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RANGER’SAPPRENTICEBOOKTWO:THEBURNINGBRIDGE

RANGER’SAPPRENTICEBOOKTWO:THEBURNINGBRIDGE

JOHNFLANAGANPHILOMELBOOKS

Copyright©2005byJohnFlanagan.PublishedinAustraliabyRandomHouseAustraliaChildren’sBooks.

FirstAmericanEditionpublished2006byPHILOMELBOOKS

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PublishedsimultaneouslyinCanada.LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

Flanagan,John(JohnAnthony).Theburningbridge/JohnFlanagan.—1stAmericaned.

p.cm.—(Ranger’sapprentice;bk.2)Summary:WillisforcedtoovercomehisfearofWargals,thefootsoldiersofrebel

warlordMorgarath,asAraluen’sarmypreparestobattleMorgarath’sforces.[1.Heroes—Fiction.2.War—Fiction.3.Fantasy.]I.Title.II.Series:Flanagan,John(JohnAnthony).

Ranger’sApprentice;bk.2.PZ7.F598284Bu2006[Fic]—dc222005033064ISBN:978-1-101-22122-8

ThisoneisforKaty.

ContentsPrologue

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Chapter23

Chapter24

Chapter25

Chapter26

Chapter27

Chapter28

Chapter29

Chapter30

Chapter31

Chapter32

Chapter33

Chapter34

Chapter35

PROLOGUEHALTANDWILLHADBEENTRAILINGTHEWARGALSFORthreedays.Thefourheavy-bodied,brutishcreatures,footsoldiersoftherebelwarlordMorgarath,hadbeensightedpassingthroughRedmontFief,heading north. Once word reached the Ranger, he had set out to intercept them,accompaniedbyhisyoungapprentice.

“Where could theyhave come from,Halt?”Will askedduringoneof their short reststops.“Surelywe’vegotThreeStepPasswellandtrulybottledupbynow.”

ThreeStepPassprovidedtheonlyrealaccessbetweentheKingdomofAraluenandtheMountains of Rain and Night, where Morgarath had his headquarters. Now that thekingdomwaspreparing for thecomingwarwithMorgarath, acompanyof infantryandarchershadbeensent to reinforce thesmallpermanentgarrisonat thenarrowpassuntilthemainarmycouldassemble.

“That’s theonlyplacewhere theycancomeinsizablenumbers,”Haltagreed.“Butasmallpartylikethiscouldslipintothekingdombywayofthebarriercliffs.”

Morgarath’sdomainwasaninhospitablemountainplateauthattoweredhighabovethesouthern reaches of the kingdom. From Three Step Pass in the east, a line of sheer,precipitous cliffs ran roughly due west, forming the border between the plateau andAraluen. As the cliffs swung southwest, they plunged into another obstacle called theFissure—ahugesplitintheearththatranouttothesea,andseparatedMorgarath’slandsfromthekingdomoftheCelts.

ItwasthesenaturalfortificationsthathadkeptAraluen,andneighboringCeltica,safefromMorgarath’s armies for the past sixteen years. Conversely, they also provided therebelwarlordwithprotectionfromAraluen’sforces.

“Ithoughtthosecliffswereimpassable,”Willsaid.

Haltallowedhimselfagrimsmile.“Nowhereiseverreallyimpassable.Particularlyifyouhavenorespectforhowmanylivesyoulosetryingtoprovethefact.Myguessisthattheyusedropesandgrapnelsandwaitedforamoonlessnightandbadweather.Thatway,theycouldslippasttheborderpatrols.”

He stood, signifying that their rest stopwas at an end.Will rosewith him and theymoved toward their horses. Halt gave a small grunt as he swung into the saddle. ThewoundhehadsufferedinthebattlewiththetwoKalkarastilltroubledhimalittle.

“My main concern isn’t where they came from,” he continued. “It’s where they’reheading,andwhattheyhaveinmind.”

The words were barely spoken when they heard a shout from somewhere ahead ofthem,followedbyacommotionofgruntingand,finally,theclashofweapons.

“Andwemaybeabouttofindout!”Haltfinished.

He urged Abelard into a gallop, controlling the horse with his knees as his handseffortlessly selected an arrow and nocked it to the string of hismassive longbow.WillscrambledintoTug’ssaddleandgallopedafterhim.Hecouldn’tmatchHalt’shands-freeridingskill.Heneededhisrighthandforthereinsasheheldhisownbowreadyinhisleft.

Theywereridingthroughsparsewoodland,leavingit tothesurefootedRangerhorsestopickthebestroute.Suddenly,theyburstclearofthetreesintoawidemeadow.Abelard,underhisrider’surging,slidtoastop,Tugfollowingsuitbesidehim.DroppingthereinstoTug’sneck,Willinstinctivelyreachedforanarrowfromhisquiverandnockeditready.

Alargefigtreegrewinthemiddleoftheclearedground.Atthebaseofittherewasasmallcamp.Awispofsmokestillcurledfromthefireplaceandapackandblanketrolllaybesideit.ThefourWargalstheyhadbeentrackingsurroundedasingleman,whohadhisbacktothetree.Forthemomenthislongswordheldthematbay,buttheWargalsweremaking small feintingmovements toward him, trying to find an advantage. Theywerearmedwithshortswordsandaxesandonecarriedaheavyironspear.

Willdrewinasharpbreathatthesightofthecreatures.Afterfollowingtheirtrailforsolong,itwasashocktocomeuponthemsosuddenlyinplainsight.Bearlikeinbuild,theyhadlongmuzzlesandmassiveyellowcaninefangs,exposednowastheysnarledattheirprey. They were covered in shaggy fur and wore black leather armor. The man wasdressedsimilarlyandhisvoicecrackedinfearasherepelledtheirtentativeattacks.

“Standback!I’monamissionforLordMorgarath.Standback,Iorderyou!IorderyouinLordMorgarath’sname!”

HaltnudgedAbelardaround,allowinghimroomtodrawthearrowhehadreadyonthestring.

“Dropyourweapons!Allofyou!”heshouted.Fivepairsofeyesswungtowardhimasthe fourWargalsand theirprey turned insurprise.TheWargalwith thespear recoveredfirst.Realizing that the swordsmanwas distracted, he darted forward and ran the spearintohisbody.Asecondlater,Halt’sarrowburieditself in theWargal’sheartandhefelldead beside his stricken prey. As the swordsman sank to his knees, the otherWargalschargedatthetwoRangers.

Shamblingandbearlikeastheymightbe,theycoveredgroundwithincrediblespeed.

Halt’ssecondshotdroppedtheleft-handWargal.Willfiredattheoneontherightandrealized instantly thathehadmisjudgedthebrute’sspeed.Thearrowhissed throughthespacewheretheWargalhadbeenasecondbefore.HishandflewtohisquiverforanotherarrowandheheardahoarsegruntofpainasHalt’sthirdshotburieditselfinthechestofthe middle creature. ThenWill loosed his second arrow at the survivingWargal, nowterrifyinglyclose.

Panickedbythosesavageeyesandyellowfangs,hesnatchedashereleasedthearrowandknewitwouldflywide.

AstheWargalsnarledintriumph,Tugcametohismaster’said.Thelittlehorserearedandlashedoutwithhisfronthoovesatthehorrificcreatureinfrontofhim.Unexpectedly,healsodancedforwardafewsteps,towardthethreat,ratherthanretreating.Will,caughtbysurprise,clungtothepommelofthesaddle.

TheWargalwasequallysurprised.Likeallitskind,ithadadeep-seatedinstinctivefearof horses—a fear born at the Battle of Hackham Heath sixteen years ago, whereMorgarath’s firstWargalarmyhadbeendecimatedbyAraluencavalry. Ithesitatednowforafatalsecond,steppingbackbeforethoseflashinghooves.

Halt’s fourth arrow took it in the throat. At such short range, the arrow tore cleanthrough.Withafinalgruntingshriek,theWargalfelldeadonthegrass.

White-faced,Will slid to the ground, his knees nearly giving way beneath him. HeclungtoTug’ssidetostayupright.Haltswungdownquicklyandmovedtotheboy’sside.Hisarmwentaroundhim.

“It’s all right,Will.”Hisdeepvoicecut through the fear that filledWill’smind. “It’sovernow.”

ButWillshookhishead,horrifiedbytherapidtrainofevents.

“Halt,Imissed…twice!IpanickedandImissed!”Hefeltadeepsenseofshamethathehadlethisteacherdownsobadly.Halt’sarmtightenedaroundhimandhelookedupatthebeardedfaceandthedark,deep-seteyes.

“There’s a big difference between shooting at a target and shooting at a chargingWargal.Atargetisn’tusuallytryingtokillyou.”Haltaddedthelastfewwordsinamoregentletone.HecouldseethatWillwasinshock.Andnowonder,hethoughtgrimly.

“But…Imissed…”

“Andnext timeyouwon’t.Nowyouknow it’s better to fireonegood shot than twohurried ones,” Halt said firmly. Then he took Will’s arm and turned him toward thecampsiteunderthefigtree.“Let’sseewhatwehavehere,”hesaid,puttinganendtothesubject.

Theblack-cladmanandtheWargallaydeadbesideoneanother.Haltkneltbesidethemanandturnedhimover,whistlingsoftlyinsurprise.

“DirkReacher,”hesaid,halftohimself.“He’sthelastpersonIwouldhaveexpectedtoseehere.”

“Youknowhim?”Willasked.His insatiablecuriositywasalreadyhelpinghimtoputthehorrorofthepreviousfewminutestooneside,asHalthadknownitwould.

“Ichasedhimoutofthekingdomfiveorsixyearsago,”theRangertoldhim.“Hewasacowardandamurderer.HedesertedfromthearmyandfoundaplacewithMorgarath.”Hepaused. “Morgarath seems to specialize in recruiting people like him.Butwhatwas hedoinghere…?”

“HesaidhewasonamissionforMorgarath,”Willsuggested,butHaltshookhishead.

“Unlikely.TheWargalswerechasinghimandonlyMorgarathcouldhaveorderedthemtodothat,whichhe’dhardlydoifReacherreallywasworkingforhim.Myguessisthathewasdesertingagain.He’drunoutonMorgarathandtheWargalsweresentafterhim.”

“Why?”Willasked.“Whydesert?”

Halt shrugged. “There’s a war coming. People like Dirk try to avoid that sort ofunpleasantness.”

Hereachedforthepackthatlaybythecampfireandbegantorummagethroughit.

“Areyoulookingforanythinginparticular?”Willasked.Haltfrownedashegrewtiredoflookingthroughthepackanddumpeditscontentsontothegroundinstead.

“Well, it strikesme that ifheweredesertingMorgarathandcomingback toAraluen,he’dhavetobringsomethingtobargainforhisfreedom.So…”Hisvoicediedawayashereachedforacarefullyfoldedparchmentamongthespareclothesandeatingutensils.Hescanned it quickly. One eyebrow rose slightly. After almost a year with the grizzledRanger,Willknewthatwastheequivalentofashoutofastonishment.HealsoknewthatifheinterruptedHaltbeforehehadfinishedreading,hismentorwouldsimplyignorehim.Hewaited until Halt folded the parchment, stood slowly and looked at his apprentice,seeingthequestionintheboy’seyes.

“Isitimportant?”Willasked.

“Oh,youcould say so,”Halt toldhim.“Weappear tohave stumbledonMorgarath’sbattleplansforthecomingwar.Ithinkwe’dbettergetthembacktoRedmont.”

HewhistledsoftlyandAbelardandTugtrottedtowheretheirmasterswaited.

From the trees severalhundredmeters away, carefullydown-wind so that theRangerhorseswouldcatchnoscentofanintruder,unfriendlyeyeswereuponthem.TheirownerwatchedasthetwoRangersrodeawayfromthesceneofthesmallbattle.Thenheturnedsouth,towardthecliffs.

ItwastimetoreporttoMorgarath.Hisplanhadbeensuccessful.

1ITWASCLOSETOMIDNIGHTWHENTHESINGLERIDERREINEDinhishorseoutsidethesmallcottagesetinthetreesbelowCastleRedmont.Theladenpackponytrailingbehindthesaddlehorseambledtoahaltaswell.Therider,atallmanwhomovedwiththeeasygraceofyouth,swungdownfromthesaddleandsteppeduponto thenarrowverandah,stooping toavoid the low-lyingeaves.Fromthelean-tostableatthesideofthehousecamethesoundofagentlenickeringandhisownhorse’sheadroseasheansweredthegreeting.

Theriderhadraisedhisfisttoknockatthedoorwhenhesawalightcomeonbehindthecurtainedwindows.Hehesitated.Thelightmovedacrosstheroomand,asecondorsolater,thedooropenedbeforehim.

“Gilan,” Halt said, without any note of surprise in his voice. “What are you doinghere?”

TheyoungRangerlaughedincredulouslyashefacedhisformerteacher.“Howdoyoudoit,Halt?”heasked.“Howcouldyoupossiblyknowitwasmearrivinginthemiddleofthenight,beforeyou’devenopenedthedoor?”

Halt shrugged,gesturing forGilan toenter thehouse.Heclosed thedoorbehindhimandmovedtotheneatlittlekitchen,openingthedampingventonthestoveandsendingnewlifeflaringintothewoodcoalsinside.Hetossedahandfulofkindlingintothestoveandsetacopperkettleonthehotplateoverthefirechamber,shakingitfirsttomakesuretherewasplentyofwaterinit.

“Iheardyourhorsesomeminutesago,”hefinallysaid.“Then,whenIheardAbelardcallagreeting,IknewithadtobeaRangerhorse.”Heshruggedagain.Simplewhenyouexplainedit,thegesturesaid.Gilanlaughedagaininreply.

“Well,thatnarroweditdowntofiftypeople,didn’tit?”hesaid.Haltcockedhisheadtoonesidewithapityinglook.

“Gilan,Imusthaveheardyoustumblingupthatfrontstepathousandtimeswhenyouwerestudyingwithme,”hesaid.“Givemecreditforrecognizingthatsoundoncemore.”

TheyoungerRangerspreadhishandsinagestureofdefeat.Heunclaspedhiscloakandhungitoverthebackofachair,movingalittleclosertothestove.ItwasachillynightandhewatchedHaltmeasuringcoffeeintoapotwithsomeanticipation.ThedoortotherearroomofthehouseopenedandWillenteredthesmalllivingroom,hisclothespulledonhastilyoverhisnightshirt,hishairstilltousledfromsleep.

“Evening,Gilan,”hesaidcasually.“Whatbringsyouhere?”

Gilanlookedfromonetotheotherinsomethinglikedespair.“Isn’tanybodysurprisedwhenIturnupinthemiddleofthenight?”heasked,ofnooneinparticular.Halt,busybythe stove, turned away to hide a grin. A fewminutes earlier, he’d heardWill movinghurriedlytothewindowasthehorsesdrewclosertothecottage.Obviously,hisapprenticehad overheard Halt’s exchange with Gilan and was doing his best to emulate his owncasual approach to the unexpected arrival.However, knowingWill as he did,Haltwassure that the boy was burning with curiosity over the reason for Gilan’s sudden

appearance.Hedecidedhe’dcallhisbluff.

“It’s late, Will,” he said. “You may as well go back to bed. We have a busy daytomorrow.”

Instantly,Will’snonchalantexpressionwasreplacedbyastrickenlook.Thesuggestionfrom his master was tantamount to an order. All thought of appearing casual departedinstantly.

“Oh,please,Halt!”theboyexclaimed.“Iwanttoknowwhat’sgoingon!”

Halt andGilan exchanged a quick grin.Will was actually hopping from one foot toanother as he waited for Halt to rescind the suggestion that he should go to bed. ThegrizzledRangerkeptastraightfaceashesetthreesteamingmugsofcoffeeonthekitchentable.

“JustaswellImadethreecupsthen,isn’tit?”hesaidandWillrealizedthathe’dbeenhavinghislegpulled.Heshrugged,grinning,andsatdownwithhistwoseniors.

“Verywell,Gilan,beforemyapprenticeexplodeswithcuriosity,whatisthereasonforthisunexpectedvisit?”

“Well,ithastodowiththosebattleplansyoudiscoveredlastweek.NowthatweknowwhatMorgarathhasinmind,theKingwantsthearmyreadyonthePlainsofUthalbeforethedarkofthenextmoon.That’swhenMorgarathplanstobreakoutthroughThreeStepPass.”

The captured document had told them a great deal.Morgarath’s plan called for fivehundredSkandianmercenariestomaketheirwaythroughtheswampsofthefenlandsandattack theAraluen garrison at Three Step Pass.With the Pass undefended,Morgarath’smain army ofWargals would be able to break out and deploy into battle order on thePlains.

“SoDuncanplanstobeathimtothepunch,”Haltsaid,noddingslowly.“Goodthinking.Thatwaywecontrolthebattlefield.”

Willnoddedinhisturnandsaidinanequallygravevoice,“Andwe’llkeepMorgarath’sarmybottledupinthePass.”

Gilan turned slightly to hide a grin. He wondered if he had tried to copy Halt’smannerismswhenhewasanapprentice,anddecidedthatheprobablyhad.

“On the contrary,” he said, “once the army’s in place,Duncanplans towithdraw thegarrison,thenfallbacktopreparedpositionsandletMorgarathoutontothePlains.”

“Lethimout?”Will’svoicewentup inpitchwith surprise.“Is theKingcrazy?Whywould…”

HerealizedthatbothRangerswerelookingathim,HaltwithoneeyebrowraisedandGilanwithaquizzicalsmileplayingatthecornersofhismouth.

“I mean…” He hesitated, not sure if questioning the King’s sanity might constitutetreason.“Nooffenseoranythinglikethat.It’sjust—”

“Oh, I’m sure theKingwouldn’t beoffended to hear that a lowly apprenticeRanger

thoughthewascrazy,”saidHalt.“Kingsusuallylovetohearthatsortofthing.”

“But Halt…to let him out, after all these years? It seems…” He was about to say“crazy”again,butthoughtbetterofit.HethoughtsuddenlyofhisrecentencounterwiththeWargals.The ideaof thousandsof thosevilebeasts streamingunopposedoutof thePassmadehisbloodruncold.

It was Halt who answered first. “That’s just the point, Will—after all these years.We’vespentsixteenyearslookingoverourshouldersatMorgarath,wonderingwhathe’supto.Inthattime,we’vehadmanyofourforcestieduppatrollingthebaseofthecliffsandkeepingwatchoverThreeStep.Andhe’sbeenfreetostrikeatusanytimehelikes.TheKalkarawerethelatestexample,asyouknowonlytoowell.”

Gilanglanced admiringly at his former teacher.Halt had instantly seen the reasoningbehind theKing’s plan.Not for the first time, he understoodwhyHaltwas one of theKing’smostrespectedadvisers.

“Halt’sright,Will,”hesaid.“Andthere’sanotherreason.Aftersixteenyearsofrelativepeace,peoplearegrowingcomplacent.NottheRangers,ofcourse,butthevillagepeoplewhoprovidemen-at-armsforourarmy,andevensomeofthebaronsandBattlemastersinremotefiefstothenorth.”

“You’veseenforyourselfhowreluctantsomepeoplearetoleavetheirfarmsandgotowar,”Haltputin.Willnodded.HeandHalthadspentthepastweektravelingtooutlyingvillages inRedmontFief to raise the leviesofmenwhowouldmakeup thebulkof thearmy.Onmorethanoneoccasion,theyhadbeenmetwithoutrighthostility—hostilitythatmeltedawayasHaltexertedthefullforceofhispersonalityandreputation.

“AsfarasKingDuncanisconcerned,nowisthetimetosettlethis,”Gilancontinued.“We’re as strong aswe’ll ever be and any delaywill onlyweaken us. This is the bestopportunitywe’llhavetogetridofMorgarathonceandforall.”

“Allofwhichstillbegsmyoriginalquestion,”Haltsaid.“Whatbringsyouhereinthemiddleofthenight?”

“Orders fromCrowley,”Gilan said crisply.Heplaced awrittendispatchon the tableand Halt, after an inquiring look at Gilan, unrolled it and read it. Crowley was theCommandant of theRangers,Will knew, themost senior of all the fiftyRangers in theCorps.Haltread,thenrolledtheordersclosedagain.

“Soyou’retakingdispatchestoKingSwyddnedoftheCelts,”hesaid.“Iassumeyou’reinvokingthemutualdefensetreatythatDuncansignedwithhimsomeyearsago?”

Gilannodded,sippingappreciativelyatthefragrantcoffee.“TheKingfeelswe’regoingtoneedallthetroopswecanmuster.”

Haltnoddedthoughtfully.“Ican’tfaulthisthinkingthere,”hesaidsoftly.“But…?”Hespreadhishandsinaquestioninggesture.IfGilanweretakingdispatchestoCeltica,thesoonerhegotonwithitthebetter,thegestureseemedtosay.

“Well,”saidGilan,“it’sanofficialembassytoCeltica.”HelaidalittlestressonthelastwordandsuddenlyHaltnoddedhisunderstanding.

“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“TheoldCeltictradition.”

“Superstition,morelikeit,”Gilananswered,shakinghishead.“It’saridiculouswasteoftimeasfarasI’mconcerned.”

“Ofcourseitis,”Haltreplied.“ButtheCeltsinsistonit,sowhatcanyoudo?”

WilllookedfromHalttoGilanandbackagain.ThetwoRangersseemedtounderstandwhattheyweretalkingabout.ToWill,theymightaswellhavebeenspeakingEspanard.

“It’sallverywellinnormaltimes,”Gilansaid.“Butwithallthesepreparationsforwar,we’restretchedthinineveryarea.Wesimplydon’thavethepeopletospare.SoCrowleythought…”

“IthinkI’maheadofyou,”saidHalt,andfinally,Willcouldbearitnolonger.

“Well,I’mwaybehindyou!”heburstout.“Whatonearthareyoutwotalkingabout?You are speaking Araluen, aren’t you, and not some strange foreign tongue that justsoundslikeit,butmakesnosenseatall?”

2HALT TURNED SLOWLY TO FACE HIS IMPULSIVE YOUNG APPRENTICE, and raised his eyebrows at the outburst. Will,subsiding,muttered,“Sorry,Halt,”andtheolderRangernodded.

“I should think so. It’s more than obvious that Gilan is asking if I’ll release you toaccompanyhimtoCeltica.”

GilannoddedconfirmationofthefactandWillfrowned,puzzledbythesuddenturnofevents.“Me?”hesaidincredulously.“Whyme?WhatcanIdoinCeltica?”

Themomentthewordshadlefthismouth,heregrettedthem.HeshouldhavelearnedbynownevertogiveHaltthatsortofopening.Haltpursedhislipsasheconsideredthequestion.

“Ask interminable questions, interrupt your betters and forget to do your chores, Isuppose.Therealquestionis,Canyoubesparedfromdutyhere?Andtheanswertothatis‘Definitely.’”

“Then why…”Will gave up. They would either explain or they wouldn’t. And noamountofaskingwouldmakeHaltdeliverthatexplanationasecondsoonerthanhechoseto. In fact, hewas beginning to think that themore questions he asked, themoreHaltactually enjoyed keeping him dangling. It was Gilan who took pity on him, perhapsrememberinghowclosemouthedHaltcouldbewhenhechose.

“Ineedyoutomakeupthenumbers,Will,”hesaid.“Tradition-ally,theCeltsinsistthatanofficialembassybemadeupofthreepeople.Andtobehonest,Halt’sright.You’reonewhocanbesparedfromthemainefforthereinAraluen.”Hegrinnedalittleruefully.“Ifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,I’vebeengiventhemissionbecauseI’mthemostjuniorRangerintheCorps.”

“But why three people?” Will asked, seeing that Gilan at least seemed disposed toanswerquestions.“Can’tonedeliverthemessage?”

Gilansighed.“Asweweresaying,it’sasuperstitionamongtheCelts.ItgoesbacktotheolddaysoftheCelticCouncil,whentheCelts,theScottiandtheHibernianswereonealliance.Theywereruledthenbyatriumvirate.”

“Thepointis,”Haltinterrupted,“ofcourseGilancantakethemessagetothem.Butifhe’sasolemessenger,they’llkeephimwaitingandfobhimofffordays,orevenweeks,while theyditheroverformandprotocol.Andwedon’thave thatsortof timetowaste.There’s an old Celtic saying that covers it: One man may be deceit. Two can beconspiracy.ThreeisthenumberItrust.”

“Soyou’resendingmebecauseyoucandowithoutme?”Willsaid,somewhatinsultedbythethought.

Halt decided that itwas time tomassageWill’s young ego a little—but only a little.“Well,wecan,asamatteroffact.Butyoucan’tsendjustanyoneontheseembassies.Thethreemembers have to have some sort of official status or position in theworld. Theycan’tbesimplemen-at-arms,forexample.”

“Andyou,Will,”Gilanadded,“areamemberof theRangerCorps.Thatwillcarrya

certainamountofweightwiththeCelts.”

“I’m only an apprentice,”Will said, and was surprised when both men shook theirheadsindisagreement.

“You wear the oak leaf,” Halt told him firmly. “Bronze or silver, it doesn’t matter.You’reoneofus.”

Willbrightenedvisiblyathisteacher’sstatement.“Well,”hesaid,“whenyouputitlikethat,I’dbedelightedtojoinyou,Gilan.”

Haltregardedhimdryly.Itwasobviouslytimefortheego-strokingtoend,hethought.Deliberately,heturnedtoGilan.

“So,”hesaid,“canyouthinkofanyoneelsewho’stotallyunnecessarytobethethirdmember?”

Gilanshrugged,smilingashesawWillsubside.“That’stheotherreasonCrowleysentmehere,”hesaid.“SinceRedmontisoneofthelargerfiefs,hethoughtyoumightbeabletosparesomeoneelsefromhere.Anysuggestions?”

Halt rubbed his chin thoughtfully, an idea forming. “I think wemight have just thepersonyouneed,”hesaid.He turned toWill.“Perhapsyou’dbettergetsomesleep. I’llgiveGilanahandwiththehorsesandthenwe’llgouptothecastle.”

Willnodded.Now thatHaltmentioned sleep,he felt an irresistibleurge toyawn.Heroseandheadedforhissmallroom.

“Seeyouinthemorning,Gilan.”

“Brightandearly.”Gilansmiled,andWillrolledhiseyesinmockhorror.

“Iknewyou’dsaythat,”hereplied.

HaltandGilanbeddedthetwohorsesdownandstrolledthroughthefieldstowardCastleRedmontincompanionablesilence.Gilan,attunedtohisoldteacher’sways,sensedthatHalthadsomethinghewantedtodiscuss,andbeforetoolong,theolderRangerbrokethesilence.

“ThisembassytoCelticacouldbejustwhatWillneeds,”hesaid.“I’malittleworriedabouthim.”

Gilanfrowned.Helikedtheirrepressibleyoungapprentice.“What’stheproblem?”heasked.

“Hehad abad timeof itwhenwe ran into thoseWargals lastweek,”Halt said. “Hethinkshe’slosthisnerve.”

“Andhashe?”

Haltshookhisheaddecisively.“Ofcoursenot.He’sgotmorecouragethanmostgrownmen.ButwhentheWargalschargedus,herushedhisshotandmissed.”

Gilanshrugged.“Noshamein that, is there?Afterall,he’snotyetsixteen.Hedidn’trun,Itakeit?”

“No.Notatall.Hestoodhisground.Evengotanothershotaway.ThenTugtookahandandbackedtheWargaloffsoIcouldfinishit.He’sagoodhorse,thatone.”

“Hehasagoodmaster,”Gilansaid,andHaltnodded.

“That’strue.Still,Ithinkafewweeksawayfromallofthesewarpreparationswillbegoodfortheboy.ItmightgethismindoffhistroublesifhespendssometimewithyouandHorace.”

“Horace?”Gilanasked.

“He’s the third member I’m suggesting. One of the Battleschool apprentices and afriendofWill’s.”Halt thoughtforafewmoments, thennodded tohimself.“Yes.Afewweekswithpeopleclosertohisownagewilldohimgood.Afterall,folkdosayIcanbealittlegrimfromtimetotime.”

“You, Halt? Grim? Who could say such a thing?” Gilan said. Halt glanced at himsuspiciously.Gilanwas,alltooobviously,justmanagingtokeepastraightface.

“Youknow,Gilan,”hesaid,“sarcasmisn’tthelowestformofwit.It’snotevenwitatall.”

Even though itwas aftermidnight, the lightswere still burning inBaronArald’s officewhen Halt and Gilan reached the castle. The Baron and Sir Rodney, Redmont’sBattlemaster,hadalotofplanningtodo,preparingforthemarchtothePlainsofUthal,wheretheywouldjointherestofthekingdom’sarmy.WhenHaltexplainedGilan’sneed,SirRodneywasquicktoseewheretheRanger’sthinkingwasheaded.

“Horace?”hesaidtoHalt.

Thesmall,beardedRangernoddedalmostimperceptibly.

“Yes, it’s not a bad idea at all,” the Battlemaster continued, pacing the room as hethought it over. “He has the sort of status you need for the task—he’s a Battleschoolmember,evenifheisonlyatrainee.Wecansparehimfromtheforceleavinghereattheendoftheweekand…”

AtthishepausedandlookedmeaningfullyatGilan.“Youmightevenfindhe’sausefulpersontohavealong.”

TheyoungerRangerlookedathimcuriouslyandSirRodneyelaborated:“He’soneofmybesttrainees—arealnaturalwithasword.He’salreadybetterthanmostmembersoftheBattleschool.Buthedoestendtobeabitformalandinflexibleinhisapproachtolife.Perhaps an assignmentwith twoundisciplinedRangersmight teach him to loosen up alittle.”

He smiled briefly to show that hemeant no offense by the joke, then glanced at theswordGilanworeathiship.ItwasanunusualweaponforaRanger.“You’retheonewhostudiedwithMacNeil,isthatright?”

Gilannodded.“TheSwordmaster.Yes,thatwasme.”

“Hmmm,” muttered Sir Rodney, regarding the tall young Ranger with new interest.

“Well,youmightseeyourwaycleartogivingHoraceafewpointerswhileyou’reontheroad.I’dtakeitasafavorandyou’llfindhe’saquicklearner.”

“I’dbegladto,”Gilanreplied.Hethoughtthathe’dliketoseethisapprenticewarrior.HeknewfromhistimeatRedmontasHalt’sapprenticethatSirRodneywasn’tgiventooverstatingpraiseforanyofthestudentsintheBattleschool.

“Well, that’s settled then,” Baron Arald said, anxious to get back to planning thethousandandonedetailsofthemarchtoUthal.“Whattimewillyoubeleaving,Gilan?”

“AssoonaftersunupasIcan,sir,”Gilanreplied.

“I’llhaveHoracereporttoyoubeforefirstlight,”RodneytoldhimandGilannodded,sensingthatthemeetingwasover.TheBaron’snextwordsconfirmeditforhim.

“Now, if you twowill excuse us,we’ll get back to the relatively simple business ofplanningawar,”hesaid.

3THESKYWASHEAVYWITHSULLENRAINCLOUDS.SOMEWHEREthesunmayhavebeenrising,butheretherewasnosignof it, just a dull gray light that filtered through the overcast and gradually, reluctantly,filledthesky.

Asthelittlepartycrestedthelastridge,leavingthemassiveshapeofCastleRedmontbehindthem,thenewdayfinallygaveintothecloudsanditbegantorain—acoldspringrain.Itwaslightandmisting,butpersistent.Atfirst,itranofftheriders’treatedwoolencloaks.But, eventually, it began to soak into the fibers.After twentyminutes or so, allthreewerehunchedintheirsaddles,tryingtoretainasmuchbodywarmthastheycould.

Gilan turned tohis twocompanionsas theyploddedalong,eyesdown,hunchedovertheir horses’ necks. He smiled to himself, then addressed Horace, who was keeping apositionslightlytotherear,alongsidethepackponyGilanwasleading.

“Wellthen,Horace,”hesaid,“arewegivingyouenoughadventureforthemoment?”

Horacewipedthemistingrainfromhisface,andgrimacedruefully.

“LessthanI’dexpected,sir,”hereplied.“Butit’sstillbetterthanclose-orderdrill.”

Gilannoddedandgrinnedathim.

“Iimagineit isatthat,”hesaid.Thenheaddedkindly:“There’snoneedtoridebackthere,youknow.WeRangersdon’tstandonceremonytoomuch.Comeandjoinus.”

HenudgedBlazewithhiskneeand thebaymaresteppedout toopenagap forhim.Horaceeagerlyurgedhishorseforward,toridelevelwiththetwoRangers.

“Thankyou,sir,”hesaidgratefully.GilancockedaneyebrowatWill.

“Polite, isn’t he?”hemused. “Obviouslymanners arewell taught in theBattleschoolthesedays.Nicetobecalled‘sir’allthetime.”

Will grinned at the kindly meant jibe. Then the smile faded from his face as Gilancontinuedthoughtfully.

“Notabadideatohaveabitofrespectshown.Perhapsyoucouldcallme‘sir’aswell,”hesaid,turninghisfaceawaytostudythetreelinetoonesidesothatWillcouldn’tseethefainttraceofagrinthatinsistedonbreakingthrough.

Aghast,Willchokedoverhisanswer.Hecouldn’tbelievehisears.

“Sir?” he said finally. “You reallywantme to call you ‘sir,’Gilan?” Then, asGilanfrownedslightlyathim,heamendedhurriedlyandingreatconfusion:“Imean,sir!Youwantmetocallyou‘sir’…sir?”

Gilanshookhishead.“No.Idon’tthink‘Sir-Sir’issuitable.Nor‘SirGilan.’Ithinkjusttheone‘sir’woulddonicely,don’tyou?”

Will couldn’t think of a polite way of phrasingwhat was in hismind, and gesturedhelplesslywithhishands.Gilancontinued.

“Afterall,it’lldonicelytokeepusallrememberingwho’sinchargeofthisparty,won’t

it?”

Finally,Willfoundhisvoice.“Well,Isupposeitwill,Gil…Imean,sir.”Heshookhishead,surprisedatthissuddendemandforformalityfromhisfriend.Herodeinsilenceforafewminutes,thenheardanexplosivesneezingsoundfrombesidehimasHoracetried,unsuccessfully, to smother his giggling.Will glared at him, then turned suspiciously toGilan.

TheyoungRangerwasgrinningalloverhisfaceasheeyedtheapprentice.Heshookhisheadinmocksorrow.

“Joking,Will.Joking.”

Will realized his leg was being pulled again, and this time with Horace’s fullknowledge.

“Iknewthat,”herepliedhuffily.Horacelaughedoutloudandthistime,Gilanjoinedin.

Theytraveledsouthallday,finallymakingcampinthefirstlineoffoothillsontheroadtoCeltica. Around midafternoon, the rain had slowly begun to peter out, but the groundaroundthemwasstillsodden.

They searched under the thickest-foliaged trees for dry, dead wood, and graduallycollectedenoughforasmallcampfire.Gilanjoinedinwith thetwoapprentices,sharingtheworkamongthethreeofthem,andtheyatetheirmealinanatmosphereoffriendshipandsharedexperience.

Horace, however, was still a little in awe of the tall young Ranger.Will eventuallyrealizedthat,byteasinghim,GilanwasdoinghisbesttosetHoraceatease,makingsurethathedidn’tfeelleftout.WillfoundhimselfwarmingtoHalt’sformerapprenticeevenmorethanbefore.Hereflectedthoughtfullythathestillhadalottolearnaboutmanagingpeople.

He knew that he faced at least another four years’ training before he finished hisapprenticeship. Then, he supposed, he’d be expected to carry out clandestinemissions,gather intelligenceabout thekingdom’senemiesandperhaps leadelementsof thearmy,justasHaltdid.Thethoughtthatonedayhewouldhavetodependonhisownwitsandskillwasadauntingone.

Hesighed.Sometimes,itseemedthatlifewasdeterminedtobeconfusing.Lessthanayearago,hehadbeenanameless,unknownorphaninCastleRedmont’sWard.Sincethen,hehadbeguntolearntheskillsofaRanger,andbaskedin theadmirationandpraiseofeveryoneatRedmontFiefwhenhehadhelpedtheBaron,SirRodneyandHaltdefeattheterrifyingbeastsknownastheKalkara.

He glanced across at Horace, the childhood enemywho had become his friend, andwonderedifhefeltthesamebewilderingconflictofemotions.Thememoryoftheirdaysin theWard together remindedhimofhisother friends—George,JennyandAlyss,nowapprenticedtotheirownCraftmasters.Hewishedhe’dhadtimetosaygood-byetothembeforeleavingforCeltica.ParticularlyAlyss.Heshifteduncomfortablyashethoughtofher.Alysshadkissedhimafterhishomecomingdinnerattheinnandhestillremembered

thesofttouchofherlips.

Yes,hethought,particularlyAlyss.

Acrossthecampfire,GilanobservedWillthroughhalf-closedeyes.Itwasn’teasybeingHalt’sapprentice,heknew.Haltwasanear-legendaryfigureandthatlaidaheavyburdenonanyoneapprenticedtohim.Therewasalottoliveupto.HedecidedthatWillneededalittledistraction.

“Right!”hesaid,springinglithelytohisfeet.“Lessons!”

WillandHoracelookedateachother.

“Lessons?” saidWill, in a pleading tone of voice.After a day in the saddle, hewashopingmoreforhisbedroll.

“That’sright,”Gilansaidcheerfully.“Eventhoughwe’reonamission,it’suptometokeepuptheinstructionforyoutwo.”

NowitwasHorace’sturntobepuzzled.“Forme?”heasked.“WhyshouldIbetaughtanyRangerskills?”

Gilan picked up his sword and scabbard fromwhere they lay beside his saddle. Hewithdrewtheslender,shiningbladefromitsplainleatherreceptacle.Therewasafainthissasitcamefreeandthebladeseemedtodanceintheshiftingfirelight.

“NotRangerskills,myboy.Combatskills.Heavenknows,we’llneedthemassharpaspossiblebeforetoolong.There’sawarcoming,youknow.”Heregardedtheheavysetboybeforehimwithacriticaleye.“Now,let’sseewhatyouknowaboutthattoothpickyou’rewearing.”

“Oh, right!”saidHorace, soundinga littlemorepleasedabout this turnofevents.Henevermindedalittleswordpracticeandheknewitwasn’taRanger’sskill.HedrewhisownswordconfidentlyandstoodbeforeGilan,pointpolitelyloweredtotheground.Gilanstuckhisownswordpoint-firstintothesoftearth,andheldouthishandforHorace’s.

“MayIseethat,please?”heasked.HoracenoddedandhandedittoGilanhilt-first.

Gilanheftedit,tosseditlightly,thenswungitexperimentallyafewtimes.

“Seethis,Will?Thisiswhatyoulookforinasword.”

Will lookedat thesword,unimpressed.It lookedplaintohim.Thebladewasslightlybluedsteel,simpleandstraight.Thehiltwasleatherwrappedaroundthesteeltangandthecrosspiecewasachunkypieceofbrass.Heshrugged.

“Itdoesn’tlookspecial,”hesaidapologetically,notwantingtohurtHorace’sfeelings.

“It’s not how they look that counts,” said Gilan. “It’s how they feel. This one, forexample.It’swellbalanced,soyoucanswingitalldaywithoutgettingovertired,andthebladeislightbutstrong.I’veseenbladestwicethisthicksnappedinhalfbyagoodblowfromacudgel.Fancyonestoo,”headded,withasmile,“withengravingsandinlaysandjewels.”

“SirRodney says jewels in the hilt are just unnecessaryweight,” saidHorace.Gilannoddedagreement.

“What’smore,theytendtoencouragepeopletoattackyouandrobyou,”hesaid.Then,allbusinessagain,hereturnedHorace’sswordandtookuphisown.

“Very well, Horace, we’ve seen that the sword is good quality. Let’s see about itsowner.”

Horacehesitated,notsurewhatGilanintended.

“Sir?”hesaidawkwardly.

Gilangesturedtohimselfwithhislefthand.“Attackme,”hesaidcheerfully.“Haveaswing.Takeawhack.Lopmyheadoff.”

StillHorace stooduncertainly.Gilan’s swordwasn’t in theguardposition.Heheld itnegligentlyinhisrighthand,thepointdownward.Horacemadeahelplessgesture.

“Comeon,Horace,”Gilansaid.“Let’snotwaitallnight.Let’sseewhatyoucando.”

Horaceputhisownswordpoint-firstintotheearth.

“Butyousee,sir,I’matrainedwarrior,”hesaid.Gilanthoughtaboutthisandnodded.

“True,”hesaid.“Butyou’vebeentrainingforlessthanayear.Ishouldn’tthinkyou’llchoptoomuchoffme.”

HoracelookedtoWillforsupport.Willcouldonlyshrug.HeassumedthatGilanknewwhathewasdoing.Buthehadn’tknownhimlong,andhe’dneverseenhimsomuchasdrawhissword,letalonepracticewithit.Gilanshookhisheadinmockdespair.

“Comeon,Horace,”hesaid.“Idohaveavagueideawhatthisisallabout.”

Reluctantly,HoraceswungahalfheartedblowatGilan.Obviously,hewasworriedthat,ifheshouldpenetratetheRanger’sguard,hewasnotsufficientlyexperiencedtopulltheblowandavoidinjuringhim.Gilandidn’tevenraisehisswordtoprotecthimself.Instead,heswayedeasilytoonesideandHorace’sbladepassedharmlesslyclearofhim.

“Comeon!”hesaid.“Doitasifyoumeanit!”

Horacetookadeepbreathandswungafull-bloodedroundhousestrokeatGilan.

Itwas like poetry,Will thought. Like dancing. Like themovement of runningwaterover smooth rocks. Gilan’s sword, seemingly propelled only by his fingers and wrist,swunginaflashingarctointerceptHorace’sblow.TherewasaringofsteelandHoracestopped, surprised.Theparryhad jarredhishand through to theelbow.Gilan raisedhiseyebrowsathim.

“That’sbetter,”hesaid.“Tryagain.”

AndHoracedid.Backhands,overheadcuts,roundarmswings.

Each time,Gilan’s sword flicked into position to block the strokewith a resoundingclash. As they continued, Horace swung harder and faster. Sweat broke out on hisforeheadandsoonhisshirtwassoaked.NowhehadnothoughtoftryingnottohurtGilan.Hecutandslashedfreely,tryingtobreakthroughthatimpenetrabledefense.

Finally, as Horace’s breath was coming in ragged gasps, Gilan changed from theblocking movement that had been so effective against Horace’s strongest blows. His

swordclashedagainstHorace’s, thenwhippedaroundinasmall,circularmotionsothathis blade was on top. Then, with a slithering clash, he ran his blade down Horace’s,forcingtheapprentice’sswordpointdowntotheground.Asthepointtouchedthedampearth,Gilanswiftlyputonebootedfootonittoholditthere.

“Right,that’lldo,”hesaidcalmly.YethiseyeswererivetedonHorace’s,makingsuretheboyknewthatthepracticesessionwasover.Sometimes,Gilanknew,intheheatofthemoment, the losing swordsman could try for just one more cut—at a time when hisopponenthadassumedthefightwasover.

Andthen,alltoooften,itwas.

HesawnowthatHoracewasaware.Hesteppedbacklightlyfromhim,movingquicklyoutofthereachofthesword.

“Notbad,”saidGilanapprovingly.Horace,mortified,lethissworddroptotheturf.

“Notbad?”he exclaimed. “Itwas terrible! I neveronce looked like…”Hehesitated.Somehow,itdidn’tseempolitetoadmitthatforthelastthreeorfourminutes,he’dbeentrying to hackGilan’s head from his shoulders.He finallymanaged to compromise bysaying:“Ineveroncemanagedtobreakthroughyourguard.”

“Well,”Gilansaidmodestly,“Ihavedonethissortofthingbefore,youknow.”

“Yes,” panted Horace. “But you’re a Ranger. Everyone knows Rangers don’t useswords.”

“Apparently,thisonedoes,”saidWill,grinning.Horace,tohiscredit,smiledwearilyinreturn.

“You can say that again.” He turned respectfully to Gilan. “May I ask where youlearnedyourswordsmanship,sir?I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.”

Gilan shook his head inmock reproof. “There you go againwith the ‘sir,’” he said.Then,inanswer:“MySwordmasterwasanoldman.AnorthernernamedMacNeil.”

“MacNeil!” Horace whispered in awe. “You don’t mean the MacNeil? MacNeil ofBannock?”

Gilannodded.“He’stheone,”hereplied.“You’veheardofhimthen?”

Horacenoddedreverently.“Whohasn’theardofMacNeil?”

Andatthatstage,Will,tiredofnotknowingwhatwasgoingon,decidedtospeakup.

“Well,Ihaven’t,forone,”hesaid.“ButI’llmaketeaifanyonechoosestotellmeabouthim.”

4“SOTELLMEABOUTTHISNEILPERSON,”SAIDWILL,ASTHEthreeofthemsettledcomfortablybythefire,steamingmugsofherbteawarmingtheircuppedhands.

“MacNeil,”Horacecorrectedhim.“He’salegend.”

“Oh,he’srealenough,”saidGilan.“Ishouldknow.Ipracticedunderhimforfiveyears.I startedwhen Iwaseleven, then,at fourteen, Iwasapprenticed toHalt.ButhealwaysgavemeleaveofabsencetocontinuemyworkwiththeSwordmaster.”

“ButwhydidyoucontinuetolearntheswordafteryoustartedtrainingasaRanger?”Horaceasked.

Gilanshrugged.“Maybepeoplethoughtitwasashametowasteallthatearlytraining.Icertainlywantedtocontinue,andmyfatherisSirDavidofCarawayFief,soIsupposeIwasgivensomeleewayinthematter.”

Horacesatupalittlestraighteratthementionofthename.

“Battlemaster David?” he said, obviously more than a little impressed. “The newsupremecommander?”

Gilan nodded, smiling at the boy’s enthusiasm. “The same,” he agreed.Then, seeingthat Will was still in the dark, he explained further: “My father has been appointedsupreme commander of the King’s armies, since Lord Northolt was murdered. HecommandedthecavalryattheBattleofHackhamHeath.”

Will’seyeswidened.“WhenMorgarathwasdefeatedanddrivenintothemountains?”

BothHoraceandGilannodded.Horacecontinuedtheexplanationenthusiastically.

“SirRodneysayshiscoordinationofthecavalrywithflankingarchersinthefinalstageofthebattleisaclassicofitskind.Hestillteachesitasanexampleofperfecttactics.NowonderyourfatherwaschosentoreplaceLordNortholt.”

Willrealizedthattheconversationhadmovedawayfromitsoriginalgambit.

“SowhatdidyourfatherhavetodowiththisMacNeilcharacter?”heasked,returningtothesubject.

“Well,” said Gilan, “my father was a former pupil as well. It was only natural thatMacNeilshouldgravitatetohisBattleschool,wasn’tit?”

“Isupposeso,”Willagreed.

“AnditwasonlynaturalthatIshouldcomeunderhistutelageassoonasIcouldswingasword.Afterall,IwastheBattlemaster’sson.”

“SohowwasitthatyoubecameaRanger?”Horaceasked.“Weren’tyouacceptedasaknight?”

BothRangers looked at him quizzically, somewhat amused by his assumption that apersononlybecameaRangerafterfailingtobecomeaknightorawarrior.Intruth,itwasonlyashort timesinceWillhadfelt thesameway,butnowheconvenientlyoverlooked

thefact.Horacebecameawareoftheextendedlullintheconversation,thenofthelookstheyweregivinghim.Allofasudden,herealizedhisgaffe,andtriedtorecover.

“Imean…youknow.Well,mostofuswanttobeknights,don’twe?”

WillandGilanexchangedglances.Gilanraisedaneyebrow.Horaceblunderedon.

“Imean…no offense or anything…but everyone I knowwants to be awarrior.”Hisembarrassment lessened as he pointed a forefinger at Will. “You did yourself, Will! Irememberwhenwewerekids,youusedtoalwayssayyouweregoingtoBattleschoolandyou’dbecomeafamousknight!”

NowitwasWill’s turn tofeeluncomfortable.“Andyoualwayssneeredatme,didn’tyou,andsaidI’dbetoosmall?”hesaid.

“Well,youwere!”saidHorace,withsomeheat.

“Is that right?”Will replied angrily. “Well, does it occur toyou thatmaybeHalt hadalready spoken to SirRodney and said hewantedme as an apprentice?And that’s thereasonwhyIwasn’tselectedforBattleschool?Hasthateveroccurredtoyou?”

Gilaninterruptedatthispoint,gentlystoppingtheargumentbeforeitgotanyfurtheroutofhand.

“I think that’senoughofchildhoodsquabbles,”hesaidfirmly.Bothboys,eachreadywithanotherverbalbarb,subsidedalittleawkwardly.

“Oh…yes.Right,”mumbledWill.“Sorry.”

Horace nodded several times, embarrassed at the petty scene that had just occurred.“Metoo,”hesaid.Then,curiositypiqued,headded:“Isthathowithappened,Will?DidHalttellSirRodneynottopickyoubecausehewantedyouforaRanger?”

Willdroppedhisgazeandpickedataloosethreadonhisshirt.

“Well…notexactly,”hesaid,thenadmitted,“andyou’reright.Ialwaysdidwanttobeaknight when I was a kid.” Then, turning quickly to Gilan, he added, “But I wouldn’tchangenow,notforanything!”

Gilansmiledatthetwoofthem.“Iwastheopposite,”hesaid.“Remember,IgrewupintheBattleschool.ImayhavestartedmytrainingwithMacNeilwhenIwaseleven,butIbeganmybasictrainingataroundnine.”

“Thatmusthavebeenwonderful,”Horacesaidwithasigh.Surprisingly,Gilanshookhishead.

“Nottome.Youknowwhattheysayaboutdistantpasturesalwayslookinggreener?”

Bothboyslookedpuzzledbythis.

“Itmeansyoualwayswantwhatyouhaven’tgot,”hesaid,andtheybothnoddedtheirunderstanding.“Well,that’sthewayIwas.BythetimeIwastwelve,Iwassicktodeathofthedisciplineanddrillsandparades.”HeglancedsidelongatHorace.“There’sabitofthatgoesoninBattleschool,youknow.”

Theheavysetboysighed.“You’retellingme,”heagreed.“Still,thehorsemanshipand

practicecombatsarefun.”

“Maybe,” said Gilan. “But I was more interested in the life the Rangers led. AfterHackhamHeath, my father and Halt had become good friends and Halt used to comevisiting.I’dseehimcomeandgo.Somysterious.Soadventurous.Istartedtothinkwhatitmightbeliketocomeandgoasyouplease.Toliveintheforests.PeopleknowsolittleaboutRangers,itseemedlikethemostexcitingthingintheworldtome.”

Horacelookeddoubtful.“I’vealwaysbeenalittlescaredofHalt,”hesaid.“Iusedtothinkhewassomekindofsorcerer.”

Willsnortedindisbelief.“Halt?Asorcerer?”hesaid.“He’snothingofthekind!”

Horacelookedathim,painedonceagain.“Butyouusedtothinkthesamething!”hesaid.

“Well…Isupposeso.ButIwasonlyakidthen.”

“SowasI!”repliedHorace,withdevastatinglogic.

Gilangrinned at the twoof them.Theywereboth still boys.Halt hadbeen right, hethought.ItwasgoodforWilltobespendingsometimeincompanywithsomeonehisownage.

WillturnedtotheolderRanger.“SodidyouaskHalttotakeyouasanapprentice?”heasked.Then,beforereceivinganyanswer,continued,“Whatdidhesaytothat?”

Gilanshookhishead.“Ididn’taskhimanything.Ifollowedhimonedaywhenheleftourcastleandheadedintotheforest.”

“Youfollowedhim?ARanger?YoufollowedaRanger into theforest?”saidHorace.He didn’t know whether to be impressed by Gilan’s courage or appalled at hisfoolhardiness.WillsprangtoGilan’sdefense.

“Gil’soneofthebestunseenmoversintheRangerCorps,”hesaidquickly.“Thebest,probably.”

“Iwasn’t then,”saidGilan ruefully.“Mindyou, I thought Iknewabitaboutmovingwithoutbeingseen.IfoundouthowlittleIactuallydidknowwhenItriedtosneakuponHaltwhenhe stopped foranoonmeal.Next thing Iknew,hishandgrabbedmeby thescruffoftheneckandthrewmeinastream.”

Hesmiledatthememoryofit.

“Isupposehesentyouhomeindisgracethen?”askedHorace,butGilanshookhisheadagain,adistantsmilestillonhisfaceasherememberedthatday.

