{"id":3751,"date":"2026-01-03T23:47:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/sparhawk-universe-06-the-hidden-city-eddings-david\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T23:47:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:47:17","slug":"sparhawk-universe-06-the-hidden-city-eddings-david","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/sparhawk-universe-06-the-hidden-city-eddings-david\/","title":{"rendered":"Sparhawk Universe 06 – The Hidden City – Eddings, David"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Book Preview<\/h3>\n
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\nThe Hidden City<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe Tamuli<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nBook Three<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nDavid Eddings<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nWar To The Death<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe Pandion Knight Sparhawk had bested the massed forces of the God Cyrgon upon the field of battle. But victory turned to ashes when the foul God\u2019s minions kidnapped Sparhawk\u2019s wife, the beautiful Queen Ehlana. Sparhawk must surrender Bhelliom, the awesome jewel of power\u2014or Ehlana would die.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nBut Cyrgon\u2019s lackeys had misjudged their foe. Sparhawk fought on, and nonre of his companions flinched from the awesome struggle, though each must vanquish forces of evil from Tamuli\u2019s dark past, and from fetid places beyond human ken.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nStill, the full magnitude of their peril was yet to be revealed…Cyrgon had dared the unthinkable: He had called forth Klael, Bhelliom\u2019s opposite, to rend the very world asunder. Thus, as it had ever been decreed, would Bhelliom and Klael contend for the fate of this world–even as the man Sparhawk must finally face the God Cyrgon, in mortal combat and alone… <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nPrologue<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThis was not going to go well, he concluded wryly, crumpling up and discarding yet another sheet of notes. Word of his subject had been broadcast across the campus, and academics from as far away as Applied Mathematics and Contemporary Alchemy packed the hall, their eyes bright with anticipation. The entire faculty of the Contemporary History Department filled the front rows, their black academic robes making them look like a flock of crows. Contemporary History was here in force to ensure all the fireworks anyone could hope for.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nItagne idly considered a feigned collapse. How in the name of God\u2014any God\u2014was he going to get through the next hour without making a total ass of himself? He had all the facts, of course, but what rational man would believe the facts? A straightforward account of what had really happened during the recent turmoil would sound like the ravings of a lunatic. If he stuck to straight truth, the hacks from Contemporary History would not have to say a word. He could destroy his own reputation with no help from them at all.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nItagne took one more brief glance at his carefully prepared notes. Then he folded them and thrust them back into the voluminous sleeve of his academic robe. What was going to happen here tonight would more closely resemble a tavern brawl than reasoned discourse. Contemporary History had obviously showed up to shout him down. Itagne squared his shoulders.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nWell, if they wanted a fight, he\u2019d give them one.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nA breeze had come up. The curtains at the tall windows rustled and billowed, and the golden tongues of flame flickering in the oil lamps wavered and danced. It was a beautiful spring evening\u2014everywhere but here inside this auditorium.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThere was a polite spattering of applause, and old professor Gintana, flustered and confused by this acknowledgement of his existence, bowed awkwardly, clutched his notes in both hands, and tottered back to his seat. Then the Dean of the College of Political Science rose to announce the evening\u2019s main event. \u2018Colleagues,\u2019 he began, \u2018before Professor Itagne favors us with his remarks, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce some visitors of note. I\u2019m sure you will all join with me in welcoming Patriarch Emban, First Secretary of the Church of Chyrellos, Sir Bevier, the Cyrinic Knight from Arcium and Sir Ulath of the Genidian Order located in Thalesia.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThere was more polite applause as Itagne hurried across the platform to greet his Elene friends. \u2018Thank God you\u2019re here,\u2019 he said fervently. \u2018The whole Contemporary History Department\u2019s turned out\u2014except for the few who are probably outside boiling the tar and bringing up bags of feathers.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018You didn\u2019t think your brother was going to hang you out to dry, did you, Itagne?\u2019 Emban smiled. \u2018He thought you might get lonesome here, so he sent us to keep you company.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nItagne felt better as he returned to his seat. If nothing else, Bevier and Ulath could head off any physical attacks.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018And now, colleagues and distinguished guests,\u2019 the Dean continued, \u2018Professor Itagne of the Foreign Affairs Department will respond to a recent paper published by the Department of Contemporary History under the title, \u201cThe Cyrga Affair: An Examination of the Recent Crisis\u201d. Professor Itagne.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nItagne rose, strode purposefully to the lectern and assumed his most offensively civilized expression. \u2018Dean Aldus, distinguished colleagues, faculty wives, honored guests\u2014\u2019 He paused. \u2018Did I leave anybody out?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThere was a titter of nervous laughter. Tension was high in the hall. \u2018I\u2019m particularly pleased to see so many of our colleagues from Contemporary History here with us this evening,\u2019 Itagne continued, throwing the first punch.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Since we\u2019re going to be discussing something near and dear to their hearts, it\u2019s much better that they\u2019re present to hear what I say with their own ears rather than being forced to rely on garbled second-hand accounts.\u2019 He smiled benignly down at the scowling hacks in the front row.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Can you hear me, gentlemen?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Am I going too fast for any of you?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018This is outrageous!\u2019 a portly, sweating professor protested loudly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018It\u2019s going to get worse, Quinsal,\u2019 Itagne told him. \u2018If the truth bothers you, you\u2019d better leave now.\u2019 He looked out over the assemblage. \u2018It\u2019s been said that the quest for truth is the noblest occupation of man, but there be dragons lurking in the dark forests of ignorance. And the names of these dragons are \u201cincompetence\u201d and \u201cPolitical Bias\u201d and \u201cDeliberate Distortion\u201d and \u201cSheer, Wrongheaded Stupidity\u201d. Our gallant friends here in Contemporary History bravely sallied forth to do battle with these dragons in their recently published \u201cCyrga Affair\u201d. It is with the deepest regret that I must inform you that the dragons won.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThere was more laughter, and dark scowls from the front row.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018It\u2019s never been any secret at this institution that the Contemporary History Department is a political entity rather than an academic one,\u2019 Itagne continued. \u2018It has been sponsored from its very inception by the Prime Minister, and its only reasons for existence have been to gloss over his blunders and to conceal as best they might his absolute incompetence. To be sure, Prime Minister Subat and his accomplice, Interior Minister Kolata, have never been interested in the truth, but please, gentlemen, this is a university. Shouldn\u2019t we at least pretend to be telling the truth?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Rubbish!\u2019 a burly academic in the front row bellowed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Yes,\u2019 Itagne replied, holding up a yellow-bound copy of \u201cThe Cyrga Affair\u201d, \u2018I noticed that myself. But if you knew it was rubbish, Professor Pessalt, why did you publish it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe laughter in the hall was even louder this time, and it drowned out Pessalt\u2019s spluttered attempt to answer.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Let us push on with this great work that we are in,\u2019 Itagne suggested. \u2018We all know Pondia Subat for the scheming incompetent he really is, but the only thing that most baffles me about your \u201cCyrga Affair\u201d is its consistent attempt to elevate the Styric renegade Zalasta to near sainthood. How in the name of God could anyone\u2014even someone as severely limited as the Prime Minister\u2014revere this scoundrel?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018How dare you speak so of the greatest man of this century?\u2019 one of the hacks screamed at him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018If Zalasta\u2019s the best this century can manage, colleague, I think we\u2019re in deep trouble. But we digress. The crisis which Contemporary History chooses to call \u201cThe Cyrga Affair\u201d has been brewing for several years.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Yes,\u2019 someone shouted with heavy sarcasm, \u2018we noticed that!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018I\u2019m so happy for you,\u2019 Itagne murmured, drawing another loud laugh from the audience. \u2018To whom did our idiot Prime Minister turn for aid? To Zalasta, of course. And what was Zalasta\u2019s answer to the crisis? He urged us to send for the Pandion Knight, Prince Sparhawk of Elenia. Why would the name of an Elene nobleman leap to Zalasta\u2019s lips in answer to the question\u2014almost before it was asked\u2014particularly in view of the sorry record of the Elenes in their relations with the Styrics?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018To be sure, Prince Sparhawk\u2019s exploits are legendary, but what was it about the man that made Zalasta pine so for his company? And why was it that Zalasta neglected to tell us that Sparhawk is Anakha, the instrument of the Bhelliom? Did the fact somehow slip his mind? Did he think that the spirit which creates whole universes was somehow irrelevant? I find no mention at all about Bhelliom in this recently published heap of bird-droppings. Did you omit the most momentous event of the past eon deliberately? Were you so caught up in trying to give your adored Pondia Subat credit for policy decisions he had no part in that you decided not to mention Bhelliom at all?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Balderdash!\u2019 a deep voice roared.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018I\u2019m pleased to meet you, Professor Balderdash. My name\u2019s Itagne. It was good of you to introduce yourself. Thanks awfully, old boy.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe laughter was tumultuous this time.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Fast on his feet, isn\u2019t he?\u2019 Itagne heard Ulath murmur to Bevier.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nItagne looked up. \u2018Colleagues,\u2019 he said, \u2018I submit that it was not Prince Sparhawk that Zalasta so yearned for, but the Bhelliom. Bhelliom is the source of ultimate power, and Zalasta has been trying to get his hands on it for three centuries\u2014for reasons too disgusting to mention. He has been willing to go to any lengths. He has betrayed his faith, his people, and his personal integrity\u2014such as it was\u2014to gain what the Trolls call \u201cThe Flower-Gem\u201d.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018That tears it!\u2019 the corpulent Quinsal declared, rising to his feet. \u2018This man is mad. Now he\u2019s talking about Trolls! This is an academic affair, Itagne, not the children\u2019s hour. You\u2019ve picked the wrong forum for fairy-tales and ghost stories.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Why don\u2019t you let me do this, Itagne?\u2019 Ulath said rising to his feet and coming to the podium. \u2018I can settle this question in just a moment or two.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Feel free,\u2019 Itagne said gratefully.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nUlath set one huge hand on each side of the lectern. \u2018Professor Itagne has requested me to brief you gentlemen on a few matters,\u2019 he said. \u2018I take it that you\u2019re having some difficulties with the notion of Trolls.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018None at all, Sir Knight,\u2019 Quinsal retorted. \u2018Trolls are an Elene myth and nothing else. There\u2019s no difficulty in that at all.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018What an amazing thing. I spent five years compiling a Trollish grammar. Are you saying that I was wasting my time?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018I think you\u2019re as mad as Itagne is.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Then you probably shouldn\u2019t irritate me, should you? Particularly in view of the fact that I\u2019m so much bigger than you are.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nUlath squinted at the ceiling. \u2018Logic tells us that no one can prove a negative. Are you sure you wouldn\u2019t like to amend your statement?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018No, Sir Ulath. I\u2019ll stand by what I just said. There\u2019s no such thing as a Troll.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Did you hear that, Bhlokw?\u2019 Ulath raised his voice slightly. This fellow says that you don\u2019t exist.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThere was a hideous roar in the corridor outside the auditorium, and the double doors at the rear splintered and crashed inward.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Stay calm!\u2019 Bevier hissed as Itagne jumped. \u2018It\u2019s an illusion. Ulath\u2019s amusing himself.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Would you like to turn around and tell me what you see at the back of the hall, Quinsal?\u2019 Ulath asked. \u2018Exactly what would you call my friend Bhlokw there?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe creature hulking in the doorway was huge, and its bestial face was contorted with rage. It stretched its paws forth hungrily. \u2018Who has said this, U-Lat?\u2019 it demanded in a hideous voice. \u2018I will cause hurt to it! I will rip it to pieces and eat it!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Can that Troll actually speak Tamul?\u2019 Itagne whispered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Of course not,\u2019 Bevier smiled. \u2018Ulath\u2019s getting carried away.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe hideous apparition in the doorway continued to bellow horribly graphic descriptions of its plans for the faculty of the Contemporary History Department.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Were there any other questions about Trolls?\u2019 Ulath asked mildly, but none of the assembled academics heard him over all the shouts, screams and the tipping over of chairs.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nIt took the better part of a quarter of an hour to restore order once Ulath had dismissed his illusion, and when Itagne reapproached the lectern, the entire audience was huddled closely together near the front of the auditorium. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018I\u2019m touched by your eagerness to hear my every word, gentlemen,\u2019 Itagne smiled, \u2018but I can speak loudly enough to be heard at the back of the hall, so you needn\u2019t draw so close. I trust that the visit of Sir Ulath\u2019s friend has cleared up the little misunderstanding about Trolls?\u2019 He looked at Quinsal, who was still cowering on the floor, gibbering in terror. \u2018Splendid,\u2019 Itagne said. \u2018Briefly then, Prince Sparhawk came to Tamuli. Elenes are sometimes a devious people, so Sparhawk\u2019s wife, Queen Ehlana, proposed a state visit to Matherion and concealed her husband and his friends in her entourage. Upon their arrival, they almost immediately uncovered some facts which we had somehow overlooked. First, Emperor Sarabian actually has a mind, and second, the government led by Pondia Subat was in league with our enemies.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Treason!\u2019 a thin, balding professor shrieked, leaping to his feet.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Really, Dalash?\u2019 Itagne asked, \u2018against whom?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Why\u2014uh\u2014\u2019 Dalash floundered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018You still don\u2019t understand, do you gentlemen?\u2019 Itagne asked the faculty of Contemporary History. \u2018The previous government has been overthrown\u2014by Emperor Sarabian himself. Tamuli is now an Elene-style monarchy, and Emperor Sarabian rules by decree. The previous government\u2014and its Prime Minister\u2014are no longer relevant.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018The Prime Minister cannot be removed from office!\u2019 Dalash screamed. \u2018He holds his position for life!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Even if that were true, it suggests a rather simple solution to the problem, doesn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018You wouldn\u2019t dare!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Not me, old boy. That\u2019s the Emperor\u2019s decision. Don\u2019t cross him, gentlemen. If you do, he\u2019ll decorate the city gates with your heads. Let\u2019s press on here. I\u2019d like to cover a bit more ground before our customary recess. It was the aborted coup attempt that finally brought things to a head. Pondia Subat was a party to the entire conspiracy and he fully intended to stand around wringing his hands while the drunken mob murdered all of his political enemies, evidently including the Emperor himself.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018If Professor Dalash wants to scream \u201ctreason\u201d he might take a look at that. We discovered much in the aftermath of that failed coup, not only concerning the treason of the Prime Minister, but of the Minister of the Interior as well. Most important, however, was the discovery that it had been Zalasta who had engineered the entire plot, and that he was secretly allied with Ekatas, High Priest of Cyrgon, the God of the supposedly extinct Cyrgai.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018At this point Prince Sparhawk had no choice but to retrieve Bhelliom from its hiding place and to send to Chyrellos for reinforcements. He enlisted other allies as well, not the least of which were the Delphae\u2014who do in fact exist in all their glowing horror.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018This is absurd!\u2019 Contemporary History\u2019s reigning bully-boy, the crude and muscular Professor Pessalt sneered. \u2018Are we supposed to believe this nonsense?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018You\u2019ve already seen a Troll this evening, Pessalt,\u2019 Itagne reminded him. \u2018Would you like a personal visitation by a Shining One as well? I can arrange it, if you\u2019d like\u2014but outside, please. We\u2019d never get rid of the stink if you were dissolved into a puddle of slime right here in front of the platform.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nDean Altus cleared his throat meaningfully.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 Itagne assured him. \u2018I\u2019ll just be a few more minutes.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nHe turned back to the audience. \u2018Now then,\u2019 he continued quickly, \u2018since the subject of the Trolls has come up again, we might as well go into that and clear it away once and for all. As you\u2019ve noticed, the Trolls are real. They were lured to Tamuli from their home range in northern Thalesia by Cyrgon, who posed as one of their Gods. The real Troll-Gods have been imprisoned for eons, and Prince Sparhawk offered them an exchange\u2014their freedom in return for their aid. He then led a sizeable force to northern Atan, where the misguided Trolls had been stirring up turmoil in hopes of forcing the Atans to return to defend their homeland\u2014which would have left us effectively defenseless, since the Atans comprise the bulk of our army.