized he wasn't moving, and James said, We've got to save the
commanded'

He waved at a few warriors nearby and said, 'Help us find the commanded'

They followed and James led them into the ruins of the inn. Several
stunned warriors lay sprawled on the floor, and James had to duck under
cracked and fallen ceiling beams, which were now only five feet above
the floor in the commons. Where's the commander? "he asked one. 'He was
over there, at his place in the rear of the commons, "said a moredhel
warrior with blood running down his face.

Turning to those moredhel who had followed James inside, he said, 'Get
these warriors outside to safety. "Pointing at Patrus and Locklear as if
they were just two among many, he said, 'You and you, come with me and
help me find the commander. "

They had to crawl under a beam. After a minute of negotiating their way
in the gloom, they came to the room used by the commander. The door was
off the hinges, and they had to climb over a fallen beam, but they got
inside.

Two moredhel, killed by flying timber splinters the size of arrows, lay
on the floor near the door. But behind a table crouched a moredhel,
whimpering in terror, but otherwise uninjured. From the rings on his
fingers and the golden amulet around his neck, James deduced he was the
commander. He lay curled up and obviously shocked to near mindlessness.
'Not what one expects in a moredhel chieftain, "observed Locklear. 'Get
him outside, Locky, "said James, 'but take your time, Patrus and I will
see what we can save from the fire. "

What fire? "asked Locklear.

James took paper and handed it to Patrus. 'Is this important? "

The magician closed his eyes a moment, then opened them. He looked at
the document and said, 'No.'James took a shattered lantern, and dipped
the paper in it. Then he produced a flint and steel frorn his belt pouch
and struck sparks on the paper. It ignited. Taking the burning paper
from Patrus, he pointed to it with his other hand and said, 'That fire.
"

Locklear grinned. 'Oh. "He pulled on Kroldech's arm and said,
'Commander, we must flee! Fire!"

That seemed to energize the stunned moredhel chieftain. He let

Locklear help him to his feet and said something in his native tongue.
'Come with me, Commander, "Locklear repeated. He led Kroldech awaypatrus
and James quickly examined papers, and each one that Patrus gave James
that wasn't important, James added to the growing fire.

Finally, he said, 'This. This is the attack plan. " 'Read it to me,
"said James, 'quickly. "

Patrus did and James forced himself to remember every word as it was
being read. J have it. Now, grab up some other papers and follow me. "

The fire was now burning in earnest, and by the time they reached the
point where they had to crawl under the timbers, it was getting hot.
Just as flames erupted through the roof they reached safety outside and
found Locklear holding up the still-wobbly commander.

Reaching them, James said, 'Master! We managed to save these papers. "He
held out the entire random bundle of papers.

Kroldech's eyes focused and at last he understood what happened.
'Assassins!"he shouted. 'They tried to kill me. " 'They are in custody,
"said the moredhel chieftain, who had been alerted by Locklear. 'These
mercenaries saved you, master. "

Kroldech grabbed the papers from James and started inspecting them.
After a moment, he came to the orders of battle, and smiled. 'Gooff He
struck James on the arm, hard enough to hurt. 'You are heroes!"He stuck
the battle plan under James's nose. 'Do you know what this is? "

James feigned ignorance. 'No. We just grabbed what we could, master. "

if this had been lost, I would have had to redraw all our plans. you've
saved me days of labour. "Looking at the fire, he said, 'And you saved
my life. I am in your debt. " 'Think nothing of it, "said James.
'Nonsense, "said Kroldech. 'Come to me tomorrow and I Will reward you. "
'Thank you, master, "said James. We will. "

The still-shaken moredhel leader allowed himself to be escorted away to
new quarters as James turned to Locklear and said, 'Where's

Patrus? " 'He was with you. Maybe he's over where our horses are
waiting? "

They walked to where their horses were waiting. Patrus had a third horse
and was mounting it. Locklear said,'Kroldech said we're heroes.

Wants us to come by tomorrow and collect a reward! 'You going to hang
around for the reward, James? "asked the old magician. 'When trolls can
fly. By tomorrow morning, I want to be halfway to Northwarden. "

As all eyes were on the burning inn, they slipped out of town, and
managed to get down the road before being challenged. The bored-looking
mercenary asked what they were doing on the road late at night and James
said, 'The elves can't handle those trolls down south, so we're being
sent to sort them out. " 'Heard there was some trouble down there, "said
the guard. 'Good luck. " 'Thanks, "said James.

After they were out of earshot, Locklear said, 'Patrus! Where did you
get that horse? " 'I borrowed it, "said the old magician with a cackle.
Xroldech won't rniss it until tomorrow. "

Locklear's only satisfaction on the way back was that James had to spend
his pouch of gold to get past the trolls, but at least the trolls
thought of them as friends now. The ride was difficult, as the weather
had turned very cold and wet. The horses were tiring, and had to be
walked at times.

Eventually they reached the road up to the keep and James said, 'there
are our soldiers? "

Locklear said, J thought some of the forward elements might be trying to
keep out of the rain, but you're right. We should have seen others by
now. "

James set his heels hard against his horse's sides and was off at a
canter, demanding as much as the fatigued animal could give going up the
steep road to the keep. When they were within sight of the keep, they
saw the gate was up and the portcullis down, and torches burned on the
walls. 'They've crawled inside and buttoned up!"said Locklear.

Reaching the edge of the moat, James called out, 'Hello the castle!"

From above a sentry shouted, 'Who goes there? " 'Squire James, Squire
Locklear and Patrus. Let us in. "

There was some discussion, but eventually the massive bridge was lowered
while the iron lattice of the portcullis was raised. James and the
others rode across the drawbridge.

Inside the barbican, a group of soldiers waited, and James dismounted
'What is wrong? he demanded.

A soldier said, 'Assassins, squire. Nighthawks in the castle. "

Locklear said, 'What has happened? " 'Baron Gabot is dead, squire. Two
captains, and our sergeant. " 'Gods, "said Locklear.

Who's in charge? "asked James.

The soldiers exchanged glances, and finally one said, 'You are, squire.
"

FOURTEEN

Instructions

ders hurried along the highway.

Owyn, Gorath and Ethan Graves rode quickly down the highizway toward
Krondor. They had spent one night at Darkmoor, in a decent inn,
indulging themselves in a bottle of good wine which

Gorath grudgingly admitted was better than that served by

Baron Cavell - and a hot meal before sleeping on down-stuffed
mattresses. The rest of the journey had been less hospitable, sleeping
under the stars away from the road, bundled up in sleeping cloaks on
rocky ground, and only twice in the rain.

They had made good time from Malac's Cross to Krondor - less than
fifteen days - and hadn't killed their horses in the process. Now they
were within sight of Krondor.

As they slowed their horses to a walk, Graves said, 'I must throw myself
on the mercy of the Temple of Ishap and confess my sins. "

Owyn said, "What will they do? " 'Execute me, perhaps, or exile me. I
don't know. "He sighed. 'I don't much care, but before that I have to
get Kat out of the city. " 'Where will you send her? " 'To Kesh. I have
connections there. Old trading partners in

Durbin. "

Owyn said, 'From what I hear Durbin's a rough place. " 'So is Krondor if
you have to live on the street, "said Graves.

Owyn was still trying to piece together all the relationships he and ds
companions had uncovered since he had first met Locklear. He wished more
than once that Squire James was still with them. He asked Graves, `What
about the Prince's justice? "

Graves shrugged. 'If the Ishapians turn me over to Arutha, he'll
probably hang me. "

Owyn reflected on that. In the two weeks he had spent in Graves's
company he had come to like the gruff old man. He was unapologetic about
his early past, simply admitting he had been involved in smuggling,
extortion, and had killed more than one man on beha of the Mockers of
Krondor. He made no brief excusing his behaviour and only said that
since he had heard the call of the temple, he was a changed man.

Owyn believed him, but also decided if a fight broke out he'd want

Graves on his side. He was still a powerful-looking man despite his grey
hair and lined features.

The gate to the city was manned by armed guards, one of whom put up his
hand and said, 'Halt!"

Owyn said, 'Trouble, guardsman?

Pointing at Gorath, the guard said, 'Who's this? " 'You can talk to me,
"said Gorath. 'I speak your language. "

Well, then, who are you? "demanded the guard. 'What's your business in
Krondor? "

Gorath said, 'I bring a message from Prince Arutha to the magician

Pug. "

The guard blinked in surprise at the mention of those names. He motioned
them aside and said, We'll have you escorted to the palace. "

His tone made it clear this wasn't optional. Another soldier hurried
into the city and returned less than ten minutes later with half a dozen
burly men wearing the tabards of the city constabulary. At their head
was a tall man who bore a badge of office on his tabard. He conferred a
moment with the sergeant at the gate then came to stand before

Gorath. 'You claim to be carrying a message from the Prince to the
magician Pug? "

Gorath replied, 'That is what I said. " 'I am the Sheriff of Krondor. Is
there someone at the palace who can vouch for you?

Gorath glanced at Owyn. Owyn said, We met a lot of people, but most of
them are out in the field with Prince Arutha. If Pug is at the palace,
he'll vouch for us. "

The sheriff spent a moment casting a baleful eye on the three of them,
then said, 'Come along. "

He started toward the palace, and Graves said, 'I have to get to the
Temple of Ishap. "

Over his shoulder, the sheriff said, 'You can visit the temple after I
leave you at the palace. We've got orders concerning the comings and
goings of suspicious-looking individuals, and you fit the description.
If the Captain of the Royal Guard turns you loose, that's his decision.
" 'I am a member of the Order of Ishap, and I am under their protection,
"said Graves. 'Then they can come and fetch you out if the captain has
any problems with your story, "said the sheriff in a no-nonsense tone.

They reached the palace without any further conversation, and at the
gate the sheriff turned them over to the Royal Guard. A sergeant came
and said, 'You lot look familiar enough, but I've no orders, so let me
send word inside about what to do with you. "

Again they waited, and after a while a message came telling the sergeant
to admit the three men. The sergeant ordered palace grooms to come take
the horses and palace porters to carry their bundles inside. Then he led
the three of them to the office of the

Knight-Marshal.

A captain sat alone and looked up when they entered. Owyn didn't know
his name, but he had been present when last they had spoken with the
Prince, and would know they were who they claimed to be. 'Owyn, "he said
in greeting. 'You have a message for the magician Pug? " 'Yes, "said
Owyn. 'From Prince Arutha. He wishes the magician to join him, as he
fears magic will come into play soon in the coming invasion. "

The captain, a veteran of long years of service, looked openly
frustrated. 'I would prefer nothing more than to oblige my liege lord,
but at present, the magician Pug is absent. " 'Has he returned to
Stardock? asked Owyn.

The captain shook his head. 'No one knows where he has gone.

His wife came to us a few days ago with the news he had vanished in the
night, leaving only a cryptic note. More than this, no one knows. "

Gorath said, 'Could he have been abducted? "

The captain shook his head again. 'I know little of magic, but my
understanding of Duke Pug's talents leads me to believe had

he not left of his own will, much of this palace would be smoking
rubble. " 'May we see this note? "asked Owyn. 'You'll have to take that
up with the Lady Katala. I'll send word and see if she wishes to speak
with you. "

A page returned quickly with word the Lady Katala indeed wished to speak
with them. They hurried after the page to the private apartment set
aside for Pug and his family when visiting the palace, and found Katala
waiting.

She was a striking woman, despite her diminutive size, dark complected
and showing a slight dusting of grey in her otherwise dark hair. While
small, there was a strength about her that made her distress all the
more apparent. She was dose to being frantic, yet her emotions were
under control.

Her accent was strange to Owyn, something akin to that of Sumani and the
other Tsurani he had met in Yabon, but not quite the same.

She said, 'I understand you come seeking my husband? " 'Yes, lady, "said
Gorath. We carry word from the Prince that Pug is needed. "

Where is he? asked Owyn. 'I don't know. "She paused. 'You remember our
daughter, of course.

Gorath nodded. 'She went missing a few days ago, and I went seeking my
husband in his tower. He also was missing. " 'Perhaps they went
someplace together, "suggested Graves.

Katala looked at the stranger and asked, 'Have we mety

Owyn introduced them, and Katala said, 'Abbot, my husband would never
have left this message had that been the case. "

She held out a parchment, upon which was written, 'To Tomas!

The Book of MacRos!" 'What does this mean? "asked Owyn. 'Tomas is Pug's
childhood friend, "said Katala. 'He is now living in Elvandar. "

Gorath asked, 'The wearer of the white and gold? "

Katala said, 'Those are his colours. "

Gorath said, 'There have been stories among my people, that when those
who travel from the Lake of the Sky to the Green Heart come

too dose to the borders of the land of the eledhel, occasionally one
garbed in the raiment of the Valheru will appear. His powers are
terrible. " 'Those are not stories, "said Katala. 'Tomas exists, and he
may be the only one on Midkemia with enough power to find my husband and
daughter. " 'Did you send anyone to carry word to him? "asked Owyn. 'Not
yet. The Prince took most of the army with him. Those left in charge,
like the captain of the Royal Guard and the Sheriff of

Krondor, are unwilling to exercise discretion beyond what they see as
the clear requirements of their offices. Most of the other nobles are
with the Prince or upon other business here in the west. "She looked
very distressed. 'There really isn't anyone to send, and I'm not even
sure if this message is intended for Tomas. "

Gorath said, 'Perhaps Pug is instructing someone to take this Book of
MacRos to Tomas?

Katala said, 'I helped my husband catalogue the entire collection

MacRos left behind at Sorcerer's Isle, including those left behind there
and those sent to Stardock. There was no single volume I'm aware of
called "The Book of MacRos", so it may mean something else. "

Owyn looked at Graves and Gorath. 'Perhaps we should take this parchment
to Elvandar? "

Graves said, 'As much as I am in debt to you, Owyn, and your friends, my
life is held by a short thread. I must make my way to the

Temple of Ishap and face my punishment. "He glanced around, as if
fearfid of being overheard. 'If those here who have authority know a
tenth of what I have done, I would be in the dungeon below, I am
certain. "

Katala looked confused. 'Perhaps we can help?

Owyn held up his hand. 'Lady, he speaks true. He was moved by his love
for another, but he has betrayed his nation and his temple. "

Graves said, 'I must go to the temple and make my confession. If you
will excuse me, I will leave.'Taking Owyn by the elbow, he led him aside
and said, 'On your way north, stop at the Abbey of Sarth.

They will have knowledge of this Book of MacRos if anyone other than Pug
does. Besides, they should know of what we have seen. "

Owyn said, J was hoping to take ship. "He glanced at Katala. 'If the
magician's wife can arrange it. "

'Take ship from Sarth, "said Graves.

Owyn looked as if he had no better suggestion. 'Very well. What will
happen to you? "

Graves shrugged. 'Expulsion, certainly, and shame. I may be given a
chance to redeem myself through years of penance, but I think I will be
put on the street and told to leave. Perhaps a grace period or they'll
alert the Crown I have committed treason and the watch will be waiting
for me when 1 leave the temple. "He seemed fairly indifferent to his own
fate, but his manner and voice changed when he said, 'But 1 must get Kat
out of the city and safely away. I did this only to protect her, and if
I fail in that, all is futility. " 'How will she get away? "

Graves smiled. 'My Kat is a woman of no mean talent and wiles.

She has her route out of the city already chosen, I imagine, and if I
send her word, she will be gone by morning. " 'Can you get her wordy 'If
I can reach someone in the Mockers, no doubt. " 'Then fare you well,
Abbot. " 'Fare you well, Owyn. "He turned to face Gorath. 'Take care of
yourself, as. well. "He bowed to Katala. 'Lady, goodbye. "

He left.

Owyn turned to Katala and said, 'Lady, if you can facilitate getting us
the means, we will take this note to Elvandar. "

What do you need? "she asked. 'Funds, I fear, for we lost most of ours
in the north. Fresh horses, so we may ride to Sarth. Then we should sail
to Ylith and take horse to

Elvandar. I fear I am asking a great deal, and you know little of us. "
'I know that my daughter touched Gorath's mind, and after she said she
felt no malice in him toward us. "She looked at the dark elf and said,
'I find it odd, for all I have ever heard of your race is an abiding
hatred of ours. "

Gorath said, 'Two years ago, Lady, I would have found it equally odd.
All I can say is that life has turned and things are not as they once
were. "He stared out a window that overlooked the city. 'The world is
much larger than I once dreamed, or perhaps my place in it is smaller
than I once realized. "He shrugged as if the difference was unimportant.
'But whichever is true, it is far more complicated a place than I had
ever imagined in my years in the icy north. "He

went to the window and gripped the edge of it, his voice dropping. 'I
will help because I once had children. I can't say more of them, for the
pain still lingers, and that wound will not heal. "He looked at Katala.
'I will help find your husband, and I will bring your child home to you.
"

Katala, born of a race of proud warriors, looked at the moredhel
chieftain and her eyes were bright. No tears fell, but it was clear to

Owyn that Gorath's words had reached her. 'I will see what I can do, "
she said softly. Wait here. "

She left and Gorath and Owyn sat. Owyn said, 'Is it safe for you to
travel to Elvandar? "

Gorath smiled at Owyn and said, We'll find out, won't we? "

A note from Graves arrived at the palace the next day. It said, We're
fleeing to Durbin. Tell Jimmy I'm sorry. Graves. "

With the note was a hastily drawn map, and some instructions on how to
operate a secret entrance to the abbey from an abandoned dwarven mine
below. Scrawled at the bottom was the note, 'In case you have trouble
getting in. "

Katala arranged for horses and enough gold to secure passage by ship
from Sarth and get more horses when they reached Ylith.

The captain arranged for them to be accompanied by a patrol as far as
the road leading to the Abbey of Sarth and they left the following day.

Owyn memorized the map Graves had sent, then asked Katala to see that
James got it if he returned.

The trip north was uneventful, either because things had moved to a
point where Gorath's freedom was no longer important to Delekhan and his
agents, or because they just didn't know where he was any longer. At the
base of the road to the abbey, they parted company with the Kingdom
soldiers and headed up the hill.

As they rode, Gorath said, 'This must have been a fortress once. " 'I
believe it was, a robber baron's or something like that. The Prince of
Krondor at the time gave over the property to the Ishapians. "

As the road rounded a curve, Gorath said, 'It must have been a murderous
battle to storm that position and take it. "He pointed to the abbey, now
visible at the top of the mountain. High walls close to the sides of the
cliffs provided a daunting image. Owyn was forced

to agree that he would not wish to be among those storming this old
fortress.

They reached the gate and Owyn shouted, 'Hello, the abbey!"

To the right of the gate a figure appeared up on the wall. 'Hello,
travellers. What do you seek at the Abbey of Ishap at Sarth? " 'I carry
a message from Abbot Graves, late of Malac's Cross. "

The figure disappeared and a moment later, the large door swung open. As
they rode in, it swung dosed behind them and a very old monk, carrying a
large warhammer, stood behind them. 'By the beard of Tith! A Dark
Brother riding into the abbey like he belonged here. "

Another monk put up his hands in a calming gesture. 'Brother

Michael, these fellows say they carry word from Abbot Graves at

Malac's Cross. "He turned toward the two as they dismounted and said,
'Brother Michael is our Keeper of the Gate. Earlier in his life he was a
warrior, and occasionally he falls back into the habits of his youth. "

Gorath studied the grey-haired old man, still upright and strong,
despite his age. With a slight incline of his head, he showed his
respect. 'If his task is to be vigilant, he serves you well, "said

Gorath. 'I'm Dominic, Brother Prior to the abbey and in the Abbot's
absence, I am in charge. What may I do for you? "

Owyn introduced himself and Gorath and replied, We travelled with Squire
James of Krondor, and made the acquaintance of Abbot

Graves on our way to Romney a few months ago, and we had reason to visit
with Graves recently. He travelled with us to Krondor, to throw himself
on the mercy of the temple. " 'Come inside, "said Dominic. He motioned
to a monk to take their horses. 'Please, follow me. "

Dominic appeared to be a middle-aged man, but one who moved with a quick
step. His dark hair was showing grey, yet there was a light of curiosity
in his eyes that was refreshing. He showed them to an office and said,
'Please, sit down. Would you care for something to drink?

Water, please, "said Gorath.

Dominic asked a monk to fetch mugs of water and said, T remember James
from a visit here many years ago. He was quite a personality. "

'He still is, "said Gorath.

Owyn smiled at that. 'Abbot Graves asked me to tell you what has
occurred. "He summed up what he knew, then filled in details when

Dominic asked him some questions.

Finally, Dominic observed, Well, this is a matter for the mother temple
in Krondor, but I fear the Abbot will be subject to the most severe
punishment. "

CWHY?) asked Gorath.

Dominic looked at the dark elf. 'Why? For betraying us, of course. 'Do
you fault the tool for bad work, or the worker? " 'I don't take your
meaning, "said the monk. 'Your order selected this man. You subjected
him to whatever rites and oaths you human priests use. Yet you admitted
a flawed man to your ranks. "

Dominic sighed. We are not perfect. We make mistakes. It was a mistake
to admit Eihan Graves to our ranks, no matter how urgent he felt his
calling was. "

Owyn said, Well, at least he returned to pay his debt. "

Dominic sat back. 'I wonder..."After a moment of reflection, he stood
up. 'In any event, I cannot help you in the matter of this Book of
MacRos you mentioned. Pug allowed us to copy certain volumes in his
library in exchange for our sending him copies of a few volumes here in
our library. " 'Could the Book of MacRos be something that's stored
here, without your knowing? "asked Gorath.

Dominic motioned for them to walk with him. 'No, every volume in our
possession is catalogued and can be found easily by our master
librarian. "He took them through the main building of the abbey, and
said, 'Rest, and eat with us. I will send one of the brothers into town
to inquire after the next ship bound for Ylith. If you leave your horses
with us, you may reclaim them should you come this way again. " 'Thank
you, "said Owyn. They were shown to a room with two narrow beds. Gorath
lay down and was quickly asleep. Owyn lay down, but sleep was slow in
coming as his mind wrestled with questions for which he had no answer:
what would happen to Graves and his Kat? Where were James and Locklear?

And most of all, what was the Book of MacRos and where could they find
it?

James looked at the maps and shook his head. We just don't have enough
men. "

His makeshift staff stood arrayed around the table. James had appointed
new commanders, based on quick interviews with various soldiers in the
keep. He had appointed temporary officers and sergeants, and reorganized
patrols and duty rosters. The past week had seen things start to firm
up, but now he was getting reports of troo movements to the north. p

Whatever trouble we caused with our pranks up there seems to have
finally been overcome, "he said to Locklear, who stood to one side.
'It's clear theyre starting to stage for the move south. Another month
at the outside and theyre going to be heading our way. " 'Should we try
to send another messenger south? 'The Earl of Dolth has an outpost on
the northern edge of the

Blackwood. That's about the only place we haven't sent a messenger. "

He looked around the room. 'No, we're here, and unless help is already
on the way, we're on our own. See to your posts and try to keep a brave
face; our men need it. "

Locklear said, 'Should I ride out and take another look? "

James shook his head. 'No, they're coming. This report says there are
siege towers on the move, as well as catapults. " 'Then what next? "

We wait, "said James. 'Have a patrol sweep south and west, to make sure
we don't face surprises from unexpected quarters, then have the word go
out to the surrounding villages.'James had recalled the horse soldiers
from the town of Dencamp-on-the-Teeth, and was using them for patrols.
That also had gained him one sergeant with experience. J want militia
gathered and brought here and those who won't or can't fight sent to the
south. "He pointed to the map. 'Start digging traps here, in the
morning. By the time they get here,

I want their engineers having to fill pits all the way up that road. "

Locklear nodded. 'Shall I have crews start bringing up boulders? 'Yes.
There's a ridge here - 'his finger touched a spot on the map where a
ledge overhangs a curve in the road. If you build a wooden cradle and
fill it with boulders, we can pull out supports and rain

tones down on them. "He considered his situation and said, 'If they
don't bring magicians against us, we might possibly keep those damn
siege towers away from our walls. " 'B ah!"said a voice from the corner,
and James and Locklear turned to see Patrus standing a short distance
away. 'If they bring their spell-casters, I'll show them a thing or two.
"

James smiled. 'Good. We'll rely on you.'He looked at his long-time
friend. 'Any luck in finding the assassins?

Locklear shook his head. 'And I'm worried. It could be someone in the
garrison, in the staff, or someone who snuck in and then left. I don't
know. Two of the captains were killed while in the field, sleeping in
their own tents, and the Baron was poisoned, while no one else at the
table suffered so much as heartburn. " 'So we may have several
Nighthawks still among us? " 'Yes, "said Locklear. 'I wish we had a way
to ferret them out. " 'Let me roast a couple of prisoners over a fire,
"said Patrus with an evil cackle. 'That'll scare the rest of them into
confessing. "

James paused a moment, and Locklear said, Tou@re not thinking of taking
his suggestion seriously, are you? 'No,'saidjames with an impatient
shake of his head. Then suddenly his grin returned, and he said, 'But it
gives me an idea. "Turning to

Patrus, he said, 'Can you keep a secret? " 'Of course not, "said the old
man, then he laughed at his own joke. 'Good, because I have a secret I
want you to keep, for, oh, a few minutes at least. "

What's that? "asked the old magician with as delightedly evil an
expression as Locklear and James had ever seen.

James began to outline his plan and the magician began to chuckle again.

James and Locklear stood above the common dining hall, looking down from
a balcony that led into the late Baron's meeting room.

Soldiers were talking over their meal, their voices low. Locklear said,
it's spreading. " 'Like a rash, "said James.

When do you think they'll act? "asked Locklear. 'If I know my
Nighthawks, the second they think there may be a

way to discover who they are, theyll be looking for a way out. The
longer they wait around, the higher the chance of being discovered. "
'You think theyll believe Patrus? "

Why wouldn't they?'James asked. 'Most of these soldiers know nothing
about magic. As a group they're tough, good fighters, and not very
bright; else they wouldn't be up here on the border. " 'I can't argue
that, "said Locklear, who had spent more time on the border than James.
'You usually have to be pretty stupid to get banished up here. " 'Or if
you volunteer, you're even dumber, "offered James. 4 Anyone looking
nervous? "asked Locklear. 'Over there, those three in the corner. "

Locklear watched as three soldiers who had been sitting by themselves
huddled with heads low over the table, talking among themselves and
trying hard not to be overheard. One seemed to be arguing with the other
two, but whatever they were discussing, they were keeping it to
themselves.

Finally, the other two seemed to convince the dissenter of what it was
they,had been arguing, and the three of them stood up, one of them
looking around the room suspiciously, while the other two tried to
appear casual. 'Is the gate closed?'James asked. 'Of course, as you
ordered. " 'Then it's the postern gate, "said James.

What about the sally port? " 'Too close to the front gate. No, they'll
try to sneak out the back way. Besides, "said James with a smile, 'I
left it intentionally unguarded. An "oversight" by an "inexperienced
commander"." 'You're an evil bastard, Jimmy the Hand!

Why, thank you, Locky!"said James brightly.

They moved away from the balcony and hurried down a flight of stairs,
where two men they had decided could be trusted waited. The old sergeant
said, 'I saw three men leave a moment ago, squire. " 'Do you know them
well? " 'No. Two of them came in last summer, replacements from

Romney, and the other came here but a few weeks ago.

James nodded. 'They're the ones. If we check with the other men in the
command, I'm willing to wager one of them was working in

the kitchen the night the Baron died, while the other two were with the
two dead captains. "

Where are the others? asked Locklear. 'There are ten men I know I can
trust, squire, "answered the sergeant. 'Most have been here for years,
and one is my brother's son. Theyre all waiting near the stable. "
'Good, "said James. 'Let's go. "

The four of them hurried through a tunnel at the rear of the keep, and
came through a door that opened into the stabling yard. As

James had anticipated, the three suspected Nighthawks were hurrying
toward the stable.