“On thecontrary,hekeptmewithhimforaweek.Said Iwasn’t toobadat sneakingaroundtheforestandImighthavesometalentasanunseenmover.HestartedtoteachmeaboutbeingaRanger—andbytheendoftheweek,Iwashisapprentice.”

“Howdidyourfathertakeitwhenyoutoldhim?”Willasked.“Surelyhewantedyoutobeaknightlikehim.Iguesshewasdisappointed.”

“Notatall,”saidGilan.“Thestrangethingwas,HalthadtoldhimthatI’dprobablybefollowinghim into the forest.My fatherhadalreadyagreed that I could serveasHalt’s

apprentice,beforeIevenknewIwantedto.”

Horacefrowned.“HowcouldHalthaveknownthat?”

Gilanshruggedand lookedatWillmeaningfully.“Halthasawayofknowing things,doesn’t he,Will?” he asked, grinning.Will remembered that dark night in the Baron’soffice, and the hand that had shot out of the darkness to seize hiswrist.Halt had beenwaitingforhimthatnight.Justashe’dobviouslywaitedforGilantofollowhim.

Helookeddeepintothelowembersofthefirebeforeheanswered.“Maybe,inhisownway,heisakindofasorcerer,”hesaid.

Thethreecompanionssatincomfortablesilenceforafewminutes,thinkingaboutwhathadbeendiscussed.ThenGilanstretchedandyawned.

“Well,I’mforsleep,”hesaid.“We’reonawarfootingthesedays,sowe’llsetwatches.Will,you’refirst,thenHorace,thenme.’Night,youtwo.”

And so saying, he rolled himself into his gray-green cloak and was soon breathingdeeplyandevenly.

5THEY WERE ON THE ROAD AGAIN BEFORE THE SUN WAS barely clear of the horizon.The clouds had cleared now,blownawaybyafreshsoutherlywind,andtheairwascrispandcoldastheirtrailstartedtowindhigherintotherockyfoothillsleadingtotheborderwithCeltica.

Thetreesgrewmorestuntedandgnarled.Thegrasswascoarseandthethickforestwasreplacedbyshort,windblownscrub.

Thiswasapartofthelandwherethewindsblewconstantly,andthelanditselfreflecteditsconstantscouringaction.Thefewhouses theysawin thedistancewerehuddled intothesideofhills,builtofstonewallsandroughthatchroofs.Itwasacold,hardpartofthekingdomand,asGilantoldthem,itwouldbecomeharderastheyenteredCelticaitself.

That evening, as they relaxed around the campfire, Gilan continued with Horace’sinstructioninswordsmanship.

“Timing is the essence of thewhole thing,” he said to the sweating apprentice. “Seehowyou’reparryingwithyourarmlockedandrigid?”

Horacelookedathisrightarm.Sureenough,itwaslocked,stiffasaboard.Helookedpained.

“ButIhavetobereadytostopyourstroke,”heexplained.

Gilannoddedpatiently,thendemonstratedwithhisownsword.“Takeaswingatme.”AsHoracedidso,Gilansaid,“Look…seehowI’mdoingit?Asyourstrokeiscoming,myhandandarmarerelaxed.Then,justbeforeyourswordreachesthespotwhereIwanttostopit,Imakeasmallcounterswing,see?”

Hedidso,usinghishandandwristtoswingthebladeofhisswordinasmallarc.“Mygrip tightens at the last moment, and the greater part of the energy of your swing isabsorbedbythemovementofmyownblade.”

Horacenoddeddoubtfully.ItseemedsoeasyforGilan.

“But…whatifImistimeit?”

Gilan smiled widely. “Well, in that case, I’ll probably just lop your head off yourshoulders.”Hepaused.Horaceobviouslywasn’ttoopleasedwiththatanswer.“Theideaisnottomistimeit,”Gilanaddedgently.

“But…”theboybegan.

“Andthewaytodevelopyourtimingis?”Gilaninterrupted.Horacenoddedwearily.

“Iknow.Iknow.Practice.”

Gilanbeamedathimagain.“That’sright.So,ready?Oneandtwoandthreeandfour,that’sbetter,andthreeandfour…No!No!Justasmallmovementofthewrist…andoneandtwo…”

Theringoftheirbladesechoedthroughthecampsite.

Willwatchedwithsomeinterest,heightenedbythefactthathewasn’ttheonewhowas

workingupasweat.

Afterafewdaysofthis,GilannoticedthatWillseemedalittletoorelaxed.Hewassitting,runningastonedowntheedgeofhisswordafterapracticesessionwithHorace,whenheglancedquizzicallyattheapprenticeRanger.

“HasHalt shown you the double knife sword defense yet?” he asked suddenly.Willlookedupinsurprise.

“Thedoubleknife…what?”heaskeduncertainly.Gilansigheddeeply.

“Sworddefense.Damn!Ishouldhaverealizedthatthere’dbemoreformetodo.Servesmerightfortakingtwoapprenticesalongwithme.”Hestoodupwithanexaggeratedsigh,andmotionedforWilltofollowhim.Puzzled,theboydid.

Gilan led theway to thecleargroundwhereheandHoracehadbeenpracticing theirswordsmanship.Horacewasstill there,makingshadowlungesandcutsatan imaginaryfoeashecountedtimetohimselfunderhisbreath.Sweatranfreelydownhisfaceandhisshirtwasdarkwithit.

“Right,Horace,”calledGilan.“Takeabreakforafewminutes.”

Gratefully,Horacecomplied.Heloweredtheswordandsankontothetrunkofafallentree.

“IthinkI’mgettingthefeelofit,”hesaid.Gilannoddedapprovingly.

“Goodforyou.Another threeor fouryearsandyoumight justhave itmastered.”Hespoke cheerfully, but Horace’s face dropped as the prospect of long years of wearypracticestretchedoutinfrontofhim.

“Look on the bright side, Horace,”Gilan said. “By that time, there’d be less than ahandfulofswordsmeninthekingdomwhocouldbestyouinaduel.”

Horace’sfacebrightenedsomewhat,thensaggedagainasGilanadded:“Theonlytrickisknowingwhothosehandfulare.Bemostuncomfortableifyouaccidentallychallengedoneofthemandthenfoundout,wouldn’tit?”

Hedidn’twaitforananswer,butturnedtothesmallerboy.

“Now,Will,”hesaid.“Let’sseethoseknivesofyours.”

“Bothofthem?”WillhesitatedandGilanrolledhiseyestoheaven.TheexpressionwasremarkablyliketheonethatHaltusedwhenWillaskedonequestiontoomany.

“Sorry,”Willmumbled,unsheathinghistwoknivesandholdingthemouttoGilan.TheolderRangerdidn’t takethem.Hequickly inspectedtheiredgesandcheckedtosee thatthe fine layer of rust-proofing oil was on them. He nodded, satisfied, when he saweverythingwasasitshouldbe.

“Right,”hesaid.“Saxeknifegoesinyourrighthand,becausethat’stheoneyouusetoblockaswordcut—”

Willfrowned.“WhywouldIneedtoblockaswordcut?”

Gilan leanedforwardandrappedhimnone toogentlyon the topofhisheadwithhisknuckles.

“Well, perhaps to stop it from splitting your skull might be a good reason,” hesuggested.

“But Halt says Rangers don’t fight at close quarters,”Will protested. Gilan noddedagreement.

“It’scertainlynotourrole.But,iftheoccasionariseswhenwehaveto,it’sagoodideatoknowhowtogoaboutit.”

Asthey’dbeentalking,Horacehadrisenfromhisspotonthelogandmovedclosertowatchthem.Heinterrupted,atriflescornfully.

“Youdon’t think a littleknife like that is going to stop aproper sword, doyou?”heasked.Gilanraisedoneeyebrowathim.

“Takeacloserlookatthat‘littleknife’beforeyousoundsocertain,”heinvited.Horaceheldouthishandfortheknife.Willquicklyreverseditandplaceditshilt intoHorace’shand.

WillhadtoagreewithHorace.Thesaxeknifewasalargeknife.Almostashortsword,in fact. But compared to a real sword, like Horace’s or Gilan’s, it seemed woefullyinadequate.

Horaceswungtheknifeexperimentally,testingitsbalance.

“It’sheavy,”hesaidfinally.

“Andhard.Very, very hard,”Gilan told him. “Ranger knives aremade by craftsmenwho’veperfectedtheartofhardeningsteeltoanamazingdegree.You’dbluntyourswordedgeagainstthat,andbarelyleaveanickonit.”

Horacepursedhislips.“Evenso,you’vebeenteachingmetheideaofmovementandleverageallweek.There’salotlessleverageinashortbladelikethis.”

“That’strue,”Gilanagreed.“Sowehavetofindanothersourceofleverage,don’twe?Andthat’stheshorterknife.Thethrowingknife.”

“I don’t get it,” saidHorace, the frowndeepeningbetweenhis eyebrows.Will didn’teither, but he was glad the other boy had admitted his ignorance first. He adopted aknowing look as he waited for Gilan to explain. He should have known better. TheRanger’ssharpeyesmissedverylittle.

“Well,perhapsWillcouldexplainitforyou?”Gilansaidpleasantly.

HecockedhisheadatWillexpectantly.Willhesitated.

“Well…it’s the…ah…um…the two knife defense,” he stammered. There was a longpauseasGilansaidnothing,soWilladded,justalittledoubtfully:“Isn’tit?”

“Ofcourseitis!”Gilanreplied.“Nowwouldyoucaretodemonstrate?”Hedidn’tevenwait forWill’s reply,butwentonwithbarelyapause,“I thoughtnot.So,please,allowme.”

HetookWill’ssaxeknifeandwithdrewhisownthrowingknifefromitssheath.ThenhegesturedtoHorace’sswordwiththesmallerknife.

“Right,then,”hesaid,allbusiness.“Pickupyoursticker.”

Horacedidso,doubtfully.Gilangesturedhimouttothecenterofthepracticearea,thentookareadystance.Horacedidthesame,swordpointup.

“Now,”saidGilan,“tryanoverhandcutatme.”

“But…”HoracegesturedunhappilytothetwosmallerweaponsinGilan’sgrasp.Gilanrolledhiseyesinexasperation.

“Whenwillyoutwolearn?”heasked.“IdoknowwhatI’mdoing.Nowgetonwithit!”

He actually shouted the last words at Horace. The big apprentice, galvanized intoaction,andconditionedtoinstantobediencetoshoutedcommandsbyhismonthsspentonthedrillfield,swunghisswordinamurderousoverhandcutatGilan’shead.

There was a ringing clash of steel and the blade stopped dead in the air. Gilan hadcrossedthetwoRangerknivesinfrontofit,thethrowingknifesupportingthesaxeknifeblade,andblockedthecuteasily.Horacesteppedback,alittlesurprised.

“See?”saidGilan.“Thesmallerknifeprovidesthesupport,ortheextraleverage,forthebiggerweapon.”He addressed these remarksmainly toWill,who lookedonwithgreatinterest.ThenhespoketoHoraceagain.“Right.Underhandcut,please.”

Horaceswungunderhand.Again,Gilanlockedthetwobladesandblockedthestroke.HeglancedatWill,whonoddedhisunderstanding.

“Now,sidecut,”Gilanordered.Again,Horaceswung.Again, theswordwasstoppedcold.

“Gettingtheidea?”GilanaskedWill.

“Yes.Whataboutastraightthrust?”heasked.Gilannoddedapprovingly.

“Good question.That’s a little different.”He turned back toHorace. “Incidentally, ifyou’re ever facing aman using two knives, thrusting is your safest andmost effectiveformofattack.Now,thrust,please.”

Horace lungedwith the point of his sword, his right foot leading theway in a high-steppingstamptodeliverextramomentumto thestroke.This time,Gilanusedonly thesaxeknifetodeflecttheblade,sendingitglidingpasthisbodywithaslitherofsteel.

“Wecan’tstopthisone,”heinstructedWill.“Sowesimplydeflectit.Onthepositiveside,there’slessforcebehindathrust,sowecanusejustthesaxeknife.”

Horace,meetingnorealresistancetothethrust,hadstumbledforwardasthebladewasdeflected. Instantly,Gilan’s lefthandwasgrippingahandfulofhisshirtandhadpulledhimcloser,untiltheirshoulderswerealmosttouching.IthappenedsoquicklyandcasuallythatHorace’seyeswidenedinsurprise.

“Andthis iswhereashortbladecomes inveryhandyindeed,”Gilanpointedout.HemimedanunderarmthrustwiththesaxeknifeintoHorace’sexposedside.Theboy’seyeswidenedevenfurtherasherealizedthefullimplicationsofwhathehadjustbeenshown.

HisdiscomfortincreasedasGilancontinuedhisdemonstration.

“Andofcourse,ifyoudon’twanttokillhim,orifhe’swearingamailshirt,youcanalwaysusethesaxebladetocripplehim.”

HemimedashortswingtothebackofHorace’sknee,bringingtheheavy,razor-sharpbladetoahaltafewinchesfromhisleg.

Horacegulped.Butthelessonstillwasn’tover.

“Or remember,”Gilanaddedcheerfully, “this lefthand,holdinghis collar, alsohasarather nasty, rather sharp stabbing blade attached to it.” He waggled the short, broad-bladedthrowingknifetobringtheirattentiontoit.

“Aquickthrustupunderthejawandit’sgoodnightswordsman,isn’tit?”

Will shookhishead inadmiration.“That’samazing,Gilan!”hebreathed.“I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.”

GilanreleasedhisgriponHorace’sshirtandtheboysteppedbackquickly,beforeanymoredemonstrationsofhisvulnerabilitymightbemade.

“Wedon’tmakealotofnoiseaboutit,”theRangeradmitted.“It’spreferabletorunintoa swordsmanwhodoesn’t know the dangers involved in the double knife defense.”HeglancedapologeticallyatHorace.“Naturally,it’staughtinthekingdom’sBattleschools,”headded.“Butit’sasecond-yearsubject.SirRodneywouldhaveshownyounextyear.”

Will stepped forward into the practice ground. “Can I try it?” he asked eagerly,unsheathinghisthrowingknife.

“Ofcourse,”saidGilan.“Youtwomayaswellpracticetogetherintheeveningsfromnowon.Butnotwithrealweapons.Cutsomepracticestickstouse.”

Horacenoddedat thewisdomof this. “That’s right,Will,”he said. “After all, you’rejuststartingtolearnthisandIwouldn’twanttohurtyou.”Hethoughtaboutit,thenaddedwithagrin,“Well,nottoobadly,anyway.”

ThegrinfadedasGilancorrectedhim.“That’sonereason,ofcourse,”saidtheRanger.“Butwealsodon’thavethetimeforyoutoberesharpeningyourswordeverynight.”

HeglancedmeaningfullydownatHorace’sblade.Theapprenticefollowedhisgazeandletoutalowmoan.Thereweretwodeepnicksintheedgeofhisblade,obviouslyfromtheoverhandandunderhandcutsthatGilanhadblocked.OneglancetoldHoracethathe’dspendatleastanhourhoningandsharpeningtogetridofthem.Helookedquestioninglyatthesaxeknife,hopingtoseethesameresultthere.Gilanshookhisheadcheerfullyandbroughttheheavybladeupforinspection.

“Notamark,”hesaid,grinning.“Remember,ItoldyouthatRangerknivesarespeciallymade.”

Ruefully,Horace rummaged inhispack forhis sharpeningsteel and, sittingdownonthehard-packedsand,begantodrawitalongtheedgeofhissword.

“Gilan,”Willsaid.“I’vebeenthinking…”

Gilanraisedhiseyebrowstoheaveninmockdespair.Again, theexpressionreminded

WillforcefullyofHalt.“Alwaysaproblem,”saidtheRanger.“Andwhat,praytell,haveyoubeenthinking?”

“Well,” began Will slowly, “this double knife business is all well and good. Butwouldn’titbebetterjusttoshoottheswordsmanbeforehegottoclosequarters?”

“Yes,Will.Itcertainlywould,”Gilanagreedpatiently.“Butwhatifyouwereabouttodothatandyourbowstringbroke?”

“Icouldrunandhide,”hesuggested,butGilanpressedhim.

“Whatif therewerenowheretorun?You’retrappedagainstasheercliff.Nowheretogo.Yourbowstringjustbrokeandanangryswordsmaniscomingatyou.Whatthen?”

Willshookhishead.“IsupposethenI’dhavetofight,”headmittedreluctantly.

“Exactly,”Gilan agreed. “We avoid close combatwherever possible. But if the timecomeswhenthere’snootherchoice,it’sagoodideatobeprepared,isn’tit?”

“Iguess,”Willsaid.ThenHoracechimedinwithaquestion.

“Whataboutanaxman?”hesaid.Gilanlookedathim,nonplussedforamoment.

“Anaxman?”heasked.

“Yes,”saidHorace,warmingtohistheme.“Whataboutifyou’refacinganenemywithabattleax?Doyourknivesworkthen?”

Gilanhesitated.“Iwouldn’tadviseanyonetofaceabattleaxwithjusttwoknives,”hesaidcarefully.

“SowhatshouldIdo?”Willjoinedin.Gilanglaredfromoneboytotheother.Hehadthefeelinghewasbeingsetup.

“Shoothim,”hesaidshortly.Willshookhishead,grinning.

“Can’t,”hesaid.“Mybowstring’sbroken.”

“Thenrunandhide,”saidGilan,betweengrittedteeth.

“Butthere’sacliff,”Horacepointedout.“Asheerdropbehindhimandanangryaxmancomingathim.”

“WhatdoIdo?”promptedWill.

Gilantookadeepbreathandlookedthembothintheeye,oneaftertheother.

“Jumpoffthecliff.It’llbelessmessythatway.”

6BARONARALDSHOVEDTHEHEAVYPARCHMENTSCROLLTOonesideandlookedupatLadyPaulineinexasperation.

“Pauline,doyouunderstandwhatthisidiotisgettingat?”heasked.TheheadofCastleRedmont’sDiplomaticCorpsnodded.

“Inprinciple,Ido,mylord,”shesaid.Araldmadeafrustratedgesture.

“Then inprinciple,pleaseexplain it tome,”he said, adding inanundertone, “as if Idon’thaveenoughonmyplateplanningforwarwithoutthissortofnonsense.”

LadyPaulinesuppresseda smile.Araldhadawell-knowndislikeof legaldocumentswiththeirwhereifs,wheretoforesandnotwithstandings.

“SirMontagueofCobramKeepisobligedtosupplyadraftoffourknightsandthirtymen-at-armswhencalledupon,”shebegan.

“AndItakeitheisrefusingtodoso?”saidtheBaronwearily.

“Notexactly,sir,”shereplied.“Heiswillingtosupplythemen.Heisunwillingtoplacethem,orhimself,underyourcommand.”

Arald frowned. There was no trace of his customary good humor evident at thatstatement.

“But he is undermy command,” he said. “CobramKeep iswithin the boundaries ofRedmontFiefandIamhislord.Andcommander.”

Paulinenoddedagreement.“Correct,mylord.Buthedoeshaveacase.Averytenuousone,Imustsay,butacasenonetheless.”

Arald’sface,alreadyflushedwithannoyance,becamealittleredder.“Howcanhehaveacase?”hedemanded.“Hiscastleiswithinmyboundaries.IamthelordofRedmontFief.Heismytenant.Iamhiscommander.Endofstory.Ipsofacto.Case-oclosed-o.”

“Ashesees it,my lord, thewhole thinghingesona treaty signedbyhisgreat-great-granduncle and the present king’s great-great-grandfather, when Cobram Keep becamepartof theKingdomofAraluen—and theFiefofRedmont.At that time,CobramKeepwasallowedtoretainacertainlevelofindependence.”

“That’sridiculous!Youcan’trunakingdomlikethat!WhatwasDuncan’sgreat-great-whatever-he-wasthinking?”

“It was a gesture only,my lord. The said independencewould apply only to certainmattersofciviladministration—therighttoperformandregistermarriages,forexample—notmilitarymatters.”

“Wellthen!”Araldexclaimed,throwinghisarmswide.“Ifthat’sthecase,whereistheproblem?”

“Theintentisobvious,mylord,incontext.Butthistreatywasdrawnupbylawyers,sothereisacertainambiguityinthewording.”

“Ambiguity is always certain when lawyers are involved,” Arald said. His face

brightened.Heratherlikedthatpieceofwordplay.Itstruckhimasquitedroll.HelookedhopefullyforasmilefromLadyPauline,butinvain.Decidingshemusthavemissedit,hebeganagain.

“You see, you said ‘a certain ambiguity’ and I said, ‘Ambiguity is always certainwhen’—”

“Yes,yes,mylord.Quiteso,”Paulinesaid,cuttinghimoff.Araldlookeddisappointed.She continued: “Nigel and I havegone through the treaty, and the letter, andNigel hasdrafted a reply. He has found seventeen points of law where Montague has grosslymisrepresented the intentof the treaty. Inshort,hehasdestroyedMontague’scasemostcomprehensively.”

“He’sgoodatthat,”Araldsaid,smilingonceagain.Thistime,Paulinesmiledwithhim.

“Nonebetter,mylord,”shesaid.

“So what’s our next move?” the Baron asked. Pauline proffered the letter she hadmentioned, but hewaved it away. IfNigel and Paulinewere happywith it, he knew itwouldbewatertight.Paulinenodded.Sheappreciatedthetrustheplacedinher.

“Very well, my lord. We’ll do a final draft and I thought I might have one of mystudentsdeliverit.”

She replaced thedraft letter in a thin leather folder, andwithdrewanotherdocument,layingitonthetableinfrontofherandsmoothingitoutsothatitlayflat.

“Now,mylord,thereisanothermatterwemustdiscuss…”

ShesawthepainedexpressionontheBaron’sface.Sheknewhedidn’twanttodiscussit.

“You’retalkingaboutthisbrouhahawithHalt,Isuppose?Ireallydon’thavethetime,”hesaid,makingdismissivegesturesather.

“Nonetheless,my lord, it is abrouhaha thatwemustmake time for.”She tapped thedocumentwithoneforefinger.“Thisisasummaryofthebrouhahainquestion,mylord.”

Araldglancedupather.Sheseemedtobequitefondofthatword,hethought.Orshewasgentlymakingfunofhischoiceofitinthefirstplace.ButLadyPauline’sfacegavenothingaway.Shecontinued:“Ifyoucaretolookthroughit?”

Hereachedforitreluctantly.Paulinehadknownthathewouldtrytoavoidthesubject.Itwasdistastefulforallofthem,butunfortunately,ithadtoberesolved.Atthatmoment,therewas a heavy-handedknock at the door to theBaron’s office and, grateful for anyinterruption,hehastilycalled,“Comein!”

Shefrownedat thedistraction. ItwasSirRodney,headof theRedmontBattleschool.He threw the door open and entered with a little more than his usual energy. He wastalkingbeforehehadevencrossedthethreshold.

“My lord, you’re simply going to have to do something aboutHalt!” he said. Then,noticingLadyPauline,hemadeasmallgestureofapology.“Oh,sorry,Pauline,didn’tseeyouthere.”

Lady Pauline inclined her head in acknowledgment of the apology. The departmentheadsatRedmontwereallgoodfriends.Therewasnopettyjealousybetweenthem,noneofthemaneuveringforinfluenceandfavorthatplaguedsomefiefs.

TheBaronsigheddeeply.“Whathashedonenow?”heasked.

“Do I sense another brouhaha in themaking?” Lady Pauline said innocently and heglancedsuspiciouslyather.Sheseemednottonotice.

“Well, oneofmy fourth-year apprenticeswas stupid enough tomakea remarkaboutWillandHoracebeingsentoffonasoftassignment.Saidthat’salltheyweregoodfor.”

“Oh, dear,” said Lady Pauline. “I do hope he didn’t make this remark in Halt’shearing?”

“Unfortunately,yes,”saidRodney.“He’snotabadlad.Allmuscleandbone,mindyou,andagooddealofthatbetweenhisears.ButhewasfeelinghisoatsalittleandtoldHalttomindhisownbusiness.”Hepaused,thenadded,bywayofexplanation,“Everyone’salittlejumpy,whatwithallthepreparationsforwar.”

“Sohowisthelad?”Araldasked.Rodneyshrugged.

“The infirmary says there’s no lastingdamage.He’ll bebackonduty in a fewdays’time.Butthepointis,Ican’thaveHaltgoingarounddamagingmyapprentices.I’mgoingtoneedthemsoon.”

Araldtoyedwithoneofthequillpensonhisdesk.“He’sdefinitelybeendifficultthesepastfewdays,”hesaid.“It’slikehavingabearwithasoreheadaroundthecastle.Infact,IthinkImightpreferabearwithasorehead.Itwouldbelessdisruptive.”

“Wewereabout todiscussHalt’sbehaviorasyouarrived,”LadyPaulinesaid, takingtheopportunitytoreturntheconversationtothecaseinhand.“There’sbeenacomplaintabouthimfromSirDigbyofBarga.”

“Digby?”Rodneysaid,afrowntouchinghisface.“Didn’thetrytoshortchangeusonhisdraftofmen?”

“Exactly,”saidtheBaron.“We’rehavingalotofthatgoingonatthemoment.SoIsentHalttostraightenmattersout.Thoughtitmightbeagoodideatogivehimsomethingtokeephimbusy.”

“Sowhat’sDigbygottocomplainabout?”Rodneyasked.ItwasobviousfromhistonethathefeltnosympathyfortherecalcitrantcommanderofBargaHold.

TheBarongesturedforLadyPaulinetoexplain.

“Apparently,”shesaid,“Haltthrewhimintothemoat.”

7“WHERETHEDEVIL IS EVERYONE?”GILANBROUGHTBLAZEtoahaltandlookedaroundthedesertedborderpost.Therewasasmallguardhousebythesideoftheroad,barelylargeenoughtokeeptwoorthree men sheltered from the wind. Further back was a slightly larger garrison house.Normally, at a small, remote border post like this, therewould be a garrison of half adozenmen,whowouldliveinthelargerbuildingandtakeshiftsattheguardhousebytheroad.

LikethemajorityofbuildingsinCeltica,bothstructureswerebuiltinthegraysinteredstoneoftheregion,flatriverstonesthathadbeensplit lengthwise,withrooftilesofthesame material. Wood was scarce in Celtica. Even fires for heating used coal or peatwheneverpossible.WhatevertimberwasavailablewasneededforshoringupthetunnelsandgalleriesofCeltica’sironandcoalmines.

Will looked around him uneasily, peering into the scrubby heather that covered thewindswept hills as if expecting a sudden horde of Celts to rise up from it. There wassomethingunnervingaboutthenearsilenceofthespot—therewasnosoundbutthequietsighingofthewindthroughthehillsandheather.

“Perhapsthey’rebetweenshifts?”hesuggested,hisvoiceseemingunnaturallyloud.

Gilanshookhishead.“It’saborderpost.Itshouldbegarrisonedatalltimes.”

He swung down from the saddle, making a motion for Will and Horace to staymounted.Tug,sensingWill’suneasiness,sidesteppednervouslyintheroad.Willcalmedhimwithagentlepatontheneck.Thelittlehorse’searswentupathismaster’stouchandheshookhishead,asiftodenythathewasinanywayedgy.

“Could they have been attacked and driven off?”Horace asked.Hismindset alwaysworked toward fighting, which Will supposed was only natural in a Battleschoolapprentice.

Gilanshruggedashepushedopenthedooroftheguardhouseandpeeredinside.

“Maybe,”hesaid,lookingaroundtheinterior.“Buttheredoesn’tseemtobeanysignoffighting.”

He leaned against the doorway, frowning. The guardhouse was a single-roomedbuilding,withminimalfurnishingofafewbenchesandatable.Therewasnothingheretogivehimanyclueastowheretheoccupantshadgone.

“It’sonlyaminorpost,”hesaidthoughtfully.“PerhapstheCeltshavesimplystoppedmanning it. After all, there’s been a truce betweenAraluen and Celtica for over thirtyyearsnow.”Hepushedhimself away from thedoorwayand jerkeda thumb toward thegarrisonhouse.“Maybewe’llfindsomethingdownthere,”hesaid.

The two boys dismounted. Horace tethered his horse and the pack pony to thecounterweightedbarthatcouldswingdowntoclosetheroad.WillsimplyletTug’sreinsfall to theground.TheRangerhorsewastrainednot tostray.Hetookhisbowfromtheleatherbowscabbardbehindthesaddleandslungitacrosshisshoulders.Naturally,itwasalreadystrung.Rangersalways traveledwith theirbowsreadyforuse.Horace,noticing

thegesture,loosenedhisswordslightlyinitsscabbardandtheysetoffafterGilanforthegarrisonhouse.

Thesmallstonebuildingwasneat,cleananddeserted.Buthereatleastthereweresignsthat the occupants had left in a hurry. Therewere a few plates on a table, bearing thedried-out remains of food, and several closet doors hung open. Items of clothingwerescatteredon the floor in thedormitory, as if theirownershadhurriedlycrammeda fewbelongingsintopacksbeforeleaving.Severalofthebunksweremissingblankets.

Gilanranaforefingeralongtheedgeofthediningroomtable,leavingawavylineinthelayerofdustthathadgatheredthere.Heinspectedthetipofhisfingerandpursedhislips.

“Theydidn’tleaverecently,”hesaid.

Horace,whohadbeenpeeringintothesmallsupplyroomunderthestairs,startedatthesoundoftheRanger’svoice,bumpinghisheadonthelowdoorsill.

“Howcanyoutell?”heasked,moretocoverhisownembarrassmentthanoutofrealcuriosity.Gilansweptanarmaroundtheroom.

“Celtsareneatpeople.Thisdustmusthavesettledsincetheyleft.Ataguess,I’dsaytheplacehasbeenemptyforatleastamonth.”

“Maybeit’slikeyousaid,”Willsuggested,comingdownthestepsfromthecommandroom.“Maybetheydecidedtheydidn’tneedtokeepthispostmannedanymore.”

Gilannoddedseveraltimes.Buthisexpressionshowedhewasn’tconvinced.

“Thatwouldn’texplainwhytheyleftinahurry,”hesaid.Heswepthisarmaroundtheroom.“Lookatallofthis—thefoodonthetable,theopenclosets,theclothesscatteredonthefloor.Whenpeopleclosedownapostlikethis,theycleanupandtaketheirbelongingswiththem.ParticularlyCelts.AsIsaid,they’reveryorderly.”

He led thewayoutsideagainandswepthisgazearound thedeserted landscape,as ifhoping to findsomeclue to thepuzzle there.But therewasnothingvisibleexcept theirownhorses,idlycroppingtheshortgrassthatgrewbytheguardhouse.

“ThemapshowsthenearestvillageisPordellath,”hesaid.“It’salittleoutofourway,butperhapswecanfindoutwhat’sbeengoingonhere.”

Pordellathwasonlyfivekilometersaway.Becauseofthesteepnatureoftheland,thepathwound and zigzagged up the hillsides.Consequently, they had almost reached the littlevillage before it came in sight. It was late in the day and bothWill and Horace werefeeling the pangs of hunger. They hadn’t stopped for their normal noonmeal, initiallybecausethey’dbeeninahurrytoreachtheborderpost,thenbecausetheyhadpressedontoPordellath.Therewouldbeaninninthevillageandbothboyswerethinkingfondlyofahotmealandcooldrinks.Asa resultof thispreoccupation, theyweresurprisedwhenGilan reined in as the village came into sight around the shoulder of a hill, barely twohundredmetersaway.

“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?”heasked.“Lookatthat!”

WillandHoracelooked.Forthelifeofhim,Willcouldn’tseewhatmightbebotheringtheyoungRanger.

“Idon’tseeanything,”headmitted.Gilanturnedtohim.

“Exactly!”heagreed.“Nothing!Nosmokefromthechimneys.Nopeopleinthestreets.Itlooksasemptyastheborderpost!”

HenudgedBlazewithhiskneesandthebayhorsebrokeintoacanteronthestonyroad.Will followed,withHorace’shorse a little slower to respond.Strungout in a line, theyclatteredintothevillage,finallydrawingreininthesmallmarketsquare.

Therewasn’tmuch toPordellath. Just the shortmain street bywhich they’d entered,linedwithhousesandshopsoneitherside,andwideningintothesmallsquareattheend.It was dominated by the largest structure, which was, in Celtic fashion, the Riadhah’sdwelling. The Riadhah was the hereditary village headman—a combined clan chief,mayor and sheriff. His authority was absolute and he ruled unchallenged over thevillagers.

That is,when therewere anyvillagers for him to rule.Today therewas noRiadhah.Therewerenovillagers.Onlythefaint,dyingechoesofthehorses’hoovesonthecobbledsurfaceofthesquare.

“Hello!”Gilanshouted,andhisvoiceechoeddown thenarrowmainstreet,bouncingoffthestonebuildings,thenreachingouttothesurroundinghills.

“Oh—oh—oh…” it went, gradually tailing away into silence. The horses shiftednervouslyagain.WillwasreluctanttoseemtocorrecttheRanger,buthewasuneasyatthewayhewasadvertisingtheirpresencehere.

“Maybe you shouldn’t do that?” he suggested. Gilan glanced at him, a trace of hisnormalgoodhumorreturningashesensedthereasonforWill’sdiscomfort.

“Why’sthat?”heasked.

“Well,”Willsaid,glancingnervouslyaroundthedesertedmarketsquare,“ifsomebodyhastakenawaythepeoplehere,maybewedon’twantthemtoknowthatwe’vearrived.”

Gilanshrugged.“Ithinkit’salittlelateforthat,”hesaid.“Wecamegallopinginherelike the King’s cavalry, and we’ve been traveling the road completely in the open. Ifanybodywaslookingoutforus,theywouldhavealreadyseenus.”

“Isupposeso,”saidWilldoubtfully.

Horace,meanwhile,hadedgedhishorseupclosetooneofthehousesandwasleaningdownfromthesaddletopeerinunderthelowwindows,tryingtoseeinside.Gilannoticedthemovement.

“Let’stakealookaround,”hesaid,anddismounted.

Horacewasn’tterriblyeagertofollowhisexample.

“Whatifthisissomekindofplagueorsomething?”hesaid.

“Aplague?”askedGilan.

Horaceswallowednervously.“Yes. Imean,I’veheardof thissortof thinghappeningyearsandyearsago;whole townswouldbewipedoutbyaplague thatwouldsweep inandjust…sortof…killpeoplewheretheystood.”Ashesaidit,hewasedginghishorseawayfromthebuilding,andout to thecenterof thesquare.Will inadvertentlybegan tofollowsuit.ThemomentHoracehadraisedtheidea,he’dhadpicturesofthethreeofthemlying dead in the square, faces blackened, tongues protruding, eyes bulging from theirfinalagonies.

“So thisplaguecould just comeoutof thinair?”Gilanaskedcalmly.Horacenoddedseveraltimes.

“Nobodyreallyknowshowtheyspread,”hesaid.“I’veheardthatit’sthenightairthatcarries plague. Or the west wind, sometimes. But however it travels, it strikes so fast,there’snoescape.Itsimplykillsyouwhereyoustand.”

“Every man, woman and child in its path?” Gilan prompted. Again, Horace’s headnoddedfrantically.

“Everyone.Kills’emstonedead!”

Willwasbeginningtofeelalumpydrynessinthebackofhisthroat,evenastheothertwowere speaking.He tried to swallow and his throat felt raspy.He had amoment ofpanicashewonderedifthiswasn’tthefirstsignoftheonsetoftheplague.HisbreathwascomingfasterandhealmostmissedGilan’snextquestion.

“Andthenitjust…dissolvesthedeadbodiesawayintothinair?”heaskedmildly.

“That’s right!” Horace began, then realized what the Ranger had said. He hesitated,looked around the deserted village and saw no signs of people struck deadwhere theystood.Will’sthroat,coincidentally,suddenlylostthatlumpy,raspyfeeling.

“Oh,”saidHorace,asherealizedtheflawinhistheory.“Well,maybeit’sanewstrainofplague.Maybeitdoessortofdissolvethebodies.”

Gilanlookedathimskeptically,hisheadtooneside.

“Ormaybe therewere oneor twopeoplewhowere immune, and theyburied all thebodies?”Horacesuggested.

“Andwherearethosepeoplenow?”Gilanasked.Horaceshrugged.

“Maybetheyweresosadthattheycouldn’tbeartolivehereanymore,”hesaid,tryingtokeepthetheoryalivealittlelonger.Gilanshookhishead.

“Horace,whateveritwasthatdrovethepeopleawayfromhere,itwasn’ttheplague.”Heglancedattherapidlydarkeningsky.“It’sgettinglate.We’lltakealookaround,thenfindaplacetostaythenight.”

“Here?”saidWill,hisvoicecrackingwithnerves.“Inthevillage?”

Gilan nodded. “Unless you want to camp out in the hills,” he suggested. “There’sprecious little shelter and it usually rains at night in these parts. Personally, I’d ratherspendthenightunderaroof—evenadesertedone.”

“But…”Willbeganandthencouldfindnorationalwaytocontinue.

“I’msureyourhorsewouldratherspend theeveningundercover thanout in theraintoo,”Gilanaddedgently,andthattippedthebalancewithWill.HisbasicinstinctwastolookafterTug,anditwashardlyfairtocondemntheponytoawet,uncomfortablenightin the hills just because his owner was afraid of a few empty houses. He nodded andswungdownfromthesaddle.

8“INTOHISOWNMOAT,YOUSAY?”SAIDSIRRODNEY.

He paused to think about the fact. Lady Pauline noticed that he didn’t seem overlyshockedbyHalt’s action. If anything, therewasa lookofgrimsatisfactiononhis face.TheBaronfrownedatRodney’stacitapproval.

“I know the man deserved it,” he said, “but we can’t have people going aroundthrowingknightsintothemoat.It’snot…diplomatic.”

LadyPaulineraisedoneeleganteyebrow.“Indeednot,sir,”shesaid.

“AndHalthasbeenaltogethertoohigh-handedaboutitall,”hecontinued.“I’mgoingtohavetospeaktohimaboutit.Mostseverely.”

“Someonecertainlyshould,”Paulineagreed,andRodneygruntedareluctantassent.

“Hedefinitelyneedstakinginhand.”

“Youwanted to seeme,my lord?” said a familiar voice, and they all turned guiltilytowardthedoor,whichRodneyhadleftopenwhenhebargedin.

Haltstood there,clad inhisgray-and-greenmottledcloak,his facehalfhidden in theshadowsofthedeepcowl.Itwasuncanny,theBaronthought,howthemancouldappearalmostwithoutasound.NowArald,likehistwodepartmentheads,wasconsciousthathehadbeencaughttalkingaboutHaltbehindhisback.Heflushedinembarrassment,whileSirRodneyclearedhisthroatnoisily.OnlyLadyPaulineappearedunconcerned—andshehadalifetimeofpracticeatappearingunconcerned.

“Aaahhhh…yes…Halt. Of course. Of course. Come in, won’t you? Shut the doorbehindyou,there’sagoodfellow.”Ashesaidtheselastwords,BaronAraldshotabalefulglanceatSirRodney,whoshruggedguiltily.

HaltnoddedgreetingstoLadyPaulineandSirRodney,thenmovedtostandbeforetheBaron’smassivedesk.

TherewasalongandincreasinglyawkwardsilenceastheRangerstoodwaiting.Araldclearedhisthroatseveraltimes,notsurewheretobegin.Inevitably,itwasLadyPaulinewhobroketheimpasse.

“Iimagineyou’rewonderingwhytheBaronaskedtoseeyou,Halt,”shesaid,relievingthetensionintheroomandforcingHalttosaysomething—anything—atthesametime.

TheRanger,taciturnasever,glancedatPauline,thentheBaron,andrepliedinasfewwordsaspossible.“Yes,mylord.”

ButitwasastartandnowBaronAraldhadbeengivenachancetogatherhisthoughtsandovercomehisembarrassment.HebrandishedtheletterinHalt’sgeneraldirection.

“This…”Hemanagedintimenottosay“brouhaha”again.Thewordwasbeinggrosslyoverused,hethought.“This…businesswithSirDigby,Halt.It’sjustnogood.Nogoodatall!”

“Iagree,mylord,”Haltsaid,andtheBaronsatbackinhischair,alittlesurprisedand

quiteabitrelieved.

“Youdo?”hesaid.

“Yes,mylord.Themanisanincompoopandafool.Evenworse,hetookmeforafoolaswell. IsupposeIcanunderstand thathemightwant tokeepsomeofhismenfor theplanting season.But to try to hide them in the forest from aRanger?Why, thatwas adownrightinsult.Themanneededtobetaughtalesson.”

“But was it your place to teach him, Halt?” the Baron asked. Now Halt raised oneeyebrowinreply.

“Idon’trecallseeinganyoneelsepreparedtodoso,mylord.”

“PerhapsHalt acted in haste—in the heat of themoment?”LadyPauline interjected,tryingtogiveHaltagracefulwayoutofthesituation.

But theRanger simply looked at her, then back to theBaron, and said: “No. It wasprettywellthoughtthrough.AndIdidn’trushatall.Itookmytime.”

LadyPaulineshrugged.TheBaron’sexpressionshowedhisexasperation.HewouldbewillingtogiveHaltsomeleewayinthismatteriftheRangerwouldonlyallowit.ButHaltwasobviouslydeterminedtobepigheaded.

“Then there are nomitigating circumstances, Halt,” he said firmly. “You have actedexcessively.Ihavenochoicebuttoreprimandyou.”

Haltconsideredthematterbeforereplying.“Anawkwardsituation,mylord,sinceIamnot technically answerable to you. I answer toRanger command and, ultimately, to theKing.”

TheBaron opened hismouth to answer, then closed it again.Haltwas right.As theRangerattachedtoRedmontFief,hewasrequiredtocooperatewiththeBaron,buthewasindependentoftheBaron’sauthority.ThatfactandHalt’sintentionallyunhelpfulmannerwere beginning to get under the Baron’s skin. Once again, it was Lady Pauline whosuggestedacompromise.

“PerhapsyoucouldinformHalt,inanofficialmanner,thatyouaredispleasedwithhisactions,”shesaid.TheBaronconsideredthesuggestion.Ithadmerit,hethought.Butthewordingcouldbealittlestronger.

“‘Displeased’istoomildaword,Pauline.Iwouldratherusetheword‘vexed.’”

“Iwouldbemostdiscomfortedtoknowyouwerevexed,mylord,”Haltsaid,withjusttheslightesttraceofmockeryinhistone.TheBaronturnedapiercingglareonhim.Don’ttakethistoofar,itwarnedhim.

“Thenweshallmakeit‘extremelyvexed,’LadyPauline,”hesaidmeaningfully.“Ileaveit toyou toput it in the right form.”He looked fromher toHalt. “Youwill receive theofficialnotificationofmydispleasuretomorrow,Halt.”

“Itrembleinanticipation,mylord,”saidHalt,andtheBaron’seyebrowsdrewtogetherangrily.

“I think that will be all, Halt,” he said, very obviously restraining his temper. Lady

PaulineshookherheadslightlyatHalt’ssardonictone.Hewaswalkingaveryfineline,shethought.TheRangernowbowedslightlytoBaronArald,turnedandleft,closingthedoorquietlybehindhim.

TheBaronlethisbreathoutinanangrysigh.

“Themanis impossible!”hesaid.“Inall thetimeI’veknownhim,Ihaveneverseenhimlikethis.He’stouchy,bad-tempered,sarcastic!Whatonearthisthematterwithhim?”

SirRodney shookhis head.Like theBaron, hehadknownHalt formanyyears, andcountedhimasafriend.

“Somethingisobviouslybotheringhim,”hesaid.“Butwhat?”

“Perhapshe’s lonely,”LadyPauline said thoughtfully, andbothmen lookedather inamazement.

“Lonely?Halt?”saidSirRodneyincredulously.“Halt’sneverbeenlonelyinhislife!Helivesalone.Helikesitthatway!”

“He did,” saidLadyPauline, “but things have been different for the past year or so,haven’tthey?”

“Youmean…Will?”theBaronasked,andshenodded.

“Thinkabout it.Halthasonlyeverhad twoapprentices.TherewasGilan, fiveorsixyearsago.AndnowWill.Andhe’saratherspecialyoungman.”

TheBaronnodded,notsureshewasrightbutwillingtolisten.“He’sthat,allright.”

Lady Pauline was warming to her theme now. “He’s amusing and interesting andtalkativeandcheerful.Ishouldimaginehe’sbrightenedHalt’slifequiteconsiderably.”

“Notonlythat,”Rodneyputin,“buthesavedHalt’slifeaswell.”

“Exactly,” saidLadyPauline. “There’s a very special bond that’s developed betweenthosetwo.HalthasbecomeasmuchasurrogatefatherasamentortoWill.Andnowhe’ssent him away. I think he’s missing him. He’d never admit it, but I think he’s beenenjoyinghavingayoungpersonaround.”

ShepausedtoseewhattheBaronthought.Hewasnoddingagreement.

“Youcouldberight,LadyPauline,”hesaid.“Youcouldberight.”Heconsidered thematterforsomeseconds,thensaidthoughtfully:“Youknow,itmightbeagoodideaifyouweretohaveatalkwithhim.”

“I,my lord?” said Lady Pauline. “Whywould I havemore influence over him thananyoneelse?”

“Well,”saidtheBaron,“Ijustthoughtthatsinceyouandhewereonce…”SomethinginLadyPauline’sexpressionstoppedhimfromgoingfurther.“…Youknow?”hefinishedweakly.

“I’mafraidIdon’t,mylord,”shesaid.“WhatisitthatIshouldknow?”

“Well, it’s just that people have always said…you know…that you and Halt wereonce…”He realized hewas floundering and he stopped oncemore. Lady Paulinewas

smilingexpectantlyathim.Butthesmiledidn’treachhereyes.Theywerelikeice.TheBaron looked around for help and noticed Sir Rodney. He appealed to him forconfirmation.

“Rodney,you’veheardwhatpeoplesay,haven’tyou?”

But the Battlemaster was an experienced campaigner and he knew when a tacticalretreatwasthewisestcourse.

“I’mafraidIhavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout,mylord,”hesaid.“Ineverlistentoidlegossip,”headded,alittlesmugly.Araldshothimabalefullook.Justyouwait, itsaid.Rodney saw it, read themessage thereand shrugged.He’d take theBaron’sangeroverLadyPauline’sanydayoftheweek.

“Awisepolicy,SirRodney,”LadyPaulinetoldhim.Then,turningbacktotheBaron,she continued, “But perhaps I do have a suggestion that might ease the problem withHalt.”

TheBaronseizedthelifelineeagerly.“That’ssplendid,mylady!Splendid!Andinpointoffact,that’sallImeantwhenIsaidthatyoumighttalktohim.Afterall,youareaverywisewoman.Verywise.”

LadyPaulinehidasmilewithsomedifficulty.Foramoment,sheplayedwiththeideaofteasinghimfurther—pretendingtoequatewisdomwithadvancingyears.Butshefelthehadsufferedenough.

“You’retookind,mylord.Altogethertookind.”

The Baron breathed a sigh of relief that the conversation had veered away fromdangerous ground. He had handled it very adroitly, he thought. Women were alwayssusceptibletoflattery,afterall.

“Sowhatisthisexcellentideaofyours?”hesaid,pilingitonalittlemore.LadyPaulinehesitated just long enough to let him know she could see right through him, thencontinued.

“Well, sir, sinceHalt ismissing his apprentice, I thoughtwemight look at replacingyoungWillforaweekortwo.”

“Replacehim?”Araldsaid,puzzled.“WecanhardlygiveHaltanewapprenticefortwoweeks,mylady.”

“No,mylord,”sheagreed.“ButIthoughtImightlendhimoneofmine.”

ItwasRodneywhowasfirsttoseewhereshewasheading.

“YoungAlyss,”hesaid,“thetallblondone?”

LadyPaulineinclinedherheadinhisdirectionandsmiled.SirRodneyfoundhimselfwonderingabouttherumoredrelationshipbetweenPaulineandHalt.Shewastall,elegantandgraceful.Andevennowthatherblondhairwasstreakedwithgray,shewasstillanexceptionalbeauty.

“Exactly,”shesaid.“ImentionedI’mplanningtosendAlyssonherfirst independentmission.IthoughtwemightaskHalttoescorther.I’msurehispresencewouldbegood

forherconfidence.”

BaronAraldwastuggingthoughtfullyathisshortbeard.

“She’sarathersolemnlass,isn’tshe?”heasked,butLadyPaulineshookherhead.

“Onthecontrary,mylord,shehasadelightfullydrysenseofwit.Andabeautifulsmile.We’vebeenencouraginghertomakegreateruseofit.”

“AndyouthinkaweekorsoinhercompanymightsnapHaltoutof thisblackmoodhe’sin?”

“Well,ifhe’slookingafterher,it’lltakehismindoffhisowntroubles,”LadyPaulinereplied. “In addition,Alyss is young and free-spirited—and quite beautiful. I think hercompanymightbeenoughtocheerupanyman.EvengrimoldHalt,”sheadded,smiling.

TheBaronsmiledtoo.“Shesoundsjustlikeherteacher,”hesaid.

Andthistime,itwasnoidleflattery.

9THEREWERENOANSWERSTOBEFOUNDINPORDELLATH.Thethreecompanionswentthroughthevillageandfoundthe same signs of sudden departure that they had seen at the border post. There wasevidence of some hasty packing, but in themajority of houses,most of the occupants’possessionswere still inplace.Everything spokeof apopulation thathaddeparted in ahurry,takingwhattheycouldcarryontheirbacksandlittlemore.Tools,utensils,clothes,furnitureandotherpersonalgoodshadbeenleftbehind.ButtheycouldfindnoclueastowherethepeopleofPordellathhadgone.Orwhytheyhaddeparted.

Asfullnightclosedin,Gilanfinallycalledanendtotheirsearch.TheyreturnedtotheRiadhah’shouse,wheretheyunsaddledthehorsesandrubbedthemdownintheshelterofasmallporchatthefrontofthebuilding.

Theyspentanuneasynightinthehouse.AtleastWilldid,andheassumedHoracewasas uncomfortable as he was. Gilan, for his part, seemed relatively unperturbed, rollinghimself intohis cloakand falling instantlyasleepwhenWill relievedhimafter the firstwatch. But Gilan’s manner was more subdued than normal and Will guessed that theRangerwasmoreconcernedbythisbafflingturnofeventsthanhewaslettingon.

Ashestoodhiswatch,Willwasamazedathowmuchnoiseahousecouldmake.Doorscreaked,floorsgroaned,theceilingseemedtosighwitheverybreathofwindoutside.Andthevillageitselfseemedfulloflooseitemsthatwouldbangandclatteraswell,bringingWilltoanervous,wide-eyedattentionashesatbytheunglazedwindowinthefrontroomofthehouse,thewoodenshuttershookedbacktokeepthemsecure.

Themoon seemed keen to join in on the subterfuge aswell, soaring high above thevillageandcastingdeeppoolsofshadowbetweenthehousesofthevillage.Shadowsthatseemedtomoveslightlywhenyoucaughtsightofthemoutofthecornerofyoureye,thenstoppedassoonasyoustareddirectlyatthem.

Moremovementcameascloudsflewacrossthefaceofthemoon,alternatelycausingthemainsquaretobeilluminated,thenplungedintosuddendarkness.

Justaftermidnight,asGilanhadpredicted,asteadyrainsetinandtheothernoiseswerejoinedbythegurgleofrunningwaterandtheplash-plash-plashofdropsfallingoffeavesandintopuddlesbelow.

WillwokeHoracetotakeoverthewatchataroundtwointhemorning.Hepiledupastackofcushionsandbedcoversonthefloorofthemainroom,wrappedhiscloakaroundhimandlaydown.

Thenhelayawakeforanotherhourandahalf,listeningtothecreaks,thegroans,thegurgles and the splashes, wondering whether Horace had dropped off to sleep andwhether,evennow,someunseenhorrorwascreepingupon thehouse,bloodthirstyandunstoppable.

Hewasstillworryingaboutitwhenhefinallyfellasleep,withoutnoticingthathehaddoneso.

Theywereon the roadearly the followingmorning.Therainhadstopped justbefore

dawnandGilanwaskeen topresson toGwyntaleth, thefirst large townon their route,and find someanswers to thepuzzles that theyhad foundso far inCeltica.Theyhadaquick,coldbreakfastofhardbreadanddriedfruit,washeddownwithicywaterfromthevillagewell,thensaddledupandrodeout.