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Sparhawk\u2019s move seemed to play right into the hands of our enemies, but when Cyrgon and Zalasta unleashed the Trolls, Sparhawk called forth their Gods to reclaim them. In desperation, Cyrgon reached back in time and produced a huge army of his Cyrgai. Then the Trolls, true to their nature, ate them.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018You don\u2019t really expect us to swallow this, do you, Itagne?\u2019 Professor Sarafawn, Chairman of the Department of Contemporary History and brother-in-law of the Prime Minister, demanded scornfully.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018You might as well, Sarafawn,\u2019 Itagne told him. \u2018Your wife\u2019s brother isn\u2019t dictating official history any more. From now on, the Emperor wants us to give our students the plain, unvarnished truth. I\u2019ll be publishing a factual account in the next month or so. You\u2019d better reserve a copy, Sarafawn, because you\u2019re going to be required to teach it to all your students in the future\u2014assuming that you have a future at this institution. Next year\u2019s budget\u2019s going to be a little tight, I understand, so a number of departments will probably have to be dropped.\u2019 He paused. \u2018Are you any good with tools, Sarafawn? There\u2019s a very nice little vocational school at Jura, I hear. You\u2019d just love Daconia. \u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe Dean cleared his throat again, a bit more urgently this time.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Sorry, Dean Altus,\u2019 Itagne apologized. \u2018I\u2019m running past time, gentlemen, so I\u2019ll just briefly sum up one more development. Despite their crushing defeat, Cyrgon and Zalasta were by no means powerless. In a bold stroke, Zalasta\u2019s natural son, one Scarpa, crept into the imperial compound and abducted Queen Ehlana, leaving behind a demand that Sparhawk give up the Bhelliom in exchange for the safe return of his wife.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Following the recess Dean Aldus has been so patiently awaiting, I will take up Prince Sparhawk\u2019s reaction to this new development.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPart One\u2014 Berit<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nChapter 1<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nA chill haze was rising from the meadow, and thin clouds had drifted in from the west to obscure the cold, brittle sky. There were no shadows, and the frozen ground was iron-hard and unyielding. Winter was inexorably tightening its grip on the North Cape. Sparhawk\u2019s army, girt in steel and leather and thousands strong, was lined up along a broad front in the frost-covered grass of the meadow near the ruins of Tzada. Sir Berit sat his horse in the center of the bulky, armored Church Knights watching the ghastly feast taking place a few hundred yards to the front. Berit was a young and idealistic knight, and he was having some difficulty with the behavior of their new allies.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nThe screams were remote, mere rumors of agony, and those who were screaming were not actually people\u2014not really. They were no more than shades, the scarce-remembered reflections of long-dead men. Besides, they were enemies\u2014members of a cruel and savage race that worshipped an unspeakable God.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nBut they steamed. That was the part of the horror Sir Berit could not shrug off. Though he told himself that these Cyrgai were dead\u2014phantoms raised by Cyrgon\u2019s magic\u2014the fact that steam rose from their eviscerated bodies as the ravening Trolls fed on them brought all of Berit\u2019s defenses crashing down around his ears.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Trouble?\u2019 Sparhawk asked sympathetically. Spar_hawk\u2019s black armor was frost-touched, and his battered face was bleak.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\nBerit felt a sudden embarrassment. \u2018It\u2019s nothing, Sir Sparhawk,\u2019 he lied quickly. \u2018It\u2019s just\u2014\u2019 He groped for a word.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018I know. I\u2019m stumbling over that part myself. The Trolls aren\u2019t being deliberately cruel, you know. To them we\u2019re just food. They\u2019re only following their nature.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s part of the problem, Sparhawk. The notion of being eaten makes my blood run cold.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Would it help if I said, \u201cbetter them than us\u201d?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not very much.\u2019 Berit laughed weakly. \u2018Maybe I\u2019m not cut out for this kind of work. Everybody else seems to be taking it in stride.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Nobody\u2019s taking it in stride, Berit. We all feel the same way about what\u2019s happening. Try to hold on. We\u2019ve met these armies out of the past before. As soon as the Trolls kill the Cyrgai generals, the rest should vanish, and that\u2019ll put an end to it.\u2019 Sparhawk frowned. \u2018Let\u2019s go find Ulath,\u2019 he suggested. \u2018I just thought of something, and I want to ask him about it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All right,\u2019 Berit agreed quickly. The two black-armored Pandions turned their horses and rode through the frosty grass along the front of the massed army.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey found Ulath, Tynian and Bevier a hundred yards or so down the line. \u2018I\u2019ve got a question for you, Ulath,\u2019 Sparhawk said as he reined Faran in.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018For me? Oh, Sparhawk, you shouldn\u2019t have!\u2019 Ulath removed his conical helmet and absently polished the glossy black Ogre-horns on the sleeve of his green surcoat. \u2018What\u2019s the problem?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Every time we\u2019ve come up against these antiques before, the dead all shriveled up after we killed the leaders. How are the Trolls going to react to that?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How should I know?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re supposed to be the expert on Trolls.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Be reasonable, Sparhawk. It\u2019s never happened before. Nobody can predict what\u2019s going to happen in a totally new situation.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Make a guess,\u2019 Sparhawk snapped irritably.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe two of them glared at each other.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Why badger Ulath about it, Sparhawk?\u2019 Bevier suggested gently. \u2018Why not just warn the Troll-Gods that it\u2019s going to happen and let them deal with the problem?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk rubbed reflectively at the side of his face, his hand making a kind of sandy sound on his unshaven cheek. \u2018Sorry, Ulath,\u2019 he apologized. \u2018The noise from the banquet hall out there\u2019s distracting me.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I know just how you feel,\u2019 Ulath replied wryly. \u2018I\u2019m glad you brought it up, though. The Trolls won\u2019t be satisfied with dried rations when there\u2019s all this fresh meat no more than a quarter mile away.\u2019 He put his Ogre-horned helmet back on. \u2018The Troll Gods will honor their commitment to Aphrael, but I think we\u2019d better warn them about this. I definitely want them to have a firm grip on their Trolls when supper turns stale. I\u2019d hate to end up being the dessert course.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Ehlana?\u2019 Sephrenia gasped.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Keep\u2019 your voice down!\u2019 Aphrael muttered. She looked around. They were some distance to the rear of the army, but they were not alone. She reached out and touched Ch\u2019iel\u2019s bowed white neck, and Sephrenia\u2019s palfrey obediently ambled off a little way from Kalten and Xanetia to crop at the frozen grass.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I can\u2019t get too many details,\u2019 the Child Goddess said. \u2018Melidere\u2019s been badly hurt, and Mirtai\u2019s so enraged that they\u2019ve had to chain her up.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Who did it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I don\u2019t know, Sephrenia! Nobody\u2019s talking to Danae. All I can get is the word \u201chostage\u201d. Somebody\u2019s managed to get into the castle, seize Ehlana and Alcan and spirit them out. Sarabian\u2019s beside himself. He\u2019s flooded the halls with guards, so Danae can\u2019t get out of her room to find out what\u2019s really happening.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We must tell Sparhawk!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Absolutely not. Sparhawk bursts into flames when Ehlana\u2019s in danger. He\u2019s got to get this army safely back to Matherion before we can let him catch on fire.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018But\u2014\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No, Sephrenia. He\u2019ll find out soon enough, but let\u2019s get everyone to safety before he does. We\u2019ve only got a week or so left until the sun goes down permanently and everything\u2014and everyone\u2014up here turns to solid ice.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re probably right,\u2019 Sephrenia conceded. She thought a moment, staring off at the frost-silvered forest beyond the meadow. \u2018That word \u201chostage\u201d explains everything, I think. Is there any way you can pinpoint your mother\u2019s exact location?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAphrael shook her head. \u2018Not without putting her in danger. If I start moving around and poking my nose into things, Cyrgon will feel me nudging at the edges of his scheme, and he might do something to Mother before he stops to think. Our main concern right now is keeping Sparhawk from going crazy when he finds out what\u2019s happened.\u2019 She suddenly gasped and her dark eyes went very wide.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What is it?\u2019 Sephrenia asked in alarm. \u2018What\u2019s happening?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I don\u2019t know!\u2019 Aphrael cried. \u2018It\u2019s something monstrous!\u2019 She cast her eyes about wildly for a moment and then steadied herself, her pale brow furrowing in concentration. Then her eyes narrowed in anger. \u2018Somebody\u2019s using one of the forbidden spells, Sephrenia,\u2019 she said in a voice that was as hard as the frozen ground.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Are you sure?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Absolutely. The very air stinks of it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nDjarian the necromancer was a cadaverous-looking Styric with sunken eyes, a thin, almost skeletal frame, and a stale, mildewed odor about him. Like the other Styric captives, he was in chains and under the close watch of Church Knights well-versed in countering Styric spells.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nA cold, oppressive twilight was settling over the encampment near the ruins of Tzada when Sparhawk and the others finally got around to questioning the prisoners. The Troll-Gods had taken their creatures firmly in hand when the feeding orgy had come suddenly to an end, and the Trolls were now gathered around a huge bonfire several miles out in the meadow holding what appeared to be religious observances of some sort.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Just go through the motions, Bevier,\u2019 Sparhawk quietly advised the olive-skinned Cyrinic Knight as Djarian was dragged before them. \u2018Keep asking him irrelevant questions until Xanetia signals that she\u2019s picked him clean.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBevier nodded. \u2018I can drag it out for as long as you want, Sparhawk. Let\u2019s get started.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSir Bevier\u2019s gleaming white surcoat, made ruddy by the flickering firelight, gave him a decidedly ecclesiastical appearance, and he heightened that impression by prefacing his interrogation with a lengthy prayer. Then he got down to business.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nDjarian replied to the questions tersely in a hollow voice that seemed almost to come echoing up out of a vault. Bevier appeared to take no note of the prisoner\u2019s sullen behavior. His whole manner seemed excessively correct, even fussy, and he heightened that impression by wearing fingerless wool gloves such as scribes and scholars wear in cold weather. He doubled back frequently, rephrasing questions he had previously asked and then triumphantly pointing out inconsistencies in the prisoner\u2019s replies.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe one exception to Djarian\u2019s terse brevity was a sudden outburst of vituperation, a lengthy denunciation of Zalasta\u2014and Cyrgon\u2014for abandoning him here on this inhospitable field.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Bevier sounds exactly like a lawyer,\u2019 Kalten muttered quietly to Sparhawk. \u2018I hate lawyers.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He\u2019s doing it on purpose,\u2019 Sparhawk replied. \u2018Lawyers like to spring trick questions on people, and Djarian knows it. Bevier\u2019s forcing him to think very hard about the things he\u2019s supposed to conceal, and that\u2019s all Xanetia really needs. We always seem to underestimate Bevier.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s all that praying,\u2019 Kalten said sagely. \u2018It\u2019s hard to take a man seriously when he\u2019s praying all the time.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019re Knights of the Church, Kalten\u2014members of religious orders.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What\u2019s that got to do with it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018In his own mind is he more dead than alive,\u2019 Xanetia reported later when they had gathered around one of the large fires the Atans had built to hold back the bitter chill. The Anarae\u2019s face reflected the glow of the fire, as did her unbleached wool robe.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Were we right?\u2019 Tynian asked her. \u2018Is Cyrgon augmenting Djarian\u2019s spells so that he can raise whole armies?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He is,\u2019 she replied.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Was that outburst against Zalasta genuine?\u2019 Vanion asked her.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Indeed, my Lord. Djarian and his fellows are increasingly discontent with the leadership of Zalasta. They have all come to expect no true comradeship from their leader. There is no longer common cause among them, and each doth seek to wring best advantage to himself from their dubious alliance. Overlaying all is the secret desire of each to gain sole possession of Bhelliom.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Dissension among your enemies is always good,\u2019 Vanion noted, \u2018but I don\u2019t think we should discount the possibility that they\u2019ll all fall in line again after what happened here today. Could you get anything specific about what they might try next, Anarae?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Nay, Lord Vanion. They were in no wise prepared for what hath come to pass. One thing did stand out in the mind of this Djarian, however, and it doth perhaps pose some danger. The outcasts who surround Zalasta do all fear Cyzada of Esos, for he alone is versed in Zemoch magic, and he alone doth plunge his hand through that door to the nether world which Azash opened. Horrors beyond imagining lie within his reach. It is Djarian\u2019s thought that since all their plans have thus far gone awry, Cyrgon in desperation might command Cyzada to use his unspeakable art to raise creatures of darkness to confront and confound us.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nVanion nodded gravely.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How did Stragen\u2019s plan affect them?\u2019 Talen asked curiously.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018They are discomfited out of all measure,\u2019 Xanetia replied. \u2018They did rely heavily on those who now are dead.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Stragen will be happy to hear that. What were they going to do with all those spies and informers?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Since they had no force capable of facing the Atans, Zalasta and his cohorts thought to use the hidden employees of the Ministry of the Interior to assassinate diverse Tamul officials in the subject kingdoms of the empire, hoping thereby to disrupt the governments.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You might want to make a note of that, Sparhawk,\u2019 Kalten said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Oh?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Emperor Sarabian had some qualms when he approved Stragen\u2019s plan. He\u2019ll probably feel much better when he finds out that all Stragen really did was beat our enemies to the well. They\u2019d have killed our people if Stragen hadn\u2019t killed theirs first.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s very shaky moral ground, Kalten,\u2019 Bevier said disapprovingly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I know,\u2019 Kalten admitted. \u2018That\u2019s why you have to run across the top of it so fast.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe sky was cloudy the following morning, thick roiling cloud that streamed in from the west, all seethe and confusion.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBecause it was late autumn and they were far to the north, it seemed almost that the sun was rising in the south, turning the sky above Bhelliom\u2019s escarpment a fiery orange and reaching feebly out with ruddy, low-lying light to paint the surging underbellies of the swift-scudding cloud with a brush of flame. The campfires seemed wan and weak and very tiny against the overpowering chill here on the roof of the world, and the knights and their friends all wore fur cloaks and huddled close to the fires. There were low rumbles off to the south, and flickers of pale, ghastly light.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thunder?\u2019 Kalten asked Ulath incredulously. \u2018Isn\u2019t it the wrong time of year for thunderstorms?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It happens,\u2019 Ulath shrugged. \u2018I was in a thunderstorm north of Heid once that touched off a blizzard. That\u2019s a very unusual sort of experience.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Whose turn is it to do the cooking?\u2019 Kalten asked him absently.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yours,\u2019 Ulath replied promptly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re not paying attention, Kalten,\u2019 Tynian laughed. \u2018You know better than to ask that question.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKalten grumbled and started to stir up the fire.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I think we\u2019d better get back to the coast today, Sparhawk,\u2019 Vanion said gravely. \u2018The weather\u2019s held off so far, but I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be able to count on that much longer.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk nodded.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe thunder grew louder, and the fire-red clouds overhead blanched with shuddering flickers of lightning. Then there was a sudden, rhythmic booming sound.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Is it another earthquake?\u2019 Kring cried out in alarm.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No,\u2019 Khalad replied. \u2018It\u2019s too regular. It sounds almost like somebody beating a very big drum.\u2019 He stared at the top of Bhelliom\u2019s wall. \u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 he asked pointing.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nIt was like a hilltop rearing up out of the forest beyond the knife-like edge of the top of the cliff\u2014very much like a hilltop, except that it was moving.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe sun was behind it, so they could not see any details, but as it rose higher and higher they could make out the fact that it was a kind of flattened dome with two pointed protuberances flaring out from either side like huge wings. And still it swelled upward. As they could see more of it, they realized that it was not a dome. It seemed to be some enormous, inverted triangle instead, wide at the top, pointed at the bottom and with those odd winglike protuberances jutting out from its sides. The pointed bottom seemed to be set in some massive column. Since the light was behind it, it was as black as night, and it rose and swelled like some vast darkness.