The old sergeant put fingers between his teeth and whistled shrilly.

From the stable ten soldiers appeared, running at the three Nighthawks.

Instantly one of them turned and saw the four coming from the rear.
Seeing that they were surrounded, they offered no resistance.

But as James neared, he saw all three put their hands to their mouths.
'Stop them! Theyre swallowing poison!"

Soldiers sprang forward, but it was clearly too late. By the time they
reached the three the Nighthawks were already failing to the ground,
their eyes rolling back into their heads, and their bodies twitching
uncontrollably. 'Damn fanatics!"said James. 'Who are they, squiref asked
the old sergeant. 'True Nighthawks. Perhaps some left from the Great
Uprising or others recruited since then, but willing to kill and die for
dark powers. "

He looked at Locklear who nodded. 'Search them for any papers then burn
the bodies, "said Locklear. 'Now. " 'No priest? "asked the sergeant.
'There's a temple shrine to Limskragma down in the village of Putney. "
'No, "said James. 'Burn them within the hour. I want to make sure they
stay dead. " 'Stay dead? "asked the sergeant.

James didn't answer. No sense alarming the men, but he all too vividly
remembered those Nighthawks in the basement of a brothel in Krondor who
rose to kill only minutes after dying themselves. He hoped he would
never see anything like that again.

What do we do now? "asked Locklear as he overtook his friend.

James said, 'Sharpen our swords, oil our armour, and wait for

Arutha. "

Owyn had never liked sea travel, and Gorath admitted it was an alien
experience to him. Yet both managed to bear up under the swift voyage
from Sarth to Ylith. Favourable winds and no encounters with marauding
Quegan war galleys had kept the journey to under four days.

At Ylith they had purchased horses with the gold given them by

Lady Katala and after consulting with the local garrison commander,
discovered that things had turned quiet in the west. Whatever attempts
Delekhan had made to convince the Kingdom he was attacking in the west
had failed and the attempts had been abandoned.

Owyn could only conclude that was because the enemy now were preparing
to direct their attentions elsewhere.

Gorath pointed and said, 'On the other side of those mountains lies the
Green Heart. There hide some of my people opposed to

Delekhan. They will aid us if we find them. " 'According to the captain
in Ylith, "replied Owyn, 'we should find ourselves in dwarven territory,
near a place called Caldara. The dwarves should be willing to help us
get to Elvandar. "Gorath's expression clearly showed he thought that an
unlikely turn of events.

They rode toward Zan, where they would take a road into the mountains,
which should be clearing of snow as spring approached.

The garrison commander had given them warning that the short route to
Elvandar was the most dangerous and that if they wanted a safer way,
they should go north to Yabon, then westward along the River Crydee from
the Lake of the Sky, but that would add a month's travel. Owyn and
Gorath were both feeling that time was now their enemy.

The attack would come soon, for any timetable that sought to put an army
in Sethanon by summer would have to begin soon. No matter which route
Delekhan's forces took, they would have hundreds of miles to cover, and
supplies would be a problem. Forage along the way would be best in
spring and summer.

Owyn knew that even as they rode the enemy might be launching his
invasion of the Kingdom.

KRONDOK: THE BFTRAYAL 243

'@Where are they? "demanded James. He stood on the battlements of

Northwarden, staring up the gap as if he could see into the Northlands.

He had expected the attack a week earlier, and still there was no sight
of the enemy. 'Should I ride up and take another look around? "asked
Locklear. 'No. It will probably look the same as the last time, lots of
warriors gathering and arming.'James tried not to let the frustration
show, but it was difficult. 'They will come when they do, and there's
little we can do but wait. " 'At least Arutha and the relief should be
getting here sooner, "said

Locklear. 'Yes, "said James, 'if Owyn and Gorath got through. "Then he
looked down the road toward the enemy. 'But if they had, I would have
expected Arutha to be here by now. Something must have happened to them.
" 'Then you think we're not going to get help? "asked Locklear.

James shook his head. 'There's no force of size in the east close enough
to help. Other than the border barons, all our forces are in the south,
near the Keshian border or in the east, ready to deal with the eastern
kingdoms. "

Locklear sighed. He looked at James, then he smiled. Well, it's not the
first time we've found ourselves in a hopeless situation, is it? "

James said, 'No, but it's the first time we've been in charge of a
hopeless situation, "

Locklear's smile faded.

L

FIFTEEN

Cluest

W inds cut through the pass.

Gorath and Owyn pulled their cloaks tightly around them as they rode. It
was spring, but the mountains still held firmly to winter.

Gorath said, We're being watched. "

Who? " 'I don't know. But I've seen movement along the ridge above us
for the last hour. If they meant us ill, they would have attacked by
now. "

A few minutes later, a figure wrapped in a heavy cloak appeared on a
rock ahead of them. He stood waiting.

As they drew closer, Owyn saw it to be a single dwarf. He held up his
hand in greeting. Gorath reined in and said, 'Talk to him first, Owyn. "

Owyn nodded and moved ahead of Gorath, letting the moredhel follow a few
paccs behind. When they reached a point near the dwarf,

Owyn stopped, threw back his hood and said, 'Hero. "

The dwarf threw back his own hood, revealing a black beard of
awe-inspiring thickness and hair that refused to be organized into
anything remotely coherent; the moustache stood out like a huge
bristle-brush. The dwarf s eyes went from one rider to the other 'as he
regarded both with suspicion. 'Greetings,'he said calmly. 'What brings
you two up into the frosty passes of the Grey Towers? "

Owyn said, We carry a message from Lady Katala, wife of Pug the
magician, to Tomas, Warleader of Elvandar. "

The dwarf scratched his chin. 'That's a good one. I've not heard it
before. In fact, I'm inclined to believe you. "

Owyn said, "V'y wouldn't you? "

The dwarf pointed at Gorath. 'His kin have been coming down from the
north for the last year or better, and we'd forgotten how irritating
they could be as neighbours. "

Gorath pulled back his hood, and said, 'I doubt they feel any more
warmly toward your people, dwarf, but the problems between your people
and mine are for another time. Right now we need safe passage to
Elvandar. "

The dwarf squatted atop the rock and said, 'Elvandar? Well, if you say
so. As I understand such things, you're likely to get even less warm a
welcome from your cousins up there than you will from my folks. "

Looking at Owyn he added, 'You wouldn't have any sort of warrant from
someone in authority now, would you? "

Gorath nearly spat with contempt. 'And what gives you the right to ask
for such a thing, dwarf? "

Well, to begin with, you're on my land. Then there's the twenty of my
people who have surrounded you while we talked.'He whistled, and,
seemingly out of nowhere over a score of dwarves stood up. Owyn saw they
all were heavily armed. 'Point well taken, "said Owyn. He reached into
his tunic and pulled out a message from Katala, bearing a ducal imprint
and a countersignature from the Captain of the Royal Krondorian Guard.

The dwarf glanced at it and handed it back. Then with a grin he said, 'I
believed you from the first. Say what you will about the moredhel,
theyve never been demonstrably stupid, and riding in here in plain sight
would be exactly that if you were planning mischief.

Come along, we'll escort you into the village. " 'Village? "asked Owyn.
'Are we near Caldara? " 'Another half an hour. You can explain what it
is that's got you in such a hurry to reach Elvandar. " 'Explain to whom?
"asked Gorath. 'King Dolgan, "said the dwarf. 'Who else? "

Nothing more was said as they moved along the trail, and when the
cut-off appeared they followed it down into a small valley, in which
nestled a pretty little village. All the buildings were whitewashed
stone with thatched roofs, save a large wooden hall with a heavy log
roof which dominated the centre of the village. They made for that
building, and the dwarf who had led them said,

'The lads will take care of your horses. The King is inside the long
hall. "

They were at the narrow end of the long hall. Owyn and Gorath mounted
stone steps into the building. As they reached the door, the dwarf
halted. 'Present yourself to the King. I will see you later. "

Owyn said, 'Are you coming in?

The dwarf shook his head. 'No, I have other business. You'll be able to
find your way. Just follow the passage to the end of the corridor and
you'll see the King. "

Gorath said, 'You've been hospitable, dwarf. I would know your name.

The dwarf smiled. 'I am Udeff. I am the King's younger son. "

Owyn opened the door and found himself looking down a long hallway with
doors on either side, at the far end of which he could see a large room.
He moved down the corridor, and when he and Gorath reached the end of
the hall, they entered a common room dominated by a large square formed
by four long tables. At the closest corner sat five dwarves. One of them
stood and announced, J am Dolgan. " 4

Owyn bowed awkwardly and replied, 'Your Majesty. "

Dolgan waved away the title and said, 'Just Dolgan. "He tamped down a
pipe and lit it with a smouldering taper. 'Now, what brings you two to
Caldara?

Owyn said, 'Lady Katala, wife of Pug the magician, asked us to carry a
message to Warleader Tomas in Elvandar. "

Dolgan raised an eyebrow. 'Tomas is an old and dear friend.'With a smile
he added, 'An uncommon lad. "He glanced at Gorath and observed, 'You
pick unusual companions, boy. "

Owyn said, 'Gorath brought warning to the Prince that a leader named
Delekhan was mounting an invasion. "He went on to explain the entire
situation to the dwarven king, who listened without interrupting.

After Owyn was done, the old dwarf sat silently for a while, weighing
what he had heard. Then he looked at Gorath. Well, my old enemy, answer
me one question: why do you warn your enemies so that we may slaughter
your kin? "

Gorath was silent for a moment as he considered his reply; then he said,
'I do not wish to see my kin die. I wish to see Delekhasi overthrown. It
has gone too far, and too few of us oppose him, but

should the Kingdom defeat him, Delekhan will lose his hold upon my
nation. Then many of us will rise up and depose him. " 'Then what?
"asked Dolgan. 'Another warlord to rally around? Will you take his
place? "

Gorath looked at the old King and said, 'I think I will never again see
the Northlands. Two wives, two sons and a daughter have I lost.

All who are blood kin are dead. I have nothing there. But whatever may
occur in the future, well, I cannot speak to that; I can only say that
Delekhan must be stopped. "

Dolgan nodded once, emphatically. Well said. We shall help you.

During the Riftwar my people would move to Elvandar to fight with

Tomas and the elves every year. We have a safe route that will take you
close to their border and from there you can make your way safely to the
Queen's court. I'll send along a few of the lads to ensure those of your
kin and some goblins whove been pestering us lately don't give you any
trouble. "He stood up. 'Now, rest and eat and tomorrow we'll have you on
your way. "

Owyn said, 'Thank you ... Dolgan. "

The dwarven king smiled and said, 'That's it!"

Another dwarf, a young woman if Owyn judged her appearance correctly,
showed them to a room in the long hall. Gorath hesitated when he stepped
inside. 'Something .. 'What?'asked Owyn. 'A feeling, of ... call it a
memory. Great power was once here. "

The young woman said, 'Lord Tomas used to rest here when he wintered in
Caldara. I can sometimes feel it, too. If you need anything, just stick
your head outside the door and call for me; my name is Bethlany. "
'Thank you, "said Owyn.

Owyn sat on a bed while Gorath looked at the other in the room.

What they say of Tomas must be true, then, for me to sense the power of
the Valheru ten years or more after he slept here. "

Owyn said, 'Anything is possible. "He lay down. 'But right now I need
sleep. "

Gorath watched as the boy quickly fell asleep, but sleep was not
something Gorath felt in need of. He left the room after a minute and
walked to the door, then stepped outside.

Dolgan stood upon the porch of the long hall, looking out over

the village. It was comprised of a dozen buildings of varying size, a
few obviously dwellings, while the others appeared to be shops: a smith,
a carpenter, a baker. 'Pretty, isn't it? "asked Dolgan.

Even without the flowers of spring yet apparent, the valley was a lovely
place, nestled in pine and aspen. The people living there were
industrious and everything in sight spoke of bounty. High enough up the
hillside to be visible, cattle grazed in a meadow on the other side of a
stand of trees. Chickens and ducks squawked as they hurried across the
town's square, while a pair of dogs tried to herd them. 'It's a good
place, "agreed Gorath. 'I've only seen a few moredhel viflages, empty
after the Tsuraru drove your people from the high pastures. I remember
them as not that different from here. "

We build in a different fashion, "said Gorath. 'But shelter is shelter,
and we bake and work the forge, much as you and the humans do. " 'I'm
five hundred and twenty-eight years old next Midsummer's

Day, and I've fought for my people for most of those years.'Dolgan
looked up at the tall dark elf. 'Do you know that you're the first of
your kind I've ever had a civil word with? "

Gorath sat on the steps. 'And I with a dwarf. Or a human until a 2", few
months ago. "He leaned back against a supporting post and said, 'I find
the world a very different place than I thought it was when I was a boy.
I was but twelve summers when the safety of my band fell to me, and I
was thirty-seven summers when I avenged my father and became clan
chieftain. For more than a hundred years the Ardanien tribes lived in
the ice caves in the far north, where the sun never shines in winter and
never sets in summer. We hunted seal and walrus, traded with tribes to
the south of us, and lived apart even from most of our kinsmen. 'Then we
returned and I fought to preserve my clan, and we rose and became a
force within our nation. We had respect, we were feared, and when I
spoke in council, the Ardanien were heeded. "

What happenedy 'Murmandamus. " 'Which, the first or second? "

Gorath smiled. 'Both, you could say. The first was a remarkable',
creature. He spoke words that were compelling and insistent, and MY

people listened. I heard stories from those who had known him. We rose
and struck south and overran the humans in Yabon. 'But Murmandamus died
and yet his legend lived, and when the second Murmandamus appeared, we
were ready to follow without question. " 'Blind obedience is a dangerous
thing. "

Gorath nodded. 'Before the second Murmandamus, some of my race were
dislodged from the Northlands by more powerful clans, and they came
south of the Teeth of the World. Others, like my clan, lived in the ice
caves in the far north. We had one such upheaval a hundred years ago. "
'I remember, "said Dolgan. 'Some of your lads got a little bold and
rnade free to come this way. " 'I have never before ventured so far
south on this side of the Bitter

Sea. When a lad I fished the sea near what the humans ca-U Sarth. "

He sat back and dosed his eyes. 'I never thought I'd live to see the

Grey Towers.'He looked at Dolgan. 'Some of my kinsmen, especially those
who followed my cousin Obkhar, may be coming this way to live again in
the Green Heart. "

Well, as long as they stay down in the trees we won't trouble their
passing. We never had much trouble with the Green Heart moredhel, but
your clans up here in the mountains were not gracious neighbours. "

Gorath studied the dwarf and laughed. 'You sound like your son.

As I told him, 1 suspect my people would have little charity in their
description of you as neighbours. " 'Aye, that's true, I'm sure, "Dolgan
chuckled. 'But what has long puzzled me is why that is so. We dwarves,
despite our skills in warcraft, are a peaceful enough folk when left
alone. We trouble no one who doesn't trouble us. We love our children,
tend our herds, and winter in our long hall singing and drinking ale.
It's a good life. 'But you're the first of your kind I've spoken with in
peace since was born, Gorath, so I must ask you this: why do you
moredhel hate us dwarves and the humans so? "

Gorath considered the question for a long while, then said, 'When

I fled south from my homeland, chased by my own cousin who sought to
kill me, I would have answered you one way. I would have said,

"When the Valheru left, they made us a free people, and gave to

us this world, and you and the humans are invaders. You take what is
ours . 'Now, I don't have an answer. "

What's changed? "asked Dolgan, genuinely curious. 'Many things, "said
Gorath. 'My own people have become

He sighed, long and as if releasing something held back a long time.
'Many years ago we were much the same people, those of us who became the
moredhel, eldar, eledhel, glamredhel. We were the people in our tongue.
Most of our names were given by our enemies.

Eledhel is a word that was coined by my people in contempt: the " elves
of light" in the human tongue. It was a mocking name, hurled at those
who sought to make themselves better than the rest of us.

They called us "dark ones", or moredhel. We named the glamredhel, the
"mad ones".

We, who were once one race, are now so different, one from another, that
I think we have lost any sense of what we once were. "

Dolgan nodded, but said nothing as he listened closely. 'Did you know
that we cannot father a child on an eledhel or glamredhel woman? "

Dolgan shook his head. 'It is thought by our healers that something is
needed between a man and woman of our race, something that has changed
so profoundly we are as different now as dwarf or human to our own
cousins. "

Dolgan said, 'That is most passing strange. " 'I am old by the measure
of my people, "said Gorath. 'Two hundred and sixty summers will I see
next Midsummer's Day. My birthright is three times that; only our
cousins in Elvandar reach those spans of years, Dolgan. And that is
because they have found one thing we have never known in the north:
peace. "

Dolgan sighed. 'Peace is a wonderful thing to find, either for one's
people...'He looked Gorath in the eyes. 'Or within your own heart. "

Gorath looked out at the serene tableau before him and said, We live
behind walls. Our villages are fortresses. No woman goes to herd sheep
or cattle without a sword at her hip and a bow across her back.

Our children play with weapons. "He hung his head, looking down at the
dirt. We let them cut themselves so they learn early lessons.

I despair for my people, Dolgan. "

Dolgan again was silent, then he said, 'I think you need to go to

Elvandar. For more reasons than simply to take a message to Tomas. "

He stood up. 'But right now I think you could use a long draught of ale.
And I happen to know where we can find one. "

Gorath managed a slight smile and said, 'You treat an enemy with
hospitality, Dolgan. "

Dolgan shook his head as he said, 'You're no enemy of mine,

Gorath of the Ardanien. That's as plain as the beard on my chin. "

Dolgan led Gorath inside.

Owyn awoke to the sound of laughter and walked to the common room, to
find Gorath and Dolgan and half a dozen other dwarves all drinking and
telling stories. One of the dwarves not known to

Owyn said, 'Aye, goblins will do that, if you convince them it's a good
idea. "

Peering out the window, Owyn saw that it was morning and said, 'You've
been drinking all night? "

Dolgan said, Welcome, my friend. "He put his feet down from where he had
had them on the table and looked out the window. 'Aye, so it seems. Care
to drain a flagon? " 'It's a little early for me, and besides, we must
head for Elvandar. "

Dolgan said, 'True. Well, then, some food to break your fast, then on
your way. "The old dwarf pounded on the table. 'Fooff

Soon the other dwarves had taken up the chant and were pounding the
tables with their pewter flagons, shouting, 'Food! Food! Fooff

An old dwarven woman in a grey dress with her hair tucked up under a
white linen cap entered from the kitchen, with a large wooden spoon.
Waving it like a weapon, she said, 'Keep your armour on, you lazy
louts!"

Half a dozen other dwarves followed, each carrying a platter of food.
There were spiced fruits, hot sausages, loaves of steaming bread, jars
of butter and honey and savoury flat cakes. And more ale.

Owyn sat down and said, 'I am astonished at how much ale you can consume
without any ill effect. " 'A hearty constitution is a dwarfs heritage,
"said Dolgan. 'Aye, "agreed Gorath. 'That's the truth. Try chasing one
for three or four days. "

All the dwarves fell silent, then suddenly they all erupted into

raucous laughter. Then with a wry, self-deprecating smile, Gorath added,
'Or running from one. "

The hilarity redoubled, the dwarves fell to the breakfast fare with
vigour.

After the meal the horses were brought, and Owyn discovered they had
been stocked with enough food for weeks. The animals had been fed and
watered, and all the tack had been cleaned and repaired. Owyn said,
'Dolgan, my thanks. " 'For nothing, lad, "said the dwarven king. He
pointed to Gorath. 'You gave me a rare chance to know this fellow, and
it was my pleasure.)

Gorath extended his hand to Dolgan and they shook. 'Your hospitality is
unmatched, friend dwarf. " 'And you are always welcome in Caldara,
Gorath of the Ardanien. " 'I thank you, "said Gorath, and he mounted his
horse.

A group of young dwarves approached, armed and armoured, and

Dolgan said, 'I'm sending some of the lads with you to the River

Crydee. They'll make sure you get there in good order. " 'Again, thanks,
"said Owyn. They set out at a walk, with t dwarves moving out on foot.
Owyn turned to Gorath and asked, 'You fit to ride? "

Gorath laughed, and said, 'No, but let's go anyway. " 'You are in an
unusually cheerful mood, Gorath. " 'Yes, "said the dark elf. 'It's been
too long since I've had the company of other warriors, good ale, and
stories of valour and courage. "He lost his smile. 'Far too long. "

They were silent as they rode out of the dwarven village.

Travel through the woodlands of the Green Heart and the eastern edge of
Crydee Forest was uneventfid. A week after having left

Caldara they reached the banks of a river. The leader of the dwarves, a
warrior named Othcal said, We will part company here.'He pointed. 'That
is the River Crydee. On the other bank is Elvandar. "

Gorath said, 'I could sense it since yesterday. "He spoke softly.

Othcal pointed down a trail. 'A bit more than a mile down there is the
ford we use. Go there and wait. "

They bid the dwarves farewell, and rode on. Wait for what? "

Owyn asked.

'You will see, "said Gorath.

They reached the ford, a large bar of sand held by stone which had
caused the river to widen and run fast, but one which the horses could
navigate without trouble. They waited. 'I don't mean to nag, " said
Owyn, 'but what are we waiting for? " 'To be invited to enter. None may
enter the elven forests unbidden ' 'What happens if you try? " 'Bad
things. " 'I won't try. What do we do to let them know we're here?
'Nothing. They know. "

A few minutes later a voice called from the other bank in a language

Owyn didn't understand. Gorath replied in the King's Tongue: 'Two who
seek entrance to Elvandar. We carry a message for Warleader

Tomas from the Lady Katala, Pug's wife. "

There was a momentary pause, then a figure appeared on the other side of
the river. 'I would know your name and line. "

Gorath said, 'I am Gorath of the Ardanien, chieftain of my clan. "

He glanced at Owyn.

Owyn said, 'I am Owyn, son of the Baron of Timons. " 'Enter, "said the
elf.

They rode their horses across the ford and halted as half a dozen elves
appeared from behind the trees. The leader approached and said,

We are a full days ride to the edge of the elven glades, and another day
to the Queen's court. "Without saying anything else, he set off at an
easy run, while two other elves fell in behind. The remaining elves
stayed behind.

Owyn studied them as he trotted along beside the elves, and realized he
could not tell the difference between them and Gorath's people by casual
appearance. But there was a subtle difference in their manner and
bearing.

Gorath was tall, broad-shouldered and powerful. Owyn had seen him move,
quick and deadly. These elves appeared more slight, less broad of
shoulder and chest, yet equal to Gorath in height. But the biggest
difference appeared to be how they moved. There was ease in their
movement, as if they were one with the surrounding forest, and it was
what Owyn could only label grace. They were graceful.

They ran for an hour, apparently without tiring, then halted to rest a
few minutes. Gorath studied his distant kin and said nothing.

With some silent communications, the only part of which Owyn noticed was
Gorath nodding slightly, the elves stood and waited while

Gorath and Owyn remounted. They rode until sundown, then the elf who had
bid them enter the elven woods said, We will carnp. "

By the time Owyn had his horse unsaddled and tended to there was a fire
burning in the clearing. A waterskin was passed and food appeared from
hip packs. The elves sat upon the ground, or lay upon hip and elbow and
remained silent.

After eating, Owyn spoke to the one whom he considered the leader, the
first who had spoken and said, 'Might I know your name? " 'Caladain,
"said the elf. He pointed to the other two and said, 'These are Hilar
and Travin.'They inclined their heads toward Owyn in turn.

Owyn suddenly realized he didn't have any idea of what to say, so he
remained silent. Gorath finally said, 'The eledhel aren't given to idle
chatter like you hurnans. "

The elves smiled politely, as if they didn't feel quite the same way,
but Owyn could see they were amused by the comment. 'I see, "was all
Owyn said.

He finally got out his bedroll, spread it, and lay down without comment.
Soon he was asleep under the bowers of the elven forest.

The journey continued with almost no conversation, but late in the
second day, Owyn noticed the woodlands darkening off to his left. 'Is
there something over there that's different from where we are now? "

Caladain asked, 'Have you some magic skills? " 'Yes, why? " 'Because
most of your race would not notice the difference. Yes, that is one of
the sleeping glades. Those who come here unbidden would be opposed by
more than our warcraft. These very woods are our allies and we have many
such places. In that stand of woods YOU would find yourself wanting to
sleep and it is a sleep from which you would not awake without magic. "

Owyn glanced at Gorath and said, 'The bad things you mentioned '

Gorath nodded. 'Our legends warn of many such dangers in the

home of our -' he glanced at his escorts '- cousins, "he finished

Owyn couldn't be certain, but he thought the elves looked troubled by
the reference.

They moved across a tiny stream, and then up a rise, then entered a vast
clearing. Owyn and Gorath reined in.

Separated from where they stood by an open meadow, a huge tree city rose
upward. Massive trunks, dwarfing the most ancient oak, rose to stunning
heights. They were linked by graceful branches, forming bridges that
were flat across the tops. Most of the trees were deep green, but here
and there could be seen one with leaves of gold, silver, or even white
foliage, sparking with a faint light. A soft glow bathed the area and
the sight of it warmed Owyn in a way he couldn't explain.

Elves could be seen moving along the branches, or at the base where
fires burned as cooks laboured, smiths worked metal, and other crafts
were undertaken. It was the most beautiful place Owyn had ever seen.

He could hardly pull his eyes away, until Caladain said, 'Elvandar. "

Owyn looked at Gorath and saw his companion sitting in rapt amazement.
His eyes were wide and shining, moisture gathering in them. He said
something softly, as if to himself, in a language

Owyn didn't understand. Owyn looked at Caladain, who said, 'He said,
"How could we know?... 'Gorath? asked Owyn.

Gorath dismounted and said,'It's a legend. Barmatindar, the golden home
of our race. "

Caladain said, We will take your horses. Walk to that tree with the
white leaves, and others will meet you and guide you to our queen. "

Owyn and Gorath moved across the clearing and as they neared the trees,
they saw elven children playing. Elven women sat in a circle carding
wool, and in another area elven bowyers and fletchers worked on bows and
arrows.

Three elves approached and the first said, Welcome to Elvandar.

I am Calin, son of Queen Aglaranna. "

Owyn said, 'Highness. I am Owyn Belefote, son of the Baron of

Timons. "

I am Gorath of the Ardanien. " 'What brings you to our home? "

'I bring a message from the Lady Katala, Pug's wife, to Tomas, " replied
Owyn. 'Then follow me, "said the Prince. He sent one of the others ahead
as he walked with Owyn and Gorath. 'You are the first of your people to
come to us in many summers, "said Calin to Gorath.

A flurry of footfalls on the ground alerted them to a band of young,
male elves running after one who held a token. The one in the lead. was
blond, fair to the point of having almost white hair, and he was looking
over his shoulder when he almost ran into Calin.

With a laugh, Calin caught him spinning him in a full circle, saying,
'Cautiously, little brother. "

The boy stopped and saw Owyn and Gorath, and said, 'Now I see why you
speak the tongue of the Kingdom. "He stopped and said, 'Your pardon. "
'None needed, "said Calin with a laugh.

We were playing hound and hare, and I was the hare. " 'You were on the
verge of being caught. "

The boy shook his head. 'I let them stay close so they don't get
discouraged. "

Calin said, 'This is Owyn, from the human city of Timons, and this is
Gorath of the Ardanien. "

The Prince turned and said, 'This is my younger brother, Calis. "

The boy nodded and said, Welcome Owyn of Timons.'To Gorath he spoke in a
different language, and at the end he seemed to be waiting. Then Gorath
stepped forward and they shook hands. Calis looked over his shoulder at
his friends, who were standing silently watching Gorath with intense
curiosity. He shouted, 'Catch me!"and was off.