They wound down the stony path from the village, taking their time on the unevensurface.Butwhentheyhitthemainroadoncemore,theyurgedtheirhorsesintoacanter.Theyheldthecanterfortwentyminutes,thenrestedthehorsesbyridingatawalkforthenexttwenty.Theymaintainedthatalternatingpatternthroughthemorning,andthemileswentbysteadily.

Theyate aquickmeal in themiddleof theday, then rodeon.Thiswas theprincipalmining area ofCeltica and theypassed at least a dozen coal or ironmines: large blackholes cut into the sidesofhills andmountains, surroundedby timber shoringand stonebuildings.Nowhere,however,didtheyseeanysignoflife.ItwasasiftheinhabitantsofCelticahadsimplyvanishedfromthefaceoftheearth.

“Theymay have deserted their border post, and even their villages,”Gilanmutteredonce,almost tohimself.“But I’veneveryetmetaCeltwhowoulddesertaminewhiletherewasanounceofmetalstilltobetornfromit.”

Eventually, in midafternoon, they came over a crest and there, in a valley droppingawayfromthem,weretheneatrowsofstoneroofsthatformedGwyntalethtownship.Asmall spire in the centerof the townmarkeda temple—theCeltshad their ownuniquereligion,whichhadtodowiththegodsoffireandiron.Alargertowerformedthemaindefensivepositionforthetown.

Theyweretoofarawaytomakeoutwhethertheremightbeanymovementofpeopleinthestreets.But,asbefore,therewasnosignofsmokefromthechimneysand,evenmoresignificantly,accordingtoGilan,nonoise.

“Noise?”Horaceasked.“Whatkindofnoise?”

“Banging, hammering, clanking,”Gilan answered him briefly. “Remember, theCeltsdon’t justmine ironore.Theywork the ironaswell.With thebreezeblowing from thesouthwestasitis,weshouldbeabletoheartheforgesatwork,evenfromthisdistance.”

“Well,let’sgoseethen,”Willsaid,andbegantourgeTugforward.Gilan,however,putupahandtorestrainhim.

“IthinkperhapsImightgoonaheadalone,”hesaidslowly,hiseyesneverleavingthetowninthevalleybelowthem.Willlookedathim,puzzled.

“Alone?”heasked,andGilannodded.

“YounotedyesterdaythatweweremakingourselvesprettyobviouswhenwerodeintoPordellath, and youwere right. Perhaps it’s timewe became a littlemore circumspect.SomethingisgoingonandI’dliketoknowwhatitis.”

Willhad toagree that itmadegoodsense forGilan togoonalone.Afterall,hewaspossibly thebestunseenmover in theRangerCorps, andRangerswere thebestunseenmoversinthekingdom.

Gilanmotionedfor themtofallbackfromthecrest theywerestandingon,anddowntheothersidetoaspotwhereasmallgullyformedashelteredcampsite,outofthewind.

“Setupacamphere,”hetoldthem.“Nofires.We’llhavetostaywithcoldrationsuntilweknowwhat’sgoingon.Ishouldbebacksometimeafterdark.”

Andwiththat,hewheeledBlazeandtrottedhimbackoverthecrestanddowntheroadtowardGwyntaleth.

WillandHoracetookhalfanhourorsotosetupthecampsite.Therewaslittletodo.Theyattachedtheirtarpaulintosomescrubbybushesgrowingoutofthestonewallofthegully,weighingdowntheotherendwithrocks.Atleast therewereplentyof them.Thisgavethematriangularshelterincasetherainsetinagain.Thentheypreparedafireplaceinfrontoftheshelter.Gilanhadsaidnofires,butifhearrivedbackinthemiddleofthenightandchangedthoseorders,theymightaswellbeready.

Ittookaconsiderablylongertimetostackasupplyoffirewood.Theonlyrealsourcewas the scrubby heather that covered the hillsides. The roots and branches of the bushweretoughbuthighlyflammable.Thetwoboyshackedoutareasonablesupply,HoraceusingthesmallhatchethecarriedinhispackandWillhissaxeknife.Eventually,withalltheir housekeeping taken care of, they sat on either side of the empty fireplace, backsleanedagainstrocks.Willspentafewminutesrunninghissharpeningstoneoverthesaxeknife,restoringitsrazor-sharpedge.

“I really prefer camping in forest areas,”Horace said, shifting his back for the tenthtimeagainsttheunyieldingrockbehindhim.

Willgruntedinreply.ButHoracewasboredandkeptontalking,moreforthesakeofhavingsomethingtodothanbecausehereallywantedto.

“Afterall,inaforest,youhavelotsoffirewood,readytohand.Itjustfallsoutofthetreesforyou.”

“Notwhileyouwait,”Willdisagreed.Hetoowastalkingmoreforthesakeofit thananythingelse.

“No.Notwhileyouwait.Usuallyit’salreadyhappenedbeforeyouarrive,”Horacesaid.“Plusinaforest,you’veusuallygotpineneedlesorleavesontheground.Andthatmakesfora softer sleepingplace.And thereare logsand trees to sitonand leanagainst.Andtheyhavealotfewersharpedgesthanrock.”

Again,hewriggledhisbacktoatemporarilymorecomfortablespot.HeglancedupatWill,ratherhopingthattheapprenticeRangermightdisagreewithhim.Thentheycouldarguetopassthetime.Will,however,merelygruntedagain.Heinspectedtheedgeofhissaxeknife,slidtheknifeintoitsscabbardandlayback.Uncomfortable,hesatupagain,undidtheknifebeltanddrapeditoverhispack,alongwithhisbowandquiver.Thenhelayback,hisheadonaflatpieceofstone.Heclosedhiseyes.Thesleeplessnighthehadspenthadlefthimdrainedandflat.

Horace sighed to himself, then took out his sword and began honing its edge—quiteunnecessarily,asitwasalreadyrazor-sharp.Butitwassomethingtodo.Heraspedaway,glancingoccasionallyatWilltoseeifhisfriendwasasleep.Foramoment,hethoughthe

was,butthenthesmallerboysuddenlysquirmedaround,satupandreachedforhiscloak.Bundlingitup,heputitontheflatstonehewasusingasaheadrest,thenlaybackagain.

“You’re right about forests,” he said crankily. “Much more comfortable places tocamp.”

Horacesaidnothing.Hedecidedhisswordwassharpenoughandslid itbackinto itsoiledleatherscabbard,leaningthesheathedweaponagainsttherockfacebesidehim.

HewatchedWillagain,ashetriedtofindacomfortablespot.Nomatterhowhetwistedandsquirmed,therewasalwaysapebbleorapieceofrockpokingintohisbackorside.Fiveortenminutespassed,thenHoracefinallysaid:

“Wanttopractice?It’llpassthetime.”

Willopenedhiseyesandconsideredtheidea.Reluctantly,headmittedtohimselfthathewasnevergoingtogettosleeponthishard,stonyground.

“Whynot?”Herummagedinhispackforhispracticeweapons,thenjoinedHoraceonthefarsideof the tent,wherehewasscrapingapracticecircle in thesandygullyfloor.Thetwoboystookuptheirpositions,then,atanodfromHorace,theybegan.

Willwasimproving,butHoracewasdefinitelythemasteratthisexercise.Willcouldn’thelpadmiringthespeedandbalanceheshowedashewieldedthelongstickinadazzlingseriesofbackhands,forehands,sidecutsandoverheads.Furthermore,whenheknewhehad beaten Will’s defensive posture, he would, at the last moment, hold back fromwhackinghim.Instead,hewouldlightlytouchthespotwherehisblowwouldhavefallen,todemonstratethepoint.

He didn’t do it with any sense of superiority either. Weapons practice, even withwoodenweapons,was a seriouspart ofHorace’s life nowadays. Itwasn’t something tocrowaboutwhenyouwerebetterthanyouropponent.Horacehadlearnedonlytoowellindozens of practice bouts at the Battleschool that it never paid to underestimate anopponent.

Instead,heusedhissuperiorabilitytohelpWill,showinghimhowtoanticipatestrokes,teachinghimthebasiccombinationsthatallswordsmenusedandthebestwaytodefeatthem.

AsWillruefullyacknowledged,knowinghowtodoitwasonething.Actuallydoingitwasanentirelydifferentmatter.Herealizedhowmuchhisformerenemyhadmaturedandwonderedifthesamechangeswereevidentinhimself.Hedidn’tthinkso.Hedidn’tfeelany different. And whenever he saw himself in a mirror, he didn’t seem to look anydifferenteither.

“Yourlefthandisdroppingtoofar,”Horacepointedoutastheypausedbetweenbouts.

“Iknow,”Willsaid.“I’mexpectingasidecutandIwanttobereadyforit.”

Horaceshookhishead.“That’sallverywell,butifyoudropittoofar,it’seasyformetofeintasidecut,thenswingupintoanoverhand.See?”

HeshowedWilltheactionhewasdescribing,beginningtheswordinawidesidewayssweep,then,withapowerfulwristmovement,takingitupintoahigh-swingingdownward

stroke. He stopped the wooden blade a few inches from Will’s head and the Rangerapprenticesawthathiscounterstrokewouldhavebeenfartoolate.

“Sometimes I think I’ll never learn these things,” he said. Horace patted himencouraginglyontheshoulder.

“Areyoukidding?”heasked.“You’reimprovingeveryday.Andbesides,Icouldnevershootorusethosethrowingknivesthewayyoudo.”

Evenwhiletheyhadbeenontheroad,GilanhadinsistedthatWillpracticehisRangerskillsasoftenaswaspractical.Horacehadbeenimpressed,tosaytheleast,whenhehadseenhowadept the smaller boyhadbecome.Several times, hehad shudderedwhenhethoughtwhatmighthappenifhehadtofaceanarchersuchasWill.Hisaccuracywiththebowwasuncanny,asfarasHoracewasconcerned.HeknewthatWillcouldplacearrowsinto every gap in his armor if he chose. Even into the narrow visor slit of a full-facejoustinghelmet.

Whathedidn’tappreciatewasthatWill’saccuracywasnothingmorethanaverageasfarasRangerstandardswereconcerned.

“Let’stryitagain,”Willsuggestedwearily.Butanothervoiceinterruptedthem.

“Let’snot, littleboys.Let’sputdownournastysharpsticksandstandverystill,shallus?”

Thetwoapprenticeswhirledaroundatthewords.There,atthemouthofthesmallU-shaped gully where they had built their camp, stood two ragged-looking figures. Bothwereheavilybeardedandunkemptandbothweredressedinastrangemixtureofclothing—some of it tattered and threadbare, while some items were new and obviously verycostly.Thetallerofthetwoworearichlybrocadedsatinvest,butitwasthickwithdirt.The other sported a scarlet hatwith a bedraggled feather in it.He also carried an iron-spiked wooden club, holding it in a hand that was swathed in a dirty bandage. Hiscompanionhadalongsword,jaggedandnickedalongtheedges.Heflourisheditnowatthetwoboys.

“Comeonnow,youboys.Sharpsticks’redangeroriusforthelikesofyou,”hesaid,andletgoahoarse,gutturallaugh.

Will’s hand dropped automatically to reach for the saxe knife, encountering nothing.Withasinkingfeeling,herealizedthathisknifebelt,bowandquiverwereallneatlypiledonthefarsideofthefireplace,wherehehadbeensitting.Thetwointruderswouldstophimbefore he could reach them.He cursedhimself for his carelessness.Haltwouldbefurious,hethought.Then,lookingattheswordandclub,herealizedthatHalt’sannoyancemightbetheleastofhisworries.

10THEGIRLWASSMILINGATHIMAGAIN.HALTSENSEDIT.ITwasasifhecouldactuallyfeelthesmileradiatingathim.Heknewifheweretoglancesidewaysather,whereshewasridingjustafewpacesawayfromhim,hewouldseeitoncemore.

Buthecouldn’thelphimself.Helookedandthereitwas.Wide,friendlyandinfectious.Inspiteofhimself,itmadehimwanttosmilebackinreturnandthatwouldneverdo.Halthadn’tspentyearscultivatingagrim,unapproachablemannerjusttohaveitdispelledbythisgirlandhersmile.

Heglaredatherinstead.Alyss’ssmilewidened.

“Why,Halt,”shesaidcheerfully,“whatagrimfacethatistoridealongside.”

TheyhadleftCastleRedmontthepreviousdayfortheshortridetoCobramCastle.Hehad agreed readily when Lady Pauline had asked him to escort Alyss on her firstassignment—inpointoffact,hewouldhaveagreedtomostthingssuggestedbytheheadoftheDiplomaticCorps.Ofcourse,asaDiplomaticCourier,Alyssratedanofficialguardof two mounted men-at-arms, and they rode a few yards to the rear. But Pauline hadsuggestedthatAlyssmightneedadviceorcounselindealingwithSirMontague.Halthadagreedtoprovideitifnecessary.

WhatLadyPaulinehadn’tmentionedwasAlyss’s innatefriendlinessandthefact thatshe was so eminently likable. And cheerful, he thought, and that reminded him ofsomeoneelse.HehadbeenmissingWill’s livelypresenceover thepastweekor so, headmitted. After years of living by himself, attending to the secret and sometimesfrightening business of the kingdom, he had enjoyed the light and laughter that Willbrought to his life. NowWill was far away, on his way to the Celtic court, and Halthimself had sent him there. He realized that the boy’s absence left a void in his life.Reluctantly,hetoldhimselfthathemustbegrowingold—andsentimental.

Nowherewas thisgirl,barelysixteenbutalreadypoisedandsureofherself,chidinghimgently for his blackmood and grim countenance and fixing himwith that damnedsmile.

“Andsuchasilentfaceaswell,”shemusedtoherself.Herealizedthathehadbeenill-manneredandshedidn’tdeservethat.

“Myapologies,LadyAlyss,”hesaidcurtly.Travelingonofficialbusiness,Alysswasentitledtobeaddressedas“LadyAlyss.”Shefrownedathisformality.

“Oh,comenow,Halt.Isthatanywayforfriendstospeaktoeachother?”

Heglancedathernow.Thesmilewasstill lurking thereat thecornersofhermouth.Thefrownwasanartifice.Shewasgentlyteasinghim,herealized,andhedeterminedthathewouldnotgiveherthesatisfactionofrisingtoherbait.

“Are we friends, LadyAlyss?” he said, and she inclined her head thoughtfully. Theaction reminded him of Lady Pauline and he realized howmuch this girlwas like hermentor. He remembered Pauline when she was much younger. It could have been herridingbesidehim,hethought.

“Iwouldhopeso,Halt.Afterall,IamafriendofWill’sandI’mapprenticedtooneofyouroldestfriends,Ibelieve.Doesn’tthisgiveussomekindof…specialrelationship?”

“I amyour escort,Lady,” he replied and his tone left no doubt that the conversationshouldendthere.

Withmost people, thatwould have been the result.Halt could be quite a forbiddingfigurewhenhechose.AndmanypeopleclungtothebeliefthatRangersdabbledinblackmagic, and so, were people who should not be annoyed. Obviously, however, this girlwasn’toneofthosepeople.

“Asyousay,you’remyescort.AndI’mverygratefulthatyouare.Butthat’snottosaythatwecan’tbefriendsaswell.Afterall,it’squitedauntingtobeonmyfirstassignment.”Shepaused,andthensaidquietly,“I’mnotaltogethersurethatI’muptoit,asamatteroffact.”

“Of course you are!” Halt said immediately. “Pauline knows her business. If youweren’t‘uptoit,’asyouputit,shewouldneverhaveentrustedthemissiontoyou.Shethinksveryhighlyofyou,youknow,”headded.

“She’sanamazingwoman,”Alysssaid,andtheadmirationinhervoicewasobvious.“I’velookeduptoherforyears,youknow.She’ssucceededsowellinwhatisgenerallyregardedasaman’sworld.”

Haltnoddedagreement.“Amazingisagoodwordforher.She’scourageous,honestandenormouslyintelligent.Smarterthanmostmentoo.BaronAraldsawthosequalitiesinheryears ago. She was the one who convinced him that women are more suited to thediplomaticrolethanmen.”

“I’veheardpeoplesaythat.Whydoeshethinkthatway?”

Haltshrugged.“Hefeelswomenaremoreinclinedtotalkthingsthrough,whereasmentendtoresorttophysicalmethodsmorequickly.”

“So,forexample,LadyPaulinewouldneverresorttothrowingsomeoneintoamoatiftheywerebeingobjectionable?”shesaid,andHaltglancedupathersharply.Herfacewastotallydeadpan.Paulinehadtrainedherwell,hethought.

“No,”heagreed.“ButIdidn’tsaythatshe’salwaysright.Somepeopledeservetobethrownintomoats.”

Herealizednowthathehadbeenchatteringonwithherforsomeminutes,inspiteofhisdeterminationtomaintainhisusualgrim,tight-lippedmanner.Shehaddrawnhimoutlikeananglerluringafishtothehook,herealized,andhewasn’tsurehowshehaddoneit.Andnowshewassmilingathimagain.Heharrumphednoisilyandturnedawaytoscanthewoodsoneitherside.

This far to the west, there was little danger to be expected. And his horse Abelardwouldalerthimiftherewereanyenemiesorwildbeastslurkinginthebushesnearby.Butscanningtheterraingavehimanopportunitytobreakofftheconversation.

Alysswatchedhimcuriously.ShehadseenhimaroundRedmontforyears,ofcourse.ButwhenLadyPauline had introduced them the day before, she had been surprised to

realize thathewasat leastaheadshorter thanshewas.Alotofmenwere, though.Shewas an exceptionally tall girl and she carried herself erect. But Halt had an amazingreputation—a seven-foot-tall reputation, she mused. He was famous throughout thekingdomandonetendedtothinkofhimasalarger-than-lifecharacter.Seenclose-up,hewassurprisinglysmallinstature.LikeWill,shethought,andthatsethertowondering.

“WhatqualitiesdoesaRangerneed,Halt?”sheasked.

Heglancedbackather.Oncebitten, twiceshy,he thought.Shewasn’tgoingtodrawhimoutintoanextendedconversationagain.

“Apropensityforsilenceisagoodone,”hesaid,andshesmiled,genuinelyamusedatsomething.

“Somehow I can’t see Will managing that,” she said. She and Will had grown uptogether as orphans in the CastleWard.Hewas probably her oldest friend. In spite ofhimself,Halt’slipstwitchedinwhatwasalmostasmile.

“No.He does tend to chatter, doesn’t he?” he agreed.Then, realizing that shemightthinkhewascriticizingtheboy,hecontinuedquickly,“Butthat’spartofbeingaRangeraswell.He’salwaysaskingquestions.He’salwayscurious,alwaysreadytolearnmore.AgoodRangerneedsthat.Eventually,he’lllearntocurbhistonguealittle.”

“Notentirely,Ihope,”saidAlyss.“Ican’timagineWillbecominggrimandforbiddingand taciturn, like”—she hesitated and amended what she was about to say—“somepeople.”

Haltraisedoneeyebrowather.“Somepeople?”herepeated,andsheshrugged.

“Nobodyparticularinmind,”shesaid.Then,changingtack,shesaid,“He’sverybrave,isn’the?Imean,youmustbeproudofwhathe’sdone.”

Haltnodded.“Hehastruecourage,”hesaid.“Hecanfeelfear,hecanbeafraid.Butitdoesn’t stop him from doing what he has to. Mindless courage isn’t any sort of realcourageatall.”

“You’vetrainedhimwell,”Alysssaid,butHaltshookhishead.

“Thetrainingis important.Butthequalitieshavetobetherefromthebeginning.Youcan’tteachcourageandhonesty.There’sabasicopennessandlackofmaliceinWill.”

“Youknow,”shesaidconfidentially,“whenIwasachild,IalwayssaidIwasgoingtomarryhim.”

Inwardly,hesmiledatherwords.WhenIwasachild.Shewasbarelymorethanachildnow,hethought.Thenhechangedhismind.ShewasaCourier.ADiplomaticapprentice.Sheworethebronzelaurelbranchandthatmeantshewasverymuchmorethanachild.

“Youcoulddoalotworse,”hesaidfinally,andsheglancedacrossathim.

“Really?”shesaid.“DoyouthinkdiplomatsandRangersmakeagoodmatch,Halt?”Hertonewasjusttooinnocent,toocasual.Heknewexactlywhatshewasgettingatandthistimehewasn’tgoingtobedrawn.HewasnotgoingtodiscussanyrelationshipthatmightormightnothaveexistedbetweenhimselfandthebeautifulLadyPauline.

Hemethergazeveryevenlyforsomemoments,thensaid,“Ithinkwemightstophereforlunch.Thisisasgoodaplaceasany.”

Alyss’smouthtwitchedwithasmileagain.Butthistimeitwasaslightlyruefulone.

“Youcan’tblameagirlfortrying,”shesaid.

11WILLFELTHORACE’SHANDONHISSHOULDERASTHEBIGGERboybegantopullhimbackfromthetwobandits.

“Backaway,Will,”Horacesaidquietly.

Themanwith theclub laughed.“Yes,Will,youbackaway.YoustayawayfromthatnastylittlebowIseeoverthere.Wedon’tholdnotruckwithbows,dous,Carney?”

Carneygrinnedathiscompanion.“Thatwedon’t,Bart,thatwedon’t.”Helookedbackat the two boys and frowned angrily. “Didn’t we tell you to drop those sticks?” hedemanded, his voice rising in pitch and very, very ugly in tone.Together, the twomenbegantoadvanceacrosstheclearing.

Horace’sgripnowtightenedandhejerkedWilltooneside,sendinghimsprawling.Ashefell,hesawHoraceturntotherocksbehindhimandgrabuphissword.Heflickeditonceandthescabbardsailedclearoftheblade.ThateasyactionaloneshouldhavewarnedBart and Carney that they were facing someone who knew more than a little abouthandlingweapons.Butneitherofthemwasoverlybright.Theysimplysawaboyofaboutsixteen.Abigboy,perhaps,butstillaboy.Achild,really,withagrown-upweaponinhishand.

“Oh,dear,”saidCarney.“Havewegotourdaddy’sswordwithus?”

Horace eyed him, suddenly very calm. “I’ll give you one chance,” he said, “to turnaroundandleavenow.”

BartandCarneyexchangedmockterrifiedlooks.

“Oh,dear,Bart,”saidCarney.“It’souronechance.What’llusdo?”

“Oh,dear,”saidBart.“Let’srunaway.”

Theybegan toadvanceonHoraceandhewatched themcoming.Hehad thepracticestickinhislefthandnowandtheswordinhisright.Hetensed,balancedontheballsofhisfeetastheyadvancedonhim,Carneywiththerusty,ragged-edgedswordsnakinginfrontofhimandBartwiththespikedcudgellaidbackonhisshoulder,readyforuse.

Willscrambled tohis feetandbegan tomove towardhisweapons.Seeing theaction,Carneymovedtocuthimoff.Hehadn’tgoneapacewhenHoraceattacked.

HedartedforwardandhisswordflashedinanoverheadcutatCarney.Startledbythesheer speedof the apprenticewarrior’smove,Carneybarelyhad time to bringhis ownbladeupinaclumsyparry.Thrownoffbalanceandtotallyunpreparedforthesurprisingforceandauthoritybehindthestroke,hestumbledbackwardandsprawledinthedust.

Inthesameinstant,Bart,seeinghiscompanionintrouble,steppedforwardandswungtheheavyclubinaviciousarcatHorace’sunprotectedleftside.HisexpectationwasforHorace to try to leap back to avoid the blow. Instead, the apprentice warrior steppedforward.The practice stick in his left hand flicked up and outward, catching the heavycudgelinitsdownwardarcanddeflectingitawayfromitsintendedline.Theclub’sspikedheadthuddeddullyintothestonygroundandBartletgoadeep“whoof”ofsurprise,theimpactjarringhisarmfromshouldertowrist.

ButHoracewasn’tfinishedyet.Hecontinuedtheforwardlunge,andnowheandBartstood shoulder to shoulder. It was too close for Horace to use the blade of his sword.Instead,heswunghisrightfist,hammeringtheheavybrasspommelofhisswordhiltintothesideofBart’shead.

Thebandit’seyesglazedandhecollapsed tohisknees, semiconscious,headswayingslowlyfromsidetoside.

Carney,backpedalingfuriouslythroughthesand,hadregainedhisfeet.NowhestoodwatchingHorace,puzzledandangry,unabletograspthefactthatheandhiscompanionhadbeenbestedbyamereboy.Luck,hethought.Sheerdumbluck!

Hislipsformedintoasnarlandhegrippedtheswordtightly,advancingoncemoreonthe boy, mouthing threats and curses as he went. Horace stood his ground, waiting.Something in theboy’scalmgazemadeCarneyhesitate.He shouldhavegonewithhisfirst instincts andgiven the fight away then and there.But anger overcamehimandhestartedforwardagain.

Bynow,hewaspayingnoattentiontoWill.TheRanger’sapprenticedartedaroundthecampsite, grabbing his bow and quiver and hastily stepping his right foot through therecurvetobracethebowagainsthisleftwhileheslidthestringupintoitsnotch.

Quickly,heselectedanarrowandnockedit to thestring.Hewasabout todrawbackwhenacalmvoicebehindhimsaid:

“Don’tshoothim.I’dratherliketoseethis.”

Startled,heturnedtofindGilanbehindhim,almostinvisibleinthefoldsofhisRangercloak,leaningnonchalantlyonhislongbow.

“Gilan!”hebegan,buttheRangermadeasignforsilence.

“Justlethimgo,”hesaidsoftly.“He’llbefineaslongaswedon’tdistracthim.”

“But,”Willbegandesperately,lookingtowherehisfriendwasfacingafull-grown,veryangryman.Sensinghisconcern,Gilanhurriedtoreassurehim.

“Horacewillhandlehim,”hesaid.“Hereallyisverygood,youknow.Anatural,ifeverI saw one. That bitwith the practice stick and the hilt strikewas sheer poetry. Lovelyimprovisation!”

Shaking his head in wonder, Will turned back to the fight. Now Carney attacked,hackingandlungingandcuttingwithablindfuryandterrifyingpower.Horacegraduallygavewaybeforehim,hisownswordmovinginsmall,semicircularactionsthatblockedeverycutandhackandthrustandjarredCarney’swristandelbowwiththestrengthandimpenetrability of his defense. All the while, Gilan was whispering an approvingcommentarybesideWill.

“Goodboy!”hesaid.“Seehowhe’s letting theother fellowstartproceedings?Giveshimanideaofhowskillfulhemightbe.Orotherwise.MyGod,Horacehasthetimingofthatdefensiveswingjustaboutperfect!Lookatthat!Andthat!Terrific!”

NowHoracehadapparentlydecidednottobackawayanyfarther.ContinuingtoparryCarney’severystrokewithobviousease,hestoodhisground,lettingthebanditexpendhis

strengthliketheseabreakingonarock.Andashestood,Carney’sstrokesbecameslowerandmore ragged.His armwas beginning to achewith the effort ofwielding the long,heavysword.Hewasreallymoreaccustomedtousingaknifetothebackofmostofhisopponents and he hadn’t looked for this engagement to go past one or two crushing,hacking strokes to break down the boy’s guard before killing him. But his mostdevastatingblowshadbeenflickedasidewithapparentcontempt.

Heswungagain, losinghisbalance in the follow-through.Horace’sbladecaughthis,spun it in a circle, holding it with his own, then let it rasp down its length until theircrosspieceslocked.

They stood there, eye to eye, Carney’s chest heaving, Horace absolutely calm andtotallyincontrol.ThefirstwormoffearappearedinCarney’sstomachasherealizedthat,boyornot,hewashopelesslyoutmatchedinthiscontest.

Andatthatpoint,Horacewentontheattack.

He drove his shoulder into Carney’s chest, unlocking their blades and sending thebanditstaggeringback.Then,calmly,Horaceadvanced,swinginghisswordinconfusing,terrifying combinations. Side, overhead, thrust. Side, side, backhand, overhead. Thrust.Thrust.Thrust.Forehand.Backhand.OnecombinationflowedsmoothlyintothenextandCarney scrambled desperately, trying to bring his own blade between himself and theimplacableswordthatseemedtohavealifeandaninexhaustibleenergyall itsown.Hefelthiswristandarmtiring,whileHorace’sstrokesgrewstrongerandfirmeruntilfinally,withadullandfinalclang,Horacesimplybeattheswordfromhisnumbedgrasp.

Carney sank to his knees, sweat pouring off him and running into his eyes, chestheavingwithexertion,waitingforthefinalstrokethatwouldenditall.

“Don’tkillhim,Horace!”calledGilan.“I’dliketoaskhimsomequestions.”

Horace looked up, surprised to see the tall Ranger standing there. He shrugged. Hewasn’t really the type to kill an opponent in cold blood anyway. He flicked Carney’sswordtooneside,wayoutofreach.Then,settingonebootagainstthedefeatedbandit’sshoulder,heshovedhimoverinthedustonhisside.

Carneylaythere,sobbing,unabletomove.Terrified.Worn-out.Physicallyandmentallydefeated.

“Where did you come from?”Horace askedGilan indignantly. “Andwhydidn’t yougivemeahand?”

Gilangrinnedathim.“Youdidn’tseemtoneedone,fromwhatIcouldsee,”hereplied.Then he gestured behind Horace to where Bart was slowly rising from his kneelingposition,shakinghisheadastheeffectofthehiltstrikebegantowearoff.

“I think your other friend needs a little attention,” he suggested. Horace turned andcasuallyraisedhissword,swingingittoclang,flat-bladed,againstBart’sskull.

AnothersmallmoanandBartwentfacedowninthesand.

“Ireallythinkyoumighthavesaidsomething,”Horacesaid.

“Iwouldhaveifyouwereintrouble,”Gilansaid.Thenhemovedacrosstheclearingto

stand over Carney. He seized the bandit by the arm and dragged him upright, frog-marchinghimacrosstheclearingtothrowhim,nonetoogently,againsttherockfaceatthe far side. As Carney began to sag forward, therewas a hiss of steel on leather andGilan’ssaxeknifeappearedathisthroat,keepinghimupright.

“Itseemsthesetwocaughtyounapping?”GilanaskedWill.

The boy nodded, shamefaced. Then, as the full import of the comment sank in, heasked:“Justhowlonghaveyoubeenhere?”

“Sincetheyarrived,”Gilansaid.“Ihadn’tgonefarwhenIsawthemskulkingthroughtherocks.SoIleftBlazeanddoubledbackhere,trailingthem.Obviouslytheywereuptonogood.”

“Whydidn’tyousaysomethingthen?”Willaskedincredulously.

For amoment,Gilan’s eyes hardened. “Because you two needed a lesson.You’re indangerousterritory,thepopulationseemstohavemysteriouslydisappearedandyoustandaroundpracticingswordcraftforalltheworldtoseeandhear.”

“But,”Willstammered,“Ithoughtweweresupposedtopractice?”

“Notwhenthere’snooneelsetokeepaneyeonthings,”Gilanpointedoutreasonably.“Once you start practicing like that, your attention is completely distracted. These twomadeenoughnoisetoalertadeafoldgranny.Tugevengaveyouawarningcalltwiceandyoumissedit.”

Willwastotallycrestfallen.“Idid?”hesaid,andGilannodded.Foramoment,hisgazeheldWill’s,untilhewassurethelessonhadbeendrivenhomeandthepointtaken.Thenhe nodded slightly, signifying that the matter was closed. Will nodded in return. Itwouldn’thappenagain.

“Now,” said Gilan, “let’s find out what these two beauties know about the price ofcoal.”

HeturnedbacktoCarney,whowasnowgoingquitecross-eyedashetriedtowatchthegleamingsaxeknifepressedagainsthisthroat.

“HowlonghaveyoubeeninCeltica?”Gilanaskedhim.Carneylookedupathim,thenbacktotheheavyknife.

“Tuh-tuh-tuh-tenorelevendays,mylord,”hestammeredeventually.

Gilanmadeapainedface.“Don’tcallme‘mylord,’”hesaid,addingasanasidetothetwo boys, “These people always try to flatter youwhen they realize they’re in trouble.Now…”HereturnedhisgazetoCarney.“Whatbroughtyouhere?”

Carney hesitated, his eyes sliding away fromGilan’s direct gaze so that the Rangerknewhewasgoingtolieevenbeforethebanditspoke.

“Just…wanted to see the sights, my…sir,” he amended, remembering at the lastmomentGilan’s instructionnot tocallhim“my lord.”Gilan sighedand shookhisheadwithexasperation.

“Look, I’d just as soon lopyourheadoffhereandnow. I reallydoubt thatyouhave

anything useful to tell me. But I’ll give you one last chance. Now let’s have THETRUTH!”

Heshoutedthelasttwowordsangrily,hisfacesuddenlyonlyafewinchesawayfromCarney’s.Thesuddentransitionfromthelanguid,jokingmannerhehadbeenusingcameasashocktothebandit.Justforafewseconds,Gilanlethisgood-naturedshieldslipandCarneysawthroughtothewhite-hotangerthatwasjustbelowthesurface.Inthatinstant,hewasafraid.Likemostpeople,hewasnervousofRangers.Rangerswerenotpeopletomakeangry.Andthisoneseemedtobevery,veryangry.

“Weheardthereweregoodpickingsdownhere!”heansweredimmediately.

“Good pickings?” Gilan asked, and Carney nodded dutifully, the floodgates ofconversationnowwellandtrulyopen.

“Allthetownsandcitiesdeserted.Nobodytheretoguardthem,andalltheirvaluablesleft lying around for us’n to take as we chose. We didn’t harm nobody though,” heconcluded,alittledefensively.

“Oh, no. You didn’t harm them. You just crept in while they were gone and stoleeverythingof value that theyowned,”Gilan toldhim. “I should think they’dbe almostgratefulforyourcontribution!”

“ItwasBart’sidea,notmine,”Carneytried,andGilanshookhisheadsadly.

“Gilan?”Willsaidtentatively,andtheRangerturnedtolookathim.“Howwouldtheyhaveheardthatthetownsweredeserted?Wedidn’thearathing.”

“Thieves’ grapevine,” Gilan told the two boys. “It’s like the way vultures gatherwheneverananimal is in trouble.The intelligencenetworkbetweenthievesandrobbersandbrigandsisincrediblyfast.Onceaplaceisintrouble,wordspreadslikewildfireandthey come down on it in their scores. I should imagine there are plentymore of themthroughthesehills.”

HeturnedbacktoCarneyashesaidit,proddingthesaxeknifealittledeeperintothefleshofhisneck,justholdingitbacksothatitdidn’tdrawblood.

“Aren’tthere?”heasked.Carneywenttonod,realizedwhatmighthappenifhisneckmoved,gulpedinsteadandwhispered:

“Yes,sir.”

“AndIshouldimagineyou’vegotacavesomewhere,oradesertedminetunnel,whereyou’vestowedthelootyou’vestolensofar?”

HeeasedthepressureontheknifeandthistimeCarneywasabletomanageanod.Hisfingers fluttered toward the belt pouch that he wore at his waist, then stopped as herealized what he was doing. But Gilan had caught the gesture.With his free hand, herippedopenthepouchandfumbledinsideit,finallywithdrawingagrubbysheetofpaper,foldedinquarters.HepassedittoWill.

“Takealook,”hesaidbriefly,andWillunfoldedthepaper,revealingaclumsilydrawnmapwithreferencepoints,directionsanddistancesallindicated.

“They’ve buried their loot, by the look of this,” he said, andGilan nodded, smiling

thinly.

“Good. Then without their map, they won’t be able to find it again,” he said, andCarney’seyesshotwideopeninprotest.

“Butthat’sours…”hebegan,stoppingashesawthedangerousglintinGilan’seyes.

“Itwasstolen,”theRangersaid,inaverylowvoice.“Youcreptinlikejackalsandstoleit from people who are obviously in deep trouble. It’s not yours. It’s theirs. Or theirfamily’s,ifthey’restillalive.”

“They’restillalive,”saidanewvoicefrombehindthem.“They’verunfromMorgarath—thosehehasn’talreadycaptured.”

12SIRMONTAGUEKEPTALYSSWAITINGFOROVERANHOURBEFOREdeigningtoreceiveher.

Halt andAlysswaited in the anteroom toMontague’s office.Halt stood to one side,leaningimpassivelyonhis longbow.Montaguewasanoaf,he thought.AsaCourieronofficialbusinessAlyss shouldhavebeengreetedwithoutdelay.Obviouslyawareofheryouth, the Master of Cobram Keep was attempting to assert his own importance bytreatingherasaneverydaymessenger.

Hewatchedthegirlapprovinglyasshesat,straight-backedanderect,inoneofthehardchairs intheanteroom.Sheappearedcalmandunflusteredinspiteof theinsultshewasbeingoffered.Shehadchangedfromherridingclotheswhentheywereafewkilometersfrom the castle and she was now dressed in the simple but elegant white gown of aCourier.Thebronzelaurelbranchpin, thesymbolofherauthority,fastenedashortbluecapeatherrightshoulder.

Forhispart,HalthadlefthisdistinctivemottledRanger’scloakfoldedonthepommelof Abelard’s saddle. His longbow and quiver, however, he retained. He never wentanywherewithoutthem.

Alyss glanced up at him and he nodded, almost imperceptibly, to her.Don’t let himmake you angry. She returned the nod, acknowledging themessage. Her hands, whichwereclenchedintofistsonherknees,slowlyrelaxedasshetookseveraldeepbreaths.

Thisgirlisverygood,Haltthought.

Montague’ssecretaryhadobviouslybeenwellbriefedbyhismaster.AfterperemptorilywavingAlysstoachairandleavingHalttostand,hehadbusiedhimselfwithpaperworkand resolutely ignored them—rising several times to take items in to the inner office.Finally, at the sound of a small bell tinkling from beyond the door, he looked up andgesturedtowardtheoffice.

“Youcangoinnow,”hesaiddisinterestedly.Alyssfrownedslightly.ProtocoldictatedthataCouriershouldbeproperlyannounced,but themanobviouslyhadnointentionofdoing so. She rose gracefully andmoved toward the door,Halt following.That got thesecretary’sattention.

“You can wait here, forester,” he said rudely. Without the cloak, there was little todistinguishHalt fromayeoman.Hewasdressed in simplebrown leggings, soft leatherboots and a green surcoat. The double knife scabbard had apparently escaped thesecretary’snotice.Orperhapshedidn’trealizeitssignificance.

“He’swithme,”Alysssaid.Theunmistakabletoneofauthorityinhervoicestoppedthemancold.Hehesitated,thenrosefrombehindthedeskandmovedtowardHalt.

“Very well. But you’d better leave that bow with me,” he said, without quite thecertaintythathehaddisplayedearlier.Heheldouthishandforthebow,thenmetHalt’seyes.Hesawsomethingverydangerousthereandheactuallyflinched.

“All right,all right.Keep it ifyoumust,”hemuttered.Hebackedaway,more thanalittle flustered, retreating behind the secure bulk of his desk. Halt opened the door for

Alyss,thenfollowedherassheenteredtheoffice.

MontagueofCobramwasseatedata largeoakentable thatservedasadesk.Hewasstudyingaletteranddidn’tlookupfromitasAlyssapproached.Haltwaswillingtobetthattheletterwasaboutsomethingtotallyunimportant.Themanwasplayingsillymindgames,hethought.

ButAlysswasup to thechallenge.Shestepped forwardandproducedaheavyscrollfrom her sleeve, slapping it briskly down on the table beforeMontague. He started insurprise,lookingup.Halthidasmile.

“AlyssMainwaring,SirMontague,CourierfromRedmontCastle.Mycredentials.”

Montaguewasn’tjustanoaf,Haltthought.Hewasafopaswell.Hissatindoubletwasformed in alternating quarters of scarlet and gold. His reddish blond hair was left inoverlong curls, framing a somewhat chubby facewith slightly bulging blue eyes and apetulantmouth.Hewasofaverageheight,butofsomewhatmore thanaverageweight.Hewouldbepassablyhandsome,Haltsupposed,ifhecouldshedafewkilosinweight,but themanobviously liked to indulgehimself.He recoverednowfromhismomentarysurpriseandleanedbackinhischair,adoptingalanguid,slightlydisapprovingtone.

“Goodheavens,girl,youcan’tcomeinherethrowingyourcredentialsonthedesklikethat!Don’ttheyteachgoodmannersatRedmontCastlethesedays?”

Helookeddistastefullyatthescrollandshovedittooneside.

“Theyteachprotocol,SirMontague,”Alyssreplied,veryevenly.“Anditrequiresthatyouexamineandacknowledgemycredentialsbeforeweproceed.”

“Yes,yes,yes,”Montaguesaid,wavingadismissivehandatthescroll.“Takeitasread.Takeitasread.Now,girl,whatbringsyouhere?”

Haltinterjectedquietly,“Thecorrectformofaddress,SirMontague,is‘LadyAlyss.’”

MontaguelookedatHaltingenuinesurprise,asifheconsideredhimsomelowerformoflifewholackedtheabilityofspeech.

“Isthatso,forester?”hesaid.“Andwhatmightyournamebe?”

Alysswenttospeak,butawarningglancefromHaltstoppedher.Hereplied,stillinthesamequiet tone: “Somepeople callmeArratay,SirMontague. It’sGallican,”he addedmildly.

Montagueraisedhiseyebrowsinmocksurprise.“Gallican,yousay?Howexotic!Well,MasterArratay,perhapsyoucouldleavethetalkingtomeandyoungAlysshere,wouldthatsuityou?”

HaltshruggedandMontaguetookthemovementforassent.

“Wonderful.” Then, dismissing Halt, he turned his attention back to Alyss. “So,sweetheart,whatdoyouhaveforme?Aletterperhaps?Someself-importantnotefromFatBaronArald,I’llbebound?”

Therewere two small spots of color inAlyss’s cheeks, the only outward sign of theanger that was building up inside her at the man’s offhanded manner. She produced

Nigel’sheavylinenenvelopefromthesatchelsheworeathersideandoffereditacrossthedesk.

“Ihaveanofficial legalposition,preparedunderBaronArald’sseal.Herequests thatyoustudyit.”

Montaguemadenomovetotaketheletter.

“Setitdown.I’lllookatitwhenIhavetime.”

“TheBaronrequeststhatyoulookatitnow,sir.Andgivemeyouranswer.”

Montague rolled his eyes to heaven and took the envelope. “Oh, verywell, if itwillmakeyouhappy.”Hesliced theenvelopeand tookout thesheetofparchment inside it,skimming through it, muttering to himself, “Yes…yes…seen it…heard it before…nonsense…rubbish…nonsense.”

Hesetthepagedownandpusheditawayfromhim,shakinghisheadwearily.

“When will you people learn? You can send me all the letters you like. The factremains,Cobramisanindependenthold,owingnoallegiancetoRedmontFief.Thetreatymakesthatveryclear.”

“I’m instructed to drawyour attention to ItemsThree andFive in the letter, sir.Andparagraphnineaswell.Theymakeitquiteclearthatthewordingofthetreatyisfaultyandyourclaimtoindependenceistotallyspurious,”Alyssreplied.Andnow,forthefirsttime,Montagueshedtheairofworld-wearinessthathe’dassumed.Hestoodangrily.

“Spurious!”heshouted.“Spurious?Whothedevilareyou,alittlegirlinagrown-up’sdress,tocomeinhereinsultingmeandsayingmyclaimisspurious?Howdareyou?”

Alyssstoodherground,unmovedbyhissuddenanger.

“Irepeat,sir,youarerequestedtoreadthoseitems,”shesaidquietly.Instead,Montaguethrewtheletterdownonthedeskbetweenthem.

“AndIrefuse!”heshouted.Thenhiseyesnarrowed.“Iknowwho’sbehindthis.Iseethehandofthatsour-facedshrewLadyPaulinehere!”

NowAlyss’sownangerflared.“YouwillspeakrespectfullyofLadyPauline,sir!”shewarnedhim.ButMontaguewastooangrytostop.

“I’llspeakofher,allright!I’lltellyouthis.She’sawomanmeddlinginaman’sworld,whereshehasnoplace.Sheshouldhavefoundahusbandyearsagoandraisedabroodofsqualling babies. Surely there’s a deaf and half-blindman somewherewhowould havetakenher.”

“Sir!”saidAlyss,herownvoicerising.“Youaregoingtoofar!”

“Isthatright,sweetheart?”Montaguerepliedsarcastically.“Well,letmegiveyousomeadvice. Get away from that shrill, pinch-faced witch while you still have time. Find ahusbandandlearntocook.That’sallwomenaregoodfor,girl.Cookingandraisingthebabies!”

Halt stepped forward before Alyss could reply. “The correct form of address,” herepeatedquietly,“isnot‘girl’or‘sweetheart.’Itis‘LadyAlyss.’Youwillshowrespectfor

thelaurelbranchthatthisCourierwears.AndyouwillshowrespectforLadyPaulineaswell.”

Foramoment,Montaguewastoostartledtoreply.Firstagirl,nowacommonforesterhadtoldhimhowtobehave!

“Oh,isthatso?”heraged.“I’llshowyourespect!”Hepickeduptheletterandtoreitinhalf.ThenhedidthesametothescrollbearingAlyss’scredentials.“There’smyrespect!Nowgetout!”

Verycarefully,Haltsethislongbowtooneside,leaningitagainstachair.Alyssraisedawarninghand.

“Halt,don’tgetintotroubleonmybehalf,”shesaid.ButHaltlookedatherandshookhishead.

“LadyAlyss,this…fop…hasinsultedyou,yourBaron,yourmentorandtheDiplomaticCorpsasawhole.Hehasshownabsolutedisregardforthelaurelbranchyouwear.Andbydestroyingyourcredentials,hehascommittedacrimethatwarrantsajailterm.”

Alyssconsideredhiswordsforasecondortwo.Thenshenodded.Montaguehadbeenmorethanrudetoher.Hisbehaviorwastotallybeyondacceptance.

“You’reright,”shesaid.“Carryon.”

ButMontaguehadheardnothingaftertheword“Halt.”TheentirekingdomknewthelegendaryRanger’sreputationandtheKeeperofCobrampalednowandsteppedbackasthegrim-facedfigurecametowardhim.

“But…yousaid…yousaidyournamewas…”Hestruggledtorememberit.Haltsmiledathim.Itwasthesmileofawolf.

“Arratay?Yes,well,morecorrectly,Arretez.It’sGallicanfor‘Halt.’Mypronunciationhasneverbeengood.”

His hand shot forward and locked in the scarlet-and-gold collar of the other man’sdoublet. The satin tore momentarily, then Halt gained a firmer grip and dragged thestrugglingknightacrossthetabletowardhim.

MontaguewastallerandheavierthanHalt.ButHalt’shands,arms,shouldersandbackwereconditionedbyyearsofdrawingthemassivelongbow,withitspullweightofsixtykilos.Thethousandsofarrowshehadshot,overandoveragain,hadturnedhismusclesintosteelcord.Montaguewasdraggedoffhisfeet,hoistedacrosshisowndesk.

“The question is,” saidHalt, glancing atAlyss, “what shouldwe dowith him?”Shehesitated,thenthatwonderfulsmilespreadoverherface.

“Iwonder,”shesaid.“Doesthiscastlehaveamoat?”

Agroupofservantswerebusyemptyingtheprivybucketsintothemoatwhentheywerestartledbyasuddendrawn-outcry.Theylookedupintimetoseeascarlet-and-gold-cladfigure sail out of a first-storywindow, turn over once and then landwith an enormoussplashinthedark,rancidwaters.Theyshruggedandwentbacktowork.

“I suppose I’ll be in trouble again now,” Halt said as they were riding home. Alyssglancedathim.Hedidn’tlookveryrepentant.

“Idoubtit,”shesaid.“Oncepeoplehearmyreport,Ishouldthinkthey’llsayMontaguegot off lightly. After all, phrases like ‘Fat Baron Arald’ and ‘sour-faced shrew’ won’texactlyendearhimtoBaronAraldorLadyPauline.Andhedidsignanacceptanceoftheletterintheend.Astheofficialcourieronthismission,Ithankyouforyourservice.”

Hebowedslightly from the saddle. “It’sbeenapleasureworkingwithyou,”he said,andtheyrodeincompanionablesilenceforawhile.

“I supposeyou’ll be leavingwith the army soon?” she said after a fewminutes, andwhenHalt nodded, she continued: “I’llmiss you.Howwill I ever carry out diplomaticmissionswithoutsomeonetothrowunpleasantnoblesoutthewindow?”

“I’llmiss you too.”Halt smiled.Andhe realized that hemeant it.He enjoyedbeingaround young people—enjoyed their energy, their freshness, their idealism. “You’re agoodinfluenceonajaded,old,bad-temperedRanger.”

“You’llsoonhaveWillbacktokeepyoubusy,”shesaid.“Youreallymisshim,don’tyou?”

TheRangernodded.“MorethanIrealized,”hesaid.Alyssurgedherhorseclosebesidehisandleanedovertokisshimonthecheek.

“That’sforWillwhenyouseehim.”AghostofasmiletouchedHalt’sface.

“You’ll understand if I don’t pass it on inperson?”he said.Alyss smiled and leanedovertokisshimagain.

“Andthat’sforyou,youjaded,bad-temperedoldRanger.”

A little surprised by her own impulsiveness, she urged her horse ahead of him.Halttouchedonehandtohischeekandlookedaftertheslimblondfigure.

IfIweretwentyyearsyounger…hebegan.

Thenhesighedandhadtobehonestwithhimself.Makethatthirtyyears,hethought.

13IFSHEHADN’TSPOKEN,THEYWOULDHAVETAKENHERFORAboy.Itwasthesoftvoicethatgaveheraway.Shestoodattheedgeofthecampsite,aslenderfigurewithblondhaircutshort—toaboy’slength—dressedinaraggedtunic,breechesandsoftleatherboots,bounduptotheknee.Astainedandtornsheepskinvestseemedtobeheronlyprotectionagainstthecoldmountainnights,forsheworenocloakandcarriednoblankets.Justasmallbandannatiedintoabundle,which,presumably,containedallherbelongings.

“Wherethedevildidyouspringfrom?”Gilanasked,turningtofaceher.HesheathedhissaxeknifeashedidsoandallowedCarneytofallgratefullytohisknees,exhausted.

The girl,whoWill could now seewas aroundhis own age and, underneath a liberalcoatingofdirt,remarkablypretty,gesturedvaguely.

“Oh…”Shepauseduncertainly,tryingtogatherherthoughts,andWillrealizedshewasclosetothepointofexhaustion.“I’vebeenhidingoutinthehillsforseveralweeksnow,”shesaidfinally.Willhadtoadmitshelookedasifshehadbeen.

“Doyouhaveaname?”askedGilan,notunkindly.Hetoocouldseethegirlwasworn-out.

Shehesitated.Sheappeareduncertainastowhethertogivethemhernameornot.

“EvanlynWheeler,fromGreenfieldFief,”shesaid.GreenfieldwasasmallcoastalfiefinAraluen.“Wewereherevisitingfriends…”ShestoppedandlookedawayfromGilan.Sheseemedtobethinkingforasecond,beforesheamendedthestatement.“Rather,mymistresswasvisitingfriends,whentheWargalsattacked.”

“Wargals!”Willsaid,thewordjerkedfromhim,andsheturnedalevelpairofbrilliantgreeneyesuponhim.Ashelookedintothem,herealizedshewasmorethanpretty.Much,much more. She was beautiful. The strawberry blond hair and green eyes werecomplemented by a small, straight nose and a fullmouth thatWill thoughtwould lookquitedelightfulifsheweresmiling.Butrightnow,asmilewasalongwayfromthegirl’sthoughts.Shegaveasadlittleliftofhershouldersassheansweredhim.

“Wheredidyou thinkall thepeoplehavegone?”sheaskedhim.“Wargalshavebeenattacking towns and villages throughout this part of Celtica for weeks now. The Celtscouldn’tstandagainstthem.Theyweredrivenoutoftheirhomes.Mostofthemescapedto theSouthwest Peninsula.But somewere captured. I don’t knowwhat’s happened tothem.”

Gilanandthetwoboysexchangedlooks.Deepdown,they’dallbeenexpectingtohearsomethingofthekind.Nowitwasoutintheopen.

“I thought I saw Morgarath’s hand behind all this,” Gilan said softly, and the girlnodded, tears forming in her eyes. One of them slid down her cheek, tracking its waythrough thegrime there.Sheput ahand toher eyes, andher shouldersbegan to shake.Quickly,Gilansteppedforwardandcaughtherjustbeforeshefell.Heloweredhergentlytotheground,leaningheragainstoneoftherocksthattheboyshadpositionedaroundthefireplace.Hisvoicewasgentleandcompassionatenow.

