THE DRAGONS OF KRYNN Edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman C !

yrig"t #$$% TSR& 'nc A(( Rig"ts Reser)ed* OCR+ed by A((igat r cr c,a"a*rTA./E OF CONTENTS #* Se)en Hymns 0 t"e Drag n Mic"ae( Wi((iams 1* T"e Fina( T -c" Mic"ae( and Teri Wi((iams 2* Nig"t 0 Fa((ing Stars Nancy 3arian .erberick %* H n r 's A(( Mickey 4-cker Reic"ert 5* Easy 6ickings D -g(as Ni(es 7* A Drag n t t"e C re R ger E* M re 8* Drag n .reat" Nick O+D n " e 9* F (+s G (d :e00 Gr-bb $* Sc -rge 0 t"e Wicked Kendrag n :anet 6ack #;* And .aby Makes T"ree Amy St -t ##* T"e First Drag narmy .ridging C m!any D n 6errin #1* T"e Midd(e 0 N <"ere Dan Harnden #2* Ka= and t"e Drag n+s C"i(dren Ric"ard A* Knaak #%* 'nt t"e /ig"t /inda 6* .aker #5* T"e .est Margaret Weis #7* T"e H-nt Ke)in Stein SE3EN HYMNS OF THE DRAGON Mic"ae( Wi((iams '* A!!r ac"es 'n t"e b-rning " -se

in a scattered c -ntry y - <i(( see -s rising t"e s"ad < 0 <ings cr ssing y -r s-n(ig"t bsc-ring t"e m n as t"e red sky b( ss ms in 0ire and c n0-si n* D n t say y - a<aited t"e 0(ig"t and t"e s"ad < t"e 0irst incandescence 0 y -r )i((ages> O d n t say y - e?!ected t"is 0ire& t"is t-rning& t"e breat" 0 t"e c ming year as it !asses ab )e y - and t"r -g" y -& bearing n !r mise n mem ry 0 grie0 and e00acement* D n t te(( y -r c"i(dren t"at y - -nderst d t"e e?!( si n 0 air and (ig"t& t"e (ast im!(a-sib(e b-rning a0ter t"e <ings "ad !assed ab )e y -& t"e red <ind e?!( ding (ike 0ire in dry t"ist(e* T"ey m-st n t remember -s& s t"at <"en <e ret-rn -r !rice is e?acted 0r m c !!er t diam nd& and ab )e y -r c -ntry t"e t" rn trees s!read )er c ((a!sing time as t"e !ast and t"e 0-t-re c( se int sing(e 0(ame* ''* Drag n" ard 'n t"e "eart 0 t"e (air (ies t"e 0 rt-nate s-bstance> ( st in t"e incandescence 0 sa!!"ire& dr <ned in an attar 0 )i (ets* 'n t"e "eart 0 t"e (air in 0 rg tten c( isters 0 granite d <n <"ere a sec nd darkness

c )ers t"e (ig"t carne(ian& t"ere in -r midst& <e imagine& (ie t"e st nes 0 redem!ti n <"ere <e "a)e re(in@-is"ed t"em t a (ig"t s bri((iant t"at a0ter t"e days 0 s-n and t"e stars+ c r na& t"e mem ry marks t"e eye in its c"anged interi r <"ere t"e c ( r 0 (ig"t in)erts ye(( < remembered as )i (et green as t"e red 0 t"e b( d -n)ei(ed as t"e b( d <e "a)e s!i((ed )er "earts and st nes as t"e (ast 0 t"e (ig"t assemb(es "ard -! n <"at <e imagine "ere in t"e mars"es& n <ing in t"e ear(y and t"e b(ackening s<am! <"ere t"e "eart 0 t"e (air is 0i?ed and " (y s!eaking 0 re)er 0 mirac(es beca-se <e remember it s * '''* T"e /ang-age 0 Drag ns

T"e (ang-age 0 drag ns is t"e s(ee! 0 magic* Hard as agate s(ick as @-icksi()er c (d bar meter 0 t"e bra=en "eart and t"e destined <ing* O-t 0 t"e c -ntry t<inned and m-rder -s in a s!ring 0 stars (et t"e < rd bind t"e b dy t t"e <ind 0 t"e senses bind t"e in)isib(e ner)e 0 t"e air bind and ( se Aess and -n0etter t"e b(ank and a<aiting c -ntry "ere in a seas n 0 "a<ks and O may t"e < rd -! n < rd engender !ast 0ear and s(ee! may it ride

(imning t"e imagined (i0e 0 t"e !(anets Gi(ean and Sirri n b k and 0(ame "ere at t"e A(c"emist+s Gate <"ere t"e s -nd 0 -r singing assemb(es& dissemb(es& <ea)ing a )ei( )er n t"ing* '3* Hymn 0 t"e /air

T"e (air is t"e !(an 0 t"e b dy& t"e yearning 0 b( d in e?!ectant c -ntry& as )er t"e desert t"e (ig"tning sta(ks in t"e !r mise 0 !r mises* T"e (air is a <"is!er 0 stars& is t"e <ay <e remember t"e (a!sed c nste((ati ns& 0 rgetting t"e !assage 0 years as inc(ement time s"rinks t arrangements 0 !ear(s in t"e dark 0 -r s-mm ned ca)erns* /et it ne)er be said t"at t"e c -ntry 0 drag ns is barren& is sett(ed <it" s!ecters& n < <"en t"e tangib(e g(itters ar -nd -s& t"e eggs "ard as !ear(s& t"e sme(( 0 acant"-s& t"e <atery s"i0t 0 b(-e -! n b(-e& t"e arrangement 0 stars be0 re -s* N < -r "eritage rests in (d )intages <ine 0 t"e dark <ine 0 t"e ma!(e <ine 0 t"e cane at t"e edge 0 t"e !r s!ects& and a(( 0 -r c"i(dren "arb red in st ne& in a !-re and in)-(nerab(e (ig"t* O (et t"em rise 0r m t"at (ig"t

n a b(-e and immac-(ate <ing& (et t"e )i (ent s-n be t"eir rising and 0a((ing& and (et t"em remember !ast desert& !ast dark !ast a(( de0initi ns 0 star and (ig"tning& (et t"em remember t"is !(ace <"ere t"e mind b <s d <n t t"e "eart& <"ere t"e b( d gi)es )er int t"e )eins 0 0 rg tten meta(s& <"ere t"e seed 0 t"e 0at"er carries t"e !attern 0 stars& <"ere t"e (ast 0 t"e < rds is remember* 3* 6a(adine He is t"e ne <e remember t"e < rd 0 r t"e c"i(dren t"e (ig"t 0 t"e b( d in its nati)e seas n t"e "ard incandescence 0 r-bies* A(i)e in t"e "eart 0 t"e <"ee(ing !(anets "e is s-n and neb-(a t"e ti!!ed and gener -s c-! 0 t"e trining m ns* And O <e remember t"at s me<"ere in r-m r& bey nd t"e cram!ed artic-(ate c -ntry <"ere t"e )isi ns 0 stars !en t breat" and be(ie0& <"ere 0ait" is t"e e)idence and a(( c nste((ati ns c n)erge n a sti(( and A y -s center& t"ere in t"e rec nci(ed bays& in t"e (ast " me 0 <aters t"e mi((enni-m 0 0ire <"ere t"e eart" !er!et-a( b( ss ms t"e tr-st 0 t"e air

in t"e s-n(ig"t 0 mem ry& t"ere <"ere t"e )isi n and "eart rec nci(e <it" t"e "ig" mat"ematics 0 A-dgment and ( gic& "e is t"ere and bey nd t"ere 0ree 0 arrangement 0 reas n and !assi n <"ere t"e scent 0 r semary "arb rs "is !resence and t"e (ig"t g(ints )er t"e s-n* 3'* T"e : -rney .( d 0 t"e s-n and t"e ( ne "a<k t-rning s!ira(ing -nder me g (d -! n g (d b( d 0 t"e s-n t"r -g" nine generati ns 0 0ire and c( -d -nti( t"e mined )ein 0 "ea)en !ens and g (d -! n g (d is t"e c -ntry beneat" me g (d -! n g (d its st ry* ' t-rn ab )e c( -ds ab )e t"e ti!!ed c-!s 0 t"e m ns+ !en-ry <"ere n(y t"e s-n is be"ind me& n(y t"e (ig"t re0racted t"r -g" g (d -! n g (d as ' di)e t"r -g" t"e e ns and t"e s-n(ig"t 0ract-res in t"e b( d 0 my <ings* Fr m imm-tab(e distance t"e st ry 0 men is a cry in t"e s-n t"e 0aint <ing+s r-st(e& t"e s ng 0 t"e sky is brig"t& indeci!"erab(e& imagined in !rayer& in t"e breat" 0 t"e m rta(s& t"e ( ng& e00acing sig"

0 t"e e(0& enc ded in time and t"e 0irst 0 t"e seas n a(<ays ret-rning -nder my <ing* T"e b( d 0 t"e s-n in a steady (ig"t g(itters ab )e (amentati ns 0 eart" and t"e )ein 0 "ea)en !ens in s ng& t"e 0irst 0 t"e "ymns& t"e "ymn y - <i(( a(<ays and a(<ays remember& t"e 0irst 0 t"e breat" 0 t"e (ig"t* 3''* T"e Dreams 0 Drag ns

H -se 0 t"e <"ir(! ( m nt" 0 t"e dr <ned r se We in t"e absence 0 (ig"t remember t"e t-rn 0 <inter t"e c"r matic da==(e 0 <ings "ere in t"e !ris n 0 s(ee! and 0 rget0-(ness amber 0 <inter re0racted c -ntry t"e (ady remembered in t"e a(tered )eins 0 t"e t"r at M nt" 0 t"e rains m nt" 0 t"e secret <ater Bnder t"e (ig"t t"e (a!se 0 mem ry rises t s -nd t t"e ( st b( d ca((ing t t"e ( -d gate 0 kni)es and t"e < r(d+s entry !arab (a 0 t"e "a<k as t"e s-n descends* O (et t"e (ady rise in 0ire as t"e (ast sky b-rns t n t"ing* T"e Fina( T -c" Mic"ae( and Teri Wi((iams