A moment later, the others were in pursuit. Owyn said 0 Gorath, what did
he say to you? "

Gorath looked genuinely unsure of himself. 'He said, I will fight you if
I must, but I would rather you were my friend"."Looking at

Calin he said, 'Your younger brother is a most remarkable youth. "

Calin nodded. 'More than you realize. Come, we have a short walk ahead.
"

He led them up a flight of steps cut into the side of a huge tree. Calin
warned, 'Don't look down if you have a fear of heights,

Owyn.@

They moved deeper into Elvandar and the closer they got to the

Queen's court, the more wonderful the place became. Soon they reached a
large platform, upon which rested a half-circle of benches, and at the
apex of the arc sat two thrones. Calin said, 'My mother, may I present
two visitors: Owyn, son of the Baron of Timons, and

Gorath, chieftain of the Ardanien. "He turned to the two travellers and
escorted them to stand before a stunning woman who sat on her throne.
'My friends, my mother, Queen Aglaranna. "

The Queen was a regal beauty, with arching eyebrows atop wide-set eyes
of pale blue. Her hair was reddish gold and she was serene in her ease.
Welcome, "she said, with a musical note in her voice. To Owyn she said,
'Our human friends are always welcome in Elvandar. "To

Gorath she said, 'As are our kin who come to us in peace. "

She motioned and said, 'Our ranks lack only your presence,

Gorath. "He looked where she indicated and saw her advisors, a tall elf
of many summers, next to whom stood one who was known to Gorath.
'Earanorn!"

The leader of the glarnredhel nodded. His expression was cold, but he
held his place. 'Gorath, "he said.

Another elf, one who looked as old as the first said, 'I am Aciala, of
the Eldar, and am most pleased to see you here. "

Gorath was quiet for a long time, and Owyn was convinced some sort of
communication was passing among the elves, silent but apparent to them.
Then in a strange gesture, Gorath pulled his sword from its scabbard. He
moved toward the Queen, and Owyn was suddenly alarmed. But he noticed no
discomfort on the part of the others.

Gorath placed his sword at the Queen's feet, and knelt before her.

Looking up, he said, 'Lady, I have returned. "

SIXTEEN

Tasks

T he Queen stood.

She stepped down to stand before Gorath, then she leaned over and placed
her hands on his shoulders. 'Rise, "she said gently.

Gorath did so and the Queen studied his face. When those of our lost
cousins return to us, there is a recognition of this change within them.
"Her smile was reassuring and her tone conciliatory as she said, 'But in
you I sense something different. You have not returned to us yet,
Gorath, but you are returning. Your journey back to your people is not
yet complete. "She looked at the glamredhel leader and said, 'There are
others here who also have not finished their journey, so you are not
alone. When you have completed your return to us, then you will be given
a new name, but until then you are still Gorath. But now you are Gorath
of Elvandar. You have come home. "

She embraced him, holding him for a long, reassuring moment and returned
to her throne. Owyn watched as Gorath picked up his sword and returned
it to his scabbard. The young nobleman said, 'If it pleases

Your Majesty, may I ask a question? " 'You may, "said the Queen as she
sat upon her throne.

J bear a message to your husband from the wife of Pug the magician '

Aglaranna turned to Calin and said, 'Son, please escort these two to my
private apartment. "

Prince Calin indicated Gorath and Owyn should follow him. Th bowed once
more to the Queen and she said, 'You may go, and whe you've finished
speaking with Tomas, return and we shall feast. "

As they walked away, Owyn said to Gorath, 'I don't quite unde stand what
I just saw. "

'I'll explain it to you later, "said Gorath.

Calin said,'My mother's husband was injured in a skirmish near the
border with a band of moredhel who were trespassing on our lands as they
raided south. " 'Those were not raiders, "said Gorath. 'Those were
members of

Obkhar's clan fleeing Delekhan for the Green Heart. "

Calin inclined his head at the correction. 'In any event, Tomas was
struck by a poisoned arrow and is now resting. "

He pushed aside a richly-decorated tapestry and led them out onto a
large private terrace that overlooked the splendour of Elvandar. In an
alcove that could be masked off with a large curtain, a large man lay
upon a bed. Calin said, 'Let me see if he's awake. " 'I am awake, "came
a weak voice from the alcove.

Calin said, 'Tomas, this is Owyn, from Timons, and Gorath, one of our
people returning. They bear a message from Pug's wife. "

Owyn and Gorath approached and saw a large young-looking man, easily six
inches past six feet in height, lying beneath a down quilt, with pillows
propping up his head. Gorath faltered as he reached a point a few feet
from the bed. 'I had heard rumours, "he said softly, 'though few counted
them true. But they are true. He is

Valheru. "

Calin said, 'Not entirely, to our everlasting thanks. "

Tomas said, 'I would rise to greet you, but I am presently in little
condition to do so. " 'Poison? "asked Gorath. "What manner? " 'A thin
green substance unknown to us. " 'Coltari,'said Gorath. 'It is rumoured
to be from the Tsurani world, named after the province from which it
came. It came to us about the time Delekhan began to rally the clans. "

Calin said, 'Is there any antidote? " 'May I see the wound?

Tomas motioned for Gorath to approach and Tomas moved, turning his head
to show an angry wound on the right side of his neck, just above the
shoulder.

Gorath said, 'By rights you should be dead. "

Tomas smiled and Owyn was struck by his youthful expression. He was a
striking man, with angular features, and his ears were almost as pointed
as an elf s. 'I have discovered that I'm rather hard to kill. But

I certainly can be brought to my knees. I haven't the strength of a
day-old puppy. "

Gorath said, 'If he's lived this long, he will recover, but how long
that will take I cannot say. Those who have suffered mild Coltari
poisoning have lingered weeks before starting a slow recovery. "

Tomas said, 'I shall be myself in a few more days. "

Cahn said, 'My mother's husband is always optimistic. He shall be abed
for weeks, I think. Our healers have done all they can. "

What is this message you bear from Katala? "asked Tomas.

Owyn said,'She bids us tell you that Pug and Gamina have vanished from
Krondor. Pug left behind a cryptic note: To Tomas! The Book of MacRos!"

We stopped at the Abbey of Sarth along the way and they have no
knowledge of such a book. Is it something you possess? " 'Yes, "said
Tomas, 'but it is not a book, in truth. Calin, would you bring me that
box next to my weapons chest? "

Calin did as he was requested and carried a small box to Tomas.

Tomas opened it and took out a scroll. 'Book of MacRos is a phrase

Pug and I agreed on to let me know he was in dire need of my help.

He created this scroll so that whoever reads it will be taken to Pug. "

He sat up. 'Calin, help me on with my armour. "

Calin said, 'No, Tomas. You have no strength. You will not help your
friend in your present condition. " 'But Pug would only send such a
message if he was in dire need of help. "

Calin said, 'I will go. " 'No, "said Gorath. We will go. "

Owyn said, 'Our mission from Prince Arutha was to find Pug, and if this
takes us to him, then we have fulfilled our mission.

Looking at Calin, Gorath said, 'No slight intended, Prince Calin, but if
I am not a more experienced warrior than you I will be surprised.

And you have a duty to the people here, to lead the warriors while

Tomas heals. "

Owyn said, 'And I know some magic, Lord Tomas, which may prove
important. "

Tomas said, 'Or I could wait a few more days. " 'Time is fleeting, "said
Gorath. We have already been weeks on this,, journey, and soon Delekhan
will launch his assault on the Kingdom.

Arutha fears his magicians, which is why he wishes Pug's counsel. Let us
go. We may not be the best choice, but we are here and willing. "

Owyn took the scroll and said, 'Please? "

Tomas nodded, and Gorath said, 'Tell the Queen we will feast when we
return. "

Owyn unrolled the scroll and glanced at it. 'Gorath, stand behind me
with your hands on my shoulders. "

The scroll was written in an alien tongue, yet the writing captured his
senses and forced his eyes to follow line by line, and as he did so
symbols appeared in his mind's eye, burning brightly like letters of
fire. When at last he reached the final phrase, the area around them
swam and flickered, then suddenly they were propelled through a
glassy-looking plane hanging in a grey void.

Through a tunnel of light they raced, with sensations rushing through
them like sounds and aromas, yet gone before they could be fully
apprehended. Then suddenly they raced toward another shimmering pane of
silver light and found themselves lurching forward onto the ground.

They stood upon grey powdery soil, with large reddish rocks rearing up
on two sides. The sky was a vivid violet, rather than blue, and the air
smelled of odd and alien odours. The wind was dry and cold. 'Where are
we? "asked Gorath.

Owyn said, 'Nowhere on the world we know. We are somewhere else. "
'Where? " 'I don't know, "said Owyn. To the east a small and angry white
sun was setting over the mountains, plunging the area into shadows of
indigo and black. 'But it appears that night is falling and we need
shelter of some sort. "

Owyn attempted to activate the spell he knew that permitted him to
create light and suddenly he knew a terrible truth. 'Gorath! Magic
doesn't work here!"

James studied the map. 'Are you sure? "he asked the soldier. 'Yes,
squire. I saw at least three of their patrols moving along that goat
trail and over the ridge. "

Locklear looked at the positions on the map and asked, 'What are they
doing? "

'They can't move any significant number of warriors over that trail, so
they must have been scouts. But scouting for what? " 'Perhaps they want
to see if we're being reinforced? suggested the soldier.

Well, if they see reinforcements, I hope they have the courtesy to let
us know, "said Locklear. 'It's if they don't see reinforcements that we
should expect to be attacked, "said Jimmy, not seeing any humour in the
situation. To the soldier, he said, 'Order a galloper to ride a day
toward Dimwood and then back. I want word of any sign of the Prince
being on the way. If not, I expect we'll be attacked soon. "

The soldier hurried out, and James turned to Locklear. 'I think that we
have to assume Gorath and Owyn didn't make it. " 'So we must assume that
we're holding this position until ...

We get relief or we get overrun. "

Locklear was silent a moment, then asked, 'Do we organize a retreat like
we did at Highcastle if it becomes apparent we're going to lose? "

James was silent a very long time as he considered the question. 'No. We
stand or die. "

Locklear let out a long, theatrical sigh, and said, 'I guess that's why
we have offices. " 'I believe Arutha would say, "It's time to earn our
pay"."

Locklear seemed to muster resolve from within, and said, 'Very well,
let's make sure we earn it with distinction. "

They left the late Baron's office and set about the many tasks before
them in preparation for the coming battle.

The sun rose on a desolate and alien world. The few minutes the
quickly-vanishing sun afforded them the evening before had been spent
finding a shallow cave. It provided slight shelter, but they had spent a
cold and hungry night in the dark.

As the sky lightened, Gorath woke Owyn. The young magician had been in a
near-frantic state after discovering his magic wouldn't work on this
world.

And that was the other shock that had almost reduced Owyn to mindless
panic: they were on another world. There was no doubt about it. Gorath
knew the northern night sky of Midkemia as well as anyone who lived much
of his life out of doors, but even Owyn knew

there were three moons on Midkemia, and not a single large one that
bulked in the sky twice the size of the largest one at home.

Where is Pug? "asked Gorath.

Owyn said, 'If the spell was designed to bring Tomas to him, he must be
close. "

Gorath looked at the ground as the sky lightened above him. 'Look, " he
said, pointing at the ground. 'Tracks. "

Owyn looked and saw scuff marks in the earth. 'Perhaps this was where
Pug appeared, and that's as dose as the spell can bring someone. "He
winced as he considered what he just said. What am

I babbling about? I have no idea what has occurred to us, or to Pug
before us. "

Gorath knelt and studied the tracks. 'One pair of tracks begins there.
"He pointed to a place roughly where they had appeared, then his hand
traced a line. Whoever left those tracks went that way. "

He stood and began following the tracks while Owyn glanced around. The
light appeared wrong, and the sky was almost clear, with a few wispy
high clouds barely visible in the upper atmosphere.

The wind was dry and cold and there was scant vegetation in sight, and
most of it reminded Owyn of the high rocky hills through which he had
travelled in the Northlands with Gorath.

Gorath said, 'Other tracks join here. "He pointed to a place on the
ground that looked like nothing more than a few scuff marks in the soil.
'If those first tracks belonged to Pug, he was met or followed by at
least four others. They all moved off in that direction. "He pointed to
a series of small hills in the distance. 'Then I guess that's where we
go. "

As the sun rose the days temperature began to increase. 'This is a
desert, "said Owyn. 'I've heard stories from those whove travelled in
the Jal-Pur. The cold night fooled me. "He stopped and opened his travel
pack. He removed an extra tunic, and tied it over his head, like a hood.
'Before we do anything else, we need to find water. "

Gorath looked around and finally said, 'You are right. I see no open
water anywhere. "He looked at their apparent goal. J know little of
deserts, but I would think if there was water to be found, it would as
likely be found in those hills. Let us continue on that course. "

Without a better option to offer, Owyn agreed. They trudged over a
landscape of hardpan, broken rocks and eroded ridges. 'If anything

ever flourished in this land, it has long since died out, "observed

Gorath. As they walked, he asked, 'Have you any insight into why your
magic will not work here? 'No, "said Owyn, looking dispirited. 'I have
tried every cantrip and incantation, meditation and exercise I could
remember. All seem to function as they were designed to, but there was
no ... magid' He shook his head. 'It's as if there is no mana here. "
'Mana? "asked Gorath. 'It's one term for it, "said Owyn. 'At least
that's what Patrus called it.

I don't know if other magicians do. But it's the energy that binds with'
everything else, yet can be manipulated to create magic. Most people
don't understand how magic works. I don't have the power within me.

All I know are series of words, actions, images; things that help me
gather the power, or mana, from the world around me. It's as if the mana
doesn't exist here. It makes me wish I was a Lesser Path. " 'What is
that? "asked Gorath, letting the boy instruct him rather than go along
in silence. 'They operate on a different ath of magic. Patrus is a
Lesser Path p who suggested I go to Stardock when it was dear he was
teaching me the "wrong" magic. Before Pug had travelled to the Tsurani
world no one knew of the differences between the two paths of magic; at
least no one on Midkemia. 'The Lesser Path is part of the magic, for
lack of a better term.

The magician links into the very nature of the soil below his feet, or
the water that's everywhere, even in the sky, or the wind itself. The
potential for most things to burn fuels the nature of those magicians
whose nature is linked to fire. I think a Lesser Path magician might be
able to milk some small magic out of this place, but I am powerless. "

Would this be true of Pug? " 'I don't know, "said Owyn. 'He is rumoured
to be more than Lesser

Path or Greater Path. "Owyn glanced around. 'But it may also be that his
powers are diminished enough that he might have been overcome here by
others. I do know one thing. "

What? "

Without Pug we have no chance of returning to Midkemia. "

They walked on in silence for hours after that.

It was the middle of the next day when they saw the dome. The heat had
reduced them to a slow, plodding walk, and there was no sign of water.
The skins at their hips were now empty and Owyn was starting to feel the
effects of dehydration. In silence they moved toward the dome. As they
got close they saw it was a structure, made of some sort of hides
stretched out over a web of sticks. 'It looks like a yurt, " said
Gorath.

What is that? " 'The nomads of the Thunderhell Steppes use them. They
can erect them or take them down in minutes. "

He pulled his sword and moved around the building until he found the
entrance, masked by a single curtain of leather. He pushed it aside with
the point of his sword and when nothing happened, stuck his head inside.
'Come see this,'he said to Owyn.

Owyn followed him inside and looked around. The structure was empty,
save for a faded cloth that once might have been a rug, upon which
Gorath sat. He held out a piece of parchment. It was written upon in
charcoal.

Owyn took it and read:

Tomas,

As Katala no doubt sent you word, I imagine you have heard that Gamina
and I are missing. She has been abducted by the

Tsurani magicians who serve Makala and has been transported here. I will
give you more details once we meet, but I am limited to two pieces of
parchment and must be brief.

Do not depend on Magic here. It does not function. I have some theories
as to why, but again I will save those until we meet. Its absence may be
due to this planet having once been visited by the Valheru, but your
inherited senses may have alerted you to this fact already. A violent
race resides here, and I have already had to elude four of them. They
appear to be related to the Pantathians, similar enough in appearance
that I judge they were left here by Alma-Lodaka during the time of the
Valheru. raids across the skies. Be wary of them, for I think they serve
our enemies, somehow.

Gamina is still missing and I have made a sweep of the entire

area. I am leaving in the morning to visit the northern tip of this
island. From a hill nearby you can see what appear to be ruins there.
Perhaps there I will find an answer. Look for me there.

Pug

Well, that is where we must go next, "said Gorath. 'I wish he had said
somethin about water, "said Owyn. 9 'If others live on this island,
there will be water somewhere. "

Owyn nodded, but he didn't speak his concern, that they might not find
it in time. 'At least we know it's an island, now, "said Gorath. 'That's
good. "

Why? " 'Because it means we can't wander for ever, "said the dark elf

Owyn found the humour a little too grim for his taste and said nothing.
They trudged on and when they crested the ridge, they could see in the
distance the structures Pug had referred to. More, they saw what looked
to be a vast blue body of water beyond. 'If we can get to the shore,
"said Owyn, 'I think I can contrive a way for us to get water without
salt. " 'Perhaps this island exists in a vast lake, "said Gorath
hopefully. 'That would be welcome. "

They moved down the ridge and as they reached the bottom of the ridge,
Gorath shouted, Water!"He bent and tasted it. 'It's fresh!

Hand me your skin. "

Owyn did so and after a minute, Gorath handed him back the skin,
partially filled, so that he could drink without waiting any longer.
Owyn drank and Gorath said, 'Slowly. Too fast and you may swoon.

Owyn forced the liquid from his lips. It was thick with the taste of
minerals and warm, but it was the best water he could remember tasting.
He watched as Gorath did the same with his own waterskin, then set it
aside and took back Owyn's. This time he filled both skins and said, 'I
will mark this place, so if we don't find another source on our search
we can return here. "

Owyn nodded, and said, We are close to those ruins. "

Gorath said, We should reach there before sundown. "

They drank their fill, then moved on.

They encountered another yurt-like dwelling, almost b uried in the dust,
a few hundred yards shy of their goal. They had thought they had seen
ruins, but at this distance, they could see seven massive pillars
appearing to be fashioned from stone. Gorath again used his sword to
move aside the leather curtain of the hut, and Owyn peeked in.

Inside he found another note:

Tomas,

While I have so far found no evidence of Gamina in the ruin, I have
learned some things about this planet. Magic has been transformed here;
what some magicians call 'mana' has been reduced to a crystal form. No
natural phenomenon could account for such a transformation, so I can
only assume some agency on the order of the gods did this, as even the
Valheru would only have created a cataclysm by undertaking such a feat.

It may be this act inspired Drakin-Korin to create the Lifestone, but
that's a matter for us to ponder at our leisure.

I learned much by touching the pillars at the north end of the island.
Avoid the centre one; I was ill for days after 1 touched it. In my
weakened state I was almost overcome by two of the creatures I mentioned
before. Only my skill with stone and sling saved me but the conflict
taught me much. I have left an item for you; I do not know if it will
help you with your Valheru-born magic, but I thought it would do no harm
to leave it for you.

Perhaps after I have found Gamina, I will have an opportunity to study
more of the wonders on this world.

Pug

Owyn looked around and saw a long bundle set to the side of the round
tent. He unwound another faded rug, identical to the one found in the
previous hut, and inside saw what looked to be a staff fashioned of a
strange blue crystal. He touched the staff, instantly snatching his hand
back. 'What is it? "asked Gorath. 'I am not sure, "said Owyn. He slowly
reached out and touched it again. 'This is amazing, "he said.

He held out his right hand while he touched the staff with his left,
closed his eyes, and a moment later a glow of light emanated from

his fingertips. J can't explain it, but this staff has given me back my
powers. It's as if this staff is made of ... I don't know ... the
crystallized mana Pug spoke of. " 'Bring it, "said Gorath. 'We should
make for the ruins before we lose the light. "

They stood on the point of the island, a high bluff which overlooked an
alien sea. Seven giant pillars of crystal rose up to seven times a man's
height. Owyn said, 'I'll start with that one. "

He went to the pillar farthest to the left and touched it.

Despite a rocky appearance, it felt smooth to the touch. He squinted his
eyes and saw he was actually running his fingers over a sheath of energy
that dung to the surface of the pillar.

Owyn looked into the pillar and its many facets refracted images of the
desert, sea and sky, but he also glimpsed other places, as if the pillar
showed him different lands, oceans and skies.

Your observations intrigue me. You are savani, are you not?

Startled at the presence of an alien thought in his mind, Owyn shook his
head. Unsure if he could simply think his reply, or speak it aloud, he
decided speech would keep him focused. 'I am not familiar with the term
savani, so I don't know if I'm one or not. With whom am I communicating?
"

Gorath looked at Owyn with surprise on his face. Before Owyn could say
anything to him, the voice returned to his mind. I am Sutakami, Mother
of the Thousand Mysteries, once a goddess of

Timirianya. You have awakened me. What do you desire? 'I'm not sure what
you are asking me, "said Owyn. 'Are you an oracle? "

No. I may only tell you that which is already known, although I dimly
sense things that may come to be. Isense you are new to this world.
Perba s p you would wish to know of the creatures who inhabit it.

An image filled Ovyn's mind before he could speak. The race was proud in
appearance, like magnificent birds with arms instead of wings. Beaks
were small and looked as if they could articulate speech.

These are the Timirian. They were poets and scholars, and warriors Of
great skill. They were on the verge of spanning the stars when the
Valheru came. They were obliterated.

Then another figure came into his mind, a shadowy creature of

impressive aspect, the very features causing Owyn to ffinch. Although a
huge set of wings dominated the figure, it was the eyes of the creature,
cold icy orbs of blue, that held Owyn's attention. These are the ancient
servants ofrlynn Skrr, the last High Priest ofdbatsavan, our

Father of Gods, bstore the Great Destruction. Creatures of magic, they
now wanderjree offetter, soflee j(you see one, for they may be killed
only by a magic designed to drain their enero into the soil. Now they
wander the ancient ruins of the temple of Dbatsavan. The voice faded and
grew distant. I must rest ... I am needed elsewhere.

Wait!"Owyn put his head down, as if tired. 'I need to ask more. "

Gorath asked, What is it? " 'These pillars, theyre ... ancient gods of
this world. I was speaking with this one, a goddess named Sutakami. "
'Perhaps if you touch another? asked Gorath.

Owyn nodded. He moved to the second pillar and touched it. 'I wonder
what this place was originally, "Owyn asked.

You stand in the ruins of the Temple of Karzeen-Maak, once the high
temple of the seven gods of Timirianya. Once, these columns were but
symbols of the gods, crafted by the savani artisans who were the
servants ofdhatsavan. Now they are the vessels within which we have
taken rs(uge. 'What could drive a god into refuge? "Owyn wondered.

The Valberu, came the instant reply. They extinguished I@fe as we knew
it on this world, leaving behind little. Only when Dhatsavan showed us
that our struggles were futile did we create a 'plan to roh the Valheru
ofpower, driving them from our world. Theyfled lest they be trapped
here, leaving only a few of their servants behind. 'What did you do?
"asked Owyn. 'Oftbe Seven Who Ruled, only six of us survived the Great
Destruction.

Two havejaded sojarfrom the world they can no longer give voice to their
thoughts; they are now but sentientforces ofnature. Only Dhatsavan will
remain, waiting for the time ofthe Awakening. He shall call us when the
need has come ... We shall not speak again, savani. "

Owyn looked at Gorath. 'The Valheru caused this desolation. "

Gorath said, 'They were a power matched by few. Our legends tell of them
spanning the stars on the backs of dragons. Only the gods were greater.
"

Owyn looked around as the sun began to set. 'Apparently not all the

gods. These pillars are what is left of the seven most important gods of
this world. One is dead. Two of them are mute, two I've already spoken
to. " 'Pug's note said to not touch the centremost. " 'So that leaves
one more with whom to speak. Perhaps I can find out what happened to Pug
from it. "

Owyn touched the next pillar, but was greeted only by a faint sensation;
nothing of coherent thought. 'This must be one of those who has faded to
mindlessness. "

He walked past the centremost of the seven, heeding Pug@s warning, and
went to the next pillar.

He touched it and found it lifeless. Not even the faint sensation he had
noticed on the last one remained. He moved on to the next one.

Touching the pillar, still warm from the afternoon sun, he wondered who
the Valheru had left behind.

The Panath- Tiandn. They are creaturesfrom another world, trained to act
as artisans ofmagic. They have limited intelligence, but they are
clever, and dangerous. They created artitactsfor the Valheru. 'Did they
capture Pug? "

No, though they thought to, but 1prevented it. 'Who are you? "

We seven were the gods of this world, and I, savanz, was once

Dhatsavan, Lord of the Gates. But when the Valheru brought their wars of
desolation, we chose theseforms rather than risk thefinal death. 'I
don't know the significance of much of what you say, "said Owyn. 'I have
heard legends of the Valheru on my home world -'

What you know is unimportant, said the voice in Owyn's mind. What we
were is lost in time, but there is timefor you to save your peopleftom
ourfate. 'Our world? "said Owyn. 'The Valheru have been dead on my world
for ages. They can't pose any threat to us. "

A feeling of disinterest washed over Owyn, as if what he was saying was
of no consequence to this being. The one you know as

Pug of Stardock will tellyou more when the time comesfor you and your
companion to make your choices. For now, you must bring to this place
the

Cup of Rlynn Skrr. Do this and we willfree Pugfrom his captivity. 'What
do gods need of mortals to fetch and carry for them? demanded Owyn.

A sense of amusement came over Owyn as the voice replied, You are wise
to question, young savani, but it is for me alone to know the truth.

Seek the cup in tbefar caves on the southeast corner oftbe island. You
will have to kill the Panatb- Tiandn who has it. Bring it to me or else
perish in the desolation of Timirianya. The choice is yours. I warn you,
do not attempt to use the cup. Pug has already learned the harsh lesson
of trying to utilize its power without my guidance. Go.

Owyn said, We must fetch a magic item from the far side of this island.
And it seems we must battle some creatures of the Valheru to do so. "

Gorath said, 'It's been a long day. Let us return to that tent down the
way and rest. A little food and sleep will help prepare us. "

Following Gorath, Owyn hoped that was true.

It had taken half a day to find the corner of the island where the
frozen god had told Owyn theyd find the cup. Now they rested on a ridge
above what looked to be a village, or at least a collection of huts in
front of a large cave.

They had been watching for half an hour or more and seen no sign of
movement. Well, "said Owyn. 'Maybe theyre deserted. " 'No, "said Gorath.
He pointed to a pile of firewood. Then he pointed out a set of covered
urns. Water, I think.'Then he pointed to what could only be scraps of
food thrown into a trench near the edge of the village. 'There may not
be many of these creatures left on this world, but this area is not
abandoned. "

Well, maybe theyve all gone off somewhere. " 'Or maybe they sleep during
the heat of the day and they're all insidef suggested Gorath. He stood
up. We won't know until we go down and see what is there. "

Owyn followed the dark elf down the hillside and when Gorath reached the
first tent, Owyn said, 'The cup is in that cave. "

Gorath had taken one step when the leather covering of the hut he was
about to enter swung open and a creature started to emerge.

Owyn's very skin crawled at the sight of it. An upright lizard, swathed
in dark clothing, stood blinking in the sunlight. He had no opportunity
to raise alarm, as Gorath thrust with his sword, running him through.
'Three, "said Gorath.

'Three what? "said Owyn. 'There are three more left if this is one of
the four who were tracking Pug. " 'Or there may be a dozen left, if
theyre not the ones, "whispered

Owyn. 'Let's be quick!"

They hurried to the cave and as Owyn started to push aside a large
curtain hung across the entrance, it moved. He jumped back as a
serpent-man hurled himself at Gorath. Gorath barely avoided a club
strike to the head, and dodged back.

Owyn turned as another serpent creature snarled and leaped upon him,
knocking him back. Owyn rolled on the ground, barely hanging onto the
staff of crystal. The creature's face was painted with yellow symbols,
and Owyn knew he was struggling with some sort of Panathtiandn shaman.
Owyn saw claws above his face and locked gaze with the creature.