“It’s all right,” he said to her. “You’re safe now. Just rest here and we’ll get yousomethinghottoeatanddrink.”HeglancedquicklyatHorace.“Getafiregoing,please,Horace.Justasmallone.We’refairlyshelteredhereandIthinkwecanriskit.AndWill,”headded,raisinghisvoicesothatitcarriedclearly,“ifthatbanditmakesanothermovetogetaway,wouldyoumindshootinghimthroughtheleg?”

Carney,whohad taken theopportunitycreatedbyEvanlyn’ssurprisingappearance tobegincrawlingquietlyawaytowardthesurroundingrocks,nowfrozewherehewas.Gilanthrewanangryglareathim,thenrevisedhisorders.

“Onsecondthoughts,youdothefire,Will.Horace,tiethosetwoup.”

Thetwoboysmovedquicklytothetaskshehadsetthem.Satisfiedthateverythingwasin hand, Gilan now removed his own cloak and wrapped it around the girl. She hadcoveredherfacewithbothhandsandhershoulderswerestillshaking,althoughshemadenonoise.Heputhisarmsaroundherandmurmuredgently,reassuringheroncemorethatshewassafe.

Gradually,hersilent,rackingsobsdiminishedandherbreathingbecamemoreregular.Will,engagedinheatingapotofwaterforahotdrink,lookedatherinsomesurpriseasherealizedthatshe’dfallenasleep.Gilanmotionedforsilenceandsaidquietly:

“She’sobviouslybeenunderagreatstrain.It’sbesttolethersleep.YoumightprepareoneofthoseexcellentstewsthatHalttaughtyoutomake.”

Inhispack,Willcarriedaselectionofdriedingredientsthat,whenblendedtogetherinboilingwaterandsimmered,resultedindeliciousstews.Theycouldbeaugmentedbyanyfreshmeat and vegetables that the travelers picked up along theway, but evenwithoutthem,theymadeafartastiermealthanthecoldrationsthethreehadbeeneatingthatday.

Hesetalargebowlofwateroverthefireandsoonhadadeliciousbeefstewsimmeringand filling the cold evening air with its scent. At the same time, he produced theirdwindlingsupplyofcoffeeandset theenamelpotfullofwaterinthehotemberstothesideofthemainfire.Asthewaterbubbledandhissedtoboiling,heliftedthelidofthepotwithaforkedstickandtossedinahandfulofgrounds.Soonthearomaticscentoffreshcoffeemingledwiththestewandtheirmouthsbegantowater.Aroundthesametime,thesavory smells must have penetrated Evanlyn’s consciousness. Her nose twitcheddelicately, then those startling green eyes flicked open. For a second or two, therewasalarminthemasshetriedtorememberwhereshewas.ThenshecaughtsightofGilan’sreassuringfaceandsherelaxedalittle.

“Somethingsmellsawfullygood,”shesaidandhegrinnedather.

“Perhapsyoucouldtryabowlfulandthentelluswhat’sbeengoingonintheseparts.”HemadeasigntoWilltoheapanenamelbowlfullofthestew.ItwasWill’sownbowl,astheydidn’thaveanyspareeatingutensils.Hisstomachgrowledasherealizedhe’dhavetowaituntilEvanlynhad finishedeatingbeforehecould.HoraceandGilan,of course,simplyhelpedthemselves.

Evanlyn began wolfing down the savory stew with an enthusiasm that showed shehadn’teaten indays.GilanandHoracealsoset toquitehappily.AwhiningvoicecamefromthefarrockwallwhereHoracehadtiedthetwobandits,sittingthembacktoback.

“Can we have something to eat, sir?” asked Carney. Gilan barely paused betweenmouthfulsandthrewadisdainfulglanceatthem.

“Ofcoursenot,”hesaid,andwentbacktoenjoyinghisdinner.

Evanlyn seemed to realize that, aside from the bandits, onlyWillwasn’t eating. Sheglanceddownattheplateandspoonshewasholding,lookedattheidenticalimplementsbeingusedbyGilanandHorace,andseemedtorealizewhathadhappened.

“Oh,”shesaid,lookingapologeticallyatWill,“wouldyouliketo…?”Sheofferedtheenamelplatetohim.Willwastemptedtoshareitwithher,butrealizedthatshemustbenearly starving. In spite of her offer, he could see that shewas hoping he’d refuse.Hedecided that therewas a difference between being hungry,which hewas, and starving,whichshewas,andshookhishead,smilingather.

“Yougoahead,”hesaid.“I’lleatwhenyou’vefinished.”

Hewasalittledisappointedwhenshedidn’tinsist,butwentbacktowolfingdowngreatspoonfulsofthestew,pausingoccasionallyforadeepdraftofhot,freshlybrewedcoffee.Assheate,itseemedthatalittlecolorreturnedtohercheeks.Shecleanedtheplateandlookedwistfullyatthestewpotstillhangingoverthefire.Willtookthehintandladledoutanotherhealthydollopofstewandshesettoonceagain,hardlypausingtobreathe.Thistime,whentheplatewasempty,shesmiledshylyandhandeditbacktohim.

“Thanks,”shesaidsimply,andheduckedhisheadawkwardly.

“’Sallright,”hemumbled,fillingtheplateagainforhimself.“Isupposeyouwereprettyhungry.”

“Iwas,”sheagreed.“Idon’tthinkI’veeatenproperlyinaweek.”

Gilan hitched himself into a more comfortable position by the small fire they keptburning.“Whynot?”heasked.“Iwouldhavethoughttherewasplentyoffoodleftinthehouses.Youcouldhavetakensomeofthat.”

Sheshookherhead,hereyesshowingthefearthathadgrippedherforthepreviousfewweeks.“Ididn’twanttoriskit,”shesaid.“Ididn’tknowifthere’dbemoreofMorgarath’spatrolsaround,soIdidn’tdaregointoanyofthetowns.Ifoundafewvegetablesandtheoddpieceofcheeseinsomeofthefarmhouses,butpreciouslittleelse.”

“Ithinkit’stimeyoutolduswhatyouknowabouteventshere,”Gilantoldher,andshenoddedagreement.

“NotthatIknowtoomuch.AsIsaid,Iwasherewithmymistress,visiting…friends.”Again,therewasjusttheslightesthesitationinherwords.Gilanfrownedslightly,noticingit.

“Yourmistressisanoblelady,Itakeit?Aknight’swife,orperhapsalord’swife?”

Evanlynnodded. “She isdaughter to…LordandLadyCaramornofGreenfieldFief,”she said quickly. But again there was that fleeting hesitation. Gilan pursed his lipsthoughtfully.

“I’veheardthename,”hesaid.“Can’tsayIknowthem.”

“Anyway,shewasherevisitingaladyofKingSwyddned’scourt—anoldfriend—whenMorgarath’sforceattacked.”

Gilanfrownedoncemore.“Howdidtheyaccomplishthat?”hewantedtoknow.“ThecliffsandtheFissureareimpassable.Youcouldn’tgetanarmydownthecliffs,letaloneacrosstheFissure.”

Thecliffs rose from the far sideof theFissure to form theboundarybetweenCelticaandtheMountainsofRainandNight.Theyweresheergranite,severalhundredmetersinheight. Therewere no passes, noway up or down—certainly not for large numbers oftroops.

“Halt saysnoplace is ever really impassable,”Will put in. “Particularly if youdon’tmindlosinglivesintheattempt.”

“WeranintoasmallpartyofCeltsescapingtothesouth,”thegirlsaid.“Theytoldushow theWargalsmanaged it. They used ropes and scaling ladders and came down thecliffsbynight,insmallnumbers.Theyfoundafewnarrowledges,thenusedthescalingladderstocrosstheFissure.

“Theypickedthemostremotespottheycouldfind,sotheywentundetected.Duringtheday, thosealreadyacross theFissurehidamongtherocksandvalleysuntil theyhadtheentireforceassembled.Theywouldn’thaveneededmany.KingSwyddneddidn’tkeepalargestandingarmy.”

GilanmadeadisapprovingsoundandcaughtWill’seye.

“Heshouldhave.Thetreatyobligedhimto.Butrememberwhatwesaidaboutpeoplegrowingcomplacent?Celtswouldratherdigintheirgroundthandefendit.”Hegesturedforthegirltocontinue.

“The Wargals overran the townships and mines—the mines in particular. For somereason,theywantedtheminersalive.Anyoneelse,theykilled—iftheydidn’tgetawayintime.”

Gilan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Pordellath and Gwyntaleth are both totallydeserted,”hesaid.“Anyideawherethepeoplehavegone?”

“If they’realive, they’vegonesouth,”shetoldhim.“TheWargalsseemtobedrivingthemthatway.”

“Makes sense, I suppose,”Gilan commented. “Keeping thembottled up in the southwouldpreventwordgettingouttoAraluen.”

“That’s what the captain of our escort said,” Evanlyn agreed. “King Swyddned andmostofhissurvivingarmyretreatedtothesouthwestcoasttoformadefensiveline.AnyCeltswhomanagedtogetawayfromtheWargalshavejoinedhimthere.”

“Andwhataboutyou?”Gilanwantedtoknow.

“Weweretryingtoescapebacktotheborderwhenwewerecutoffbyawarparty,”shetoldthem.“OurmenheldthemoffwhilemyladyandIescaped.Wewerealmostclear,butherhorsestumbledandtheycaughther.Iwantedtogobackforher,butshescreamedatmetogetaway.Icouldn’t…Iwantedtohelpherbut…Ijust…”

Tearsbegantocascadedownhercheeksoncemore.Shedidn’tseemtonotice,makingnoattempttowipethemaway,juststaringsilentlyintothefireasthehorrorofitallcamebacktoher.Whenshespokeoncemore,hervoicewasalmostinaudible.

“IgotclearandI turnedbacktowatch.Theywere…theywere…Icouldseethem…”Hervoicediedaway.Gilanreachedforwardandtookherhand.

“Don’tthinkaboutit,”hesaidgentlyandshelookedupathim,gratitudeinhereyes.“Itakeitthatafter…that…yougotawayintothehills?”

She nodded several times, her thoughts still vivid with the terrible scenes she hadwitnessed. Will and Horace sat in silence. Will glanced at his friend and a look ofunderstandingpassedbetweenthem.Evanlynhadbeenluckytoescape.

“I’ve beenhiding ever since,” she said quietly. “Myhorsewent lame about ten daysbackandIturnedhimloose.Sincethen,I’vekeptmovingbacktowardthenorthbynightand hiding by day.” She indicated Bart and Carney, sitting trussed like two captivechickens on the far side of the clearing. “I saw those two a few times, and others likethem.Ididn’tmakemyselfknowntothem.Ididn’tthinkIcouldtrustthem.”

Carneyassumedahurtlook.BartwasstilltoodizzyfromthecrackHoracehadgivenhimwiththeflatofhisswordtobetakinganyinterestintheproceedings.

“ThenIsawyouthreeearliertodayfromacrossavalleyandIrecognizedyouasKing’sRangers—well,twoofyou,anyway,”sheamended.“AllIcouldthinkwas‘ThankGod.’”

Gilanlookedupatheratthat,asmallfrownofconcentrationcreasinghisforehead.Shedidn’tnoticethereactionasshewenton.

“Ittookmemostofthedaytoreachyou.Itwasn’tfarasthecrowflies,buttherewasnowayacrossthevalleythatseparatedus.Ihadtogothelongwayaround.Thendownandupagain.Iwasterrifiedthatyou’dbegonebythetimeIgothere.But luckily,youweren’t,”sheadded,unnecessarily.

Willwasleaningforward,elbowonhiskneeandhandproppedunderhischin,tryingtopiecetogetherallshe’dtoldthem.

“WhywouldMorgarathwantminers?”heaskedofnobody inparticular. “Hedoesn’thavemines,soitdoesn’tmakesense.”

“Maybehe’sfoundsome?”Horacesuggested.“Maybehe’sfoundgoldupthereintheMountainsofRainandNightandheneedsslavestodigitout.”

GilangnawedthoughtfullyatathumbnailasheconsideredwhatHoracehadsaid.“Thatcouldbe,”hesaidatlast.“He’sgoingtoneedgoldtopayofftheSkandians.Maybehe’smininghisown.”

Evanlynhadsatupalittlestraighteratthementionoftheseawolves.

“Skandians?”sheasked.“AretheyinleaguewithMorgarathnow?”

Gilannodded.“They’vegotsomethingcooking,”hetoldher.“Theentirekingdom’sonalert.WewerebringingdispatchestoKingSwyddnedfromDuncan.”

“You’llhavetogosouthwest tofindhim,”Evanlynreplied.Willnoticedthatshehad

started a little at the mention of King Duncan’s name. “But I doubt he’ll leave hisdefensivepositionsthere.”

Gilan was already shaking his head. “I think this is more important than takingdispatchestoSwyddned.Afterall,themainthrustofthemwastotellhimthatMorgarathwasonthemove.Iguessheknowsthatbynow.”

Hestoodup,stretchingandyawning.Itwasalreadyfulldark.

“Isuggestwegetagoodnight’ssleep,”hesaid,“andstartbacknorthinthemorning.I’lltakefirstwatch,soyoucankeepmycloak,Evanlyn.I’lltakeWill’swhenherelievesme.”

“Thankyou,”Evanlynsaidsimply,andall threeof themknewshewas talkingaboutmorethanjusttheuseofthecloak.WillandHoracemovedtodousethefireasGilantookhislongbowandmovedtoarockoutcropthatgavehimagoodviewofthetrackleadingtoandfromtheircampsite.

AsWillwashelpingEvanlynarrangeasleepingspot,heheardCarney’swhiningvoiceoncemore.

“Sir, please, could you loosen these ropes a little for the night? They’re awful tight,like.”

AndheheardGilan’suncaring“Ofcoursenot”asheclimbedupontotherockstotakethefirstwatch.

14THEFOLLOWINGMORNING,OFCOURSE,THEYWEREFACEDwiththeproblemofwhattodowithBartandCarney.Thetwobanditshadspentasupremelyuncomfortablenight,tiedbacktobackandsoforcedtosituprightonthestonyground.Severaltimesduringthenight,Gilanhadloosenedtheirbondsforafewminutestogivetheircrampedmusclesabriefrespite.Heeveneventuallyrelentedandallowedthemasmallamountoftheparty’sfoodandwater.Butitwasstillaveryunpleasantexperienceforthem,madeevenmoresobecausetheyhadnoideawhatheplannedtodowiththeminthemorning.

And,truthbetold,neitherdidGilan.Hehadnowishtotakethemalongasprisoners.Asitwas,theyhadonlyfourhorses,countingthepackhorsethathadbeencarryingtheircampingsuppliesandwouldnowhavetocarryEvanlynaswell.HefeltthatthenewsofMorgarath’spuzzlingforayintoCelticashouldbetakenbacktoKingDuncanassoonaspossible,anddraggingtwoprisonersalongonfootwouldslowthemdownimmeasurably.Inaddition,hewasalreadyconsideringtheideathathemightpushonaheadattopspeed,allowingtheotherthreetofollowattheirownpace.HeknewtheclumsypackponywouldneverkeepupwithBlaze’smile-eatinglope.

So,facedwiththesetwoproblems,hefrownedtohimselfasheatebreakfast,allowinghimself the luxury of a second cup of coffee from their dwindling supply.After all, hethought,ifhedidgoonahead,itwasthelastcoffeehe’dseeforsomedays.Afterawhileheglancedup,caughtWill’seyeandbeckonedhimover.

“I’mthinkingofpushingonahead,”hesaidquietly.InstantlyhesawthelookofalarminWill’seyes.

“Youmeanalone?”Willasked,andGilannodded.

“Thisisvitalnews,Will,andIneedtogetittoKingDuncanassoonaspossible.Asidefromanythingelse, itmeansthat there’llbenoreinforcementscomingfromCeltica.Heneedstoknowthat.”

“But…”Willhesitated.He lookedaround the littlecampsiteas if searching for someargumentagainstGilan’sidea.ThetallRangerwasacomfortingpresence.LikeHalt,healwaysseemed toknow the right thing todo.Now, the thought thathewasplanning toleavethemcreatedasenseofnear-panicinWill’smind.Gilanrecognizedtheself-doubtthatwasrackingtheboy.Hestoodandplacedahandonhisshoulder.

“Let’swalkalittle,”hesaid,andtheybegantopaceawayfromthecampsite.BlazeandTugglancedupcuriouslyastheypassed,then,realizingtheyweren’trequired,wentbacktocroppingthesparsevegetation.

“Iknowyou’reworriedaboutwhathappenedwiththosefourWargals,”Gilansaid.Willstoppedwalkingandlookedupathim.

“Halt toldyou?”he said.Therewasanoteofdoubt inhisvoice.HewonderedwhatHalthadsaidabouthisbehavior.Gilannoddedgravely.

“Ofcoursehetoldme.Will,youhavenothingtobeashamedof,believeme.”

“But,Gil,Ipanicked.IforgotallmytrainingandI—”

Gilanheldupahandtostopthetorrentofself-recriminationthathesensedwasabouttopourout.

“Haltsaysyoustoodyourground,”hesaidfirmly.Willshuffledhisfeet.

“Well…Isupposeso.But…”

“Youwerescaredbutyoudidn’trun.Will,that’snotcowardice.That’scourage.That’sthehighestformofcourage.Weren’tyouscaredwhenyoukilledtheKalkara?”

“Ofcourse,”Willsaid.“Butthatwasdifferent.ItwasfortymetersawayandattackingSirRodney.”

“Whereas,” Gilan finished for him, “the Wargal was ten meters away and comingstraightatyou.Bigdifference.”

Willwasn’tconvinced.“ItwasTugwhosavedme,”hesaid.Gilanallowedhimselfagrin.

“Maybehethoughtyouwereworthsaving.He’sasmarthorse.AndwhileHaltandIaren’tnearlyassmartasTug,wethinkyou’vegotwhatittakestoo.”

“Well,I’vebeenbeginningtodoubtit,”Willsaid.Butforthefirsttimeinsomeweeks,hefelthisconfidenceliftalittle.

“Then don’t!” Gilan said forcefully. “Self-doubt is a disease. And if it gets out ofcontrol, it becomes self-fulfilling. You have to learn from what happened with thoseWargals.Usetheexperiencetomakeyoustronger.”

Will thoughtaboutGilan’swords fora fewseconds.Thenhe tookadeepbreathandsquaredhisshoulders.

“Allright,”hesaid.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”

Gilan studied him for a moment. There was a newfound determination in the boy’sstance.

“I’mgoing to leave you in command,” he said. “There’s no point now in continuingwiththemission,sofollowonbehindmetoAraluenasquicklyasyoucan.”

“ToRedmont?”Willasked,andGilanshookhishead.

“Bynow,thearmywillbeonthemovetothePlainsofUthal.That’swhereI’mheadingandthat’swhereHaltwillbe.We’llgooverthemapbeforeIleaveandplanthebestrouteforyou.”

“Whataboutthegirl?”Willasked.“ShouldIbringheralongorleavehersomewheresafeoncewe’rebackinAraluen?”

Gilanconsidered thepoint foramoment.“Bringher.TheKingandhisadvisersmaywanttoquestionhersomemore.She’llbeinthemiddleoftheAraluenarmy,soshe’llbeassafeasanywhereelse.”

Hehesitated, thendecided to sharehis suspicionswithWill. “There’s somethingelseabouther,Will,”hebegan.

“You think her story isn’t quite right?” Will interrupted. “She keeps hesitating and

stopping, as if she’s afraid to tell us something.” Another thought struck him and heloweredhisvoice instinctively,even though thecampsitewaswelloutofearshot.“Youdon’tthinkshe’saspy,doyou?”

Gilanshookhishead.“Nothingsodramatic.Butrememberwhenshesaidshesawusand thought, ‘ThankGod they’reRangers’?Ordinarypeopledon’t think thatwayaboutus.OnlythenoblesarecomfortablearoundRangers.”

Willfrowned.“Soyouthink…”Hehesitated.Hewasn’tsurewhatGilanthought.

“Ithinkshemaybetheladyandshe’sassumedhermaid’sidentity.”

“Soontheonehand,sheseesRangersandisglad,thenshedoesn’ttrustusenoughtotellusthetruth?Itdoesn’tmakesense,Gil!”Willsaid.Gilanshrugged.

“Itmaynotbethatshedoesn’ttrustus.Shemayhaveotherreasonsfornotsayingwhoshereallyis.Idon’tthinkit’saproblemforyou.Ijustthinkyoushouldbeawareofit.”

Theyturnedandbegantowalkbacktothecamp.

“Idon’t like to leaveyou in the lurch,”Gilansaid.“Butyou’renotexactlyunarmed.You’vegotyourbowandyourknives,andofcourse,there’sHorace.”

WillglancedacrosstowherethemuscularapprenticewassharingajokewithEvanlyn.Asshethrewbackherheadandlaughed,hefeltasmallpangofjealousy.ThenherealizedthatheshouldbegladtohaveHoracealongwithhim.

“He’s not bad with that sword of his, is he?” he said. Gilan shook his head inadmiration.

“I’d never tell him, because it doesn’t do a swordsman anygood to have an inflatedopinionofhimself,buthe’salotbetterthannotbad.”HelookeddownatWill.“That’snottosayyoushouldgolookingfortrouble.TheremaystillbeWargalsbetweenhereandtheborder,sotravelbynightandhideupintherocksbyday.”

“Gil,”Will said,asanawkward thoughtstruckhim.“Whatarewegoing todoaboutthosetwo?”Hejerkedathumbtowardthetwobandits,stilltiedbacktoback,stilltryingtodozeoffandstilljerkingeachotherawakeastheydidso.

“That’sthequestion,isn’tit?”saidtheRanger.“IsupposeIcouldhangthem.Idohavetheauthority.Afterall,theydidtrytointerferewithofficersontheKing’sbusiness.Andthey’relootingintimeofwar.They’rebothcapitaloffenses.”

Hecasthisgazearound the rockyhills surrounding them.“Thequestion iswhether Icanactuallydothathere,”hemurmured.

“Youmean,”saidWill,notlikingthewayhisfriendwasthinking,“youmaynothavetheauthoritytohangthemnowthatwe’renotinthekingdomitself?”

Gilangrinnedathim.“Ihadn’tconsideredthat.Iwasactuallythinkingthatit’dbeabitdifficultwhenthereisn’tatreeoverameterhighwithinahundredkilometers.”

WillheavedasmallinnersighofreliefasherealizedGilanhadn’tbeenserious.ThentheRanger’sgrinfadedandhesaidwarningly:

“TheonethingIdoknowisthatwedon’twantthemcomingafteryouthreeagain.So

makenomentionofmyplansuntilwe’vegottenridofthem,allright?”

In the end, the solution was a simple one. First, Gilan had Horace break the blade ofCarney’s swordby levering it sharplybetween two rocks.ThenhehurledBart’scudgelinto the ravine by the road’s edge. They heard it clattering and bouncing off the rockyslopeforseveralseconds.

Oncethatwasdone,Gilanforcedthetwomentostriptotheirunderwear.

“Youneedn’twatchthis,”hetoldEvanlyn.“Itwon’tbeaprettysight.”

Smilingtoherself,thegirlretreatedinsidethetentwhilethetwomenstrippeddowntotheirraggedunderpants.Theywereshiveringnowinthecoldmountainair.

“Andyourboots,”Gilanordered,andthetwomensatawkwardlyonthestonygroundandremovedtheirboots.Gilannudgedthepilesofclothingwithonetoe.

“Nowbundle’emupandtietheminaballwithyourbelts,”heordered,andwatchedasBartandCarneycomplied.Whenallwasready,hecalledHoraceoverandjerkedathumbatthetwobundlesofclothesandboots.

“Send ’em after the cudgel, Horace,” he ordered. Horace grinned as he began tounderstand.BartandCarneyunderstoodtooandstartedachorusofprotest.ItstoppedasGilanswunganicystareuponthem.

“You’re getting off lightly,” he told them in a cold voice. “As I mentioned toWillearlier,IcouldhangyouifIchoseto.”

Bart andCarney instantlywent quiet, thenGilan gestured forHorace to tie them upagain. Meekly, they submitted, and in a few minutes they were back to back again,shiveringinthekeenwindthatcircledanddippedaroundthehills.Gilanconsideredthemforamomentortwo.

“Throwablanketoverthem,”hesaidreluctantly.“Ahorseblanket.”

Will obliged, grinning. He took care not to use Tug’s blanket, but used the onebelongingtothesturdypackpony.

Gilan began to saddleBlaze, speaking to the others over his shoulder. “I’mgoing toscoutaroundGwyntaleth.TheremaybesomeonetherewhocanshedalittlemorelightonwhatMorgarathisupto.”HelookedmeaningfullyatWillandtheapprenticerealizedthatGilanwassayingthistothrowthetwobanditsoff.Hegaveaslightnod.

“I shouldbebackabout sunset,”Gilan continued loudly. “Try tohave somethinghotwaitingformethen.”

Heswungup into thesaddleandbeckonedWillcloser.Leaningdown,hewhispered:“Leavethosetwotiedupandheadoffatsunset.They’lleventuallygetthemselvesloose,butthenthey’llhavetoretrievetheirbootsandclothes.Theywon’tgoanywhereinthesemountainswithoutthem.Itwillgiveyouaday’sstartoverthemandthatshouldtakeyouclear.”

Will nodded. “I understand. Ride safely, Gilan.” The Ranger nodded. He seemed to

hesitateforamoment,thencametoadecision.

“Will,”hesaidquietly.“We’reinuncertaintimesandnoneofusknowswhatmightbearoundthecorner.ItmightbeagoodideaifyoutoldHoraceTug’scodeword.”

Willfrowned.Thecodewordwasajealouslyguardedsecretandhewasreluctanttoletanyone know it, even a trusted comrade like Horace. Seeing his hesitation, Gilancontinued.

“You never know what might happen. You could be injured or incapacitated andwithout the code word, Horace won’t be able to make Tug obey him. It’s just aprecaution,”headded.Willsawthesenseintheideaandnodded.

“I’lltellhimtonight,”hesaid.“Takecare,Gilan.”

ThetallRangerleaneddownandgrippedhishandtightly.

“Oneotherthing.You’reincommandhere,andtheotherswilltaketheleadfromyou.Don’tgivethemanysignthatyou’renotsureofyourself.Believeinyourselfandthey’llbelieveinyoutoo.”

HenudgedBlazewithhiskneeandthebayswungaroundtowardtheroad.GilanraisedahandinfarewelltoHoraceandEvanlynandcanteredaway.Thedustofhispassagewasquicklydispersedbythekeeningwind.

AndthenWillfeltverysmall.Andveryalone.

15THEYRODEASHARDASTHEYCOULDTHATNIGHT,HELDBACKsomewhatbythedocilepacethatwasallthepackponycouldmanage.The rain camebackduring thenight tomake themmoremiserable.Butthen,anhourbeforedawn,itcleared,sothatthefirststreaksoflightintheeastpaintedtheskyadull pearl color.With thegathering light,Will began to look for aplace tomakecamp.

Horace noticed him looking around. “Why don’t we keep going for a couple morehours?”hesuggested.“Thehorsesaren’treallytiredyet.”

Willhesitated.They’d seenno signof anyoneelseduring thenight, andcertainlynoevidenceofanyWargalsinthearea.Buthedidn’tliketogoagainstGilan’sadvice.Inthepast, he’d found that advice given by senior Rangers usually turned out to be worthfollowing.Hehesitated,thencametoadecisionastheyroundedthenextbendandsawathicketofshrubssetbackaboutthirtymetersfromtheroad.Thebushes,whilenotmorethanthreemetershighattheirtallestpoint,offeredathickscreen,providingshelterfromboththewindandanyunfriendlyeyesthatmightchancetocomealong.

“We’ll camp here,”Will said, indicating the bushes. “That’s the first decent-lookingcampsitewe’vepassedinhours.Whoknowswhenwe’llseeanother?”

Horace shrugged.Hewas quite content to letWillmake the decisions.He had onlybeenmaking a suggestion, not trying to usurp theRanger apprentice’s authority in anyway.Horacewas essentially a simple soul. He reactedwell to commands and to otherpeople making decisions. Ride now. Stop here. Fight there. As long as he trusted thepersonmakingthedecisions,hewashappytoabidebythem.

And he trustedWill’s judgment. He had a hazy idea that Ranger training somehowmadepeoplemoredecisiveandintelligent.Andofcourse,inthathewasright,toalargedegree.

As they dismounted and led their horses through the thick bushes into a clearingbeyond,Willgaveasmallsighofrelief.Hewasstifferthanhe’drealizedafterafullnightinthesaddlewithonlyafewbriefrests.Severalgoodhours’sleepseemedlikeacapitalidearightnow.HehelpedEvanlyndownfromthepackpony—ridingonthepacksaddleasshehadto,itwasalittleawkwardforhertodismount.Thenhebeganunstrappingtheirpacksoffoodsuppliesandtherolledcanvaslengththattheyusedasaweathershelter.

Evanlyn,with barely aword to him, stretched, thenwalked a few paces away to sitdownonaflatrock.

Will,hisforeheadcreasedinafrown,tossedoneofthefoodpacksontothesandatherfeet.

“Youcanstartgettingamealready,”hesaid,moreabruptlythanhe’dreallyintended.Hewasannoyed that thegirlwouldsitdownandmakeherselfcomfortable, leaving theworktohimandHorace.Sheglanceddownatthepackandflushedangrily.

“I’mnotparticularlyhungry,”shetoldhim.Horacestartedforwardfromwherehewasunsaddlinghishorse.

“I’lldoit,”hesaid,keentoavoidanyconflictbetweentheothertwo.ButWillheldupahandtostophim.

“No,”hesaid.“I’dlikeyoutorigtheshelter.Evanlyncangetthefoodout.”

Hiseyeslockedwithhers.Theywerebothangry,butsherealizedshewasinthewrong.Sheshruggedfaintlyandreachedforthepack.“Ifitmeanssomuchtoyou,”shemuttered,thenasked:“IsitallrightifHoracemakesthefireforme?HecandoitalotquickerthanI.”

Willconsideredtheidea,screwinguphisfacethoughtfully.Hewasreluctanttolightafirewhile theywerestill inCeltica. Ithardlyseemed logical to travelbynight toavoidbeingseen,thenlightafirewhosesmokemightbevisibleindaylight.Besides,therewasanotherconsiderationthatGilanhadpointedouttohimthepreviousday.

“Nofire,”hesaiddecisively,andEvanlyntossedthefoodpackdownsulkily.

“Notcoldfoodagain!”shesnapped.Willregardedherevenly.

“Notsolongago,youwouldhavehappilyeatenanything—hotorcold—aslongasitwasfood,”heremindedher,andshedroppedhereyesfromhis.“Look,”headded, inamorereasoningtone,“Gilanknowsmoreaboutthesethingsthananyofusandhetoldustomakesurewearen’tspotted.Allright?”

She muttered something. Horace was watching the two of them, his honest facetroubledbytheconflictbetweenthem.Heofferedacompromise.

“Icouldjustmakeasmallfireforcooking,”hesuggested.“Ifwebuiltitinunderthesebushes,thesmokeshouldbeprettyhardtoseebythetimeitfiltersthrough.”

“It’s not just that,”Will explained, slinging their water bags over one shoulder andtakinghisbowfromthesaddlescabbard.“TheWargalshaveanamazinglykeensenseofsmell. Ifwedid light a fire, the smell of the smokewouldhang around for hours afterwe’dputitout.”

Horacenodded, conceding thepoint.Before anyonecould raise anymoreobjections,Willheadedtowardthejumbleofrocksbehindthecampsite.

“I’mgoing to scout around,”heannounced. “I’ll see if there’s anywater in thearea.AndI’lljustmakesurewe’realone.”

Ignoringthegirl’s“Notthatwe’veseenanyoneallday,”whichwasmutteredjustloudenoughforhimtohearit,hebegantoscrambleuptherocks.Hemadeacarefulcircuitofthearea,stayinglowandoutofsight,movingfromcovertoscantcoverascarefullyashecould.Wheneveryou’rescouting,Halthadoncesaidtohim,moveasifthere’ssomebodytheretoseeyou.Neverassumethatyou’reonyourown.

HefoundnosignofWargalsorofCelts.Buthedidcomeacrossasmall,clearstreamthat sluicedcoldwateroverabedof rocks. Itwas running fast enough to looksafe fordrinking,sohetesteditand,satisfiedthatitwasn’tpolluted,filledtheirwaterbagstothebrim.Thecold,freshwatertastedparticularlygoodaftertheleathery-tastingsupplyfromthebags.Oncewaterhadbeeninawaterbagformorethanafewhours,itbegantotastemorelikethebagandlesslikewater.

Backatthecampsite,HoraceandEvanlynwerewaitingforhisreturn.Evanlynhadsetoutaplateofdriedmeatandthehardbiscuit theyhadbeeneatinginplaceofbreadforsometimenow.Hewasgratefulthatshe’dalsoputasmallamountofpickleonthemeat.Anyadditiontothetastelessmealwaswelcome.Henoticedastheywereeatingthattherewasnoneonherplate.

“Don’tyoulikepickles?”heasked,throughamouthfulofmeatandbiscuit.Sheshookherhead,notmeetinghiseyes.

“Notreally,”shereplied.ButHoracewasn’tpreparedtoletitrestatthat.

“Shegaveyouthelastofthem,”hetoldWill.

For a moment, Will hesitated, embarrassed. He’d just mopped up the last smallmouthfulofthetangyyellowpicklesonacornerofbiscuit,andpoppeditintohismouth.Therewasnowaynowhecouldoffertoshareit.

“Oh,” he mumbled, realizing this was her way of making the peace between them.“Um…well,thanks,Evanlyn.”

Shetossedherhead.Withherclose-croppedhair,theeffectwasalittlewastedandthethought struck him that shewas probably used tomaking that gesturewith long blondlocksthatwouldaccentuatethemovement.

“Itoldyou,”shesaid.“Idon’tlikepickles.”Butnowtherewasahintofagrininhervoice,andtheearlierbadhumorwasgone.Helookedupatherandgrinnedinreply.

“I’lltakethefirstwatch,”hefinallysaid.Itseemedasgoodawayasanyoflettingherknowthathedidn’tholdagrudge.

“Ifyoutakethesecondwatchaswell,youcanhavemypicklestoo,”offeredHorace,and they all laughed. The atmosphere in the little campsite lightened considerably asHorace and Evanlyn busied themselves shaking out blankets and cloaks and gatheringsomeoftheleafierbranchesfromthebushesaroundthemtoshapeintobeds.

Forhispart,Willtookoneofthewaterbottlesandhiscloakandclimbedupontooneofthe larger rocks surrounding their camp.He settled himself as comfortably as possible,withaclearviewoftherockyhillsbehindtheminonedirection,andoverthebushesthatscreened themfrom the road in theother.MindfulaseverofHalt’s teaching,he settledhimselfamongajumbleofrocksthatformedamoreorlessnaturalnest,allowinghimtopeer between themon either side,without raising his head above the horizon level.Hewriggledhimselfaroundforafewminutes,wishingtherewerenotsomanysharpstonestodigintohim.Thenheshrugged,decidingthatatleastthey’dstophimfromdozingoffduringhiswatch.

Hedonnedhiscloakand raised thehood.Ashe sat there,unmovingamong thegrayrocks,heseemedtoblendintothebackgrounduntilhewasalmostinvisible.

Itwasthesoundthatfirstalertedhim.Itcameandwentvaguelywiththebreeze.Asthebreezegrewstronger,sodidthesound.Then,asthebreezefaded,hecouldnolongerhearanything,sothatatfirsthethoughthewasimaginingthings.

Then it came again.A deep, rhythmic sound.Voices, perhaps, but not like any he’dheard.Itcouldhavebeensinging,hethought,then,asthebreezeblewalittleharder,heheard it again. Not singing. There was no melody to it. Just a rhythm. A constant,unvaryingrhythm.

Againthebreezediedandthesoundwithit.Willfeltthehairsonthebackofhisneckrising.Therewassomethingunhealthyaboutthatsound.Somethingdangerous.Hesenseditineveryfiberofhisbody.

Thereitwasagain!Andthistime,hehadit.Chanting.Deepvoiceschantinginunison.Atunelesschantingthathadanunmistakablemenacetoit.

Thebreezewasfromthesouthwest,sothesoundwascomingfromtheroadwheretheyhadalready traveled.He raisedhimself slowlyandcarefully,peeringunderonehand inthedirectionofthebreeze.Fromthispointhecouldmakeoutvariouscurvesandbendsintheroad,althoughsomeofitdisappearedbehindtherocksandhills.Heestimatedthathecouldseesectionsoftheroadforperhapsakilometerandtherewasnosignofmovement.Notyet,anyway.

Quickly,hescrambleddownfromtherocksandhurriedtowaketheothers.

Thechantingwasclosernow.Itnolongerdiedawayas thebreezecameandwent.Itwas growing louder andmore defined.Will, Horace and Evanlyn crouched among thebushes,listeningasthevoicescamecloser.

“Maybe you two should move back a little,”Will suggested. He had left himself arelativelyclearviewoftheroad.Heknewthat,wrappedinhisRangercloak,withhisfaceconcealed deepwithin the cowl, hewould be virtually invisible, but hewasn’t so sureabouttheothers.Withoutanyreluctance,theysquirmedback,deeperintothecoverofthethickshrubs.Horace’sreactionwasamixtureofcuriosityandnervousness.Evanlyn,Willnoted,waspalewithfear.

Theyhadalreadystruckthecampandmovedthehorsesbackaboutahundredmetersintotherocks.Heglancedaroundquicklynowtomakesuretheyhadleftnosignoftheirpresence.Satisfied that theyhaddoneall theycould,he turnedhisattentionback to theroad.

“Whoarethey?”Horacebreathedasthechantinggrewlouderstill.Willestimatedthatit was coming from somewhere around the nearest bend in the road, a mere hundredmetersaway.

“Don’tyouknow?”Evanlynreplied,hervoicestrainedwithterror.“They’reWargals.”

16WILLANDHORACEBOTHTURNEDQUICKLYTOLOOKATHER.“Wargals?Howdoyouknow?”Willasked.

“I’ve heard them before,” she said in a small voice, biting her lip. “Theymake thatchantingsoundastheymarch.”

Willfrowned.ThefourWargalsheandHalthadtrackedhadmadenochantingsound.ButthenherealizedthoseWargalshadbeentrackingtheirownquarryatthetime.

Outofthecornerofhiseye,Willsawamovementatthebendintheroad.

“Get down!” he hissed urgently. “Keep your faces down!” And both Horace andEvanlyndroppedtheirfacesintothesand.Hereachedupandpulledtheshadowingdepthsofhiscowlfurtheroverhisownface,thenheldaforearmdrapedinthefoldsofhiscloaktoobscureeverythingbuthiseyes.

Thechant,hesawnow,wasaformofcadence,designedtokeeptheWargalsmovingatthesamepace—inthesamewayasergeantmightcallthestepforatroopofinfantry.Hecountedperhapsthirtyinthegroup.Big,heavysetfigures,dressedindarkmetal-studdedjackets and breeches of some heavy material. They ran at a steady jog, chanting theguttural, wordless rhythm—which, he realized now,was nothingmore than a series ofgrunts.

Theywereallarmedwithanassortmentofshortspears,macesandbattleaxes,whichtheycarriedreadyforuse.

Asyet,hecouldn’tmakeout their features.They ranwitha shamblingmovement intwofiles.Thenherealizedthattheywereescortinganothergroupbetweenthetwofiles:prisoners.

Nowthatthegroupwascloser,herealizedthattheprisoners—aboutadozenofthem—were staggering along, trying desperately to keep pace with the chantingWargals. HerecognizedthemasCelts—miners,judgingbytheleatherapronsandskullcapstheywore.Theywereexhausted,andashewatched,hecouldseetheWargalsusingshortwhipstourgethemalong.

Thechantinggrewlouder.

“What’shappening?”Horacewhispered,andWillcouldhavecheerfullychokedhim.

“Shutup!”heshotback.“Notanotherword!”

NowtheWargalswerecloserandhecouldmakeouttheirfaces.Hefeltthehairsontheback of his neck begin to rise as he saw the thick, heavy jowls and noses that hadlengthenedandthickenedalmosttothesizeofmuzzles.TheeyesweresmallandsavageandseemedtoglowwitharedhatredastheylashedtheirwhipsattheCelts.Once,asoneofthemsnarledatastumblingprisoner,Willcaughtaquickglimpseofyellowfangs.Hewas tempted to shrink down further. But he knew any movement now would riskdiscovery.Hehad to trust the shelterofhiscloak.Hewanted toclosehiseyes to thoseanimal-likefaces,butsomehow,hecouldn’t.HestaredinfascinatedhorrorastheterribleWargals,creaturesfromanightmare,chantingincessantly,joggedpastthespotwherehelay.

TheCeltminercouldn’thavelosthisfootingataworseplace.

Lashedbyoneof theWargals,hestumbled,staggered, thencrashedover in the road,bringing down the prisoners on either side of him.Will could see now that they wereropedtogetherwithathickrawhideleash.

Asthecolumncametoaconfusedstop,thechantingbrokeupintoaseriesofsnarlsandgrowlsfromtheWargals.Thetwoprisonerswhohadbeenbroughtdownstruggledtotheirfeet,underarainoflashesfromtheircaptors.Theminerwhohadcausedthefalllaystill,inspiteoftheviciouswhippingfromoneoftheWargals.

Finallyanotherjoinedthefirst,andbeganbeatingatthestillfigurewiththebuttofhisheavy,steel-shodspear.Therewasnoreactionfromtheminer.Watching inhorror,Willrealizedthatthemanwasdead.Eventually,thatsamerealizationcametotheWargals.Atanincomprehensiblecommandfromonewhomusthavebeenincharge,thetwostoppedbeatingthedeadmanandcutthebondsthatattachedhimtothecentralleash.Thentheypickedupthelimpbodyandthrewitclear,hurlingit towardthethicketwhereWillandtheotherssheltered.

The body crashed into the bushes closest to the road andWill heardEvanlyn utter asmallcryoffear.Facedown,notknowingwhatwashappening,thesuddencrashinginthebushesnearherhadobviouslybeentoomuchforhertobear.Shebitthenoiseoffalmostassoonasitstarted,butshewasjustalittletoolate.

TheleaderoftheWargalsseemedtohaveheardsomething.Heturnednowandstaredhard at the spotwhere the body lay,wondering if the noise had come from theminer.Obviously,hewassuspicious that thedeadmanmightbemerely foxing, inaneffort toescape.HepointedandshoutedanorderandtheWargalwith thespearsteppedforwardandranitcasuallythroughthedeadbody.

Still thecommander’ssuspicionsweren’tsatisfied.Fora longmoment,hestared intothe bushes, looking straight at the spot where Will lay, wrapped in the protectivecamouflageofhisRangercloak.Theapprenticefoundhimselfstaringdeepintotheangryredeyesofthesavagethingoutontheroad.Hewantedtodrophiseyesawayfromthatgaze, convinced that the creature could seehim.But allofHalt’s trainingover thepastyeartoldhimthatanymovementnowwouldbefatal,andheknewthatdroppinghiseyescouldleadtoatiny,involuntarymovementofhishead.Thetruevalueofthecamouflagedcloakslaynotinmagicassomanypeoplebelieved,butinthewearer’sabilitytoremainunmovingunderclosescrutiny.

Forcinghimselftobelieve,Willremainedmotionless,staringattheWargal.Hismouthwasdry.Hisheartpoundedatwhatseemedliketwiceitsnormalrate.Hecouldheartheheavy, rasping breathing of the bearlike figure, see the nostrils twitching slightly as itsampledthelightbreeze,testingforunknownscents.

Finally,theWargalturnedaway.Then,inaninstant,itwhippedbackagaintostareoncemore.Fortunately,Will’s traininghadcovered thatparticular trick aswell.Hemadenomovement.Thistime,theWargalgrunted,thencalledanordertothegroup.

Chantingoncemore,theymovedout,leavingthedeadminerontheroadside.

Asthesoundrecededandtheydisappearedaroundthenextbendintheroad,Willfelt

Horacemovingbehindhim.

“Stay still!” he whispered fiercely. It was possible that the Wargals had a sweeperfollowing—asilent-movingrearscoutwhomightcatchunwaryfugitiveswhothoughtthedangerwaspast.

He forced himself to count to one hundred before he allowed the others to move,crawlingclearofthebushesandstretchingtheirstiffandachinglimbs.

SignalingtoHoracetotakeEvanlynbacktothecampsite,WillsteppedcautiouslyintotheroadtochecktheCelt.Ashehadsuspected,themanwasdead.Hehadobviouslybeenbeatenmanytimesoverthepastfewdays.HisfacewasbruisedandcutbythewhipsandfistsoftheWargals.

Therewasnothinghecoulddofor theman,sohe lefthimwherehe layandwent torejointheothers.

Evanlynwassittingcrying.Asheapproached,shelookedupathim,herfacestreakedwithtearsandhershouldersheavingwiththegreatsobsthatshookher.Horacestoodby,ahelplessexpressiononhisface,makinguselesslittlemovementswithhishands.

“I’msorry,”Evanlynfinallymanagedtogasp.“It’sjustthat…chanting…thosevoices…Icouldremembereverythingwhenthey…”

“It’s all right,”Will toldherquietly. “MyGod, they’rehorrible creatures!”headded,shakinghisheadatHorace.Thewarriorapprenticeswallowedonceor twice.Hehadn’tseen theWargals.He’d lain there throughout the entire encounterwith his face pressedhardintothesandyground.Inaway,thoughtWill,thatmusthavebeenjustasterrifying.

“Whataretheylike?”Horaceaskedinasmallvoice.Willshookhisheadagain.Itwasalmostimpossibletodescribe.

“Likebeasts,”hesaid.“Likebears…oracrossbetweenabearandadog.Buttheywalkuprightlikemen.”

Evanlyngaveanothershudderingcry.“They’revile!”shesaidbitterly.“Vile,horriblecreatures.Oh,God,IhopeIneverseethemagain!”

Willmovedtoherandpattedhershoulderawkwardly.

“They’regonenow,”he saidquietly, as if soothinga small child. “They’regoneandtheycan’thurtyou.”

She made an enormous effort and gathered her courage. She looked up at him, afrightenedsmileonherface.Shereachedupandtookhishandinherown,takingcomfortfromthemerecontact.

Heletherholdhishandforawhile.Hewonderedhowhewasgoingtotellthemwhathehaddecidedtodo.

17“FOLLOWTHEM?AREYOUOUTOFYOURMIND?”HORACEstaredatthesmall,determinedfigure,unabletobelievewhathewashearing.Willdidn’tsayanything,soHoracetriedagain.

“Will,we’vejustspenthalfanhourhidingbehindabushhopingthosethingswouldn’tseeus.Nowyouwanttofollowthemandgivethemanotherchance?”

WillglancedaroundtomakesurethatEvanlynwasstilloutofearshot.Hedidn’twanttoalarmthegirlunnecessarily.

“Keep your voice down,” he warned Horace, and his friend spoke more softly, butnonethelessvehemently.

“Why?”heasked.“Whatcanwepossiblygainbyfollowingthem?”

Will shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. Frankly, the idea of following theWargalswasalreadyfrighteninghim.Hecouldfeelhispulseratewasrunninghigherthannormal. Theywere terrifying creatures, and obviously totally devoid of any feelings ofmercyorpity,as thefateof theprisonerhadshown.Still,hecouldsee that thiswasanopportunitythatshouldn’tbewasted.

“Look,”hesaidquietly.“Haltalwaystoldmethatknowingwhyyourenemyisdoingsomethingisjustasimportantasknowingwhathe’sdoing.Sometimesmoreimportant,infact.”

Horaceshookhisheadstubbornly.“Idon’tget it,”hesaid.Tohimthis ideaofWill’swasacrazy,irresponsibleandterrifyinglydangerousimpulse.Tobetruthful,Willwasn’tabsolutely sure that he was right either. But Gilan’s parting words about not showinguncertaintyranginhisears,andhisinstincts,honedbyHalt’straining,toldhimthiswasanopportunityheshouldn’tmiss.

“WeknowthattheWargalsarecapturingCelticminersandcarryingthemoff,”hesaid.“AndweknowMorgarathdoesn’tdoanythingwithoutareason.Thismightbeachancetofindoutwhathe’supto.”

Horaceshrugged.“Hewantsslaves,”hesaid,andWillshookhisheadquickly.

“Butwhy?Andwhyonlyminers?Evanlynsaidtheywereonlyinterestedintheminers.Why?Can’tyousee?”heappealedtothebiggerboy.“Thiscouldbeimportant.Haltsaysthatwarsoftenturnonthesmallestpieceofinformation.”

Horacepursedhislips,thinkingoverwhatWillhadsaid.Finally,henoddedslowly.

“Okay,” he agreed. “I guess youmay be right.” Horace wasn’t a fast thinker, or anoriginalone.Buthewasmethodicaland, inhisownway, logical.Willhad instinctivelyseenthenecessityforfollowingtheWargals.Horacehadtoworkhiswaythroughit.Nowthat he had, he could see Will wasn’t acting on some wild, adventurous impulse. Hetrusted theRanger apprentice’s lineof reasoning. “Well, ifwe’regoing to follow them,we’dbettergetmoving,”headded,andWilllookedathiminsurprise,shakinghishead.

“We?”hesaid.“Whosaidanythingabout‘we’?Iplantofollowthemalone.YourjobistogetEvanlynbacksafely.”

“Says who?” asked the bigger boy, with some belligerence. “My job, as it wasexplainedtomebyGilan,wastostaywithyouandkeepyououtoftrouble.”

“Well,I’mchangingyourorders,”Willtoldhim.ButthistimeHoracelaughed.

“Sowhodiedandleftyoutheboss?”hescoffed.“Youcan’tchangemyorders.Gilangavemethoseordersandheoutranksyou.”

“Andwhataboutthegirl?”Willchallengedhim.Foramoment,Horacewasstuckforananswer.

“We’llgiveherfoodandsuppliesandthepackhorse,”hesaid.“Shecanmakeherownwayback.”

“That’s very gallant of you,” Will said sarcastically. Horace merely shook his headagain,refusingtobebaitedintoanargumentonthatscore.

“You’re theonewhosaid this issodarned important,”hereplied.“Well, I’mafraidIthinkyou’re right.SoEvanlynwill simplyhave to takeherchances, just likeus.We’reclosetothebordernowanywayandonemorenight’sridingwillseeheroutofCeltica.”

In truth,Horacedidn’t like the thoughtof leavingEvanlyn toherowndevices.He’dgrowngenuinelyfondofthegirl.Shewasbrightandamusingandgoodcompany.Buthistime inBattleschool had given him a strong sense of duty, and personal feelings camesecond.

Will tried onemore time. “I canmove a lot fasterwithout you,” he pointed out, butHoracecuthimoffimmediately.

“So what?We won’t need speed if we’re following theWargals.We’ve got horses.We’ll have no trouble keeping up with them, particularly as they have to drag thoseprisonersalong.”HefoundhewasratherenjoyingtheexperienceofarguingwithWillandcomingupwithwinningpoints.Maybe,hedecided,spendingtimewithRangershaddonehimmoregoodthanhe’drealized.

“Besides,whatifwefindoutsomethingreallyimportant?AndwhatifyouwanttokeepfollowingthemandwestillhavetogetamessagebacktotheBaron?Iftherearetwoofus,wecansplitup.IcantakeamessagebackwhileyoukeepfollowingtheWargals.”

Willconsideredtheidea.Horacehadapoint,hehadtoconcede.Itwouldmakesensetohavesomeoneelsealongwithhim,nowthathethoughtaboutit.

“Allright,”hesaidfinally.“Butwe’regoingtohavetotellEvanlyn.”

“Tellmewhat?”thegirlasked.Unnoticedbyeitherofthem,she’dapproachedtowithinafewmetersofwheretheyhadbeenstanding,arguinginloweredvoices.Thetwoboysnowlookedguiltilyateachother.

“Uh…Willhadthisidea,yousee…”Horacebegan,thenstopped,lookingatWilltoseeifhisfriendwasgoingtocontinue.But,asitturnedout,therewasnoneed.

“You’re planning to follow theWargals,” the girl said flatly, and the two apprenticesexchangedlooksbeforeWillanswered.

“Youwerelistening?”heaccusedher.Sheshookherhead.

“No.It’stheobviousthingtodo,isn’tit?Thisisourchancetofindoutwhatthey’reuptoandwhythey’rekidnappingtheminers.”