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThen it stopped.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAnd then its eyes opened.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nLike two thin, fiery gashes at first, the blazing eyes opened wider and wider, cruelly slanted like cats\u2019 eyes and all ablaze with fire more incandescent than the sun itself. The imagination shuddered back from the realization of the enormity of the thing. What had appeared to be huge wings were the creature\u2019s ears.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAnd then it opened its mouth and roared, and they knew that what they had heard before had not been thunder. It roared again, and its fangs were flickers of lightning that dripped flame like blood.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Klael!\u2019 Aphrael shrieked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAnd then, like two rounded, bulky mountains, the shoulders rose above the sharp line of the cliff, and, fanning out from the shoulders like black sails, two jointed, batlike wings.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What is it?\u2019 Talen cried.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s Klael!\u2019 Aphrael shrieked again.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What\u2019s a Klael?\u2019 <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not what, you dolt! Who. Azash and the other Elder Gods cast him out. Some idiot has returned him!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe enormity atop the escarpment continued to rise, revealing vast arms with many-fingered hands. The trunk was huge, and flashes of lightning seethed beneath its skin, illuminating ghastly details with their surgng flickers. And then that monstrous presence rose to its full height, towering eighty, a hundred feet above the top of the escarpment.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk\u2019s spirit shrivelled. How could they possibly\u2014?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Blue Rose,\u2019 he said sharply. \u2018Do something!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018There is no need, Anakha.\u2019 Vanion\u2019s usurped voice was very calm as Bhelliom once again spoke through his lips. \u2018Klael hath but momentarily escaped Cyrgon\u2019s grasp. Cyrgon will not risk his creature in a direct confrontation with me.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That thing belongs to Cyrgon?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018For the moment. In time that will change, and Cyrgon will belong to Klael.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What is it doing?\u2019 Betuana cried.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe monstrosity atop the cliff had raised one huge fist and was striking at the ground with incandescent fire, hammering at the earth with lightning. The face of the escarpment shuddered and began to crack away, falling, tumbling, roaring down to smash into the forest at the foot of the cliff. More and more of the sheer face crumbled and sheared away and fell in a huge thundering landslide.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Klael was ever uncertain of the strength of his wings,\u2019 Bhelliom observed calmly. \u2018He would come to join battle with me, but he fears the height of the wall. Thus he prepares a stair for himself.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThen with a booming like that of the earthquake which had spawned it, a mile or more of the escarpment toppled ponderously outward and crashed into the forest, piling rubble higher and higher against the foot of the cliff.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe enormous being continued to savage the top of the cliff, spilling more and more rubble down to form a steep causeway reaching up and up to the top of the wall.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAnd then the thing called Klael vanished, and a shrieking wind swept the face of the escarpment, whipping away the boiling clouds of dust the landslide had raised.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThere was another sound as well. Sparhawk turned quickly. The Trolls had fallen to their faces, moaning in terror.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019ve always known about him,\u2019 Aphrael said pensively. \u2018We used to frighten ourselves by telling stories about him. There\u2019s a certain perverse pleasure in making one\u2019s own flesh crawl. I don\u2019t think I ever really admitted to myself that he actually existed.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Exactly what is he?\u2019 Bevier asked her.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Evil.\u2019 She shrugged. \u2018We\u2019re supposed to be the essence of good\u2014at least that\u2019s what we tell ourselves. Klael is the opposite. He\u2019s our way of explaining the existence of evil. If we didn\u2019t have Klael, we\u2019d have to accept the responsibility for evil ourselves, and we\u2019re a little too fond of ourselves to do that.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Then this Klael is the King of Hell?\u2019 Bevier asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Well, sort of. Hell isn\u2019t a place, though. It\u2019s a state of mind. The story has it that when the Elder Gods\u2014Azash and the others\u2014emerged, they found Klael already here. They wanted the world for themselves, and he was in their way. After several of them had tried individually to get rid of him and got themselves obliterated, they banded together and cast him out.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Where did he come from? Originally, I mean?\u2019 Bevier pressed. Bevier was very much caught up in first causes.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How in the world should I know? I wasn\u2019t there. Ask Bhelliom.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m not so much interested in where this Klael came from as I am in what kinds of things it can do,\u2019 Sparhawk said. He took Bhelliom out of the pouch at his waist. \u2018Blue Rose,\u2019 he said, \u2018I do think we must talk concerning Klael.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It might be well, Anakha,\u2019 the jewel responded, once again taking control of Vanion.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Where did he\u2014or it\u2014originate?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Klael did not originate, Anakha. Even as I, Klael hath always been.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What is it\u2014he?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Necessary. I would not offend thee, Anakha, but the necessity of Klael is beyond thine ability to comprehend. The Child Goddess hath explained Klael sufficiently\u2014within her capabilities.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Well, really!\u2019 Aphrael spluttered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nA faint smile touched Vanion\u2019s lips. \u2018Be not wroth with me, Aphrael. I do love thee still\u2014despite thy limitations. Thou art young, and age shall bring thee wisdom and understanding.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018This is not going well, Blue Rose,\u2019 Sephrenia warned the stone.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Ah, well,\u2019 Bhelliom sighed. \u2018Let us then to work. Klael was, in fact, cast out by the Elder Gods, as Aphrael hath told thee, although the spirit of Klael, even as my spirit, doth linger in the very rocks of this world\u2014as in all others which I have made. Moreover, what the Elder Gods could do, they could also undo, and the spell which hath returned Klael was implicit in the spell which did cast Klael out. Clearly, some mortal conversant with the spells of the Elder Gods hath reversed the spell of casting out, and Klael hath returned.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Can he\u2014or it\u2014be destroyed?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It is not \u201che\u201d of which we speak, nor do we speak of some \u201cit\u201d. We speak of Klael. But nay, Anakha, Klael cannot be destroyed\u2014no more than can I. Klael is eternal.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk\u2019s heart sank. \u2018I think we\u2019re in trouble,\u2019 he muttered to his friends.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The fault is in some measure mine. So caught up was I in the birth of this latest child of mine that mine attention did stray from needful duties. It is my wont to cast Klael out at a certain point in the making of a new world. This particular child did so delight me, however, that I delayed the casting out. Then it was that I did encounter the red dust which did imprison me, and the duty to cast Klael out did devolve upon the Elder Gods. The casting-out was made imperfect by reason of their imperfection, and thus it was possible for Klael to be returned.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018By Cyrgon?\u2019 Sparhawk asked bleakly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The spell of casting out\u2014and returning\u2014is Styric. Cyrgon could not utter it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Cyzada then,\u2019 Sephrenia guessed. \u2018He might very well have known the spell. I don\u2019t think he\u2019d have used it willingly, though.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Cyrgon probably forced him to use it, little mother,\u2019 Kalten said. \u2018Things haven\u2019t been going very well for Cyrgon and Zalasta lately.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018But to call Klael!\u2019 Aphrael shuddered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Desperate people do desperate things,\u2019 Kalten shrugged. \u2018So do desperate Gods, I suppose.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What do we do, Blue Rose?\u2019 Sparhawk asked. \u2018About Klael, I mean to say?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thou canst do nothing, Anakha. Thou didst well when thou didst meet Azash, and doubtless will do well again in thy dispute with Cyrgon. Thou wouldst be powerless against Klael, however.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019re doomed then.\u2019 Sparhawk suddenly felt totally crushed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Doomed? Of course thou art not doomed. Why art thou so easily downcast and made disconsolate, my friend? I did not make thee to confront Klael. That is my duty. Klael will trouble us in some measure, as is Klael\u2019s wont. Then, as is our custom, Klael and I will meet.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And thou wilt once more banish him?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That is never certain, Anakha. I do assure thee, however, that I will strive to mine utmost to cast Klael out\u2014even as Klael will strive to cast me out. The contest between us doth lie in the future, and as I have oft told thee, the future is concealed. I will approach the contest with confidence, however, for doubt doth weaken resolve, and timorous uncertainty doth weigh down the spirit. Battle should be joined with a light heart and joyous demeanor.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You can be very sententious sometimes, World-Maker,\u2019 Aphrael said with just a hint of spitefulness.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Be nice,\u2019 Bhelliom chided mildly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Anakha.\u2019 It was Ghworg, the God of Kill. The huge presence came across the frosty meadow, plowing a dark path through the silver-sheathed grass.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I will hear the words of Ghworg,\u2019 Sparhawk replied.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Have you summoned Klael? Is it your thought that Klael will aid us in causing hurt to Cyrgon? it is not good if you have. Let Klael go back.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It was not my doing, Ghworg. Neither was it the Flower-Gem\u2019s doing. It is our thought that it was Cyrgon who summoned Klael to cause hurt to us.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Can the Flower-Gem cause hurt to Klael?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That is not certain. The might of Klael is even as the might of the Flower-Gem.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe God of Kill squatted on the frozen turf, scratching at his shaggy face with one huge paw. \u2018Cyrgon is as nothing, Anakha,\u2019 he rumbled in an almost colloquial form of speech. \u2018We can cause hurt to Cyrgon tomorrow\u2014or some time by-and-by. We must cause hurt to Klael now. We cannot wait for by-and-by.\u2019 <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk dropped to one knee on the frozen turf. \u2018Your words are wise, Ghworg.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nGhworg\u2019s lips pulled back in a hideous approximation of a grin. \u2018The word you use is not common among us, Anakha. If Khwaj said, \u201cGhworg is wise\u201d, I would cause hurt to him.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I did not say it to cause you anger, Ghworg.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You are not a Troll, Anakha. You do not know our ways. We must cause hurt to Klael so that he will go away. How can we do this?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We cannot cause hurt to him. Only the Flower-Gem can make him go away.\u2019 <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nGhworg smashed his fist against the frozen ground with a hideous snarl.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk held up one hand. \u2018Cyrgon has called Klael,\u2019 he said. \u2018Klael has joined Cyrgon to cause hurt to us. Let us cause hurt to Cyrgon now, not by-and-by. If we cause hurt to Cyrgon, he will fear to aid Klael when the Flower-Gem goes to cause hurt to Klael and make him go away.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nGhworg puzzled his way through that. \u2018Your words are good, Anakha,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018How might we best cause hurt to Cyrgon now?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk considered it. \u2018The mind of Cyrgon is not like your mind, Ghworg, nor is it like mine. Our minds are direct. Cyrgon\u2019s is guileful. He threw your children against our friends here in the lands of winter to make us come here to fight them. But your children were not his main force.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Cyrgon\u2019s main force will come from the lands of the sun to attack our friends in the city that shines.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I have seen that place. The Child Goddess spoke first with us there.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk frowned, trying to remember the details of Vanion\u2019s map. \u2018There are high places here and to the south,\u2019 he said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nGhworg nodded.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Then, even further south, the high places grow low and then they become flat.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I see it,\u2019 Ghworg said. \u2018You describe it well, Anakha.\u2019 That startled Sparhawk. Evidently Ghworg could visualize the entire continent.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018In the middle of that flat place is another high place that the man-things call the Tamul Mountains.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nGhworg nodded in agreement.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The main force of Cyrgon\u2019s children will pass that high place to reach the city that shines. The high place will be cool, so your children will not suffer from the sun there.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I see which way your thought goes, Anakha,\u2019 Ghworg said. We will take our children to that high place and wait there for Cyrgon\u2019s children. Our children will not eat Aphrael\u2019s children. They will eat Cyrgon\u2019s children instead.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That will cause hurt to Cyrgon and his servants, Ghworg.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Then we will do it.\u2019 Ghworg turned and pointed toward the landslide. \u2018Our children will climb Klael\u2019s stairway. Then Ghnomb will make time stop. Our children will be in the high place before the sun goes to sleep this night.\u2019 He stood up abruptly. \u2018Good hunting,\u2019 he growled, turned and went back to join his fellows and the still terrified Trolls.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We still have to proceed as if things were normal,\u2019 Vanion told them as they gathered near the fire a couple of hours past noon. The sun, Sparhawk noted, was already going down. \u2018Klael can probably appear at any time and any place. We can\u2019t plan for him\u2014any more than we can plan for a blizzard or a hurricane. If you can\u2019t plan for something, about the only thing you can do is take a few precautions and then ignore it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Well spoken,\u2019 Queen Betuana approved. Betuana and Vanion were getting along well.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What do we do then, friend Vanion?\u2019 Tikume asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019re soldiers, friend Tikume,\u2019 Vanion replied. \u2018We do what soldiers do. We get ready to fight armies, not Gods. Scarpa\u2019s coming up out of the jungles of Arjuna, and I\u2019d expect another thrust to come out of Cynesga. The Trolls will probably hamper Scarpa, but they can only move out a short way from those mountains in southern Tamul Proper because of the climate.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018After the initial shock of encountering Trolls, Scarpa will probably try to go around them.\u2019 Vanion consulted his map. \u2018We\u2019ll have to have forces in place to respond either to Scarpa or to an army coming out of Cynesga. I\u2019d say that Samar would be the best location.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Sama,\u2019 Betuana disagreed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Both,\u2019 Ulath countered. \u2018Forces in Samar could cover everything from the southern edge of the Atan Mountains to the Sea of Arjuna and be in position to strike eastward to the southern Tamul Mountains if Scarpa evades the Trolls. Forces in Sama could block the invasion route through the Atan mountains.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018His point\u2019s well taken,\u2019 Bevier said. \u2018It divides our forces, but we don\u2019t have much choice.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We could put the knights and the Peloi in Samar and the Atan infantry in Sama,\u2019 Tynian added. \u2018The lower valley of the River Sarna\u2019s ideal for mounted operations, and the mountains around Sama itself are natural for Atans.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Both positions are defensive,\u2019 Engessa objected. \u2018Wars aren\u2019t won from defensive positions.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk and Vanion exchanged a long look. \u2018Invade Cynesga?\u2019 Sparhawk asked dubiously.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not yet,\u2019 Vanion decided. \u2018Let\u2019s wait until the Church Knights get here from Eosia before we do that. When Komier and the others cross into Cynesga from the west, that\u2019s when we\u2019ll want to come at the place from the east. We\u2019ll put Cyrgon in a vice. With that sort of force coming at him from both sides, he can raise every Cyrgai whore ever lived, and he\u2019ll still lose.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Right up until the moment he unleashes Klael,\u2019 Aphrael added moodily.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No, Divine One,\u2019 Sparhawk told her. \u2018Bhelliom wants Cyrgon to send Klael against us. If we do it this way, we\u2019ll force the issue in a place and time that we choose. We\u2019ll pick the spot Cyrgon will unleash Klael, and I\u2019ll unleash Bhelliom. Then all we have to do is sit back and watch.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019ll go to the top of the wall the same way the Trolls went, Vanion-Preceptor,\u2019 Engessa said the following morning. \u2018We can climb as well as they can.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It might take us a little longer,\u2019 Tikume added. \u2018We\u2019ll have to push boulders out of the way to get our horses up that slope.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We will help you, Tikume-Domi,\u2019 Engessa promised.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s it, then,\u2019 Tynian summed up. \u2018The Atans and the Peloi will go south from here to take up positions in Sarna and Samar. We\u2019ll take the knights back to the coast, and Sorgi will ferry us back to Matherion. We\u2019ll go overland from there.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s the ferrying that concerns me,\u2019 Sparhawk said. \u2018Sorgi\u2019s going to have to make at least a half-dozen trips.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKhalad sighed and rolled his eyes upward.