M rt t"e gardener+s br ad "and rested (ig"t(y n t"e c ttage d r* T"e (d b ard <armed !(easant(y -nder "is creased !a(m& and M rt ( ked int t"e 0aded "eart 0 t"e ancient tree t"at t"e d r "ad nce been* T"e green < r(d "e(d 0e< secrets t"at M rt c -(d n t see t"r -g" "is 0ingersC t"is tree "ad 0a((en in t"e Catac(ysm& and its mem ries "ad s( <(y 0aded 0r m e)ery gr <t" ring b-t t"e (ast* M rt c( sed "is eyes and rem )ed "is "and* He rec )ered "is smi(e by remembering <"y "e+d c meCit <as /+'ndas"a+s birt"day* And A-st in time& 0 r R bert ca-g"t sig"t 0 "im t"r -g" t"e <ind < and s<-ng !en t"e "ea)y d r* DM rtE We(c meE C me in 0r m t"e c (d* Ha)e s met"ing t drink* 't+s been t ( ng againED R bert b med* 't <as tr-e* He "ad n t seen "is 0riends since t"e midd(e 0 (ast yearC neit"er t"e dr-idess n r "er "-sband* N < t"e ear(y sn <s "ad 0a((en in Taman .-s-k& and t"e seas na( birds "ad deserted t"e "ig" c -ntry as t"e 0irst a-t-mn 0 !eace ret-rned t t"e K"a(kist M -ntains* A (itt(e sn < "ad descended n /+'ndas"a as <e((& M rt t" -g"t& smi(ing <ider* He ( ked !ast R bert t see "er 0ramed in 0ire(ig"t& 0r <ning as s"e ins!ected a sma((& dec rated b-cket& t"e 0irst s(ig"t 0r sting 0 si()er in "er a-b-rn "air* As t"e seas ns and years !assed& s"e <as sett(ing grad-a((y int age* S me ne e(se "ad taken )er "er ( ng secret <atc" in t"e K"a(kists& and /+'ndas"a+s imm rta(ity "ad been trans0erred t "er s-ccess r* /+'ndas"a r se and "-gged M rt as "e s! ke "is birt"day b(essing* S"e sme((ed 0 s-n(ig"t and 0res" "erbs and 0a((ing <ater* DO"& M rtE 't+s g d t see y -ED s"e e?c(aimed* D' <as A-st trying t 0ig-re -t <"y my a-g-ry b-cket 0 rmed n ice (ast nig"t* 't "a!!ens e)ery s 0ten& and s me" < a(<ays n t"e c (dest nig"t 0 t"e year* W"y& t"e <ater <as sti(( <arm <"en ' br -g"t*** D S-dden(y& 0ierce(y& s"e "-gged M rt again* D.-t t"is is n nig"t 0 r c m!(aintED s"e said <it" a (a-g"* DMy 0riend is "ere& and <e+)e t"ings t ce(ebrate* D R bert br -g"t M rt a c-! 0 brandied c 00ee and said& DY -+re A-st in time 0 r a ta(e* /+'ndas"a is ab -t t te(( me t"e st ry 0 t"e drag ns**** D DW"en t"e <ars began and Nid-s b-rnedFD M rt asked& setting a sma(( !arce( sa0e(y at t"e 0ar edge 0 t"e "eart"* DM-c" ear(ier* W"en t"e Dark G-een+s mini ns 0irst ret-rned

t t"e c ntinent and !i((aged t"e nests 0 t"eir n b(e c -sins& D /+'ndas"a e?!(ained* DWe kn < t <e(( t"e st ry 0 t"e War 0 t"e /ance* .-t t"is is di00erent& a sma((er ta(e* A st ry t te(( n a birt"day* D S"e grinned& re(is"ing "er 0irst birt"day in t"irty cent-ries* T"e dr-idess began t"e st ry& and t"e gardener sett(ed int t"e c"air beside "er& si!!ing "is drink* He reac"ed 0 r t"e sma(( dec rati)e b-cket and ran "is "ands )er its b-rnis"ed s(ats& "is 0ingers 0inding !(aces t"at seemed t "a)e been c"e<ed r gna<ed at* M rt+s eyes <idened s( <(y as "e 0e(t t"e magica( grain 0 t"e < d* T"is <as sti(( a ! <er0-( a-g-ry )esse(H its < dC "a(( <ed mem ries <ere c(ear and breat"taking(y a(i)e* T -c"ing it& "e sa< t"e )ery !ict-res 0 t"e < rds t"e dr-idess s! ke& and m reC0 r t"is b-cket "ad n t n(y been <itness t t"e st ry s"e <as te((ing& b-t its < d remembered t"ings s"e did n t kn <* M rt began t see " <**** I I I I I 't <as t"e time 0 drag ns& and t"e 0irst <ings <ere !assing )er t"e red m n* /+'ndas"a Yman cr -c"ed beneat" t"e sagging branc"es 0 t"e b(-eCneed(ed tree and <atc"ed t"e s"ad <s )er t"e sn <C dimmed (andsca!e as t"ey <ea)ed s -nd(ess(y in and -t 0 t"e star(ig"t& b(ack bet<een t"e s!arse e)ergreens* 't t k n dr-idica( teac"ing& n a-g-ry r insig"t& t remind "er t (ie ( <& -t 0 t"e !iercing sig"t t"at c -(d s! t a rabbit r a ) (e 0r m t< t" -sand 0eet* T"e )i((agers "ad t (d /+'ndas"a 0 t"e 0(ig"ts& 0 t"e mysteri -s <"ee(ing s"a!es dark against t"e red m n& t"e si()er m n* O0 t"eir s!ira(ing !at" n rt" int t"e im!enetrab(e m -ntains* T"ey are bats& t"e )i((agers maintained* En rm -s bats re(eased by t"e <r ngd ing 0 a t" -sand years* W"en t"e time c mes& t"ey <i(( tra)e( in day(ig"t* T"en t"ey <i(( s<a(( < t"e s-n* /+'ndas"a did n t c rrect t"em* T"e tr-t" < -(d raise e)en m re !anic& m re disc rd* F r t"e e)i( drag ns "ad c me t t"e m -ntains 0 Krynn* S"e "ad kn <n ab -t t"em 0 r a m nt" t"r -g" "er a-g-riesC t"r -g" t"e 0ract-res 0 ice and t"e 0(ig"t !atterns 0 <inter birdsCand s"e kne< as <e((& in t"at @-iet 0ait" bey nd a-g-ry and kn <ing& t"at t"e g d drag ns < -(d be c ming as <e((& t" -g" t"eir e)i( c -sins mig"t destr y t"e < r(d in

t"e de(ay* S"e c -(d "a)e 0(ed& s -g"t s"e(ter* .-t "er str ng& !r tecti)e magic mig"t s"ie(d t"e )i((agers 0r m 0ire and !(-nder* S s"e "ad decided t 0 (( < t"e drag ns as 0ar as "er (egs and "er bra)ery < -(d g * G d as it <as& ge( mancy <as an erratic rac(e* S"e <anted t see <"at <as g ing n <it" "er <n eyes* T"e e)idence <as menacing and grim* T"ere <ere ten 0 t"em& !er"a!s t<e()eCin t"e 0ierce(y s<ir(ing sn < it <as "ard t c -nt* Drag ns in s-c" n-mbers <ere s-re t be ab -t m ment -s b-siness* DHidd-ke(+s (egi ns& D /+'ndas"a breat"ed* DT"e Dark /ady+s mini ns* D S"e ca-g"t "erse(0 <it" a gas!* Ta(king t "erse(0 again& <"en a ) ice mig"t carry n t"e st rm <inds and t"e enemy <"ee(ed ab )e "er in " !e(ess n-mbersE Si(ent(y& " (ding "er breat"& t"e dr-idess c ((ected in "er a-g-ry b-cket and dre< c( se against t"e 0ragrant b (e 0 t"e tree* One 0 t"e drag ns& a s@-at y -ng creat-re& !i) ted and d )e t <ard t"e aeterna gr )e& sni00ing t"e air a!!re"ensi)e(y& its b(ack <ings 0(ickering bscene(y in t"e b( dy m n(ig"t* S( <(y& mimicking t"e dr ! 0 sn <C(aden branc"es& /+'ndas"a s!read t"e b(-e (imbs (ike a )ei( in 0r nt 0 "er and breat"ed a !rayer t 6a(adine& t .ranc"a(a and C"is(e)& int t"e 0ragrant need(es* 'n -nsteady 0(ig"t& t"e y -ng stragg(er br-s"ed <ings <it" a (arge b(-e drag n& t"e s(a! 0 sca(es c-tting t"r -g" t"e 0r sty air (ike t"e crack 0 0a((ing timbers* T"e big b(-e s"rieked and <"ee(ed ab )e t"e sma((er m nster& <" s"eered a<ay in !anic& breasting t"e t ! 0 t"e aeterna gr )e in a s<i0t& 0etid r-s"* /+'ndas"a gas!ed* T"e creat-re stared rig"t at "er**** And bey nd "er* 'ts eyes <ere terr rCstr-ck& b(ank* Wit" a gibbering cry& t"e y -ng drag n 0(as"ed t"r -g" t"e trees& scattering branc"es& need(es& and sn <* F r a m ment it reac"ed -t b(ind(y t break a 0a(( t"at ne)er came& its ta( ns gr !ing& c(-tc"ing ice and 0r =en eart"* S met"ing dr !!ed s 0t(y 0r m its gras!* T"e drag n t-rned& !-==(ed and dis riented& s" k t"e sn < 0r m its (eat"ery <ings& and s ared t catc" -! <it" its c m!any* 't di!!ed nce m re& t"en )a-(ted a ta(( -tC cr !!ing 0 )a((en< d& < bb(ing n a 0rantic& -nsteady !at" t catc" -! <it" its c mrades* D.y 6a(adine+s !-r!(e "atED /+'ndas"a <"is!ered& staring at t"e sn <Cc )ered bAect t"e beast "ad (e0t be"ind* DAn eggE And -nbr kenED S"e ca-g"t "erse(0 again& c(a!!ing "er "and

)er "er m -t"& st d s( <(y as t"e sn < t-mb(ed 0r m "er s" -(ders& and <atc"ed t"e (ast 0 t"e drag ns )anis" int t"e s<ir(ing nig"t& "eed(ess 0 "er < rds* Wit" a dee! breat"& /+'ndas"a ste!!ed 0r m be"ind t"e aeterna& t"e green (ig"t s!reading 0r m "er 0ingerti!s t i((-mine "er !at" -! t"e treac"er -s s( !e 0 t"e "i((* S"e c(-tc"ed t"e bare& 0rayed branc"es 0 an (d A-ni!er t steady "erse(0 0 r t"e (ast 0e< 0eet 0 ascent* T"e ancient tree g( <ed at "er 0irst t -c"& and it seemed 0 r a m ment t"at it <as rene<ed <it" )ig r* At "er 0eet& i((-minated by t"e s"ining branc"es& t"e egg (ay dark against t"e g(inting sn <* S"e < ndered i0 t"e drag ns <ere m )ing t"eir (airsC 0ar t t"e n rt"Cand <"y**** .-t t"ere <as an t"er @-esti n& m re seri -s and immediate* W"at < -(d s"e d <it" t"is eggF Her 0irst t" -g"t <as t smas" it& t destr y t"e t"ing inside t"at < -(d bec me a screaming ki((er* .-t t"en a s rt 0 ambig- -s !r tecti n began t rise -! in "er* W"at i0 t"e egg <ere st (enF 't c -(d be( ng t t"e g d nes* / ng ag & ( nger t"an s"e c -(d c -nt t"e years r reck n t"e time& t"e dr-ids be0 re "er "ad kn <n <"at t d <it" ( st creat-res* D n t"ing& t"ey "ad t (d "er* T"ere is a "arm ny in t"e ( sing and 0inding& and t"e great ba(ances 0 nat-re ti(t 0 r n ne creat-re* D n t"ing* Y - cann t be de(icate* DS be it& D s"e <"is!ered& b-t (i0ted t"e egg any<ay& 0 r s me<"at 0 a scienti0ic bser)ati n* T"e t"ing <as (eat"ery& t"e si=e 0 a sma(( me( n* /+'ndas"a mar)e(ed at its "e0t& at t"e strange te?t-re 0 its s"iny& a(m st meta((ic s-r0ace* S"e t-rned t"e egg care0-((y& ba(ancing it <it" s me e00 rt in t"e !a(m 0 "er (e0t "and& n ting its (ines and c nt -rs& c ( r and te?t-re* A(ready "er 0irst instinct <as !assing 0r m t" -g"tH t"e egg <as n < a c-ri sity& s met"ing t (earn ab -t and t"en (ea)e a( ne* 't <as A-st !art 0 t"e great im!artia( ba(ance* Her "ands g( <ing s 0t(y t g-ide "er )isi n& /+'ndas"a stared t"r -g" t"e s"immering& trans(-cent s"e(( int t"e interi r 0 t"e egg* Trans!arent& b(-eC)eined <ings s"r -ded a re!ti(ian 0ace <it" t< great b(ack eyes* Tiny arms s( <(y m )ed in t"e mi(ky 0(-id& and ne c(a< reac"ed s-dden(y t <ard "er& a 0er)ent gras! t"at start(ed /+'ndas"a back int t"e m ment* 't <as a(m st 0 rmed* 'n a s" rt seas n& gi)en s"e(ter and attenti n& its en rm -s& ske<ed egg t t" < -(d break t"e s"e((& and t"e drag n < -(d b-rst 0 rt" and take <ing* And it <as a br n=e* T"e g d drag ns "ad c me* T"is <as ne 0 t"eirs*