Suddenly symbols of fire burned in Owyn's mind's eye and he sent out a
mental blast which rocked the creature back. Owyn spun out from under it
and jumped to his feet. The creature struggled to recover from Owyn's
assault. Owyn kicked the creature as hard as he could in the head, and
it collapsed.

Two other serpent-men appeared as Gorath killed the one he faced.

Owyn reached into his memory for another spell and felt the staff grow
warm in his hand. A sphere of fiery energy exploded from his hand and
struck the first creature, engulfing it in flames. The second was
splashed by flame and its robe was set afire.

The first fell to the ground, dying in seconds, but the second fell and
rolled, screaming as it tried to put out the flames. Gorath hurried over
and put it out of its misery.

Owyn looked about and waited to see if any other of these creatures were
present. All was quiet.

Finally, Gorath put up his sword and said, 'Let's find this damned cup.

Owyn went inside the dark cave, illuminated by only a single flame in a
tiny brazier, and his skin crawled. The place was a centre of dark magic
and while he couldn't read the symbols painted on the walls, the shapes
were alien and he could sense their evil. He glanced around and saw what
looked to be a small shrine. Upon it rested a cup carved out of some
unknown stone.

He reached out and took it, feeling energy rush up his arm as he gripped
it. Once outside the hut he said, 'This is it, no doubt. "

What does it do? " 'I don't know, but I was told that it harmed Pug, and
if that's so, I will not risk trying to unravel its mystery. " 'Then
let's get it back to those so-called gods and see if they live up to
their part of the bargain. "Gorath looked around. 'I doubt these are the
only members of this tribe on this island, and when they see what we've
done, I think theyll be on our trail. " 'Can we reach the pillars by
sundown? " 'If we start now and don't stop, "said Gorath, turning and
setting off without waiting to see if Owyn was with him.

Owyn hesitated a moment, then set out after Gorath.

SEVENTEEN

Misdirection

C old winds swept the battlements.

James signalled the archers to be ready to offer covering fire to the
approaching horsemen. Two scouts raced up the incline to the drawbridge,
whipping their lathered horses to get them to the gate before it rose
too far to reach. James hoped he had timed it right because too early
and those riders were stranded outside the walls; and too late and enemy
riders might gain the barbican,, and with the small band of defenders at
his disposal, any enemies inside the castle posed a serious threat.

The first rider reached the bridge as it started to rise, and the second
had to kick his horse hard to make it leap aboard the rising bridge, but
they made it as James gave the order for covering fire.

Bowmen launched a flight of arrows at the pursuers, who fell back as
three in their van were knocked from their horses. They were almost
entirely human renegades, with two moredhel horsemen in the mix.

They milled around just out of bow range, until James gave the signal
for the firing of a single catapult, which showered them with stones,
killing another half dozen.

The rest retreated down the road from the castle.

James was down to the barbican before the cheering on the walls had
faded, asking, What did you see? "

The lead rider, a young corporal, said, 'No sign of help to the south
and too damn many of the enemy coming down from the north. "

What does it look like to the north? "

The young corporal rewarded James's faith in one so young by reporting
calmly, despite the dose call. 'Screening cavalry, who didn't take
kindly to us pokin' about, squire. I could see a lot of dust and

some of those siege engines you told us about in the distance. Looks
like they'll be at the base of the road before nightfall. " 'You did
well, "said James. 'Go get something to eat and some rest.

We're going to have a busy morning. "

James went looking for Locklear, whom he had placed in charge of stores
and weapons. When James found him, Locklear was in the middle of one of
the storerooms looking disgusted at what he had found inside a barrel.
cwhat is it, Locky? " 'The meat's fiffl of maggots. I think those
Nighthawks got down here and did some mischief before they set about
killing the officers.

They didn't want the men to have a lot of reason for staying here,

I think. " 'How bad is it? 'All of the stored meat is bad. Most of the
flour has bugs. We can sift those out, I guess, but I wouldn't want to
be eating the bread unless

I was starving. The hard bread looks all right, and most of the dried
fruit is still edible. We can last a while. " 'I don't think food is our
worry. "

Locklear looked at James. 'Theyre coming? 'Tomorrow. " 'Then we'd better
be ready. "

James nodded. He knew that he could expect the best of the men; they
were all veterans of the border wars, but none of them had been tested
in a full-blown defence of the castle. He knew the theory: he had
studied with Prince Arutha, and he knew the reality, he had fought at
Armengar and Highcastle, and he knew that the attackers needed ten men
for each of his defenders on the wall. What had

James fretting was his concern about what would happen if Delekhan
brought more than ten to one against his position.

Owyn carried the cup to stand before the column. He touched it to the
crystal spire.

Dhatsavan's voice sounded in his head: You have returned witb the

Iup- That is good. 'Why do you need this? "asked Owyn.

I do not need it. I needed to keep it out of the bands of the
Panathtiandn

TAY?7

It is many things, an item Of immense power, but one of its uses is that
of a key. It allows access to other worlds. The abandoned children of
41ma-Lodaha will be confined to this world for the time being. They are
by themselves nothing more than a nuisance. Under the guidance of their

Pantatbian cousins, they are a dangerous tooz Eventually someone may
fetch themftom our blasted world, butfor now the rest of the universe is
safeftom them. Take the cup with you and keep it safe. 'Pug's welfare is
our concern. We have fetched this cup for you from the other side of the
island. Where is Pug? "

He is safe within a structure constructed by the Panatb-Tiandn. The
protective barriers that keep him isolated within that structure will be
removed once you locate him. He misa pprehended the scope of the cup's
powers. When he awakened its powers to seek the mind of his lost
daughter, it overwhelmed him and reduced him to little more than a hel
pless child. 'You imprisoned him to protect him? "

The former god's reply was tinged with amusement, though Owyn wondered
if human terms did justice to what he felt. As an individual he is of
little interest to us, but he was useju'l in Preventing the

Panath-Tiandn from y possessing the cupfor a while. The had been i.
nvolved in a long process of unravelling the mystery of the cup and were
close to understanding it. Pug interrupted that process and set them
back years. That alone warranted our thanks. Now that you are here, we
can see the cup goneftom this world, and aspaymentfor your service, we
shall grant yourftiendsfteedom.

Pug has regained most of his identity and memory, but his abilities will
yet be impairedfor many days to come. Go to a hut to the west of the one
in which youfound the cup; there you will find Pug. 'How will we return
home? "asked Owyn.

The way is now opened to a place in the mountains, caves that lead to a
cavern in which the Valheru dwelled. Take Pugftom the hut and to the
north you will find an entrance in the mountains; there you will find
art!facts that will aid you in returning home. Use the cut to teach

Pug what you know and take the cup with youjor safekeeping. Suddenly the
knowledge of how to use the cup came to Owyn. Then seek his daughter in
a place near the mountains, where the Panath- Tiandn guard her, thinking
she is an omenftom Alma-Lodaka. Free her and return to

your own world. But do not tarry, for I can only keep the gate to your
world openjor a limited time. My powers are not what they once were.

Go now. 'Thank you,'said Owyn, and he motioned for Gorath to accompany
him. 'Where now? "asked the dark elf.

Pointing back the way they had come, Owyn said, 'From where we found
this cup we head west, and there we will find Pug. And when he is free,
we find our way home. "

Gorath said, 'Then let us hurry. I tire of this harsh and desolate land.
"

Owyn agreed.

James raced up the steps to the wall as the bugles sounded. Drums
thundered outside the walls and he heard the sound of crossbows and
short bows being fired before he crested the battlements. Locklear
shouted, 'Theyre coming up from the north face!"

James nodded and glanced eastward and saw the large siege towers being
rolled up the road. He hurried to the north wall and saw goblins
climbing up the slope of the hillside below the wall, all of them
carrying coils of rope and grappling hooks. Slightly smaller than
humans, the goblins were almost comic figures when they weren't trying
to kill you, James thought. Black hair formed a heavy thatch above thick
brow ridges. Their skin was blue-tinged, as if a fair-skinned human had
been lightly stained with dye, and their eyes were black irises on
yellow. They carried small buckler shields on their arms and short
swords on their hips.

Defenders began shooting at the goblins, who started moving in shifts.
Crawl a few feet upward, raise the small shields over their heads, then
as soon as a shield was struck they scampered a few more feet upward.

James shouted, 'Bring rocks!"

Immediately soldiers came pulling shallow waggons on wooden wheels that
carried large stones, ranging from the size of a man's fist to the size
of huge melons. Soldiers slid poles under the carts and levered the
carts upward, with one holding a large rope handle on the side of the
cart.

The contents of the cart spilled over the wall, showering the goblins

with stones, effectively scraping them off the cliff face. Screams from
below showed the efficacy of the defenders' response. 'This is a
diversion,'James said. 'Locky, check the other two walls while I go to
the gatehouse. "

Locklear hurried off and James ran along the pallisades toward the
gatehouse. He knew it was going to be a long battle, one without
quarter. If we can just make them retreat, he said silently to himself
as he hurried to the gates.

Gorath approached the hut with caution. They had been attacked by three
of the Panath-Tiandn enroute,, and Owyn had depleted the crystal staff.
He had been forced to hold one at bay by clubbing it while Gorath killed
the other two, then dispatched the last.

Gorath yanked back the sword with a grimace of pain.

What? " 'There's a barrier at the door. As soon as I touched it with my
sword I felt a shock shoot up my arm. "

Owyn hesitated for a moment, then removed the Cup of Rlynn

Skrr from his belt pouch and tentatively touched it to the door.

He felt power surge into the cup and saw it flicker a moment, as if
illuminated, then nothin He pushed aside the curtain and entered.

Pug stood in the middle of the room, looking disoriented. He blinked at
the light and asked, 'Tomas? "He tried to rise, with the aid of a
crystal staff, the twin of Owyn's, but sat back down after a feeble
effort. 'No, "said Owyn as he entered, with Gorath behind. 'Tomas was
injured in an attack on Elvandar. He recovers from a poisoned wound.

We came in his stead!

Who are you? asked Pug. Then his eyes narrowed. Wait, I remember you.
You're the boy who came to Krondor with Squire

Locklear, months ago. " 'Yes, and do you remember Gorath?

Pug nodded. 'The moredhel my daughter tried to read. "Suddenly his eyes
widened. 'Gamina! I must find my daughter. "

We know where she is, "said Owyn. Lowering his voice he said, 'More or
less. "

Pug seemed disoriented. 'I am weak, but my memory has been

returning. "He looked at his right hand, which Owyn noticed bore a nasty
old scar across the palm. 'But my powers have fled and I remember almost
nothing. "He looked at Owyn and Gorath. 'You claim you come in Tomas's
stead, but how can I be sure you're not here on behalf of our enemies? "

Gorath looked incensed. You accuse us of being false? You think us
spies.

Pug, said, 'I only know you were the first tool of Makala. " 'Makala?
Owyn's expression was confused. 'The Tsurani magician

'This was his plan, "said Pug. 'I'm not saying Gorath is a willing tool,
but he was as much a part of Makala's plan as Delekhan is. " 'Delekhan
is also a tool of this Makala? "asked Gorath. 'I believe so. When you
first brought word of Delekhan raising the war banner of Murmandamus
over Sar-Sargoth, I became alarmed.

Having seen Murmandamus's dead body with my own eyes, I knew he no
longer lived. But I thought it possible the Pantathians were
responsible, using a rumour of Murmandamus's survival as a goad to once
again rally the moredhel to try to seize Sethanon. 'I used my abilities
to get what information I could, as did agents of the Prince, and
between our efforts we realized there was no link between the
Pantathians and Delekhan. I then judged Delekhan but a simple warlord
seeking to seize power for himself under the guise of seeking to free
Murmandamus. "

Pug looked weak, and Owyn said, We have water and some food. "

He offered water to Pug, who drank deeply.

Pug waved away the food. 'Later. Something Gorath said when speaking to
my daughter nagged at me, and now I realize there was a link before me
that had been apparent had I but the wits to notice. "

What was that? asked Gorath. 'You said that Delekhan had displayed the
helm of Murmandamus as proof he still lived. " 'Yes, the dragon helm,
black with lowered wings on both sides of the head. " 'But last I saw
that helm it lay in a basement below the keep of

Sethanon in an ancient stone hall, "said Pug. 'By no arts I know could

Delekhan have reached the place where that helm lay. Someone else had to
fetch it and return it to him.

There are only four I can think of who might have the powers to discern
the location of that chamber, and be able to find a way within:

MacRos the Black, myself, Elgohar of the Assembly, and Makala.

MacRos has been missing since the end of the Riftwar; Elgohar has served
me well and has been busy with students at Stardock, leaving only one
other. " 'Makala, "said Owyn. 'But why is he doing this? I mean it
explains one part of this puzzle that had frustrated Squire James, the
part played by Tsurani in all this 'That was what alerted me, "said Pug.
He finally stood, shaking a little. 'When nothing tangible is apparently
being gained in a transaction one must assume something intangible is
being exchanged. " 'Information, "said Gorath. 'And service, "said Pug.
'I am now certain the Six you have spoken of are Tsurani Great Ones
under Makala's direction. He admitted as much. "

Owyn asked, 'But why is Makala pushing Delekhan into a war with the
Kingdom? Is it revenge over the Riftwar? "

Pug was silent a minute while he framed his answer. 'What I tell you
touches upon some of the most vital interests of Midkemia, not just the
Kingdom.

When the Battle of Sethanon raged, Tsurani soldiers came to help, as did
two friends of mine from the Assembly on Kelewan,

Hochopepa and Shimone, and it's obvious that despite the usual

Tsurani reticence, gossip of the final events of that battle reached
certain ears on Kelewan. "

Pug took a deep breath, as if telling the story took strength he didn't
have. 'Deep under the city of Sethanon lies an ancient chamber. "He put
one hand around his other balled fist to demonstrate. 'But it is really
two chambers in one space, one out of time with the other. "

Owyn's eyes widened. 'Shifted in time? Only the most powerfw of
magicians could even conceive of attempting to reach it. "

Pug nodded. 'The first chamber, in our time, is where Murmandamus died,
and there Makala would have found the helm he gave Delekhan. 'The other
chamber, however, the one that is always seconds ahead in time, is his
real goal. It contains an artifact of immense power, a thing so
dangerous it could spell the end of all life on the world of Midkemia. A
mortal could stand in that chamber until the end

L

of eternity and never it catch up" with the objects placed in the time
shift; he would always be a few seconds too late to see the artifact.

And that is what this war is about; it's a diversion on a massive scale
to allow Makala to establish the spell he needs to shift time to get
into that chamber. "

Gorath said, What is the need? Why send thousands to needless death to
reach this second chamber if it is in the same place as the first? If he
is a magician of such mighty arts, why not use his skills and slip into
this other time using stealth? "

Pug said, 'I have studied this object for nearly ten years and have only
begun to gain an inkling of knowledge as to its nature and purpose. In
the wrong hands, it could wreak havoc undreamed of in our worst
nightmares. 'Because it is so vital that no one reach this artifact, I
erected additional defences around it. As I said, it is shifted in time,
an act of the Valheru that I have left in place. 'And, "said Pug,
'secreted within the vast cavern is an ancient dragon, a guardian oracle
of special abilities. Even my powers would be sorely taxed to best this
remarkable creature, and if any agency should threaten this dragon, she
would call to the King, who has placed a special garrison near Sethanon,
stationed in the Dirnwood against just such a risk. I am certain someone
of Makala's intelligence has discovered that force and I believe he
intends to use Delekhan's forces to attack that garrison so he can gain
entrance to the lower chamber without soldiers coming to the dragon's
aid. Even if the dragon is vanquished, Makala and his confederates will
have their hands full in reaching the time-shifted chamber. They could
not hope to do so while Kingdom soldiers were attacking them. They need
many hours' preparation once they best the dragon. " 'The dragon!"said
Owyn. 'It's the one I spoke with at Malac's

Cross!" 'Yes, "said Pug. 'fhe old statue is used to contact the oracle,
so that any who might come looking for her will be led astray. If you
spoke with her, your mind was at Sethanon. "

Owyn looked at Gorath. 'Then that would be why she said you would play a
critical role in this. "Looking at Pug, he said, 'And it also explains
Delekhan's plan! Prince Arutha sent us to find you because he fears
Delekhan will employ magic in his attack on Northwarden.

James thinks once they've come through Northwarden, Delekhan's army will
use boats to go downriver to Romney, then overland to

Sethanon. Can you stop them? " 'In my present state, no, "said Pug.
'Even as we speak I am regaining memories and some of my physical
strength is returning, but I fear it will be'some time before all my
powers return. In my blind haste to find my daughter, I used a magical
artifact that promised to impart knowledge. But I would have been better
served to have avoided it. "

Owyn nodded. He reached into his pouch and again extracted the

Cup of Rlynn Skrr. He held it out before Pug. 'The being who called
himself Dhatsavan said that this which robbed you of your ability could
return it, but that I must aid you. "

Pug reached out and tentatively touched the cup held by Owyn.

Owyn felt a tingling in his fingers. Images, feelings, unfamiliar
memories, a sense of power, all rushed into his mind. Softly Pug said,
'This is a risk, Owyn, and in days to come you may find you have
undertaken a burden you didn't anticipate. But for the moment, it will
aid me greatly. "

Then Pug and Owyn slipped into darkness.

Owyn and Pug both roused at the same time as if from a deep trance, and
found Gorath sitting next to them. 'I had begun to fear you would never
awake, "he said as he helped them both to sit up. 'How long were we out?
"asked Owyn. 'Two days, "said Gorath. 'You were in a trance and if I put
food or water to your lips you ate and drank, but you otherwise sat
immobile holding the cup. "

Owyn blinked and felt images and ideas swimming around in his head. If
he focused on an object in the hut or concentrated on a subject, they
faded; but if he tried to relax, the fragments of thought again swirled
through his brain. He stood and felt dizzy.

Pug stood and took the crystal staff. He stared at his hand and a flame
erupted from the palm. 'Interesting. I could never do that before. "

Owyn said, 'It's a trick I learned from a magician named Patrus. "

Pug said, 'I seem to have abilities new to me, while those that should
be familiar are just outside my grasp. "

'And I have new and strange images in my head that I cannot quite grasp,
either. " 'In time many things may manifest themselves to you and should
you need aid understanding them, come to me, "said Pug.

Owyn looked at Pug's staff and said,'Mine has lost its magic ability, it
seems. "

Pug said, We have to find you some more of the crystal that is the
essence of magic, mana as some call it. " 'I thought the staff was mana.
" 'No, come and I'll show you. "He led them outside and looked around
the alien landscape. Most of the plants were fibrous and tough, with
growths on them that looked like frozen crystals. 'That one over there,
"he said. A single plant stood in the midst of others, but it was a
golden colour while the others were purple or blue. 'This is not really
a plant, "said Pug. 'Touch your staff to it. "

Owyn did so and saw a tiny flash and the plant vanished. He felt a thrum
of power in his staff. 'Look for the golden plants as we walk, "said
Pug. 'But for now, let us find my daughter and return home. " 'If it is
not already too late, "said Gorath. 'Dhatsavan must have known how long
this would take, "said

Owyn. 'If we needed to flee before making this transfer of abilities, he
would have warned us. "

Gorath nodded. We can hope that is true. "

Owyn pointed. 'He said straight north of here we would find an area
utilized by the Valheru when they warred on this world. Near there we
shall find your daughter. He said the Panath-Tiandn view her as holy and
will not harm her. " 'That's a blessing, if tr-ue, "said Pug, the relief
on his face obvious. 'Let us go. "

They hurried northward as the day wore on and stopped only once to drink
water and rest. Owyn saw several golden plants and touched his staff to
each, charging it with magic.

Near sundown they started to hear an odd, low sound coming from the
north. As they got closer, the sound grew louder. They reached a ridge
and found a half-dozen of the serpent creatures in a circle, with
another dozen arrayed beyond, all bowing to a large hut with mystic
symbols painted outside.

Gorath said, 'This will be difficult, especially those two on either end
with staves like yours!

Owyn said, 'A moredhel spell-caster named Nago tried to freeze me with a
spell; I've made it work once!

Pug closed his eyes and said, 'I ... know which one you mean.

The magic fetters that inflict damage. I ... think I can cast that!

Owyn said, 'If we can immobilize those two, then cast a ball of fire at
the rest, maybe that will cause enough panic we can get inside and find
your daughter. "

They agreed on a plan of attack, and when Gorath gave the signal, Pug
and Owyn stood and, gripping their crystal staves tightly, incanted
spells which sped across the clearing and struck the two alien
spell-casters. Both were gripped by forces which froze them in place and
inflicted terrible pain on them as energy crackled in the falling
evening light.

The other Panath-Tiandn were stunned by the shock and stayed rooted long
enough for Pug and Owyn to cast balls of fire into their midst. Several
of the lizard-men shrieked and ran, their burning robes spreading
flames. Others turned to the source of the attack and Corath was among
them.

Owyn used his blinding spell to stop one, while Pug cast another bolt of
the evil purple energy which froze its target.

Gorath cut down the first Panath-Tiandn who faced him, and turned as
another swung at him with a sword. He blocked the blow and turned it
away, dancing backward and getting ready for another attack.

Two of the lizard-men turned to flee and Pug and Owyn struck at the
others with their crystal staves. The cudgels proved surprisingly
sturdy, delivering sharp blows without shattering. Soon the lizardmen
were either dead or in flight.

Pug raced forward to the hut and threw aside the oddly-woven tapestry
door. In the middle of the hut rose a statue, roughly woman-shaped, but
ancient and without detail. 'Where's Gamina? "

Pug asked aloud. 'Perhaps in the ancient Valheru stronghold? "suggested
Owyn as he looked into the tent.

Gorath entered and said, 'This place is already heavy with their
essence.

Pug looked around for anything which might point the way to his
daughter.

Gorath picked up a dusty bundle in the corner, obviously not moved for a
very long time. Underneath he found a suit of armour, white with
crimson-and-gold trim. Gorath dropped it as if it were burning.
'Valheru!"he exclaimed.

Pug touched it and said, 'Yes, it is very much like the armour

Tomas wears. "

Owyn said, 'Is it dangerous?

Pug ran his hand over it and after a moment said, 'No, there is no
spirit of the Valheru within it. I think that quality was unique to
Tomas's armour. "To Gorath he said, 'It is, however, astonishingly
durable and nearly impregnable. Why don't you take it? "

Gorath shook his head emphatically. 'No. I have no desire to wear relics
of my people's former masters. The desire for those trappings is a large
part of why so many of my kin have walked the Dark Path. It is that lust
more than anything which has kept my people mired in savagery while our
eledhel kin have achieved a grace my people can't even begin to imagine.
"

It was the most impassioned statement Owyn had heard from the dark elf
since they had met.

Pug found an ancient-looking scroll and unrolled it. 'Look at this,

Owyn. "

The young magician came to stand behind Pug and began to read over his
shoulder. What is it? " 'I'm not sure, but I think it's the spell
Dhatsavan told you of, the one which drains strength from those
creatures of Rlynn Skrr. "

Owyn continued to read, and said, 'I feel ... odd. " 'Blink and look
away, "said Pug.

Owyn did so and found the lethargy passed. What was that? 'Some magic
captures the eye and compels it to follow the cantrip until it's burned
into your mind. Let me study this for a while before you try to memorize
it. "

Gorath said, We had better find some other place to study it. Those
snakemen will be coming back here soon. "

Pug rolled up the parchment and looked around the hut. There were other
items. Pug didn't have the time to examine them, for

Gorath said, 'Too late. Here they come. "He hurried to the back of the
tent and cut a long slit down the back. 'This way!"

Pug, Owyn and Gorath hurried through the rear of the tent and fled up a
dirt path that led into the hills.

They ran until they found the entrance to a cave. Owyn used his light
spell and said, 'Down there!"He led them deep into the cave and they hid
around a turn, listening for the sounds of pursuit.

After a while the silence reassured them the Panath-Tiandn were not
following. They sat in the cave. Pug said, Well, as long as we're
sitting here, hold your hand where I can read this. "

Owyn did as he was told and Pug spent a long time studying the scroll.
Minutes dragged by, but Owyn kept the light steady as Pug read.

Gorath grew bored and moved to the mouth of the cave, then out and down
the trail a little way to see if there were any signs of pursuit.

He returned to the cave and saw that Owyn and Pug were now both lost in
studying the scroll.

Knowing there was nothing to do but wait, he set out to explore further
along the trail. He worked his way up into a small pass and over a rise
saw the trail changing; the stones became smoother, as if once this had
been a stone roadway.

With night vision far more acute than any human's he moved effortlessly
through the gloom of a night illuminated by alien stars.

He hurried along, sensing he was dose to something imbued with ancient
magic.

He crested another rise and looked down a long trail at a giant cave
mouth. Carved into the sidcs of the mountain were two huge dragons. He
halted, torn between returning to get his companions and a desire to
explore further. After a moment of conflict, he moved ahead and at a
half-trot entered the dark cavern.

James stood, panting, his arms and chest drenched in blood. Six times
goblins and moredhel using scaling ladders had threatened to crest the
wall, and three of those times he had personally had to beat back the
attack. Locklear hurried to his side, nearly dead on his feet and said,
'It doesn't look like theyre pulling back for the night! They keep
corning!" 'What's the situation? "

'That first tower we stopped with the ballista has been cleared away and
now they're moving two of them forward. "Of the half dozen siege towers
that were built up north, three had been destroyed by the mangonels on
the north wall. Unfortunately they had used all the large rocks capable
of disabling the towers and three more had cleared the turn in the road
and were pushed up toward the west gate. The first one had been
destroyed by the two large ballistas over the gatehouse. 'The ballistas?

We still haven't got them repaired. One needs to be completely
dismantled and reassembled and the other needs more time to fix than we
have. I was thinking if we let them get dose enough and then pepper them
with fire arrows they might be burning before they reached the walls. "

James looked dubious. 'They can't have neglected to 'Hey!"said Patrus,
hurtling into view. We've got a situation. "

James shook his head to clear it. What? 'Can't you see those bleeding
huge towers rolling this way?

Lacking any humour, James held out a hand dripping with blood and said,
'I've been busy. " 'Oh, "said the old magician. Well, there are these
two bleeding huge towers rolling up on us. "

We were just discussing how to fire them, "said Locklear. 'I was saying
I can't believe Delekhan's generals could neglect to fireproof them. "

Patrus said, 'I don't know. Why don't we find out? "

He moved past them and lowered his staff over the wall, just as a
scaling ladder slammed against the stones. Two fatigued soldiers used
forked poles to push it back and from below they heard a scream as a
goblin fell from it. Patrus ignored a flight of stones from slingers
below that peppered the walls around him. 'It's a good thing theyre so
bad in co-ordinating their efforts, " observed Locklear. 'If those
stones had kept our lads back a moment earlier, those goblins would be
over the wall. " 'Give thanks for small favours, "said James.

Patrus aimed the staff at the nearest of the two towers, and spoke a
short phrase. A small blast of fire sped from his staff and Locklear
said, 'That fireball trick he did in the pass when we met him!"

288 Raynionde. Feist

James turned and saw a third and fourth fireball strike the structure,
and could hear shouts from the moredhel and goblins within. Two of the
strikes had started fires.

Patrus turned and aimed at the second tower, and missed it with his
first blast, then corrected his aim and hit it three times. He managed
to generate another half a dozen fireballs at each tower, and soon they
were both aflame. Cheers erupted from the exhausted defenders on the
wall as a trumpet in the distance sounded.

James sank to the parapet. 'They're sounding retreat, "he said,
exhausted beyond imagination. We held them. "

Locklear sank to the stones next to him as they heard the retreat from
the wall and the defenders took up the cheer. What a day. "

Patrus knelt and said, Well, that was a good spanking, lads. "The
chipper old magician said, 'Don't get too comfortable. There's a lot of
work to do before morning. "

Half-dazed from the battle, James said, '@Vhafs in the morning? "

With a cheerful tone that almost caused James to want to throttle the
old man, Patrus replied, Why, when they attack again. "

Dragging himself to his feet, James said nothing, knowing the old man
was correct. He lowered his hand and Locklear reached up, gripped it and
pulled himself upright, with a groan of a man four times his age.