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I gather you\u2019re going to embarrass me in public again,\u2019 Sparhawk said. \u2018What am I overlooking?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The rafts, Sparhawk,\u2019 Khalad said in a weary voice. \u2018Sorgi\u2019s gathering up the rafts to take them south to the timber markets. He\u2019s going to lash them all together into a long log-boom. Put the knights in the ships, the horses on the boom, and we can all make it to Matherion in one trip.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I forgot about the rafts,\u2019 Sparhawk admitted sheepishly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That log-boom won\u2019t move very fast,\u2019 Ulath pointed out.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nXanetia had been listening to their plans intently. She looked at Khalad and spoke diffidently, almost shyly. \u2018Might a steady wind behind thy logs assist thee, young Master?\u2019 Xanetia asked Khalad.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It would indeed, Anarae,\u2019 Khalad said enthusiastically. \u2018We can weave rough sails out of tree-limbs.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Won\u2019t Cyrgon\u2014or Klael\u2014feel you raising a breeze, dear sister?\u2019 Sephrenia asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Cyrgon cannot detect Delphaeic magic, Sephrenia,\u2019 Xanetia replied. \u2018Anakha can ask Bhelliom whether Klael is similarly unaware.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How did you manage that?\u2019 Aphrael asked curiously.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nXanetia looked slightly embarrassed. \u2018It was to hide from thee and thy kindred, Divine Aphrael. When Edaemus did curse us, he did so arrange his curse that our magic would be hidden from our enemies\u2014for thus did we view thee at that time. Doth that offend thee, Divine One?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not under these circumstances, Anarae,\u2019 Flute replied, swarming up into Xanetia\u2019s arms and kissing her soundly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nChapter 2<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe log-boom Captain Sorgi\u2019s sailors had constructed from the rafts was a quarter of a mile long and a hundred feet wide. Most of it was taken up by the huge corral. It wallowed and wobbled its way south under threatening skies, and it was frequently raked by stinging sleet-squalls. The weather was bitterly cold, and the young knights who manned the raft were bundled to the ears in furs and spent most of their time huddled in the dubious shelter of the flapping tents.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s all in attention to detail, Berit,\u2019 Khalad said as he tied off the rope holding the starboard end of one of their makeshift sails in place. \u2018That\u2019s all that work really is\u2014details.\u2019 He squinted along the ice-covered line of what was really much more like a snow-fence than a sail. \u2018Sparhawk looks at the grand plan and leaves the details to others. It\u2019s a good thing, really, because he\u2019s a hopeless incompetent when it comes to little things and real work.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Khalad!\u2019 Berit was actually shocked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Have you ever seen him try to use tools? That was something our father used to tell us over and over. \u201cDon\u2019t ever let Sparhawk pick up a tool.\u201d Kalten\u2019s fairly good with his hands, but Sparhawk\u2019s hopeless. If you hand him anything associated with honest work, he\u2019ll hurt himself with it.\u2019 Khalad\u2019s head came up sharply, and he swore.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What\u2019s wrong?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Didn\u2019t you feel it? The port-side tow-ropes just went slack. Lets go wake up those sailors. We don\u2019t want this big cow turning broadside on us again.\u2019 The two fur-clad young men started across the icy collection of lashed-together rafts, skirting the huge corral where the horses huddled together in the bitterly cold breeze coming from astern.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe idea of making a log-boom out of the rafts was very good in theory, but the problems of steering proved to be far more complex than either Sorgi or Khalad had anticipated. Khalad\u2019s thickly woven fences of evergreen boughs acted well enough as sails, moving the sheer dead weight of the boom steadily southward ahead of Xanetia\u2019s breeze. Sorgi\u2019s ships were supposed to provide steerage-way by towing the boom, and that was where the problems cropped up. No two ships ever move at exactly the same rate of speed, even when propelled by the same wind. Thus, the fifty ships ahead and the twenty-five strung out along each side of the boom had to be almost constantly fine-tuned to keep the huge raft moving in the right general direction. As long as everybody paid very close attention, all went well. Two days south of Bhelliom\u2019s wall, however, a number of things had gone wrong all at once, and the log-boom had swung round sideways. No amount of effort had been able to straighten it out, and so they had been obliged to take it apart and reassemble it\u2014back-breaking labor in the bitter cold. Nobody wanted to go through that again.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nWhen they reached the port side of the boom, Berit took a dented brass horn out from under his fur cape and blew a flat, off-key blast at the port-side tow-boats while Khalad picked up a yellow flag and began to wave it vigorously. The pre-arranged signals were simple. The yellow flag told the ships to crowd on more sail to keep the towing hawsers taut; the blue flag told them to put out the sea-anchors to slack off on the ropes; and the red flag told them to cast off all lines and get out of the way.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe tow-ropes went tight again as Khalad\u2019s crisp signal trickled down through the ranks to the sailors who actually did the work aboard the ships.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How do you keep track of everything?\u2019 Berit asked his friend. \u2018And how do you know so quickly that something\u2019s wrong?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Pain,\u2019 Khalad replied wryly. \u2018I don\u2019t really want to spend several days taking this beast apart and putting it back together again with the spray freezing on me, so I\u2019m paying very close attention to the things my body\u2019s telling me. You can feel things change in your legs and the soles of your feet. When one of the hawsers goes slack, it changes the feel of how the boom moves.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Is there anything you don\u2019t know how to do?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I don\u2019t dance very well.\u2019 Khalad squinted up into the first stinging pellets of another sleet-squall. \u2018It\u2019s time to feed and water the horses,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let\u2019s go tell the novices to stop sitting around admiring their title and get to work.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You really dislike the aristocracy, don\u2019t you?\u2019 Berit asked as they started forward along the edge of the corral toward the wind-whipped tents of the apprentice knights.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No, I don\u2019t dislike them. I just don\u2019t have any patience with them, and I can\u2019t understand how they can be so blind to what\u2019s going on around them. A title must be a very heavy thing to carry if the weight makes you ignore everything else.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re going to be a knight yourself, you know.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It wasn\u2019t my idea. Sparhawk gets silly sometimes. He thinks that making knights of my brothers and me is a way of honoring our father. I\u2019m sure that Father\u2019s laughing at him right now.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey reached the tents, and Khalad raised his voice. \u2018All right, gentlemen!\u2019 he shouted, \u2018It\u2019s time to feed and water the animals. Let\u2019s get at it!\u2019 Then he critically surveyed the corral. Five thousand horses leave a great deal of evidence that they have been present. \u2018I think it\u2019s time for another lesson in the virtue of humility for our novices,\u2019 he said quietly to Berit. Then he raised his voice again. \u2018And after you\u2019ve finished with that, you\u2019d better break out the scoop-shovels and wheel-barrows again. We wouldn\u2019t want to let the work pile up on us, would we, gentlemen?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit was not yet fully adept at some of the subtler forms of magic. That part of the Pandion training was the study of a lifetime. He was far enough along, however, to recognize \u2018tampering\u2019 when he encountered it. The log-boom seemed to be lumbering southward at a crawl, but the turning of the seasons was giving some things away. It should have taken them much longer to escape the bitter cold of the far north, for one thing, and the days should not have become so much longer in such a short time for another.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHowever it was managed, and whoever managed it, they arrived at a sandy beach a few miles north of Matherion late one golden autumn afternoon long before they should have and began wading the horses ashore from the wobbly collection of rafts.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Short trip,\u2019 Khalad observed laconically as the two watched the novices unloading the horses.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You noticed,\u2019 Berit laughed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018They weren\u2019t particularly subtle about it. When the spray stopped freezing in my beard between one minute and the next, I started having suspicions.\u2019 He paused. \u2018Is magic very hard to learn?\u2019 he asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The magic itself isn\u2019t too hard. The hard part is learning the Styric language. Styric doesn\u2019t have any regular verbs. They\u2019re all irregular\u2014and there are nine tenses.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Berit, please speak plain Elenic.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You know what a verb is, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Sort of, but what\u2019s a tense?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSomehow that made Berit feel better. Khalad did not know everything. \u2018We\u2019ll work on it,\u2019 he assured his friend. \u2018Maybe Sephrenia can make some suggestions.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe sun was going down in a blaze of color when they rode through the opalescent gates into fire-domed Matherion, and it was dusk when they reached the imperial compound.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What\u2019s wrong with everybody?\u2019 Khalad muttered as they rode through the gate.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I didn\u2019t follow that,\u2019 Berit confessed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Use your eyes, man. Those gate-guards were looking at Sparhawk as if they expected him to explode\u2014or maybe turn into a dragon. Something\u2019s going on, Berit.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe Church Knights rode off across the twilight-dim lawn to their barracks while the rest of them clattered across the drawbridge into Ehlana\u2019s castle. They dismounted in the torch-lit courtyard and trooped inside.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s even worse here,\u2019 Khalad murmured. \u2018Let\u2019s stay close to Sparhawk in case we have to restrain him. The knights at the drawbridge seemed to be actually afraid of him.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey went up the stairs to the royal apartment. Mirtai was not in her customary place at the door, and that made Berit even more edgy. Khalad was right. Something here was definitely not the way it should be.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nEmperor Sarabian, dressed in his favorite purple doublet and hose, was nervously pacing the blue-carpeted floor of the sitting room as they entered, and he seemed to shrink back as Sparhawk and Vanion approached him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Your Majesty,\u2019 Sparhawk greeted him, inclining his head. \u2018It\u2019s good to see you again.\u2019 He looked around. \u2018Where\u2019s Ehlana?\u2019 he asked, laying his helmet on the table.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Uh\u2014in a minute, Sparhawk. How did things go on the North Cape?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018More or less the way we\u2019d planned. Cyrgon doesn\u2019t command the Trolls any more, but we\u2019ve got another problem that might be even worse.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Oh?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019ll tell you about it when Ehlana joins us. It\u2019s not such a pretty story that we\u2019d want to go through it twice.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe Emperor gave Foreign Minister Oscagne a helpless look.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Let\u2019s go speak with Baroness Melidere, Prince Sparhawk,\u2019 Oscagne suggested. \u2018Something\u2019s happened here. She was present, so she\u2019ll be able to answer your questions better than we would.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All right.\u2019 Sparhawk\u2019s gaze was level, and his voice was steady, despite the fact that Sarabian\u2019s nervousness and Oscagne\u2019s evasive answer fairly screamed out the fact that something was terribly wrong.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBaroness Melidere sat propped up in her bed. She wore a fetching blue dressing-gown, but the sizeable bandage on her left shoulder was a clear indication that something serious had happened. Her face was pale, but her eyes were cool and rock steady. Stragen sat at her bedside in his white satin doublet, his face filled with concern.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Well,\u2019 Melidere said, \u2018finally.\u2019 Her voice was crisp and businesslike. She flicked a withering glance at the Emperor and his advisers. \u2018I see that these brave gentlemen have decided to let me tell you about what happened here, Prince Sparhawk. I\u2019ll try to be brief. One night a couple of weeks ago, the Queen, Alcan, and I were getting ready for bed. There was a knock on the door, and four men we thought were Peloi came in. Their heads were shaved and they wore Peloi clothing, but they weren\u2019t Peloi. One of them was Krager. The other three were Elron, Baron Parok, and Scarpa.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk did not move, and his face did not change expression.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And?\u2019 he asked, his voice still unemotional.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ve decided to be sensible, I see,\u2019 Melidere said coolly. \u2018Good. We exchanged a few insults, and then Scarpa told Elron to kill me\u2014just to prove to the Queen that he was serious. Elron lunged at me, and I deflected his thrust with my wrist. I fell down and smeared the blood around to make it appear that I\u2019d been killed. Ehlana threw herself over me, pretending to be hysterical, but she\u2019d seen what I\u2019d done.\u2019 The Baroness took a ruby ring out from under her pillow. \u2018This is for you, Prince Sparhawk. Your wife hid it in my bodice. She also said, \u201cTell Sparhawk that I\u2019m all right, and tell him that I forbid him to give up Bhelliom, no matter what they threaten to do to me.\u201d Those were her exact words. Then she covered me with a blanket.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk took the ring and slipped it onto his finger. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said in a calm voice. \u2018What happened then, Baroness?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Scarpa told your wife that he and his friends were taking her and Alcan as hostages. He said that you were so foolishly attached to her that you\u2019d give him anything for her safe return. He obviously intends to exchange her for the Bhelliom. Krager had a note already prepared. He cut off a lock of Ehlana\u2019s hair to include in the note. I gather that there\u2019ll be other notes, and each one will have some of her hair in it to prove that it\u2019s authentic. Then they took Ehlana and Alcan and left.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thank you, Baroness,\u2019 Sparhawk said, his voice still steady. \u2018You\u2019ve shown amazing courage in this unfortunate business. May I have the note?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nMelidere reached under her pillow again, took out a folded and sealed piece of parchment, and handed it to him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit had loved his Queen from the moment he had first seen her sitting on her throne encased in crystal, although he had never mentioned the fact to her. There would be other loves in his life, of course, but she would always be the first. So it was that when Sparhawk broke the seal, unfolded the parchment, and gently removed the thick lock of pale blonde hair, Berit\u2019s mind suddenly filled with flames. His grip tightened round the haft of his war-axe.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKhalad took him by the arm, and Berit was dimly startled by just how strong his friend\u2019s grip was. \u2018That\u2019s not going to do anybody any good at all, Berit,\u2019 he said in a crisp voice. \u2018Now why don\u2019t you just give me the axe before you do something foolish with it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit drew in a deep, trembling breath pushing away his sudden, irrational fury. \u2018Sorry, Khalad,\u2019 he said. \u2018I sort of lost my grip there for a moment. I\u2019ll be all right now.\u2019 He looked at his friend. \u2018Sparhawk\u2019s going to let you kill Krager, isn\u2019t he?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018So he says.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Would you like some help?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKhalad flashed him a quick grin. \u2018It\u2019s always nice to have company when you\u2019re doing something that takes several days,\u2019 he said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk quickly read the note, his free hand still gently holding the lock of Ehlana\u2019s pale hair. Berit could see the muscles rippling along his friend\u2019s jaw as he read. He handed the note to Vanion. \u2018You\u2019d better read this to them,\u2019 he said bleakly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nVanion nodded and took the note. He cleared his throat.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018\u201cWell now, Sparhawk,\u201d\u2019 he read aloud. \u201c\u2018I gather that your temper-tantrum\u2019s over. I hope you didn\u2019t kill too many of the people who were supposed to be guarding your wife.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018\u201cThe situation here is painfully obvious, I\u2019m afraid. We\u2019ve taken Ehlana hostage. You will behave yourself, won\u2019t you, old boy? The tiresomely obvious part of all of this is that you can have her back in exchange for Bhelliom and the rings. We\u2019ll give you a few days to rant and rave and try to find some way out of this. Then, when you\u2019ve come to your senses and realize that you have no choice but to do exactly as you\u2019re told, I\u2019ll drop you another note with some rather precise instructions. Do be a good boy and follow the instructions to the letter. I\u2019d really rather not be forced to kill your wife, so don\u2019t try to be creative.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018\u201cBe well, Sparhawk, and keep an eye out for my next note. You\u2019ll know it\u2019s from me because I\u2019ll decorate it with another lock of Ehlana\u2019s hair. Pay very close attention, because if our correspondence continues for too long, your wife will run out of hair, and I\u2019ll have to start using fingers.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And it\u2019s signed \u201cKrager\u201d,\u2019 Vanion concluded.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKalten smashed his fist into the wall, his face rigid with fury.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s enough of that!\u2019 Vanion snapped.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What are we going to do?\u2019 Kalten demanded. \u2018We have to do something!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019re not going to jump eight feet into the air and come down running, for a start,\u2019 Vanion told him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Where\u2019s Mirtai?\u2019 Kring\u2019s voice had a note of sudden alarm.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018She\u2019s perfectly all right, Domi,\u2019 Sarabian assured him. \u2018She was a little upset when she found out what happened.