T"e dr-idess sig"ed* I I I I I 'n t"e "eart 0 t"e egg& " )ering in a g(ittering amni tic 0(-id& t"e br n=e drag n stirred* A green (ig"t !(ayed acr ss t"e edge 0 t"e < r(d be0 re "im& str ng and steady* He reac"ed 0 r t"e (ig"t& t-rning s( <(y in t"e meta((ic <aters& "is t"in <ings "-nc"ed* 't <as a "-man "and "e sa<& green and g (den& radiant <it" a strange and <arming (ig"t* He kne< t"is "and <as n !art 0 t"e dream t"at "ad ke!t "im a year in t"e s"e((Ct"e dream 0 0(ying& 0 " t arid s!aces& 0 s!e((cra0t and 0i0ty t" -sand years 0 drag n "eritage* N * T"is <as s met"ing entire(y ne< and <arm at t"e edge 0 "is egg* He sa< t"e (ig"t !-(se and s"i)er& 0e(t a r aring "eartbeat in t"e de!t"s 0 t"e "and* 't <as an )er<"e(ming m-sic& a ! <er "e c -(d n t resist* 't "ad t be t"e !r mised c"ange* T"e dream "ad t (d "im " < t"e edge 0 t"is meta((ic < r(d < -(d crack& < -(d !en**** And bey nd it < -(d (ie yet an t"er < r(d& <it" " t arid s!aces& and gra)ity and t"e b- yancy 0 air* T"ere < -(d be a "ig" and diss ()ing s-n& <"ic" y - ke!t at y -r back in t"e "-nt& in batt(e**** And t"is t -c" m-st be t"e "era(d* Green and g( <ing& it < -(d bring "im t t"e ne< < r(d& and "e yearned t be t"ere& t reac" 0 r t"is kindness and c -rage**** He (ea!t 0 r<ard <it" ( )e and ( nging**** I I I I I /+'ndas"a Yman gent(y re!(aced t"e egg <"ere it "ad 0a((en and backed a<ay 0r m it& <ra!!ing "er green c( ak tig"t(y ar -nd "er s" -(ders* D n t"ing& /+'ndas"a t (d "erse(0& again and again and again as s"e reca((ed t"e b(ack& <atery eyes 0 t"e creat-re staring s 0t(y t"r -g" t"e s"e((* Y - cann t be de(icate* On(y nce did s"e ( k back at t"e (eat"ery egg (ying des (ate in t"e sn <& b(-rred by t"e s<ir(ing <ind and by "er <n s-dden <e((ing 0 tears* W"en s"e reac"ed t"e sa0ety 0 "er ca)e& a mi(e 0r m t"e -tcr !!ing 0 )a((enC< d& t"e s( !e& and t"e icy !(ain& s"e "ad c ((ected "erse(0 and <as ca(m(y ! ndering t"e ne< ice in "er aken b-cket& reading its cra=ing and c( -ds 0 r a-g-ries& 0 r insig"ts and mens* W"y < -(d t"e b(ack drag ns*** F And t"is creat-re& acc-st med t t"e dry& " t <aste(ands& < -(d !eris" at nce in a <inter s-c" as t"is****

D n t"ing* S me mysteries are t -nra)e(& and s me mysteries m-st remain* Sn < s( <(y c )ered t"e br n=e egg& b-t t"e tiny drag n (ay sti((& <armed magica((y by /+'ndas"a+s t -c"& 0ierce(y gr <ing t <ard a ne< dream* I I I I I 'n t"e K"a(kist M -ntains& <inter !assed int s!ring d -bt0-((y and grad-a((y* H-dd(ed by t"e 0ire& /+'ndas"a c -(d te(( by t"e ret-rn 0 t"e sn < eag(e& by t"e (ater arri)a(s 0 r bin and (arken)a(e& t"at t"is <inter <as near(y g ne* W"en t"e dr-idess ( ked -! t see /-nitari adri0t at t"e !eak 0 t"e "ea)ens& !assing in 0-(( !"ase t"r -g" t"e c nste((ati n Gi(ean& s"e began t c(ear t"e ca)e 0 <inter+s re0-se& t air "er m-sty be( ngings and !(ant t"e 0irst 0 t"is year+s seeds* On t"e sec nd day 0 !(anting& as s"e kne(t ab )e t"e s!are& r cky eart"& dr !!ing t"e g(ittering b(ack seeds and singing a gent(e incantati n& /+'ndas"a "eard an dd n ise in t"e aeterna t"icket be( <* Ca-ti -s(y& t"e dr-idess r se& br-s"ing t"e gray dirt 0r m t"e 0r nt 0 "er dress* S"ie(ding "er eyes 0r m t"e n n s-n& s"e stared d <n int a s<ir( 0 b(-e branc"es and need(es* T"ras"ing& disc rdant(y babb(ing& s met"ing "ad ca-g"t itse(0 in t"e e)ergreens* T"e b(-e branc"es br ke and t ssed& and t"e dr-idess c -(d see s met"ing& bra=en and 0(ickering& in t"e midd(e 0 t"e c !se* A great b(eat !-()eri=ed /+'ndas"a+s ears* G-ick(y breat"ing a s!e(( 0 !r tecti n& t"e dr-idess ste!!ed int a g( be 0 green (ig"t and m )ed t <ard t"e entang(ed beast* F r beast it <asCt"at m-c" s"e c -(d discern 0r m t"e bending 0 t"e 0 (iage& 0r m t"e 0-ri -s (ang-age 0 t"e scattering birds as t"ey 0(a!!ed -t 0 t"e aeterna and 0(e<& !anicCstricken& d <n t"e m -ntain s( !es* A0ter an t"er s"ar! cry& t"e creat-re b-rst 0 rt" 0r m its snare& its r-stCc ( red <ings s"aking a<ay b(-e need(es& dirt& and de<* Wit" -t "esitati n& as t" -g" it "ad e?!ected "er t be t"ere& it <"ee(ed t <ard t"e s( !ing "i((side and (-mbered )er t /+'ndas"a& its babb(ing gr <n e)en ( -der& m re 0ren=ied* DN ED /+'ndas"a s"rieked* 't <as a drag n& and t" -g" it <as a )ery sma(( ne& t"e dr-idess s-dden(y 0e(t "er (egs s"ake and t"e b(ind s-rge 0 0ear sti00en t"e back 0 "er neck* T"is <as kn <n t t"e dr-ids as drag na<e& a near(y -nc ntr ((ab(e reacti n t t"e sig"t 0 t"e creat-res* DN & D s"e said& 0ig"ting 0 r c ntr ( and t"e ! <er t r-n&

and Dn D again& as t"e creat-re r-s"ed t <ard "er& sid(ing crab(ike& st-mb(ing )er ( se r cks and cras"ing int a y -ng )a((en< d& -!r ting t"e tree in its breakCneck c"arge* Her <arding "e(d A-st as t"e creat-re st !!ed s" rt 0 "er n se* We((& near(y* DN & D t"e dr-idess dec(ared a 0 -rt" time& st-mb(ing back<ard& and at (ast t"e ca(m 0 "er "eart matc"ed t"e ca(m 0 "er < rds* S"e regarded t"e creat-reC r rat"er& t"e gigantic& cr ked egg t t" at t"e end 0 its sn -tC <it" a c (d& (e)e( stare& and (i0ted "er "ands t t"e 0irst 0 t"e se)en stati ns 0 KiriC: (it"* T"e air crack(ed <it" "eat& and t"e <ind r se* /+'ndas"a s"i0ted "er "ands t t"e sec nd stati n& as a distant c( -d r-s"ed in 0r m t"e <estern sky& b i(ing and darkening as it gat"ered s!eed* T"en t"e drag n snee=ed "-ge(y& s!raying "er <it" !"(egm and sm ke* Her c ncentrati n t ta((y br ken& /+'ndas"a <as <e(( int (a-g"ter as t"e ! r creat-re staggered back<ard 0r m t"e e?!( si)e 0 rce& ste!!ed n its <n tai(& and s mersa-(ted d <n t"e "i((side int a <"ite -tcr !!ing 0 r ck& <"ere it str-ck its "ead and (ay sti((& 0 r( rn (itt(e <is!s 0 sm ke rising 0r m its n stri(s* T"e dr-idess <i!ed "erse(0 00 and cre!t t <ard t"e da=ed drag n* S( <(y& s"e (eaned )er it and t"en st !!ed (a-g"ing a(t get"er* DO"& n *** D S"e reac"ed -t and t -c"ed t"e g(ittering sca(es& t k t"e edge 0 ne bet<een t"-mb and 0 re0inger* /ess t"an a year (d* DO"& n * D H < "ad "e e)er 0 -nd "erF s"e < ndered* D n t"ing& t"ey "ad said* .-t s"e "ad d ne n t"ing**** S-dden(y& <it" a s rt 0 add(ed bri((iance& t"e en rm -s dark eyes !ened and regarded "er <it" de(ig"t* D.( rt& D t"e drag n s( bbered& a 0 (is"& inn cent smi(e s!reading )er t< r <s 0 ra= red teet"* I I I I I T"e dr-idess sa< n c" ice in t"e matter* /e0t t its <n res -rces& t"e creat-re < -(d n d -bt ma-( itse(0 in t"e r-gged& m -ntain -s terrain* 't mig"t e)en bec me t"e 0irst 0 its kind t be "-nted d <n and eaten by < ()es* Ne)er "ad a drag n seemed s "e(!(ess& s g-i(e(essC s-c" a