Forthesecondtimeinafewminutes,Willfoundhimselfpickingupontheuseoftheplural.“Ourchance?”heaskedher.“Whatexactlydoyoumeanby‘our’chance?”

Evanlynshrugged.“Obviously,ifyoutwoarefollowingthem,I’mcomingalongwithyou.You’renotleavingmeouthereonmyowninthemiddleofnowhere.”

“But…”Horacebegan,andsheturnedtolookcalmlyathim.“TheseareWargals,”hesaid.

“Ihadgatheredthat.”

HoracecastahopelessglanceatWill.TheapprenticeRangershrugged,soHoracetriedagain.“It’llbedangerous.Andyou…”

Hehesitated.Hedidn’twanttoremindherofherfearoftheWargals,andthereasonsforit.Evanlynrealizedhispredicamentandshesmiledwanlyathim.

“Look,I’mscaredofthosethings,”shesaid.“ButIassumeyou’replanningtofollowthem,notjoinupwiththem.”

“Thatwasthegeneralidea,”Willsaid,andsheturnedherlevelgazeonhim.

“Well,withthenoisetheymake,weshouldn’thavetogettooclosetothem,”shetoldhim.“Andbesides,thismightbeachancetospoilwhateverplanstheyhave.IthinkI’denjoythat.”

Willregardedherwithanewrespect.ShehadeveryreasontofeartheWargals,morethan he orHorace.Yet shewaswilling to put that fear aside in order to strike a blowagainstMorgarath.

“You’resure?”hesaidfinally,andsheshookherhead.

“No.I’mnotsureatall.Ifeeldecidedlyqueasyattheprospectofgettingwithinearshotof those thingsagain.Butequally, Idon’t like the ideaofbeingabandonedhereonmyown.”

“Weweren’tabandoningyou…”Horacebegan,andsheturnedbacktohim.

“Thenwhatwouldyoucallit?”sheaskedhim,smilingfaintlytotakethestingoutofherwords.Hehesitated.

“Abandoningyou,Iguess,”headmitted.

“Exactly,”shesaid.“So,giventhechoiceofrunningintoanothergroupofWargals,ormorebandits,orfollowingsomeWargalswithyoutwo,I’llchoosethelatter.”

“We’reonlyadayfromtheborder,”Willpointedouttoher.“Onceyou’reacrossthat,you’llberelativelysafe.”

Butsheshookherheaddecisively.

“Ifeelmoresecurewithyoutwo,”shesaid.“Besides,itmightbehandyforyoutohavesomeoneelsealong.It’llbeonemorepersontokeepwatchatnight.Thatmeansyou’llgetmoresleep.”

“That’s thefirstsensiblereasonI’veheardforhercomingalongsofar,”saidHorace.LikeWill,herealizedthatshe’dmadehermindup.AndbothboyssomehowknewthatwhenEvanlyndidthat,therewasnowayonearththeyweregoingtomakeherchangeit.Shegrinnedathim.

“Well,” shesaid,“arewegoing to standherealldaynattering?ThoseWargalsaren’tgettinganycloserwhilewe’redoingit.”

And,turningonherheel,sheledthewaytowherethehorsesweretethered.

18FOLLOWINGTHEWARGALSWAS EASIER THAN THEY EXPECTED.Thecreaturesweresingle-minded,concentratingonlyonthetaskinhand,whichwastotaketheCeltminerstotheirenddestination.Theyfearedno attack in these parts, having already driven the occupants out, so they posted noforwardscoutsorsweepers.Theirconstantchanting,ominousas itmightsoundat first,alsoservedtomaskanysoundsthatmighthavebeenmadebytheirpursuers.

Atnight, theysimplycampedwherevertheymightfindthemselvestobe.Theminersremained chained together and sentrieswere posted to keepwatchover themwhile therestofthegroupslept.

By the beginning of the second day,Will began to have an idea of the direction theWargalswereheading.Hehadbeenridingsomethirtymetersinthelead,relyingonTugtosenseanydangerahead.Nowhedroppedbackalittle,waitingforHoraceandEvanlyntocomelevelwithhim.

“WeseemtobeheadingfortheFissure,”hesaid,morethanalittlepuzzled.

Already,inthedistance,theycouldmakeoutthehigh,broodingcliffsthattoweredovertheothersideofthemassivesplitintheearth.Celticaitselfwasamountainouscountry,butMorgarath’sdomainrearedhundredsofmetersaboveit.

“Iwouldn’tcaretocomedownthosecliffsonropesandscalingladders,”Horacesaid,noddingtowardthem.

“Evenifyoudid,you’dhavetofindalevelspaceontheothersidetocrossfrom,”Willagreed.“Andapparently, therearepreciousfewofthem.Forthemostpart, thecliffsgorightdowntothebottom.”

Evanlyn looked from one to the other. “Yet Morgarath has done it once,” she said.“Maybehe’splanningtoattackAraluenthesameway.”

Horace brought his horse to a halt, considering what she’d said. Will and Evanlynstopped beside him.He chewed his lip for a few seconds as he thought back over thelessonsthatSirRodney’sinstructorshaddinnedintohim.Thenheshookhishead.

“It’s a different situation,”he said finally. “The attackonCelticawasmoreof a raidthananinvasion.Hewouldn’thaveneededmorethanfivehundredmenforthatandtheycould travel light.ToattackAraluen,he’llneedanarmy—andhewouldn’tgetanarmydownthosecliffsandacrosswithafewladdersandropebridges.”

Will regarded him with interest. This was a side of Horace that was new to him.Apparently,Horace’s learningcurve in thepast sevenoreightmonthshadgonebeyondhismereskillwiththesword.

“But surely, if he had enough time…?” he began, butHorace shook his head again,moredecisivelythistime.

“Men,yes,orWargalsinthiscase.Givenenoughtime,youcouldgetthemdownandacross. Itwould takemonths,butyoucouldmanage it.Although the longer it took, themorechancewordwouldgetoutaboutwhatyouweredoing.

“But an army needs equipment—heavy weapons, supply wagons, provisions, tents,spareweapons and blacksmith’s equipment to repair them.Horses and oxen to pull thewagons.You’dnevergetallthatdowncliffslikethose.Andevenifyoudid,howwouldyougetitacross?It’sjustnotfeasible.SirKarelusedtosaythat…”

Herealizedtheotherswereregardinghimcuriouslyandheflushed.“Didn’tmeantogoonandon,”hemumbled,andurgedhishorseforwardagain.

ButasWillfollowed,hewasshakinghishead, impressedbyhisfriend’sgraspof thesubject.“Notatall,”hesaid.“You’remakinggoodsense.”

“Whichstillleavesusthequestion,whatisheupto?”Evanlynsaid.

Willshrugged.“Isupposewe’llfindoutsoonenough,”hesaid,andurgedTugforwardtotakeupthepointpositiononcemore.

Theyfoundoutthefollowingevening.

As before, they heard the first hint as towhatwas taking place: the ring or thud ofhammers striking stone orwood. Then therewas another noise as they drew closer—aconstant but irregular cracking sound. Will signaled for the others to stop and,dismounting,heproceededcarefullyalongthelaststretchoftheroadtothefinalbend.

Shrouded inhis cloak, andmovingcarefully fromonepatchof cover to thenext, hemovedofftheroadandcutacrosscountrytofindavantagepointfromwhichtoviewthenextstretchofroad.Almostimmediately,hesawthetopofthemassivewoodenstructurethatwasbeingconstructed:fourwoodentowers,linkedbyheavyropecablesandatimberframework,rearedabovethesurroundingcountryside.Hisheartsinking,healreadyknewwhathewaslookingat.Buthemovedclosertomakesure.

Itwasashefeared.Animmensewoodenbridgewasinthefinalstagesofconstruction.On thefarsideof theFissure,Morgarathhaddiscoveredoneof thefewplaceswhereanarrow ledge ran,almost levelwith theCeltic side.Thenatural ledgehadbeendugoutandwideneduntiltherewasasizablepieceoflevelgroundthere.Thefourtowersstood,two either side of the Fissure, linked by massive rope cables. Supported by them, awooden roadway was half completed—capable of taking six men abreast across thedizzyingdepthsoftheFissure.

Figures recognizable as Celt prisoners swarmed over the structure, hammering andsawing.ThecrackingsoundwasmadebythewhipsusedbytheWargaloverseers.

Beyond them, the soundof hammers on stone came from themouthof a tunnel thatopenedontotheledgesomefiftymeterssouthofthebridge.Itwaslittlemorethanacrackinthecliffface—onlyalittlewiderthanaman’sshoulders—butashewatched,theCeltprisoners were hard at work at its entrance, gouging at the hard rock, widening andenlargingthesmallopening.

Willglancedupatthedarkcliffstoweringontheotherside.Therewasnosignofropesorladdersleadingdowntotheledge.TheWargalsandtheirprisonersmustaccessitviathenarrowcrackintherock,hereasoned.

The party they had been following was crossing the Fissure now. The final fifteen

metersofroadwaywasyettobeconstructed,andonlyatemporarytimberfootwaywasinplace.ItwasbarelywideenoughfortheCeltstocross,tetheredinpairsastheywere,buttheminers ofCelticawere used to awkward footing and dizzy drops, and they crossedwithoutincident.

He’dseenenoughforthetimebeing,hethought.Itwastimetogetback.Hewriggledhiswaybackwardintothecoverofthebrokenrocks.Then,bendingalmostdouble,heranbacktowheretheotherswerewaiting.

Whenhereachedthem,heslumpeddown,leaningbackagainsttherocks.Thetensionof the last two days was beginning to tell on him, along with the strain of being incommand.Hewasalittlesurprisedtorealizethathewasphysicallyexhausted.Hehadnoideathatmentaltensioncouldsapaperson’sstrengthsothoroughly.

“So what’s going on? Did you see anything?” Horace said. Will looked up at him,wearily.

“Abridge,”hetoldhim.“They’rebuildingahugebridge.”

Horacefrowned,puzzledbyitall.

“Abridge?”herepeated.“WhywouldMorgarathwantabridge?”

“It’s a huge bridge, I said. Big enough to bring an army across. Here we’ve beendiscussinghowMorgarathcouldn’tmoveanarmyandall itsequipmentdown thecliffsandacrosstheFissure,andallthetime,he’sbeenbuildingabridgetodojustthat.”

Evanlynpickedataloosethreadonherjacket.“That’swhyhewantedtheCelts,”shesaid. When both boys looked at her, she elaborated. “They’re expert builders andtunnelers.HisWargalswouldn’thavetheskillforanundertakinglikethis.”

“They’retunnelingtoo,”Willsaid.“There’sanarrowcrack—sortofacavemouth—inthefarsidethatthey’rewidening.”

“Wheredoesitleadto?”Horaceasked,andWillshrugged.

“Idon’tknow.Itmightbeimportanttofindout.Afterall,theplateauontheothersideisstillhundredsoffeetabovethispoint.Buttheremustbesomeaccessbetweenthetwobecausethere’snosignofropesorladders.”

Horacestoodandbegantopacebackandforthasheconsideredthisnewinformation.Hisfacewasscrewedupinthought.

“Idon’tgetit,”hesaidfinally.

“It’s not that hard to ‘get,’ Horace,” Will told him, with some asperity. “There’s abarkinggreatbridgebeingbuiltover theFissure—bigenoughforMorgarathandallhisWargalsand their supplywagonsand their blacksmithsand their oxen andUncleTomCobbleyandalltocomewaltzingover.”

HoracewaiteduntilWillhadfinishedhistirade.Hewasoutwardlycalm,butEvanlyncouldseeaslightflushofangeronhisface.Helettheawkwardsilencestretchbetweenthemforsometime,thensaid,inadeceptivelyquietvoice:

“You’requitefinished,areyou?”

Willshifteduncomfortablyinthesaddle,realizingthathemighthavegonetoofar.

“Well…yes,”hesaid,makingavaguelyapologeticgestureforHoracetocontinue.

“WhatIdon’tget…”Horacesaid,enunciatingverycarefullyandwithheavyemphasis,“iswhyitwasnevermentionedinthoseplansyoucaptured.”

Evanlynlookedupcuriously.“Plans?”shesaid.“Whatplans?”

ButWillgesturedforhertowaitforanexplanation.HerealizedthatHoracehadmadeavitalpoint,andthesarcasticresponsehehadbeenplanningwasinstantlydispelled.

“You’reright,”hesaidsoftly.“TheplansnevermentionedabridgeacrosstheFissure.”

“And it’s not as if it’s a small undertaking. You’d think it would be in theresomewhere,” Horace said. Will nodded agreement. Evanlyn, her curiosity thoroughlypiquedbynow,repeatedherquestion.

“Whataretheseplansyoukeeptalkingabout?”

Horace took pity on her. “Will and Halt—his Craftmaster—captured a copy ofMorgarath’sbattleplansacoupleofweeksago.Therewasa lotofdetailabouthowhisforcesaregoingtobreakoutof theMountainsviaThreeStepPass.TherewaseventhedateonwhichtheyweregoingtodoitandhowSkandianmercenariesweregoingtohelpthem.Onlytherewasnomentionofthisbridge.”

“Why not?” Evanlyn asked. But Will was beginning to see what Morgarath had inmind,andhishorrorwasgrowingbythesecond.

“Unless,”hesaid,“Morgarathwantedustocapturethoseplans.”

“That’scrazy,”Horacesaidinstantly.“Afterall,oneofhismendiedasaresult.”

Willmet his gaze evenly. “Would that stopMorgarath?He doesn’t care about otherpeople’slives.Let’sthinkitthrough.Halthasasaying:Whenyoucan’tseethereasonforsomething,lookforthepossibleresult—andaskyourselfwhomightbenefitfromit.”

“So,”saidEvanlyn,“what’stheresultofyourfindingthoseplans?”

“KingDuncanhasmoved thearmy to thePlainsofUthal toblockThreeStepPass,”saidHoracepromptly.Evanlynnoddedandcontinuedwiththesecondpartoftheequation.

“Andwhomightbenefitfromthat?”

Willlookedupather.Hecouldseeshe’dreachedthesameconclusionhehad,andatthesametime.Veryslowly,hesaid:

“Morgarath.Ifthoseplanswerefalse.”

Evanlynnoddedagreement.Horacewasnotquitesoquicktoseethepoint.

“False?Whatdoyoumean?”

“Imean,”saidWill,“Morgarathwantedustofindthoseplans.HewantedtheAraluenarmyassembledat thePlainsofUthal—thewhole army.BecauseThreeStepPass isn’twhere the real attackwill come from.The real attackwill come from here—a surpriseattackfrombehind.Andourarmywillbetrapped.Andthendestroyed.”

Horace’seyeswidenedinhorror.Hecouldenvisagetheresultofamassiveattackfromthe rear.TheAraluenswouldbe caughtbetween theSkandians andWargals in front ofthemandanotherarmyofWargalsintheirrear.Itwasarecipefordisaster—thekindofdisastereverygeneralfeared.

“Thenwe’vegottotellthem,”hesaid.“Rightaway.”

Willnodded.“We’vegot to tell them.But there’sonemore thing Iwant tosee.Thattunnelthey’redigging.Wedon’tknowifit’sfinished,orhalffinished,orwhereitgoes.Iwanttotakealookatittonight.”

ButHoracewasshakinghisheadbeforeheevenfinished.“Will,we’vegottogonow,”hesaid.“Wecan’thangaroundherejusttosatisfyyourcuriosity.”

ItwasEvanlynwhosolvedtheargument.“You’reright,Horace,”shesaid.“TheKingmustknowabout thisassoonaspossible.Butwehave tobesure thatwe’renot takinghim another red herring. The tunnel Will’s talking about could be weeks away fromcompletion.Oritcouldleadtoadeadend.Thiswholethingcouldbeyetanotherrusetoconvince thearmy todivert forces toprotect their rear.Wehave to findoutasmuchaspossible.Ifthatmeanswaitingafewmorehours,thenIsaywewait.”

Will glanced at the girl curiously. She certainly seemed to have a better grasp ofstrategythanonewouldexpectfromalady’smaid.Andtherewasanunmistakableairofauthorityaboutheraswell.HedecidedthatGilan’stheorywascorrect.

“It’llbedarkinanhour,Horace.We’llgoacrosstonightandtakeacloserlook.”

Horacelookedfromoneofhiscompanionstotheother.Hewasn’thappy.Hisinstinctwas to ride now, as fast as he could, and spread the word of this bridge. But he wasoutvoted.AndhestillbelievedWill’spowersofdeductionwerebetterthanhisown.Hewastrainedforaction,notthissortoftortuousthinking.Reluctantly,heallowedhimselftobeconvinced.

“Allright,”hesaid.“We’lllooktonight.Buttomorrow,weleave.”

Wrappedinhiscloakandmovingcarefully,Willreturnedtohisformervantagepoint.Hestudiedthebridgecarefully,thinkingthatHaltwouldexpecthimtobeabletodrawanaccurateplanofthestructure.

Hehadn’tbeeninpositionformorethantenminuteswhenahornblastrangout.

Hefroze, terrified.Foramoment,he thought itwasanalarmand thatanalertsentryhadspottedhimmovingamongtherocks.ThenheheardmorecrackingofwhipsandthegruntingcriesoftheWargalsand,asheraisedhishead,hesawthattheyweredrivingtheCeltsoffthebridgeandbacktowardthehalf-finishedtunnel.Theprisoners,astheywent,downedtheirtoolsinstacks.Wargalsbeganreshacklingthemtoacentralleash.

Glancinguptothewest,Willsawthelastcurveofthesundroppingbehindthehillsandherealizedthatthehornhadsimplybeensoundingtheendoftheworkingday.Nowtheprisonerswerebeingreturnedtowhereveritwasthattheywerekept.

Therewasonebriefaltercation,afewmetersfromthetunnelmouth,astwooftheCeltprisoners stopped to try to lift a prone figure that lay there.Angrily, theWargal guards

surgedforward,beating theminersawaywith theirwhipsandforcing themto leave thestillfigurewhereitlay.

Then, one after the other, they filed through the narrow entrance of the tunnel anddisappeared.

The shadows of the huge bridge lengthened across the hillside. Will remainedunmoving for another ten minutes, waiting to see if anyWargals reemerged from thetunnel.

But therewasnosound,nosignofanyonereturning.Onlythestill formlyingbythetunnelmouthremained.Intherapidlyworseninglight,Willcouldn’tmakeitoutclearly.Itlookedlikethebodyofaminer.Buthecouldn’tbesure.

Thenthefiguremovedandherealizedthat,whoeveritwas,hewasstillalive.

19TREADING CAREFULLY,WILL AND HORACE MADE THEIR WAY across the narrow plank path that bridged the lastfifteenmeters of the Fissure.Will, with his excellent head for heights, could have runlightlyacrossitwithoutaproblem.Buthewentslowlyoutofregardforhisbigger,lessnimblefriend.

Whentheyfinallymadeittothefinishedroadway,Horaceheavedasighofrelief.Nowtheytookamoment toexaminethestructure.Itwasbuiltwithall the thoroughness thatCeltswere famous for.As a nation, they’d developed the art of tunneling and bridgingoverthecenturiesandthiswasatypicalsturdystructure.

The smell of fresh-sawnpine planking filled the cold night air, and overlaid on that,there was another sweetish, aromatic smell. They looked at each other, puzzled, for amoment.ThenHoracerecognizedit.

“Tar,”hesaid,andtheylookedaroundtoseethatthemassiveropecablesandsupportropeswerethickwiththestuff.Willtouchedahandononeanditcameawaysticky.

“Iguessitpreventstheropesfromfrayingandrotting,”hesaidcarefully,noticingthatthemaincableswereconstructedofthreeheavyropestwistedandplaitedtogether, thenthickly coatedwith the tar toprotect them.Also, as the tarhardened, itwouldbind thethreetogethermorepermanently.

Horaceglancedaround.“Noguards?”hecommented.Therewasadisapprovingnoteinhisvoice.

“They’reeitherveryconfidentorverycareless,”Willagreed.

Itwasfullnightnowandthemoonwasyettorise.WillmovedtowardtheeasternbankoftheFissure.Looseninghisswordinitsscabbard,Horacefollowedhim.

ThefigurebythetunnelmouthlayasWillhadlastseenit.Therehadbeennofurthersignofmovement.Thetwoboysapproachedhimcarefullynowandkneltbesidehim—fornowtheycouldseethatitwasaCeltminer.Hischestroseandfell—barelymoving.

“He’sstillalive,”Willwhispered.

“Only just,”Horace replied.Heplaced his forefinger to theCelt’s neck to gauge thepulse there.At the touch, theman’s eyes slowlyopened andhegazedup at the twoofthem,uncomprehending.

“Who…you?” hemanaged to croak.Will unslung thewater bottle fromhis shoulderandmoistenedtheman’slipswithalittleoftheliquid.Thetonguemovedgreedilyacrossthewetnessandthemancroakedagain,tryingtoriseononeelbow.

“More.”

Gently,Willstoppedhimfrommoving,andgavehimalittlemorewater.

“Resteasy,friend,”hesaidsoftly.“We’renotgoingtoharmyou.”

It was obvious that somebody had done him harm—and plenty of it. His face wasmattedwiththedriedbloodthathadwelledfromadozenwhipcuts.Hisleatherjerkinwas

shreddedandtorn,andhisbaretorsounderneathshowedsignsofmorewhipping—recentandfromlongago.

“Whoareyou?”Willaskedsoftly.

“Glendyss,”themansighed,seemingtowonderatthesoundofhisownname.Thenhecoughed,a racking, rattlingcough that shookhischest.WillandHoraceexchangedsadglances.Glendyssdidn’thavelong,theybothrealized.

“Whendidyoucomehere?”Willaskedtheman,gentlyallowingmorewatertotricklethroughthedried,crackedlips.

“Months…”Glendyss replied inavoice theycouldbarelyhear.“MonthsandmonthsI’vebeenhere…workingonthetunnel.”

Again,thetwoboyslookedatoneanother.Maybetheman’smindwaswandering.

“Months?” Will pressed him. “But the Wargal attacks only started a month ago,surely?”

ButGlendysswasshakinghishead.Hetriedtospeak,coughedandsubsided,gatheringhisfadingstrength.Thenhespoke,sosoftlythatWillandHoracehadtoleanclosetohearhim.

“They took us almost a year ago…from all over. Secretly…a man here, two menthere…fifty of us in all. Most of the others…dead…by now. Me soon.” He stopped,gaspingforbreathagain.Theeffortofspeakingwasalmost toomuchforhim.WillandHoracelookedateachother,puzzlingoverthisnewinformation.

“Howwasitthatnobodyknewthiswashappening?”Horaceaskedhisfriend.“Imean,fiftypeoplegomissingandnobodysaysanything?”

ButWillshookhishead.“HesaidtheytookthemfromvillagesalloverCeltica.Sooneor two men go missing—people might talk about it locally, but nobody could see theentirepicture.”

“Still,”saidHorace,“whydoit?Andwhyaretheysoopenaboutitnow?”

Willshrugged.“Maybewe’llgetanideaonthatifwetakealookaround,”hesaid.

Theyhesitateduncertainly,notsurewhattheycoulddoforthecrumpled,batteredformbesidethem.Astheywaited,themoonrose,soaringoverthehillsandfloodingthebridgeandthebankwithsoft,palelight.IttouchedonGlendyss’sfaceandhiseyesopened.Thenhetriedweaklytoraiseanarmtowardoffthelight.Gently,Willleanedforwardtoshieldhim.

“I’mdying,”saidtheminer,withasuddenclarityandasenseofpeace.Willhesitated,thenansweredsimply.

“Yes.” It would have been no kindness to lie to him, to try to cheer him along andprotest that hewouldbe all right.Hewasdying and they all knew it.Better to let himprepare, to lethimfacedeathwithdignityandcalm.ThehandclutchedfeeblyatWill’ssleeveandhetookit inhisown,pressingitgently, lettingtheCeltfeel thecontactwithanotherperson.

“Don’tletmedieouthereinthelight.”

Again,HoraceandWillexchangedglances.

“I want the peace of the Out of Light,” he continued softly, and Will suddenlyunderstood.

“IguessCelts like thedarkness.Theyspendmostof their lives in tunnelsandmines,afterall.Maybethat’swhathewants.”

Horace leaned forward. “Glendyss?” he said. “Do youwant us to carry you into thetunnel?”

Theminer’sheadhad swiveled toHorace as theboy spoke.Nowhenodded, faintly.Justenoughforthemtomakeouttheaction.

“Please,”hewhispered.“TakemetotheOutofLight.”

Horacenoddedtohim,thenslippedhisarmsundertheCelt’sshouldersandkneestolifthim.Glendysswas small-boned and theweeks he had spent in captivity had obviouslybeenatimeofstarvationforhim.HewasaneasyburdenforHoracetolift.

As the warrior apprentice stood straight with Glendyss cradled in his arms, Willmotioned for him towait. He sensed that onceGlendysswas in the peace of the darktunnel,hewould letgoof the faint thread thatheldhim to life.And therewasstillonemorequestionWillneededanswered.

“Glendyss,”hesaidsoftly.“Howlongdowehave?”

Theminerlookedathimwearily,uncomprehending.Willtriedagain.

“Howlongbeforetheyfinishthebridge?”heasked.Thistime,hecouldseealightofunderstandingintheCelt’seyes.Glendyssthoughtforasecondortwo.

“Fivedays,”hereplied.“Maybefour.Moreworkerscametoday…somaybefour.”

Thenhiseyesclosed,asiftheefforthadbeentoomuch.Forasecond,theythoughthehaddied.Butthenhischestheavedwithamassiveshudderandhecontinuedtobreathe.

“Let’sgethimintothetunnel,”Willsaid.

They squeezed through thenarrowopening.For the first tenmeters, thewalls of thetunnelwerecloseenoughtotouch.Thentheybegantowiden,astheresultsoftheCelts’laborbecameevident.Itwasadark,confinedplace,litonlybythedimflamesoftorchesset in brackets every ten to twelve meters. Some of these were guttering now, andprovided only a fitful, uncertain light. Horace looked around uneasily. He didn’t likeheightsandhedefinitelydidn’tlikeconfinedspaces.

“Here’s the answer,”Will said. “Morgarath needed those first fiftyminers to do thiswork.Nowthatthetunnelisnearlyfinished,heneedsmorementogetthebridgebuiltasquicklyaspossible.”

Horace nodded. “You’re right,” he agreed. “The tunneling would take months, butnobody would see it was going on. Once they started building the bridge, the risk ofdiscoverywouldbemuchhigher.”

Inthewiderreachesofthetunnel,theyfoundasmallsandypatch,almostagrotto,offtooneside.TheylaidGlendyssinit.WillrealizedthatthismusthavebeenwhatthetwoCeltshadbeentryingtodofortheircountrymanwhenthestop-workhornhadsounded.

He hesitated. “I wonder what the Wargals will think when they find him heretomorrow?”

Horace merely shrugged. “Maybe they’ll think he crawled in here by himself,” hesuggested.Willthoughtaboutitdoubtfully.Butthenhelookedatthepeacefulexpressionon thedyingminer’s face in thegloomy lightandhecouldn’tbringhimself to take themanbackoutsideoncemore.

“Justputhimalittlefartherin,asfaroutofsightasyoucan,”hesaid.

TherewasasmallelbowofrockandHoracegentlyplacedtheminerbehindit.HewasnowvisibleonlyifyoulookedcarefullyandWilldecidedthatwasgoodenough.Horacesteppedbackintothemaintunnel.Willnoticedthathewasstillglancinguneasilyaround.

“Whatdowedonow?”Horaceasked.Willcametoadecision.

“Youcanwaithereforme,”hesaid.“I’mgoingtoseewherethisleads.”

Horacedidn’targue.Thethoughtofgoingfartherintothatdark,windingtunneldidn’tappealtohimatall.Hefoundaplacetosit,closetooneofthebrightertorches.

“Justmake sureyoucomeback,”he said. “Idon’twant tohave tocome looking foryou.”

20THETUNNEL,LEVELATFIRST,BEGANTOANGLESTEEPLYUPWARDasWillwenton,leavingHoracebehindhim.ThewallsandfloorshowedevidenceoftheCelts’picksanddrillsastheyhadtornandgougedattherocktowidenthepath.

Willguessedthattheoriginalnarrowtunnelhadbeennothingmorethananaturalfaultintherock—amerecrevice.Butashewenton,hesawhowmuchithadbeenwidened,untiltherewasroomforfourorfivementowalkabreast.Andstillitclimbedupintotheheartofthemountains.

Acircleof lightshowedtheendof thetunnel.Heestimatedthathe’dtraveledmaybethreehundredmetersintotalandtheendwasanotherfortyaway.Thelightthathecouldseeseemed tobestronger thansimplemoonlightand,ashecarefullyemergedfromthetunnel,hesawwhy.

Here, thehillsseparated, forminga largevalleyabout twohundredmetersacrossandhalfakilometerlong.Tooneside,themoonlightshowedhimmassivewoodenstructuresleading up to the higher reaches of the plateau. Staircases, he realized after a fewmoments’study.Thefloorofthevalleywaslitwithcampfiresandtherewerehundredsoffiguresmovingintheflickeringorangelight.Willguessedthatthiswouldbetheassemblyarea for Morgarath’s army. At the moment, it was where the Wargals kept their Celtprisonersatnight.

Hepaused,tryingtoformapictureoftheoverallsituation.TheplateauthatformedthegreaterpartofMorgarath’sdomainwasstillatleastfiftymetersabovethispoint.Butthestaircasesandthelessformidableslopeofthesurroundinghillswouldproviderelativelyeasyaccessdown to thisvalley.Thevalley itselfmustbe some thirtymeters above thelevelwhere the bridge stood.The sloping tunnelwould take troops down to the bridgefromhere.Onceagain,Halt’swordsechoedinhisear:nowhereisreallyimpassable.

Hemoved to the left of the tunnelmouth and found cover in a jumble of rocks andboulderswhilehetookstockofthesituation.Therewasaroughstockadeinthecenterofthe valley. Inside thewooden fencing, he could see a large number of small fires, eachwithagroupoffiguresseatedorsprawledaroundit.Thiswastheprisoners’compound,heguessed.

LargefiresoutsidethecompoundmarkedtheplaceswheretheWargalswerecamped.He could see the hulking, shambling forms clearly against the firelight as theymovedaround. Yet therewas one fire close to him that seemed different. The figures seemedmoreupright,morehumanoidinthewaytheystoodandcarriedthemselves.

Curiously,heworkedhiswayclosertoit,slidingthroughthenightwithbarelyasound,movingquicklyfromonepatchofcovertothenext,untilhewasjustattheouterringoflight thrown by the fire—a spotwhere he knew the darkness, by contrast,would seemmoreintensetothosesittingaroundthefire.

Therewasahaunchofsomekindofmeatroastingslowlyoverthefireandthesmellofitsethismouthwatering.He’dbeentravelingfordaysoncoldrationsandthemeatfilledtheairwithadelicious fragrance.Hefelthisstomachbegin to rumbleandfearstabbed

throughhim.Itwouldbeunthinkablybadlucktobebetrayedbyarumblingstomach,hethought.

Thefeardidthetrick,killinghisappetite.Hisdigestionmoreorlessundercontrol,heedged his face around a boulder, low to the ground, to get a better look at the figureseatingbythefire.

Ashedidso,oneofthemleanedforwardtosliceoffachunkofthemeat,jugglingthehot,greasyfoodinhishandashetookit.ThemovementletthefirelightshineclearlyonhimandWill could see that thesewere notWargals. From their rough sheepskin vests,woolen leggings bound with tapes and heavy seal-fur boots, he recognized them asSkandians.

Further studyshowedhim theirhornedhelmets, roundwoodenshieldsandbattleaxespiledtoonesideofthecampsite.Hewonderedwhattheyweredoinghere,sofarfromtheocean.

Themanwhohadmovedfinishedhismeatandwipedhishandsonhissheepskinvest.Hebelched,thensettledhimselfinamorecomfortablespotbythefire.

“Be damned glad when Olvak’s men get here,” he said in the thick, almostindecipherableaccentofSkandia.WillknewthatSkandiansspokethesametongueasthekingdom.Hearingitnowforthefirsttime,though,hebarelyrecognizedit.

Theotherseawolvesgrowledtheiragreement.Therewerefourofthemaroundthefire.Willedgedforwardalittletohearthemmoreclearly,thenfroze,horrified,ashesawtheunmistakableshamblingformofaWargalmovingdirectlytowardhimfromtheothersideofthefire.

TheSkandiansheardhimcoming and lookedupwarily.With an immense feelingofrelief,WillrealizedthatthecreaturewasnotcomingtowardhimbutwasapproachingtheSkandians’fire.

“’Ullo,” said one of the Skandians in a low voice. “’Ere comes one ofMorgarath’sbeauties.”

TheWargalhadstoppedonthefarsideofthefire.Hegruntedsomethingunintelligibleatthegroupofsearaiders.Theonewhohadjustspokenshrugged.

“Sorry,handsome.Didn’tcatchthat,”hesaid.Therewasanobviousnoteofhostilityinhisvoice.TheWargalseemedtosenseit.Herepeatedhisstatement,growingangrynow.Again,thecircleofSkandianwarriorsshruggedathim.

TheWargal grunted again, growing angrier by the minute. He gestured at the meathangingover the fire, thenathimself.He shoutedat theSkandiansnow,makingeatinggestures.

“Uglybrutewantsourvenison,”saidoneoftheSkandians.Therewasalowgrowlofdissentfromthegroup.

“Lethimcatchhisown,”saidthefirstman.TheWargalsteppedinsidethecirclenow.Hehadstoppedshouting.Hesimplypointedtothemeat,thenturnedhisred,glaringeyesonthespeaker.Somehow,thesilencewasmoremenacingthanhisshoutinghadbeen.

“Careful, Erak,” warned one of the Skandians, “we’re outnumbered here at themoment.”

Erak scowled at theWargal for a second, then seemed to realize the wisdom of hisfriend’sadvice.Hegesturedangrilyatthemeat.

“Go on then. Take it,” he said curtly. TheWargal stepped forward and snatched thewoodenspitfromthefire,takingahugebiteatthemeatandtearingalargechunkloose.Evenfromwherehewaslying,scarcelydaringtobreathe,Willcouldseetheuglylightoftriumphinthered,animaleyes.ThentheWargalturnedabruptlyandboundedoutofthecircle, forcingseveralof theSkandians tomovehurriedlyaside toavoidbeing trampledon.Theyheardhisgutturallaughashefadedintothedarkness.

“Damnthingsgivemetheheebies,”mutteredErak.“Don’tknowwhywehavetohaveanythingtodowiththem.”

“’CauseHorthdon’ttrustMorgarath,”oneoftheotherstoldhim.“Ifwe’renotalong,thesedamnbear-menwillkeepalltheplunderforthemselvesandallwe’llgetisthehardfightingatthePlainsofUthal.”

“Andhardmarchingtoo,”putinanother.“Wouldn’tbeanyfunwithHorth’smeneither,working theirway aroundThorntree Forest to take the enemy in the rear. That’s roughgoing,allright.”

Will frowned as he heard that.Obviously,Morgarath andHorth,who,Will assumed,wasaSkandianwarleader,wereplanninganothertreacheroussurpriseforthekingdom’sforces.He tried to picture amapof the countryside around thePlains ofUthal, but hismemorywassketchy.Hewishedhe’dpaidmoreattentiontothegeographylessonsHalthadtaughthim.

“Whyisgeographysoimportant?”herememberedaskinghisteacher.

“Becausemapsareimportantifyouwanttoknowwhereyourenemyisandwherehe’sgoing,”hadbeen the reply.Glumly,Will realizednowhowrighthehadbeen.Halthadshakenhisheadathimthen,inthatmockseriouswayhehad.Suddenly,thinkingofhiswiseandcapableteacher,Willfeltverylonelyandmorethanalittleoutofhisdepth.

“Anyway,” Erak was saying, “things’ll be different when Olvak’s men get here.Althoughtheyseemtobetakingtheirdamnedtimeaboutit.”

“Relax,”saidtheotherspeaker.“It’lltakeafewdaystogetfivehundredmenupthemSouthCliffs.Thinkhowlongittookus.”

“Yeah,”saidanother.“Butwewereblazingatrail.Allthey’avetodoisfollowit.”

“Well, theycan’tget ’ere toosoon forme,”saidErak, risingandstretching.“I’mforsleep,lads,justassoonasI’vedonethenecessaries.”

“Well, don’t do ’em ’ereby the fire,” saidoneof theothers irritably. “Goupbehindthemrocksthere.”

Horrified,WillrealizedthattheSkandianhadgesturedtowardtherockswherehewashiding.AndnowErak,laughingattheotherman,wasturningandheadinghisway.Itwasdefinitely time togo.He scuttledbackward a fewmeters, then, crawling rapidlyonhis

stomach,usedallhistrainingandnaturalskilltoblendwiththeavailablecover.

He’dgoneperhapstwentymeterswhenheheardasplashingsoundfromthespotwherehe’d been eavesdropping. Then he heard a contented sigh and, looking back, saw theshaggy-hairedformofEraksilhouettedagainsttheglowofthehundredorsocampfiresinthevalley.

RealizingthattheSkandianwasintentonwhathewasdoing,Willslippedthroughthedarknessandbackintothetunnel.Hewentcarefullyforthefirstfewmeters,allowinghiseyestobecomeaccustomedtothedimlightofthetorches.Thenhebegantorun,hissofthidebootsmakingbarelyanoiseonthesandyfloor.

21HE HAD FOUNDHORACEWAITING FOR HIM, HIS HAND READYonhisswordhilt,wherehehadlefthiminthetunnel.“Did you find out anything?” the apprentice warrior whispered hoarsely.Will let go apent-upbreath,realizingthathe’dbeenholdingitforsometimenow.

“Plenty,” he said. “All of it bad.” He held up a hand to forestall Horace’s furtherquestions.

“Let’sgetbackacrossthebridge,”hesaid.“I’lltellyouthen.”HeglancedintothesidetunnelwheretheyhadlefttheCeltminer.

“HaveyouheardanythingmorefromGlendyss?”heasked.Horaceshruggedsadly.

“Hestartedmoaningaboutanhourago.Thenhewentquiet.Ithinkhe’sdead.Atleasthediedthewayhewantedto,”hesaid,thenhefollowedWillbackthroughthedimlylittunneltothebridge.

They made their way across the planking again, to where Evanlyn waited with thehorses,wellbackfromthebridgeandoutofsight.Whentheywereclose,Willcalledhernamesoftly,soastoavoidstartlingher.HoracehadlefthisdaggerwithEvanlynandWillthoughtanarmedEvanlynwouldnotbeapersontoapproachunexpectedly.

Ashedescribedthesceneattheotherendofthetunnel,hehastilyscratchedamapinthesandforthem.

“Somehow,we’regoingtohavetofindawaytodelayMorgarath’sforces,”hesaid.

Theothertwolookedathimcuriously.Delaythem?HowcouldtwoapprenticesandagirldelayfivehundredSkandiansandseveralthousandrelentlessWargals?

“IthoughtyousaidweshouldgetwordtotheKing,”Evanlynsaid.

“Wedon’thavetimeanymore,”Willsaidsimply.“Look.”

They leaned forwardashe smoothedover thediagramhehaddrawn in the sandandhastilysketchedoutanewone.Hewasn’tsurethatitwastotallyaccurate,butatleastitincluded themost important features of the kingdom, as well as the Southern Plateau,whereMorgarathruled.

“TheysaidtheyhavemoreSkandianscomingupthecliffsonthesouthcoast—tojoinwith theWargalswe’vealready seen.They’ll cross theFissurehere,whereweare, andmovenorthtoattackthebaronsintherear,whiletheywaitforMorgarathtotrytobreakoutofThreeStepPass.”

“Yes,”saidHorace.“Weknowthat.Weguesseditassoonaswesawthebridge.”

Will looked up at him andHorace fell silent.He realized theRanger apprentice hadsomethingelsetosay.

“But,”saidWill,emphasizingthewordandpausingforamoment,“IalsoheardthemsayingsomethingaboutHorthandhismenmarchingaroundThorntreeForest.That’supheretothenorthofthePlainsofUthal.”

Evanlyngraspedthepoint immediately.“WhichwouldbringtheSkandiansnorthwest

of the King’s army. They’d be trapped between theWargals and Skandians who havecrossedthebridgeandtheotherforcefromthenorth.”

“Exactly,”saidWill,meetinghergaze.Theycouldbothappreciatehowdangerousthatsituation would be for the assembled barons. Expecting a Skandian attack through thefenlands,totheeast,they’dbetakenbysurprisefromnotone,buttwodifferentdirections,caughtbetweenthearmsofapincerandcrushed.

“Thenwe’dbetterwarntheKing,surely!”insistedHorace.

“Horace,”saidWillpatiently.“ItwouldtakeusfourdaystoreachthePlains.”

“Even more reason to get going. We haven’t a moment to waste!” said the youngwarrior.

“And then,” put inEvanlyn, seeingWill’s point, “itwould take at least another fourdaysforanysortofforcetogetbackhereandholdthebridge.Maybemore.”

“That’s eight days all told,” saidWill. “Remember what that poor miner said? Thebridgewillbereadyinfourdays’time.TheWargalsandSkandianswillhavehadplentyoftimetocrosstheFissure,assembleinbattleformationandattacktheKing’sarmy.”

“But…”Horacebegan,andWillinterruptedhim.

“Horace, even if we get warning to the King and the barons, they’ll be badlyoutnumbered and they’ll be caught between two forces—with no way to retreat. Theswampsof thefenlandswillbebehind them.Now,Iknowwehave togetawarning tothem.Butwecanalsodosomethingheretoeventhenumbers.”

“Plus,”Evanlynputin,andHoraceturnedtofaceher,“ifwecandosomethingtostoptheWargalsandSkandiansfromcrossinghere,theKingwillhavetheadvantageoverthisnorthernforceofSkandians.”

Horacenodded.“Theywon’tbeoutnumbered,Iguess,”hesaid.

Evanlyn nodded, but then added, “That’s part of it. But those Skandians will beexpectingreinforcementstoattacktheKingfromtherear—reinforcementsthatwillneverarrive.”

Understanding dawned in Horace’s eyes. He nodded slowly, several times. Then thefrownreturned.“ButwhatcanwedotostoptheWargalshere?”heasked.

Will and Evanlyn exchanged a glance. He could see they’d come to the sameconclusion.Theybothspokeatthesametime.

“Burnthebridge,”theysaid.

22BLAZE’SHEADHUNGLOWASHETROTTEDSLOWLYINTOTHEoutskirtsoftheKing’scamponthePlainsofUthal.Gilanswayedwearilyinthesaddle.Theyhadbarelysleptinthepastthreedays,snatchingonlybriefrestsonceeveryfourhours.

TwoguardssteppedforwardtoqueryhisprogressandtheyoungRangerfumbledinsidehisshirtforthesilveramuletintheformofanoakleaf—theRangers’badgeofoffice.Atthe sight of it, the guards stepped back hurriedly to clear theway. In times like these,nobodydelayedaRanger—notifheknewwhatwasgoodforhim.

Gilanrubbedhisgrittyeyes.“WhereistheWarCounciltent?”

Oneoftheguardspointedwithhisspeartoalarger-than-normaltent,setuponaknolloverlooking the restof thecamp.Thereweremoreguards there,anda largenumberofpeoplecomingandgoing,asonewouldexpectatthenervecenterofanarmy.

“There,sir.Onthatsmallrise.”

Gilan nodded. He’d come so far, so fast, finishing the four-day journey in just overthree.Now these fewhundredmeters seemed likemiles tohim.He leaned forwardandwhisperedinBlaze’sear.

“Notmuchfarther,myfriend.Onemoreeffort,please.”

The exhausted horse’s ears twitched and his head came up a few inches. AtGilan’sgentleurging,hemanagedtoraiseaslowtrotandtheypassedthroughthecamp.

Dust driftingon the breeze, the smell ofwoodsmoke, noise and confusion: the campwas like any army camp anywhere in theworld. Orders being shouted. The clang andrattle of arms being repaired or sharpened. Laughter from tents, where men lay backrelaxingwithnodutiestobeperformed—untiltheirsergeantsfoundthemanddiscoveredjobs for them to be doing.Gilan smiled tiredly at the thought. Sergeants seemed to betotallyaversetoseeingtheirmenhavinganeasytimeofit.

Blazecametoahaltoncemoreandherealized,withajerk,thathe’dactuallynoddedoff in the saddle. Before him, two more guards barred the way to the War Councilcompound.Helookedatthemblearily.

“King’sRanger,”hecroaked,throughadrythroat.“MessagefortheCouncil.”

The guards hesitated. This dust-covered, half-asleep man, seated on a lathered,exhaustedbayhorse,mightwellbeaRanger.HewascertainlydressedlikeaRanger,asfarastheycouldtell.YettheguardsknewmostoftheseniorRangersbysight,andtheyhadneverseenthisyoungmanbefore.Andheshowednosignofidentification.

What’smore, they noticed, he carried a sword, whichwas definitely not a Ranger’sweapon, so they were reluctant to admit him to the carefully guarded War Councilcompound.Irritably,Gilanrealizedthathehadneglectedtoleavethesilveroakleafdevicehanging outside his shirt. The effort of finding it again suddenly became intense. Hefumbledblindly at his collar.Thena familiar, andverywelcome,voice cut throughhisconsciousness.

“Gilan!What’shappened?Areyouallright?”

Thatwasthevoicethathadmeantcomfortandsecuritytohimthroughouthisyearsasan apprentice. The voice of courage and capability and wisdom. The voice that knewexactlywhatactionshouldbetakenatanypointintime.

“Halt,”hemurmured,and realized thathewasswaying, then falling from thesaddle.Haltcaughthimbeforehehittheground.Heglaredatthetwosentries,whowerestandingby,notsurewhethertohelpornot.

“Give me a hand!” he ordered and they leapt forward, dropping their spears with aclatter,tosupportthesemiconsciousyoungRanger.

“Let’sgetyousomewheretorest,”Haltsaid.“You’reallin.”

ButGilan summoned some last reservesof energyand,pushingclearof the soldiers,steadied himself on his own feet. “Important news,” he said to Halt. “Must see theCouncil.There’ssomethingbadgoingoninCeltica.”

Haltfeltacoldhandofpremonitionclutchhisheart.Hecasthisgazearound,lookingbackdownthepathwhereGilanhadcome.BadnewsfromCeltica.AndGilanapparentlyalone.

“Where’sWill?”heaskedquickly.“Isheallright?”

“He’sallright,”Gilansaid,andtheseniorRanger’sheartliftedjustalittle.“Icameonahead.”

As theyhadbeen talking, theyhadbegun tomove toward thecentralpavilion.ThereweremoreguardsondutyherebuttheymovedoutofthewayatthesightofHalt.Hewasa familiar figure around theWarCouncil.He put out a hand now to steady his formerapprenticeandtheyenteredthecoolshadeoftheCouncilpavilion.

Agroupofhalfadozenmenwasclusteredaroundasandmap—alargetablewiththemainfeaturesofthePlainsandMountainsmodeledinsand.Theyturnednowatthesoundofthenewarrivalsandoneofthemhurriedforward,concernwrittenonhisface.

“Gilan!”hecried.Hewasatallman,andhisgrayinghairshowedhimtobeinhislatefifties.Buthestillmovedwiththespeedandgraceofanathlete,orawarrior.Gilangavethattiredsmileagain.

“Morning,Father,”hesaid,forthetallgray-hairedmanwasnoneotherthanSirDavid,Battlemaster of Caraway Fief and supreme commander of the King’s army. TheBattlemasterlookedquicklytoHaltandcaughtthequicknodofreassurancethere.Gilanwas all right, he realized, just exhausted. Then, his sense of duty caught up with hisfatherlyreaction.

“GreetyourKingproperly,”hesaidsoftly,andGilanlookeduptothegroupofmen,alltheirattentionnowfocusedonhim.

He recognized Crowley, the Ranger Corps Commandant, and Baron Arald and twootherseniorBaronsoftherealm—TylerofDraydenandFergusofCaraway.Butthefigureinthecentertookhisattention.Atallblondmaninhislatethirties,withashortbeardandpiercinggreeneyes.Hewasbroad-shoulderedandmuscular,becauseDuncanwasnota

kingwholetothermendoallhisfightingforhim.Hehadtrainedwithswordandlancesincehewasaboyandhewas regardedasoneof themostcapableknights inhisownkingdom.

Gilanattemptedtosinktooneknee.Hisjointsscreamedinprotestandtriedtolockuponhim.ThepressureofHalt’shandunderhisarmwasallthatstoppedhimfromfallingonceagain.

“Mylord…”hebeganapologetically,butDuncanhadalreadysteppedforward,seizinghishandtosteadyhim.GilanheardHalt’sintroduction.

“RangerGilan,mylord,attachedtoMericFief.WithmessagesfromCeltica.”

Suddenly,theKingwasgalvanizedwithinterest.“Celtica?”herepeated,studyingGilanmoreclosely.“What’shappeningthere?”

The other Council members had moved from the sand map to group around Gilan.BaronAraldspoke:“GilanwascarryingyourmessagestoKingSwyddned,mylord,”hesaid. “Invokingourmutual defense treaty and requesting that Swyddned send troops tojoinus—”

“Theywon’tbecoming,”Gilaninterrupted.HerealizedhehadtotelltheKinghisnewsbefore he collapsed fromexhaustion. “Morgarath has thembottled up on the southwestpeninsula.”

TherewasastunnedsilenceintheCounciltent.Finally,itwasGilan’sfatherwhobrokeit. “Morgarath?”hesaid, incredulously.“How?Howcouldhegetanysortofarmy intoCeltica?”

Gilan shook his head, suppressing a huge need to yawn. “They sent small numbersdownthecliffs,untiltheyhadenoughtroopstocatchtheCeltsbysurprise.Asyouknow,Swyddnedkeepsonlyasmallstandingarmy…”

BaronAraldnodded,angershowingonhisface.“IwarnedSwyddned,mylord,”heputin.“ButthosedamnedCeltshavealwaysbeenmoreinterestedindiggingthanprotectingtheirownland.”

Duncan made a small, pacifying gesture with one hand. “No time now forrecriminations,Arald,”hesaidsoftly.“What’sdoneisdone,I’mafraid.”

“IshouldimagineMorgarathhasbeenwatchingthemforyears,waitingfortheirgreedtoovercometheirgoodsense,”BaronTylersaidbitterly.Theothermennoddedquietly.Morgarath’sabilitytomaintainanetworkofspieswasalltoowellknowntothem.

“SoCelticahasbeendefeatedbyMorgarath? Is thiswhatyou’re tellingus?”Duncanasked.Thistime,asGilanshookhishead,therewererelievedglancesaroundthetent.

“TheCeltsareholdingoutinthesouthwest,mylord.They’renotdefeatedyet.Butthestrange business of it all is thatWargal raiding parties have been carrying off theCeltminers.”

“What?”This timeitwasCrowleywhointerrupted.“WhatearthlyusehasMorgarathforminers?”

Gilanshruggedinreply.“I’venoidea,sir,”hetoldhischief.“ButIthoughtI’dbetter

getherewiththenewsofitassoonaspossible.”

“Yousawthishappening,then,Gilan?”Haltasked,frowningdarklyashepuzzledoverwhattheyoungRangerhadjusttoldthem.

“Not exactly,” Gilan admitted. “We saw the empty mining towns and the desertedborderposts.WewereheadingdeeperintoCelticawhenwemetayounggirlwhotoldusabouttheraids.”

“Ayounggirl?”theKingsaid.“ACelt?”

“No,mylord.ShewasAraluen.Alady’smaidwhosemistresswasvisitingSwyddned’scourt. Unfortunately, they ran into a Wargal war party. Evanlyn was the only one toescape.”

“Evanlyn?”Duncansaid,hisvoicethemerestwhisper.Theothersturnedtohimashespoke andwere startled. TheKing’s face had turned a chalkywhite and his eyeswerewidewithhorror.

“Thatwashername,mylord,”saidGilan,puzzledbytheKing’sreaction.ButDuncanwasn’tlistening.Hehadturnedawayandmovedblindlytoacanvaschairsetbyhissmallreadingtable.Hedroppedintothechair,hisheadsunkinhishands.ThemembersofhisWarCouncilmovedtowardhim,alarmedathisreaction.

“Mylord,”saidSirDavidofCaraway.“Whatisit?”

DuncanslowlyraisedhiseyestomeettheBattlemaster’s.

“Evanlyn…” he said, his voice breakingwith emotion. “Evanlynwasmy daughter’smaid.”