Silently they headed down into the keep to begin organizing the
survivors for the next assault, while the two siege towers burned like
beacons in the night behind them.

Pug and Owyn blinked as they returned to the here and now. What? asked
Owyn.

Gorath said, 'You've been studying that scroll for almost a day. "

Pug said, 'It's an alien spell. Very powerful, and if s now burned into
my memory. "

Owyn said, 'Mine as well. "He straightened up from his position of
leaning over Pug. 'It's a spell to drain energy from those creatures

Dhatsavan spoke of, the Rtynn Skrr elemental creatures. "

Pug stood up. 'How long? " 'It's almost dawn. "Gorath pointed out the
cave. 'I did some scouting. " 'At'at did you find? "asked Pug.

'The Valheru place you spoke of I think your daughter may be there. It
is very much like a temple. "

Pug didn't wait and hurried out of the cave mouth. Where?

Gorath followed, then took the lead, showing Pug the way to the cave
mouth with the dragons carved on either side. 'A short way inside, steps
led down to a huge chamber. I heard sounds like the wind from within and
felt an ancient fear, from someplace I cannot name. I thought it best to
wait for you two before venturing farther. "

Wise, "said Pug. 'I think it was very wise. "

Pug, Owyn and Gorath entered and moved down along a stone hallway, and
down the stairs Gorath had spoken of. At the base of the steps they
entered a huge chamber. Once a host of worshippers could have fit
inside, but at present it was empty. At the far side stood two doors of
stone. As Gorath had said, a fetid wind seemed to blow through the
chamber and it filled all three of them with a terrible dread.

Reaching the doors, Gorath tentatively pushed on one. It was massive,
but counterbalanced with great skill, so that as he pushed it swung open
slowly, but with ease.

When the opening was wide enough, Gorath released his grip on the door
and slipped through, followed by Owyn and Pug. In the next chamber a
glowing blue crystal rose from a dais in the centre of the floor,
illuminated by a shaft of light from above. Hanging in the middle of the
crystal was the form of a young girl, her pale hair floating around her
head like a white nimbus. 'Gamina!"shouted Pug.

From out of the gloom on either side of the gem two figures appeared,
one from each side of the chamber. They were ten feet tall, the colour
of a grey shroud, and their eyes burned like blue ice. Their features
were indistinct, shifting and changing, but they appeared powerful in
form, with large spreading wings.

Gorath hesitated, but Pug shouted, 'Owyn, the spell!"

Both magicians closed their eyes and for a brief moment Gorath stood,
uncertain of what to do. Then he struck with his sword, attempting to
slash the creature that advanced upon Pug. His sword passed through the
creature as if cutting the air. Only a slight slowing of the blade and a
numbing cold shooting down his arm signalled any

contact. Then the creature lashed out and sent Gorath flying across the
room with a blow that struck like a hurricane.

Then scintillating lights of every colour in the rainbow jumped from
Owyn's and Pug's hands, each striking one of the two creatures The
creatures stopped dead in their advance, as if stunned to immobility.
The colours whipped through the creatures' bodies, then shot down into
the floor, thousands of tiny embers of colour, one after the other. Each
bright light seemed to take a tiny particle of the creature with it, and
before the two magicians the two elemental beings faded, until at last
only a hollow echo of the wind remained in the room.

Gorath stood up and shook off the effects of the blow he had suffered.

Again Pug cried, 'Gamina!"He hurried to the crystal and saw that his
daughter was preserved like a living effigy of the goddess of the
Panath-Tiandn. He touched the crystal and felt energy flowing through
his fingers.

He dosed his eyes and traced the patterns of energy in his mind, and at
last, said, 'Gorath! Strike here!"He pointed to a facet below the girl's
feet.

Gorath didn't hesitate and drew back his sword and with all his might he
struck exactly where Pug indicated. The crystal erupted in a shower of
gems, splashing the three of them as if a million diamonds had been
spilled from a vessel. Pug ignored the falling gems and stepped forward
to catch his daughter as she fell. She seemed in a trance, but she
lived. 'The gods be praised!"said the magician. His tears flowed as he
hugged his daughter to his chest, cradling her as if she were still the
little girl who had come to live with his family years before. The mute
child who couldn't speak but used her mind like a weapon had become as
dear to him as the child of his body. In his heart she was as much his
daughter as William was his son.

He gently lifted her chin and whispered her name.

Her eyelashes fluttered and she stirred. 'Daddy?

Gorath's eyes widened. He looked at Owyn who nodded. 'I heard it, too. "

She opened her eyes, then she flung her arms around her father's

RONDOR: I HE BETRAYAL 291 neck. 'Daddy!"She hugged him fiercely and he
held her as if he might never let her go. 'He was lying, Daddy. Makala
was lying all the time.

He tricked me; he gave me something to make me sleepy, and then

I woke up here. He said he didn't want to hurt me, but he wanted to get
you away from Krondod'

J know, sweetheart, "said Pug softly. 'It's all right. We're going home
now. " 'How? "asked Gorath.

Owyn said, 'There's supposed to be a gate here, according to

Dhatsavan. By that I suspect he meant a rift of some sort. "

Pug looked around the chamber and said, 'I see nothing here. "He turned
to his daughter and asked, 'How do you feelf

She stood and assured him, 'I'm all right, really. "

Owyn stared at the girl, barely into her teens, and was struck by what a
beautiful woman she would become. She caught him staring and smiled and
he turned away, blushing.

Pug smiled and said, 'You remember Owyn and Gorath from

Krondor, I presurnef 'Yes, "she said with a shy smile. 'Thank you for
helping my father find me. "

Gorath said, 'It is our honour. "

Owyn just smiled and nodded.

They moved across the chamber and found another corridor on the other
side of the hall. Another large door loomed before them, and Gorath
opened it. It led them into a chamber in which a huge wooden device
stood.

Pug took one look at it and said, 'It's a rift machine!" 'Are you
certain? "asked Owyn. 'I did more research on rifts on Kelewan than any
other Black

Robe, "said Pug. 'But even if I hadn't I'd have recognized that device.

It's Tsurani. " 'Can we use it? "asked Owyn.

Pug went to it and examined it for a long time, then said, 'It's been
deactivated. "

Owyn said, 'Deactivated? "

Pug grimaced. 'Turned off. It's not working. "

Gorath said, 'You mean we're stuck here? "

Pug sat down and said, 'Unless I can come up with a way to get it

working again, yes, we are stuck on this blasted world with no way to
get home. "

Garnina put her arms around her father's neck and Gorath and

Owyn both sat down on the floor, for want of anything better to do.

EIGHTEEN

Regroup

S moke blinded the defenders.

James had managed to sleep for an hour, Locklear for two, and as
ordered, soldiers had stood watch on the wall through the night,
sleeping in shifts.

James now squinted through the smoke, from his headquarter position on
the gatehouse, as the smouldering ruins of the two siege towers filled
the air with an acrid haze. Even the morning breeze wouldn't help, since
it would continue to blow the smoke at the wall. The night sky had
lightened as the sun rose behind the defenders. Soon it would dear the
top of the mountains. Some time between now and then, James knew, the
enemy would attack again.

He looked down and saw bodies floating in the moat, both attackers and
defenders. They looked thick enough to walk over to reach the
drawbridge, he thought.

Reports had been coming in from every position of defence in the castle
and James knew the sickening truth: they could not hold another day.
Unless the attackers were criminally stupid or fate took a hand, the
castle of Northwarden would fall before sundown.

James had already conceived half a dozen ways he could take the castle
were he commanding the attackers, then had tried to imagine countering
each of those offensives. Each time he came away realizing he just
didn't have enough men if they tried anything other than a single-front
assault. Something as basic as storming the gate road while sending
goblin climbers up the north slope once more would overtax his defenders
and make it impossible to stop one of the two fronts.

Locklear came and asked, What do we do? "

James said,'I'm thinking of abandoning the outer wall and moving all the
soldiers into the inner keep. "

Locklear shook his head in an exhausted admission of defeat. 'I can't
think of anything better to do. It will make them spend more lives and
waste more time taking the castle. " 'But it will make it impossible for
us to hold! 'Do you think we have any hope of holding? " 'Right now I'm
trying to come up with a brilliant plan to sneak around behind
Delekhan's lines and attack him from the rear. "

A sergeant, still covered in blood from the day before, approached.
'Report, "said James.

Three more men died during the night, squire. We have one hundred and
fifty able-bodied men on the walls, another seventy walking wounded who
can stiff fight, and some of the more mobile injured are helping out in
the Great Hall. "The Great Hall had been converted to an infirmary where
nearly a hundred soldiers of

Northwarden lay dying for lack of the skills of a healer.

James shook his head. 'Let the men rest until the enemy attacks again.
Get as much food and water to the men on the walls as you can. The only
way we get another hot meal is to win this battle. "

The sergeant said, 'Yes, squire, "and hurried off.

Patrus came walking up the steps that led up the wall to the gatehouse,
looking very tired. The old magician said, 'I've done all

I can with the wounded. What can I do here? "

James said, 'Figure out a way to keep the enemy away from one of two
places, the north wall or the east gate; either one, I don't care! 'Too
much wall and not enough soldiers? "asked the old man. 'Something like
that, "said Locklear.

Patrus said, Well, if they don't dear away all those bodies down there
on the road before they attack again, I can help you out on that front.
The more metal down there touching the ground, the better.

Move some of your boys to the north wall. "

What can you do? "asked James.

With an evil grin, the old man said, What, and spoil the surprise?

No, you just wait, sonny, and when the time comes, I'll give you a show.
" 'I'm not interested in a show. How much time can you buy us? asked
James.

RONDOR: I HE BETRAYAL z95

'A few hours, depending on how much courage those moss troopers can
muster after I smack them around a bit. " 'Give me two hours to defend
the north wall before I have to turn my attention to the east gate, and
we may buy ourselves another day. " 'You just watch me, "said Patrus.
'Now, I've got to go to my room and get a few things. "He hurried off.

Locklear turned to James and, despite his exhaustion, said, 'Isn't he
about the most evil old man you've ever met? 'No,'saidjames. Then he
smiled and added,'But he does get close. "

Drums sounded in the distance, and James announced, Theyre on their way.
"

Shouts from the north wall alerted James that goblin climbers were again
trying to work their way up the face of the cliff. They had exhausted
their supply of stones to scrape the climbers off the cliff, as well as
every piece of furniture, crockery, kitchen utensil and tool they could
spare, and most of the water they didn't need for drinking had been
boiled and spilled. Now they were forced to spend valuable arrows trying
to pick them off one at a time, exposing their own archers to fire from
below.

Patrus returned and said, 'Give me room. "He sat down on the stones,
crosslegged, and put a small bowl in front of him. 'It's taken me a week
to get everything ready for this. Now, shut up and don't disturb me
unless the world's about to end. "

He dumped the contents of a small pouch - a lumpy mass of powders and
what seemed to be small stones or rocks - into the bowl then closed his
eyes. He chanted a short phrase, opened his eyes, and extended his index
finger. A small flame erupted from the end of it, and he lit the
contents of the bowl. Instantly the flame transferred to the contents of
the bowl. A green and blue cloud of smoke, far thicker and more abundant
than either James or Locklear would have thought possible, billowed up
out of the bowl, and reached the stone ceiling of the gatehouse. The
smoke seemed to recoil from the stones and Patrus waved his hand over
his head, palm toward the eastern road, as if blowing the smoke in that
direction.

Obedient to his gesture, the smoke rolled out the front windows of the
gatehouse, thinning as it expanded, and looking more and more Eke clouds
as it hung above the road. James looked and saw a

fightly-packed formation of hide-covered shields in the van, a company
of goblins marching with trolls behind them. The apelike trolls had
massive shoulders on which they easily carried scaling-ladders, and each
had a shield on the outside arm, with a warharnmer or axe dangling by a
leather thong. 'Troll assault troops? "Locklear asked. 'So it seems,
"said James. 'I've not heard of any such before, but if they're serious
about coming up those ladders, we have a problern. "

Trolls were not significantly better fighters than goblins or moredhel,
but they were a great deal more difficult to kill. Whoever led the
opposing forces must have correctly guessed that the defenders were
bordering on exhaustion.

In the smoke from torches and the smouldering towers, Patrus's mystic
smoke was hardly noticed. As they watched, James and

Locklear both saw that the smoke was thicker.

As the attackers came within bow-range, archers on the walls began
firing. James was appalled by how few arrows were flying from the
defenders. He could taste defeat.

Then a low rumbling started below the castle and James touched the wall.
He felt the low thrum of energy coming from the earth.

The attackers took no notice of it until the level of the vibration
became obvious to marching feet, even to those running forward with the
heavy ladders. The attack faltered.

Then Patrus let out a cackle and shouted, 'Hang on, boys!"

The castle seemed to heave.

A full half of the attackers were knocked off their feet. The sound of
the earthquake drowned out the noise of battle.

And then the sky exploded.

A bolt of lightning struck the armour of an attacker on the ground,
knocking down a full dozen comrades around him. It was followed the
barest instant later by an explosion of thunder, which made the ears
ring. The air reeked of the acrid lightning smell and the stench of
burning flesh. Moredhel, goblins and trolls lay writhing in agony, their
skin smoking from the flash.

Then another bolt struck the ground a few feet away, killing another
dozen. An instant later, a bolt struck a moredhel with an upraised
sword, illuminating him in a blinding white flash for an instant before
he exploded in a fireball, killing most of those standing near him.

James ducked behind the wall, and yanked Locklear by the tunic, pulling
him down. 'Get behind the wall!"he shouted to the men atop the
gatehouse, and the order was relayed along the eastern wall.

Bolt after bolt erupted from Patrus's mystic cloud and each was
accompanied by a monstrous peal of thunder. Men clutched their ears test
they grow deaf from the sound of them.

James wished he could somehow crawl down the stairs and reach the haven
offered by the lowest basement of the castle, then wondered if that
would be deep enough. He could barely imagine what it was

Eke for those exposed on the road below.

Over and over the lightning blasted, until suddenly there was silence.
The instant the noise stopped, the vibration of the earthquake ceased as
well.

James leaped up and looked over the wall to see the army that had only
minutes before been attacking now in total rout as it fled down the
hill. At least a thousand attackers lay dead on the road leading to the
castle, many trampled to death by their own comrades.

James knelt down next to Patrus who blinked his eyes and said, 'Hovd
that do? " 'It did the trick. They're in total flight. "

Locklear leaned over behind his friend. What do you call that? 'Don't
have a proper name. It was taught me by a fellow down in Salador, who
had learned it from a Priest of Killian, but he had to change it. I
think of it as "Killian's Rage"."He stood up. 'Always wanted to try it
out, but never had anyone I was mad enough at to risk it. "He moved to
the wall and looked between two merlons. Noting the number of bodies, he
said, Worked better than I thought. "

James shouted, 'Hows the north wall? 'A voice called back, 'They fell
off with the earthquake. "

James put his band on Patrus's shoulder. 'You bought us some time. "

Locklear sank down next to where they stood and leaned back against the
stones. 'I can't move. "

James reached down and hauled him back to his feet. 'You must. They will
be back. Unless Patrus can duplicate that little surprise again? "

Patrus shook his head. 'If I had the makin's, but it would take a

while to put it together, and I'd have to get out in the woods and look
around a bit. "

Locklear said, 'One thing bothers me. "

",what? "asked James. 'Where are their magicians? "

James's eyes widened. 'Gods! If that little display didn't bring them
running, theyre nowhere near here. "

"what's that mean? "asked Locklear. 'It means we've been duped. " 'I
don't understand, "said Locklear, sinking back down to sit on the
stones. 'If they're not here, theyre somewhere else!"said Patrus. J know
you're tired, but that's no excuse for stupidity!" 'Leave me alone,
"said Locklear in feigned self-pity. 'I'm enjoying my delusion. Even now
I just imagined I heard a Kingdom trumpet blowing in the distance. "

James halted, and listened. 'You're not deluded. I hear it too. "

James climbed up on the wall, his youth as a thief giving him the keen
balance and steel nerves needed to step atop the merlons of the wall and
stare into the distance. The smoke was still making it difficult to see,
but after a moment, James shouted, 'I see Arutha's banned' He jumped
down, and said, 'Lower the drawbridge!"

James hurried down the steps, rejuvenated, with Locklear and

Patrus following. By the time they reached the marshalling yard, the
portcullis had risen high enough for James to duck under. He did so and
ran to the end of the lowering drawbridge, jumping off before it touched
ground.

He had his sword in hand in case one of the bodies wasn't as dead as it
looked, but by the time he reached the bottom of the road,

Arutha and his personal guards were riding to meet him. Stopping before
the monarch of the Western Realm, he said, 'I was beginning to believe
you were going to miss all the fun!" 'I wouldn't have you think I was
impolite, "said Arutha. 'How are the men? " 'Doing badly. Baron Gabot
and his officers were murdered. Most of the men are dead or wounded, the
few that aren't are exhausted.

Amother day and you would have found us all dead. Not to sound impolite,
but what took you so long? "

We came as soon aswe got word. Your messengers were ambushed and
abducted and it took them a little while to escape and reach me. They
arrived only three weeks ago. What of support from the south? 'None. I
sent word to Romney, Dolth, even to Riflanon. " 'Others may be
coming,'said Arutha,'or those messengers were also ambushed. Owyn told
me that you killed the head of the Nighthawks, but they still must have
had agents in place before that. "

James said, 'I fear we may never truly see that nest of murderers
obliterated. They are like the legendary snake of the Keshian Underworld
cut off its head and it grows back. 'But more to the point, we think all
this may have been a ploy. "

Looking at the evidence of destruction all around him, Arutha said, 'An
expensive ploy. " 'But a ploy nonetheless. When Patrus, the old magician
we met up here, used his magic, there was no answering magic. "

Arutha said, 'What of those who are called the Six? " 'When we last
heard they were still in the west. " 'The west!"Arutha swore. 'This may
have been a terrible ploy, one sold convincingly on the lives of
thousands of soldiers to get us to move from the Dimwood. " 'Have you
moved all your forces? 'No, the garrison near Sethanon was left in
place, but I brought the rest of my companies with me. I will send
patrols up into the passes to see how many of the enemy are arrayed
against

US.

Arutha looked worried, an expression James had seen on many occasions,
and rarely without justification. 'Let's get to the castle, relieve your
command, Seigneur, and sort this out. "

Arutha turned and passed orders to a young officer, then said, 'I've
left Gardan near Highcastle, and Captain Philip at the Sethanon
garrison. I think between the two of them we can hope theyll keep

Delekhan from achieving an easy strike by this ploy. "Then he looked at
James. 'But after you've eaten, slept, and eaten again, I want you and
Locklear and a fast patrol heading back to Sethanon. "

James grimaced. 'Those long rides, again? " 'I've got a heating priest
with us; I'll ask if he has anything to ease your pain. "

James looked at Arutha to see if he was joking and when James saw he
wasn't, said, 'Very well!

Arutha@s concern was obvious and James asked, 'NWAT is it, Highness I've
known you too long not to recognize that look. " lust worried about Owyn
and Gorath. I sent them to fetch Pug because of what they said about the
Six, but if they were ambushed between Malac's Cross and Krondor, or if
Pug had left Krondor on one of his mysterious jaunts and Katala couldn't
find him, or any number of such problems, well, when the Six appear, I
suspect we would be well served by a magician!

James grinned. 'I have one! 'Someone responsible for that lightning
display we witnessed as we approached? "Arutha mounted his horse.
'Yes.'James started walking back toward the castle. 'He's an original
and I think you'll find him entertaining. At least for a few minutes!

Arutha smiled his half-smile and James felt better for that.

Gorath looked at the snare and kept motionless. The creature looked like
an armoured rabbit, or a turtle with long legs, but either way it was
the only edible creature they'd encountered so far that wasn't an
insect. Two other creatures had proven inedible after being caught.

This world abounded in insects, from tiny gnatlike fliers that would
swarm to plague Gorath when he tried to remain motionless, to
cockroachlike creatures that were as long as his forearm.

He had identified half a dozen edible roots and a prickly fruit that
tasted like a sour melon and possessed a tough, stringy pulp, but which
contained a lot of water.

They had found a well near the ancient temple, and had created a water
bag out of an old piece of leather they had found in the temple.

Goratb! just a moment, he tried to think back. It was still difficult
for

Gamina and him to speak compared to her and the other humans, but he was
getting better. He had to focus his thoughts. He imagined himself
shouting at her. I am about to catcb supper, he thought.

He received a non-verbal sense of patience.

The armoured rabbit moved and he pulled the snare, tangling the right
hind leg. He was on the creature in a moment, and having

learned by trial and error, had the creature upside down, so it was
forced to stick its neck out. He broke it and quickly had it out of the
shell. He had learned to their collective distress that if you didn't
get the creature out of its shell within minutes of killing it, the
flesh quickly tainted and the resulting stomach distress was extremely
unpleasant. He cut the meat out of the shell and deposited it in his
travel pouch.

He turned and hurried toward Gamina. What is it? he asked, knowing she'd
hear his mind before her ears would register his words.

Owyn and Father havejound another cache of mana. 'Do they think we have
enough? "

Maybe, she said, as he hiked into view.

She turned and he followed her down the path to the entrance to the
abandoned temple. For whatever reason, religious prohibition, fear of
the Valheru, or fear of Gorath, Pug and Owyn, the serpent-men had not
attempted to enter this area.

They had attacked the second time Pug and Owyn went looking for more
mana, for Pug had a plan to activate the abandoned rift machine. Gamina
had tried to read their minds and had come away confused, for the
Panath-Tiandn, who called themselves the Shangri, were a strange mix of
very simple and very clever thinking. They were primitive and
superstitious in their daily life, almost animalistic in their thinking,
but brilliant in the manipulation of magic. Pug commented that it was
ironic they were imprisoned on a planet, which they called Timiri, where
magic had to be harvested like a crop.

Pug had declared them magic artisans, probably responsible for the
construction of devices for Alma-Lodaka. Given his experiences with the
Pantathians, who were obviously related to the Panath-Tiandn,

Pug assumed that the ancient Valheru had intentionally limited the scope
of their intelligence, keeping it focused where it served her.

How they had managed to survive on this blasted world was rapidly
becoming apparent to Gorath and the humans, for they had run out of food
two days after finding Gamina. It had been a week since, and they were
attempting to gather enough of the crystal magic for a plan of Pug's.
Gorath was unsure of how these pieces of 'frozen magic' would serve, but
he was content to let the human magic-users struggle with that problem.
He had elected to concentrate his attentions on finding food. Like many
places that are apparently

barren at first glance, this world was teeming with life if you knew
where to look for it.

Since discovering the rift machine, they had explored the entire island,
save for the peaks above the temple. The island was large enough that it
took Gorath three days to travel from the northernmost point, where the
seven pillars of the gods were located, to the southernmost point. It
was roughly half that time to travel east to west, though the journey
couldn't be conducted in a straight line due to the rise of mountains
down the centre of the island.

They thought there might be land to the west, or at least Pug thought it
likely, making the observation after watching the sunset one night. He
had mentioned the effects of light over the water and thickness of
clouds and other factors which were only interesting in the abstract, at
least to Gorath. Unless they needed to travel to that distant land to
find more of the solid magic.

Gamina had a fire ready when Gorath reached the cave and put down his
kill. 'Are we going to try to put your father's plan to work tonight? "
'I don't know, "she replied.

Gorath watched her, and was forced to admit she was an admirable child,
even by his own people's standards. He knew little of human children,
but knew she had to have been subjected to a frightening experience, yet
she was calm, focused, and relatively cheerful considering the
circumstances.

She was also quite beautiful, after the human fashion, if Gorath could
judge such things. She certainly seemed to have Owyn's attention though
Gorath could tell he was being circumspect either because of her
father's presence or her youth. Perhaps Owyn dreamed of years to come.
Again, Gorath was uncertain of these human conventions.

Owyn and Pug appeared with a large bundle of cloth, one of the woven
doors pulled from a hut. Pug had observed that with so many huts and so
few inhabitants, the population of this area must be falling. He had
wondered what the rest of the planet looked like, but had been unwilling
to use any of his arts to explore, fearing they needed to hoard as much
of this solid magic as possible. 'I think that should do it, "said Pug
as they put down the bundle. 'Good, "said Gorath. 'I tire of these
creatures as our only catch. I

would even welcome those stale breadcakes we ate in the mountains,

Owyn, for the change they would bring. " 'As would I,"said the young
magician.

What do we do if this doesn't work? "asked Gorath.

Pug said, 'Then we explore the rest of this island, and if there is no
way to be found here, we do what we must to build a boat and make our
way westward, to the next body of land. "

Owyn closed his eyes and put his thumb and finger to the bridge of his
nose. 'The headaches, again? asked Gamina.

Owyn said, 'Yes, but it is passing. "Owyn had been experiencing
intermittent but severe headaches since having shared the Cup of

Rlynn Skrr with Pug. 'And it hurts less than before. "

Pug said, '@When we return to Midkemia, I think, my young friend, you
will discover you have powers you never anticipated. "

Sighing, Owyn said, '.Y'we get back. "

Pug looked at Owyn and his expression was without doubt. We will get
back. "

Owyn said, 'Very well. What else do we need? "

Pug said, 'Nothing but knowledge. "He asked Gorath, 'Have we explored
every chamber in this complex? " 'Yes, "said Gorath. 'As I told you. "

Pug said, 'Then we should plan on attempting to return tomorrow '

Why not now? "asked Gorath.

Pug said, 'Owyn and I will need as much rest as we can before we attempt
this. I know much about rifts and their nature, but that machine is of
alien design and may not work as the Tsurani machines I'm familiar with.
Therefore, I would not care to make a mistake because I was tired. So,
in the morning, after we sleep, then we shall try. "

Gorath nodded.

Owyn lay back, tired from the long walk carrying the mana. 'Gorath, can
I ask you a question? " 'Yes, Owyn, "said the dark elf.

When you bowed before the Queen, I take it that was some ritual, but I
don't understand it. "

Gorath sat back on his heels, thinking. At last he said, "vwen

I first beheld Elvandar, I called it Barmalindar, the name of the
legendary world of golden perfection all elvenkind believes is its
ancestral home. " 'Fascinating, "said Pug. 'I have spoken to Prince
Calin and Tomas and other elves, but this is the first I had heard of
such legends. I assumed you were originally from Midkemia. "

We are, as were the dragons and the Valheru, but there is a spiritual
source to our race, beyond Midkemia, "said Gorath. N'en we die, we
travel to a Blessed Isle, where we join with the Mothers and Fathers who
have gone before. But we all come from Barmalindar. "

Gorath looked at Owyn. 'From time to time, one among my people will hear
a call, a tugging, that will compel him to travel to Elvandar.

My people will hunt such a one down as a traitor if they can, and kill
him before letting him reach Elvandar. "Gorath dosed his eyes and his
tone was tinged with regret. 'In ages past, I did so. But a few get
there and those of the eledhel call them "returned". They take new names
and it is as if they had been eledhel all their lives. "

What I don't understand, "said Owyn, 'is the Queen saying you had not
finished returning. What does that mean? 'I still have ties to my past,
an obligation which prevents me from completely joining my kin in
Elvandar. "

Owyn asked, 'What obligation? I thought your children dead and your wife
had left you? "

Gorath looked at Owyn, and said, 'I must kill Delekhan. "

Owyn said, 'Oh, "and lay back against the cave wall. They all remained
silent while Gamina cooked and Pug prepared for his attempt to revive
the rift machine the next day.

James had witnessed torture before, but he took no pleasure in it. Yet

Arutha was desperate to learn Delekhan's plan.