s rry e?c-se 0 r drag nkind* D n t"ing**** .-t s"e s< re t "erse(0 t"at it < -(d be A-st 0 r a s" rt seas n& A-st -nti( t"at egg t t" dr !!ed 00* S"e c -(d n t "arb r a !et <" < -(d 0i(( "a(0 "er ca)e by t"e time it <as 0-((y gr <n* :-st -nti( "ig" s-mmer& s"e t (d "erse(0& -nti( "e <as n -ris"ed and (ess a<k<ard& -nti( t"e <eat"er <armed and t"e ab-ndance 0 game in t"e grass(ands (-red !ant"er and < (0 0r m t"e m -ntain 0astness* T"en s"e < -(d take t"e drag n s -t"& g-ide "im t a !(ace <"ere t"e !(ains s!read be( < "im& )ast and 0eat-re(ess and in)iting* S"e < -(d bid "im 0are<e((& t"en& and ! int -t t"e Straits 0 Sc"a((sea& bey nd <"ic" (ay Abanasinia& <"ere t"e ( ng stretc"es 0 <aste(and < -(d be m re t "is (iking& t"e )a((en< ds s!arse and en rm -s and n ntang(ing* T"ere "e < -(d 0ind 0riend(ier terrain& A ined <it" t"e ! ssibi(ity t"at s me" < "is kind <ere gaining 0 rce in Krynn* '0 "e s-r)i)ed t"e seas n& "is c"ances < -(d b( ss m 0r m b(eak t s(im& and !er"a!s "e < -(d (i)e t ad-(t" d& t t"e (egendary ages 0 "is 0ab(ed and ancient kinsmen* 't < -(d ba(ance nat-re& s"e decidedCgi)e t"e creat-re t"e c"ance t"at accident and t"e e)i( drag ns+ mysteri -s greed "ad taken a<ay* 't <as "er !art& s"e decided* .-t t"e ba(ancing dayC <"en nat-re <as rig"ted and "er < rk endedC<as sti(( a trying seas n a<ay* I I I I I One m nt" !assed& and t"en an t"er* N m re e)i( drag ns <ere seen n t"e s( !ing 0ace 0 t"e K"a(kist M -ntains as s!ring a!!r ac"ed and !assed& and s-mmer 0 (( <ed* Standing at t"e m -t" 0 "er ca)ern& br m in "and& /+'ndas"a t (d "erse(0 t"at t"is at (ast < -(d be t"e <eek* F r t"e drag n <as sti(( <it" "er& sn ring n a bed 0 stra< and dried (ea)es& in"a(ing "er 0 dst res and e?"a(ing sm ke and& ccasi na((y& a (itt(e 0(ame* T"e beast 0 (( <ed "er t"r -g" t"e gardens (ike an en rm -s& !ersistent d g& s c( se n "er "ee(s t"at t"e s!ring cr !s 0 r"-barb and radis"es "ad been 0(attened bey nd rec gniti n* O(i)er& s"e ca((ed "im in t"e (d t ng-e& a0ter t"e green cast 0 "is br n=e sca(es* S"e smi(ed as s"e <"is!ered t"e name* O(i)er <as sm ke in t"e back 0 t"e ca)ern& a r-mb(ing and be(c"ing& and a strange& re!ti(ian de) ti n* He < -(d s(i! "is "ead beneat" "er "and& -rging "er < rd(ess(y t scratc" be"ind "is ears* /+'ndas"a straig"tened s"ar!(y* S"e m-st be n g-ard against

s 0tness* Des!ite t"e <arring ) ices in "er <n c nscience& t"ere <as n kee!ing a creat-re <" 0ract-red t"e 0-rnit-re and singed t"e dried "erbs* S"e smi(ed again& t"is time a bit <eari(y* D.-t ' t (d myse(0 t"ese same t"ings at mids-mmer& D s"e ackn <(edged* DAnd n < t"e m n "as !assed t t"e nint" m nt"& and O(i)er is sti(( "ere**** D As t"e dr-idess s<e!t t"e (ea)es 0r m t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e& an dd c(attering in t"e ca)ern+s recesses start(ed "er* 'nstant(y s"e t-rned and m )ed steadi(y int t"e darkness& raising "er (e0t "and t !r )ide 0aint (ig"t& "er rig"t "and sti(( c(-tc"ing t"e br m* S"e re(a?ed as s"e sa< O(i)er+s "-ge s"ad < dance& "eard "im s@-ea( and m-tter as "e battered "is <ings against t"e <a((s 0 t"e ca)e& "is t"ick tai( t"ras"ing <i(d(y* DAgainFD s"e e?c(aimed& dr !!ing t"e br m and r-s"ing )er t "im* DMrgry& D t"e drag n e?!(ained& s"aking "is "ead& ! inting c(-msi(y at "is sn -t& <"ic" <as b)i -s(y st-ck in a sma(( b-cket* Wit" a sig"& /+'ndas"a set "er 0 t t t"e drag n+s c"est& sei=ed t"e aken b-cket& and <it" ne ! <er0-( yank& rem )ed "er rac(e <it" a ! ! 0r m t"e creat-re+s n se* Dr-idess and drag n t-mb(ed t !! site sides 0 t"e ca)ern& <"ere t"ey s(-m!ed da=ed and breat"(ess against t"e c ( <a((s* DH < many times m-st <e d t"is& O(i)erFD t"e dr-idess sc (ded& br-s"ing t"e d-st 0r m "er r bes* DMy b-cket is a(( scratc"ed -!& and y -+)e r-ined t"e ice 0 r a-g-ry again* N < it+s a tri! t t"e m -ntaint !s 0 r m re*** D T"e drag n "-ng "is "ead& and cre!t t t"e 0art"est c rner 0 t"e c"amber* He stared at "er d (e0-((y& b(ack eyes g(ittering bet<een "is 0 (ded <ings* DGa<gr& D "e m-rm-red& a <is! 0 sm ke rising (a=i(y 0r m "is rig"t n stri(* His egg t t"& <"ic" seemed t be a !ermanent 0eat-re& A-tted abs-rd(y 0r m beneat" "is -!!er (i!* /+'ndas"a r ((ed "er eyes* DEn -g"ED s"e c mmanded& masking a smi(e as a <a)e 0 "er "and dis!e((ed t"e darkness in t"e ca)ern c"amber* DY -+re n t being !-nis"ed* N < c me <it" me* T"e n rt" side garden needs attenti n* D S"e "eard t"e drag n 0 (( <& s"-00(ing and gr-mb(ing be"ind "er as s"e ste!!ed 0r m t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e int t"e e)ening s (it-de* 't da<ned n "er again t"at t"e time "ad !assed in <"ic" s"e c -(d sa0e(y send s-c" a creat-re int t"e <i(d n "is <n* O(i)er <as de0ense(ess <"ere a drag n s" -(d "a)e brist(ed <it" armament* His <ings <ere (itt(e m re t"an (arge (eat"ery rnaments> t"e ne 0(ig"t "e "ad attem!ted "ad ( dged "im

tig"t(y in t"e ( <er branc"es 0 a )a((en< d& <"ere "e "ad s@-a<ked and t"ras"ed "is tai( -nti( /+'ndas"a 0reed "im <it" a mi(d dr-idic s!e((* He <as str ng b-t c(-msy& m re (ike(y t s" ck "imse(0 <it" "is (ig"tning breat" t"an t t-rn "is 0 rmidab(e <ea! ns against !redat r r 0 e* As 0 r sense 0 directi n*** s"e "ad 0 -nd "im n t< ccasi ns& " !e(ess(y ( st& "is "ead "a(0Cs<a(( <ed by a (arge !i(( <case "e "ad been e?!( ring* His (-mbering 0 tste!s s( <ed be"ind "er& t"en st !!ed a(t get"er* DFr 0FD T"e dr-idess <"ee(ed ar -nd& e?!ecting an accident& r m re !r bab(y& a nearCdisaster* O(i)er teetered abs-rd(y n t"e edge 0 t"e en rm -s barre( in <"ic" /+'ndas"a ke!t dried a!!(es and n-ts& and m-nc"ed merri(y& "is -tsi=ed b tt m and tai( t<itc"ing (ike a c ntented cat+s* D't "as g ne n t ( ng& D /+'ndas"a m-rm-red& r-s"ing t <ard t"e g(-tted& gr-mb(ing "indrance de) -ring "er a-t-mn st res* D't+s -nnat-ra(* T"e ba(ance "as ti(ted* D T"en& as t"e 0irst m n r se brig"t and !a(e )er t"e K"a(kist M -ntains& t"e dr-idess res ()ed t d t"e n(y t"ing remaining t d * /+'ndas"a Yman res ()ed t teac" t"e be(c"ing& st-mb(ing t"ing in "er c-st dy*** H < t be a drag n* I I I I I O(i)er*** <as n t a g d st-dent* Da-nted by "is 0irst& i((Cstarred )ent-re int t"e air& t"e drag n a) ided aer na-tics a(t get"er& !re0erring t cr -c" n a beet(ing (edge ab )e t"e ca)ern& <ings 0 (ded tig"t(y )er "is "ead* Wit" t"e )ast r-bb(eCstre<n and (e)e( stretc"es 0 Taman .-s-k s!reading -t be( <& /+'ndas"a < -(d stand at t"e edge 0 t"e b(-00& c(-tc" t"e "em 0 "er b-(ky r be& 0(a! "er c )ered arms in "er best imitati n 0 0(ig"t& t"en stare " !e0-((y at O(i)er* DNya<m!ED O(i)er a(<ays r-mb(ed& "is egg t t" !r tr-ding st-!id(y* 't <as "is denia( s -nd& "is re0-sa(* S"e "ad "eard it d =ens 0 times be0 reC<"en s"e "ad tried t teac" "im t "-nt& t -se t"e (ig"tning and c( -d 0 gas t"at <ere "is breat" <ea! ns by nat-re& <"en s"e "ad tried& <it" increasing des!erati n& t " -sebreak "im**** DNya<m!ED T"e "ig" m -ntain <inds s<ir(ed ab -t "er& t"e Nerakan 0 rest s" <ed red and g (den be( <& and Cast(e Nid-s c -(d be seen sma(( and dim in t"e n rt"ern distances* T<enty times s"e "ad br -g"t "im "ere& and t<enty times "e "ad re0-sed t 0(y& t m )e& e)en t 0(a! t" se recent(y en rm -s