23THEREWASNOTIMETOPUTTHEPLANINTOACTIONTHATnight—dawnwaslessthananhouraway.Atonestage,WillhadsuggestedthatHoraceandEvanlynshouldleavehimbehindtoburnthebridge,whiletheyrodetotakethenewstoAraluen.ButHoracehadrefused.

“Ifwegonow,wewon’tknowifyou’vesucceededornot,sowhatdowetelltheKing?Theremightbeabridgeortheremightnotbe?”hesaid,inanotherexampleofthesolidcommon sense that hadbecomepart of his thinking. “Andbesides, destroying a bridgethissizemightbea littlemore thanyoucanmanagealone—evenafamousRanger likeyourself.”

Hesmiledashesaidthelastwords,toletWillknowhemeantnoinsult.Willconcededthepoint.Secretly,hewasgladtheywouldbewithhim.HesharedHorace’sdoubtthathemightnotbeabletohandlethetaskalone.

Theysleptfitfullyuntildawn,finallywokenbythesoundsofshoutingandwhipsastheWargalsdrovetheminersbackto their taskoffinishingthebridge.Throughout theday,theywatchedwithalarmasthecompletedfootwaycreptcloserandclosertothesideofthe ravinewhere they layhidden.Withasinking feeling,Will realized that theestimategiven themby thedyingminerwasnot tobereliedupon.Perhaps theextranumbersofslaveswerethereason,butitwasobviousthatthebridgewouldbeallbutcompletedbytheendofthefollowingday.

“We’llhavetodoittonight.”

He breathed the words in Evanlyn’s ear. The two of them lay prone on the rocks,overlookingthebuildingsite.Horacewasafewmetersaway,dozingquietlyinthecoldmorning sun. The girl shifted her position so that hermouthwas closer to his ear andwhisperedback.

“I’ve been thinking, how will we get this fire started? There’s barely enough woodaroundhereforadecentcampfire.”

ThesamequestionhadbeentaxingWill’sbrainthroughoutthenight.Thentheanswerhadcometohim.HesmiledquietlyashewatchedagroupofCeltminershammeringpineboardsontothebridgeframeworktoformtheroadway.

“There’splentyofgoodfirewoodhere,”hereplied.“Ifyouknowwheretolookforit.”

Evanlynglancedathim,puzzled,thenfollowedthelineofhisgaze.Thefrownonherforeheaddisappearedandshesmiledslowly.

Asduskfell,theWargalsherdedtheirweary,starvingslavesbackfromthebridgeandintothetunnel.Willnoticedthatbytheendoftheafternoon,theworkofenlargingthetunnelseemedtohavebeencompleted.Theywaitedanhourlonger,untilfulldarkness.Duringthattime,therehadbeennosignofanyactivityfromthetunnel.Nowthattheyknewtolookforit,theycouldseetheloomofthefirelightfromthevalleyattheotherendofthetunnel,reflectingonthelow,scuddingclouds.

“Ihopeitdoesn’train,”saidHoracesuddenly.“That’druinourideaallright.”

Willstoppedinhistracksandlookedupathimquickly.Thatunpleasantthoughthadn’toccurred to him. “It isn’t going to rain,” he said firmly, and hoped he was right. Hecontinuedonthen,leadingTuggentlytotheunfinishedendofthebridge.Thelittlehorsestoppedthere,earsprickedandnostrilstwitchingtothescentsofthenightair.

“Alert,”saidWillsoftlytothehorse,thecommandwordthattoldhimtogivewarningifhesensedapproachingdanger.Tugtossedhisheadonce,signifyingthatheunderstood.ThenWillledthewayacrosstheuncompletedsectionofthebridge,steppinglightlyashecrossedthenarrowbeamsabovethedizzyingdrop.HoraceandEvanlynfollowed,morecarefully, with Horace heaving a sigh of relief when they reached the point where theplanking began.He noted that compared to the previous night, therewasmuch shorterdistancetotraversebeforereachingthecompletedsection.HerealizedthatWillwasright.Anotherdaywouldseethebridgefinishedandreadyforuse.

Willunslunghisbowandquiverandlaidthemontheplanking.Thenhedrewhissaxeknife from its scabbard and, dropping to his knees, began to pry up one of the nearestplanks from the bridge walkway. The wood was soft pine, roughly sawn, and perfectfirewood.Horacedrewhisdaggerandbeganpryinguptheplanksinthenextrow.Astheyloosenedthem,Evanlynmovedthemtooneside,stackingtheminapile.Whenshehadsixplanks,eachoverameterlong,shegatheredthemupandranlightlytothefarsideofthebridge,stackingthemonthefarbankoftheFissure,closetowherethemassive,tarredcableswerefastenedtowoodenpylons.Bythetimeshereturned,WillandHoracewerewell on the way to removing another six. These she took to the other cable.Will hadexplained his plan to them earlier in the day. To make sure there was no remainingstructureonthefarside,theywouldneedtoburnthroughbothcablesandpylonsatthatend, letting thebridge fall into thedepthsof theFissure.TheWargalsmightbe able tospan the Fissurewith a small, temporary rope affair, but nothing substantial enough topermitlargenumbersoftroopstocrossinashorttime.

Oncetheyhadburnedthebridge,theywouldridefullspeedtoalerttheKing’sarmytothethreatinthesouth.AnysmallnumbersofWargalswhomightcrosstheFissurecouldthenbeeasilydealtwithbythekingdom’stroops.

The two boys continued levering the planks free and setting them to one side forEvanlyn. In her turn, she maintained her constant ferrying back and forth across thebridge,untilthestacksbyeachpylonwerepiledhigh.Inspiteofthecoldnight,bothboysweresweatingfreelywiththeeffort.Finally,EvanlynlaidahandonWill’sshoulderasheprieduponeboardandbeganimmediatelyonanother.

“I think it’s enough,” she said simply andhe stopped, rockingbackonhis heels andwipinghisforeheadwiththebackofhislefthand.Shegesturedtowardtheotherendofthebridge,wheretherewereatleasttwentyplankspileduponeithersideoftheroad.Heeasedthecrampsoutofhisneck,rollinghisheadfromsidetoside,thenstoodup.

“You’reright,”hetoldher.“Thatshouldbeenoughtogettherestofitburning.”

Gesturingfortheotherstofollow,hepickeduphisbowandquiverandledthewaytothefarsideofthebridge.Helookedcriticallyatthetwopilesofwoodforamomentortwo.

“We’llneedkindling,”hesaid,glancingaroundtoseeiftherewereanysmalltreesor

bushes in thevicinitywhere theymight find lightwood tohelp themstart their fire.Ofcourse,therewerenone.HoraceheldouthishandforWill’ssaxeknife.

“Lendmethatforamoment,”heasked,andWillhandedit tohim.Horacetestedthebalance of the heavy knife for amoment. Then, taking one of the long planks,Horacestooditonendand,inabewilderinglyfastseriesofflashingstrokes,sliceditintoadozenthinlengths.

“It’snotquiteswordpractice.”Hegrinnedatthem.“Butit’scloseenough.”

AsWillandEvanlynbeganforming the thinpinestrips into twosmallpyres,Horacetook another plank andwhittledmore carefully, carving off thin curls from the pine tocatchthefirstsparksfromtheflintandsteeltheywouldusetolightthefire.Willglancedonce to see what Evanlyn was doing. Satisfied that she knewwhat she was about, heturned back to his own task, accepting the shaved pine from Horace as the other boypassedittohiminhandfulsandstackingitaroundthebaseofthekindling.

AsWillmovedacross toEvanlyn’sside todo thesamewithherpyre,Horacesplitafew more planks in halves, then snapped the thinner lengths in two. Will looked upnervouslyatthenoise.

“Keepitdown,”hewarnedtheapprenticewarrior.“ThoseWargalsaren’texactlydeaf,youknow,andthesoundmightcarrythroughthetunnel.”

Horaceshrugged.“I’mfinishednowanyway,”hesaid.

Will paused and studied both pyres. Satisfied that they had the right combination ofkindlingand lightwood toget themgoing,hemotioned theothers to crossback to theotherside.

“Youtwogetgoing,”hetoldthem.“I’llstartthefiresandfollowyou.”

Horace needed no second invitation. He didn’t want to have to run across the barebeamsofthebridgewiththefirelickingaroundthecablesbehindhim.Hewantedplentyoftimetonegotiatethegap.Evanlynhesitatedforamoment,thensawthesenseinwhatWillhadsaid.

They crossed carefully, trying not to look down into the agonizing depths below thebridgeas theynegotiated the last tenmeters.Therewasawidergapnow,of course, asthey’dremovedsomeoftheboardsthatformedtheroadsurface.Safeontheotherside,theyturnedandwavedtoWill.Theysawhim,acrouched,indistinctfigureintheshadowsbeside the right-handbridge support.Therewasabright flashashe struckhis flint andsteeltogether.Thenanother.Andthistime,asmallyellowglowoflightformedatthebaseofthepiledwoodasthepineshavingscaughtfireandtheflamegrew.

Willblewonitgentlyandwatchedtheeagerlittleyellowtonguesspreadout,lickingatthe rough pine, feeding on the flammable resin that filled the grain of the wood andgrowinglargerandmorevoraciousbythesecond.Hesawthefirstofthethinstakestakefire,thentheflamesshotup,lickinggreedilyaroundtheropebalustradeofthebridgeandbeginningtoreachfortheheavycable.Thetarbegansizzling.Dropsmeltedandfellintotheflames,flaringupwithabrightblueflasheachtime.

Satisfiedthatthefirstfirewaswellunderway,Willrantotheoppositesideandwentto

workwithhisflintandsteeloncemore.Again,thewatcherssawthebrightflashes,thenthesmall,rapidlygrowingpoolofyellow.

Will,nowsilhouettedclearlybythelightofthetwofires,stooderectandsteppedback,watchingtomakesurethattheywerebothproperlyalight.Already,theright-handpylonandcablewerebeginningtosmokeintheheatofthefire.Satisfiedatlast,Willgatheredhisbowandquiverandranbackacross thebridge,barelyslowingwhenhereached thenarrowbeams.

Reachingtheirside,heturnedtolookbackathishandiwork.Theright-handcablewasnow blazing fiercely. A sudden gust of wind sent a shower of sparks high into the airaboveit.Theleft-handfiredidn’tseemtobeburningnearlyaswell.Perhapsitwasatrickoraneddyofthewindthatstoppedtheflamesfromreachingthetarsoakedropeonthatside.Perhapsthewoodtheyhadusedwasdamp.Butastheywatched,thefirebeneaththeleft-handcableslowlydiedawaytoaredglowofembers.

24GILAN DROPPED HIS EYES FROM THE TORTURED GAZE OF HISKing.Everyone in the tent could see thepain there asDuncanrealizedthathisdaughterhadbeenkilledbyMorgarath’sWargals.Gilanlookedaroundattheothermen,seekingsomeformofsupportfromthem.Noneofthem,hesaw,couldbringthemselvestomeettheirmonarch’seyes.

Duncan rose from the chair and walked to the doorway of the tent, looking to thesouthwestasifhecouldsomehowseehisdaughteracrossthedistance.

“Cassandra left to visit Celtica eight weeks ago,” he said. “She’s a good friend ofPrincessMadelydd.WhenallthisbusinesswithMorgarathstarted,Ithoughtshe’dbesafethere.Isawnoreasontobringherback.”HeturnedawayfromthedoorandhisgazeheldGilan’s.“Tellme.Tellmeeverythingyouknow…”

“Mylord…”Gilanstopped,gatheringhisthoughts.HeknewhehadtotelltheKingasmuchaspossible.Buthealsowanted toavoidcausinghimunnecessarypain.“Thegirlsawusandcametous.SherecognizedWillandmyselfasRangers.Apparently,shehadmanagedtoescapewhentheWargalsattackedtheirparty.Shesaidtheotherswere…”

Hehesitated.Hecouldn’tgoon.

“Continue,”Duncansaid.Hisvoicewasfirm.Hewasincontroloncemore.

“ShesaidtheWargalshadkilledthem,mylord.Allofthem,”Gilanfinishedinarush.Somehow,hefelt itmightbeeasier ifhesaid itquickly.“Shedidn’t tellusdetails.Shewasn’tuptoit.Shewasexhausted—mentallyandphysically.”

Duncannodded.“Poorgirl.Itmusthavebeenaterriblethingtowitness.She’sagoodservant—moreofafriendtoCassandra,infact,”headdedsoftly.

Gilan felt the need to keep talking to theKing, to give theKingwhatever detail hecouldaboutthelossofhisdaughter.“Atfirst,wealmostmistookherforaboy,”hesaid,rememberingthemomentwhenEvanlynhadwalkedintotheircamp.Duncanlookedup,confusiononhisface.

“Aboy?”hesaid.“Withthatmassofredhair?”

Gilan shrugged. “She’d cut it short. Probably to conceal her appearance. The Celticfoothillsarefullofbanditsandrobbersatthemoment,aswellasWargals.”

Somethingwaswrong,hesensed.Hewasbone-weary,achingforsleep,andhisbrainwasn’t functioning as it should. But the King had said something that wasn’t right.Somethingthat…

Heshookhishead,tryingtoclearit,andswayedonhisfeet,gladofHalt’sreadyarmtosteadyhim.Seeingthemovement,Duncanwasinstantlyapologetic.

“RangerGilan,”he said, stepping forwardandseizinghishand.“Forgiveme.You’reexhaustedandI’vekeptyouherebecauseofmyownpersonalsorrow.Please,Halt, seethatGilanhasfoodandrest.”

“Blaze…”Gilanstartedtosay,rememberinghisdust-covered,wearyhorseoutsidethetent.Haltrepliedgently.

“It’s all right. I’ll look afterBlaze.”He glanced at theKing oncemore, nodding hisheadtowardGilan.“WithYourMajesty’spermission?”

Duncanwavedthetwoofthemout.“Yes,please,Halt.Lookafteryourcomrade.He’sserveduswell.”

As the two Rangers left the tent, Duncan turned to his remaining advisers. “Now,gentlemen,let’sseeifwecanputsomereasontothislatestmovebyMorgarath.”

BaronThorncastaquickglanceattheothers,seekingandgainingtheirassenttoactasspokesman. “My lord,” he said awkwardly, “perhapswe should give you some time tocometotermswiththisnews…”Theothercouncillorsallmumbledtheiragreementwiththeidea,butDuncanshookhisheadfirmly.

“I’mtheKing,”hesaidsimply.“AndfortheKing,privatematterscomelast.Mattersofthekingdomcomefirst.”

“It’sgoneout!”saidHorace,inanagonyofdisappointment.

Thethreeof themlooked,desperatelyhopingthathewaswrong, that theireyesweresomehowdeceivingthem.Buthewasright.Thefireunder the left-handpylonhaddiedawaytoasmall,glowingheapofembers.

Bycontrast, theothersidewaswelland trulyalight,with thefirerunningfiercelyupthe tarred rope side rails to the massive cable supporting the right side of the bridge.Indeed,astheywatched,oneofthethreeropesformingthecableburnedthroughandtheright-handsideofthebridgecreakedalarmingly.

“Maybe one sidewill be enough?” Evanlyn suggested hopefully, butWill shook hisheadinfrustration,willingthesecondfiretoflareupagain.

“Theright-handpylonisdamaged,butit’sstillusable,”hepointedout.“Iftheleft-handsidesurvives,theycanstillgetacrosstothisside.Andiftheycandothat,theymightbeabletorepairthewholethingbeforewecangetwarningtoKingDuncan.”

Resolutely, he hitched his bow over his shoulder and started across the bridge oncemore.

“Where are you going?” Horace asked him, eyeing the structure with distrust. Thebridge had taken a definite lean to one side now that part of the right-hand cable hadburned through. As he put the question, the structure trembled again, settling a littlefarthertowardthebottomoftheabyss.

Willpaused,balancedonthebarebeamthatstretchedacrossthegap.

“I’llhavetorelightit,”hesaid.Heturnedbackandrantothefarsideagain.Horacefeltqueasywatchinghimmovesoquicklyacrossthatmassivedrop,withnothingbutanarrowbeam beneath him. Then he and Evanlyn watched in a fever of impatience as Willcrouched by the embers.He began fanning them, then leaned down and blew on themuntilasmalltongueofflameflickeredinsidethepileofunburnedkindling.

“He’sdoneit!”Evanlyncried,thenthetriumphinhervoicediedastheflickerfaded.Onceagain,Will leaneddownandbegan toblowgentlyon theembers.Somethingelse

gaveontheright-handsidecableandthebridgelurched,sinkingfarthertothatside.Foramoment,Willstoppedtolookupattheright-handpylonandcable,stillburningfiercely.Thenhewentbacktotheembers,fanningthemwithanewsenseofurgency.

“Comeon!Comeon!”Horacesaidoverandovertohimself,hishandsclenchingandunclenchingashewatchedhisfriend.

ThenTuggaveaquietwhinny.

BothHoraceandEvanlynturnedtolookatthesmallhorse.Ifithadbeeneitheroftheirownmounts,theywouldn’thavereacted.ButtheyknewTugwastrainedtoremainsilent,unless…

Unless! Horace looked to where Will was crouched over the remains of the fire.Obviously,hehadn’theardTug’swarning.EvanlynseizedHorace’sarmandpointed.

“Look!”shesaid,andhefollowedherpointingfingertothemouthofthetunnel,wherea glimmer of light was showing. Someone was coming! Tug pawed the ground andwhinniedagain,alittlelouderthistime,butWill,closetothenoiseoftheburningright-handcable,didn’thear.Evanlyncametoadecision.

“Stayhere!”shetoldHorace,andstartedoutacrossthewoodenbeamframework.Sheinchedherwaycarefully,herheartinhermouthastheweakenedbridgestructurelurchedandswayed.Belowherwasblackness,and,attheverybottom,thesilverglimmeroftheriverthatranwildlythroughthebaseoftheFissure.Sheswayed,recovered,thenwenton.Theplankedsectionwasonlyeightmetersawaynow.Nowfive.Nowthree.

Thebridgeswayedagainandshehungthereforanawfulmoment,armsspreadtoholdherbalance,teeteringoverthathorrificdrop.Behindher,sheheardHorace’swarningcry.Takingadeepbreath,shelungedforthesafetyoftheboardwalk,fallingfulllengthontheroughpineplanks.

Heartpoundingwiththereactionofhernearmiss,shecametoherfeetandracedacrossthe rest of the bridge. As she drew closer,Will sensed her movement and looked up.Breathlessly,shepointedtothemouthofthetunnel.

“They’re coming!” she cried. And now, the reflected glow of light from within thetunnelwasrevealedtobetheflareofseveralburningtorchesasasmallgroupoffiguresemerged.Theypausedatthetunnelmouth,pointingandshoutingastheysawtheflamesreaching high above the bridge. She counted six of them, and from their shambling,clumsygait,sherecognizedthemasWargals.

TheWargalsbegantoruntowardthebridge.Theywerejustoverfiftymetersaway,butcoveringthegroundquickly.Andsheknewtheremustbemorebehindthem.

“Let’sgetoutofhere!”shesaid,grabbingatWill’ssleeve.Butheshookherhandoff,grim-faced.Hewasalreadyscoopinguphisbowandquiver,slingingthequiveroverhisshoulderandcheckingthatthebowstringwasfirmlyanchored.

“Yougetback!”hetoldher.“I’llstayandholdthemoff.”

Almostashespoke,henockedanarrowtothestringand,barelyseemingtoaim,sentithissingtowardthe leadWargal.Thearrowburieditself in theWargal’schestandit fell,

cryingoutonce,thenlaysilent.

His companions halted in their tracks, seeing the arrow. They looked warily aroundthem, trying to see where it had come from. Perhaps this was a trap, their primitive,single-trackmindstoldthem.Asyet,theycouldn’tseethesmallfigureattheendofthebridge.Andevenastheylooked,anotherthreearrowscamehissingoutofthedarkness.The steelheadsof twoof thearrowsstruck sparksas they smashed into the rocks.ThethirdtookoneoftheWargalsattherearofthepartyinthelowerarm.Hecriedoutinpainandfelltohisknees.

TheWargalshesitateduncertainly.Seeingthelightandsmokeofthefireabovethehillthatseparatedtheircampareafromthebridge,theyhadcometoinvestigate.Nowunseenarcherswerefiringatthem.Comingtoadecision,andwithnoonetoorderthemforward,theyretreatedquicklytotheshelterofthetunnelmouth.

“They’regoingback!”EvanlyntoldWill.Buthe’dalreadyseenthemovementandhewasonhiskneesagain,tryingtofranticallyrebuildthefire.

“We’ll have to reset the whole thing!” he muttered. Evanlyn dropped to her kneesbeside him and began shaping the half-burned strips and heavier pieces into a conicalpyre.

“YouwatchtheWargals!”shesaid.“I’lllookafterthis.”

Willhesitated.Afterall,thiswasthefireshehadsetinthefirstplace.Hehadamomentofdoubtashewonderedifshe’ddonethejobcorrectly.Thenhelookeduptothetunnelmouth,sawmovementthereonceagainandrealizedshewasright.Grabbinghisbow,hestartedtomovetowardthecoverofsomerocksnearby,butshestoppedhim.

“Yourknife!”shesaid.“Leaveitwithme.”

Hedidn’taskwhy.Heslidthesaxefromitsscabbardanddroppeditbesideher.Thenhemoved to therocks.Thebridgegroanedand trembledas theright-handcablegavealittle more. Silently, he cursed the caprice of wind that had fanned one fire andextinguishedtheother.

Encouragedbythelackofarrowswhistlingaroundtheirearsinthepastfewminutes,the four remaining Wargals had emerged from the tunnel again and were movingcautiouslyforward.Withoutanyrealintelligentleadership,andwithafalsesenseoftheirown superiority, they stayed grouped together, an easy target. Will fired three times,carefullyaimedshots.

Each one found its mark. The survivingWargal looked at his fallen comrades, thenlumbered into the cover of the rocks. Will sent another arrow skating off the granitedirectlyabovehishead,toencouragehimtostaywherehewas.

Hecheckedhisquiver.Thereweresixteenarrowsleft.NotalotiftheWargalshadsentforreinforcements.HeglancedatEvanlyn.Sheseemedtobemaddeninglyslowwithherefforts to rebuild the fire.Hewanted toyell ather tohurry,but realizedhewouldonlydistract her and slow her down if he did. He looked back to the tunnel, his fingersclenchingandunclenchingonthebow.

Fourmorefiguresemerged,runningfastandfanningoutsothattheyweren’tgrouped

together.Willbroughtthebowup,sightedquicklyandreleasedattheonefarthesttotheright.He letgoa littlecryofexasperationas thearrowflewbehind the running figure.Thenhewasobscuredbytherocks.

BlessingtheweeksandmonthsofpracticethatHalthadinsistedon,Willhadanotherarrowoutofthequiverandalreadynocked,withoutevenlookingatit.Buttheotherthreerunnershadgonetogroundaswell.

Nowoneof them rose in themiddleof the lineanddarted forward.Will’s snap shotcleavedtheairabovehisheadashedivedforcover.Thenanotherwasmovingontheleft,dropping into cover beforeWill could fire.His heartwas beating rapidly as theymadetheirquickrushesandheforcedhimselftobreathedeeplyandthinkcalmly.Thetimetoshootwouldbeinthelastthirtymeters,wheretherewaslesscoverandwherethearrows,with a shorter distance to cover, would be traveling faster and so be harder to dodge.Will’s heart hammered inside his ribs. Hewas remembering the last time—only a fewweeksago—whenfearhadmadehisshotsgowide.Hisfacehardenedashedeterminedthatitwouldnothappenagain.

“Staycalm,”hetoldhimself,tryingtohearHalt’svoicesayingthewords.Anotherofthefiguresmadeashortrushandthistime,asthefirelightilluminatedhimmoreclearly,Willheldhisfireashiseyesconfirmedwhathehadbeguntosuspect.

Thenewcomersweren’tWargals.TheywereSkandians.

25GILAN SLEPT LIKE A LOG FOR SIX HOURS, TOTALLY EXHAUSTED, inthetentwhereHalthadtakenhim.Throughoutthattime,hedidn’tstironce.Hismindandbodywereshutdown,drawingnewstrengthfromtotalrest.

Then,afterthosesixhours,hissubconsciousmindstirredandbegantofunction,andhebegantodream.HedreamtofWillandHoraceandthegirlEvanlyn.ButthedreamwaswildandconfusedandhesawthemascaptivesoftheWargals,tiedtogetherwhilethetworobbersBartandCarneystoodbyandlaughed.

Gilan rolled onto one side, muttering in his sleep. Halt, sitting nearby repairing thefletchingonhis arrows,glancedup.He saw that theyoungRangerwas still asleepandwentbacktohisroutinetask.Gilanmutteredagain,thenfellsilent.

Inhisdream,hesawtheservantEvanlynastheKinghaddescribedher—withherhairlonganduncropped,massesofitflowingdownherback,thickandlustrousandred.

Andthenhesatup,wide-awake.

“MyGod!”hesaidtoastartledHalt.“It’snother!”

Halt sworeashespilled the thick,viscousglue thathewasusing toattach thegoosefeathervanes to thearrowshaft.Gilan’s suddenmovementhadcaughthimby surprise.Nowhemoppedupthestickyliquidandturnedwithsomeirritationtohisfriend.

“Couldyougiveabitofwarningwhenyou’regoingtostartshoutinglikethat?”hesaidpeevishly.ButGilanwas alreadyout of the campbed andhaulingonhis breeches andshirt.

“I’vegottoseetheKing!”hesaidurgently.Haltstoodwarily,notaltogethersurethatGilanwasn’tsleepwalking.TheyoungRangershovedpasthim,dashingoutintothenight,andtuckinghisshirtintohistrousersashewent.Reluctantly,Haltfollowedhim.

Therewasaslightdelayas they reached theKing’spavilion.Theguardhadchangedseveral hours before and the new sentries didn’t know Gilan by sight. Halt smoothedthingsover,butnotbeforeGilanhadconvincedhimthatitwasvitalforhimtoseeKingDuncan,evenifitmeantwakinghimfromawell-deservedsleep.

Asitturnedout,inspiteofthelatehour,theKingwasn’tsleeping.HeandhissupremearmycommanderwerediscussingpossiblereasonsfortheraidsintoCelticawhenGilan,barefoot,rumple-hairedandwithseveralbuttonsstillaskewonhisshirtfront,wasallowedintothepavilion.SirDavidlookedupinalarmatthesighthissonpresented.

“Gilan!Whatonearthareyoudoinghere?”hedemanded,butGilanheldupahandtostophim.

“Justamoment,Father,”hesaid.Then,hecontinued,facingtheKing,“Sir,whenyoudescribedthemaidEvanlynearlier,didyousay‘red’hair?”

SirDavidlookedtoHaltforanexplanation.TheolderRangershruggedandSirDavidturnedbacktohisson,angerclearlyshowingonhisface.

“What difference does that make?” he began. But again Gilan cut him off, still

addressingtheKing.

“ThegirlwhocalledherselfEvanlynwasblond,sir,”hesaidsimply.Thistime,itwasKingDuncanwhoheldoutahandtosilencehisangryBattlemaster.

“Blond?”heasked.

“Blond,sir.She’dcutitshort,asIsaid,butitwasblond,likeyourown.Andshehadgreen eyes,”Gilan told him,watchingDuncan carefully, and sensing the importance ofwhathewastellinghim.TheKinghesitatedamoment,coveringhisfacewithonehand.Thenhespoke,thehopegrowinginhisvoice.

“Andherbuild?Slight,wasshe?Smallofstature?”

Gilannoddedeagerly.“AsIsaid,sir,foramoment,wecouldhavetakenherforaboy.Shemusthaveusedhermaid’sidentitybecauseshethoughtitwassaferifsheremainedincognito.”NowheunderstoodthoseslighthesitationsinEvanlyn’sspeech,andwhyshehadabroadergraspofpoliticsandstrategythanmostservantswouldbeexpectedtohave.

Slowly,Halt and SirDavid began to realize the import ofwhatwas being said. TheKinglookedfromGilantoHalttoDavid,thenbacktoGilanagain.

“Mydaughterisalive,”hesaidquietly.Therewasalongsilence.ItwasfinallybrokenbySirDavid.

“Gilan,howfarbehindyouwerethetwoapprenticesandthegirl?”

Gilanhesitated.“Possiblytwodays’ride,Father,”heestimated,followinghisfathertothemaptableandindicatingthefarthestpointthathethoughtWillandtheothersmighthavereachedbynow.SirDavidtookinstantcharge,sendingmessengersrunningtorousethecommanderofthecavalrywingandhavehimprepareacompanyoflightcavalrytoleavecampimmediately.

“We’llsendacompanyoftheFifthLancerstobringthemin,sir,”hetoldtheKing.“Iftheyleavewithinthehourandridethroughthenight,theyshouldmakecontactsometimearoundnoontomorrow.”

“I’llguidethem,”Gilanofferedimmediately,andhisfathernoddedassent.

“I’dhopedyou’dsaythat.”HeseizedtheKing’sarm,smilingwithgenuinepleasureatthereliefonthetallman’sface.“Ican’ttellyouhowpleasedIamforyou,sir,”hesaid.TheKinglookedathim,alittlebemused.Sorecently,hehadbeenprivatelymourningthelossofhisbeloveddaughterCassandra.Now,miraculously,shehadbeenrestoredtolife.

“Mydaughterissafe,”hesaid,almosttohimself.

Evanlyncrouchedoverthepileofwoodbesidethebridgerailing.Fromtimetotime,sheheardthedull thrumofWill’sbowashefiredat theapproachingenemy,butsheforcedherself not to look up, concentrating on the job in hand. She knew they had one lastchancetogetthefiregoingproperly.Ifshegotitwrongthistime,itwouldmeandisasterfor thekingdom.So she carefully stacked andplaced thewood,making sure therewassufficientairspacebetweenthepiecestoallowagooddraft.Shehadnoneoftheshavingslefttousefortinderthistime,butonlyafewmetersaway,shehadaperfectsourceoffire.

Theright-handcablewasstillblazingfiercely.

Satisfiedthatthewoodwasstackedproperly,shetookWill’ssaxeandcutseveralone-meter lengths of tarred rope from the bridge railing—thinner lengths, not the massivecableitself.Itwouldhavebeenalmostimpossibletohackthroughthatintime.

Takingtheropelengths,shecametoherfeetanddartedacrossthebridgetotheblazingfireontheotherside.Itwasasimplemattertogetthelengthsoftarredropeburning,thenshe ran back to her fire pile and draped the burning rope around the base, trailing itthroughthegapsshehadleftinthewood.Theflameslickedatherfingersasshepushedtheropeinbetweenpiecesofwood.Shebitherlip,ignoringthepainasshemadesurethefirewasburningfreely.

Thetar-fedflamescrackledatthewood,flickered,thentook.Shefannedthemforafewsecondsastheybecameestablished,untilthelighterkindlingstripswereburningfiercely,then theheavierplanksbegan to takefireaswell.Thehandrailcaught inseveralplacesandnowtonguesofflamewereshootinguptothecable,beginningtolickatit,feedingonthetar,thenrunninguptowhereitjoinedthewoodenpylonstructure.

OnlynowdidshetakethetimetoglanceupatWill.Hereyesweredazzledbythefireandshecouldseehimonlyasadullblur,fivemetersaway,behindarockoutcrop.

Asshe looked,he rose toa standingpositionand firedanarrow.She looked into thesurroundingdarknessbutcouldseenosignoftheirattackers.

Thebridgegaveanotherconvulsivejerkbeneathherfeetandtheroadwaytiltedtoanalarmingdegreeasthesecondofthethreestrandsoftheright-handcableburnedthroughandthestructuresaggedfarther to thatside.Theywouldn’thavemuchtimetogetbackacrosstowhereHoraceandTugwaited.ShehadtowarnWill.

Saxeknife inhand, she ran fullpelt towherehecrouchedbehind the rocks,hiseyessearchingthedarknessformovement.Heglancedquicklyatherasshearrived.

“Theotherside’sburning,”shesaid.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”

Grimly,heshookhishead,thenpointedwithhischintoajumbleofrocksbarelythirtymetersfromwheretheycrouched.

“Can’triskit,”hetoldher.“Oneofthemhasgotbehindthoserocks.Ifwegonow,hemighthavetimetosavethebridge.”

Outofthecornerofhereye,shesawaquick,dartingmovementtotheirleftandpointedquickly.

“There’sone!”shesaid.Willnodded.

“Iseehim,”herepliedevenly.“He’stryingtodrawmyfire.AssoonasIshootathim,theoneclosertouswillhaveachance.IhavetowaitforhimtoshowhimselfbeforeIcanshoot.”

She looked at him, horrified, as she realized the significance ofwhat hewas saying.“Butthatmeanstheotherscancloseinonus,”shesaid.Thistime,Willsaidnothing.Theincipientpanichehadfeltwasnowreplacedbyacalmsenseof resolution.Deep inhisheart,apartofhimwasglad—gladthathehadn’tfailedHaltandgladthathehadrepaid

thefaiththattheolderRangerhadplacedinhimwhenhechosehimasanapprentice.

He glanced at Evanlyn for a long moment and she realized he was willing to becapturedifitkepttheenemyawayfromthebridgejustafewminuteslonger.

Capturedorkilled,sheamended.

Behind them, therewas a groaning crash and she turned to see the first cable finallygiveway in a shower of flame and sparks. It took the burned-throughupper half of itspylonwithit.Thatwastheresulttheyhadwanted.Theyhaddiscussedtheideaofsimplycutting the main cables, but that would have left the major structure of the bridgeuntouched. The pylons themselves had to be destroyed. Now the entire bridge washanging, suspended by the left-hand cable, and flames were already eating their waythrough that. In a fewmoreminutes, she knew, the bridgewould be gone.TheFissurewouldbeimpassableoncemore.

Willtriedtogiveherareassuringsmile.Itwasn’taverysuccessfulattempt.“Youcan’tdomuchmorehere,”hetoldher.“Getacrossthebridgewhileyou’vestillgottime.”

Shehesitated,desperatelywantingtogobutunwillingtoleavehimonhisown.Hewasonlyaboy,sherealized,buthewaswillingtosacrificehimselfforherandtherestofthekingdom.

“Go!”hesaid,turningtoherandshovingather.Andnowshethoughtshecouldseetheglitter of tears in his eyes. Her own eyes filled and she couldn’t see him clearly. Sheblinkedtoclearhervision,justintimetoseeajaggedrockcurvingdownoutofthefirelitnight.

“Will!”sheshouted,butshewastoolate.Therocktookhiminthesideoftheheadandhegruntedinsurprise, thenhiseyesrolledupandhefellatherfeet,darkbloodalreadywellingfromhisscalp.SheheardarushoffeetfromseveraldirectionsandshetossedthesaxeknifeasideandscrabbledinthedirtforWill’sbow.Thenshefounditandwastryingtonockanarrowwhenroughhandsgrabbedher,knocking thebowfromhergraspandpinningherarmstohersides.TheSkandianheldherinabearhug,herfacepressedintothe rough sheepskin of his vest, smelling of grease and smoke and sweat and all butsuffocatingher.Shekickedout,lashingwithherfeetandtossingherhead,tryingtobuttthemanwhowasholdingher,buttonoavail.

Besideher,Willlayunmovinginthedust.Shebegantosobinfrustrationandangerandsadness and she heard the Skandians laughing. Then another sound came and theystopped.Thearmsholdingherreleasedalittleandshewasabletosee.

Itwasadrawn-out,creakinggroananditcamefromthebridge.Theright-handsupportwasgone,andtheleft-handside,alreadyweakenedbythefire,wasnowholdingtheentirestructure.Itwasnevermeantforsuchaload,eveninperfectcondition.WithafinalsharpSNAP! thepylonshatteredat itshalfwaypointand,cablesandall, thebridgecollapsedslowly into thedepthsof theFissure, trailingabright showerof sparksbehind it in thedarkness.

26GILANWATCHED IMPATIENTLYASTHECOMPANYOFCAVALRYMENremountedafterafifteen-minutebreak.Hewasitchingtobeaway,butheknewthatbothhorsesandmenneededrestiftheyweretocontinueatthekillingpacehehadsetthem.TheyhadbeentravelingforhalfadayandheestimatedthattheyshouldmeetWill’spartysometimeintheearlyafternoon.

Checkingthatallthetroopersweremounted,heturnedtothecaptainbesidehim.

“Allright,Captain,”hesaid.“Let’sgetthemmoving.”

Thecaptainhadactuallydrawnbreath tobellowhiscommandwhen therewasacallfromtheleadtroop.

“Horsemancoming!”

Anexpectantbuzz ran through thecavalrymen.Mostof themhadno ideawhat theirmissionwasabout.They’dbeenrousedoutofbedintheearlydawnandtoldtomountandride.Gilanstoodinhisstirrups,shadinghiseyesagainstthemiddayglare,andpeeredinthedirectionthetrooperhadindicated.

They hadn’t reached theCeltic border yet, and here the terrainwas open grasslands,withoccasional thicketsof trees.To the southwest,Gilan’skeeneyescouldmakeout asmallcloudofdust,withagallopingfigureattheheadofit.

“Whoeverhe is,he’s inahurry,” thecaptainobserved.Thentheforwardscoutcalledmoreinformation.

“Threehorsemen!”cametheshout.ButalreadyGilancouldseethatthereportwasn’tquitecorrect.Therewerethreehorses,butonlyonerider.Heexperiencedasinkingfeelinginthepitofhisstomach.

“Shouldwesendoutaninterceptparty,sir?”thecaptainaskedhim.Intimeslikethese,itwasn’talwayswisetoletastrangerridefullpelt intothemiddleofagroup.Butnowthattheriderwascloser,Gilancouldrecognizehim.Moretothepoint,hecouldrecognizethe horse hewas riding: small, shaggy, barrel-chested. It wasWill’s horse, Tug. But itwasn’tWillridinghim.

Theleadtroophadalreadyfannedouttostoptherider’sprogress.Gilansaidquietlytothecaptain:“Tellthemtolethimthrough.”

The captain repeated the order with considerably more volume and the troopersseparated, leaving a path for Horace. He saw the small group of officers around thecompanybannerandheadedforthem,bringingtheshaggylittleRangerhorsetoahaltinfrontof them.Theotherhorses,whichGilannow recognized asHorace’s and thepackponythatEvanlynhadridden,werefollowingTugonaleadrope.

“They’vegotWill!” theboyshoutedhoarsely, recognizingGilanamong thegroupofofficers.“They’vegotWillandEvanlyn!”

Gilan closedhis eyes briefly, feeling a lance of pain in his heart.Then, knowing theanswerbeforeheasked,hesaid:“Wargals?”

“Skandians!”hereplied.“Theytookthematthebridge.They…”

Gilanflinchedinsurpriseattheword.Surpriseandhorror.

“Bridge?”hesaidurgently.“Whatbridge?”

Horace was breathing heavily from his exertions. He’d alternated between the threehorses, switchingfromone to theother,butnot restinghimselfatanystage.Hepausednowtogethisbreath,realizingheshouldstartfromthebeginning.

“Across the Fissure,” he said. “That’s why Morgarath took the Celts. They werebuildingahugebridgeforhimtobringhisarmyacross.They’dalmostgottenitfinishedwhenwegotthere.”

The captain beside Gilan had turned pale. “You mean there’s a bridge across theFissure?”heasked.Theimplicationsofsuchafactwerehorrendous.

“Notanymore,”Horacereplied,hisbreathingsteadierandhisvoicealittlemoreundercontrolnow.“Willburnedit.WillandEvanlyn.ButtheystayedontheothersidetokeeptheSkandiansbackand—”

“Skandians!”saidGilan.“WhatthedevilareSkandiansdoingontheplateau?”Horacemadeanimpatientgestureathisinterruption.

“They were the advance party for a force that’s coming up the southern cliffs. TheSkandiansweregoingtojoinforceswiththeWargals,crossthebridgeandattackthearmyintherear.”

Thegroupofcavalryofficersexchangedlooks.Professionalsoldiers,allofthemcouldimaginehowdisastrousthatcouldhavebeenfortheroyalforces.

“Aswellthebridgeisgonethen,”saidalieutenant.Horaceswunghistormentedgazeontheofficer—ayoungmanbarelyafewyearsolderthanhimself.

“But they’vegotWill!”hecried,hiseyeswellingwith tearsashe thoughtofhowhehadstoodbyandwatchedhelplesslyashisfriendwasknockedout,thencarriedaway.

“Andthegirl,”addedGilan,butHoracedismissedher.

“Yes!Ofcoursetheygother!”hesaid.“AndI’msorryshe’sbeencaught.ButWillwasmyfriend!”

“You’re sorry she’s been caught? Do you know who…” the captain interruptedindignantly,forhewasoneofthefewwhoknewthetruenatureoftheirtask.ButGilanstoppedhimbeforehecouldsaymore.

“That’senough,Captain!”hesaidcrisply.TheofficerlookedathimangrilyandGilanleanedforward,speakingsothatonlyhecouldhear.

“The fewer people who know the girl’s name now, the better,” he said, andunderstanding dawned in the officer’s eyes. If Morgarath knew that his men held theking’sdaughterhostage,hewouldhaveapowerfultooltobargainwith.GilanlookedbacktoHorace.“Horace,isthereanywaytheymightbeabletorepairthisbridge?”heasked,andthemuscularyouthshookhisheadvehemently.Hewasdevastatedatthelossofhisfriend,buthisprideinWill’saccomplishmentwasobviousashedescribedit.

“No way at all,” he replied. “It’s gone, well and truly.Will made sure that nothing

remainedonthefarside.That’swhyhewascaught.Hewantedtomakesure.”Hepausedandadded:“Theymightgetasmallropebridgeacross,ofcourse.”

ThatdecidedGilan.Heturnedtothecaptain.

“Captain, you’ll continuewith the company andmake sure no bridge of any kind isthrownacrosstheFissure.Wedon’twantanyofMorgarath’sforces,nomatterhowsmall,comingacross.GetHoracetoshowyouthelocationonamap.HoldthesouthsideoftheFissure until you’re relieved, and keep patrols moving either side to locate any otherpossiblecrossingpoints.Therewon’tbemanyofthose,”headded.“Horace,you’llcomewithmeandreporttotheKing.Now.”HestoppedabruptlyasherealizedthatHoracewaswaitingforachancetosaysomething.Henoddedfortheapprenticetogoahead.

“TheSkandians,”saidHorace.“They’renotjustontheplateau.They’resendingaforcenorthoftheThorntreeForestaswell.”

Therewasanotherbuzzofcommentfromtheofficersastheyrealizedhowclosetheirarmyhadcome todisaster.Twounexpected forces,attacking from the rear,wouldhavelefttheKing’smenveryhard-pressedindeed.

“You’resureofthis?”Gilanasked,andHoracenoddedseveraltimes.

“Willoverheardthemtalkingaboutit,”hesaid.“Theirforcesonthebeachandinthefensareafeint.Therealattackwasalwaysgoingtocomefrombehind.”

“Then we don’t have a moment to waste,” said Gilan. “That force in the northwestcouldstillbeabigproblemiftheKingdoesn’tknowaboutit.”Heturnedtothecompanycommander.“Captain,youhaveyourorders.GetyourmentotheFissureassoonasyoucan.”

Thecaptainsalutedbrieflyandissuedafewcrisporderstohisofficers.Theygallopedoff to their troopsand,afteraquickconferencewhileHoracepointedout thesiteof thefallenbridgeonamapofthearea,theentirecompanywasonthemove,headingatabriskcanterfortheFissure.

GilanturnedtoHorace.“Let’sgo,”hesaidsimply.Wearily,theyoungwarriornodded,thenturnedbacktomounthisownhorse.Tughesitated,pawingthegroundashewatchedthecavalryrideaway—backtowardwherehehadlastseenhismaster.Hetrottedafewuncertainpacesafterthetroop,then,atawordfromGilan,hereluctantlyfellinbehindthetallRanger.

27WILL’S HEADACHEDABOMINABLY.ACONSTANT,RHYTHMIC thuddingpoundedthroughhisskull,settingflashesoffbehind his tight-closed eyes. He forced his eyes open and found himself staring closerangeat a sheepskinvest and thebackof apairof leather-boundwoolen leggings.Theworldwas upside down and he realized hewas being carried over someone’s shoulder.Thethuddingwasthesoundoftheman’sfeetashejoggedalong.Willwishedhewouldwalk.

Hegroanedaloudandthejoggingstopped.

“Erak!”themancarryinghimcalled.“’E’sawake.”

Andsosaying,theSkandianloweredhimtotheground.Willtriedtotakeapace,buthiskneesgaveoutandhesanktohishaunches.Erak,theleaderofthegroup,leaneddownnowand examined him.One thick thumb caught hold of his eyelid and he felt his eyebeing opened wide. The man wasn’t cruel. But he was none too gentle either. WillrecognizedhimnowastheSkandianwhohadcomesoclosetodiscoveringhimwhenhewaseavesdroppingbytheircampfireinthevalley.

“Hmmm,”hesaid thoughtfully.“Concussed,most likely.Thatwasagoodthrowwiththatrock,Nordal,”hesaidtooneoftheothers.TheSkandianhe’dspokento,agiantofaman with his blond hair in two tightly plaited braids that were greased so they sweptupwardlikehorns,smiledatthepraise.

“Grewuphuntingsealsandpenguinsthatway,Idid,”hesaid,withsomesatisfaction.

ErakreleasedWill’seyelidandmovedaway.NowWillfeltagentlertouchonhisfaceand,openinghiseyesagain, foundhimself looking intoEvanlyn’seyes.Shestrokedhisforeheadgently,tryingtocleanawaythedried,mattedbloodthere.

“Areyouallright?”shesaid,andhenodded,thenrealizedthatwasnotagoodidea.

“Fine,”hemanaged,fightingbackawaveofnausea.“Theygotyouaswell?”headded,unnecessarily,andshenodded.“Horace?”hesaidsoftly,andsheputafingertoherlips.

“Hegotaway,”shewhispered.“Isawhimrunningwhenthebridgecollapsed.”

Willsighedwithrelief.“Wediditthen?Wegotthebridge?”

ThistimeitwasEvanlyn’sturntonod.AsmileeventouchedherlipsatthememoryofthebridgecrashingintothedepthsoftheFissure.

“It’sgone,”shesaid.“Wellandtruly.”

Erakheardthelastfewwords.Heshookhisheadatthem.

“Andnothanksyou’llgetfromMorgarathforthat,”hetoldthem.Willfeltasmallchillof fear at the mention of the Lord of Rain and Night’s name. Here on the plateau, itseemed somehow more ominous, more dangerous, altogether more malevolent. TheSkandianglancedatthesun.

“We’lltakeabreak,”hesaid.“Maybeourfriendherewillbeuptowalkinginanhourorso.”

TheSkandiansopened theirpacksandproduced foodanddrink.They tossedawaterbottle anda small loafofbread toWill andEvanlynand the twoatehungrily.Evanlynbegan to say something, but Will raised a hand to hush her. He was listening to theSkandians’conversation.

“Sowhatdowedonow?”askedtheonecalledNordal.Erakchewedapieceofdriedcod, washed it down with a gulp of the fiery liquor he carried in a leather bottle andshrugged.

“Formine,wegetoutofhereasfastaswecan,”hesaid.“Weonlycameforthebootyandthere’sgoingtobepreciouslittleofthatnowthatthebridgeisgone.”

“Morgarathwon’t like it ifwepullout,”warnedashort,heavilybuiltmemberof theparty.Eraksimplyshrugged.

“Horak, I’mnot here to helpMorgarath take overAraluen,” he replied. “Neither areyou.Wefightforprofit,andwhenthere’snoprofittobehad,Isaywego.”

Horak lookeddownat thegroundbetweenhis feetandscratched in thedustwithhisfingers.Hedidn’t lookupwhenhe spokeagain. “What about those two?”he said, andWillheardasharpintakeofbreathfromEvanlynassherealizedtheSkandianmeantherandWill.

“Wetake’emwithus,”saidErak,andthistimeHoraklookedupfromthedust,wherehewasdrawingsenselesspatterns.

“Whatgoodaretheytous?Whyshouldn’twejusthand’emovertotheWargals?”heasked,andtheothersmumbledtheiragreement.Itwasobviouslyaquestionthathadbeenontheirminds.They’dsimplybeenwaitingforsomeoneelsetobringitup.

“I’ll tell you,” saidErak. “I’ll tell youwhat good they are to us. First and foremost,they’rehostages,aren’tthey?”

“Hostages!”snortedthefourthmemberofthegroup,theonewhosofarhadn’tspoken.Erakroundeduponhim.

“That’sright,Svengal,”hetoldhim.“They’rehostages.Now,I’vebeenonmoreraidsand inmorecampaigns thananyofyouand Idon’t like theway thisone’s shapingup.SeemstomelikeMorgarath’sbeengettingtoocleverforhisowngood.Allthisleakingfalseplansandbuilding secret tunnels andplanning surprise attackswithHorthandhismen coming around Thorntree Forest—it’s too complicated. And complicated isn’t thewaytogowhenyou’refacingpeopleliketheAraluens.”

“Horth can still attack around theThorntree,” said Svengal stubbornly, butErakwasshakinghishead.

“Hecan.Buthewon’tknowthatthebridgeisgone,willhe?He’llbeexpectingsupportthatwillnevercome.I’llwagerMorgarathwon’thurrytotellhim.HeknowsHorthwouldgiveitallawayifhefoundout.Letmetellyou,it’llbethetossofacointoseewhichwaythat battle goes. That’s the problemwith these clever-clever plans!You take away oneelementandthewholethingcancomecrashingdown.”

TherewasashortsilencewhiletheotherSkandiansthoughtaboutwhathehadsaid.A

fewheadsnoddedinagreementandErakcontinued.

“I’lltellyou,boys,Idon’tlikethewaythingsareshapingandIsayweshouldtakethechancetogettoHorth’sshipsthroughthefens.”

“Whynot goback thewaywe came?” askedSvengal, but his leader shookhis heademphatically.

“Andtrytogetdownthosecliffsagain,withMorgarathafterus?”heasked.“No,thankyou. I don’t think he’d take too kindly to deserters.We’ll go alongwith him as far asThreeStepPass,thenoncewe’reintheopen,we’llheadeastforthecoast.”Hepausedtoletthissinkin.“Andwe’llhavethesetwoashostagesincasetheAraluenstrytostopus,”headded.

“They’rekids!”saidNordalderisively.“Whatusearetheyashostages?”

“Didn’t you see that oakleaf amulet the boy was wearing?” Erak asked, andinstinctively,Will’shandwenttotheoakleafonthethongaroundhisneck.

“That’stheRanger’ssymbol,”Erakcontinued.“He’soneofthem.Maybesomekindoftrainee.Andtheylookaftertheirown.”

“Whataboutthegirl?”saidSvengal.“She’snoRanger.”

“That’sright,”Erakagreed.“She’sjustagirl.ButI’mnothandinganygirlovertotheWargals. You’ve seenwhat they’re like. They’reworse than animals, that lot. No. Shecomeswithus.”

Therewas anothermoment’s silence as theothers consideredhiswords.ThenHorakspoke.“Fairenough,”heagreed.

Erak looked around at the others, and saw thatHorak had spoken for them all. TheSkandianswerewarriors,andhardmen.Buttheyweren’ttotallyruthless.“Good,”hesaid.“Nowlet’sgetontheroadagain.”HeroseandmovedtowardWillandEvanlynwhiletheotherSkandiansrepackedtheremainsofthebriefmeal.“Canyouwalk?”heaskedWill.“OrdoesNordalhavetocarryyouagain?”

Will flushed angrily and rose quickly to his feet. Instantly hewished he hadn’t. Thegroundheavedandhisheadswam.HestaggeredandonlyEvanlyn’sfirmhandonhisarmpreventedhimfromfalling.Buthewasdeterminednottoshowweaknessinfrontofhiscaptors.Hesteadiedhimself,thenglareddefiantlyatErak.

“I’ll walk,” hemanaged to say, and the big Skandian studied him for amoment, anappraisinglookinhiseye.

“Yes,”hesaidfinally.“Idaresayyouwill.”

28BATTLEMASTERDAVID CHEWED THE ENDS OF HISMUSTACHEashefrownedattheplanoutlinedonthesandtable.“Idon’t know, Halt,” he said doubtfully. “It’s very risky. One of the first principles ofwarfareisnevertosplityourforces.”