The prisoner was some sort of chieftain or captain, but someone who was
obviously in a position to know more than the common trolls and goblins
who made up the bulk of this company. The half a dozen renegade humans
who had been captured made it dear this moredhel was the only one who
might know what was going on.

And Arutha knew something profoundly disturbing was going on.

They had sent scouts up the pass and discovered there was no

K

I

RONDOR: THE BETRAYAL 30S second force waiting to support the first. The
force that had been broken at Northwarden was the total of Delekhan's
army in the area.

Thousands of warriors, goblins, trolls and the magicians known as the

Six were somewhere else.

The moredhel groaned as the ropes were puffed taut. His feet had been
tied to two iron rings in the floor, two ropes had been tied to his
wrists, and those ropes thrown over a ceiling beam, making a makeshift
rack.

Arutha spoke in even tones. 'Speak, and you'll see your children grow to
adulthood, moredhel. My word on it. I'll turn you loose as soon as you
tell me what I need to know. Where is Delekhan? "

The moredhel looked up, and instead of fear or even hatred, James saw
amusement in his face. 'What does it matter, Prince of the

West? If I tell you, you cannot prevent my master from reaching his
goal. Release me from these ropes and I will tell you exactly where

Delekhan is. "

Arutha nodded and the ropes were released, letting the moredhel fall to
the stone floor. Looking up with a glare, the moredhel spat, 'Delekhan
rests in Sar-Sargoth and gathers his army there. "

A captain of the Royal Guard made as if to strike the moredhel, saying,
'Lying dog, "but Arutha gripped his hand, preventing him. 'why would
your master sit on the throne of ancients, while you and your companions
spill your blood here in Northwarden? 'Because you are here, now,
Prince, "said the moredhel. 'But I have an army at Highcastle, and
another at the Inclindel

Gap. " 'It does not matter, Arutha. Only one small garrison have you
left in the Dimwood, and within days my master shall overrun it and the
prize shall be ours. "

Arutha's eyes narrowed. 'Days ... ?'He stood up. 'Gods! They're going to
use a rift!"

James demanded, 'How is that possible? "

Arutha said to the captain, 'Take this one to the gate and turn him
loose. I'll not forswear, but give him no weapon, food or water. Let him
plunder his dead comrades if he wishes to survive. "

Soldiers roughly picked up the injured moredhel and half-dragged him out
the door. James asked, 'Highness, how can they have a rift?,

'The Tsurani know how to make them, as does Pug. And we have suspected
the Pantathians knew of their making, "Arutha said. '@Vhatever the
source, if Delekhan can fashion one, that moredhel chieftain is right.
It is then but a short step from Sar-Sargoth to the

Dimwood and I am in the wrong place. " 'N'at should we do? "asked James.
He was still tired, but had spent a restful night after drinking a
special herb tea made for him by Arutha's healer.

Arutha said, 'I shall have a company of gallopers accompany you, that
magician character and Locklear to the Dimwood. Kill the horses if you
must, but ride until they drop. I'll have Father Barrier make up
restoratives so you don't kill yourselves as well. I'm sending you first
to Highcastle. Tell Baron Baldwin to strip the garrison and march on

Sethanon. Then pick up Gardan's company and get to the Dimwood as fast
as you can. I will be following as fast as I can turn this army around
and get it moving. 'But you and your two companions must ride to the
Dimwood, even if you have to leave the soldiers behind. Find Captain
Philip and tell him to start looking for that rift machine. If it can be
destroyed before

Delekhan can bring in the bulk of his army, we may still stop him. " 'He
could be there already, "said James.

VVHICH means you can't start any too soon, "said Arutha. 'Get mounted
and leave now. You've got half a day left. "

James bowed and hurried to find Locklear and Patrus. He knew neither of
them would be happy to get these orders. He knew he wasn't.

NINETEEN

Encounter

P ug motioned the others to stand back.

He piled the physical mana up, then took his and Owyn's two crystal
staves. 'As I see it, this gate ceased working when the connection on
the other side was broken, for that must have been where the power
originated. " 'But where is the other side? "asked Owyrl 'Somewhere in
the palace at Krondor, or nearby. They could have rendered Gamina
senseless and taken her anywhere, and then to this world, but the trick
Makala pulled with creating that temporary portal in my study required
the original gate to be very close. "

Owyn asked, Why? 'When we have time, I'll explain the theory behind it,
but leave it for the moment that the device Makala gave me didn't have
the power to transport me between worlds. It simply keyed me into a rift
that existed nearby. "

Owyn seemed to understand. 'Did you ever discover why Dhatsavan and the
other gods of this world froze the mana like this?

Pug shook his head as he stood up and backed away from the machine. 'I
think it was a desperate ploy-, if they did this at the height of the
battle perhaps the Valheru judged the world destroyed and moved on; they
might have sensed an the magic going away and feared they would be
trapped here. We may never know exactly why. And I'm in no mood to
return to the pillars to discover why. " 'How do we calibrate this thing
without a power source? "asked

Owyn.

Pug held up the Cup of Rlynn Skrr. 'This is what we will channel

the power with. Dhatsavan told you it was a key, and with it you could
reach other worlds! 'Of course, "said Owyn.

Pug pointed to his head. 'Here I have the knowledge. And for that

I'll need your help. "

Owyn blinked. 'How? "

Pug said, 'I need to warn all of you: this is something that may not
work, or might even lead to our destruction! He addressed the last to
Gorath and his daughter. 'I wish I could spare you the risk, but my
experience with rifts tells me we shall have but a few seconds to
attempt this gate. "

Gamina said, 'Just tell us what to do, Father!

After I instruct Owyn, I will count aloud, and when you hear me say
"three" we will attempt to activate this rift gate. If this works, a
shimmering silver light should appear between the two poles and turn an
opaque grey. The instant you see it turn grey, jump between the poles.
It might help if you and Gorath held hands. Owyn and I will follow a
moment later!

He showed them where to stand. Then he said to Owyn, 'This is perhaps
the most difficult thing you have ever been asked to do.

You have both the energy and knowledge, though the second is only
recently within you. "

Owyn said, 'I don't understand!

Pug nodded. 'My powers are still weakened, because of my misuse of the
cup. While my memory has returned, it may be some time, days perhaps,
before I can recapture even part of my powers. But you have power, what
you brought with you, as well as knowledge gained from me when we shared
the cup! 'But I don't know anything about rifts, "Owyn objected. 'Close
your eyes and stop trying to think about what to do. Just relax and let
things come to you. "

Owyn looked dubious but he dosed his eyes. Pug waited a few minutes and
said, 'You're still trying. Think of something else?

What? 'Think of something boring, perhaps a tome you read a long time
ago that didn't interest you, or one of Elgohar's lectures at

Stardock. "

Owyn laughed, and suddenly something entered his mind. 'I ...

wait, something..."He opened his eyes. 'I laughed and there, for a
moment, I knew something about rifts. " 'Close your eyes and think of
something else, "said Pug.

Owyn took a deep breath and closed his eyes again. He let his mind drift
and memories came flooding back. He remembered his older brothers
mocking him as he studied the few books his father possessed, and he
remembered a girl in the town he liked but never spoke to, though she
probably would have been flattered by the attention of the Baron's son.
Then he remembered meeting Patrus and that old scoundrel's less than
deferential attitude to his father, and his deep wisdom buried under
that rough, country-bred exterior.

He could see the old man in his mind's eye and could even hear him
talking about the spells he could teach the boy. 'I tell you, boy, "said
the memory of Patrus, 'the trick to making fire erupt from your fingers
is nothing. You just have to want the air around the finger to get hot,
and if you get it hot enough, if you want it enough, then the fire
appears. "Owyn remembered trying that skiff for hours until suddenly it
happened.

Then in Owyn's memory, Patrus was saying, The structure of a rift is
best understood if you ignore common references to three dimensional
location. The idea of being "here" and then being "there" is an
impediment rather than a help. If you think of a rift as a "gate"
between two places that can be side by side at any moment, if you will
..."Patrus's voice droned on in Owyn's mind, but the lesson was so
obvious as Owyn listened.

Suddenly Owyn's eyes opened. 'I know what to do!" 'Good, "said Pug. 'I
once had MacRos guide me while I utilized my power to enter and destroy
a rift, so now I'll guide you. Gamina? " 'Yes, Father? " 'If you could
link Owyn's mind with mine, and then get ready to jump, please. "

She took Gorath's hand and said, When you're ready. "

Pug nodded and Owyn suddenly felt their minds linked by Gamina's.

Then Pug held out the Cup of Rlynn Skrr in one hand, and the crystal
staff in the other. He put the staff firmly on the ground and said,
'Read3P'

Owyn put his staff into the pile of mana and said, 'Ready!" 'One, two,
three!"

Owyn took the energies given him by the staff in his hand and let them
flow down the staff to the pile of mana that lay at the base of the rift
machine. He willed it all to move back up the staff, through him, to Pug
to the cup he held. A blinding flash of energy erupted from the cup and
filled the space between the poles.

It was like reaching out and moving aside a curtain, thought Owyn.

He even knew where he wanted the rift to form. He opened his eyes and
saw a shimmering silver wall turn grey before him, then he saw

Gamina and Gorath jump and vanish through it. 'Now!"shouted Pug and
Owyn, still gripping Pues hand, jumped after his companions.

He felt himself pass through a grey void, a moment of sensationlessness
and then they were stumbling on a stone floor, trying to keep from
falling over Gorath and Gamina'.

The room was dark, with a faint light entering the window. T

Where are we? "asked Gorath.

Pug laughed. 'In my study, in Krondor. "

Gamina jumped to her feet, clapping her hands in delight. Even before
she could speak, the door flew open and Katala hurried in, wearing her
nightdress. She clasped her daughter to her heart then put her arm
around her husband. 'I knew you'd find her, "said Katala.

Pug luxuriated for a moment in the presence of his wife and child, then
said, 'Makala has much to answer for. "

Katala said, 'The Tsurani? He's behind your disappearance? 'It's a long
story, my love. Gamina will tell it to you when you're both safely at
Stardock. "

Katala looked at her husband and said, 'Where will you be, husband?

Pug looked at Gorath and Owyn. We must go to Sethanon. "

James looked at Patrus and the old magician shouted, Worry about
yourself, boy. I can take care of myself

James was inclined to agree. Arutha's healing priest had concocted a
restorative. No matter how tired. they were when they lay down to sleep,
by sipping a tea made from the magic herbs, they were fidly restored the
next morning.

They had ridden like madmen, running horses into the ground, trading
mounts three or four times a day, commandeering mounts along the way.
They had warned Baron Highcastle and allowed

themselves one night of luxury, sleeping in a bed, and they left the
next day with a new retinue and remounts, while the exhausted soldiers
who hadn't had the luxury of the magic restorative would follow after
with Highcastle's garrison as it force marched to the

Dimwood.

They saw tents and banners in the distance, as they crested a rise in
the road, and headed toward the northern boundary of the Dimwood.

They slowed as Kingdom sentries flagged them down. They reined in before
a sergeant of the Royal Krondorian garrison, who recognized both
squires. 'Mere's the Knight-Marshal? "asked James. 'In the command
tentwith the Duke, sir. "

Which duke? " 'The Duke of Crydee, squire, "said the sergeant.

James asked, 'Martin's here? Good. "He motioned to the others to follow
and headed toward the large pavilion tent which dominated the
encampment.

Reaching it, James reined in and dismounted, handing the reins of his
horse to a lackey. The others were a step behind him, though

Patrus looked as if the long ride was finally wearing him down.

At the entrance to the pavilion, James said, 'Fell the Knightmarshal

Squires James and Locklear are here. "

The guard disappeared inside, and a moment later motioned for them to
enter. James and his companions went into the command pavilion and found
Knight-Marshal Gardan studying the map on the table before him. Looking
up, his dark, wrinkled face split into a grin, one that seemed to light
up the tent. Yet his eyes looked troubled. 'I hope your arrival means
Arutha is coming right behind. "

James said, 'He's on his way, as is Highcastle, and should be less than
a week behind. " 'A week!"said Gardan.

We ruined some horses getting here, "said Locklear. 'You're to move at
once to the Sethanon garrison, "said James. He looked around. 'I was
told Martin was here. " 'He was, "said Gardan. 'But he and his trackers
are already heading into the woods. " 'Mat brought him here? "asked
Locklear. 'Tomas sent word to Crydee and suggested it might be a good
idea for some special talents to appear here in the woods. "He pointed

south. 'Martin, his trackers, and a company of elves are out there
skulking through the woods, looking for Dark Brothers. " 'So Delekhan's
on his way? "asked James. 'He's here, "said Gardan. His finger pointed
out a point on the

V f map, a ormed by two rivers that ran through the Dimwood. 'He showed
up behind us two days ago. I don't know how he did it, but instead of
being in front of us, he was behind us. "

We think he's using a rift machine, "said James. 'Damn, "said Gardan.
'If the Riftwar taught us anything it was that once one of those damn
gates is op ' en, they can walk soldiers through as fast as they can get
them lined up and on the march. " 'Can't be a big one, though, "said
Patrus. 'Who's this? "asked Gardan.

Tatrus is my name, "answered the old magician. 'If it was big, he'd be
on the march. "Patrus pointed to a place to the southwest of where

Gardan had pointed. 'Is there a ford or bridge around there? "

We're trying to find out, "answered the Knight-Marshal. 'Come on, boys,
"said Patrus.

Wait!"said James. 'Where are we going? " 'If that pointy-eared devil is
already here, then he's getting ready to move out. If he's not here yet,
and we can close that damn machine down before he comes through, his
boys'll start running north like their tails was on fire, if they had
tails. "He grinned. 'Those dark elves just don't like being far from
home. "

Gardan looked at James. 'Who is he? " 'It's a long story, "said James.
'I'll tell you after all this is over. But he's the only magician we've
got, and unless Pug shows up we've got to make do. "

Patrus made a face. 'Make do? I ought to go home and let you sort this
out. " 'Sorry, "said James. 'Fired, that's all. " 'That's all right,
Jimmy. You get me to that damned machine and

I'll shut it down. "

Locklear looked sceptical. 'I was under the impression that it was a
special sort of magic, rifts, I mean. "

Patrus said,'Special to make, no doubt. What little I've heard about
rifts isn't good; most of the time they show up because a magician made
a mistake. "He winked. 'But messing magic up, that's easy. "

James said, 'I hope so, because if we can cut off most of Delekhan's
army before they get here, we just might keep the lid on this boiling
kettle until Arutha and the rest of the army get here. "

Gardan made a sweeping motion with his hands. We have a very fluid
front. Theyre dug in here, here and here, "he said, pointing at three
different places along a river. 'Lord Martin went this way. "

He indicated a pass between the two closest points. 'He thought he might
be able to slip past the dark elves. "

James shook his head. 'If there's a human who might slip through the
woods past dark elves, it would be Martin Longbow, but even that's a
little hard for me to imagine. "

Gardan smiled. We're providing him with some distractions. "

James returned the grin. Well, then, if it's loud and lively, we might
be able to follow after him. "

Locklear said, 'Are we ever going to get any rest? "

Patrus looked at the younger man and with an expression of contempt.
'Get killed, boy, and you'll get all the rest you'll ever need. Now,
come on and lees get after it. "

Locklear nodded in resignation. James said, We have a better chance if
we travel light. Do you have any scouts still in camp? "

Gardan shook his head. 'No, theyre working with Martin and the elves
along that river. If you're lucky, you'll bump into them before you meet
any of Delekhan's forces. "

James said, Well, we've got a good half-days light left, so we should
probably head out. " 'How are you fixed for stores? "asked the
Knight-Marshal.

We have enough food for a week, "said Locklear. We loaded up before we
left the last change of horses. "

Gardan said, 'Then let me give you the current password, "Krondor's

Eagle", as we have some human renegades from Queg mixed in around here,
too. "

Locklear said, 'After I got Gorath to Krondor, I was hoping I'd never
see another bloody Quegan mercenary again. "

Gardan said, 'You have my permission to kill as many as you like when
you meet them, squire: now get out of here. "

James laughed and led Patrus and Locklear out of the tent. He pointed to
their horses and asked a guard, 'Any fresh remounts nearby? "

The guard said, 'Over there, squire. Captain Philip's taking care of
cavalry for the Marshal. He can set you up. "

They took their horses and led them toward the cavalry command, and
Patrus said, 'Oh, joy! Another horse to ride!"

Locklear said, 'Would you rather walk? " 'Right now, boy, you bet I
would,'was his answer, followed by his signature nasty laugh.

James shook his head. He was trying to like the crusty old magician, but
he was finding that as time wore on, it was getting harder to find
reasons not to strangle him.

James motioned the others forward, and they rode within sight of a
recent skirmish. Three renegade humans and one moredhel lay dead in a
clearing, and from the number of arrows in the corpses, it was apparent
they had been taken by surprise. Only elves would be able to ambush a
moredhel scout, James was certain, so hopefillty that meant Duke Martin
and his companions were in the area. 'Do you think the elves will
remember us from our last visit to

Elvandar, or mistake us for Quegan renegades and start shooting?

Locklear asked. 1VVHY don't you ask them? "replied a voice from behind a
tree to his right, before James could speak.

Locklear and James reined in as a tall man dressed in brown-and green
leather stepped out from behind a tree. 'Martin!"said James. 'I'm
pleased to see you, Your Grace. "

Martin, Duke of Crydee, once known as Longbow, stood holding the weapon
that had given him his name. Well met, James, Locklear.

Who is your friend? "

Patrus looked around as a group of elves seemed to materialize from
behind the trees. Tatrus is my name. " 'He's a magician, and he's here
to help us shut down the rift machine, "answered Locklear. 'This is Lord
Martin, Duke of Crydee. "

Patrus nodded. 'Odd-looking Duke, if you ask me. "

Martin smiled a half-smile very similar to his brother Arutha's. 'Court
dress isn't particularly useful when running through the woods,

I have found. "

Well, there is that, "said the old man, scratching his neck. We're
looking for that machine. You have any idea where it is? " 'I know
exactly where it is, "said Martin. 'A large company of moredhel left for
the south this morning, and we slipped in behind their lines and came
back upriver. I didn't see the machine but I saw enough guards in a
small area to be pretty sure where it is. Besides, there's an odd
feeling in the air, and it puts me in mind of that Tsurani machine in
the Grey Towers back during that war. I'm sending word to Gardan so he
can bring up the forces with Arutha when they get here. " 'Foo late,
"said James. Tatrus is of the opinion Tatrus doesn't need anyone to tell
his opinion for him, boy, "said the old man. To Martin he said, 'Duke,
that pointy-eared bastard has probably only managed to get a few
companies through with him else theyd be cleaning up the woods with the
Kingdom forces already here.

He's almost certainly on his way to Sethanon, which is where these boys
say he wants to go, so you're probably facing some rear guards.

But, if that machine stays open until the Prince gets here, well,
there's no telling how many more goblins and trolls and other
bloodsuckers you're going to be looking at before you can battle your
way down to

Sethanon. "

Martin was too concerned about what the old magician said to worry much
about his lack of protocol. What do you propose? " 'Get us dose to that
damn machine, then set up a diversion and draw as many off as you can,
say fake a major attack then fall back slowly, and if we can slip in, I
can disable that machine. "

Martin glanced at James, who shrugged.

Martin said, 'Very well, follow us, but you'll have to come on foot. "

The three riders dismounted and one of the elves took the horses. 'Lead
them back to the Knight-Marshal and tell him what you heard here. Tell
him also that I expect we could use some relief to the west of the old
stone bridge. "

The elf nodded, took the horses and left. Martin glanced at the sky
through the branches. 'Good, this will bring us to the bridge at
sundown, and you should be able to slip across the river in the dark
while we distract them at the bridge. " 'Slip across the river? "said
Patrus. 'You mean as in get wet? "

'Yes, "said Martin with a smile. 'I'm afraid you'll have to wade.

There's a shallow ford about a mile upriver and I doubt the goblins know
of it. " 'Goblins? "asked Locklear.

We're seeing mostly goblins and Quegan mercenaries. I think most of the
moredhel went south with Delekhan or whoever is leading that detachment.
"

James was silent for a moment, then said, 'Locklear, hovs your

Quegan@'

Locklear said, 'Pretty fair. Hows yours? " 'Not as good as yours, "said
James. 'I didn't grow up in a port town like you did. " 'What's Krondor?
Landlocked? "asked the younger squire. 'You don't see many Quegan
traders in the sewer, is my point. " 'Oh, "said Locklear. "AW." 'Just
that I don't think we were likely to run into too many goblins or dark
elves who spoke Quegan up at Northwarden, but I'm willing to bet you a
good meal we're going to find some of those damn Quegans around here. "
'You're not thinking of doing the "we Quegan mercenaries" thing again,
are you? "said Locklear with a look of concern on his face. 'That worked
fine when we were lying to trolls, but if there are some real
mercenaries here ... I don't speak it well enough to fool a Quegan. "

We'll worry about that problem if we come to it, "said James.

Locklear rolled his eyes upward and said, 'Great. "

James said,'Martin, instead of trying to mount an attack, why don't you
chase us into the enemy's arms? "

Martin raised an eyebrow in curiosity. 'Are you sure? " 'No, but let's
do it anyway, "said James with a grin.

As the sun set in the west, the sound of men running and shouting in

Quegan for help reached the mercenaries at the bridge. Three men, two
young and one old, raced for the bridge and in the distance pursuing
soldiers were evident in the haze.

James was first to reach the bridge. Out of breath and looking
desperate, he pointed and, in Quegan, shouted, 'Attack!"

The second young man said, 'Hold this bridge! We'll get help!"

The mercenary leader turned to the troll who commanded his company and
was about to ask what to do when an arrow arched overhead, landing
nearby. Ducking behind the scant shelter afforded by the sides of the
old stone bridge, he turned his attention to the attacking elves as the
three who carried the warning ran for help.

James kept going and looked over his shoulder. Martin and the elves were
doing their best to convince those at the bridge that there was a major
offensive being launched at them.

James halted and motioned for Locklear to stop, allowing Patrus to catch
up. The old man was clearly winded, and James asked, 'You all right? "

Patrus nodded. 'Not quite as fast as I once was. Give me a moment, then
let's do it again. "He smiled his evil smile. They paused while

Patrus caught his breath, then he nodded and they hurried off.

They were running toward where they thought the rift machine was hidden,
in a small depression between two sheltering hills. A group of moredhel
ran toward them and Locklear shouted in Quegan, 'The bridge is under
attack!"

The leader was a tall moredhel, with a set of shoulders to match

Gorath's. He wore a heavy fur jacket which left his massive chest
uncovered and he shouted. 'I don't speak your Quegan dog's tongue!"

James paused, and took a deep breath. 'I speak the King's Tongue, " he
replied, trying to accent his words. 'The bridge is under attack.

The trolls sent us for reinforcements. " 'Attack? He turned to one of
his warriors and sent him toward the bridge. 'I am Moraeulf, son of
Delekhan and second-in-command to my father. I command here while
Delekhan travels to Sethanon.

Whom do you serve?

Locklear glanced at James, and James said, We serve 'Tell him about the
elves!"shouted Locklear, interrupting James as they had rehearsed.
'Elves? said Moraeulf. 'N'at is this of elves? " 'And a tall human with
a bow, able to hit a man at a thousand yards, is with them, "said James.
'Longbow!"said Moraeulf. 'It can be only Longbow. His death will bring
me honour. "

James said, "v'at did he call the othery 'Calin, I think, "said
Locklear.

'The Prince of Elvandar is here!"he shouted, grabbing James by the shirt
and easily lifting him off the ground. 'That's the name, "said James,
not having to work to look fearful. 'Prince Calin, is what he said. "
'Call my guards! We go to kill the eledhel prince and his human friend!
I shall eat their hearts!"shouted Moraeulf, dropping James.

Where are they? " 'At the bridge to the west, "said James, sitting in
the dirt.

The six moredhel ran toward the bridge, and James shouted after, 'I'll
send the rest after you!"

Locklear helped him to his feet, and said to James, 'I can't believe
that worked. " 'It will only work until that hothead gets tired of
chasing Longbow and the elves through the wood. I guess we have maybe
half an hour.

Let's go. "

James again ran through the trees and when he saw another band of
moredhel guards near a clearing, he shouted, 'Moraeulf said to come to
the western bridge!"

The leader of the moredhel, an older-looking veteran said, We are to
guard this machine. "He pointed to the rift machine and James realized
he was standing in front of it. In the evening gloom and among the trees
he would have walked past it had he not been drawn to the guards.
'Moraeulf said we should guard it, "said Locklear.

The warrior cast a sceptical glance at him, but James said, 'He told us
to tell you that we Quegan dogs are fit enough to guard the machine; you
must come to hunt eledhel. Prince Calin and Martin

Longbow attack the western bridge. "

The effect was instantaneous. The moredhel dashed off to the

west.

Standing next to the machine, James said, 'I wonder if Calin knows of
the high regard in which his dark cousins hold him? " 'I think he's been
around long enough to have some idea, "said

Locklear. Glancing at Patrus, he asked, 'Can you stop this thing? "

As he asked the question, a squad of six moredhel appeared through the
gate, walking down the ramp. James instantly took on a commanding manner
and said, We are being attacked in the west! Go support Moraeultl'

They hurried off in the direction he pointed and Locklear said, 'One of
these days you're going to run into a moredhel chieftain who just isn't
going to believe you. "

Patrus said, 'Let me look at this thing! He walked around the machine, a
platform only six feet deep and ten feet across. Two men could walk
through it comfortably side by side, but no more. 'I see they had to
bring a lot of stuff here to build this, "said the old magician. 'That's
why it's so small!

James said, 'The one the Tsurani used in the Riftwar was easily six or
eight times as big, from what Arutha told me. They could bring waggons
through it. " 'This could handle a small cart, maybe, "said the
magician. Well, let's see what I can do to turn it off. "

He found several devices carved in the wooden pillar closest to him.

They were inset with gems. He ran his hand over them top to bottom.

When he got to the one second to the bottom, a spark shot out, knocking
him over. As James helped him back to his feet Patrus said,

Well, I learned something! 'What? "asked Locklear. 'Not to touch that
damn crystal again. "

He walked around the machine and as he returned to where James was,
another six moredhel appeared. James again instructed them to find
Moraeulf and they did as he instructed. 'Can you do this? "asked
Locklear. 'Maybe we can set fire to it. " 'That might do it, "said the
old magician. Then his voice lowered, and he added, 'But I doubt it.
Magic like this doesn't burn easy. Give me a few minutes, boy, and let
me study this thing!

James and Locklear looked at one another and both silently echoed the
other's thoughts: they might not have a few minutes to give.

Pug took a deep breath and said, 'Owyn, you're going to have to help me
again. My powers are coming back, but I can't rely on them right now to
take us to Sethanon. You will have to transport us there! 'Me? objected
Owyn. 'I don't know how. " 'Yes you do, "said Pug. 'Much of what I know,
you know. You just don't realize it yet. Now, relax and let me guide
you. "He held out a metal orb.

Since having Gamina's mind-touch to link them, Pug was able to

reach Owyn and help him focus his magic. 'You have to reach out.

Sethanon is out ... there, "he said softly while Gorath watched.

Pug almost whispered. 'You have to reach out and -'

Suddenly Pug's eyes widened. 'The rift! I can feel it!"

Gorath said, 'Where? " 'Somewhere near Sethanon! That is where Makala
and the others must be operating. " 'Let us go there!"said Gorath. 'If
Delekhan and his allies are there, that is where I must go. "

Pug nodded and gripped Owyn's shoulders. 'Close your eyes and let me
guide you. This is just like stepping through a door. "

Owyn did as he was asked and in his mind's eye he saw the doorway.

He felt Gorath's hand rest atop Pug's as mentally he stepped through the
door.

And fell through the void.

Then landed unceremoniously on the ground.