and a(<ays -se(ess <ings* .-t t day < -(d be di00erent* Her kindness )erstretc"ed& "er !atience -nra)e(ing& /+'ndas"a "ad sneaked -! "ere t"e nig"t be0 re& <"i(e O(i)er sn red and <"ist(ed in t"e m-sty t"r at 0 t"e ca)e* A(( <as ready* S"e s!rink(ed t"e dried 0r-it a( ng t"e (i! 0 t"e )er"ang* DW"ere !(eas and t"reats 0ai(*** D t"e dr-idess <"is!ered <it" a strange "a(0Csmi(e D*** t"en !ick and s" )e( a)ai(* D Wit" -t a < rd t O(i)er& /+'ndas"a descended t"e r cky stairs t t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e be( <* T"e drag n stirred& made t 0 (( <* DNya<m!F A"*** Fr 0ED T"e sig"t and sme(( 0 a!!(es and a!ric ts <ere irresistib(e* He c nsidered* Dried 0r-it <as "is 0a) rite treat& s-r!assing bread& beer& and e)en r semary tea* .-t t"e de(icacies (ay !eri( -s(y c( se t t"e edge 0 t"e b(-00* 6er"a!s i0 "e stretc"ed*** O(i)er t k a tentati)e ste! t <ard t"e (edge& t"en an t"er* He e?tended "is neck& stretc"ed -t "is t ng-e t <ard t"e nearest a!ric t& (ying tanta(i=ing(y -t 0 reac"* DS"irr t& D "e gr-mb(ed& and t k an t"er tiny ste!* N < t"e art 0 sa!!ing is a d<ar0+s art& t"e !astime 0 miners and engineers* A c(e)er sa!!er may -ndermine a kee!& a <a((& e)en a !arce( 0 (and& s t"at <"en any "ea)y )e"ic(e& <ea! n& r creat-re strays nt it& t"e str-ct-re c ((a!ses immediate(y* St-dents 0 t"e art c(aim t"at its -ses are a(m st a(( mi(itary& and t"at sa!!ing is -se(ess t < d(and !e !(esCt e()es and centa-rs& dryads and dr-ids* H <e)er& /+'ndas"a Yman <as a m st res -rce0-( teac"er* 3irt-a((y n t"ing <as -se(ess t "er* And i0 it didn+t < rk& <e(( s"e < -(d A-st make a g d st ry -t 0 it* .-t it did < rk& and t"e c(i00 cr-mb(ed easi(y -nder O(i)er+s <eig"t* He 0 -nd "imse(0 s(iding )er t"e edge 0 t"e dee! ra)ine and "-rt(ing breakneck t"r -g" t"e cris! m -ntain air* He 0(ai(ed& s"rieked& and c(-tc"ed 0 r t"e r ck 0ace**** And t"en s met"ing des!erate -ntang(ed "is <ings* A strange(y 0ami(iar ! <er s-rged t"r -g" "is -!!er b dy& s met"ing "e "ad dreamed 0 in t"e ( ng s!ring nig"ts and 0 rg tten -nti( t"is m ment& t"is dire time in t"e air* And t"en "e <as -nsteadi(y a( 0t& s!inning gent(y t <ard Taman .-s-k& r-bb(e 0r m t"e 0ract-red c(i00side t !!(ing by "im& b -ncing "arm(ess(y 00 "is str ng back* Wit" a sn rt 0 de(ig"t& O(i)er steadied& banked& and s ared t <ard M -nt .erkant"& gaining a(tit-de and strengt" and c n0idence as "e dre< nearer and nearer t"e ( 0ty m -ntain* T"e s-n(ig"t ! -red )er "is br n=e <ings& and "e be(( <ed in "a!!iness& t"e s -nd ec" ing t"r -g" t"e s"eer )a((eys 0 t"e

B!!er K"a(kists* Far be( <& at t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)ern& t"e dr-idess (eaned against "er s" )e( and (a-g"ed <it" t"e same aband n* I I I I I D-ring t"e ( ng <inter& t"e eggCdream ret-rned t O(i)er* He stirred rest(ess(y in t"e ca)e& "is en rm -s tai( <renc"ing and t"ras"ing& -nti( t"e dr-idess& !(ag-ed by many s(ee!(ess nig"ts& gat"ered and !(aced a si=ab(e m -nd 0 stra< and dried (ea)es by t"e ca)e m -t"& n st-rdy r ck and -t 0 inc(ement <inds* S"e (ed t"e gr-mb(ing drag n -t& and as O(i)er sett(ed disc ns (ate(y in "is ne< bed& /+'ndas"a t-rned t t"e 0ire& ign ring ne (ast !at"etic b( rt be0 re t"e creat-re 0e(( as(ee! and sn red merri(y& im!er)i -s t t"e sn < and c (d* F r n <& "e t"inks ' am cr-e(& s"e t (d "erse(0* .-t ' m-st kee! !atience& m-st stay t"e time* T"e seas ns and nat-re <i(( take care 0 t"e rest* .esides& t"is ca)ern is t c n0ined 0 r "is sme((* I I I I I O(i)er <as (ying n t"e !a((et at t"e ca)e+s m -t"& (a=ing in t"e ne< year+s s-n& <"en "e sa< t"e in)aders* His tai( t"ras"ed ner) -s(y& and a(erted by t"e n ise& t"e dr-idess "-rried t t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e* A d =en s"ad <y 0ig-res ranged )er t"e ice& a s@-adr n "eading n rt" t <ard t"e r-ins 0 Nid-s* F r a m nt"& /+'ndas"a "ad kn <n t"ey <ere c ming* S"e "ad read& in t"e ice& t"e m )ement 0 s me kind 0 army* And t"is army <as -n(ike t"e g b(in regiments r t"e s<i0t& e(-si)e bands 0 barbarians* T"ese <ere <inged creat-res* S"e "ad ne)er be0 re seen t"eir (ike* / !ing& a(m st -nd-(ating <it" a sinister& re!ti(ian grace& t"e creat-res !assed by t"e 0ringe 0 t"e 0 rest and 0art"er -t nt t"e c(ear and des (ate !(ain* T"eir (eat"ery sca(es g(inted a d-(( br n=e& (aced <it" a c"a(ky )erdigris* T"eir <ings 0(a!!ed s( <(y (ike sca)engers !erc"ed n a carcass* Fr m "er "ig" )antage& sa0e(y d <n<ind 0r m t"e sta(king m nsters& /+'ndas"a ca-g"t t"e 0aint <"i00 0 meta( and b( d n t"e icy air* At "er side& O(i)er stirred and r-mb(ed* DEasy& c"i(d& D t"e dr-idess s t"ed* DEessie& D t"e drag n ec" ed& and <as bedient(y sti((* .-t "e <as n t at a(( easy t"at nig"t& and t"e dr-idess ga=ed <it" great c ncern at "is rest(ess& s"ad <y 0 rm at t"e

br ken b(-00+s edge* O(i)er !aced and stared t <ard t"e r-ins 0 Nid-s& t"e (d cast(e 0ramed in t"e rising red (ig"t 0 /-nitari* W"at is "e t"inkingF t"e dr-idess asked "erse(0* W"at g es n in t"at !a@-e& in"-man mindF S"e kne< s met"ing <as ca((ing t "im 0r m -t 0 t"e r-ins& 0 r as t"e <ind r-st(ed t"e dry stra< n t"e b(-00& O(i)er r-mb(ed and b ded& "is eyes 0i?ed n s met"ing t"at m )ed am ng t"e distant& c ((a!sed <a((s and t <ers* W"en "e s(e!t at (ast "e 0 -nd t"e ( ng dream 0 t"e drag n& (istened t t"e strange& <inged creat-res& a(( 0 t"em s"aring a c mm n dream as t"eir "eritage& as t"eir destiny* T"e in)aders <ere ca((ed t"e . =ak& O(i)er (earned* T"eir t" -g"ts <ere a 0e)er 0 c n0-si n and rage* T"ey remembered n(y t"at a strange magic "ad c -rsed t"r -g" t"em in t"e egg& as t"ey c i(ed and gre< and a<aited t"eir birt"* Had time and nat-re taken its c -rse& t"e . =ak < -(d "a)e bec me br n=e drag ns& (ike O(i)er* T"ese m nsters "ad been O(i)er+s nestmates& c"anged 0r m t"eir nat-res and r-ined 0 re)er by an (d and e)i( design* 'nstead 0 being drag ns& t"ey <ere drac nians& d<ar0ed in b dy and s!irit& tracking )er t"e <astes 0 Taman .-s-k n a missi n s dark t"at t"e t" -g"t 0 it <as a b(ack and s<ir(ing s! t at t"e edge 0 t"e dream* O(i)er a< ke t"e ne?t m rning& raised "is "ead& and <ai(ed sad(y int t"e dying <ind* I I I I I DFr m t"at m ment& D t"e dr-idess !r c(aimed& (i0ting "er eyes 0r m t"e 0ire(ig"t& Dt"e drag n <as n ( nger t"e d ci(e& eager creat-re 0 t"e s!ring and "ig" s-mmer and 0a((* S met"ing t-rned in "im as t"e year t-rned& and it <as "ig" time t"e c"ange "ad c me* ' <as g(ad t see it& e)en t" -g" it "ad taken m nsters t bring it n* ' t" -g"t "e < -(d ne)er (ea)e* D M rt <as si(ent& staring int t"e 0ire(ig"t& a secret smi(e !(aying acr ss "is 0ace* R bert n dded* D't "a!!ens in <ar* T"e b y <" sees "is 0ace in t"e 0ace 0 t"e enemy is a b y n ( nger& t" -g" it may take "im many years and many batt(es t kn < it* He !-ts a<ay c"i(dis" t"ings* And s ner r (ater& "e <e(c mes ad-(t" d* D /+'ndas"a smi(ed* DOdd y - s" -(d say t"at& my !eac"* 't <as a batt(e 0 s rts t"at br -g"t O(i)er t 0-(( mat-rity* .-t 0irst& ' s" -(d te(( y - t"at*** D

I I I I I O(i)er "ad beg-n t "-nt* At 0irst& it <as sma(( game> a rabbit "e snatc"ed 0r m s me<"ere n t"e !(ains and carried gent(y back t t"e ca)ern* T"ere& "e < -(d set t"e tremb(ing creat-re n "is stra< !a((et& stare at it 0 r an " -r& t"en 0a(( as(ee!* T"e rabbit < -(d sei=e t"e !! rt-nity t esca!e* /ater& in t"e ne< s!ring& t"e drag n s ared )er t"e r cky !(ains& bringing back a " ((y b-s"& a crene( 0r m r-ined Nid-s& a rickety "ay <ag n& and 0ina((y& "is 0irst ki((Ca sma(( centic re t"at "e m-st "a)e ! ndered )er 0 r ab -t a <eek& 0 r t"e sme(( <as s dread0-( t"at t"e dr-idess t"reatened t s!r -t "is tai( <it" m-s"r ms -n(ess "e rem )ed t"e carcass* 't <as ab -t t"is time <"en y -ng Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey& S (amnic Knig"t 0 t"e S< rd& r de acr ss Taman .-s-k in searc" 0*** <e((& it <as ne)er )ery c(ear <"at Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey <as searc"ing 0 r* He <as a<0-((y 0ar east 0 t"e Hig" C(erist+s T <er and a( ne in a (and @-ite " sti(e t t"e Order* 6er"a!s it <as ad)ent-re "e s -g"t& and " n r* 6er"a!s "e& t & 0 (( <ed s me -nde0inab(e dream* W"ate)er dr )e "im 0 rt" r dre< "im n<ard& Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey !assed t"r -g" )i((ages <"ere S (amnic knig"t" d <as "e(d in c ntem!t& <"ere "is 0e(( < knig"ts <ere c nsidered sm-g& se(0Crig"te -s& and medd(es me* Sir Da-nt(ess <as t"e !er0ect s" <!iece 0 t"at Order& t"e knig"t t"ey "ad dreamed 0* Keen 0 eye and de0t 0 "and& t"e ( ca(s ne)er sa)ed a c-rse r a r tten t-rni! 0 r (ater* .y t"e time Da-nt(ess reac"ed Est<i(de& "is s"ie(d <as s!attered <it" m-d& re0-se& and <it" t"ings t )i(e t describe* He <as tired 0 Oat" and Meas-re& and )ery tired 0 t"e intricate c de 0 "is Order t"at t (d "im t ret-rn dignity 0 r sc rn and t raise n <ea! n against a <eaker s -(* .y t"e time "e reac"ed t"e K"a(kist M -ntains& "e <as ! siti)e(y s! i(ing 0 r tr -b(e* At t"e edge 0 t"e Nerakan 0 rest& "e came acr ss a !air 0 "-ntersC0arm (ads 0r m n rt" 0 Neraka <" <ere terri0ied by "is arm r and "is big g(istening s< rd& <" dr !!ed t"eir 0ie(dCdressed deer and made 0 r t"e c )er 0 s me trees* Raised am ng t"e S (amnic n bi(ity& amid ! sted (ands and !ri)ate deer !arks& Sir Da-nt(ess mist k t"e ragged men 0 r ! ac"ers and in@-ired in a ) ice t"at mi(es 0 indignities "ad stri!!ed 0 any c -rtesy& A-st <"at t"ey !(anned t d <it" t"is deer*