Haltnodded.Heknewtheknight’scriticismwasintendedtobeconstructive,notsimplynegative thinking. ItwasSirDavid’s role to findany faults in theplanandweigh themagainstitspossibleadvantages.

“That’strue,”theRangerreplied.“Butit’salsotruethatsurpriseisapowerfulweapon.”

BaronTylerwalkedaroundthetable,consideringtheplanfromanotherviewpoint.HepointedwithhisdaggeratthemassofgreenthatrepresentedtheThorntreeForest.

“You’re sure you andGilan canguide a large cavalry force through theThorntree? Ithoughtnobodycouldgetthroughthere,”heaskeddubiously,andHaltnodded.

“TheRangershavechartedandsurveyedeveryinchofthekingdomforyears,mylord,”he told the Baron. “Especially the parts people think there’s no way through.We cansurprise this northern force. Then Morgarath will be caught out as well, when noSkandiansturnupbehindus.”

Tylercontinuedtopacearoundthetable,staringintentlyatthedesignsdrawnthereandthemarkerssetinplaceinthesandmap.

“Allthesame,”hesaid,“we’llbeinaprettyscrapeiftheSkandiansdefeatHaltandthecavalryoverhereinthenorth.Afterall,you’llbeoutnumberedalmosttwotoone.”

Halt nodded agreement again. “That’s true.Butwe’ll catch them in open country, sowe’llhave the advantage.Anddon’t forgetwe’ll be taking twohundredarcherunits aswell.Theyshouldeventhenumbersalittle.”

An archer unit consisted of two men: one archer and one accompanying spearman,mutually supporting each other. Against lightly armored infantry, they were a deadlycombination,abletocutdownlargenumbersatadistance,thenretreatbeforetheirenemycouldcometogripswiththem.

“But,”insistedBaronTyler,“let’sassumethattheSkandiansdomanagetowinthrough.Thenthetableswillbeturned.We’llbefightingarealenemyinthenorthwest,withourrearexposedtoMorgarath’sWargalscomingoutofthepass.”

Araldmanagedtosuppressasigh.Asastrategist,Tylerwasnotoriouslycautious.“Ontheotherhand,”hesaid,doinghisbest tokeeptheimpatienceoutofhisvoice,“ifHaltsucceeds,itwillbehisforcethatMorgarathseescomingaroundfromthenorthwest.He’llassume it’s theSkandiansattackingus from thatdirectionandhe’llbringhis forcesoutontothePlainstoattackusfrombehind.Andthenwe’llhavehim—onceandforall.”

Theprospectseemedtoappealtohim.

“It’s still a risk,” Tyler said stubbornly.Halt andArald exchanged a glance, and theBaron’sshouldersliftedslightlyinashrug.

Haltsaid,inadrytone,“Allwarfarehasariskattachedtoit,sir.Otherwiseitwouldbe

easy.”

BaronTylerlookedupangrilyathim.Haltmethisgazeevenly.AstheBaronopenedhismouth to say something, Sir David forestalled him, smacking one gauntlet into hispalminadecisivegesture.

“Allright,Halt,”hesaid.“I’llputyourplantotheKing.”

AtthementionoftheKing,Halt’sfacesoftenedslightly.

“HowisHisMajestytakingthenews?”heasked,andSirDavidshruggedunhappily.

“Personally, he’s devastated, of course. Itwas the cruelest possible blow to have hishopesraisedandthenshatteredagain.ButhemanagessomehowtoputhispersonallifetoonesideandcontinuetoperformhisdutiesasKing.Hesayshe’llmournlater,whenthisisallover.”

“Theremaybenoneedformourning,”Araldputin,andDavidsmiledsadlyathim.

“I’vetoldhimthat,ofcourse.Hesayshe’dprefernottohavefalsehopesraisedoncemore.”

Therewasanawkwardsilenceinthetent.Tyler,FergusandSirDavidfeltdeepsorrowfor theirKing.Duncanwas a popular and justmonarch.Halt andBaronArald, on theotherhand,bothfeltthelossofWilldeeply.Inaremarkablyshorttime,WillhadbecomeanintegralpartofCastleRedmont.Finally,itwasSirDavidwhobrokethesilence.

“Gentlemen,perhapsyoumightbeginpreparingyourorders. I’ll take thisplan to theKing.”

Andasheturnedawaytotheinnersectionsofthepavilion,thebaronsandHaltleftthelargetent.Arald,FergusandTylerwalkedquicklyaway,topreparemovementordersforthearmy.Halt, seeingadejected figure inRangergreenandgraywaitingby the sentrypost,moveddownthesmallhilltotalktohisformerapprentice.

“IwantleavetogoacrosstheFissureafterthem,”saidGilan.

HaltknewhowdeeplyhefeltthehurtofWill’sloss.GilanblamedhimselfforleavingWillaloneinthehillsofCeltica.NomatterhowmanytimesHaltandtheotherRangerstoldhim thathehad taken the rightcourse,he refused tobelieve it.Now,Haltknew, itwouldhurthimevenmoretoberefused.Nevertheless,asRangers,theirfirstdutywastothekingdom.Heshookhisheadandansweredcurtly.

“Notgranted.You’reneededhere.We’retoleadaforcethroughtheThorntreetocutoffHorth’smen.GotoCrowley’stentandgetholdofthechartsshowingthesecretwaysforthispartofthecountry.”

Gilanhesitated,hisjawset.“But…”hebegantoprotest,andthensomethinginHalt’seyesstoppedhimastheolderRangerleanedforward.

“Gilan,doyouthinkforonemomentthatIdon’twanttotearthatplateauapartstonebystone until I find him?But you and I took an oathwhen they gave us these silver oakleaves,andnowwehavetoliveuptoit.”

Gilandroppedhiseyesandnodded.Hisshouldersslumpedashegavein.

“All right,” he said in a brokenvoice, andHalt thought he saw tracesof tears inhiseyes.HeturnedawayhurriedlybeforeGilancouldseethemoistureinhisown.

“Getthecharts,”hesaidbriefly.

ThefourSkandiansand theirprisonershad trudgedacross thebleak,windsweptplateaufor the restof thedayand into theevening. Itwasn’tuntil severalhoursafterdark thatErakcalledahalt,andWillandEvanlynsankgratefullytotherockyground.TheacheinWill’s head had receded somewhat through the day, but it still throbbed dully in thebackground. The dried blood on the wound where the jagged rock had hit him itchedabominably, but he knew that if he scratched at the irritation, he would only open thewoundandsetthebloodflowingoncemore.

At least, thoughtWill, Erak hadn’t kept them tied or restrained in any way. As theSkandianleaderputit,therewasnowhereforthetwoprisonerstorun.

“ThisplateauisfullofWargals,”he’dtoldthemroughly.“Youcantakeyourchanceswiththemifyouchoose.”Sothey’dkepttheirpositioninthemiddleoftheparty,passingbandsofWargalsthroughouttheday,andheadingconstantlytothenortheast,andThreeStep Pass. Now, the four Skandians eased their heavy packs to the ground andNordalbegantogatherwoodforafire.SvengaltossedalargecopperpotatEvanlyn’sfeetandgesturedtowardastreamthatbubbledthroughtherockscloseby.

“Get some water,” he told her gruffly. For a moment, the girl hesitated, then sheshrugged, tookup thepotandrose,groaningsoftlyasher tiredmusclesand jointswerecalledupononcemoretotakeherweight.

“Comeonthen,Will,”shesaidcasually.“Youcangivemeahand.”

Erakwasrummaginginhisopenpack.Hisheadsnappedaroundasshespoke.

“No!”hesaidsharply,andtheentiregroupturnedtolookathim.HepointedonebluntforefingeratEvanlyn.

“You,Idon’tmindwanderingoff,”hesaid.“BecauseIknowyou’llcomeback.ButasforthatRanger,hemightjusttakeitintohisheadtomakearunforit,inspiteofthings.”

Will,whohadbeenthinkingofdoingjustthat,triedtolooksurprised.

“I’mnoRanger,”hesaid.“I’mjustanapprentice.”

Erakgavea short snortof laughter. “Youmaysay so,”he replied. “ButyoudroppedthemWargalsatthebridgeaswellasanyRangermight.YoustaywhereIcankeepaneyeonyou.”

Willshrugged,smiledwanlyatEvanlynandsatdownagain,sighingashe leanedhisbackagainstarock.Inafewmoments,heknew,itwouldbecomehardandknobblyanduncomfortable.Butrightnow,itwasbliss.

TheSkandianswentaheadmakingcamp.Inshortorder,theyhadagoodfiregoing,andwhen Evanlyn returned with the pot full of water, Erak and Svengal produced driedprovisions,whichtheyaddedtothewaterasitheatedtomakeastew.Themealwasplainandfairlytasteless,butitwashotanditfilledtheirbellies.Willthoughtruefullyforafew

minutes of the pre-prepared food that came from Master Chubb’s kitchen. Sadly, herealizedthatsuchthoughtsofMasterChubb’skitchenandhistimesintheforestwithHaltwerenomore thanmemoriesnow,and themealwassuddenlyevenmore tasteless thanbefore.

Evanlynseemedtosensehisdeepeningsadness.Hefeltherwarm,smallhandcoverhisandheknewshewaslookingathim.Buthecouldn’tmeetthosevividgreeneyeswithhisown,feelingthetearswellingupinthem.

“It’llbeallright,”shewhispered.Hetriedtotalk,butcouldn’tformthewords.Silently,he shook his head, his eyes downcast, staring intently at the scratched surface of thewoodenbowltheSkandianshadgivenhimtouse.

Theywerecamped somemeters from the sideof the road, at the topof a slight rise.Erakhadstatedthathelikedtoseeanyonewhomightchoosetoapproach.Now,roundinga bend in the road several hundred meters away, came a large group of horsemen,followedbyatroopofWargals,runningtokeepupwiththehorses’trot.ThesoundoftheWargals’chantcametothemonthebreezeoncemoreandWillfeltthehairsonthebackofhisneckrising.

Erakturnedswiftlytothetwoofthem,gesturingthembackintothecoveroftherocksbehindtheircampsite.

“Quick,youtwo!Behindthemrocksifyouvalueyourlives!That’sMorgarathhimselfonthewhitehorse!Nordal,Horak,moveintothelighttoscreenthem!”

WillandEvanlynneedednosecondbidding.Stayinglow,theyscrambledintothecoverprovidedbytherocks.AsErakhadcommanded,twooftheSkandiansstoodandmovedintotheglareofthefirelight,drawingtheattentionoftheapproachingridersawayfromthetwosmallfiguresinthehalf-light.

Thechant,mingledwith theclatterofhoovesand thechinkofharnessandweapons,camecloserasWilllayonhisstomach,onearmcoveringEvanlyninthedarkness.Ashehaddonebefore,hescoopedthehoodofhiscloakoverhishead,toleavehisfaceindeepshadow.Therewas a tiny gap between twoof the rocks and, knowing hewas taking aterribleriskbutunabletoresist,hepressedhiseyetoit.

Theviewwasrestrictedtoafewmetersofspace.Erakstoodonthefarsideofthefire,facingtheapproachingriders.Willrealizedthatbydoingso,hehadplacedtheglareofthefirelightbetweenthenewarrivalsandthespotwhereheandEvanlynlayhidden.Ifanyofthe Wargals looked in their direction, they would be staring straight into the brightfirelight.Itwasalessonintacticshefiledawayforfuturereference.

Thesoundsofhorsesandmenstopped.TheWargalchantdiedabruptly.Forasecondortwo,therewassilence.Thenavoicespoke.Alowvoice,withaslightsnakelikesibilancetoit.

“CaptainErak,whereareyoubound?”

Will glued his eye to the crack in the rocks, straining to see the speaker.Without adoubt, that cold,malevolentvoicehad tobelong toMorgarath.The soundof itwas thesoundoficeandhatred.Thesoundofnailsscrapingontile.Thebloodrancoldtohearit

and,beneathhishand,hefeltEvanlynshiver.

IfithadasimilareffectonErak,however,heshowednosignofit.

“Mytitle,LordMorgarath,”hesaidevenly,“isnot‘Captain,’but‘Jarl.’”

“Wellthen,”repliedthecoldvoice,“Imusttrytorememberthat,incaseitiseveroftheslightest interest tome.Now…Captain,” he said, laying stress on the title this time, “Irepeat,whereareyoubound?”

Therewas a jingle of harness and, through the crack in the rocks,Will saw awhitehorsemove forward.Not a glossy-coated, shiningwhite horse such as a gallant knightmightride,butapalehorsewithoutsheenorlifetoitscoat.Itwashuge,deadwhiteandwithwild,rollingeyes.Hecranedslightlytoonesideandmanagedtomakeoutablackglovedhandholdingthereinsloosely.Hecouldseenomoreoftherider.

“Wethoughtwe’d joinyourforcesatThreeStepPass,mylord,”Erakwassaying.“Iassumeyouwillstillgoaheadwithyourattack,eventhoughthebridgeisdown.”

Morgarathsworehorriblyatthementionofthebridge.Sensinghisfury,thewhitehorsesidesteppedafewpacesandnowWillcouldseetherider.

Immensely tall,but thin,hewasdressedall inblack.Hestoopedin thesaddle to talkdowntotheSkandiansandthehunchedshouldersandhisblackcloakgavehimthelookofavulture.

Thefacewasthin,withabeakofanoseandhighcheekbones.Theskinonthefacewaswhite and pallid, like the horse. The hair above it was long, set to frame a recedinghairline,andwhite-blondincolor.Bycontrast,theeyeswereblackpools.Hewasclean-shavenandhismouthwasathinredslitinthepallorofhisface.AsWilllooked,theLordofRainandNightseemedtosensehispresence.Helookedup,castinghisgazebeyondErak and his three companions, searching into the darkness behind them. Will froze,barelydaring tobreatheas thoseblackeyessearched thenight.But the lightof the firedefeatedMorgarathandhereturnedhisgazetoErak.

“Yes,” he replied. “The attack will go ahead. Now that Duncan has his own forcesdeployedandinwhathethinksisastrongdefensiveposition,he’llallowustocomeoutontothePlainsbeforeattacking.”

“At which point, Horth will take him in the rear,” Erak put in, with a chuckle, andMorgarath stared at him, head slightly to one side as he considered him. Again, thebirdlikeposemadeWillthinkofavulture.

“Exactly,”heagreed.“Itwouldbepreferable if therewere twoflankingforcesas I’dplannedoriginally,butoneshouldbeenough.”

“My thoughts too, my lord,” Erak agreed, and there was a longmoment of silence.Obviously,MorgarathhadnointerestinwhetherErakagreedwithhimornot.

“Thingswouldbeeasier ifyourothercountrymanhadnotabandonedus,”Morgarathsaid eventually. “I’ve been told that your compatriotOlvak has sailed back to Skandiawithhismen.Ihadplannedthattheyshouldcomeupthesoutherncliffstoreinforceus.”

Erak shrugged, refusing to take blame for something outside his sphere of influence.

“Olvakisamercenary,”hesaid.“Youcan’ttrustmercenaries.Theyfightonlyforprofit.”

“Andyou…don’t?”thetonelessvoicesaidwithscorn.Eraksquaredhisshoulders.

“I’llhonoranyundertakingI’vemade,”hesaidstiffly.Morgarathstaredathimagainforalong,silentmoment.TheSkandianmethisgazeand,finally,itwasMorgarathwholookedaway.

“Chirathtoldmeyoutookaprisoneratthebridge—amightywarrior,hesaid.Idon’tseehim.”Again,Morgarath tried to look through the light into the furthergloom.Eraklaughedharshly.

“IfChirathwastheleaderofyourWargals,neitherdidhe,”herepliedsarcastically.“Hespentmostofhistimeatthebridgecoweringbehindarockanddodgingarrows.”

“Andtheprisoner?”Morgarathasked.

“Dead,”Erakreplied.“Wekilledhimandthrewhimovertheedge.”

“Afactthatdispleasesmeintensely,”Morgarathsaid,andWillfelthisfleshcrawling.“Iwould have preferred tomake him suffer for interfering inmy plans.You should havebroughthimtomealive.”

“Andwewouldhavepreferred it ifhehadn’tbeenwhippingarrowsaroundourears.Theonlywaytotakehimwastokillhim.”

AnothersilenceasMorgarathconsideredthereply.Apparently,itwasnotsatisfactorytohim.“Bewarnedforthefuture.Ididnotapproveofyouractions.”

Thistime,itwasErakwholetthesilencestretch.Heshruggedhisshouldersslightly,asifMorgarath’sdispleasurewasamatterofabsolutelyno interest tohim.Eventually, theLordofRainandNightgatheredhisreinsandshookthem,heelinghishorsesavagelytoturnitawayfromthecampfire.

“I’llseeyouatThreeStepPass,Captain,”hesaid.Then,almostasanafterthought,heturnedhishorseback.“AndCaptain,don’tgetanyideasaboutdeserting.You’llfightwithustotheend.”

Eraknodded.“Itoldyou,mylord,I’llhonoranybargainI’vemade.”

Thistime,Morgarathsmiled,athinmovementoftheredlipsinthelifelesswhiteface.“Besureofit,Captain,”hesaidsoftly.

Thenheshookthereinsandhishorseturnedaway,springingtoagallop.TheWargalsfollowed, the chant starting up again and ringing through the night.Will realized that,behind the rocks, he’d been holding a giant breath. He let it go now, and heard acorrespondingsighofrelieffromtheSkandians.

“Mygodofbattles,”saidErak,“hedoesn’thalfgivemethecreeps,thatone.”

“Lookslikehe’salreadydiedandgonetohell,”putinSvengal,andtheothersnodded.Erak walked around the fire now and stood over where Will and Evanlyn were stillcrouchedbehindtherocks.

“Youheard that?”he said, andWillnodded.Evanlyn remainedcrouching, facedown,behindtherock.Erakstirredherroughlywiththetoeofhisboot.

“Whataboutyou,missy?”hesaid,hisvoiceharsh.“Youheardtoo?”

Nowshelookedup,tearsofterrorstainingtracksinthedustonherface.Wordlessly,she nodded. Erak fixed her gaze with his own until he was sure the threat was fullyunderstood.

“Thenremember it ifyoustart thinkingaboutescape,”hesaidcoldly.“That’sall thatawaitsyouifyougetawayfromus.”

29THEPLAINS OFUTHAL FORMED A WIDE OPEN SPACE OF rollinggrasslands.Thegrasswas richandgreen.Therewere few trees, althoughoccasional knolls and lowhills served tobreak themonotony.SomedistancebehindthepositionoccupiedbytheAraluenarmy,thePlainsbegantorisegradually,toalowridgeline.

Closer to the fens, where the Wargals were forming up, a creek wound its way.Normallyameretrickle,ithadbeenswollenbytherecentspringrainssothatthegroundaheadoftheWargalswassoftandboggy,precludinganypossibleattackbytheAraluenheavycavalry.

BaronFergusshadedhiseyesagainstthebrightnoonsunandpeeredacrossthePlainstotheentrancetoThreeStepPass.“Therearealotofthem,”hesaidmildly.

“Andmore coming,”Arald of Redmont replied, easing his broadsword a little in itsscabbard. The two barons were slowly walking their battlehorses across the front ofDuncan’sdrawn-uparmy.Itwasgoodformorale,Araldbelieved,forthementoseetheirleaders relaxed and engaging in casual conversation as they watched their enemiesemerging from the narrowmountain pass and fanning out onto the Plains.Dimly, theycouldheartheominous,rhythmicchantoftheWargalsastheyjoggedintoposition.

“Damned noise is quite unnerving,” Fergus muttered, and Arald nodded agreement.Seeminglycasual,hecasthisglanceoverthemenbehindthem.Thearmywasinposition,butBattlemasterDavidhad told them to remainat rest.Consequently, the cavalryweredismountedandtheinfantryandarchersweresittingonthegrassyslope.

“Nosenseinwearingthemoutstandingatattentioninthesun,”Davidhadsaid,andtheothershadagreed.Bythesametoken,hehadset thevariousKitchenmastersthetaskofkeepingthemensuppliedwithcooldrinksandfruit.Thewhite-cladserversmovedamongthe armynow, carryingbaskets andwater skins.Araldglanceddownand smiled at theportly form of Master Chubb, his chef from Redmont Castle, supervising a group ofhaplessapprenticesastheyhandedoutapplesandpeachestothemen.Asever,hisladleroseand fellwithalarming frequencyon theheadsofanyapprenticeshedeemed tobemovingtooslowly.

“GivethatKitchenmasterofyoursamaceandhecouldroutMorgarath’sarmysingle-handed,”commentedFergus,andAraldsmiledthoughtfully.ThemenaroundChubbandhisapprentices,distractedbythefatcook’santics,weretakingnonoticeofthechantingfromacrossthePlains.Inotherareas,hecouldseesignsofrestlessness—evidencethatthemenwerebecomingincreasinglyillatease.

Lookingaround,Arald’seyefellonaninfantrycaptainseatedwithhiscompany.Theirminimalarmor,plaidcloaksand two-handedbroadswordsmarked themasbelonging tooneofthenorthernfiefs.Hebeckonedthemanoverandleaneddownfromthesaddleashesaluted.

“Goodmorning,Captain,”hesaideasily.

“Morning,my lord,” replied the officer, his heavynorthern accentmaking thewordsalmostunrecognizable.

“Tellme,Captain,doyouhavepipersamongyourmen?”theBaronasked,smiling.Theofficeransweredimmediately,inaveryseriousmanner.

“Aye,sir.TheMcDuigandtheMcFornarewithus.Andalwayssowhenwegotowar.”

“Then perhaps you might prevail upon them to give us a reel or two?” the Baronsuggested.“Itmightbeanaltogethermorepleasantsoundthanthattunelessgruntingfromoveryonder.”

He inclinedhishead toward theWargal forcesandnowaslowsmilespreadover thecaptain’sface.Henoddedreadily.

“Aye,sir. I’llsee to it.There’snothinglikeaskirlor twoonthepipes togetaman’sbloodprancing!”Salutinghurriedly,heturnedawaytowardhismen,shoutingasheran:“McDuig!McForn!Gatheryourwindandsettothepipes,men!Let’shear‘TheFeatherCrestedBonnet’fromye!”

As the two barons rode on, they heard behind them the preliminary moaning ofbagpipescomingtofullvolume.FerguswincedandAraldgrinnedathim.

“Nothingliketheskirlofthepipestogetthebloodprancing,”hequoted.

“Inmycase,itgetstheteethgrinding,”repliedhiscompanion,surreptitiouslynudginghishorsewithhisheeltomovethemalittlefartherawayfromthewildsoundofthepipes.Butwhenhelookedatthemenbehindthem,hehadtoagreethatArald’sideahadworked.The pipes were successfully drowning out the dull chanting and, as the two pipersmarchedandcountermarchedinfrontofthearmy,theyheldtheattentionofallthemenintheirimmediatevicinity.

“Goodidea,”hesaidtoArald,thenadded,“Ican’thelpwonderingifthat’sanequallygoodone.”

Hegestured across the plain towhere theWargalswere emerging from thePass andtakinguptheirpositions.“Allmyinstinctssayweshouldbehittingthembeforetheyhaveachancetoformup.”

Araldshrugged.ThispointhadbeenhotlydebatedbytheWarCouncilforthepastfewdays.“Ifwehitthemastheycomeout,wesimplycontainthem,”hesaid.“IfwewanttodestroyMorgarath’spoweronceandforall,wehavetolethimcommithisforcesintheopen.”

“AndhopethatHalthasbeensuccessfulinstoppingHorth’sarmy,”Fergussaid.“I’mgettinganastycrickinmyneckfromlookingovermyshouldertomakesurethere’snoonebehindus.”

“Halthasneverletusdownbefore,”Araldsaidmildly.

Fergusnoddedunhappily.“Iknowthat.He’saremarkableman.Buttherearesomanythings that could have gonewrong.He could havemissedHorth’s army altogether.Hemay still be fighting his way through the Thorntree. Or, worse yet, Horth may havedefeatedhisarchersandcavalry.”

“There’snothingwecandoaboutitbutwait,”Araldpointedout.

“Andkeepaneyetothenorthwest,hopingwedon’tseebattleaxesandhornedhelmets

comingoverthosehills.”

“There’sacomfortingthought,”saidArald,tryingtomakelightofthemoment.Yethecouldn’tresistthetemptationtoturninhissaddleandpeeranxiouslytowardthehillsinthenorth.

ErakhadwaitedtillthelastfewhundredWargalsweremovingdownThreeStepPasstothe Plains, then forced his small group into themiddle of the jogging creatures. TherewereafewsnarlsandscowlsastheSkandiansshovedtheirwayintothelivingstreamthatwasflowingthroughthenarrow,twistingconfinesofthePass,buttheheavilyarmedsearaiders snarledbackandhandled theirdoublesidedbattleaxeswithsucheasy familiaritythattheangryWargalssoonbackedoffandleftthemalone.

EvanlynandWillwereinthecenterofthegroup,surroundedbytheburlySkandians.Will’s easily recognizableRanger cloakhad beenhidden away in one of the packs andbothheandEvanlynworesheepskinhalfcapes thatwere too large for them.Evanlyn’sshorthairwasbundledupunderawoolencap.Sofar,noneoftheWargalshadtakenanynoticeofthem,assumingthemtobeservantsorslavestothesmallbandofsearaiders.

“Justkeepyourmouthsshutandyoureyesdown!”ErakhadtoldthemastheyshovedtheirwayintothecrowdofjoggingWargals.ThenarrowconfinesofthePassechoedtothe tuneless chanting that theWargals used as a cadence.The sound ebbed and flowedaboutthemastheyhalfranwiththestream.Erak’splanwastomoveeastwardassoonastheyhadclearedthePass,ostensiblywiththepurposeoftakingupapositionontherightflankoftheWargalarmy.Assoonasanopportunitypresenteditself,theSkandianswouldbreakoff and escape into the swampywilderness of the fenlands, traveling through thebogsandgrassyislandstothebeacheswhereHorth’sfleetlayatanchor.

Theyshuffledalong,twistingandturningwiththeconvolutionsofthePass.Thenarrowtrail led down through the sheermountains for at least five kilometers andWill couldunderstandwhyithadalwaysbeenabarriertobothsides.Morgarath’smencouldn’tmoveout in any large numbers unlessDuncan held back and allowed them to. Similarly, theKing’sarmycouldn’tpenetratethePasstoattackMorgarathontheplateau.

Blackwallsofsheer,glistening-wetrocktoweredabovethemoneitherside.ThePasssawsunlightforlessthananhoureachday,rightonhighnoon.Atanyothertime,itwascoldanddampandshroudedinshadow.Allofwhichservedtohelpconcealthepresenceofthetwoyoungermembersofthepartyfrompryingeyes.

Willfeltthegroundbeneathhisfeetbeginningtoleveloutandrealizedtheymustbeinthe last extremities of thePass—down at the level of thePlains.Therewas noway hecould even see the ground ahead of him, trapped in the seething, jostling crowd. TheyroundedafinalbendandalanceofdaylightstabbedintothePass,forcinghimtothrowupahandtoshieldhiseyes.Theyhadreachedtheentrance,herealized.Hefeltashovefromhisleft.

“Getovertotheright!”EraktoldthemandthefourSkandiansformedahumanwedge,forcingtheirwaythroughthecrowduntiltheywereontheextremeright-handsideofthePass. There were growls and angry grunts from theWargals as they shoved their way

through,buttheSkandiansgaveasgoodastheygotintermsofthreatsandabuse.

ThesunlighthitthemlikeaphysicalbarrierastheyemergedfromthedarknessofthePass and, for amoment,Will andEvanlynhesitated.Erak shoved themonagain,moreanxious now as he could hear a familiar voice calling commands for the Wargals todeploy.

Morgarathwashere,directingoperations.

“Curse him!”mutteredErak. “I’d hoped he’d be outwith the vanguard of the army.Keepmoving,you two!”HeshovedWillandEvanlynalonga little faster.Willglancedback.AbovetheheadsoftheWargals,hecouldseethetall,thinformoftheLordofRainandNight, now clad entirely in blackmail armor and surcoat, still seated on hiswhitehorseandcallinginstructionstothemilling,chantingWargals.

Gradually, theyweremoving into ordered formations, then taking their positionwiththemainarmy.AsWill lookedback, thepale face turned toward thegroupofhurryingSkandiansandMorgarathurgedhishorsetowardthem,unmindfulofthefactthathewastramplingthroughhisownmentoreachthem.

“Captain Erak!” he called. The voice wasn’t loud, but it carried, thin and cutting,throughthechantingoftheWargals.

“Keepgoing!”Erakorderedtheminalowvoice.“Keepmoving.”

“Stop!”NowthevoicewasraisedandthecoldangerinitinstantlysilencedandstilledtheWargals.Astheyfrozeinplacearoundthem,theSkandiansreluctantlydidthesame,ErakturningtofaceMorgarath.

TheLordofRainandNightspurredhishorsethroughthethrong,Wargalsfallingbacktomakewayforhim,orbeingbuffetedoutofthewayiftheyfailedtodoso.Slowly,ashiseyeslockedonthoseofErak,hedismounted.Evenonfoot,hetoweredoverthebulkySkandianleader.

“Andwheremight you andyourmenbe bound today,Captain?”he asked in a silkytone.Erakgesturedtotheright.

“It’snormalformeandmymentofightontherightwing,”hesaid,ascasuallyashecouldmanage.“ButI’llgowhereveryouneedmeifthatdoesn’tsuit.”

“Willyou?”repliedMorgarathwithwitheringsarcasm.“Willyouindeed?Howterriblykindofyou.You…”Hebrokeoff,hisgazeon the two smaller figureswhom theotherSkandianshadbeentrying,unsuccessfully,toshieldfromhisgaze.

“Whoarethey?”hedemanded.Erakshrugged.

“Celts,”hesaideasily.“WetookthemprisonerinCelticaandI’mplanningtosellthemtoOberjarlRagnakasslaves.”

“Celticaismine,Captain.SlavesfromCelticaaremineaswell.They’renotforyoutotakeandselltoyourbarbarianofaking.”

TheSkandians surroundingWill andEvanlyn stirred angrily at hiswords.Morgarathturned his cold eyes on them, then looked away at the thousands of Wargals whosurrounded them—every one ready to obey any command of hiswithout question.The

messagewasclear.

Eraktriedtobluffhiswaythroughthesituation.

“Our agreement was we fought for booty and that includes slaves,” he insisted, butMorgarathcuthimoff.

“If you fought!” he shouted furiously. “If!Not if you stood by and letmy bridge bedestroyed.”

“ItwasyourmanChirathwhowas in commandat thebridge,”Erak flashedback athim.“Itwashewhodecidednoguardwastobeleftonit.Weweretheoneswhotriedtosaveitwhilehewashidingbehindrocks!”

Morgarath’sgaze lockedwithErak’soncemoreandnowhisvoicedropped toa low,almostinaudiblelevel.

“Iamnotspokentointhatfashion,CaptainErak,”hespat.“Youwillapologizetomeatonce.Andthen…”

He stopped in midsentence. Although he had been staring, unblinkingly, into Erak’seyes,hehadapparentlysensedsomethingoff tooneside.ThoseblackeyesnowturnedandtrainedonWill.Onewhite,bonyfingerwasraised,pointingattheboy’sthroat.

“Whatisthat?”

Eraklookedandfeltasinkingsensationinthepitofhisstomach.

TherewasadullgleamofbronzevisibleinthegapofWill’sopencollar.ThenErakfelthimself shoved to one side asMorgarathmoved, snake-fast, and snatched at the chainaroundWill’sneck.

Willstaggeredback,horrifiedattheimplacablefuryinthosedeadeyes,andtheslightflareofcolorabovethecheekbones.Besidehim,heheardEvanlyn’s intakeofbreathasMorgarathstareddownatthesmallbronzeoakleafinhishand.

“ARanger!”heraged.“ThisisaRanger!Thisistheirsign!”

“He’s a boy…”Erak began, but nowMorgarath’s furywas turned upon him and heswepthishandinabackhandedblowacrosstheSkandian’scheek.

“Heisnoboy!HeisaRanger!”

TheotherthreeSkandiansmovedforwardattheblow,weaponsready.Morgarathdidn’tevenhavetospeak.HeturnedthoseglitteringeyesonthemandtwentyWargalsmovedaswell,awarninggrowlintheirthroats,clubsandironspearsready.

Erak signaled for hismen to settle. The redmark ofMorgarath’s blow flared on hischeek.

“You knew,”Morgarath accused him. “You knew.”Then realization dawned on him.“This is theone!Arrows,yousaid!MyWargalswerehiding fromarrowsas thebridgeburned!Rangerweapons!Thisistheswinewhodestroyedmybridge!”Thevoicerosetoashriekoffuryashespoke.

Will’s throat was dry and his heart pounded with terror. He knew of Morgarath’s

legendary hatred for Rangers—all members of the Corps did. Ironically, it was HalthimselfwhohadtriggeredthathatredwhenheledthesurpriseattackonMorgarath’sarmyatHackhamHeathsixteenyearspreviously.

ErakstoodbeforetheragingBlackLordandsaidnothing.

Willfeltasmall,warmhandcreepintohis:Evanlyn.

Foramoment,hemarveledatthegirl’scourage,tobondherselftohimlikethis,inthefaceofMorgarath’simplacablefuryandhatred.

Then, another horse forced its way through the crowd. On its back was one ofMorgarath’sWargallieutenants,oneofthosewhohadlearnedbasichumanspeech.

“Mylord!”hecalled,inthepeculiar,flattonesofallWargals.“Enemyadvancing.”

MorgarathswungtofacehimandtheWargalcontinued.

“Theirskirmishlinemovingtowardus,mylord.Battleisbeginning.”

TheLordofRainandNightcametoadecision.Heswungbackintothesaddleofhishorse,hisfuriousgazenowlockedonWill,notErak.

“Wewill finish this later,”hesaid.Thenhe turned toaWargalsergeantamong thosewhohadsurroundedtheSkandians.

“HoldtheseprisonershereuntilIreturn.Onpainofyourlife.”

30THEKING’S SKIRMISH LINE, CONSISTING OF LIGHT INFANTRY accompaniedbyarchers,advancedonMorgarath’s leftflankinaprobingmovement,retreatinghastilywhenabattalionofheavyinfantryformedupandmovedforwardtomeetthem.

Thelightlyarmedskirmishersscamperedbacktothesafetyoftheirownlines,aheadoftheslow-treadingWargals.Then,asacompanyofheavycavalry trottedforward towardthe Wargal battalion’s left flank, the Wargals re-formed from their column-of-foursmarchingorderintoaslower-movingdefensivesquareandwithdrewtotheirownlines.

Asinmostbattles,thefirstmoveswereinconclusive,andforthenextfewhours,thatremained the pattern of the battle: small forces would probe the other side’s defenses.Largerforceswouldoffertocounterandthefirstattackwouldmeltaway.Arald,FergusandTylersattheirhorsesbesidetheKing,onasmallknollinthecenteroftheroyalarmy.BattlemasterDavidwaswith a small group of knightsmaking one of themany foraystowardtheWargalarmy.

“Allthisto-ingandfro-ingisgettingmedown,”Araldsaidsourly.TheKingsmiledathim.Hehadoneofthemostimportantattributesofagoodcommander:almostunlimitedpatience.

“Morgarathiswaiting,”hesaidsimply.“WaitingforHorth’sarmytoshowitselfinourrear.Thenhe’llattack,havenodoubt.”

“Let’s just get on with it ourselves,” growled Fergus, but Duncan shook his head,pointingtothegroundimmediatelytothefrontofMorgarath’sposition.

“The land there issoftandboggy,”hesaid.“Itwouldreduce theeffectivenessofourbestweapon—ourcavalry.We’llwaittillMorgarathcomestous.Thenwecanfighthimongroundthat’smoretoourliking.”

Therewasanurgentclatterofhoovesfromtherear,andtheroyalpartyturnedtowatchacourierspurringhishorseupthelastslopetotheknollwheretheywaited.Hehauledonhisreins,lookedarounduntilhesawtheKing’sblondhead,thenduginhisspursagain,eventuallybringinghishorsetoaslidingstopbesidethem.Hisgreensurcoat, lightmailarmorandthin-bladedswordshowedhimtobeascout.

“YourMajesty,”hesaidbreathlessly.“AreportfromSirVincent.”

Vincentwas the leaderof theMessengerCorps,agroupof soldierswhoactedas theKing’s eyes and ears during a battle, carrying reports and orders to all parts of thebattlefield.Duncanindicatedthatthemanshouldgoaheadandgivehismessage.

The rider swallowed several times and looked anxiously at the King and his threebarons.Allatonce,Araldknewthiswasnotgoingtobegoodnews.

“Sir,” said the scout hesitantly. “Sir Vincent’s respects, sir, and…there appear to beSkandiansbehindus.”

There were startled exclamations from several of the junior officers surrounding thecommandgroup.Fergusswungonthem,hisbrowsdrawntogetherinafrown.

“Bequiet!” he stormed and, in an instant, the noise dropped away.The aides lookedshamefacedattheirlackofdiscipline.

“Exactly where are these Skandians? And how many are there?” Duncan asked thescoutcalmly.Hisunruffledmannerseemedtocommunicateitselftothemessenger.Thistime,heansweredwithalotmoreconfidence.

“Thefirstgroupisvisibleonthelowridgetothenorthwest,YourMajesty.Asyetwecanseeonlyahundredorso.SirVincentsuggeststhatthebestpositionforyoutoviewthesituationwouldbefromthesmallhilltoourleftrear.”

TheKingnoddedandturnedtooneoftheyoungerofficers.

“Ranald,perhapsyoumight ride andadviseSirDavidof thisnewdevelopment.TellhimweareshiftingthecommandposttothehillSirVincentsuggested.”

“Yes,mylord!”repliedtheyoungknight.Hewheeledhishorseandsetoffatagallop.TheKingthenturnedtohiscompanions.

“Gentlemen,let’sseeabouttheseSkandians,shallwe?”

Shadinghiseyes,BaronAraldpeeredatthesmallgroupofmenonthehillbehindthem.Evenatthisdistance,itwaspossibletomakeoutthehornedhelmetsandthehugecircularshieldsthatthesearaiderscarried.Asmallgrouphadevenadvanceddownthenearsideofthehillandtheywereeasiertomakeout.

Justasobviouswas theirchoiceof the typicalSkandianarrowheadformationas theyadvanced.Heestimated thatseveralhundredof theenemywerenowinsight,withwhoknew howmanymore hidden on the other side of the hills. He felt a great weight ofsadnessuponhisshoulders.ThefactthattheSkandiansweretheremeantonlyonething:Halt had failed. And knowing Halt as he did, he knew that probably meant that thegrizzledRangerhaddiedin theattempt.HeknewHaltwouldneverhavesurrendered—notwhentheneedtostoptheSkandiansbreakingthroughtothearmy’srearwassovital.

Duncanvoicedthethoughtsofallofthem.

“They’reSkandians,allright.”Heglancedaroundthehilltop.“We’regoingtohavetofightadefensivebattle,mylords,”hecontinued.“Isuggestwebegintopullourmenintoacirclearoundthishill.It’sasgoodaspotasanytobefightingonbothsides.”

Theyallknewitwasonlyamatterof timenowbeforeMorgarathadvanced, tocrushthembetweenthetwojawsofthetraphehadset.

“Ridercoming!”calledoneof theaides,pointing.Theyall turned to face thewayheindicated.Fromacopseoftreesattheright-handendoftheridge,aloneriderburstintosight.SeveraloftheSkandiansgavechase,hurlingspearsandclubsafterhim.Buthewasstretched low over his horse’s neck, his gray-green cloak streaming behind him in thewind,andhesoonoutdistancedthepursuit.

“That’sGilan,”BaronAraldmuttered,recognizingthebayhorseherode.Helookedinvain for a second Ranger behind Gilan, hoping against hope that Halt might havesomehow survived. But it was not to be. The Baron’s shoulders sagged a little as he

recalled the force thathadmarchedoffsoboldly into theThorntreeForest.Ofall thosemen,itseemedthatonlyGilanhadsurvived.

Gilanhadhittheflatlandnowandwasstillridingfullpelt.HesawtheroyalstandardsflyingontheknollandswervedBlazetowardthem.Inafewminutes,hedrewreinbesidethem,coveredindust,onesleeveofhis tunicrippedandarough,bloodstainedbandagearoundhishead.

“Sir!”hesaidbreathlessly,forgettingthenicetiesofaddressingroyalty.“Haltsayscanyou—”

He got no further as at least four people interrupted him. Baron Fergus’s voice,however,wastheloudest.

“Halt?He’salive?”

Gilangrinnedinreply.“Oh,yes,sir!Aliveandkicking.”

“But the Skandians…?” King Duncan began, indicating the lines of men on the farridge.Gilan’sgrinwidenedevenfurther.

“Beaten, sir.We caught them totally by surprise and cut them to pieces. Thosementhere are our archers,wearing helmets and shields taken from the enemy. ItwasHalt’sidea—”

“To what purpose?” Arald asked crisply, and Gilan turned to face him, with anapologeticnodofhisheadtotheKing.

“TodeceiveMorgarath,mylord,”hereplied.“He’sexpectingtoseeSkandiansattackyoufromtherear,andnowhewill.That’swhytheyevenmadeapretenseoftryingtostopmejustnow.

“Ourowncavalry is just beyond thebrowof the ridge.Halt proposes that he shouldadvancewith thearchers, forcingyou to turnand face the rear.Then,withany luck,asMorgarathattackswithhisWargals,boththearchersandyourmainarmyshouldopenapath throughthecenter,allowingthehiddencavalry tocomethroughandhitMorgarathwhenhe’sintheopen.”

“ByGod,it’sagreatidea!”saidDuncanenthusiastically.“Oddsarethatwe’llstirupsomuchdustandconfusionthathewon’tseeHalt’scavalryuntilit’srightontopofhim.”

“Then,mylord,wecandeploytheheavycavalryfromeitherwingtohittheWargalsinthe flanks.” The new speaker was Sir David. He had arrived unnoticed as Gilan wasexplainingHalt’splan.

KingDuncanhesitatedforasecondortwo,tuggingathisshortbeard.Thenhenoddeddecisively.

“We’lldo it!”he said. “Gentlemen,you’dbetterget toyour commands straightaway.Fergus,Arald, take a sectionof theheavy cavalry each to the left and rightwings, andstandready.Tyler,commandtheinfantryinthecenter.Havethemshoutandcryoutandbeattheirswordsontheirshieldsasthese‘Skandians’approach.We’llmakeitsoundlikeabattleaswellaslooklikeone.Havethemreadytosplittothesidesatthreehornblasts.”

“Threehornblasts.Aye,my lord,” saidTyler.Hedughis spurs intohisbattlehorse’s

sideandgallopedawaytotakecommandoftheinfantry.Duncanlookedtohisremainingcommanders.“Gettoit,mylords.Wedon’thavemuchtime.”

Frombehind,oneofhisaidescalledout,“Sir!TheSkandiansaremovingdownhill!”Asecondorsolater,anothermanechoedthecry:“AndtheWargalsarebeginningtomoveforward!”Duncansmiledgrimlyathiscommanders.“Ithinkit’stimewegaveMorgarathalittlesurprise,”hesaid.

31FROMHIS COMMAND POSITIONAT THE CENTEROFHIS ARMY,MorgarathwatchedtheapparentconfusionintheKing’sforces.Horsesweregallopingbackandforth,menwereturningwheretheystood.ShoutsandcriesdriftedacrosstheplaintotheArmyofRainandNight.

Morgarathstoodinhisstirrups.Inthefardistance,hecouldseemovementontheridgeto the north of the kingdom’s army. Men were forming up and moving forward. Hestrainedhiseyestoseemoreclearly.ThatwasthedirectionfromwhichheexpectedHorthtoappear,buttherisingdustkickedupbyallthemovementmadeitdifficulttoseedetails.

AlthoughthebulkofMorgarath’sforcesweretheWargals,whosemindsandbodieshadbeen enslaved to his ownwill, theLord ofRain andNightwas surrounded by a smallcoterieofmenwhomhehadallowedtoretaintheirownpowersofthoughtanddecision.Renegades, criminals and outcasts, they came from all over the country. Evil alwaysattracts its own andMorgarath’s inner circlewas, to aman, pitiless, black-hearted anddepraved.All,however,werecapablewarriorsandmostwerecold-bloodedkillers.

OneofthemnowrodetoMorgarath’sside.

“Mylord!”hecried,asmileopeningonhisface,“thebarbariansarebehindDuncan’sforces!They’reattackingnow!”

Morgarathsmiledbackattheyoungman.Hiseyeswererenownedfortheirkeenness.“You’re sure?” he asked, in his thin, flat voice. The black-clad lieutenant noddedconfidently.

“Icanmakeout their ridiculoushornedhelmetsand their roundshields,my lord.Nootherwarriorscarrythem.”

Thiswas the truth.While some of the kingdom’s forces did use round bucklers, theSkandians’ shieldswere enormous affairs,madeof hardwood studdedwithmetal.TheywereoverameterindiameterandonlythehugeSkandians,heavilymuscledfromrowingtheirwolfshipsacross thewinter seas, couldbear suchheavyshields inabattle for anylengthoftime.

“Look,mylord!”theyoungmancontinued.“Theenemyareturningtofacethem!”

Andsotheyappearedtobe.Thefrontranksofthearmyfacingthemwerenowmillinginconfusionandturningabout.Theshoutingandnoiseroseinpitch.Morgarathlookedtohisright,andsawthesmallhillwheretheKing’sstandardmarkedtheenemycommandpost.Mountedfigureswerepointing,facingthenorth.

Hesmiledoncemore.EvenwithouttheforcesfromacrosstheFissurebridge,hisplanwould be successful. He had Duncan’s forces trapped between the hammer of theSkandiansandtheanvilofhisownWargals.

“Advance,” he said softly. Then, as the bugler beside him didn’t hear thewords, heturned, his face expressionless, and whipped the man across the face with his leather-coveredsteelridingcrop.

“Soundtheadvance,”herepeated,nomoreloudlythanbefore.Thebugler,ignoringtheagonyofthewhipcutandthebloodthatpoureddownhisforeheadandintohiseye,raised

ahorntohislipsandblewanascendingscaleoffournotes.

AlongthelinesoftheWargalarmy,companycommanderssteppedforward,oneeveryhundredmeters.They raised their curved swords and called the first few sounds of theWargalcadence.Likeamindlessmachine,theentirearmytookupthechantimmediately—thisonesetataslowjogpace—andbegantomoveforward.

Morgarath allowed the first half-dozen ranks to pass him, then he and his attendantsurgedtheirhorsesforwardandmovedwiththearmy.

TheLordofRainandNightfelthisbreathcomingalittlefaster,hispulsebeginningtoaccelerate.Thiswasthemomenthehadplannedandwaitedforoverthepastfifteenyears.Highinhiswindy,rain-sweptmountains,hehadexpandedhisforceofWargalsuntiltheyformed an army that no infantry could defeat.Without minds of their own, they werealmost without fear. They were inexorable. They would suffer losses no other troopswouldbearandcontinuetoadvance.

Theyhadonlyoneweaknessand thatwas facingcavalry.Thehighplateauxwerenoplaceforhorsesandhehadbeenunabletoconditiontheirmindstostandagainstmountedsoldiers.HeknewthathewouldlosemanyofhisowntroopstoDuncan’scavalry,buthecaredlittleaboutthat.Inanormalconfrontation,theKing’scavalrywouldbeadecisivefactor in their battle. Now, however, split between the Wargals and the attackingSkandians, their numbers would be insufficient to stop him. He accepted the fact thatDuncan’s cavalry would cause immense losses among his troops without a qualm. Hecarednothingforhisarmy,onlyforhisowndesiresandplans.

“Faster!” he cried, sliding his huge broadsword from its scabbard andwielding it ingiganticcirclesoverhishead.TheWargalsdidn’tneedtoheartheword.Theywereboundtohim in anunbreakable linkageofminds.Thecadenceof the chant increasedand theblackarmybegantomovefasterandfaster.

Infrontallwasconfusion.Theenemy,firstturningtofacetheSkandians,nowsawthenewthreatdevelopingattheirrear.Theyhesitated,then,forsomeunaccountablereason,theyrespondedtothreehornblastsbydrawingtoeitherside,openingagapintheheartoftheir line. Morgarath screamed his triumph. He would drive his army into the gap,separatingtheleftandrightwingsofthearmy.Onceanarmy’sfrontlinewasbroken,itlostallcohesionandcontrolandwasmorethanhalfwaydefeated.Now,intheirpanic,theenemywas presenting himwith the perfect opportunity to strike deep into their hearts.They had even left the way open to their own command center—the small group ofhorsemenstandingundertheroyalstandardonahill.

“To the right!”Morgarath screamed, pointinghis sword towardKingDuncan’s eaglestandard.Asbefore,theWargalsheardthewordsandhisthoughtintheirminds.Thearmywheeledslightly,headingforthegap.Andnow,throughthechanting,Morgarathheardadulldrummingsound.Anunexpectedsound.

Hoofbeats.

The suddendoubt inhismindcommunicated instantly to themindsofhis army.Theadvancefalteredforamoment.Then,cursingtheWargals,hedrovethemforwardagain.But thehoofbeatswerestill thereandnow,peeringthroughthecloudsofdustraisedby

theenemyarmy,hecouldseemovement.Hefeltasudden,overpoweringsurgeoffearandagaintheWargalarmyhesitated.

Andthistime,beforehecouldmentallyflailthemforward,thecurtainsofdustseemedtopartandawedgeofheavycavalry,fullyarmoredandatthegallop,burstintosight,lessthanahundredmetersfromhisarmy’sfrontline.

Therewas no time to form into the sort of defensive square thatwas infantry’s onlyhopeagainstacavalryattack.ThearmoredwedgesmashedintotheextendedfrontlineoftheWargals,collapsingtheformationanddrivingintotheheartofMorgarath’sarmy.Andthe farther they penetrated, the wider the gap became, as the wedge shape split andseparated theWargals, just as Morgarath had been planning to do to his enemy. NowMorgarathheardonelong,risinghornblastinthedistance.Standinghighinthestirrups,he cast his glance left and right, and saw, from either wing of Duncan’s army, morecavalrydeploying,driving inonhis flanks, smashinghis formations.Dimly,he realizedthathehadexposedhisarmytotheworstpossiblesituationthathecouldhavecontrived:caughtintheopenbythefullforceofDuncan’scavalry.

Overtheyears,SirDavidofCarawayFiefhadstudiedthetacticsofcavalryinbattle.Heknewthatthemajoreffectofacavalrychargecameinthefirstmomentsofthunderousimpact as horsemen drove into an enemy line.With the full momentum of the chargebehind them, their three-meter-long lances smashed through armor, flesh and bone andhurledenemytroopsbackindisarray,tobetrampledunderthehorses’hooves.Butoncethehorsemenlosttheirmomentum,andageneralmeleeformed,thatmajoradvantagewaslost.

Accordingly, he had trained theAraluen cavalry in a new series ofmaneuvers.Afterthatfirstthunderingcharge,thecavalrythathadhitthecenteroftheWargallinewithdrewandquicklyreformed.

Each company of eighty cavalry men now split into four arrowhead formations oftwenty troopers each—the formations riding one behind the other. The cavalryapproaching from eitherwingwere already deployed in the same formation.Now, as abugle signal sounded, they employed a tactic that Sir David had christened TheHammerblows.

TheleadingarrowheadsthunderedforwardandcrashedintotheWargalline,scatteringdeadandwoundedWargalstoeithersideastheydrovein.Then,beforetheirmomentumwaslost,theypivotedtheirhorsesandgallopedaway,splittingtoeitherside.

A few seconds behind them, the secondwavewas already at the gallop. Giving theWargals no chance to recover, they smashed into the line, lances thrusting, horsestrampling.

Then, before theWargals could come to closequarters, the second arrowhead swungaboutandwithdrew,makingroomforthethirdwavetocomecrashinginafterthem.

As the fourth squadron began to gallop forward to attack, the first was already re-formingbehindthem,readytobeginthewholeprocessoveragain.

Allalongtheline,theAraluencavalryhittheWargalarmywitharapid,nonstopseriesof devastating hammer blows, sending the savage, bearlike soldiers reeling at twenty

different points, cutting the line into a series of disjointed, uncontrolled groups, whichwerethenstruckintheirownturn.