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018A little?\u2019 Oscagne murmured. \u2018It took twelve men to subdue her. She\u2019s in her room, Domi Kring\u2014chained to the bed, actually. There are some guards there as well to keep her from doing herself any injury.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKring abruptly turned and left Melidere\u2019s bedroom.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019re tiring you, aren\u2019t we, Baroness?\u2019 Sarabian said then.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not in the least, your Majesty,\u2019 she replied in a cool voice. She looked around at them. \u2018It\u2019s a bit cramped in here. Why don\u2019t we adjourn to the sitting-room? I\u2019d imagine we\u2019ll be most of the night at this, so we might as well be comfortable.\u2019 She threw back her blankets and started to get out of bed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nStragen gently restrained her. Then he picked her up.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I can walk, Stragen,\u2019 she protested.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not while I\u2019m around, you can\u2019t.\u2019 Stragen\u2019s customary expression of civilized urbanity was gone as he looked around at the others, and it had been replaced with one of cold, tightly suppressed rage. \u2018One thing gentlemen,\u2019 he told them. \u2018When we catch up with these people, Elron\u2019s mine. I\u2019ll be very put out with anybody who accidentally kills him.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBaroness Melidere\u2019s eyes were quite content, and there was a faint smile on her face as she laid her head on Stragen\u2019s shoulder.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nCaalador was waiting for them in the sitting-room. His knees and elbows were muddy, and there were cobwebs in his hair.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I found it, your Majesty,\u2019 he reported to the Emperor. \u2018It comes out in the basement of that barracks the Church Knights have been using.\u2019 He looked appraisingly at Sparhawk. \u2018I\u2019d heard you were back,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ve managed to pick up a little information for you.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I appreciate that, Caalador,\u2019 Sparhawk replied quietly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe big Pandion\u2019s almost inhuman calm had them all more than a little on edge. \u2018Stragen was a bit distracted after what happened to the Baroness here,\u2019 Caalador reported, \u2018so I was left more or less to my own devices. I took some fairly direct steps. The ideas were all mine, so don\u2019t blame him for them.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You don\u2019t have to do that, Caalador,\u2019 Stragen said, carefully tucking a blanket round Melidere\u2019s shoulders. \u2018You didn\u2019t do anything I didn\u2019t approve of.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I take it that there were a few atrocities,\u2019 Ulath surmised.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Let me start at the beginning,\u2019 Caalador said, brushing his hands through his hair, trying to dislodge the cobwebs. \u2018One of the men we\u2019d been planning to kill during the Harvest Festival managed to evade my cut-throats, and he sent me a message offering to exchange information for his life. I agreed to that, and he told me something I didn\u2019t know about. We knew that there were tunnels under the lawns here in the imperial compound, but what we didn\u2019t know is that the ground under the whole city\u2019s honeycombed with more tunnels. That\u2019s how Krager and his friends got into the imperial grounds, and that\u2019s how they took the Queen and her maid out.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Prithee, good Master Caalador, stay a moment,\u2019 Xanetia said. \u2018I have seen into the memories of the Minister of the Interior, and he had no knowledge of such tunnels.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That wouldn\u2019t be hard to explain, Anarae,\u2019 Patriarch Emban told her. \u2018Ambitious underlings quite often conceal things from their superiors. Teovin, Director of the Secret Police, probably had his eye on Kolata\u2019s position.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s most likely it, your Grace,\u2019 Caalador agreed. \u2018Anyway, my informant knew the location of some of the tunnels, and I put men down there to look around for more while I questioned various members of the Secret Police who were in custody. My methods were fairly direct, and the ones who survived the questioning were more than happy to co-operate.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The tunnels were very busy on the night the Queen was abducted. The diplomats who were forted up in the Cynesgan Embassy knew about the scheme, and they realized that we\u2019d kick down their walls as soon as we found out that the Queen was gone. They tried to escape through the tunnels, but I already had men down in those rat-holes. There were a number of noisy encounters, and we either rounded up or killed just about the entire embassy staff. The Ambassador himself survived, and I let him watch while I interrogated several under-secretaries. I\u2019m very fond of Queen Ehlana, so I was quite firm with them.\u2019 He looked at Sephrenia. \u2018I don\u2019t think I need to go into too much detail,\u2019 he added.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 Sephrenia murmured.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The Ambassador didn\u2019t really know all that much,\u2019 Caalador continued apologetically, \u2018but he did tell me that Scarpa and his friends were going south from here\u2014which may or may not have been a ruse. His Majesty ordered the ports of Micae and Saranth sealed, and he put Atan patrols on the road from Toea to the coast, just to be on the safe side. Nothing\u2019s turned up yet, so Scarpa either got away ahead of us, or he\u2019s gone down a hole someplace nearby.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe door opened, and Kring rejoined them, his face gloomy.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Did you unchain her?\u2019 Tynian asked him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That wouldn\u2019t be a good idea right now, friend Tynian. She feels personally responsible for the Queen\u2019s abduction. She wants to kill herself. I took everything with any kind of sharp edge out of the room, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s really safe to unshackle her just yet.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Did you get that spoon of hers away from her?\u2019 Talen asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKring\u2019s eyes went wide. \u2018Oh, God!\u2019 he exclaimed, bolting for the door.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018If he\u2019d only yell at us or bang his fist against the wall or something,\u2019 Berit murmured to Khalad the next morning when they gathered once again in the blue-draped sitting-room. \u2018All he does is sit there.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Sparhawk keeps his feelings to himself,\u2019 Khalad replied.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s his wife we\u2019re talking about, Khalad. He sits there like a lump. Doesn\u2019t he have any feelings at all?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Of course he does, but he\u2019s not going to take them out and wave them around for us to look at. Right now it\u2019s more important for him to think than to feel. He\u2019s listening and putting things together. He\u2019s saving up his feelings for when he gets his hands on Scarpa.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk sat in his chair with his daughter in his lap. He seemed to be studying the floor, and he was absently stroking Princess Danae\u2019s cat.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nLord Vanion was telling the Emperor and the others about Klael and about their strategic disposition of forces: the Trolls to the Tamul mountains in south-central Tamul Proper, the Atans to Sarna and Tikume\u2019s Peloi to Samar.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nFlute was sitting quietly on Sephrenia\u2019s lap. Berit noticed something that hadn\u2019t occurred to him before. He glanced first at Princess Danae and then at the Child Goddess. They appeared to be about the same age, and their bearing and manner seemed very much alike for some reason.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe presence of the Child Goddess was having a peculiar effect on Emperor Sarabian. The brilliant, erratic ruler of the continent seemed dumbfounded by her presence and he sat gazing wide-eyed at her. His face was pale, and he was obviously not hearing a word Lord Vanion was saying.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAphrael finally twisted round and returned his gaze. Then she slowly crossed her eyes at him. The Emperor started back violently.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Didn\u2019t your mother ever tell you that it\u2019s not polite to stare, Sarabian?\u2019 she asked him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Mind your manners,\u2019 Sephrenia chided.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He\u2019s supposed to be listening. If I want adoration, I\u2019ll get myself a puppy.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Forgive me, Goddess Aphrael,\u2019 the Emperor apologized. \u2018I seldom have divine visitors.\u2019 He looked at her rather closely. \u2018I hope you don\u2019t mind my saying so, but you rather resemble Prince Sparhawk\u2019s daughter. Have you ever met her Royal Highness?\u2019 <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk\u2019s head came up sharply, and there was a strange, almost wild look in his eyes.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Now that you mention it, I don\u2019t think I have,\u2019 Flute said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nShe looked across the room at the Princess. Berit noticed that Sephrenia\u2019s eyes were also just a bit wild as Flute slid down out of her lap and went across the room to Sparhawk\u2019s chair. \u2018Hullo, Danae,\u2019 the Child Goddess said in an offhand sort of way.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Hullo, Aphrael,\u2019 the Princess replied in almost exactly the same tone. \u2018Are you going to do something to get my mother back home?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m working on it. Try to keep your father from getting too excited about this. He\u2019s no good to any of us when he flies all to pieces and we have to gather him up and put him back together again.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I know. I\u2019ll do what I can with him. Would you like to hold my cat?\u2019 <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nFlute glanced at Mmrr, whose eyes were filled with a look of absolute horror. \u2018I don\u2019t think she likes me,\u2019 she declined.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019ll take care of my father,\u2019 Danae assured the little Goddess. \u201cYou deal with these others.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All right.\u2019 Aphrael paused. \u2018I think we\u2019ll get on well together,\u2019 she said. \u2018You wouldn\u2019t mind if I stopped by from time to time, would you?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Any time, Aphrael.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSomething very peculiar was going on. Berit saw nothing unusual in the conversation between the two little girls, but Sparhawk\u2019s face\u2014and Sephrenia\u2019s\u2014clearly showed that they were both very disturbed. Berit kept his expression casual and looked around. Everyone else had faintly indulgent smiles on their faces as they watched the exchange\u2014all except Lord Vanion and Anarae Xanetia. Their faces were no less strained than Sparhawk\u2019s and Sephrenia\u2019s. Evidently something titanic had just happened, but for the life of him, Berit could not fathom out what it might have been.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I don\u2019t think we should discount the possibility,\u2019 Oscagne said gravely. \u2018Baroness Melidere has demonstrated again and again the fact that she has a very penetrating mind.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thank you, your Excellency,\u2019 Melidere said sweetly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I wasn\u2019t really being complimentary, Baroness,\u2019 he replied coolly. \u2018Your intelligence is a resource to be exploited in this situation. You\u2019ve seen Scarpa and we haven\u2019t. Do you really believe he\u2019s mad?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yes, your Excellency, quite mad. It wasn\u2019t only his behavior that convinced me of it. Krager and the others treated him the way you\u2019d treat a live cobra. They\u2019re terrified of him.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That dovetails rather neatly with some of the reports I got from the thieves of Arjuna,\u2019 Caalador agreed. \u2018There\u2019s always a certain amount of exaggeration involved when people talk about madmen, but every report that came in mentioned it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018If you\u2019re trying to make Sparhawk and me feel better, you\u2019re going at it in a strange way, Caalador,\u2019 Kalten accused. \u2018You\u2019re suggesting that the women we love are the prisoners of a crazy man. He could do anything.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It might not be as bad as it looks, Sir Kalten,\u2019 Oscagne said. \u2018If Scarpa\u2019s mad, couldn\u2019t this abduction have been his idea alone? If that\u2019s the case, our solution becomes almost too simple. Prince Sparhawk simply follows the instructions he receives to the letter, and when Scarpa appears with Queen Ehlana and Alcan, his Highness simply hands over the Bhelliom. We all know what\u2019ll happen to Scarpa as soon as he touches it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re equating insanity with feeble-mindedness, Oscagne,\u2019 Sarabian disagreed, \u2018and that\u2019s simply not the way it works. Zalasta knows that the rings would protect him if he ever managed to get his hands on Bhelliom, and if he knows, then we have to assume that Scarpa does, too. He\u2019ll demand the rings before he even tries to touch the jewel.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We have three possibilities then,\u2019 Patriarch Emban summed it all up. \u2018Either Cyrgon instructed Zalasta to arrange for the abduction, or Zalasta came up with the notion on his own, or Scarpa\u2019s so crazy that he thinks he can just pick up Bhelliom and start giving it commands with no instruction or preparation at all.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018There\u2019s one more possibility, Your Grace,\u2019 Ulath said. \u2018Klael could already be in charge, and this could be his way to force Bhelliom to come to him for their customary contest.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What difference does it make at this point?\u2019 Sparhawk asked suddenly. \u2018We won\u2019t know whose idea it is until we see who shows up to make the exchange.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We should have some plans in place, Prince Sparhawk,\u2019 Oscagne pointed out. \u2018We should try to think our way through each situation so that we\u2019ll know what to do.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I already know what I\u2019m going to do, your Excellency,\u2019 Sparhawk told him bleakly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018At the moment, we can\u2019t do anything,\u2019 Vanion said, moving in rather quickly. \u2018All we can do is wait for Krager\u2019s next note.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Truly,\u2019 Ulath agreed. \u2018Krager\u2019s going to give Sparhawk instructions. Those instructions might give us some clues about whose idea this really is.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You noticed it, too, didn\u2019t you?\u2019 Berit said to Khalad that evening when the two of them were getting ready for bed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Noticed what?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Don\u2019t play the innocent with me, Khalad. You see everything that\u2019s going on around you. Nothing gets by you. Sparhawk and Sephrenia were behaving very peculiarly when Flute and Danae were talking to each other.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yes,\u2019 Khalad admitted calmly. \u2018So what?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Aren\u2019t you curious about why?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Has it occurred to you that \u201cwhy\u201d might not be any of our business?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit stepped round that. \u2018Did you notice how much the two girls resemble each other?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKhalad shrugged. \u2018You\u2019re the expert on girls.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit suddenly blushed and silently cursed himself for blushing.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It isn\u2019t a secret, you know,\u2019 Khalad told him. \u2018Empress Elysoun\u2019s fairly obvious. She doesn\u2019t hide her feelings any more than she hides\u2014well, you know.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018She\u2019s a good girl,\u2019 Berit quickly came to her defense. \u2018It\u2019s just that her people don\u2019t pay any attention to our kind of morality. They can\u2019t even comprehend the notion of fidelity.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m not throwing rocks at her. If the way she behaves doesn\u2019t bother her husband, it certainly doesn\u2019t bother me. I\u2019m a country boy, remember? We\u2019re more realistic about things like that. I just wouldn\u2019t get too attached to her, Berit. Her attention may wander in time.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It already has,\u2019 Berit replied. \u2018She doesn\u2019t want to discontinue our friendship, though. She wants to be friendly to me and to him\u2014and to the half-dozen or so others she neglected to mention earlier.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The world needs more friendliness, Berit,\u2019 Khalad grinned. \u2018There wouldn\u2019t be so many wars if people were friendlier.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKrager\u2019s next note arrived two days later, and it was authenticated by another lock of Ehlana\u2019s hair. The thought of the sodden drunkard violating his Queen\u2019s pale blonde hair enraged Berit for some obscure reason. Vanion once again read the note to them while Sparhawk sat somewhat apart, gently holding the lock of his wife\u2019s hair in his fingers.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018\u201cSparhawk, old boy,\u201d\u2019 the note began. \u201c\u2018You don\u2019t mind if I call you that, do you? I always admired the way Martel sort of tossed that off when everything was going his way. It was possibly the only thing about him that I admired.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018\u201cEnough of these fond reminiscences. You\u2019re going to be making a trip, Sparhawk. We want you to take your squire and travel by the customary overland route to Beresa in southeastern Arjuna. You\u2019ll be watched, so don\u2019t take any side-trips, don\u2019t have Kalten and the other baboons trailing along behind you, don\u2019t have Sephrenia disguised as a mouse or a flea hidden in your pocket, and most definitely don\u2019t use Bhelliom for anything at all\u2014not even for building campfires. I know we can depend on your absolute co-operation, old boy, since you\u2019ll never see Ehlana alive again if you misbehave.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018\u201cIt\u2019s always a pleasure to talk with you, Sparhawk particularly in view of the fact that it\u2019s your hands that are chained this time. Now stop wasting time. Take Khalad and the Bhelliom and go to Beresa. You\u2019ll receive further instructions there. Fondly, Krager.\u201d\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nChapter 3<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey talked and talked and talked, and every \u2018maybe\u2019 or \u2018possibly\u2019 or \u2018probably\u2019 or \u2018on the other hand\u2019 set Sparhawk\u2019s teeth on edge. It was all pure speculation, useless guessing that circled and circled and never got to the point. He sat slightly apart from them holding the lock of pale hair. The hair felt strangely alive, coiling round his fingers in a soft caress.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nIt was his fault, of course. He should never have permitted Ehlana to come to Tamuli. It went further than that, though.