DEat it& <e reck n& D t"e (ads res! nded* DAnd t"en <ear s me 0 it& t * D 't <as a(( Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey c -(d d t restrain "imse(0* 'nstead& "is 0ace a0(ame <it" anger and "is ) ice @-i)ering <it" -trage& "e asked t"e t< !easants <" t"ey reck ned <ned t"ese < ds* T"e men e?c"anged <ary g(ances* DT"at < -(d be t"e dr-idessFD t"e (der ne 00ered& m re @-esti n t"an ans<er in "is ) ice* T"e dr-idessF T"e y -ng knig"t gas!ed* S-dden(y& "is tr-e @-est b(a=ed brig"t(y be0 re "im* Had n t t"e Order instr-cted "im ab -t t"e <ays 0 t"e <icked dr-idsF Tricksters and i((-si nists& t"ey "ad said* W rs"i!!ers 0 tree and s"r-bbery* Stea(ers 0 babies* He instant(y en)isi ned "imse(0 c"arging rega((y t <ard a certain )ict ry& t <ard great " n r and re!-te* A0ter e?tracting directi ns t /+'ndas"a+s ca)e& Sir Da-nt(ess abr-!t(y (e0t t"e t< !-==(ed "-nters and t"eir erst<"i(e dinnerJ<ardr be 0 r m re im! rtant game* He < -(d ca!t-re t"is m nstr -s 0 rest tem!tress and make "is name in a(( 0 S (amnia* T"is <as a c"a((enge "e "ad yearned 0 r since "is 0irst disastr -s "-nt in t"e Hart+s F rest* T"e y -nger knig"ts "ad (a-g"ed at "im t"enH t"e (der nes ign red "im* .-t n <& <"en "e ret-rned& bearing dr-idic tr !"ies*** Sir Da-nt(ess skirted t"e sm t" !at" int t"e m -ntains& !re0erring a !recari -s& narr < r -te by <"ic" "e 0ancied "e < -(d catc" t"e dr-idess entire(y by s-r!rise* 'nstead& it (ed "im ab )e t"e ca)ern& t a r-ined b(-00 s me ne& e)ident(y& "ad (ab red t c ((a!se* D<ar)en < rk& t"e y -ng knig"t s-!! sed& dism -nting and st !ing t ins!ect t"e scattered r-bb(e a( ng t"e (edgeCs me 0 <"ic"& t "is great !er!(e?ity& t-rned -t t be dried a!ric ts* A"* 6 is n& 0 c -rse& "e t" -g"t* Set -t es!ecia((y 0 r "im* And t"ere <as n te((ing " < ancient <as t"is creat-re+s str ng" (d& " < many m re i((-si ns and snares s"e "ad scattered 0 r "im& "e reas ned s"re<d(y* He s"-ddered& 0rig"tened 0 "is <n imaginings* .-t s"aking it 00& "e (ea!t int t"e sadd(e& " !ing t 0ind a !at"<ay d <n t t"e dr-idess+s ca)ern* His " rse& " <e)er& <as 0 an t"er mind* T"e anima(& digging its " )es int t"e gra)e(& re0-sed t b-dge& and des!ite caA (ery& t"reats& and c-rses& Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey s n rea(i=ed t"at "e < -(d indeed tra)e( t"e rest 0 t"e <ay

a( ne* T"e " rse "ad st !!ed 0 r its <n reas ns& b-t a )ery g d ne < -(d "a)e been beca-se /+'ndas"a Yman <as n t in t"e ca)ern& "a)ing taken t"e s-n(it a0tern n t tend "er day(i(ies s me "-ndred yards a<ay* T"e drag n& " <e)er& <as " me* H-ngry as -s-a(& O(i)er "ad sneaked int t"e 0art"est recesses 0 t"e ca)e& <"ere "e "ad !re)i -s(y entang(ed "imse(0 in !i(( <cases and b-ckets* T"is time& " <e)er& "e <as !(-ndering t"e (ast 0 t"e <inter 0 dst resCt"e )egetab(es !-t a<ay and !reser)ed by /+'ndas"a+s dr-idica( arts* G-iet(y& g-i(ti(y& and <it" great g-st & "e g bb(ed beans& ra< cabbage& and !arsni!s* S"i0ting "is "-ge backside t <ard t"e m -t" 0 t"e c"amber s t"at tai(& <ing& and sca(es b( cked t"e s-n(ig"t& "e 0 raged greedi(y in t"e dark& t"inking t"at /+'ndas"a c -(d n t see "im i0 "e c -(d n t see "er* Ste!!ing -! t t"e ca)e& s< rd dra<n& Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey s!ied s met"ing "-(king and dark "iding in t"e 0-rt"erm st recesses and making disg-sting s -nds* He s-rmised it <as t"e dr-idess& eating c"i(dren& n d -bt* He t k a dee! breat"& !(anted "is 0eet s (id(y& and braced 0 r t"e 0ig"t 0 "is (i0e* At t"e s -nd 0 Da-nt(ess+s c(anking arm r& t"e drag n& a great many !arsni!s sti(( <edged in "is teet"& !ercei)ed t"at "e "ad c m!any& and t"at it <as n t /+'ndas"a* Des!erate(y& n t risking t"e s -nd 0 0-rt"er c"e<ing& "e tried t 0 (d "is (i!s )er t"e (-m!y )egetab(es* He t-cked "is tai( and cr -c"ed& trying t make "imse(0 ( k (ike n t"ing& n t"ing at a((* .-t Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey t"re< d <n t"e c"a((enge* D'n0erna( creat-re 0 ca)ern -s darkness& D "e int ned& D' "a)e )ent-red 0 r m nt"s and 0 r "-ndreds 0 mi(es t treat <it" t"ee* Re(ease t" se sma(( s<eet !ris ners y - are s-re(y de) -ringE ' dec(are <ar n y - and y -r kindE S" < t"yse(0& and die an " n rab(e deat"ED DNya<m!ED ans<ered O(i)er& " rri0ied and ama=ed t"at s me ne "ad kn <n t c me and resc-e "is i((Cg tten !arsni!s* He @-ick(y s!at t"em back int t"e barre(* DC me 0 r<ardED Da-nt(ess c mmanded& raising "is s< rd* DFace t"e (ig"t& m nsterED O(i)er t-rned s( <(y& a!!re"ensi)e(y& "is eyes adA-sting t t"e s-n(ig"t* T"e man <as a b(-r t"at seemed t be made 0 meta( and m-d* T"e drag n ca-g"t a str ng <"i00 0 r tten t-rni!s* T"is m-st be s met"ing 0r m t"e gra)e& s met"ing 0r m am ng t"e 0er ci -s -ndead* O(i)er 0 -g"t d <n a s-dden s-rge 0

!anic* .-t isn+t 0ire t"e enemy 0 t"e -ndeadF "e asked "imse(0& s"i0ting "is ! nder -s <eig"t and staring at t"e -t(ine 0 "is ad)ersary& "a(0 ( st in s-n(ig"t* And isn+t (ig"tning t"e m t"er 0 0ireF O(i)er t k a m ment 0 r a @-ick ca(c-(ati n**** T"e br n=e drag n is 0am -s 0 r its t< breat" <ea! ns* One& 0 c -rse& is t"e (ig"tningCt"e Aagged& irresistib(e 0ire 0 batt(e* T"ere is a(s t"e breat" gas t"at dri)es 0ear and ( at"ing int any ad)ersary <" enc -nters it* O(i)er 0-((y intended t -se t"e (ig"tning& s t"e green& 0etid c( -d t"at bi(( <ed 0r m "is n stri(s s-r!rised "im& as did t"e !(ainti)e b( rt t"at r se 0r m s me<"ere A-st ab )e "is st mac" and r-s"ed -! t"e ( ng t-nne( 0 "is neck& e?!( ding 0r m "is m -t" in a miasma 0 "a(0digested cabbage& beans& and !arsni!s* Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey staggered in "is b ts as t"e sme(( s(a!!ed "im sense(ess* His s< rd s(i!!ed 0r m "is "and* DW"at in t"e name 0 6a(adineCD "e began& b-t t"e 0( r seemed t ti(t and rise& "is st mac" r i(ed& and "e 0e(( t "is knees at t"e ca)ern m -t"& t"e green mist eddying ar -nd "im (ike s me dead(y ste<* DW"at*** D "e breat"ed& b-t "e "ad 0 rg tten <"at "e <as asking& and "e < -(d remember n t"ing e(se 0 r " -rs* Wit" a cry 0 tri-m!"& O(i)er (-rc"ed -!<ard and t <ard t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e& "is "ead and drag nCc nsci -sness n < raised* T"e dream er-!ted <it" )isi ns 0 0(ame and (ig"tning& 0 t"e knig"t+s (eg in "is ra)ening ma<* He b -nded t <ard "is "e(!(ess !! nent**** And str-ck "is sn -t s -nd(y against a ( <C"anging r < 0 sta(actites* His si((y egg t t" br ke 00 and c(attered t t"e 0( r 0 t"e ca)e* T"e drag n ree(ed* F r a m ment O(i)er t" -g"t "e <as airb rne and 0(a!!ed "is <ings 0 (is"(y& t"en t"e darkness )ert k "im& and "e c ((a!sed in a "ea! ne?t t t"e gasC0e((ed knig"t* /+'ndas"a "eard t"e b m& sa< t"e green c( -d& and ran 0r m t"e garden t 0ind t"e t< 0aced <n amid )egetab(es& s"attered sta(actites& Da-nt(ess+s (ast s"red 0 dignity& and O(i)er+s egg t t"* S"e ce(ebrated t"e armistice by "a)ing a !icnic a( ne& 0ar& 0ar a<ay 0r m t"em a((* I I I I I 't <as a 0-(( day and nig"t be0 re t"e drag n came t & and t"e knig"t t k a <" (e day ( nger* T"r -g" -t t"e <eek 0