From his central vantage point, Morgarath watched, enraged, as his line wassystematicallycut topieces.Therewasno tactichecoulddevise tocounterSirDavid’sbrilliantlyexecutedbattleplan.Eveniftherehadbeen,hecouldneverhavecommunicatedit to theWargals.Their simplemindsunderstoodbasiccommands—advance, fight,kill.Theirmajoradvantageinbattlewastheirimplacablesavagery,andtheirtotalconfidenceintheirowneventualvictory.Butnowtherewasanewpresenceonthebattlefield,castingitsshadowovertheWargalarmy.

Fear.

They had an innate fear of cavalry and Morgarath sensed the first flickeringpremonitionofpanicanddefeatamongthem.Hetriedtoforcethemforward,willingthemtoadvance.But their fearand theirhelplessnessagainst thesenewAraluen tacticsweretoostrong.Theystill fought ferociously,and theirswordsandshortspears tooka fiercetollonthosehorsementheycouldreach.Buttheirresolvewasbeginningtobuckle,alongwiththeirformation.AndMorgarathknewit.

Screamingwithfury,hesentamentalorderhehadsentonlyoncebefore:Retreat.

Thenhewheeledhishorseand,withhishenchmenbesidehim,gallopedbackthroughhisfleeingarmy,clearingapathwithhisswordashewent.

AtThreeStepPass,therewasahopelesstangleasthousandsoftherearguardtriedtoforce theirway through thenarrowgap in therocks.Therewouldbenoescapeforhimthere—butescapewasthelast thoughtonhismind.Hisonlywishnowwasforrevengeagainst the people who had brought his plans crashing into the dust. He drew hisremainingtroopsintoadefensivehalfcircle,theirbackstothesheerrocksthatbarredthewaytothehighplateau.

Seethinginfuryandfrustration,hetriedtomakesenseofwhathadjusthappened.TheSkandian attackhadmelted awayas if itwerenever there.And thenhe realized that itneverhadbeen.ThesoldiersadvancingdownfromtheridgeworeSkandianhelmetsandcarriedSkandianshields,but ithadbeenaruse todrawhimforward.Thefact that theyhad the helmets and shieldsmeant that, somewhere, Horth’s forces had been defeated.That could only have been accomplished if someone had led an intercepting forcethroughouttheimpenetrabletangleoftheThorntreeForest.

Someone?

Deep in hismind,Morgarath knewwho that someonewas.He didn’t know how heknew.Orwhy.HeknewithadtobeaRangerandtherewasonlyoneRangerwhowouldhavedoneit.

Halt.

Dark, bitter hatred surged in his heart. Because of Halt, his fifteen-year dream wascrumblingbeforehiseyes.BecauseofHalt, fullyhalfofhisWargalsoldierswere lyingbrokeninthedustofthebattlefield.

The day was lost, he knew. But he would have his revenge on Halt. And he was

beginningtoseetheway.Heturnedtooneofhiscaptains.

“Prepareaflagoftruce,”hesaid.

32THEKINGDOM’SMAINARMYADVANCEDSLOWLYACROSSTHElitteredbattlefield.Thecrushingattacksbythecavalryonthreesideshadgiventhemadecisivevictoryinthespaceofafewshortminutes.

In the second line of the command party, Horace rode beside Sir Rodney. TheBattlemasterhadselectedHoraceashisshieldman,ridingonhisleftside,inrecognitionofhisservicetothekingdom.Itwasararehonorforsomeoneinhisfirstbattle,butSirRodneythoughttheboyhadmorethandeservedit.

Horaceviewedthebattlefieldwithmixedemotions.Ontheonehand,hewasvaguelydisappointedthat,sofar,hehadnotbeencalledupontoplayapart.Ontheother,hefeltaprofoundsenseofrelief.Therealityofbattlewasfarremovedfromtheglamorousdreamshe had entertained as a boy. He had pictured a battle like this as a series of carefullycoordinated, almost choreographed actions involving skillfulwarriors performing braveacts of chivalry. Needless to say, in those dreams, the most prominent and chivalrouswarrioronthefieldhadbeenHoracehimself.

Instead, he hadwatched in horror the stabbing, hacking, shoving brawl of blood anddustandscreamsthathaddevelopedbeforehim.MenandWargalsandhorseshadalldiedandtheirbodiessprawlednowinthedustofthePlainsofUthallikesomanyscatteredragdolls. It hadbeen fast andviolent andconfused.Butnow,as they rode forward,detailsbegan to emerge and he was horrified as he saw the red surcoats of Battleschoolapprenticesamongthedead.

Hesawonebody,limpandlifelessasthestretcherbearersturneditover,andbeneaththebloodanddirtthatsmearedthepaleface,herecognizedPaul,aYear4apprenticewhohadbeenanassistantsworddrillinstructor.Overthepastmonths,asHorace’snaturalskillwith the sword had become evident, he and the older boy had become casual friends.WhenHoracewashurriedlypackinghiskitfor thetrip toCeltica,Paulhadcometothebarrackstolendhimawarmcloakandapairofstrongboots.Nowhewasdeadandthedebtwouldneverberepaid.Horacefeltasenseofemptinessandloss.

HeglancednowatSirRodney.TheBattlemaster’sgrimfacetoldhimthatitwasalwaysthisway.

Horace’sthroatwasdryandhetriedtoeaseitbyswallowing.Hefeltasuddenstabofdoubt.Hewondered,ifhewerecalledupontofight,whetherhewouldsimplyfreezeinfear.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,ithadbeendrivenhometohimthatpeopleactuallydiedinbattles.Andthistime,hecouldbeoneofthosepeople.Hetriedtoswallowagain.Thisattemptwasnomoresuccessfulthanthelast.

Morgarath and his remaining soldierswere in a defensive formation at the base of thecliffs.Thesoftmarshygroundheldthecavalrybackandtherewasnooptionbuttotaketheinfantryforwardandfinishthejobinbloodyhand-to-handfighting.

Any normal enemy commander would have seen the inevitable result by now andsurrendered tospare the livesofhis remaining troops.But thiswasMorgarathand theyknewtherewouldbenonegotiating.Theysteeledthemselvesfor theuglytaskaheadof

them.Itwouldbeabloodyandsenselessfight,buttherewasnoalternative.Onceandforall,Morgarath’spowermustbebroken.

“Nevertheless,” saidDuncangrimly, as his front rank stopped a bare hundredmetersfromtheWargals’defensivehalfcircle,“we’llgivehimthechancetosurrender.”Hedrewbreath, about to order his trumpeter to sound the signal for a parley, when there wasmovementatthefrontrankoftheWargalarmy.

“Sir!”saidGilansuddenly.“Theyhaveaflagoftruce!”

Thekingdom’sleaders lookedinsurpriseas thewhiteflagwasunfurled,carriedbyaWargal foot soldier. He stepped forward into the clear ground. From deep within theWargalrankscameahornsignal,fiveascendingnotes—theuniversalsignalthatrequesteda parley.KingDuncanmade a small gesture of surprise, hesitated, then signaled to hisowntrumpeter.

“Isupposewe’dbetterhearwhathehastosay,”hesaid.“Givethereply.”

The trumpeter moistened his lips and blew the acceptance in reply—a descendingsequenceoffournotes.

“Itwillbesomekindoftrick,”saidHaltgrimly.WhenthecavalryhadsweptthroughtheAraluenarmytoattacktheWargals,hehadresumedhisplaceatthecommandcenter.Nowhefrownedattheenemy’slatestmove.“Morgarathwillsendaheraldtotalkwhilehe’smakinghisescape.He’ll…”

Hisvoice tailedoff as theWargal rankspartedoncemoreanda figure rode forward.Immensely tall and thin, clad in black armor and a beaked black helmet, it was,unmistakably,Morgarathhimself.Halt’srighthandwentinstinctivelytothequiverslungathisbackand,withinasecond,aheavy,armor-piercingarrowwaslaidonhisbowstring.

KingDuncansawthemovement.

“Halt,”hesaidsharply,“I’veagreedtoatruce.You’llnotcausemetobreakmyword,eventoMorgarath.”

ThetrumpetsignalwasapledgeofsafetyandHaltreluctantlyreturnedthearrowtohisquiver.DuncanmadequickeyecontactwithBaronArald,signalinghimtokeepacloseeye on the Ranger. Halt shrugged. If he chose to put an arrow intoMorgarath’s heart,neitherBaronAraldnoranyoneelsewouldbequickenoughtostophim.

Slowly, the vulturine figure on the white horse paced forward, his Wargal standardbearerbeforehim.A lowmurmur rose among thekingdom’sarmyasmen saw, for thefirsttime,themanwhoforthepastfifteenyearshadbeenaconstantthreattotheirlivesandwell-being.Morgarathstoppedamere thirtymeters from their front rank.Hecouldseetheroyalpartywheretheyhadmovedforwardtomeethim.Hiseyesnarrowedashecaughtsightofthesmallfigurehunchedinagraycloakonashaggypony.

“Duncan!”hecalled,his thinvoicecarrying through the sudden silence. “I claimmyrights!”

“Youhavenorights,Morgarath,”theKingreplied.“You’rearebelandatraitorandamurderer.Surrendernowandyourmenwillbespared.That’s theonlyrightIwillgrant

you.”

“I claim the right of trial by single combat!”Morgarath shouted back, ignoring theKing’swords.Thenhecontinuedcontemptuously,“Orareyoutoocowardlytoacceptachallenge,Duncan?Willyouletthousandsmoreofyourmendiewhileyouhidebehindthem?Orwillyouletfatedecidetheissuehere?”

For a moment, Duncan was caught off guard. Morgarath waited, smiling quietly tohimself.Hecouldguess at the thoughts running through themindsof theKingandhisadvisers.Hehadofferedthemacourseofactionthatmightsparethelivesofthousandsoftheirsoldiers.

Araldmoved his horse alongside theKing’s and said angrily: “He has no claim to aknight’s privileges. He deserves hanging. Nothingmore.” Some of the othersmutteredagreement.

“Andyet…”saidHaltquietly,andtheyallturnedtolookathim.“Thiscouldsolvetheproblemfacingus.TheWargalsaremind-boundtoMorgarath’swill.Nowthatwecan’tusecavalry,they’llcontinuetofightaslongashewillsthemto.Andthey’llkillthousandsofourmenintheprocess.But,ifMorgarathwerekilledinsinglecombat—”

Tyler interrupted, finishing the thought: “The Wargals would be without direction.Chancesaretheywouldsimplystopfighting.”

Duncanfrowneduncertainly.“Wedon’tknowthat…”hebegan.SirDavidofCarawayinterrupted.

“Surely,sir,it’sworthatry.Morgarathhasoutsmartedhimselfhere,Ithink.Heknowswecan’tresistthechancetoendthisonasinglecombat.He’sthrownthedicetodayandlost.Butheobviouslyplanstochallengeyou—tokillyouasafinalactofrevenge.”

“What’syourpoint?”Duncanasked.

“AsRoyalBattlemaster,Icanrespondtoanychallengemadetoyou,mylord.”

Therewasabriefmurmurat this.Morgarathmightbeadangerousopponent,butSirDavidwastheforemost tournamentknightof thekingdom.Likehisson,hehadtrainedwith thefabledSwordmasterMacNeil,andhisskill insinglecombatwas legendary.Hecontinuedeagerly.

“Morgarathisusingtherulesofknighthoodtogainachancetokillyou,sir.Obviously,he’soverlookedthefact that,asKing,youcanberepresentedbyachampion.Givehimtherighttochallenge.Andthenletmeaccept.”

Duncan considered the idea.He looked to his advisers and sawgrudging agreement.Abruptly,hemadeuphismind.

“Allright,”hesaidfinally.“I’llaccepthisrighttochallenge.Butnobody,nobody,saysanythinginacceptance.Onlyme.Isthatclear?”

Hiscouncilnoddedagreement.Duncanstoodinhisstirrupsandcalledtotheominousblackfigure.

“Morgarath,”Duncan called, “althoughwe believe you have forfeited any rights youmayhavehadasaknight,goaheadandmakeyourchallenge.Asyousay,letfatedecide

theissue.”

NowMorgarath allowed the smile to creep over his entire face, no longer trying toconcealitfromthosewhowatchedhim.Hefeltaquicksurgeoftriumphinhischest,thena coldwash of hatred swept over him as he looked directly at the small, insignificant-lookingfigurebehindtheKing.

“Then, as ismy right beforeGod,” he said carefully,making sure he used the exact,ancientwordsof challenge, “andbefore allherepresent, Ido somakemychallenge toprovemycauserightandjustto…”Hecouldn’thelphesitatingandsavoringthemomentforasecond.“HalttheRanger.”

There was a stunned silence. Then, as Halt urged Abelard forward to accept thechallenge,Duncan’spenetratingcryof“No!”stoppedhim.Hiseyesglitteredfiercely.

“I’ll takemychance,my lord,”hesaidgrimly.ButDuncan threwoutanarmtostophimfrommovingforward.

“Halt is not a knight. You cannot challenge him,” he called urgently. Morgarathshrugged.

“Actually,Duncan,Icanchallengeanyone.Andanyonecanchallengeme.Asaknight,I don’t have to accept any challenge, unless it is issued by another knight. But I canchoosetodoso.AndIcanchoosewhomIchallenge.”

“Haltisforbiddentoaccept!”Duncansaidangrily.

Morgarathlaughedthinly.“Stillslinkingandhidingthen,Halt?”hesneered.“LikeallRangers.DidImentionthatwehaveoneofyourRangerbratsasaprisoner?Sosmall,wenearlythrewhimback.ButI’vedecidedtokeephimfortortureinstead.Thatwillmakeonelesssneaking,hidingspyinthefuture.”

Haltfelttheblooddrainingfromhisface.TherewasonlyonepersonMorgarathcouldbetalkingabout.Therewasanominouscalmtohisvoiceashespoke.

“Turnhimloosenow,Morgarath,andI’llletyoudiequickly.Otherwise…”

Helefttherestofthethreatunspoken.ButMorgarathsawthepalefaceandrecognizedthebarelyrestrainedangerinhisoldenemy.ObviouslytheRangerbratmeantsomethingspecial to Halt. Then, instinctively, he recognized the truth. The boy was Halt’s ownapprentice!

“Youreallyshouldhavetakenbettercareofyourwhelp,Halt,”hesaidcasually.“AfterI’vefinishedwithyou,I’llseetohimpersonally.”

Halt felt a red surge of rage and hatred for the vulturelike figure before him.Handsreachedouttostophim,butheshovedhishorseforward,facingMorgarath.

“Then,let’sgettoit,Morgarath!”hesaid.“Iacc—”

“Halt!Icommandyoutostop!”Duncanshouted,drowninghimout.

Butthenalleyesweredrawntoasuddenmovementfromthesecondrankofthearmy.Amountedfigureburstclear,coveringtheshortdistancetoMorgarathinaheartbeat.TheLordofRainandNightreachedforhissword,thenrealizedthenewcomer’sownweapon

wassheathed.Instead,hisrightarmdrewbackandhehurledhisgauntletintoMorgarath’sthinface.

“Morgarath!”heyelled,hisyoungvoicecracking.“Ichallengeyoutosinglecombat!”

Then,wheelinghishorseafewpacesaway,HoracewaitedforMorgarath’sreply.

33WILL AND EVANLYN NEVER LEARNED WHAT IT WAS THAT caused the wave of uncertainty in the Wargals whosurrounded their smallgroup.Theyhadnowayofknowing that it hadhappenedat themomentwhenMorgarathrealizedhehadbeentrickedintoexposinghisarmytoDuncan’scavalry.

The two captives and the four Skandians all noticed the sudden uneasiness andhesitancy in the twenty or soWargal warriors who had been left to guard them. Erakglancedquicklyathismen,sensinganopportunity.So far, theyhadnotbeendisarmed.Theoddsoffouragainsttwentyweretoomuch,evenforSkandians,andtheWargalshadonlybeentoldtodetainthem,notdisarmthem.

“Something’s happening,” the Skandian jarl muttered. “Stay ready, everyone.”Unobtrusively, the smallpartymade sure theirweaponswere free and ready for action.Then the moment of uncertainty turned to real, palpable fear among the Wargals.Morgarath had just signaled a general retreat and those at the rear didn’t distinguishthemselvesfromthefrontlinetroopsforwhomtheorderwasintended.OverhalfoftheWargals guarding them simply ran. One sergeant, however, retained a vestige ofindependent thought and he growled a warning to his section—eight in total. As theircompanionsstruggledandfoughttomaketheirwayintothejam-packedentrancetoThreeStepPass,theremainingeightblack-cladtroopsheldtheirposition.

But theyweredistractedandnervousandErakdecided that theopportunitywouldn’tgetanybetterthanthis.

“Now,lads!”heyelled,andswepthisdouble-headedaxinalowhorizontalarcatthesergeant.TheWargaltriedtobringhisironspearupindefense,buthewasafractiontooslow.Theheavyaxshearedthroughhisarmorandhewentdown.

AsErak sought anotheropponent,hismen fellon the restof theWargal troop.TheychosethemomentwhenanothermindcommandwentoutfromMorgarathforhismentowithdrawandformadefensiveposition.TheconfusingordersintheirmindsmadethemeasytargetsfortheSkandiansandtheyfellinshortorder.Theothersaroundthem,intentonescapingtoThreeStepPass,tooknonoticeofthebriefandbloodyskirmish.

Erak lookedaroundhimwith somesatisfaction,wipinghis axbladecleanonaclothhe’dtakenfromoneofthedeadWargals.

“That’sbetter,”hesaidheartily.“I’vebeenwantingtodothatfordays.”

But theWargalshadn’t left theirgroupunscathed.Ashespoke,Nordalstaggeredandsank slowly to one knee. Bright blood stained the corner of his mouth and he lookedhopelesslyathisleader.Erakmovedtohissideanddroppedtohisknees.

“Nordal!”hecried.“Whereareyouwounded?”

ButNordalcouldbarelytalk.Hewasgraspinghisrightside,wherethesheepskinvestwasalreadyheavilystainedwithhisblood.Theheavyswordhefavoredasaweaponhadfallen fromhisgrip.Hiseyeswidewith fear,he tried to reach it,but itwasbeyondhisgrasp.Quickly,Horakscoopeduptheweaponandput it inhishand.Nordalnoddedhis

thanks,andslowlylethimselfdroptoasittingposition.Thefearwasgonefromhiseyesnow.WillknewthatSkandiansbelievedamanmustdiewithhisweapon inhand ifhissoulwerenottowanderintormentforeternity.Nowthathehadhisswordfirmlyinhisgrasp,Nordalwasnotafraidtodie.Weakly,hewavedthemaway.

“Go!”hesaid,finallyfindinghisvoice.“I’m…finished…gettotheships.”

Erak nodded quickly. “He’s right,” he said, straightening up from beside his friend.“There’snothingwecandoforhim.”TheothersnoddedandErakgrabbedfirstWillandthenEvanlynandshovedthemalonginfrontofhim.

“Comeon,youtwo,”hesaidroughly.“UnlessyouwanttostayheretillMorgarathgetsback.”

And,movingtogetherinatightlittlegroup,thefiveofthemshovedtheirwaythroughthemillingcrowdofWargals,alltryingtomoveintheoppositedirection.

Morgarathwas stung by the impact of the heavy leather glove on his face. Furious, heturnedtostareatthechallengerwhohadruinedhisplan.Thenheallowedthatthinsmiletospreadoverhisfaceoncemore.

Hischallengerwasnomore thanaboy,herealized.Big,certainly,andmuscular.Butthefreshfaceunderthesimpleconicalhelmetcouldn’thavebeenmorethansixteenyearsold.

BeforethestartledmembersoftheKing’scouncilcouldreact,herepliedswiftly.

“Iacceptthechallenge!”

HewasasecondaheadofDuncan’sfuriouscry:“No!Iforbidit!”Realizinghewastoolate,hesoughtdesperatelyforawaytopreventthisone-sidedcontest.Heforcedhimselftolaughscornfullyattheblack-cladfigure.

“Really,Morgarath,isthisyourknightlychallenge?Youwanttofightanapprentice?Amere boy? I’ve always knownyou as a treacherous swine, but at least I never doubtedyourcourage.NowIseeyou’veturnedcowardaswellastraitor.”

MorgarathsmiledsardonicallyattheKingbeforeheanswered.

“Isthatthebestyoucando,Duncan?”heasked.“DoyoureallythinkI’llfallforsuchatransparentploy?DoyoubelieveIcarewhatyouoryourtoadiesthinkofme?I’llfighttheboy,andI’lldoitgladly.Asyouknow,onceachallengeisgivenandaccepted,therecanbenowithdrawal.”

Hewasright,ofcourse.Thestrictrulesofchivalryandknighthood,bywhichtheyhadallswornsolemnoathstobebound,diddecreejustthat.Morgarathsmilednowattheboybesidehim.Hewouldmakeshortworkofhim.Andtheboy’squickdeathwouldservetoinfuriateHaltevenmore.

Halt,meanwhile,watchedtheLordofRainandNightthroughslittedeyes.

“Morgarath,you’realreadyadeadman,”hemuttered.

HaltfeltafirmhandonhisarmandheturnedtolookintoSirDavid’sgrimeyes.The

Battlemasterhadhissworddrawnandrestingoverhisrightshoulder.

“Theboywillhavetotakehischances,Halt,”hesaid.

“Whatchances?Hehasnochance!”Haltreplied.

SirDavidacknowledged the fact sadly.“Be thatas itmay.Youcan’t interfere in thiscombat. I’llstopyouif Ieventhinkyou’regoingto try.Don’tmakemedothat.We’vebeenfriendsfartoolong.”

HeheldHalt’sangrygazeforafewseconds,thentheRangeragreedbitterly.Heknewtheknightwasn’tbluffing.Thecodesofchivalrymeanteverythingtohim.

Thebyplayhadn’tbeenlostonMorgarath.Hewasconfidentthatthemomenttheboyfell,Haltwouldaccepthisoriginalchallenge,King’sordersornoKing’sorders.Andthen,atleast,Morgarathwouldknowthesatisfactionofkillinghisold,hatedenemybeforehisownworldcamecrashingdownaroundhim.

HeturnednowtoHorace.

“Whatweapons,boy?”hesaidinaninsultingtone.“Howdoyouchoosetofight?”

Horace’s facewaswhiteandstrainedwith fear.Foramoment,hisvoicewas trappedinsidehisthroat.Hewasn’tsurewhathadcomeoverhimwhenhe’dgallopedforwardandissuedhischallenge.Itcertainlywasn’tsomethinghe’dplanned.Aredragehadovertakenhimandhehadfoundhimselfouthereinfrontoftheentirearmy,throwinghisgauntletintoMorgarath’s startled face. Then he thought ofMorgarath’s threat toWill, and howhe’dbeenforcedtoleavehisfriendatthebridgeandhemanaged,atlast,tospeak.

“Asweare,”hesaid.Bothofthemcarriedswords.Inaddition,Morgarath’slong,kite-shapedshieldhungathissaddleandHoracecarriedhisroundbucklerslungonhisback.But Morgarath’s sword was a two-handed broadsword, nearly a foot longer than thestandard cavalry sword Horace carried. Morgarath turned now to call once more toDuncan.

“Thewhelpchoosestofightasweare.You’llstandbytherulesofconduct,Iassume,Duncan?”hesaid.

“You’ll fight unmolested,” Duncan agreed in a bitter tone. Those were the rules ofsinglecombat.

MorgarathnoddedandmadeamockingbowintheKing’sdirection.

“JustbesurethatmurderousRangerHaltunderstandsthat,”hesaid,continuinghisplanofdrivingHalttoacoldfury.“Iknowhehaslittleknowledgeoftherulesofknighthoodandchivalry.”

“Morgarath,”saidDuncancoldly,“don’ttrytopretendthatwhatyou’redoinghasanyconnectionwithrealchivalry.Iaskyouonemoretime,sparetheboy’slife.”

Morgarathfeignedasurprisedexpression.“Sparehim,YourMajesty?He’salumpofaboy,bigforhisage.Whoknows,youmightbebetterservedaskinghimtospareme.”

“If you must persist with murder, that’s your choice, Morgarath. But save us yoursarcasm,”saidDuncan.AgainMorgarathmadethatmockingbow.Thenhesaidcasually,

overhisshoulder,toHorace:

“Areyouready,boy?”

Horaceswallowedonce,thennodded.

“Yes,”hesaid.

ItwasGilanwhosawwhatwascomingandmanagedtoshoutawarning,justintime.ThehugebroadswordhadsnakedoutofitsscabbardwithincrediblespeedandMorgarathswung itbackhandedat theboybesidehim.Warnedby the shout,Horace rolled tooneside,thebladehissinginchesabovehishead.

In the same movement, Morgarath had set spurs to his dead-white horse and wasgalloping away, reaching for his shield and settling it on his left arm. His mockinglaughtercarriedbacktoHoraceastheboyrecovered.

“Thenlet’sgetstarted!”Helaughed,andHoracefelthisthroatgodryasherealizedhewasnowfightingforhislife.

34MORGARATHWASWHEELINGHISHORSEINAWIDECIRCLETOgainroom.Horaceknewthathe’dswingaroundsoonandchargedownonhim,usingthemomentumofhischargeasmuchastheforceofhisswordtotrytostrikehimfromthesaddle.

Guidinghishorsewithhisknees,heswungawayintheoppositedirection,shrugginghisbuckleraroundfromwhereithungonhisbackandslippinghisleftarmthroughthestraps.HeglancedoverhisshoulderandsawMorgarath,eightymetersaway,spurringhishorseforwardinacharge.Horaceclappedhisheelsintohisownhorse’sribsandswunghimbacktofacetheblack-cladfigure.

Thetwosetsofhoofbeatsoverlapped,merged,thenoverlappedoncemoreastheridersthunderedtowardeachother.Knowinghisopponenthadtheadvantageofreach,Horacedetermined to let him strike the first blow, then attempt a counterstrike as they passed.Theywere nearly on each other now andMorgarath suddenly rose in his stirrups and,from his full height, swung an overhand blow at the boy.Horace, expecting themove,threwuphisshield.

The power behind Morgarath’s blow was devastating. The sword had Morgarath’simmenseheight,thestrengthofhisarmandthemomentumofhisgallopinghorsebehindit.Timing it toperfection,hehadchanneledall those separate forces and focused themintohisswordasitcleaveddown.Horacehadneverinhislifefeltsuchdestructiveforce.ThosewatchingwincedattheringingcrashofswordonshieldandtheysawHoraceswayunderthemightystroke,almostknockedcleanfromhissaddleonthefirstpass.

Allthoughtofacounterstrikewasgonenow.Itwasallhecoulddotoregainhissaddleashishorse skittered away,dancing sideways, asMorgarath’smount, trained forbattle,lashedoutwithitsrearhooves.

Horace’sleftarm,hisshieldarm,wasrenderedcompletelynumbbytheterribleforceoftheblow.Heshruggeditrepeatedlyasherodeaway,movingthearminsmallcirclestotrytoregainsomefeeling.Finally,hefeltadullachetherethatseemedtostretchtheentirelengthof the limb.Nowheknewreal fear.Allhis training,he realized,allhispractice,wasnothingcomparedtoMorgarath’syearsandyearsofexperience.

HewheeledtofaceMorgarathandrodeinagain.Onthefirstpass,theyhadmetshieldtoshield.Thistime,hesawhisopponentwasanglingtopassonhisrightside—hisswordarmside—andherealizedthatthenextshatteringblowwouldnotlandonhisshield.Hewould have to parry with his own sword. His mouth was dry as he galloped forward,tryingdesperatelytorememberwhatGilanhadtaughthim.

But Gilan had never prepared him to face such overpowering strength. He knew hecouldn’t take the risk of gripping his sword lightly and tightening at the moment ofimpact.Hisknuckleswhitenedonthehiltofhisswordand,suddenly,Morgarathwasuponhimandthemassivebroadswordswunginaglitteringarcathishead.Horacethrewuphisownswordtoparry,justintime.

The mighty crash and slithering scream of steel on steel set the watchers’ nervesjangling.Again,Horacereeledinthesaddlefromtheforceoftheblow.Hisrightarmwas

numb from fingertip to elbow. He knew that he would have to find a way to avoidMorgarath’snear-paralyzingblows.Buthecouldn’tthinkhow.

Heheardhoofbeatsclosebehindand,turning,realizedthatthistime,Morgarathhadn’tgone on to gain ground for another charge. Instead, he had wheeled his horse almostimmediately,sacrificingtheextraforcegainedinthechargeforthesakeofafastfollow-upattack.Thebroadswordswungbackagain.

Horacerearedhishorseontoitshindlegs,spinningitinplace,andtakingMorgarath’sswordonhisshieldoncemore.Thistime,theforcebehinditwasalittlelessdevastating,butnotbymuch.Horacecuttwiceattheblacklord,forehandandbackhand.Hissmaller,lighterswordwasfastertowieldthanthemightybroadsword,buthisrightarmwasstillnumb from theparryandhis strokeshad littlepowerbehind them.Morgarathdeflectedthemeasily,almostcontemptuously,withhis shield, thencutagainatHorace,overhandthistime,standinginhisstirrupsforextrapurchase.

Onceagain,Horace’s shield took the forceof the swordstroke.Thecircularpieceofsteelwasbentalmostdoublebythetwomassivestrokesithadtaken.Muchmoreofthisand it would be virtually useless to him. He spurred his horse away fromMorgarath,scramblingtoremainmounted.

His breath now came in rapid gasps and sweat covered his face. Itwas asmuch thesweatoffearasofexertion.Heshookhisheaddesperatelytoclearhisvision.Morgarathwasridinginagain.Horacechangedhisdirectionatthelastmoment,dragginghishorse’shead to the left, takinghimacross thepathofMorgarath’scharginghorseashe tried toevade that huge sword. Morgarath saw it coming and changed to a backhand stroke,crashingitontotherimofHorace’sshield.

The broadsword bit deep into the steel of the shield, then caught there. Seizing themoment,Horace stood in his stirrups and cut overhand atMorgarath. The black shieldcameupjustafractiontoolateandHorace’sblowglancedofftheblack,beakedhelmet.He felt the shock of it up his arm, but this time, the jarring felt good.He cut again asMorgarathwrenchedandheavedtoremovehissword.

This time, Morgarath caught the blow on his shield. But for the first time, HoracemanagedtoputsomeauthoritybehindthestrokeandtheLordofRainandNightgruntedashewasrockedinhissaddle.Hisshielddroppedfractionally.

NowHoraceused the shorterbladeofhis sword to lungeat thegap thathadopenedbetween shield and body and drove the point atMorgarath’s ribs. For amoment, thosewatchingfeltabriefflareofhope.Buttheblackarmorheldagainstthethrust,whichwasdelivered from a cramped position and had little force behind it. Nonetheless, it hurtMorgarath,crackingaribbehindthemailarmor,andhecursedinpainandjerkedathisownswordoncemore.

Andthen,disaster!

Weakened by the crushing blowsMorgarath had struck at it, Horace’s shield simplygaveway.Thehugeswordtorefreeatlast,andasitwent,itrippedloosetheleatherstrapsthatheldtheshieldonHorace’sarm.Thebattered,misshapenshieldcamefreeandspunaway into the air. Horace reeled in the saddle again, desperately trying to retain his

balance. Too close to use the full length of his blade,Morgarath slammed the double-handedhiltof thesword into thesideof theboy’shelmetand theonlookersgroaned indismayasHoracefellfromhissaddle.

His footcaught in the stirrupandhewasdragged for twentymetersor sobehindhisterrified, galloping horse. Oddly enough, that fact probably saved his life, as he wascarriedclearofthemurderousreachofMorgarath’sbroadsword.Finallymanagingtokickhimselffree,herolledinthedust,hisswordstillgraspedinhisrighthand.

Staggering, he regained his feet, his eyes full of sweat and dust. Dimly, he sawMorgarathbearingdownonhimagain.Grippinghisswordwithbothhands,heblockedthedownward cut of thehuge sword, butwasbeaten tohis kneesby the forceof it.Aflailingrearhoof tookhimintheribsandhewentdowninthedustagainasMorgarathgallopedclear.

Ahushhadfallenoverthewatchers.TheWargalswereunmovedbythespectacle,butthe kingdom’s army watched the one-sided contest in silent horror. The end wasinevitable,theyallknew.

Slowly,painfully,Horaceclimbedtohisfeetoncemore.Morgarathwheeledhishorseandsethimselfforanothercharge.Horacewatchedhimcoming,knowingthatthiscontestcouldhaveonlyonepossibleresult.Adesperateideawasforminginhismindasthedead-whitebattlehorsethunderedtowardhim,headingtohisright,leavingMorgarathroomtostrikedownwithhissword.Horacehadnoideawhetherornothisarmorwouldprotecthimfromwhathehadinmind.Hecouldbekilled.Then,dully,helaughedathimself.Hewasgoingtobekilledanyway.

Hetensedhimself, ready.Thehorsewasalmostuponhimnow,swervingawaytohisright to leaveMorgarathstrikingroom.In the last fewmeters,Horacehurledhimself totherightafterit,deliberatelythrowinghimselfunderthehorse’sfronthooves.

Unpreparedforhissuicidalaction,thehorsetrieddesperatelytoavoidhim.Itsforelegscrossedanditstumbled, thensomersaultedina tangleof legsandbodyintothedust.Agreat,wordlesscrywentupfromtheonlookersas,foramoment,thescenewasobscuredbyacloudofroilingdust.Horacefeltahoofstrikehimintheback,betweentheshoulderblades,thensawabriefredflashasanotherslammedintohishelmet,breakingthestrapandknockingitfromhishead.Thenhewashitmoretimesthanhecouldcountandtheworldwasablurofpainanddustand,mostofall,noise.

Ashishorsewentdown,Morgarathsomehowkickedhisfeetoutofthestirrupsandfellclear.Hecrashedheavilytotheground,thebroadswordfallingfromhisgrasp.

Screaming in rage and fear, thewhite horse struggled to its feet again. It kickedonemoretimeatthepronefigurethathadbroughtitdown,thentrottedaway.Horacegruntedwith pain and tried to stand.He came to his knees and, vaguely, he heard the swellingcheersofthewatchingarmy.

Thenthecheersgraduallydiedawayas thestill,black-cladfigureafewmetersawaybegantomove.

Morgarathwaswinded,nothingmore.Hedraggedinavastlungfulofairandstood.Helookedaround,sawthebroadswordlyinghalfburiedinthedustandmovedtoretrieveit.

Horace’sheartsankasthetallfigure,outlinednowagainstthelowafternoonsun,begantoadvanceonhim,one longstrideata time.Desperately,Horaceretrievedhisownswordandscrambledtohisfeet.Therewashardlyaninchofhisbodythatwasn’tthrobbingwithpain.Groggyandtryingtofocus,hesawthatMorgarathhaddiscardedhistriangularblackshield.Now,holdingthebroadswordinatwo-handedgrip,headvanced.

Againcamethatnerve-jangling,screechingclashofsteel.MorgarathrainedblowafterblowdownonHorace’ssword.Desperately, theapprenticewarriorparriedandblocked.Butwitheachmassiveblow,hisarmswerelosingtheirstrength.Hebegantobackaway,but stillMorgarath came on, beating downHorace’s defensewith blow after shatteringblow.

Andthen,asHoraceallowedthepointofhisswordtodrop,unabletofindthestrengthto keep it up anymore, Morgarath’s huge broadsword whistled down one last time,smashingontothesmallerswordandsnappingthebladeintwo.

Hesteppedbacknow,acruelsmileonhisface,asHoracestareddumblyattheshorn-offbladeinhisrighthand.

“Ithinkwe’renearlyfinishednow,”Morgarathsaidinthatsoft,tonelessvoice.Horacestill looked at the useless sword. Almost unconsciously, his left hand reached for hisdaggerandsliditfromitssheath.Morgarathsawthemovementandlaughed.

“Idon’tthinkthatwilldoyoumuchgood,”hesneered.Then,deliberately,hetookthegreatbroadswordupandbackforafinal,mightyoverhandblowthatwouldcleaveHoracetothewaist.

ItwasGilanwhorealizedwhatwasgoingtohappen,asecondbeforeitdid.

Thebroadswordbeganitsdownwardarc,splittingtheair.AndnowHorace, throwingeverything into one final effort, stepped forward, crossing the two blades he held, thedaggersupportingtheshortenedsword.

The locked blades took the impact of Morgarath’s mighty stroke. But Horace hadsteppedclosetothetallerman,andsoreducedtheleverageofthelongbladeandtheforceoftheblow.Morgarath’sswordclangedintotheXformedbythetwoblades.

Horace’skneesbuckled, thenheld,andforamomentMorgarathandhestoodlocked,chest to chest.Horace could see the puzzled furyon themadman’s face.Then the furyturned to surprise andMorgarath felt a deep, burning agony pour through his body asHoraceslipped thedagger freeand,witheveryounceofhis strengthbehind it,drove itthroughMorgarath’schainmailandupintohisheart.

Slowly,theLordofRainandNightsaggedandcrumpledtotheground.

Stunned silence gripped the onlookers for a good ten seconds. Then the cheeringstarted.

35WHAT HAD, A FEW MINUTES BEFORE, BEEN A BATTLEFIELD NOWbecameaconfusion.TheWargalarmy, released inaninstant fromMorgarath’smind control, nowmilledmindlessly about,waiting for someforcetotellthemwhattodonext.Allsenseofaggressionhadleftthemandmostofthemsimply dropped their weapons and wandered off. Others sat down and sang quietly tothemselves.WithoutMorgarath’sdirection,theywerelikelittlechildren.

The group struggling to escape up Three Step Pass now stoodmute and unmoving,waitingpatientlyforthoseatthefronttocleartheway.

Duncansurveyedthesceneinbewilderment.

“We’llneedanarmyofsheepdogstoroundupthislot,”hesaidtoBaronArald,andhiscouncillorsmiledinreply.

“Betterthatthanwhatwefaced,mylord,”hesaid,andDuncanhadtoagree.

ThesmallinnercircleofMorgarath’slieutenantswasadifferentmatter.Somehadbeencaptured,butothershadfledintothewaste-landsofthefens.Crowley,theRangerCorpsCommandant, shookhisheadashe realized thatheandhismen facedmany long,harddaysin thesaddleafter this.HewouldhavetoassignaRanger taskforcetohuntdownMorgarath’slieutenantsandbringthembacktofacetheKing’sjustice.Itwasalwaysthisway,hethoughtwryly.Whileeveryoneelsecouldsitbackandrelax, theRangers’workcontinued,nonstop.

Horace, bruised, battered and bleeding, had been taken to the King’s own tent fortreatment.Hewasbadlyinjuredafterhisinsaneleapunderthebattlehorse’shooves.Therewereseveralbrokenbonesandhewasbleedingfromoneear.Butamazingly,noneoftheinjurieswerecriticalandtheKing’sownhealer,whohadexaminedhimimmediately,wasconfidentthathewouldmakeafullrecovery.

SirRodneyhadhurrieduptothelitterasthebearerswerepreparingtocarrytheboyoffthefield.Hismustachebristledwithfuryashestoodoverhisapprentice.

“What thehelldidyou thinkyouweredoing?”he roared,andHoracewinced.“Whotoldyou to challengeMorgarath?You’renothingbut an apprentice, boy, and adamneddisobedientoneatthat!”

Horacewonderediftheshoutingwasgoingtocontinueformuchlonger.Ifitwere,hecouldalmostwishtobebackfacingMorgarath.HewasdazedandsickanddizzyandSirRodney’s angry red face swam in and out of focus in front of him.TheBattlemaster’swords seemed tobounce fromone sideof his skull to theother andback again andhewasn’t surewhy hewas yelling somuch.MaybeMorgarathwas still alive, he thoughtgroggily,andasthethoughtstruckhim,hetriedtogetup.

Instantly,Rodney’sglarefadedandhisexpressionchangedtooneofconcern.Hegentlystoppedthewoundedapprenticefromrising.Thenhereacheddownandgrippedtheboy’shandinafirmgrasp.

“Rest,boy,”hesaid.“You’vedoneenoughtoday.You’vedonewell.”

Meanwhile,HaltshovedhiswaythroughtheharmlessWargals.TheygavewaywithoutanyresistanceorresentmentashesearcheddesperatelyforWill.

But there was no sign of the boy, nor of the King’s daughter. Once they had heardMorgarath’s taunt, the Araluens had realized that if Will were still alive, there was achancethatCassandra,asEvanlynwasreallycalled,mighthavesurvivedaswell.ThefactthatMorgarath hadn’tmentioned her indicated that her identity had remained a secret.This,ofcourse,Haltrealized,waswhyshehadassumedhermaid’sname.Bydoingso,shepreventedMorgarath’sknowingwhatapotentialleverhehadinhishands.

He pushed impatiently through another group of silent Wargals, then stopped as heheardaweakcryfromoneside.

ASkandian,barelyalive,wassittingleaningagainsttheboleofatree.Hehadslumpeddown,hislegsstretchedstraightinfrontofhiminthedust,hisheadlollingweaklytooneside. A huge stain of bloodmarked the side of his sheepskin vest. A heavy sword laybesidehim,hishandtooweaktoholditanylonger.

HemadeafeeblescrabblinggesturetowarditandhiseyesbeseechedHalttohelphim.Nordal,growingweakerby themoment,hadallowedhisgraspon thesword to release.Now,weakandalmostblinded,hecouldn’tfinditandheknewhewasclosetodeath.Haltkneltbesidehim.Hecouldseetherewasnopotentialdangerintheman;hewastoofargoneforanytreachery.Hetooktheswordandplaceditintheman’slap,puttinghishandsontheleather-boundhilt.

“Thanks…friend…”Nordalgaspedweakly.

Haltnoddedsadly.HeadmiredtheSkandiansaswarriorsanditbotheredhimtoseeonelaidaslowasthis—soweakthathecouldn’tmaintainhisgriponhissword.TheRangerknewwhat thatmeant to the sea raiders.He rose slowly and began to turn away, thenstopped.

HoracehadsaidthatWillandEvanlynhadbeentakenbyasmallpartyofSkandians.Maybe thismanknewsomething.Hedropped toonekneeagainandputahandon theman’sface,turningittowardhisown.

“Theboy,”hesaidurgently,knowinghehadonlyafewminutes.“Whereishe?”

Nordalfrowned.Thewordsstruckachordinhismemory,buteverythingthathadeverhappenedtohimseemedsuchalongtimeagoandsomehowunimportant.

“Boy,”herepeatedthickly,andHaltcouldn’thelphimself.Heshookthedyingman.

“Will!” he said, his face only a few centimeters from the other’s. “ARanger.Aboy.Whereishe?”

AsmalllightofunderstandingandmemoryburnedinNordal’seyesnowasherecalledtheboy.He’dadmiredhiscourage,heremembered.Admiredthewaytheboyhadstoodthemoffatthebridge.Withoutrealizingit,heactuallysaidthelastthreewords.

“Atthebridge…”hewhispered,andHaltshookhimagain.

“Yes!Theboyatthebridge!Whereishe?”

Nordal lookedupathim.Therewas somethinghehad to remember.Heknew itwas

important to this grim-faced stranger and hewanted to help.After all, the stranger hadhelpedhimfindhisswordagain.Herememberedwhatitwas.

“…Gone,”hemanagedfinally.Hewished thestrangerwouldn’t shakehim. Itcausedhimnopain at all, because he couldn’t feel anything.But it keptwakinghim from thewarm,softsleephewasdriftinginto.Thebeardedfacewasalongwayfromhimnow,attheendofatunnel.Thevoiceechoeddownthetunneltohim.

“Gone where?” He listened to the echo. He liked the echo. It reminded him of…somethingfromhischildhood.

“Where-where-where?”theechocameagain,andnowheremembered.

“Thefens,”hesaid.“Throughthefenstotheships.”

Hesmiledwhenhesaidit.He’dwantedtohelpthestrangerandhehad.Andthistime,whenthewarmsoftnesscreptoverhim,thestrangerdidn’tshakehim.Hewasgladaboutthat.

HaltstoodupfromthebodyofNordal.

“Thankyou, friend,”he said simply.Thenhe ran towherehe’d leftAbelardgrazingquietlyandvaultedintothesaddle.

The fenswere a tangle of head-high grasses, swamps andwinding passages of clearwater.Tomostpeople, theywere impassable.An incautiousstepcould lead toapersonsinkingquicklyintotheoozingmireofquicksandthatlurkedoneveryside.Onceinthefeaturelessmarshes,itwaseasytobecomehopelesslylostandtowanderuntilexhaustionovercameyou,orthevenomouswatersnakesthatthrivedherefoundyouunawares.

Wisepeopleavoidedthefens.Onlytwogroupsknewthesecretpathsthroughthem:theRangersandtheSkandians,whohadbeenraidingalongthiscoastlineforaslongasHaltcouldremember.

SurefootedasRangerhorseswere,onceHaltwastrulyintothetangleoftallgrassandswampland,hedismountedandledAbelard.Thesignsofthesafepathwereminuteandeasy tomiss and he needed to be close to the ground to follow them.He hadn’t beentravelinglongwhenhebegantoseesignsthatapartyhadcomebeforehimandhisspiritslifted.IthadtobetherestoftheSkandians,withWillandEvanlyn.

Hequickenedhispaceandpromptlypaidtheconsequencesfordoingso,missingapathmarkerandendingchest-deepinathickmassofbottomlessmud.Fortunately,hestillhadafirmgriponAbelard’sreinsand,atawordofcommand,thestockyhorsedraggedhimclearofthedanger.

Itwasanothergoodreasontocontinueleadingthehorsebehindhim,herealized.

Hebacktrackedtothepath,foundhisbearingsandsetoutagain.Inspiteofhisseethingimpatience,heforcedhimselftogocarefully.Themarksleftbythepartyinfrontofhimwerebecomingmoreandmorerecent.Heknewhewascatchingthem.Thequestionwaswhetherhewouldcatchthemintime.

Mosquitoes and marsh flies hummed and whined around him. Without a breath ofbreeze,itwasstiflinglyhotinthemarshesandhewassweatingfreely.Hisclotheswere

soakedandsoddenwithstinkingmudandhe’dlostonebootasAbelardhadhauledhimoutofthequicksand.Nevertheless,helimpedon,comingcloserandclosertohisquarrywitheverysoddenstep.

Atthesametime,heknew,hewascomingcloserandclosertotheendofthefenlands.And thatmeant the beachwhere theSkandian ships lay at anchor.He had to findWillbefore the Skandians reached the beach. OnceWill was on one of their wolfships, hewouldbegoneforever,takenbackacrosstheStormwhiteSeatothecold,snowboundlandof the Skandians, where he would be sold as a slave, to lead a life of drudgery andunendinglabor.

Now,abovetherottingsmellofthemarshes,hecaughtthefreshscentofsaltair.Thesea!Heredoubledhisefforts, throwingcaution to thewindashechancedeverything tocatchupwiththeSkandiansbeforetheyreachedthewater.

The grasswas thinning in front of himnowand the groundbeneath his feet becamefirmerwitheverystep.Hewasrunning,thehorsetrottingbehindhim,andheburstclearontothewindsweptlengthofthebeach.

Asmallridgeinthedunesinfrontofhimblockedtheseafromhissightandheswungup intoAbelard’s saddle on the run and set the horse to a gallop.They swept over theridge,theRangerleaningforward,lowonhishorse’sneck,urginghimtogreaterspeed.

Therewasawolfshipanchoredoffshore.Atthewater’sedge,agroupofpeoplewereboardingasmallboatand,evenat thisdistance,Halt recognized thesmall figure in themiddleashisapprentice.

“Will!”heshouted,buttheseawindsnatchedthewordsaway.Withhandsandknees,heurgedAbelardonward.

Itwasthedrummingofhoovesthatalertedthem.Erak,waist-deepinwaterasheandHorakshovedtheboatintodeeperwater,lookedoverhisshoulderandsawthegreen-and-gray-cladfigureontheshaggyhorse.

“Hergel’sbeard!”heshouted.“Getmoving!”

Will, seated beside Evanlyn in the center of the boat, turned as Erak spoke and sawHalt,barelytwohundredmetersaway.Hestood,precariouslytryingtokeephisbalanceintheheavingboat.

“Halt!”heyelled,andinstantlySvengal’sbackhandedblowsenthimsprawlingintothebottomofthelittlecraft.

“Staydown!”heordered,asErakandHorakvaultedintotheboatandtherowerssentitsurgingintothefirstlineofwaves.

Thewind,whichhadstoppedthemfromhearingHalt’scry,carriedtheboy’sthinshoutto Halt’s ears. Abelard heard it too and found a fewmore yards of pace, his musclesgatheringunderneathhimandsendinghimalonginhugebounds.Haltwasridingwithoutreinsnowasheunslungthelongbowandlaidanarrowonthestring.

Atafullgallop,hesightedandreleased.

Thebowoarsmangaveagruntofsurpriseand lurchedsidewaysover thegunwaleof

the boat asHalt’s heavy arrow slammed into him, transfixing his upper arm. The boatbegantocrabsidewaysandErakdashedforward,shovedthemanasideandtookovertheoar.

“Pulllikehell!”heorderedthem.“Ifhegetstocloserange,we’realldeadmen.”

NowHalt guidedAbelardwith his knees, swinging the horse into the sea itself andthrustingforwardtotrytocatchtheboat.Hefiredagain,buttherangewasextremeandthe targetwas heaving and tossing on thewaves. Added to thatwas the fact thatHaltcouldn’t shoot near the center of the boat, for fear of hittingWill orEvanlyn.His bestchancewastogetcloseenoughforeasyshootingandpickofftheoarsmenoneatatime.

He fired again.The arrowbit deep into the timbers of the boat, barely an inch fromHorak’shand,inthestern.Hejerkedhishandawayasifhe’dbeenburned.

“Gorlog’s teeth!”heyelped in surprise, then flinchedasa thirdarrowhissed into thewaterbehindtheboat,notafootaway.

Butnow theboatwasgaining,asAbelard,breast-deep in thewaves,couldno longermaintain his speed. The little horse thrust valiantly against thewater, but the boatwasdrawingalongsidethewolfshipandwasnowoverahundredmetersaway.Halturgedthehorseafewmeterscloser, thenstopped,defeated,ashesawthefiguresbeinghauledupfromtheboat.

The two smallest passengers were dragged toward the stern steering position. TheSkandiancrewlinedthesidesoftheship,standingontherailtoshouttheirdefianceatthesmallfigurewhowasalmostobscuredbytherollinggraywaves.

Onthewolfship,Erakyelledatthem,divingforcoverbehindthesolidbulwark.

“Getdown,youfools!That’saRanger!”

He’d seenHalt’s bow coming up, then saw his handsmove at incredible speed.Hisremainingninearrowswerearcinghighintheairbeforethefirstonestruck.

Withinthespaceoftwoseconds,threeoftheSkandiansliningtherailwentdownunderthearrowstorm.Twoofthemlaygroaninginpain.Theotherwasominouslystill.Therestofthecrewflungthemselvesflatonthedeckasarrowshissedandthuddedaroundthem.

Cautiously,Erakraisedhisheadabovethebulwark,makingsure thatHaltwasoutofarrows.

“Get under way,” he ordered, and took the steering oar.Will, temporarily forgotten,movedtotherail.Itwaslessthantwohundredmetersandnobodywaswatchinghim.Hecould swim that far, he knew, andhe began to reach for the railing.Thenhe hesitated,thinking of Evanlyn. He knew he couldn’t abandon her. Even as he had the thought,Horak’sbighandclosedoverthecollarofhisjacketandthechancewasgone.

Astheshipbegantogatherway,Willstaredatthemountedfigureinthesurf,buffetedby thewaves.Haltwassonearandyetnowso impossiblyoutof reach.Hiseyesstungwithtearsand,faintly,heheardHalt’svoice.

“Will!Stayalive!Don’tgiveup!I’llfindyouwherevertheytakeyou!”

Chokingontears,theboyraisedhisarminfarewelltohisfriendandmentor.

“Halt!”hecroaked,butheknewtheRangerwouldneverhearhim.Heheardthevoiceagain,carryingoverthesoundsofwindandsea.

“I’llfindyou,Will!”

Thenthewindfilledthebig,squaresailofthewolfshipandsheheeledawayfromtheshore,movingfasterandfastertowardthenortheast.

Foralongtimeaftershe’ddroppedbelowthehorizon,thesoddenfiguresatthere,hishorsechest-deepintherollingwaves,staringaftertheship.

Andhislipsstillmoved,inasilentpromiseonlyhecouldhear.

TableofContentsPrologue

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Chapter23

Chapter24

Chapter25

Chapter26

Chapter27

Chapter28

Chapter29

Chapter30

Chapter31

Chapter32

Chapter33

Chapter34

Chapter35