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nEhlana had been in danger all her life, and it had all been because of him\u2014because of the fact that he was Anakha. Xanetia had said that Anakha was invincible, but she was wrong. Anakha was as vulnerable as any married man. By marrying Ehlana, he had immediately put her at risk, a risk that would last for as long as she lived.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHe should never have married her. He loved her, of course, but was it an act of love to put her in danger? He silently cursed the weakness that had led him to even consider the ridiculous notion when she had first raised it. He was a soldier, and soldiers should never marry\u2014particularly not scarred, battered old veterans with too many years and too many battles behind them and too many enemies still about. Was he some selfish old fool? Some disgusting, half-senile lecher eager to take advantage of a foolish young girl\u2019s infatuation? Ehlana had extravagantly declared that she would die if he refused her, but he knew better than that. People die from a sword in the belly, or from old age, but they do not die from love. He should have laughed in her face and rejected her absurd command. Then he could have arranged a proper marriage for her, a marriage to some handsome young nobleman with good manners and a safe occupation. If he had, she would still be safely back in Cimmura instead of in the hands of madmen, degenerate sorcerers and alien Gods to whom her life meant nothing at all.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAnd still they talked on and on and on. Why were they wasting all their breath? There wasn\u2019t any choice in the matter. Sparhawk would obey the instructions because Ehlana\u2019s life depended on it. The others were certain to argue with him about it, and the arguments would only irritate him. The best thing would probably be just to take the Bhelliom and Khalad and slip out of Matherion without giving them the chance to drive him mad with their meaningless babble.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nIt was the touch of a springlike breeze on his cheek and a soft nuzzling on his hand that roused him from his gloomy reverie.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It was not mine intent to disturb thy thought, Sir Knight,\u2019 the white deer apologized, \u2018but my mistress would have words with thee.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk jerked his head round in astonishment. He no longer sat in the blue-draped room in Matherion, and the voices of the others had faded away to be replaced by the sound of the gentle lapping of waves upon a golden strand. His chair now sat on the marble floor of Aphrael\u2019s temple on the small verdant island that rose gem-like from the sea. The breeze was soft under the rainbow-colored sky, and the ancient oaks around the alabaster temple rustled softly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thou hast forgotten me,\u2019 the gentle white hind reproached him, her liquid eyes touched with sorrow.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Never,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I shall remember thee always, dear creature, for I do love thee, even as I did when first we met.\u2019 The extravagant expression came to his lips unbidden.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe white deer sighed happily and laid her snowy head in his lap. He stroked her arched white neck and looked around.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe Child Goddess Aphrael, gowned in white and surrounded by a glowing nimbus, sat calmly on a branch of one of the nearby oaks. She lifted her many-chambered pipes and blew an almost mocking little trill.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What are you up to now, Aphrael?\u2019 he called up to her, deliberately forcing away the flowery words that jumped to his lips.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I thought you might want to talk,\u2019 she replied, lowering the pipes. \u2018Did you want some more time for self-mortification? Would you like a whip so that you can flog yourself with it? Take as much time as you want, Father. This particular instant will last for as long as I want it to.\u2019 She reached out with one grass-stained little foot, placed it on nothing at all and calmly walked down a non-existent stairway to the alabaster floor of her temple. She sank down on it, crossed her feet at the ankles and lifted her pipes again. \u2018Will it disturb your sour musings if I play?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Just what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u2019 he demanded.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nShe shrugged. \u2018You seem to have this obscure need for penance of some kind, and there\u2019s no time for it. I wouldn\u2019t be much of a Goddess if I couldn\u2019t satisfy both needs at the same time, now would I?\u2019 She raised her pipes. \u2018Do you have any favorites you\u2019d like to hear?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re actually serious, aren\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yes.\u2019 She breathed another little trill into the pipes.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHe glared at her for a moment, and then he gave up. \u2018Can we talk about this?\u2019 he asked her.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ve come to your senses? Already? Amazing.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHe looked around at the island. \u2018Where is this place?\u2019 he asked curiously.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe Child Goddess shrugged. \u2018Wherever I want it to be. I carry it with me everyplace I go. Were you serious about what you were just thinking, Sparhawk? Were you really going to snatch up Bhelliom, grab Khalad by the scruff of the neck, leap onto Faran\u2019s back and try to ride off in three directions at the same time?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All Vanion and the others are doing is talking, Aphrael, and the talk isn\u2019t going anywhere.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Did you speak with Bhelliom about this notion of yours?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The decision is mine, Aphrael. Ehlana\u2019s my wife.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How brave you are, Sparhawk. You\u2019re making a decision that involves the Bhelliom without even consulting it. Don\u2019t be misled by its seeming politeness, Father. That\u2019s just a reflection of its archaic speech. It won\u2019t do something it knows is wrong, no matter how sorry you\u2019re feeling for yourself, and if you grow too insistent, it might just decide to create a new sun\u2014about six inches from your heart.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I have the rings, Aphrael. I\u2019m still the one giving the orders.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nShe laughed at him. \u2018Do you really think the rings mean anything, Sparhawk? They have no control over Bhelliom at all. That was just a subterfuge that concealed the fact that it has an awareness\u2014and a will and purpose of its own. It can ignore the rings any time it wants to.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Then why did it need me?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Because you\u2019re a necessity, Sparhawk\u2014like wind or tide or rain. You\u2019re as necessary as Klael is\u2014or Bhelliom\u2014or me, for that matter. Someday we\u2019ll have to come back here and have a long talk about necessity, but we\u2019re a little pressed for time right now.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And was that little virtuoso performance of yours yesterday another necessity as well? Would the world have come to an end if you hadn\u2019t held that public conversation with yourself?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What I did yesterday was useful, Father, not necessary. I am who I am, and I can\u2019t change that. When I\u2019m going through one of these transitions, there are usually people around who know both of the little girls, and they start noticing the similarities. I always make it a point to have the girls meet each other in public. It puts off tiresome questions and lays unwanted suspicions to rest.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You terrified Mmrr, you know.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nShe nodded. \u2018I\u2019ll make it up to her. That\u2019s always been a problem. Animals can see right through my disguises. They don\u2019t look at us in the way that we look at each other.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHe sighed. \u2018What am I going to do, Aphrael?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I was hoping that a visit here would bring you back to your senses. A stopover in reality usually has that effect.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHe looked up at her private, rainbow-colored sky. \u2018This is your notion of reality?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Don\u2019t you like my reality?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s lovely,\u2019 he told her, absently stroking the white deer\u2019s neck, \u2018but it\u2019s a dream.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Are you really sure about that, Sparhawk? Are you so certain that this isn\u2019t reality and that other place isn\u2019t the dream?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Don\u2019t do that. It makes my head hurt. What should I do?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019d say that your first step ought to be to have a long conversation with Bhelliom. All of your moping around and contemplating arbitrary decisions has it more than a little worried.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All right. Then what?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I haven\u2019t gotten that far yet.\u2019 She grinned at him. \u2018I\u2019m a-workin\u2019 on it though, Dorlin\u2019,\u2019 she added.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018They\u2019re going to be all right, Kalten,\u2019 Sparhawk said, gently laying his hand on his suffering friend\u2019s shoulder.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKalten looked up, his eyes filled with hopeless misery. \u2018Are you sure, Sparhawk?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018They will be if we can just keep our heads. Ehlana was in much more danger when I came back from Render, and we took care of that, didn\u2019t we?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I suppose you\u2019re right.\u2019 Kalten straightened up in his chair and jerked down his blue doublet. His face was bleak. \u2018I think I\u2019m going to find some people and hurt them,\u2019 he declared.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Would you mind if I came along?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You can help if you like.\u2019 Kalten rubbed at the side of his face. \u2018I\u2019ve been thinking,\u2019 he said. \u2018You know that if you follow those orders in Krager\u2019s note, he\u2019ll be able to keep you plodding from one end of Tamuli to the other for the next year or more, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Do I have any choice? They\u2019re going to be watching me.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Let them. Do you remember how we met Berit?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He was a novice in the Chapterhouse in Cimmura,\u2019 Sparhawk shrugged.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not when I first saw him, he wasn\u2019t. I was coming back from exile in Lamorkand, and I stopped at a roadside tavern outside of Cimmura. Berit was there with Kurik, and he was wearing your armor. I\u2019ve known you since we were children, and even I couldn\u2019t tell that he wasn\u2019t you. If I couldn\u2019t tell, Krager\u2019s spies certainly won\u2019t be able to. If somebody has to plod around Tamuli, let Berit do it. You and I have better things to do.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk was startled. \u2018That\u2019s the best idea I\u2019ve heard yet.\u2019 He looked around at the others. \u2018Could I have your attention, please?\u2019 he said. They all looked sharply at him, their faces apprehensive. \u2018It\u2019s time to get to work,\u2019 he told them. \u2018Kalten here just reminded me that we\u2019ve used Sir Berit as a decoy in the past. Berit and I are nearly the same size, and my armor fits him more or less\u2014and with his visor down, nobody can really tell that he isn\u2019t me. If we can prevail on him to masquerade as a broken-down old campaigner again, we might just be able to prepare a few surprises for Krager and his friends.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You don\u2019t even have to ask, Sparhawk,\u2019 Berit said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Get some details before you volunteer like that, Berit,\u2019 Khalad told his friend in a pained voice.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Your father used to say almost exactly the same thing,\u2019 Berit recalled.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Why didn\u2019t you listen to him?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s an interesting plan, Prince Sparhawk,\u2019 Oscagne said a bit dubiously, \u2018but isn\u2019t it extremely dangerous?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m not afraid, your Excellency,\u2019 Berit protested.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I wasn\u2019t talking about your danger, young sir. I\u2019m talking about the danger to Queen Ehlana. The moment someone penetrates your disguise\u2014well …\u2019 Oscagne spread his hands.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Then we\u2019ll just have to make sure that his disguise is foolproof,\u2019 Sephrenia said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He can\u2019t keep his visor down forever, Sephrenia,\u2019 Sarabian objected.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll have to,\u2019 Sephrenia replied. She looked speculatively at Xanetia. \u2018Do we trust each other enough to cooperate, Anarae?\u2019 she asked. \u2018I\u2019m talking about something a little deeper than we\u2019ve gone so far.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I will listen most attentively to thy proposal, my sister.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Delphaeic magic is directed primarily inward, isn\u2019t it?\u2019 Xanetia nodded. \u2018That\u2019s probably why no one can hear or feel it. Styric magic is just the reverse. We alter things around us, so our magic reaches out. Neither form will work by itself in this particular situation, but if we were to combine them …\u2019 She left it hanging in the air between them.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Interesting notion,\u2019 Aphrael mused.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m not sure I follow,\u2019 Vanion said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The Anarae and I are going to have to experiment a bit,\u2019 Sephrenia told him, \u2018but if what I\u2019ve got in mind works, we\u2019ll be able to make Berit look so much like Sparhawk that they\u2019ll be able to use each other for shaving mirrors.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018As long as each of us knows exactly what the other\u2019s doing, it\u2019s not too difficult, Sparhawk,\u2019 Sephrenia assured him later when he and Berit joined her, Vanion and the Anarae in the room she shared with Vanion.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Will it really work?\u2019 he asked her dubiously.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018They haven\u2019t actually tried it yet, Sparhawk,\u2019 Vanion told him, \u2018so we\u2019re not entirely positive.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That doesn\u2019t sound too promising. This isn\u2019t much of a face, but it\u2019s the only one I\u2019ve got.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018There will be no danger to thee or to young Sir Berit, Anakha,\u2019 Xanetia said. \u2018In times past it hath oft been necessary for my people to leave our valley and to go abroad amongst others. This hath been our means of disguising our true identity.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It works sort of like this, Sparhawk,\u2019 Sephrenia explained. \u2018Xanetia casts a Delphaeic spell that would normally imprint your features on her own face, but just as she releases her spell, I release a Styric one that deflects the spell to Berit instead.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Won\u2019t every Styric in Matherion feel it when you release your spell?\u2019 Sparhawk asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s the beauty of it, Sparhawk,\u2019 Aphrael told him. \u201cThe spell itself originates with Xanetia, and others can\u2019t feel or hear a Delphaeic spell. Cyrgon himself could be in the next room and he wouldn\u2019t hear a thing.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re sure it\u2019s going to work?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018There\u2019s one way to find out.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk, of course, did not feel a thing. He was only the model, after all. It was a bit disconcerting to watch Berit\u2019s appearance gradually change, however. When the combined spell had been completed, Sparhawk carefully inspected his young friend. \u2018Do I really look like that from the side?\u2019 he asked Vanion, feeling a bit deflated.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I can\u2019t tell the two of you apart.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That nose is really crooked, isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We thought you knew.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019ve never looked at myself from the side this way before.\u2019 Sparhawk looked critically at Berit\u2019s eyes. \u2018You should probably try to squint just a little,\u2019 he suggested. \u2018My eyes aren\u2019t as good as they used to be. That\u2019s one of the things you have to look forward to as you get older.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019ll try to remember that.\u2019 Even Berit\u2019s voice was different.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Do I really sound like that?\u2019 Sparhawk was crestfallen. Vanion nodded. Sparhawk shook his head. \u2018Seeing and hearing yourself as others do definitely lowers your opinion of yourself,\u2019 he admitted.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHe looked at Berit again. \u2018I didn\u2019t feel anything, did you?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit nodded, swallowing hard.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What was it like?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019d really rather not talk about it.\u2019 Berit gently explored his new face with cringing fingertips, wincing as he did.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I still can\u2019t tell them apart,\u2019 Kalten marveled, staring first at Berit and then at Sparhawk.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That was sort of the idea,\u2019 Sparhawk told him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Which one are you?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Try to be serious, Kalten.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Now that we know how it\u2019s done, we can make some other changes as well,\u2019 Sephrenia told them. \u2018We\u2019ll give you all different faces so that you\u2019ll be able to move around freely\u2014and we\u2019ll put men wearing your faces here in the palace. I think we can all expect to be watched, even after the Harvest Festival, and this should nullify that particular problem.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We can make more detailed plans later,\u2019 Vanion said. \u2018Let\u2019s get Berit and Khalad on their way first. What\u2019s the customary route when someone wants to go overland from here to Beresa?\u2019 He unrolled a map and spread it out on the table.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Most travelers go by sea,\u2019 Oscagne replied, \u2018but those who don\u2019t usually cross the peninsula to Micae and then take a ship across the gulf to the mainland.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018There don\u2019t seem to be any roads over there,\u2019 Vanion frowned, looking at the map.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s a relatively uninhabited region, Lord Vanion,\u2019 Oscagne shrugged, \u2018salt marshes and the like. What few tracks there are wouldn\u2019t show up on the map.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Do the best you can,\u2019 Vanion told the two young men. \u2018Once you get past the Tamul Mountains, you\u2019ll hit that road that skirts the western side of the jungle.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019d make a special point of staying out of those mountains, Berit,\u2019 Ulath advised. \u2018There are Trolls there now.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit nodded.