mending and c(eaning t"at 0 (( <ed& t"e ad)ersaries eyed eac" t"er <ari(y 0r m !! site sides 0 t"e ca)e* Sir Da-nt(ess :e 00rey (e0t n t"e eig"t" day& t"e stink 0 r tten )egetab(es ( dged in "is n stri(s 0 re)er* He c -(d n t be(ie)e t"at t"e dr-idess "ad n t mired "im in @-icksand r trans0 rmed "im int a b ? e(der& t"at s"e "ad !atc"ed "im and 0ed "im and sent "im n "is <ay**** T"at "is arm r <as ! (is"ed& "is s< rd s"ar!ened& and t"at "is " rse <as g( ssy and 0ed and ne<(y s" d* A0ter t"e knig"t+s de!art-re& it <as scarce(y a <eek -nti( O(i)er t k t t"e air and "eaded s -t" t <ard t"e ice ca!s& <"ere t"e dr-idess+s a-g-ry "ad s-ggested t"at 0(eets 0 g d drag ns < -(d e)ent-a((y a!!ear* /+'ndas"a st d n t"e s" rtened b(-00 and <atc"ed t"e great creat-re )a-(t c(-msi(y int t"e sky* Steer by t"e b k& s"e "ad t (d "imCby t"e c nste((ati n Gi(ean& and 0 (( < red C"is(e) in "er nig"t(y cyc(e& and s n y - <i(( 0(y )er Abanasinia& and G-a(in st bey nd it& <"ic" y - <i(( kn < by t"e t <ers* .ey nd t"e 6(ains 0 D-st& y - <i(( catc" a c (ness in t"e air* 't <i(( be 0aint& b-t y - <i(( kn < it& (ike t"e 0ee( 0 a distant m -ntaint ! n a s-mmer day* And y - <i(( kee! t"e rising s-n at y -r "eart+s <ing and 0(y 0 r a nig"t& and an t"er nig"t& and t"ere <i(( be ice t"en& and t"e ancient nests 0 y -r kind**** And t"ere <i(( be drag ns* ' s!eak t"is in 0ait"& O(i)er* S"e ( ked a0ter "im sad(y& t"en smi(ed as "e s ared ab )e "er& and <a)ed as "e banked "is <ings and circ(ed in a <idening gyre* S n "e <as ( st t sig"t& and s"e ret-rned t t"e ca)e& "er t" -g"ts n t"e s-mmer& and t"e (ate !(antings& and a strange& (arge em!tiness s"e "ad n t e?!ected t 0ee(* I I I I I M rt started as t"e b-cket near(y s(i!!ed 0r m "is "and* T"e brandied c 00ee <as c (d n <& and t"e 0ire <as a 0aint range g( < amid t"e as"es 0 t"e "eart"* D't <as g d t be rid 0 "im& D t"e dr-idess said a (itt(e t em!"atica((y& as s"e t-rned "er 0ace 0r m t"e "eart"* DHe ne)er came back* D D's t"at s FD M rt asked )ery @-iet(y& smi(ing as "e gent(y re!(aced t"e magica( b-cket* D' br -g"t y - a gi0t& /+'ndas"a* 'n t"e bag by t"e "eart"* D 't <as a !(ant& 0 c -rseCa day(i(y "e "ad bred 0r m "is <n ancient st ck n 6a(adine+s "i((side* He kne< " < t"e dr-idess ( )ed t"e brie0& ab-ndant b( ms* /+'ndas"a smi(ed& admiring t"e (ea)es& t"e sca!es& t"e ! dC

s"a!ed b-ds* S"e mar)e(ed t"at it <as n t d rmant& (ike t"e t"ers in t"e dee!ening c (d 0 a-t-mn* D'+)e "and(ed it& /+'ndas"a& D M rt e?!(ained& Ds t"at 0 r t"is year& it+s t"e (atest b( mer 0 a((* Ha!!y birt"day* D His big gent(e "and !assed )er a s<e((ing b-d& and immediate(y& as t" -g" it <ere t -c"ed by a m nt" 0 s-n(ig"t& t"e sma(( 0( <er !ened and b( ss med& !a(e rc"id !eta(s& a !-r!(e eye& a green t"r at**** And a ske<ed and Aagged edge t t"e b( ss m& (ike*** D/ike "is t t"ED t"e dr-idess e?c(aimed* D/ike "is egg t t"ED DO(i)er Drag nt t"& '+(( ca(( it& D t"e gardener ann -nced <it" a (a-g"* DT" -g" it b( ms -t 0 seas n& it b( ms n net"e(ess& and in t"e years t c me& it <i(( 0ind its <n cyc(e& its <n ba(ance in nat-re* 't+s a 0itting 0ina( t -c" t t"e drag n+s st ry* D 't <as time t g * DA"*** D t"e dr-idess asked& Dbe0 re y - (ea)e& < -(d y mind setting my b-cket A-st -tside t"e d rF '+(( gi)e it an t"er c"ance t gat"er ice be0 re ' scra! it 0 r 0ire< d* D M rt smi(ed& kn <ing /+'ndas"a < -(d d n t"ing 0 t"e kind* Fastening "is c( ak& "e ste!!ed int t"e darkness and s 0t(y c( sed t"e big aken d r be"ind "im* 't "ad been a mar)e( -s e)ening* M rt !a-sed as "e ( ked -t int t"e mystic nig"t sky and set t"e b-cket n t"e c ttage t"res" (d* He c"-ck(ed at <"at "is gardener+s "ands "ad disc )ered in t"e <eat"ered <" r( 0 t"at < d* F r t"e < d+s secret& -nkn <n t any b-t t"e m st magica( 0 "ands& <as t"at O(i)er "ad c me back* Again and again& seas n a0ter seas n* W"en t"e drag n dream is 0irst br ken by t"e t -c" 0 a "and n t"e egg& t"e creat-re is b -nd 0 re)er t t"at "andCn t by c-rse r enc"antment r e)en instinct& b-t by t"e s 0ter& m re <i((ing b nds 0 ( )e* T"at <as <"y n ice "ad 0 rmed in t"e b-cket& e)en n t"e c (dest nig"ts 0 t"e year* T"e steam 0 drag n breat" "ad <armed it as it (ay in t"e 0rigid darkness* O(i)er "ad ret-rned& and <it" a si(ent grace& ne<b rn 0r m "is s-r)i)a( in t"e <i(d& cre!t s( <(y t t"e t"res" (d 0 /+'ndas"a+s " -se& ne< sn < c )ering "is tracks& and ga=ed c-ri -s(y int t"e 0ami(iar b-cket* DF re)er a-g-ring 0 r 0r 0& D M rt m-ttered <it" a (a-g"& as "e tr-dged d <n t"e sn <Cc )ered "i((side* Nig"t 0 Fa((ing Stars

Nancy 3arian .erberick E)ery ne said t"at it <asn+t my 0a-(t& <"at "a!!ened <"en ' <as 0i0teen* N ne said& D'0 Ry(e "ad n(y been 0aster*** i0 "e+d n(y been str nger*** D N ne said t"at my 0at"er < -(d be a(i)e t day i0 '+d seen t"e b ar in time& i0 '+d s" -ted ( -derCi0 '+d n t been 0earC0r =en and -nab(e t dra< b < and ( se b (t in time* .-t ' kne< t"e tr-t"* '+d "ad a ( ng <ay " me t Ra)en t"at " t s-mmer+s nig"t& riding ne " rse and (eading t"e t"er& t"e (itt(e bay mare <" carried my 0at"er+s t rn and br ken b dy* 't "ad been a nig"t 0 0a((ing stars& brig"t bits 0 (ig"t streaking acr ss t"e b(ack sky& s" <ering t"e darkness (ike tears 0a((en 0 r t"e tr-t"* T"e b ar "ad g red my 0at"er and m rta((y < -nded "im& b-t it <as my 0ear t"at ki((ed "im* W"en ' gre< -!& !e !(e named me Ry(e S< rder beca-se& in t"e ten years since my 0at"er+s deat"& '+d " ned my 0ig"ting ski((s as i0 t"ey <ere teet" and c(a<s& and t"en ' !-t t"em -! 0 r sa(e* /ike(y y -+(( say it+s bragging& b-t '+(( te(( y - any<ay> T"ere <ere 0e< better s< rds 0 r "ire in t"is !art 0 Krynn t"an mine* 6e !(e said& DNe)er < rry t"at Ry(e S< rder <i(( r-n a<ay scared 0r m r bbers and 0reeb ters* And "e+s n t a0raid 0 g b(ins& eit"er& n r 0 any beast in t"e 0 rest* D T"at <as s & as 0ar as it <ent* ' <asn+t 0ear(ess& as 0 (k said* T"e terr r t"at "a-nted me <as t"is> T"at s me ne < -(d again die 0 my dread* ' c" se my < rk in rder t !it myse(0 against t"e terr r and de0eat it& (ike a b y a0raid 0 g" sts and eager t g <"ist(ing !ast e)ery gra)eyard "e can 0ind& A-st t !r )e t"at "e isn+t a0raid at a((* A0ter a <"i(e& ' began t be(ie)e t"at '+d d ne a g d A b 0 0 rgetting t"e (d dread* T"ere came a time <"en ' didn+t t"ink ' <as <"ist(ing !ast gra)eyards <"en t"ey !aid me t esc rt tender )irgins and t"eir dear d <ries t"r -g" t"e 0 rest t t"e <edding 0east& r t s"e!"erd <ea(t"y (d men d <n t"e ri)er !ast (-rking r bbers t kin* A0ter a <"i(e& ' t" -g"t ' <as A-st d ing an " nest A b 0 < rk* ' didn+t kn < t"at 0ear isn+t (aid t rest -nti( it is 0 rgi)en* W"en ' <asn+t "ired -t& ' (i)ed at t"e ta)ern in Ra)en& in t"e sma(( c"amber ab )e t"e c mm n r m* 'n t" se days t"e )i((age <asn+t m re r (ess t"an it is t dayCa cr ssr ads A-mb(e 0 <ine s" !s& inns& ta)erns& and smit"ies gat"ered r -nd t"e best 0 rd acr ss t"e W"iter-s" Ri)er <"ere it <inds t"r -g" a narr < )a((ey at t"e 0eet 0 t"e K"ar (is M -ntains* One s-mmer ' 0e(( in ( )e <it" g (den Reat"a& t"e 0erryman+s da-g"ter* As ' ( )ed "er& s"e ( )ed me& b-t by

<inter s"e <as te((ing me t"at t"ere <asn+t en -g" r m in my "eart 0 r "er and t"e g" st(y !ast* D/et it g & D s"e said& sad and s rry* DRy(e& "-nting accidents "a!!en* 6(ease (et it g * D Ta(k (ike t"at stirred -! t"e dee!Cb-ried dread& t"e (d g-i(t* ' "ad s me stake in n t <anting t r -se t" se& and s ' arg-ed <it" Reat"a as i0 s"e <ere te((ing me t 0 rget my 0at"er* S"e tried "ard t make me -nderstand <"at s"e meant* ' tried "arder n t t "ear "er* We didn+t stay t get"er !ast mid<inter& b-t <e <atc"ed eac" t"er 0r m a distance* My eyes c -(d 0ind "er acr ss a cr <ded streetH "ers c -(d 0ind me in t"e dark* I I I I I T"e ta)ern <as ca((ed t"e Ra)en+s R se& named 0 r t"e )i((age and 0 r t"e t<ining <"ite and red r ses t"at c )ered t"e < den <a((s enc( sing t"e ta)ern+s garden* T"e r se b <er sat be"ind t"e marc"ing ranks 0 t-rni!s and carr ts and ! tat es and beans and beets& and it be( nged t Cynara Ta)erner& tended )er a(( t"e years since s"e <as a c"i(d* T"is <as t"e kind 0 garden t"ey te(( ab -t in s ngs& and y g t t sit y -rse(0 d <n in t"e c m0 rtab(e < den c"air& r n t"e st ne benc" against t"e r seCta!estried <a((& n(y by in)itati n* ' enA yed t"at b <er 0r m time t time& 0 r ' "ad a g d 0riend in Cynara* A <id <& s"e < -(d "a)e married my 0at"er& t"e <id <er& i0 "e+d s-r)i)ed t"e "-nting tri! <it" me* S"e+d been ( king a0ter me <it" a m t"er+s eye since my <n "ad died& and s"e ke!t n d ing t"at a0ter my 0at"er+s deat"* S"e said& D.ad (-ck and b ars can+t c"ange " < ' 0ee( ab -t y -& c"i(d* D One day in ear(y s-mmer& ' sat in t"e r se b <er d =ing t t"e s -nd 0 t"e 0( <erCdr-nk bees& <"en t"e gate be"ind me !ened& t"e b tt m "inge s@-eaking as it a(<ays did* A d<ar0 str de int t"e garden and banged t"e gate s"-t be"ind "im* He came and st d be0 re me& in t"at "eadCback <ay t"at d<ar)es "a)e e)en <"en y -+re sitting and t"ey+re standing and e)ery ne+s c m0 rtab(y eyeCt Ceye* T"e d<ar0 asked i0 ' <as Ry(e S< rder& and ' t (d "im ' <as* He didn+t d m re t"an gr-nt t ackn <(edge t"e ans<er* DW" <ants t kn <FD He t (d me t"at "e <as an (d 0riend 0 Cynara+s and t"at "is name <as Tarran 'r n< d& t"en "e <ent and sat n t"e benc" by t"e <a((* 't <as a ( )e(y benc"& cra0ted by a master st neC<rig"t 0r m <"itest marb(e& a re(ie0 0 t<ining r ses < rked n t"e sides and t"e (egs* M st !e !(e st !!ed t admire it& e)en t" se <" sa< it 0ten* Tarran 'r n< d