Looking up, they saw James turn to Patrus and say, 'How did you do that?
"

James held out his hand to Owyn and Pug, and Locklear did the same for
Gorath. James said, 'If there was ever a more propitious entrance, I've
never heard of it. You are welcome. " 'Thank you, James, "said Pug. He
glanced at Patrus and said, 'Who is this? " 'Name's Patrus, "said the
old magician walking past Pug and studying the machine. 'One side. "

James said, 'This is Pug. " 'I know, "said Patrus. 'Saw him from a
distance once. Came to

Timons looking for magicians for his Academy. Hello, Owyn. " 'Hello,
Patrus. How did you get here? " 'Long story. "

Another party of moredhel appeared in the rift machine and James
shouted, 'Elves are attacking Moraeulf to the west! Go aid him.

The moredhel were disoriented by the passage and one glanced from James
to Gorath. Gorath shouted, 'You heard him! Run!"

The moredhel ran. 'Theyre coming through at about five-minute
intervals,'said James. 'No more than half a dozen at a time. " 'Thaes
still seventy an hour, "said Locklear, 'and Arutha is at least a

day away. Martin and some elves are keeping things lively to the west of
here, and Gardan is coming from the north, but unless we dose this thing
down, we're going to have a thousand or more moredhel here by this time
tomorrow. "

Gorath asked, 'Where is Delekhan? " 'He and his honour guard are already
on their way to Sethanon, " said James, 'according to his son. "

Gorath said, We must go there!" 'First we must stop this machine, "said
James.

Pug said, 'I can help, but I am without power to do it by myself. "

Owyn asked, 'What do I do?

Patrus jumped up on the platform and said, 'You stand there and keep a
safe distance, boy. "

Pug asked, 'What are you doing? " 'You know what has to be done,
magician. This sort of thing can't be done gracefully or without risk.
"He smiled at Owyn and said, 'Pay attention to him, boy. He knows a
thing or two. "Then he jumped into the gate. 'Thaes the wrong
way!"shouted Pug.

But rather than rebound as Pug expected, Patrus seemed to enter slowly
into the gap between the poles of the machine. His staff began to glow
brightly and with a wild-eyed determination, he shouted, 'You know what
you must do, boy! One of us must do this, and I'm old and near the end,
anyway. Do it!"

Pug gripped Owyn hard on the shoulder and said, 'Give him your
strength!"

Owyn asked, 'What? " 'He can only close the rift from within! Give him
your strength!

Make it quickl'

Owyn closed his eyes and let Pug guide him once more. He raised his hand
and a flow of energy ran down his arm and out his fingers and struck the
old magician as he hung halfway in the gate. Patrus shouted; it was
unclear if it was a scream of pain or a yell of triumph.

Then the rift blinked out of existence and a roar of wind exploded
through the poles, knocking them all to the earth.

James was the first back on his feet, looking around. 'Where'd he go? ,

Pug shook his head. 'He's gone. "

Owyn said, 'Gone? " 'He knew what he was doing, "said Pug. 'I once dosed
a rift from inside. I had the help of MacRos the Black, and I barely
survived. "

Gorath said, 'He died bravely. "

Owyn let the pain wash over him a moment. Patrus had been his first
teacher and while he was a gruff old man with few endearing qualities,
the boy respected and admired him. After a long moment, he sighed and
stood up.

James said, 'I don't know how long it is before Moraeulf and the others
return. But that wind that just blew through here had to alert someone.

Pug said, We must leave anyway. " 'Which way? "said James. 'I have no
desire to try to work our way through the moredhel lines again. I've run
out of clever ploys and misdirection. "

Pug said, We must go to Sethanon. "He looked at Locklear and

James. 'You know why, and soon the others will, too. "

Gorath said, 'If Delekhan is in Sethanon, then so must I be!"

Pug said, 'Form a circle. "They did and joined hands. 'Put your mind at
rest, Owyn, and I will again guide you. "

Owyn did as he was bid and Pug led him mentally. It was getting easier
for the young magician to do this, and he responded more quickly to
Pug's direction.

Suddenly they were somewhere else. They felt a sensation of movement,
and displacement. We are almost -'

They struck a barrier of pain and even Gorath screamed in agony as they
were repulsed from their destination. The powerfid moredhel was the last
to lose consciousness as he saw the others lying on the cold soil,
stunned and twitching in pain. Then he fell into a mindless stupor.

TWENTY

Retribution

The ground was damp.

Pug rolled over on his elbow and saw that James and Locklear were still
unconscious. Gorath was awake but disoriented.

Owyn sat up, his head held between his hands. 'What happened? " he
groaned.

We hit some sort of barrier.'Pug dosed his eyes as he felt the pain in
his head dissipate.

James slowly regained consciousness. He sat up, blinked, and finally
focused his vision. 'Where are we? he asked.

Pug stood and looked around. We are in the old courtyard at

Castle Sethanon. "He pointed toward the burned-out gatehouse of the
abandoned keep and said, 'Directly below is our objective. " 'How do we
get there? asked Gorath.

We probe the boundaries of the barrier and find a place where we can get
into the ancient tunnels below this city. They can't have erected it
over the entire warren. "

Why not? "asked Owyn. 'Because even six Tsurani Great Ones could not
keep a barrier like that up and intact all day and all night. Makala
doesn't know I've escaped from Timirianya. So this barrier was put in
place to keep anyone from surprising Makala. Which means his six
magicians are taking turns keeping it in place. It must be small for
them to do that. "

Locklear said, 'Sounds logical to me. "He stood up and groaned. 'If
there's one place that might connect with the ancient tunnels, it will
be the lowest level of the abandoned keep. Let's start looking there. "

'I'll get something to make a torch, "said Gorath.

While they waited, Pug said to Owyn, 'How do you feel? " 'Beaten up,
tired, and angry. But otherwise fine. You? "

Pug put his hands together, then separated them by inches. A blue spark
leaped from one hand to the next. 'I feel my powers returning, slowly.
Perhaps this delay will serve us. "Lowering his voice, he said, 'I don't
want the others to know, but if we're facing the Tsurani Great Ones,
even at the height of my power, we'd be overmatched. We must trust
stealth and surprise. If we can dose in on any magician, engage him
physically, we can prevent him from casting a spell. 'Additionally, we
have another advantage. The idea of being physically attacked is totally
alien to the Great Ones, who view themselves as almost godlike in their
power. They are so conditioned to having their word obeyed without
hesitation that if they attempt to command us rather than cast a spell
at us, we gain advantage!

Owyn said, 'I'm not particularly eager for this confrontation. Some of
your knowledge is beginning to manifest in my mind, and I think

I can do some things now I couldn't have yesterday, but I'm still
uncertain. " 'Then follow my lead. "

Gorath returned with torches. 'I found these bundled in an abandoned
storage shed over there. "He also sported a Kingdom crossbow and quiver
of bolts. 'I also found these. "He tossed the crossbow to

Locklear who caught it and examined it. 'Ies dirty and hasn't been oiled
in ten years, "said the squire. 'But nothing looks rusty. "He put the
head of the bow to the ground and put his foot in the metal stirrup
designed to hold the bow in place as it was cocked. Unlike the heavy
crossbows that needed to be cranked, this light bow needed only to be
drawn. 'And I have little faith in this bow wire. "

But the old bow cocked with a loud click and Locklear loaded a bolt into
the groove down its length. 'Stand back. If this wire breaks, someone
could get hurt. "

He aimed at a nearby door and pulled the release. The bow shot the bolt
with a satisfactory thud into the door.

Locklear looked at the weapon with approval. J guess they built this one
to last. "

'Do you want to test it again? "asked James. 'No, "said Locklear. That
might be pushing our luck. If I can get off at least one surprise shot,
that might make a difference. "

James nodded.

Pug looked at his small band and said, 'Let's go. "

Pug paused, and said, Wait. "

They were in a deep tunnel, barely wide enough for them to move through
without turning sideways. Gorath's shoulders rubbed one wall or the
other as he walked. They had found it behind a flight of stairs, down at
the end of an ancient stone tunnel under the castle. 'What is it? "asked
James. 'Here,'he said, pointing to a bare wall. 'If I remember, this is
where we should find a doorway down into the lower chamber. "

James pulled out his dagger, Gorath did likewise, and the others stepped
back as they attacked what looked at first like a blank wall of earth.
Soon both man and moredhel were sweating, and those on either side of
them were pulling back the earth they dislodged. Then

James's dagger point struck rock.

He cleared away the dirt and said, 'I think this is masonry. "

Owyn said, 'Move away, "and held the torch dose to reveal old bricks.

Gorath ignored the heat of the torch and leaned dose. 'This looks to be
crumbling away. "He pushed hard on a brick and it moved with a
protesting grind. 'Stand back, "he said. After they had moved down the
tunnel a little way, Gorath put two hands against the bricks and pushed
as hard as he could. With a low, grinding rumble, first one, then two,
then half a dozen bricks fell away from him.

Gorath managed to keep his balance and pull back just as a section of
wall gave way. The tunnel filled with fine dust, which made

Locklear and Owyn sneeze.

Gorath didn't hesitate. He grabbed the torch out of Owyn's hand and
stepped through the hole. Pug and the others followed. The chamber was
vast, empty and the dust of ages lay upon the floor, undisturbed for
eons. Pug held his hand up and light sprang from it, illuminating the
entire area.

It was no natural cave. The ceiling had been carved and in the walls
were reliefs of dragons and creatures in armour who

rode them. 'Valheru!"whispered Gorath in awe. 'This was once their
place. "

Pug said, 'Before we go any further, I must prepare you for what we are
going to encounter, not only the risk of facing the Six, but regarding
other issues, as well. Located nearby is an artifact known as the
Lifestone. 'This artifact was crafted by the Valheru, as a weapon to be
used against the gods during the Chaos Wars. It is far beyond my
understanding, and I have been studying it as time permits for nearly
nine years. But this I know: it was crafted to be a thing of great
destruction. It was this item that was the goal of the false

Murmandamus during the Great Uprising ten years ago. " 'False
Murmandamus? "asked Gorath, obviously confused. 'He was no true
moredhel. He was a Pantathian Serpent Priest whose form was changed by
dark magic to gull your people into wasting their lives in his cause. He
captured their dying life essence so he could use that power as a key to
activate the Lifestone. Had he reached his goal, I fear the results
would have been the obliteration of all life on Midkemia. The
devastation of Timirianya would seem a garden compared to the barren
rock that this would have become. "

Gorath looked murderous. 'So many dead because of the Pantathians!"

Owyn was also confused. 'I don't understand something. How could even a
priest or magician of high art activate something that was a weapon
against the gods? If the Valheru. are gone, isn't the secret of this
Lifestone gone with them? " 'No, "said Pug. 'The souls of the Valheru
are bound within the stone and it may be that tampering with it will
free them. Even if they lack bodies, the energy of their combined minds
might be enough to use the Lifestone. We don't know, but it's a risk we
cannot allow. " 'So Makala wants to destroy us? "asked Locklear. 'He is
not mad enough for that, "said Pug. 'But he is blindly loyal to the
Empire and thinks the Kingdom harbours a weapon of destruction that some
day may be unleashed upon his nation. He is desperate to discover the
secret of that weapon so he may either defend against it or build
another for Tsuranuanni so they can treat with the Kingdom from a
position of strength. " 'The fooh' spat Gorath. 'What a petty mind he
must have. " 'Perhaps petty in his view of the universe, ) said Pug,
'but powerful

and gifted in magic. At my peak, he could not stand against me, but in
my weakened state, I may be overmatched. This is why we must dispose of
his six companions and then face him, Owyn and 1, together. "He looked
at Gorath and Owyn. 'I place a tremendous trust in you two, a renegade
moredhel chieftain from the Northlands and the youngest son of an
eastern noble. Only the Royal Family and a few who were at the Battle of
Sethanon, such as Locklear and James here know the secret of the
Lifestone. "

Gorath said, 'I will die before I reveal this to anyone. "

Owyn could only nod. 'Now, follow me. "

Pug led them down the long hallway, obviously once the surface entrance
to a vast underground city. 'The cities to the north, Sarsargoth and
Sar-Isbandia were built by the glamredhel in imitation of this one. This
was once called the City of Drakin-Korin. " 'Even in our lore, we know
that name, "said Gorath. 'Even among the Valheru he was considered mad.
"

Tet it was he who convinced them to give their essences to the

Lifestone. "

The tunnel was massive, and Owyn asked, 1My is this so big? "

Pug smiled. 'Ever seen a small dragon? " 'No. " 'This is a snug fit for
a dragon, and the Valheru rode large ones. "

They came to a pair of massive doors, ancient wood as hard as iron from
petrifaction. Hinges the size of a man's body had frozen centuries
before. There was enough room for them to walk between the doors, and
inside a huge hall they stopped.

Suddenly, Gorath was moving, his sword coming from its scabbard and
before Owyn or Pug could mouth a spell, two goblins lay dead in the
midst of a vast room.

Pug said, 'This means we are close. " 'It also means Delekhan is near,
"said Gorath. 'Makala may be using him, "said Pug, 'but I doubt he would
reveal the final secret of the Lifestone to him. None of your moredhel
witches could transport him down here. He would have to find a way from
the surface. "

Gorath said, 'I doubt this complex has only one entrance. "

Pug said, 'True. Makala could transport by magic once he knew

where to go, but the first time he came here, someone had to guide him.
" 'Nago, "said Gorath. 'He was in the south for nearly a year before
this madness began. If we could get this Makala to speak, I would wager
that it was Nago who showed your Tsurani how to gain entrance to this
place. "

Pug said, We can speculate on this later. However they met, they decided
their purposes were enough in sympathy that they could co-operate in
this endeavour. "Pug looked off into the gloom, as if trying to see
something and said, 'I think, however, that Makala is using Delekhan as
much as the false Murmandamus used your people, Gorath. He's sending
your people to die fighting my people, to keep the Prince's army away
from this place. "

They started walking again, and suddenly Pug said, Wait!"He moved
forward, put his hand out and commanded, 'Owyn, feet this. "

Owyn came over next to Pug and put his hand out. He felt energy below
his palm, a tingling sensation that grew tangible if he pushed on it.
'Is this the barrier? " 'Yes, "said Pug. 'This is what we struck when I
tried to help you transport us into the chamber on the next level down.
"

Pug pushed a bit and with his hands moved first right, then left.

After a moment he was satisfied. 'This is a sphere, and we must walk
around the circumference, until we find those who erected it. "

He moved all the way to the left until they encountered a wall, then
back to the right. At the far right extreme, Gorath spied a door a short
way back. 'Let's try that, "suggested the dark elf.

They entered a tunnel and moved deeper into the earth.

The magic in the room was so powerful even James and Locklear sensed it,
making their skins crawl. What is this place? "asked

James. 'A treasure trove, "said Pug. 'One of many. Touch nothing here.

Some of these items are magic and I can't judge the consequences of
their inadvertent activation. "

Owyn said, What is that? "He pointed to a large hunting horn with a
strange runic symbol on it.

Gorath said, 'The inscription is familiar to me. It is that after which
we fashioned our own script. It is Valheru. "

What does it say? asked Owyn. 'It is the glyph of the Tyrant of Wind
Valley. "

Pug tried to remember which of the Valheru that was, and knew

Tomas could tell him. 'This is a place of plunder, "said Gorath. 'Prizes
and trophies were gathered here.'He looked down at the dust-covered
booty; gold, gems and many items both commonplace and alien.

Owyn reached out and held his hand above the hunting horn. 'Pug, please,
examine this. "

Pug gently touched the horn and picked it up. 'It exudes magic, " he
said softly.

Then Pug remembered, or the object had the ability to place a memory
within him. He dropped the horn as if it had suddenly grown hot.
'Algon-Kokoon! Slain by Ashen-Shugar. "Softly he said, 'Tomas would
indeed remember this. It is a hunting horn, which...'His eyes widened.
He took the horn and put the golden cord which held it around Owyn's
shoulder, letting it hang at the young magician's side. 'If it still
works, it could tip the balance. "Pug glanced around. 'There are so many
things here in Sethanon that I have not had time to study.

There is so much I don't know. "

Owyn said, 'But we know that Makala lies somewhere over there, and we
must stop him. "

Pug nodded and turned to leave the ancient treasures behind, and they
moved down another corridor.

A small chamber glowed with light in the distance and Gorath
extinguished the torch. To conserve energy, Pug had stopped using his
mystic light. He felt fiffl knowledge was returned to him, and his
abilities had grown far beyond what the young boy who had met Locklear
months before had possessed, but they knew they faced seven Great Ones
from Kelewan, Makala and his six companions.

They crept down the hall and came to a chamber. Gorath peeked around the
comer and pulled his head back. He held up three fingers and pointed to
Pug and Owyn. They nodded in understanding. Two magicians rested in the
next room, with either a servant or guard.

Pug had agonized over how to approach his former brethren. He was almost
certain Makala had not told them the full story, even if he had, it was
not the truth, but rather Makala's warped vision.

Still, Pug had finally decided, they had lent their talents to events

which had resulted in the deaths of thousands: humans, moredhel, troll
and goblin, and that could not go unpunished. Pug nodded, pointed to
himself and motioned to his left, then pointed to Owyn and motioned to
the right. He pointed at Locklear's crossbow and held up three fingers,
indicating the third person.

He held up his hand a moment, and when everyone nodded, he made a
chopping motion and entered the room.

Owyn and Pug were already incantating their spells when the three
figures looked up. Two were wearing black robes and the third was a
moredhel warrior.

Locklear raised his crossbow, took a breath, let it out, held it, aimed
the bow as he had been taught, then pulled the release.

The bolt flew through the air and took the moredhel in the chest,
propelling him across the room. He hit the wall with a sickening sound,
and slid down, leaving a crimson smear on the brickwork.

The two Tsurani were immobile, unused to danger and having to cope with
surprise. The two spells of immobilization went off within a second of
each other, and the two figures moaned in pain as they were engulfed.
Gorath had his sword ready and stepped forward to kill both magicians.

It was over in moments.

Pug looked around, held up his hand for silence, and listened for any
alarm.

It remained silent for a minute.

He said, 'That leaves four, plus Makala. "

James said, 'This looks like a bedchamber. "He pointed to two pallets on
the floor. 'Here they rest, while their brothers maintain the shell
around the Lifestone. "

Pug closed his eyes and extended his senses. In the distance he detected
a familiar presence. He reached out to it, but was prevented from making
contact. 'Not yet, "he whispered. 'Not yet what? "asked James, his face
starting to show the fatigue of the past few weeks.

Pug looked at him, then at Locklear and said, 'How have you been caring
for yourself since you left Northwarden? " 'Arutha's healing priest gave
us powder to drink at night, and we awake refreshed after a few hours. "

Pug said, 'Those work for the short term, but when this is done,

you'll need to rest for several days. Be wary. Your senses are dulled,
and you are not as quick as you think. "

Locklear looked at James and said, 'If he's telling us we're tired,
that's not exactly a surprise. "

James grinned and patted his friend on the cheek, roughly. 'He's telling
us not to get overconfident, Locky. " 'Jimmy the Hand, overconfident?
Heaven forfend, "replied his friend, dryly. 'Come, "said Pug. 'A spell
as powerful as this barrier is no trivial thing. It is much like the
barrier erected around me by the

Timirianyan god. "

They moved down the corridor and entered a large chamber.

Figures moved in the distance, and Pug motioned for his companions to
spread out.

Suddenly light shone in the cavern.

Two robed figures advanced and, across the room, a voice spoke.

We were told to expect you, Milamber. " 'Do not oppose me, Zatapek.
Makala has lied to you and you are hip-deep in the blood of innocents.
Stop now before you drown in it. " 'Milamber, Makala is not the only one
in our Assembly who believes you to be a false Great One who is more
interested in his birth nation than the Good of the Empire. Else why
have you hidden this mighty weapon from us?

The second magician behind Zatapek moved to the side, lowering a staff
which he pointed at Pug as if it were a weapon. From behind

Pug the sound of a crossbow being fired sounded, and the second magician
was spun around, a shower of blood fountaining from his shoulder, as his
arm was half-torn from his body. He screamed in agony, and Zatapek
reacted.

The Tsurani Great One raised both hands, fingers pointing forward and a
cascade of blue energy lashed out, striking Pug hard. He felt every
muscle try to contract at the same time, the effect of which was his
going rigid and toppling over, striking the stone floor hard as he
writhed in silent agony.

Owyn reacted. A large globe of fire erupted from his hand and sped
toward Zatapek. But the Tsurani magician was ready, and with a spin of
his left hand, he seemed to fashion a shield of energy upon

which the fire splashed and flowed to the floor, winking out as it
struck the stones.

The only benefit was that he lost control of the magic he had turned on
Pug, and the energy vanished, leaving Pug trembling on the stones, still
sufferin from the pain of Zatapeles magic. 9

Owyn could not think of what to do next, so he dosed his eyes and let
his reactions take over. He put out his hand and with a single word sent
a column of compressed air hurtling at the Tsurani Great One.

For an instant Zatapek couldn't see anything and was preparing for
another energy attack, then when he realized what was occurring, he
reacted too late. The hammer of the blow slammed him twenty feet across
the stones.

Gorath ran toward him, and the last thing the dazed Tsurani magician saw
was the towering figure of the dark elf above him, poised to strike.
Then with a single blow, Gorath killed the magician.

Owyn hurried to Pug's side and saw the older magician was still
suffering from the lingering effects of the spell cast on him. He shook,
and his expression was agony, his teeth were locked and his lips pulled
back in a rictus grin. 'What can you do? "asked Locklear. 'I don't know,
"said Owyn. He reached out and touched Pug and his fingers exploded in
pain. But rather than pull away, he turned his mind to the ain and felt
the energy. He moved the energy and turned p it to the floor, and
suddenly it was gone.

Pug collapsed. Then he took a huge breath, almost a sob, and let it out
with a sigh.

James said, 'Pug! Can you understand me?

Weakly, Pug nodded. Speaking slowly, because the muscles of his face
hurt, he said, 'Help me up, please. "Standing with James's arm around
his waist, Pues legs trembled. 'If I move, the effects should pass. "

Owyn said, 'I'm glad. That was more magic in a minute than I've seen in
most of my life. " 'You did well. You trusted your instincts. If you
continue to do that, the magic you have gained from me will serve us
both. "Pug moved away from James and seemed to regain strength with
every step. 'That is four of them. At least one of those remaining will
be maintaining the barrier spell, if not both. If we can find them, and

disable them, the spell that blocks the Lifestone will fall and we can
get to Makala. "

He looked around. The magician whom Locklear had shot had died from
blood loss. 'Through those doors there is another treasure chamber. It
is one which has a blasted wall on the other side, stones destroyed by a
mighty struggle years ago. Through that gap in the stones lies the
chamber of the Lifestone. "

Gorath said, Then we must assume the last two Tsurani guardians and
Makala are through those doors. " 'Come, "said Pug. He walked slowly and
as he approached the doors, he glanced at Zatapeles companion, a young
Great One he had not known. He must have been a trainee when I lived on
Kelewan, he thought. Pity. With vacant eyes the dead magician stared up
at ancient stones on an alien world. What a waste, thought Pug.

Near the door, Pug motioned for the others to stop. He chanced a glimpse
and saw two figures waiting, though he didn't think they had yet seen
him. Their attentions were being directed toward two goals, beine alert
for Pug's approach, and maintaining the barrier behind them. Pug knew
that fatigue would be the price of such prolonged duty, but had no
illusions as to the time allotted to them.

Delekhan and his own Spellweavers would be somewhere close by, trying to
locate this cavern, either to free Murmandamus if they truly believed
him here, or to claim the legacy of his powers. Either way, either his
arrival or Makala's activating the Lifestone, would prove an abrupt
ending to all their efforts.

Pug stepped back and dosed his eyes.

I calledfor you, but was unable to reach your mind, came a familiar
voice in Pug's mind.

He looked to Owyn and said, 'The Oracle. "

Owyn nodded.

Pug sent, We must lower the barrier andftee you.

The Black Robes stole in one night andfilled the cavern with a mist that
caused my servants to sleep and rendered me weak. Then the bound y me
with wards that even my powers could not break. It was my inability to
know my ownfuture that blinded me to such apossibility. In time I might
winftee, but sojar I am but an echo of what I once was.

Pug considered the might of the Oracle of Aal and was impressed

at Makala's preparation. He must not underestimate Makala at any time.

Makala is reckless, and single-minded, but be is not cruel by the
standards of bispeople; bad be wisbedyou dead, be would have taken your
1j(e already. He i's most likely content to have you incapacitatedfor a
time. I think it unlikely you have suffered any permanent inj*ury.

To Owyn Pug said, We must quickly eliminate those two. "

Owyn asked, 'Are you able? " 'I must be. "He turned to James, Gorath and
Locklear. 'If they are ready for magic, they may not be ready for a
physical attack. As soon as we go through the door, hurry after us, but
stay to the side in case we are struck. "To Gorath he said, 'What you
will see beyond the barrier will amaze and shock you, but do not be
alarmed. It is a great dragon, but one unlike any on Midkemia before.
She is the

Oracle of Aal and must be protected from Delekhan or any other menace
while she regains her strength. If I fail to overcome Makala, she is our
only hope. "

Gorath nodded. 'I understand. "He looked at Locklear and James. 'These
are worthy companions. We shall protect the dragon while you two dispose
of the magician. "

Owyn was about to move to the door, when Pug stopped him.

There is one spell that may give us the time we need to confront

Makala. When the barrier falls, he will know his companions have failed.
" 'What is it? " 'If they are as weakened by their labours as I suspect,
there is a mild spell that will stun them to senselessness. "Pug
pointed. 'If this works, they will continue to hold the barrier in place
for a few moments, Just long enough for us to cross the chamber to the
great rent in the wall between this chamber and the next. We need the
time, because to confront Makala, we must shift ourselves in time. "

Owyn nodded. He closed his eyes for a moment, then said,'I know the
spell you speak of. "His eyes widened and he said, This seems simple. "

Pug said, 'If we survive this, remind me to tell you how long

I researched this particular magic. "He nodded and they stepped through
the door. The two Tsurani Great Ones had obviously prepared, for both
continued to hold the barrier in place, splitting

their energies so that one attempted to defend against Pug, while the
other tried to cast a spell of fire at him. 'Look out!"shouted Owyn as
he moved out of the way.

The Tsurani may have been prepared for Pug alone, but they didn't expect
a second magician. Both Pug and Owyn cast their enchantments, spells
which reached out and seized the Tsurani's fatigued minds, stunning them
with a blow as effective as if they had been struck by a hammer.

Pug ran. Owyn was a step behind as the two Great Ones stood motionless,
rooted and unable to do anything for a moment. Then they slumped to the
floor.

As the barrier fell, the room beyond was revealed. Even knowing he was
going to see a dragon didn't prepare Owyn for the sight before him. The
dragon was immense, easily the largest living creature he had ever seen.
Its head rested on the stones, and was the size of a waggon, and its
hide was encrusted with gems. Thousands of diamonds covered its body
from nose to tail, including its massive wings. But sprinkled throughout
were enough rubies, emeralds and sapphires to give the creature a
scintillating, rainbow hue that seemed to dance across the surface of
her body. Hooded lids covered her eyes, and white teeth the size of
sword blades peeked from beneath lips set in a wolfish smile.

Tbank you, magicians.

Pug saw a device of Tsurani manufacture that had generated the barrier.
In it were tiny bits of crystal. He examined them and said, 'Now we know
why Makala was so desperate to have that ruby. "He pointed to the
machine. 'Those stones of unusual property you mentioned Owyn. They were
used to power this device, and the Six were responsible for keeping it
functioning. I knew there was no simple magic that could disable the
Oracle.'To the dragon, Pug said,'Gorath and the others will stand guard
while Owyn and I tend to Makala. "

You must burry. He acts rasbly.

Pug and Owyn ran toward the gap in the wall, smashed out by the struggle
that a dragon had undertaken with one of the most terrible creatures
known, a Dreadlord, during the height of the battle that decided the
Great Uprising and ended Murmandamus's threat to the

Kingdom.