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019d better have a talk with Faran, Sparhawk,\u2019 Khalad suggested. \u2018I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll be fooled just because Berit\u2019s wearing your face, and Berit\u2019s going to have to ride him if this is going to be convincing.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019d forgotten that,\u2019 Sparhawk admitted.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I thought you might have.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All right then,\u2019 Vanion continued his instructions to the two young men. \u201cfollow that road down to Hydros, then take the road around the southern tip of Arjuna to Beresa. That\u2019s the direct route, and they\u2019ll probably be expecting you to go that way.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s going to take quite a while, Lord Vanion,\u2019 Khalad said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I know. Evidently Krager and his friends want it to. If they were in a hurry, they\u2019d have instructed Sparhawk to go by sea. \u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Give Berit your wife\u2019s ring, Sparhawk,\u2019 Flute instructed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Zalasta can sense the ring, and if he can, Cyrgon can, too and Klael will definitely feel it. If you don\u2019t give Berit the ring, changing his face was just a waste of time.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re putting Berit and Khalad in a great deal of danger,\u2019 Sephrenia said critically.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s what we get paid for, little mother,\u2019 Khalad shrugged.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019ll watch over them,\u2019 Aphrael assured her sister. She looked critically at Berit. \u2018Call me,\u2019 she told him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Ma\u2019am?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Use the spell, Berit,\u2019 she explained with exaggerated patience. \u2018I want to be sure you\u2019re doing it right.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Oh.\u2019 Berit carefully enunciated the spell of summoning, his hands moving in the intricate accompanying gestures.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You mispronounced \u201cKnjernsticon\u201d,\u2019 she corrected him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSephrenia was trying without much success to suppress a laugh.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What\u2019s so funny?\u2019 Talen asked her.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Sir Berit\u2019s pronunciations raised some questions about his meaning,\u2019 Stragen explained.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What did he say?\u2019 Talen asked curiously.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Just never mind what he said,\u2019 Flute told him primly. \u2018We\u2019re not here to repeat off-color jokes about the differences between boys and girls. Practice on that one, Berit. Now try the secret summoning. \u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 Itagne murmured to Vanion.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s used to pass messages, your Excellency,\u2019 Vanion replied. \u2018It summons the awareness of the Child Goddess, but not her presence. We can give her a message to carry to someone else by using that spell.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Isn\u2019t that just a little demeaning for the Child Goddess? Do you really make her run errands and carry messages that way?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m not offended, Itagne.\u2019 Aphrael smiled. \u2018After all, we live only to serve those we love, don\u2019t we?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit\u2019s pronunciation of the second spell raised no objections.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ll probably want to use that one most of the time anyway, Berit,\u2019 Vanion instructed. \u2018Krager warned Sparhawk about using magic, so don\u2019t be too obvious about things. If you get any further instructions along the road, make some show of following them, but pass the word on to Aphrael.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018There\u2019s no real point in decking him out in Sparhawk\u2019s armor now, is there, Lord Vanion?\u2019 Khalad asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Good point,\u2019 Vanion agreed. \u2018A mail-shirt should do, Berit. We want them to see your face now.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yes, my Lord.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Now you\u2019d better get some sleep,\u2019 Vanion continued. \u2018You\u2019ll be starting early tomorrow morning.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not too early, though,\u2019 Caalador amended. \u2018We purely wouldn\u2019t want th\u2019 spies t\u2019 oversleep therselfs an\u2019 miss seein\u2019 y\u2019 leave. Gittin\u2019 a new face don\u2019t mean shucks iffn y\u2019 don\u2019t git no chance t\u2019 show it off, now does it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nIt was chill and damp in the courtyard the following morning, and a thin autumn mist lay over the gleaming city. Sparhawk led Faran out of the stables. \u2018Just be careful,\u2019 he cautioned the two young men in mail-shirts and travelers\u2019 cloaks.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ve said that already, my Lord,\u2019 Khalad reminded him. \u2018Berit and I aren\u2019t deaf, you know.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019d better forget that name, Khalad,\u2019 Sparhawk said critically. \u2018Start thinking of our young friend here as me. A slip of the tongue in the wrong place could give this all away.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019ll keep that in mind.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Do you need money?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I thought you\u2019d never ask.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re as bad as your father was.\u2019 Sparhawk pulled a purse from under his belt and handed it to his squire. Then he firmly took Faran by the chin and looked straight into the big roan\u2019s eyes. \u2018I want you to go with Berit, Faran,\u2019 he said. \u2018Behave exactly as you would if he were me.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nFaran flicked his ears and looked away.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Pay attention,\u2019 Sparhawk said sharply. \u2018This is important.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nFaran sighed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He knows what you\u2019re talking about, Sparhawk,\u2019 Khalad said. \u2018He\u2019s not stupid\u2014just bad-tempered.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk handed the reins to Berit. Then he remembered something. \u2018We\u2019ll need a password,\u2019 he said. \u2018The rest of us are going to have different faces, so you won\u2019t recognize us if we have to contact you. Pick something ordinary.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey all considered it.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How about \u201cramshorn\u201d?\u2019 Berit suggested. \u2018It shouldn\u2019t be too hard to work it into an ordinary conversation, and we\u2019ve used it before.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk suddenly remembered Ulesim, most-favored-disciple-of-holy-Arasham, standing atop a pile of rubble with Kurik\u2019s crossbow bolt sticking out of his forehead and the word ramshorn still on his lips. \u2018Very good, Berit\u2014ah\u2014Sir Sparhawk, that is. It\u2019s a word we all remember. You\u2019d better get started.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey nodded and swung up into their saddles.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Good luck,\u2019 Sparhawk said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You too, my Lord,\u2019 Khalad replied. And then the pair turned and rode slowly toward the drawbridge.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All we\u2019ve really got to work with is the name Beresa,\u2019 Sarabian mused, somewhat later. \u2018Krager\u2019s note said that Sparhawk would receive further instructions there.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That could be a ruse, your Majesty,\u2019 Itagne pointed out. \u2018Actually, the exchange could take place at any time\u2014and any place. That might have been the reason for the instructions to go overland.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s true,\u2019 Caalador agreed. \u2018Scarpa and Zalasta might just be waiting on the beach on the west side of the Gulf of Micae wanting to make the trade right there, for all we know.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We\u2019re going to an awful lot of trouble here,\u2019 Talen said. \u2018Why doesn\u2019t Sparhawk just have Bhelliom go rescue the Queen? It could pick her up and have her back here before Scarpa even knew she was gone.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No,\u2019 Aphrael said, shaking her head. \u2018Bhelliom can\u2019t do that any more than I can.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Why not?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Because we don\u2019t know where she is\u2014and we can\u2019t go looking for her, because they\u2019ll be able to sense us moving around.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Oh. I didn\u2019t know that.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAphrael rolled her eyes upward. \u2018Men!\u2019 she sighed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It was very resourceful of Ehlana to slip her ring to Melidere,\u2019 Sephrenia said, \u2018but locating her would be much easier if she still had it with her.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I sort of doubt that, dear,\u2019 Vanion disagreed. \u2018Zalasta of all people knows that the rings can be traced. If Ehlana had still been wearing it, the first thing Scarpa would have done would been to send Krager or Elron off in the opposite direction with it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re assuming that Zalasta\u2019s involved in this,\u2019 she disagreed. \u2018There is the possibility that Scarpa\u2019s acting on his own, you know. \u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s always better to assume the worst,\u2019 he shrugged. \u2018Our situation is much more perilous if Zalasta and Cyrgon are involved. If it\u2019s only Scarpa, he\u2019ll be relatively easy to dispose of.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018But only after Ehlana and Alcan are safe,\u2019 Sparhawk amended.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That goes without saying, Sparhawk,\u2019 Vanion said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Everything hinges on the moment of the exchange then, doesn\u2019t it?\u2019 Sarabian noted. \u2018We can make some preparations, but we won\u2019t be able to do anything at all significant until the moment that Scarpa actually produces Ehlana.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And that means that we have to stay close to Berit and Khalad,\u2019 Tynian added.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No.\u2019 Aphrael was shaking her head. \u2018You\u2019ll give everything away if you all start hovering over those two. Let me do the staying close. I don\u2019t wear armor, so no one will be able to smell me from a thousand paces off. Itagne\u2019s right. The exchange could come at any time. I\u2019ll let Sparhawk know the very instant Scarpa shows up with Ehlana and Alcan. Then Bhelliom can set him down\u2014with knife\u2014right on top of them. Then we\u2019ll have the ladies back, and we\u2019ll be more or less in charge of things again.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And that brings us right back to a purely military situation,\u2019 Patriarch Emban mused. \u2018I think we\u2019ll want to send word to Komier and Bergsten. We\u2019re going to need the Church Knights in Cynesga and Arjuna, not in Edam or Astel\u2014or here in Matherion. Let\u2019s have them ride southeast after they come down out of the mountains of Zemoch. We\u2019ll have the Atans in Sarna, the eastern Peloi and the Church Knights we\u2019ve already got in Samar, the Trolls in the Tamul Mountains and Komier and Bergsten on the western side of the Desert of Cynesga. We\u2019ll be able to squeeze the land of the Cyrgai like a lemon at that point.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And see what kind of seeds come popping out,\u2019 Kalten added bleakly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nPatriarch Emban, First Secretary of the Church of Chyrellos, was a man who absolutely adored lists. The fat little churchman automatically drew up a list when any subject was being discussed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThere is a certain point in most discussions when things have all been settled, and the participants start going back over the various points. Inevitably, that was the point at which Emban pulled out his list. \u2018All right then,\u2019 he said in a tone that clearly said that he was summing up, \u2018Sparhawk will take ship for Beresa, along with Milord Stragen and young master Talen, right?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It puts him in place in case Berit and Khalad do, in fact, have to ride all the way down there, your Grace,\u2019 Vanion said. \u2018And Stragen and Talen have contacts in Beresa, so they\u2019ll probably be able to find out just who else is in town.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nEmban checked that off his list. \u2018Next. Sir Kalten, Sir Bevier and Master Caalador will sail south on a different ship and go into the jungles of Arjuna.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nCaalador nodded. \u2018I\u2019ve got a friend in Delo who has contacts with the robber bands in those jungles,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll join one of those bands, so we\u2019ll be able to keep an eye on Natayos and pass the word if Scarpa\u2019s army starts to move.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Right.\u2019 Emban checked that off. \u2018Next. Sir Ulath and Sir Tynian will go to the Tamul Mountains to stay in touch with the Trolls.\u2019 He frowned. \u2018Why is Tynian going there?\u2019 he asked. \u2018He doesn\u2019t speak Trollish.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Tynian and I get along well,\u2019 Ulath rumbled, \u2018and I\u2019ll get terribly lonely if there\u2019s no one around to talk with but Trolls. You have no idea of how depressing it is to be alone with Trolls, your Grace.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Whatever makes you happy, Sir Ulath.\u2019 Emban shrugged. \u2018Now then, Sephrenia and Anarae Xanetia will go to Delphaeus to advise Anari Codon about all these recent developments and to explain what we\u2019re doing.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And to see what we can do to make peace between Styricum and the Delphae,\u2019 Sephrenia added.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nEmban checked off another item. He said, \u2018Lord Vanion, Queen Betuana, Ambassador Itagne and Domi Kring will take the five thousand knights and go to Western Tamul proper to join with the forces they have in place in Sarna and Samar.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Where is Domi Kring?\u2019 Betuana asked, looking around for the little man.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He\u2019s standing guard over Mirtai,\u2019 Princess Danae said. \u2018He\u2019s still about half afraid she might try to kill herself.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We could have a problem there,\u2019 Bevier observed. \u2018Under those circumstances, Kring might not be willing to leave Matherion.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We can get along without him if we have to,\u2019 Vanion said. \u2018I can deal with Tikume directly. Having Kring around would make it easier, but I can make do without him if he really thinks that Mirtai might do something foolish.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nEmban nodded. \u2018Emperor Sarabian, Foreign Minister Oscagne and I will stay here in Matherion to hold down the fort, and the Child Goddess will keep us all in touch with each other. Have I left anything out?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What do you want me to do, Emban?\u2019 Danae asked sweetly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ll stay here in Matherion with us, your Royal Highness,\u2019 Emban replied, \u2018to brighten our gloomy days and nights with the sunshine of your smile.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Are you making fun of me, your Grace?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Of course not, Princess.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nTo say that Mirtai was unhappy would have been the grossest of understatements. She was in chains when Kring brought her into the council chamber with a hopeless kind of look on his face. \u2018Nothing I say even reaches her,\u2019 the Domi told them. \u2018I think she\u2019s even forgotten that we\u2019re betrothed.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe golden Atan giantess would not look at any of them, but sank instead to the floor in abject misery.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018She has failed her owner.\u2019 Betuana shrugged. \u2018She must either avenge or die.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not quite, your Majesty,\u2019 Sparhawk\u2019s daughter said firmly. She slipped down from the chair in the corner from which she had been watching the proceedings. She deposited Rollo in one corner of the chair and Mmrr in the other and crossed the room to Mirtai with a businesslike look on her small face. \u2018Atana Mirtai,\u2019 she said crisply, \u2018get up off the floor.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nMirtai looked sullenly at her, then slowly rose, her chains rattling.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018In my mother\u2019s absence, I am the queen,\u2019 Danae declared.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk blinked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re not Ehlana,\u2019 Mirtai said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m not pretending to be. I\u2019m stating a legal fact. Sarabian, isn\u2019t that the way it works? Isn\u2019t my mother\u2019s power mine while she\u2019s away?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Well\u2014technically, I suppose.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Technically my foot. I\u2019m Queen Ehlana\u2019s heir. I\u2019m assuming her position until she returns. That means that I temporarily own everything that\u2019s hers\u2014her throne, her crown, her jewels, and her personal slave.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019d hate to have to argue against her in a court of law,\u2019 Emban admitted.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thank you, your Grace,\u2019 Danae said. \u2018All right, Atana Mirtai, you heard them. You\u2019re my property now.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nMirtai scowled at her.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Don\u2019t do that,\u2019 Danae snapped. \u2018Pay attention. I am your owner, and I forbid you to kill yourself. I also forbid you to run off. I need you here. You\u2019re going to stay here with Melidere and me, and you\u2019re going to guard us. You failed my mother. Don\u2019t fail me.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nMirtai stiffened, and then she broke her chains with an angry wrench of her arms. \u2018It shall be as you say, your Majesty,\u2019 she snapped, her eyes blazing.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nDanae looked around at the rest of them with a smug little smile. \u2018See,\u2019 she said. \u2018Now that wasn\u2019t so hard, was it?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nChapter 4<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nIt was a small, single-masted coastal freighter with a leaky bottom and patched sails. It definitely did not skim the waves.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit and Khalad wore their mail-shirts and travelers\u2019 cloaks and they stood in the bow looking out across the leaden expanse of the Gulf of Micae as the wretched vessel wallowed along. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Is that coast up ahead?\u2019 Berit asked hopefully.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nKhalad looked out across the choppy water. \u2018No, just a cloudbank. We\u2019re not moving very fast, my Lord. We won\u2019t make the coast today, I\u2019m afraid.\u2019 He looked aft and lowered his voice. \u2018Stay alert after the sun goes down,\u2019 he instructed. \u2018The crew of this tub is made up of waterfront sweepings, and the captain isn\u2019t much better. I think we should take turns sleeping tonight.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nBerit glanced back along the deck at the assortment of ruffians loitering there. \u2018I wish I had my axe,\u2019 he muttered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Don\u2019t say things like that out loud, Berit,\u2019 Khalad muttered. \u2018Sparhawk doesn\u2019t use a war-axe. Krager knows that, and one of these sailors may be working for him.