Pug faltered. He had expected to see an empty room in which he

336 Kaymona r,. reist would have to shift Owyn and himself a moment in
time to bring them into phase with the Lifestone. Instead he said,
'Gods! Makala has brought the Lifestone here!"

The Tsurani Great One stood before a large emerald-coloured stone as
high as a man's waist. From the top protruded a golden sword with a
white hilt that looked like ivory. On the hilt was embossed a golden
dragon.

Then the Black Robe turned and said, 'Milamber, I am impressed.

I didn't think even you could win past all my defences. I hope Zatapek
and the others did not suffer unduly in trying to stop you? "

Pug's anger was barely held in check. They died like loyal Tsurani, with
honour and obedience, and completely ignorant of your murderous
duplicity. " 'Do not speak to me of duplicity, Milamber! You swore an
oath to serve the Empire, yet you hide the existence of this terrible
lie from us!'Makala moved a step toward Pug and Owyn and shouted, 'Ten
years ago you engaged in a battle to bar the Enemy from our worlds, or
so you told the Assembly. Hochopepa and Shimone bore witness to that
lie. Sons of great Tsurani houses died on this alien world to aid in
that great cause. Yet, you denied us any explanation as to why this city
was important, why we had to spend Tsurani blood here. "

He lowered his voice. 'When I came to your world you deflected my
questions and were evasive, and when at last I undertook to discover
reasons myself, I discovered this place, with its traps and magic wards,
and that great creature in the next hall. All here to keep me and anyone
else not in your service from that!"His finger shot out, pointing to the

Lifestone. 'You did not bar this world to the Enemy! You trapped it in
that stone, and harbour it against the day you feel the need to unleash
it against your foes, perhaps against the Empire of Tsuranuanni!" 'You
can't believe that, "said Pug. 'Not only do I believe it; I intend to
make sure that day never comes. I have almost unlocked this thing and
when I fiiuy understand its nature, I will take it to the Holy City and
there it will wait until the Empire needs it for her defence. "

Owyn said, 'Pug, he's mad. "

Makala said, 'Boy, this conversation is not for children. "He made

a dismissive motion with his hand and Owyn was flung backward, as if he
had been struck. At the last instant he recognized the spell as a
variant of the same one he had used to fell Zatapek and shielded himself
from serious harm. But he still landed hard on the stones and had the
wind knocked out of him for a moment.

Pug turned and said, 'You're a murderous dog, Makala. I welcomed you
into my household and you betrayed me and my trust. You treated my
daughter as a pawn in a game and put her life at terrible risk. For that
act alone you've earned death. But thousands have died for you to reach
this point. " 'All the more reason it's vital I succeed, Milamber. Else
they died in vain. When this artifact is safe in the Imperial Palace,
they will have died for the good of the Empire. "

Pug gathered his depleted power to him, knowing he was facing one who
was among the most gifted of the Assembly.

Makala stepped back. 'I will not face you, Milamber. I was amongst those
who was in attendance when you single-handedly destroyed the great arena
in Kentosani. I have no delusions of being your equal, even in your
weakened state. "He turned slightly and made a signalling with his hand.

From out of the shadows two figures appeared, large menacing grey
figures with massive wings. Makala said, 'One useful thing

I gained when I discovered the world of Timirianya, was a staff
belonging to an ancient priest named Rlynn Skrr. It allows me to command
these creatures. "He said to the two elemental creatures, 'Kill them. "

Pug turned to Owyn and said, 'I can fight one, you the other, but we
can't fight them and Makala. Blow the horn!"

Owyn didn't hesitate and raised the hunting horn to his lips. He blew
and a long, plaintive note hung in the air, sounding as much like a
dog's howl as a hunting horn.

A chilling wind struck the hall, nothing natural, a thing of ancient
magic. Suddenly next to Owyn stood a pair of hunting hounds, massive in
size with slavering jaws and fangs the size of daggers.

Their eyes were red, and around their necks they wore studded collars of
iron spikes. They stood waiting. 'Command them, Owyn!"shouted Pug.

What do I do? "

Pug turned to face Owyn, and in his eyes the young magician saw anger
and hate. 'Makala!"he shouted.

Owyn stood and pointed at the suddenly-unsettled Tsurani magician.
'Attack!"he commanded.

The hounds leaped forward. Pug turned as the first of the wind
elementals neared him, and reaching deep within, employed the spell he
had used on them before on Timirianya. As before, the creature was
engulfed in spinning coloured beads of energy, and stood rooted, wailing
a ghostly cry.

Owyn cast his spell at the other, and it, too, stood rooted.

Then they turned their attention to Makala. The Tsurani Great

One had erected a protective shield against the great beasts which
stalked him and prodded against it, trying to find a way around it. He
retreated, and as they closed on him he was prevented from employing any
magic against Pug or Owyn.

Pug moved around the Lifestone and took a moment to glance at it, seeing
if it had been endangered in any perceivable way. He said a momentary
prayer of thanks; apparently Makala. hadn't yet begun to interact
physically with the gem.

Pug then turned to Makala who sought to avoid the lunges of the hounds.
They couldn't reach him, but their attacks were unsettling.

Pug came to stand beside one of the huge dogs and shouted, 'Makala, you
have betrayed me, my family, and your own brotherhood in this mindless
adherence to a blind Tsurani credo! You did not even bother to determine
what was "the good of the Empire". Had you even begun to understand, you
would know that what you propose to do places the Empire in the greatest
risk it has known since the Enemy drove the Nations across the Golden
Bridge. Thousands have died for your arrogance and vanity. For all of
this, you are condemned to death. "

With a wave of his hand, he summoned a spell and with it he peeled back
the protective enchantment Makala had raised. The older magician
realized at the last instant what Pug had done, and screamed, 'No!"Then
the hounds leaped on him and began tearing him to shreds.

He died quickly. The dogs continued tearing at his corpse, rending it to
pieces they scattered around the hall.

Owyn approached as the two wind elementals faded from view and said, 'He
deserved no less. " 'Call off the hounds, "said Pug.

Owyn shouted, 'Stop!"and the hounds stopped. He turned to Pug and said,
'What do I do with them? "

Pug shook his head. 'I think you just need to tell them to go back where
they came from. "

Owyn turned and did so, and the two hounds vanished from sight.

He took off the horn and put it down. 'This is a terrible power to have.
"

Pug put his hand on Owyn's shoulder. 'All power is terrible if not used
wisely. "He glanced at the mangled corpse and said, 'That was once a man
of great power and position. He abused both. Never forget that. "

Owyn said, 'I never will. I don't think I'm cut out for a magician's
life. "

Pug actually managed to laugh. 'Cut out or not, I don't think you can
avoid it. You're a young man of great power, Owyn. " 'Me? I'm just a
youngster who learned some things from Patrus and from you. " 'More,
"said Pug. He put his hand on Owyn's shoulder and said, 'When we linked
minds you were given much of my knowledge. You will find that some of it
will lie dormant for years, but other parts will come to you unbidden.
Whatever you choose to do with your life when you return to your
father's court, you are going to be one of the more gifted practitioners
of magic in the world. "

Owyn said, 'That will take some getting used to. I

Further conversation was interrupted by the sound of swords dashing and
shouts from the next chamber.

Magician, came the dragon's thoughts, I cannot stop tbem. I am still too
weak.

Pug turned toward the gap between the chambers and saw someone hurrying
through it. For a moment he thought it was Gorath, but too late he
recognized it was a different moredhel.

This one was carrying a staff which he levelled at Pug and Owyn.

A blast of energy smashed them both across the room. Pug hit the wall
hard enough that lights danced before his eyes, and Owyn again had the
wind knocked from him.

He saw the moredhel Spellweaver struck from behind by someone, and saw
Locklear stumble into the chamber, then turning to barely avoid the
sword blow of another moredhel, a warrior who had vainly tried to
prevent Locklear from reaching the Spellweaver.

Suddenly the room filled with combatants. Locklear fought a moredhel
warrior, while James attempted to keep close to another

Spellweaver, who tried to fend him off with a staff like the one used to
hurt Pug and Owyn.

Dazed, Owyn tried to concentrate and help, but he couldn't focus.

He went to where Pug still lay and helped him to his feet, saying, 'I'm
getting very tired of that. My back is killing me. "

Pug shook his head and said, What? "

Gorath was fighting Delekhan. The moredhel chieftain wore the black helm
Pug had seen on Murmandamus and gaudy black armour with gems on the
breastplate.

Gorath lost his footing and stumbled and Delekhan struck him hard across
the face with his free hand, knocking the chieftain of the Ardanien
backwards. Gorath went sprawling across the floor.

Delekhan saw the mangled body of Makala and actually smirked in
satisfaction. Then he saw the Lifestone.

Pug realized that he could not get there before the self-styled moredhel
ruler. Makala had been dangerous because of what he knew; Delekhan was
dangerous because of what he didn't know. He saw the golden sword and
his eyes widened. 'Valheru!"he cried. 'It's a sword for a king!"

He lunged for it, only to have Gorath leap on his back, closing his arm
around Delekhan's throat.

Delekhan's hand grasped the hilt of the sword and suddenly a thrumming
sound filled the cavern. Delekhan's eyes widened and he began to gurgle,
but not from the choking Gorath was inflicting on him. Rather, a great
power was trying to manifest itself within the Ji moredhel.

The sword began to rise, and Gorath abandoned his attempt to kill

Delekhan and instead gripped the hilt and tried to push the sword back
into the stone.

Pug shook his head, and saw that Locklear and James still struggled with
their opponents. Owyn asked, What do we do? " 'Gorath! Stand dear,
"shouted Pug.

'I cannot, "said Gorath. 'If I do, he will pull the sword free. "

Both moredhel struggled, the muscles and cords on their arms and
shoulders bulging from effort. Delekhan's eyes widened to impossible
size, as if they were about to burst from his skull, his face was
flushed and perspiration poured off his skin. An alien cast came over
his features and it looked as if another person was now wearing his
face. 'He's transforming!"shouted Pug.

Owyn said, We must stop him!" 'Do not touch him!"shouted Pug over the
increasingly loud noise.

We must help him!"

We cannot, "said Pug. 'You must help me. We must destroy them both. "

Owyn said, 'I can't. "

Gorath shouted, 'You must! Ancient powers are seeking to take my life!
Save my people, Owyn. Save me. "

Owyn nodded and with tears welling in his eyes, he quickly moved his
hands in a complex pattern above his head. Pug duplicated the movements,
and as one they pointed to the two moredhel locked in a death-struggle
before the Lifestone.

A blast of heat erupted from the magicians'hands, and a white-hot light
struck both moredhel. For a moment they stood bathed in eye-searing
brilliance, so bright that James's opponent turned his head away, and
James managed to step dose and drive his dagger deep into the magician's
chest. James turned toward the light, and was forced to look away from
the brilliance. Shielding his eyes with one hand, he moved and struck
the moredhel warrior Locklear was facing in the back of the head,
causing him to falter, and Locklear finished him off.

A low moan came from the two figures in the light, then they faded from
view. A moment later, the light flickered out.

Again, the stone was untouched and the sword remained in place.

Silence descended on the chamber and the four men in the room fell in
place, exhaustion threatening to overwhelm them.

Owyn wept and Pug said, 'I think I understand. "

Locklear said, 'What happened? I couldn't see. "

James looked around the chamber and said,'Gorath? "

Pug said, 'He saved us all. "

k

James nodded, his expression bitter. J will never think of the moredhel
in the same fashion. "

Locklear sat and said, 'He was a difficult companion at times, but he
was ... a friend. "

Pug was too numb to move. 'I think I'll sleep a week, "he said.

James said, 'Catch your breath, m'lord Duke of Stardock, for we have
work left to do. "

Pug said, Work?

With an evil grin James said, 'Have you forgotten that stone has to be
shifted back where it belongs? And there's a moredhel army still in the
Dimwood? And Delekhan's advance guards are all around us? "

Pug said, 'I'm trying. "

Owyn said, 'If they show up now, I'm dead. I can't lift a finger. "

Locklear said, Well, if we're to survive all this, I'd rather not die
because I'm too tired to defend myself. Can either of you magicians
think of something? "

Pug said, 'I can. Help me up. "

James pulled him to his feet and asked, 'What are you going to do? "

Pug said, With whatever strength we have left, my friends, we are going
to put on a show. "

Locklear stopped and blinked in confusion. 'My mind is going.

For a moment I thought I heard you say we were going to put on a show. "
'That's what I said, "Pug said. 'Come with me. "

Three fatigued, confused men exchanged glances with one another, then
followed the strange short man in the black robe.

Moraeulf was furious. He had been in a running fight with Prince

Calin and Longbow for two days, but had yet to close with them.

In the mountains, the moredhel had the advantage, but here in the heavy
woods, the eledhel and their demon human friends had the upper hand.

The only good thing in this had been the course of the fight, which had
taken them to the edge of the city of Sethanon. Moraeulf was waiting for
his father's orders, and word had reached them that

somehow the rift machine had been disabled. Heads would sit on pikes
over that, and Moraeulf was determined that his wouldn't be among them.
'Master, runners come. "

He expected to see his own scouts who had been trailing the eledhel, but
instead two of his father's honour guards approached, dirty, tired and
obviously near panic. What is it? "he demanded. 'Disaster! On the walls
of Sethanon!" 'Tell me!"shouted Moraeulf. 'Three days ago we found our
way into the city and our master left us near the rear gate of the
castle. For most of a day he was gone.

Then came a great sound from deep within the earth, and then we saw
something terrible on the battlement of the castle. "

Moraeulf grabbed one of the guards by the shirtftont and demanded, 'Tell
me what you saw!"

The other said, 'On the battlement we saw your father, and with him was
Murmandamus. I know it was he, for he was without shirt, and the dragon
mark was on him.. He was gaunt, as if he had been starved, and pale, as
if kept underground, but it was he. There could be no doubt. He shouted
and we could hear his voice, carried to us by magic as we had heard him
ten years ago, lord; and it was his voice. " 'Aye, "said the other
guard. 'It was Murmandamus. And between him and your father stood the
human prince, Arutha, in their thrall.

Murmandamus said he would at last fulfil the prophecy and end the life
of the Lord of the West, but as he drew back his blade -' '@What?
shouted Moraeulf, striking the warrior, knocking him to the ground. 'On
your life tell me, "he demanded of the other one. 'My lord, from behind
rose a great dragon, a creature the like of which no living being has
seen. It was afire with light and covered in rainbows and on its back
rode a magician in black. He cried out that Murmandamus was a false
prophet and the prophecy was also false, and then the dragon unleashed a
blast of fire so hot we could feel the heat of it on the ground below.
'Lord, your father and Murmandamus were withered before our eyes, turned
to ash and blown by the winds, while the Lord of the

West, the human, Prince Arutha, stood unharmeff

Moraeulf howled his rage and struck the man. 'Damn all magicians and
prophets!"

There were half a dozen warriors of his own with the two from his
father's guard. 'Pass word, "he ordered them, 'we return to the north.

This madness is over!"

The eight moredhel hurried off to spread the order.

Moraeulf turned to find his way northward to his main camp. He was only
a few yards along the trail when a shape stepped out of the gloom and
asked, 'My lord? "

What? "demanded Moraeulf. Too late he realized he knew the person who
dosed on him, and recognition came with pain, as Narab drove his dagger
into the son of his enemy.

Moraeulf sank to his knees, his mouth open in disbelief, and he fell to
the earth.

From beyond the path, a voice said, We have done our part. "

Narab turned. 'I will do mine. "

Martin Longbow and his elves appe ' ared and Narab said,'My family is
avenged and I will take our people home. "

We will not trouble any of you as long as you're moving north, " said
the Duke of Crydee. 'Never again return south. "

Narab said, 'Liallan and her Snow Leopards and my own clan are now the
power in the north. As long as we rule, we shall keep to our side of the
mountain. "Then he pointed a finger at Martin and the elves. 'And you
would do well to stay on your own side also. "

He turned and vanished, and Martin said to the elves, 'Let us go to

Sethanon and find out the mystery behind the wonder we just heard.

I would like to find Pug and discover how Murmandamus came back from the
grave long enough to be killed again. "

The elf to whom he spoke nodded, his expression conveying his own
curiosity.

Martin started walking south. 'At least when my brother gets here, he'll
find his Kingdom still intact. I think that will please him. "

Martin Longbow, brother to princes and kings, shouldered the weapon
which had given him his name and hummed a nameless tune.

He didn't know the details yet, but he knew they had won, and that, for
the time being, a future existed for his wife and daughter. That was
cause enough to hum a tune; the details would come later.

EPILOGUE

Dedicatiolft

A rutha raised his cup. 'Gorath!"he said.

The others in the command tent raised their cups, said 'Gorath!"and
drank to his memory.

Pug had related the final hours of the struggle and how he and

Owyn had fashioned the illusion to convince the moredhel that

Murmandamus was at last dead. Over the meal he had explained about
Gorath's self-sacrifice, his nobility.

Arutha reflected a moment on what he had been told, then said, 'I find
it very strange to consider any Brother of the Dark Path noble, but
there is no other word for his deed. Even when I sent him off with

Owyn and James, I harboured fingering doubts. I could not rid myself of
the notion it was but another convoluted plan of the Pantathians.

I was wrong. " 'You are supposed to be suspicious, "said Martin. 'It is
part of your duty to your Kingdom. "

Arutha sipped his wine and nodded at his brother's remark. 'Perhaps, but
I am certainly never going to regard the Brotherhood of the Dark Path
quite the same again. "

Owyn said, 'If I may, Your Highness? "

Arutha gave the young magician permission to speak. 'I travelled with
Gorath for a few weeks in his homeland, and it's so very different than
I could have imagined. "He told of the human communities living side by
side with the moredhel, and while the humans would be labelled
renegades, it showed that it was possible for peace to exist between the
races. 'They have a fierce way, it seemed to me, yet it was a way that
is not so alien that we can't appreciate it.

L

I met Delekhan's and Gorath's wives; Delekhan's is a powerful leader in
her own right, and she is beautiful and fierce herself, and strange.

Yet there was only ambition to save her people and she helped us. "

Owyn sighed. When I first met Gorath, he said we would never understand
his people or their ways. Maybe he was right, but I can accept them. "

Arutha said, Would that all of them were like him. Life in our

Kingdom would be far calmer in the north. "The Prince continued, 'Those
of us who have survived yet another attempt by dark forces to destroy us
must again rededicate ourselves to protecting our nation.

Otherwise those who have died will have paid a great price in vain.

Gorath will be remembered, not as a traitor to his people, but as one of
our nation's heroes as well as one of his own. He started out serving
only the moredhel. He died to save us all. "

Owyn said, 'I just wish he could have lived the rest of his life in

Elvandar. "

Martin said, 'That is something for anyone to desire. It is a good place
to end one's days. But Aglaranna was right; he wasn't fully returned,
and it was his hatred for Delekhan that prevented him from being one
with the eledhel. "

Arutha said to Pug, 'I wish I could have seen that little drama you
concocted to deceive the moredhel. " 'That was Owyn's doing as much as
mine. I have never been an adept at illusion, but he had learned some of
those skills at Stardock.

He fashioned the images of Murmandamus - from my description of him, and
he had seen Arutha and Delekhan personally - and the

Oracle had revived enough to rise up with me on her neck and spout an
impressive flame. We just hoped it would be effective enough. "

Martin said, 'Certainly it was that. I was a dozen feet away when I
heard two of Delekhan's guards tell Moraeulf of his father's death and
the end of Murmandamus. They were believers. Even Narab likely believes
the tale. Even if he doesn't, it serves his purposes to let others
believe. I think we are done with the moredhel seeking Sethanon again.
"Martin put aside his wine and said, 'I must leave. I have a long
journey back to Elvandar before me, and then on to Crydee. My elven
friends and I will depart at first light tomorrow, so I am to bed. "

Arutha stood and embraced his brother. We see you too rarely, " he said.

'Come to Crydee. You and Anita. Bring Borric, Erland and Eliena.

Spend a month. " 'Two weeks, perhaps, and not until after the babys
here. " 'Another baby!"said Martin with a grin. 'When were you getting
around to telling me?

Arutha smiled and said, 'I expect there's a message with the royal seal
of Krondor waiting for you in Crydee, where you'd have already read it
if you were acting the part of a proper duke and not running around in
the woods like your elf friends. " 'If I hadn't been running around,
those two - 'he pointed to James and Locklear, who had unceremoniously
fallen asleep on cushions in the corner of Arutha's pavilion' - would
never have made it to destroy that machine and these woods would be full
of Delekhan's warriors. "

He lowered his voice. 'And I would not have been able to find Narab and
help him get to Moraeulf. "Turning to happier matters he asked, 'Have
you picked out names? "

Arutha nodded. 'If a girl, we shall name her Alicia, after Anita's
mother. If a boy, Nicholas, after great-grandfather. "

Martin said, 'I look forward to the news of the birth. "

Arutha hugged his brother again, and replied, 'I know. Be well and give
my love to Briana. "

Martin departed and Arutha looked at his sleeping squires. 'I think this
constitutes 16se majeste. What do you think, Pug? " 'I think the magic
herbs your healer gave them wore off. I think your threatening the
hangman's noose wouldn't waken them. " 'I'm glad to hear that, "said
Arutha. 'They are forgiven. "Looking at Owyn, Arutha asked, 'What shall
we do with you? "

Owyn said, 'Highness, I am overdue at home, and really must return to
face my father. Not that I can imagine his wrath being any greater, but
the longer I tarry the worse will be my punishment for disobeying him. "

Arutha rubbed his chin and said, Well, then, perhaps a good horse and
some gold for a better inn or two along the way. And I think

I'll send a personal note to your father proclaiming my personal
indebtedness to the son of the Baron of Timons for his great service to
the Crown. I will recommend that if your father can't find a place for
you in his service, he consider commending you to the King, so that you
might serve the Crown in Rillanon. I'll also send a note to

my brother telling him of your service. If you really do wish to, I'm
sure he'll find service for a bright lad such as you. "

Owyn smiled. Whatever anger his father had felt at Owyn's decision to
disobey and run off to Stardock would evaporate before a personal letter
of commendation from the Prince of Krondor. Not to mention a
commendation to the King. His homecoming had just become a great deal
more attractive. 'I thank the Prince. "

Pug said, We need to speak some more about things at Sethanon,

Arutha, and about what we must do to ensure nothing like this 2, happens
again. "He fought back a yawn. 'But right now we need Z our sleep, too.
"

The Prince inclined his head. 'Then you are excused, my friend, and
we'll speak again in the morning. Good night. "

They bid Arutha good night and left the Prince's pavilion. Pug walked
with Owyn to the tent Arutha had set aside for their use. 'What will you
do after you return home? "asked Pug.

Owyn said, 'I'm not sure. I know that my life will never be the same.
I've seen too much and ... it changes you. "

Pug tapped Owyn's head with his forefinger. 'And you have too much up
there to let it lie idle. Come back to Stardock. Make sure we see no
more mad wizards like Makala. " 'I don't know,'said Owyn. 'I think I
would like to know more about these powers of mine, but I also think my
father will have much to say about my future. " 'Such is the burden of
nobility, "said Pug. 'But you have time to ponder those choices, and you
certainly have a great deal more to think about than before. " 'No
doubt, "said Owyn, as they entered their tent. Truth to tell, one of the
reasons I left Stardock was because of all the politics.

Your two Keshian students, Korsh and Watoom, they're gathering followers
and I can see some very nasty business ahead if you don't break up those
factions. " 'As do 1, but I'm unsure as yet what to do about it, "Pug
admitted

Pug sat upon his mat and Owyn started to dose the flaps. For a moment
Owyn paused and looked out at the calm woods around the camp. In the
distance he could hear the soldiers of the Kingdom around their fires,
and above the trees the stars shone brightly.

He wondered if somewhere out there Gorath was with the Mothers and the
Fathers, or in the Blessed Isles.

Whereveryou are, Owyn thought as he tied the tent flap dosed, you will
never beforgotten. Then he added, myfriend.

He turned to his own mat and lay down. Despite the unanswered questions
and the countless possibilities still before him, Owyn fell quickly
asleep.

Pug looked at the young magician and remembered when he had been that
age, wrestling with the great powers Owyn didn't even suspect he now
possessed, and wondered which choices Owyn would make.

But whatever those choices, Owyn would make them, and Pug lay down
relieved to know that his home and family were again safe. He basked in
the knowledge that Gamina was home and that he would soon join his
family at Stardock. With that thought in his mind, Pug drifted off to
sleep. And it was a good, long, restfid sleep.

AUTHOR'S AFTERWORD

T he phone rang.

The voice on the other end of the line belonged to my agent, ionathan
Matson. He said there was a fellow named John

Cutter, who wanted to speak to me about a game deal. I told forgot

Jonathan to give him my phone number at home and about it.

A while later the phone rang again and a pleasant voice at the other end
identified himself as John Cutter, a game producer for

Dynamix, Inc. a company in Eugene, Oregon.

John had produced the second game in the successful Migbt &

Magic series while at New World Computing, Inc. and was itching to do
the same for Dynamix, a company known primarily for flight simulations,
particularly the popular Red Baron. He had been told by one of the
firm's founders, Jeff Tunell, that I was a good fantasy author and
thought maybe I could write them a game.

I explained to John that he couldn't afford me, but then introduced him
to the idea of licensing, and from that point forward, we were on the
same wavelength.

That's how Betrayal at Krondor started.

Fantasy role-playing games and books both use stories, but in different
ways. My experience prior to working with John and his crew at Dynamix
was limited to my'own involvement with the creation of Midkemia, the
fantasy world in which my work resides, and with playing other people's
computer role-playing games.

Neal Hallford and John Cutter wrote the game. I got to review things,
but they wrote it. I talked with them about story, gave them

RONDOR: THE BETRAYAL 351 ideas, listened to their ideas, and the game
took form. But even I had no idea what it would look like, or play like,
until it was finished. I got the script, but John had simply printed
everything and sent it to me, without any idea of how it hung together.
The first time I jumped from the opening narrative to the initial
dialogue in the first sub-quest,

I was lost. And that wasn't the last time.

When I finally got a look at the finished game, it was at the Drake

Hotel in Chicago before my first press interview on the game at the

Consumer Electronics Show in 1993. It was a revelation. It was my world,
but it wasn't. These were my characters, but they weren't. They came
alive and ran around and fought and died and started over and fought
again. When it came time to give the interview, 1 didn't want to stop
playing.

The rest, as they say, is history. Betrayal at Krondor won awards, sat
atop the Entertainment Weekly CD game bestseller list for six months,
and is considered by many to be the best computer fantasy role-playing
game ever created. And most of the credit goes to John,

Neal and the team at Dynamix.

When I approached turning Betrayal into this novel, I was faced with
many decisions, revolving around story elements that make for a really
good game, yet are either inconsistent with the literary

Midkemia, or are just too silly to believe. 'The Quest for Ale' and
'Find The Lost Minstrel', to name two sub-quests in the game, were
dearly going to totally destroy the tension of the story.

That being the case, I decided that rather than attempt to 'novelize'
the game, I would take the core story of the game and tell it in novel
form. So that's what I did; I took Neal and John's story for the game,
Betrayal at Krondor, and started churning it around in my head, deciding
scene by scene what would go, stay, be changed or introduced. The book
you hold in your hand is the central story of the game, without most of
the sub-quests and side trips, and without a great deal of what makes a
game a game. But the story of Owyn and Gorath, James and Locklear is at
the heart the same one.

So for those of you who have played the game, Betrayal at

Krondor, this novel, Krondor: The Betra al, will be very familiar, y but
will also contain a few surprises. For those who have never seen the
game, just consider this another missing chapter in

352 Ixaymuna -r-- I-el" the ongoing history of the world of Midkemia and
the City of

Krondor.

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

March 11, 1998