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Still? after the Harvest Festival?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Nobody\u2019s ever figured out a way to kill all the rats, my Lord, and it only takes one. Let\u2019s both behave as if we\u2019re being watched and every word we say is being overheard\u2014just to be on the safe side.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019ll be a lot happier once we get ashore. Did we really have to make this leg of the trip by sea?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s the custom.\u2019 Khalad shrugged. \u2018Don\u2019t worry. We can hold off these sailors if we have to.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That\u2019s not what\u2019s bothering me, Khalad. This scow waddles through the water like a whale with a sprained back. It\u2019s making me queasy.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Eat a piece of dry bread.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019d rather not. This is really miserable, Khalad.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018But we\u2019re having an adventure, my Lord,\u2019 Khalad said brightly. \u2018Doesn\u2019t the excitement make up for the discomfort?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No. Not really.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re the one who wanted to be a knight.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yes, I know\u2014and right now I\u2019m trying to remember why.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nPatriarch Emban was very displeased. \u2018This is really outrageous, Vanion,\u2019 he protested as he waddled along with the others toward the chapel in the west wing. \u2018If Dolmant ever finds out that I\u2019ve permitted the practice of witchcraft in a consecrated place of worship, he\u2019ll have me defrocked.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It\u2019s the safest place, Emban,\u2019 Vanion replied. \u2018The pretense of \u201csacred rites\u201d gives us an excuse to chase all the Tamuls out of the west wing. Besides, the chapel\u2019s probably never really been consecrated anyway. This is an imitation castle built to make Elenes feel at home. The people who built it couldn\u2019t have known the rite of consecration.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You don\u2019t know that it hasn\u2019t been consecrated.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And you don\u2019t know that it has. If it bothers you all that much, Emban, you can re-consecrate it after we finish.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nEmban\u2019s face blanched. \u2018Do you know what\u2019s involved in that, Vanion?\u2019 he protested. \u2018The hours of praying\u2014the prostration before the altar\u2014the fasting?\u2019 His chubby face went pale. \u2018Good God, the fasting!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSephrenia, Flute, and Xanetia had slipped into the chapel several hours earlier, and they were sitting unobtrusively in one corner listening to a choir of Church Knights singing hymns. Emban and Vanion were still arguing when they joined the ladies. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What\u2019s the problem?\u2019 Sephrenia asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Patriarch Emban and Lord Vanion are having a disagreement about whether or not the chapel\u2019s been consecrated, little mother,\u2019 Kalten explained.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It hasn\u2019t,\u2019 Flute told him with a little shrug.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How can you tell?\u2019 Emban demanded.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nShe gave him a long-suffering look. \u2018Who am I, your Grace?\u2019 she asked him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nHe blinked. \u2018Oh. I keep forgetting that for some reason. Is there actually a way you can tell whether or not a place has been consecrated?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Well of course there is. Believe me, Emban, this chapel\u2019s never been consecrated to your Elene God.\u2019 She paused. \u2018There was a spot not far from here that was consecrated to a tree about eighteen thousand years ago, though.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018A tree?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018It was a very nice tree\u2014an oak. It\u2019s always an oak for some reason. Nobody ever seems to want to worship an elm. Lots of people used to worship trees. They\u2019re predictable, for one thing.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018How could anybody in his right mind worship a tree?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Who ever said that religious people were in their right minds? Sometimes you humans confuse us a great deal, you know.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSince there was an exchange of features involved in most cases here, Sephrenia and Xanetia had experimented a bit to alter the spell which had imprinted Sparhawk\u2019s face on Berit. No exchange was necessary for Sparhawk, however, so they modified him first. He sat beside his old friend, Sir Endrik, a veteran with whom he, Kalten and Martel had endured their novitiates.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nXanetia approached them with the color draining from her features and that soft radiance suffusing her face. She examined Endrik meticulously, and then her voice rose as she began to intone the Delphaeic spell in her oddly accented, archaic Tamul. Sephrenia stood at her side simultaneously casting the Styric spell.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk felt nothing whatsoever as Xanetia released her spell. Then at the crucial instant, Sephrenia extended her hand, interposing it between Sir Endrik\u2019s face and Xanetia\u2019s and simultaneously releasing the Styric spell. Sparhawk definitely felt that. His features seemed to somehow soften like melting wax, and he could actually feel his face changing, almost as wet clay is changed and molded by the potter\u2019s hand. The straightening of his broken nose was a bit painful, and the lengthening of his jaw made his teeth ache as they shifted in the bone.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018What do you think?\u2019 Sephrenia asked Vanion when the process had been completed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I don\u2019t think you could get them any closer,\u2019 Vanion replied, examining the two men closely. \u2018How does it feel to be twins, Endrik?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I didn\u2019t feel a thing, my Lord,\u2019 Endrik replied, staring curiously at Sparhawk.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I did,\u2019 Sparhawk told him, gingerly touching his re-shaped nose. \u2018Does the ache go away eventually, Anarae?\u2019 he asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thou wilt notice it less as time doth accustom thee to the alteration, Anakha. I did warn thee that some discomfort is involved, did I not?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You did indeed.\u2019\u2019 Sparhawk shrugged. \u2018It\u2019s not unbearable.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Do I really look like that?\u2019 Endrik asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yes,\u2019 Vanion replied.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I should take better care of myself. The years aren\u2019t being good to me.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Nobody stays young and beautiful forever, Endrik,\u2019 Kalten laughed. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Is that all that needs to be done to these two, Anarae?\u2019 Vanion asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The process is complete, Lord Vanion,\u2019 Xanetia replied.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We need to talk, Sparhawk,\u2019 the Preceptor said. \u2018Let\u2019s go into the vestry where we\u2019ll be out of the way while the ladies modify the others.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk nodded, stood up and followed his friend to the small door to the left of the altar. Vanion led the way inside and closed the door behind them.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ve made all the arrangements with Sorgi?\u2019 he asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk sat down. \u2018I talked with him yesterday,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I told him that I had some friends that had to go to Beresa without attracting attention. He\u2019s had the usual desertions, and he\u2019s holding three berths open. Stragen, Talen and I\u2019ll merge with the crew. We should be able to slip into Beresa without being noticed.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I imagine that cost you. Sorgi\u2019s prices are a little steep sometimes.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk massaged the side of his aching jaw. \u2018It wasn\u2019t all that bad,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sorgi owes me a couple of favors, and I gave him time to pick up a cargo to cover most of the cost.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ll be going directly to the harbor from here?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk nodded. \u2018We\u2019ll use that tunnel Caalador found under the barracks. I told Sorgi that his three new crew members would report to him about midnight.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019ll sail tomorrow then?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk shook his head. \u2018The day after. We have to load Sorgi\u2019s cargo tomorrow.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Honest work, Sparhawk?\u2019 Vanion smiled.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re starting to sound like Khalad.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He does have opinions, doesn\u2019t he?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018So did his father.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Quit rubbing your face like that, Sparhawk. You\u2019ll make your skin raw.\u2019 Vanion paused. \u2018What was it like?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Very strange.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Painful?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018The nose was. It feels almost as if somebody broke it again. Be glad you don\u2019t have to go through it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018There wouldn\u2019t be much point in that. I won\u2019t be sneaking down alleys the way the rest of you will. \u2018 Vanion looked sympathetically at his friend. \u2018We\u2019ll get her back, Sparhawk,\u2019 he said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Of course. Was that all?\u2019 Sparhawk\u2019s tone was deliberately unemotional. The important thing here was not to feel.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Just be careful, and try to keep a handle on your temper.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nSparhawk nodded. \u2018Let\u2019s go see how the others are coming.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe alterations were confusing, there was no question about that. It was hard to tell exactly who was talking, and sometimes Sparhawk was startled by just who answered his questions. They said their goodbyes and quietly left the chapel with the main body of the Church Knights. They went out into the torch-lit courtyard, crossed the drawbridge, and proceeded across the night-shrouded lawn to the barracks of the knights, where Sparhawk, Stragen and Talon changed into tar-smeared sailor\u2019s smocks while the others also donned the mis-matched clothing of commoners. Then they all went down to the cellar.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nCaalador, who now wore the blocky face of a middle-aged Deiran knight, led the way into a damp, cobweb-draped tunnel with a smoky torch. When they had gone about a mile, he stopped and raised the torch. \u2018This yere\u2019s yer exit, Sporhawk,\u2019 he said, pointing at a steep, narrow stairway. \u2018You\u2019ll come out in an alley\u2014which it is oz don\u2019t smell none too sweet, but is S an\u2019 dark.\u2019 He paused. \u2018Sorry, Stragen,\u2019 he apologized. \u2018I wanted to give you something to remember me by.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You\u2019re too kind,\u2019 Stragen murmured.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Good luck, Sparhawk,\u2019 Caalador said then.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Thanks, Caalador.\u2019 The two shook hands, and then Caalador lifted his torch and led the rest of the party off down the musty-smelling passageway toward their assorted destinations, leaving Sparhawk, Talon, and Stragen alone in the dark.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018They won\u2019t be in any danger, Vanion,\u2019 Flute assured the Preceptor as the ladies were packing. \u2018I\u2019ll be going along, after all, and I can take care of them.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Ten knights then,\u2019 he amended his suggestion downward.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018They\u2019d just be in our way, love,\u2019 Sephrenia told him. \u2018I do want you to be careful, though. A body of armed men is far more likely to be attacked than a small party of travelers.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018But it isn\u2019t safe for ladies to travel alone,\u2019 he protested. \u2018There are always robbers and the like lurking in the forest.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We won\u2019t be in one place long enough to attract robbers or anybody else,\u2019 Flute told him. \u2018We\u2019ll be in Delphaeus in two days. I could do it in one, but I\u2019ll have to stop and have a long talk with Edaemus before I go into his valley. He might just take a bit of convincing.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018When art thou leaving Matherion, Lord Vanion?\u2019 Xanetia asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018About the end of the week, Anarae,\u2019 he replied. \u2018We\u2019ve got to spend some time on our equipment, and there\u2019s always the business of organizing the supply train.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Take warm clothing,\u2019 Sephrenia instructed. \u2018The weather could change at any time.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Yes, love. How long will you be at Delphaeus?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We can\u2019t be sure. Aphrael will keep you advised. We have a great deal to discuss with Anari Codon. The fact that Cyrgon has summoned Klael complicates matters.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Truly,\u2019 Xanetia agreed. \u2018We may be obliged to entreat Edaemus to return.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Would he do that?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nFlute smiled roguishly. \u2018I\u2019ll coax him, Vanion,\u2019 she said, \u2018and you know how good I am at that. If I really want something, I almost always get it.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You there! Look lively.\u2019 Sorgi\u2019s bull-necked bo\u2019sun bellowed, popping his whip at Stragen\u2019s heels.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nStragen, who now wore the braids and sweeping mustaches of a blond Genidian Knight, dropped the bale he was carrying across the deck and reached for his dagger.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018No!\u2019 Sparhawk hissed at him. \u2018Pick up that bale!\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nStragen glared at him for a moment, then bent and lifted the bale again. \u2018This wasn\u2019t part of the agreement,\u2019 he muttered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018He\u2019s not really going to hit you with that whip,\u2019 Talen assured the frowning Thalesian. \u2018Sailors all complain about it, but the whip\u2019s just for show. A bo\u2019sun who really hits his men with his whip usually gets thrown over the side some night during the dogwatch.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Maybe,\u2019 Stragen growled darkly, \u2018but I\u2019ll tell you this right now. If that cretin so much as touches me with that whip of his, he won\u2019t live long enough to go swimming. I\u2019ll have his guts in a pile on the deck before he can even blink.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You new men!\u2019 the bo\u2019sun shouted, \u2018do your talking on your own time! You\u2019re here to work, not to discuss the weather!\u2019 and he cracked his whip again.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018She could do it, Khalad,\u2019 Berit insisted.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I think you\u2019ve been out in the sun too long,\u2019 Khalad replied.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey were riding south along a lonely beach under an overcast sky. The beach was backed by an uninviting salt marsh where dry reeds clattered against each other in the stiff onshore breeze. Khalad rose in his stirrups and looked around. Then he settled back in his saddle again. \u2018It\u2019s a ridiculous idea, my Lord.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Try to keep an open mind, Khalad. Aphrael\u2019s a Goddess. She can do anything.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018I\u2019m sure she can, but why would she want to?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Well\u2014\u2019 Berit struggled with it. \u2018She could have a reason, couldn\u2019t she? Something that you and I wouldn\u2019t even understand?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Is this what all that Styric training does to a man? You\u2019re starting to see Gods under every bush. It was only a coincidence. The two of them look a little bit alike, but that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018You can be as skeptical as you want, Khalad, but I still think that something very strange is going on.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018And I think that what you\u2019re suggesting is an absurdity.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Absurd or not, their mannerisms are the same, their expressions are identical, and they\u2019ve both got that same air of smug superiority about them.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Of course they do. Aphrael\u2019s a Goddess, and Danae\u2019s a Crown Princess. They are superior\u2014at least in their own minds and I think you\u2019re overlooking the fact that we saw them both in the same room and at the same time. They even talked to each other, for God\u2019s sake.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Khalad, that doesn\u2019t mean anything. Aphrael\u2019s a Goddess. She can probably be in a dozen different places all at the same time if she really wants to be.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018That still brings us right back to the question of why? What would be the purpose of it? Not even a God does things without any reason.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018We don\u2019t know that, Khalad. Maybe she\u2019s doing it just to amuse herself.\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Are you really all that desperate to witness miracles, Berit?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018She could do it,\u2019 Berit insisted.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018All right. So what?\u2019<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Aren\u2019t you the least bit curious about it?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Not particularly,\u2019 Khalad shrugged.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nUlath and Tynian wore bits and pieces of the uniforms of one of the few units of the Tamul army that accepted volunteers from the Elene kingdoms of western Daresia. The faces they had borrowed were those of grizzled, middle-aged knights, the faces of hard-bitten veterans. The vessel aboard which they sailed was one of those battered, ill-maintained ships that ply coastal waters. The small amount of money they had paid for their passage bought them exactly that\u2014passage, and nothing else.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThey had brought their own food and drink and their patched blankets, and they ate and slept on the deck. Their destination was a small coastal village some twenty-five leagues east of the foothills of the Tamul mountains. They lounged on the deck in the daytime, drinking cheap wine and rolling dice for pennies.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

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Book Preview \u00a0 The Hidden City \u00a0 The Tamuli \u00a0 Book Three \u00a0 David Eddings \u00a0 \u00a0 War To The Death \u00a0 The Pandion Knight Sparhawk had bested the massed forces of the God Cyrgon upon the field of battle. But victory turned to ashes when the foul God\u2019s minions kidnapped Sparhawk\u2019s wife, the beautiful …