didn+t gi)e it a g(ance* He sat "imse(0 d <n and stared at me* St-died& ' st-died back* His 0ace <as !a(e& "is b(ack beard trimmed and g( ssy* He <as <"i!Ct"in and 0 g d "eig"t 0 r a d<ar0& ab -t "eartC"ig" t a midd(ing ta(( "-man* He "ad t"e <e((C"ee(ed air 0 T" rbardin ab -t "im& and "e ( ked t be in "is ear(y midd(e years& <"ic" means "e <as ab -t ninety r s years (d* T"in as "e <as& "e <as "a(e en -g"& b-t "e <as missing "is rig"t arm* A br c" 0 g (d and emera(ds& s"a!ed (ike a drag n <inging& !inned -! t"e em!ty s(ee)e* DW"at d y - <ant& Tarran 'r n< dFD D' came t see y -* D A great s" -t 0 (a-g"ter t"-ndered -t 0r m t"e ta)ern& a d =en ) ices raised -! in " ting derisi n* S me ne cried& DT"e drag nE O"& aye& te(( -s a(( ab -t itCand t"e st ry+(( be t (d 0 r t"e "-ndredt" time t"is yearED And t"e st rm 0 (a-g"ter r ((ed ar -nd t"e R se again& s!(as"ing -t int t"e garden* T"e d<ar0 sat sti(( n t"e st ne benc" am ng t"e r ses& "ead c cked and (istening* DHa)e y - ne)er "eard t"e ta(e& Tarran 'r n< dFD He n dded* D'+)e "eard it* T"ere+s a c !!er drag n (i)es -nder t"e m -ntains& 0ar a<ay and d <n <"ere e)en <e 0 T" rbardin d n+t g * C(a<& t"ey ca(( "im* D A <arm bree=e stirred am ng t"e r ses& r -sing a "eady scent y - c -(d a(m st see* DT"at+s t"e ne& D ' said* DT" -g" '+)e ne)er "eard t"e !art ab -t "is nameC r e)en t"at it+s a "im* Any<ay& t"e rest 0 t"e st ry says itC"eCsits n a treas-re m -nd t"e si=e 0 t"e R se& and t"ey say t"e drag n+s n t t"e < rst 0 <"at y - can 0ind d <n t"ere* D DT"ere& t"e st ry is <r ng* D Tarran t -c"ed ne 0 t"e sc-(!ted r ses n t"e side 0 t"e benc"& traced t"e s"a!e 0 a marb(e !eta( <it" a 0inger& str king t"e )er(ying s 0tness 0 greenyCg (d (ic"en* DC(a< is t"e < rst 0 <"at y - can 0ind -nder t"e m -ntain* D Tarran sat )ery sti((& and t"e a0tern n (ig"t g(ittered n t"e gemmed br c" <"ere "is arm -sed t be* A(( t"at s"ining made it seem as i0 t"e sma(( emera(d drag n <ere a(i)e and breat"ing t"ere n "is s" -(der* DY -+)e seen t"at drag n& D ' said* D'+)e seen "im* T<enty years ag * D Tarran sat sti(( as st ne& b-t 0 r ne 0inger ta!Cta!!ing n t"e st ny r se* DT m rr < '+m g ing back* D D/et me g-ess& D ' said* DY - <ant t ki(( "im& rig"tFD T"at <as a A ke& 0 c -rseH e)ery ne kn <s it takes a 0e< armies t ki(( a drag n* .-t Tarran t k t"e Aest s ber(y&

A-st as i0 ' <ere seri -s* D'0 ' c -(d ki(( t"e beast& D "e said& D' < -(dn+t* ' <ant re)enge& and a ( nger ne t"an C(a<+s deat" < -(d gi)e me* D ' st !!ed smi(ing* DAnd y -+)e g t t"is re)enge a(( !(anned -tFD D' d * And maybe y - t"ink it+(( be a c (d re)enge& c ming t"is (ate& b-t it t k me a ( ng time t st ! screaming in my s(ee!* D Screaming in terr r& " <(ing d <n t"e ( ng nig"t* ' ( ked a<ay 0r m "im and "is admissi n 0 0ear as y - ( k a<ay 0r m a de0 rmity& !retending t t"e ! (iteness t"at c mm n sense says is kinder t"an staring at t"e maimed and making "im 0ee( se(0Cc nsci -s* W"at c mm n sense says& and <"at t"e gest-re rea((y is& are t< di00erent t"ings* 'n s me dee! !(ace <it"in& 0ten as n t 0 (k see inA-ry r de0 rmity as i((ness& s met"ing t"at mig"t be catc"ing* S it <as <it" me and any c n0essi n 0 dread* .-t neCarmed Tarran didn+t seem t care i0 "is 0ear <as t -g(y 0 r me t seeCit <as "is& and "e <ned it* He sat 0 r<ard n t"e benc"& "is e(b < n "is knee& "is dark eyes g(inting* DRy(e& Cynara says y -r s< rd is 0 r "ire* And t"e < rd ar -nd is t"at <"en y -+re "ired& y - stay "ired& and y < n+t r-n 00 beca-se y -+)e ki((ed me and r bbed meC r beca-se y - "a)en+t g t t"e "eart t see a t"ing t"r -g"* D DW rd+s rig"t& D ' said* DT"ere+s n 0-t-re in eit"er* D He t k t"e drag n br c" 0r m "is em!ty rig"t s(ee)e and t ssed it t me* ' ca-g"t it& and g t ( st in t"e bri((iant green 0 t"e emera(d <ings& t"e <ink 0 (ig"t in t"e r-by eyes* DT"at+s t"e (east 0 <"at treas-re is -nder t"e m -ntain& Ry(e S< rder* D ' t ssed t"e drag n br c" back* T"e g (d and emera(ds and r-bies s" ne (ike an arcing rainb < bet<een -s* His rig"t s" -(der t<itc"ed& as t" -g" "is b dy c -(dn+t 0 rget <"at -sed t be tr-e* He+d been rig"tC"anded be0 re "e met t"e drag n* .-t "e rec )ered in time& and ca-g"t t"e br c" in "is ( ne (e0t "and* DAs y - see& D "e said& smi(ing 0 r t"e 0irst time& and grim(y* D' need a "and* '0 y - c me <it" me and "e(! me get my re)enge n t"e drag n& "a(0 0 e)eryt"ing y - and ' can carry -t is y -rs* D ' decided @-ick(y& as ' a(<ays d * DMy s< rd+s y -rs& D ' said* DAnd since y -+re Cynara+s 0riend& '+(( n t "agg(e )er t"e 0ee* D T"at <as a A ke& t & b-t Tarran "ad a(ready smi(ed nce t"at day and didn+t see t"e need t ind-(ge again* He said <e+d

(ea)e in t"e m rning& and "e didn+t say anyt"ing e(se* A0ter "e (e0t me& ' sat a( ne 0 r a ( ng time& a(( t"e <ay int t"e dimming and bey nd t t<i(ig"t* T<ice ' "eard Reat"a+s ) iceC nce (i(ting in (a-g"ter& nce c -c"ed in @-iet c n0iding t nes as s"e and a 0riend <a(ked !ast t"e garden n t"e t"er side 0 t"e <a((* ' c( sed my eyes and imagined " < s"e+d ( k dressed in treas-re 0r m t"e drag n+s " ard& a g (den c"a(ice in "and& a diam nd neck(ace s!i((ing a(( d <n "er breast (ike <ater r-nning* W"en t"e (ast 0 t"e (ig"t <as 0ading& Cynara came int t"e garden t bring me a !(ate 0 s-!!er& and s"e sat n t"e st ne benc" t <atc" me eat* A0ter a time s"e said& DHas Tarran "ired y -FD DYes* D S"e "eard t"at and stayed @-iet 0 r a <"i(e& a sma(( < man n t"e <"ite marb(e benc" in t"e (ast (ig"t 0 t"e day* Her r ses arc"ed )er "er& trai(ed ar -nd "er& and t"e scent 0 t"em <as a(<ays t"e scent 0 "er* DRy(e& "e+s g ing t (ay a g" st& D s"e said& <"en nig"t <as a(m st 0a((en* DT"at+s <"at t"e drag n rea((y is t "im* D ' s"r-gged& and ' said t"at i0 t"at+s <"at Tarran <as g ing t d & it <as "is b-siness* Mine <as t kee! "im sa0e a( ng t"e <ay& "e(! "im as "e <is"ed& and c me " me a ric" man* DAren+t y - a0raid y - mig"t meet s me g" st 0 y -r <n& Ry(e& t"ere in t"e dark -nder t"e m -ntainFD A c"i(( t -c"ed me& a strange breat" n a " t s-mmer+s nig"t* .-t ' smi(ed& as t" -g" s"e <ere A king& and ' said& D'+)e ne)er seen a g" st in my (i0e& Cynara* ' d n+t e?!ect '+(( start seeing +em n <* D ' <ent and kissed "er c"eekCt"e skin as s 0t as a !eta( 0r m ne 0 "er be( )ed r sesCand <is"ed "er g dnig"t* S"e t k my "ands in "ers& and s"e <is"ed me g d (-ck* I I I I I 'n t"e m rning& <"en Tarran and ' <ent t take t"e 0erry acr ss t"e W"iter-s"& <e 0 -nd Reat"a by t"e <aterside 0is"ing& "er "air -nb -nd and streaming g (d& "er skirts ki(ted -! and tied -t 0 "er <ay* R sy da<n (ig"t s" ne n "er (egs& and s"e kicked -! a (itt(e s!ray (ike diam nds in "er <ake <"en s"e ran t 0etc" "er 0at"er& t"e 0erryman* S"e <atc"ed me a(( t"e <ay acr ss t"e ri)er& and s"e kne< ' kne< t"at* On t"e 0ar bank ' t-rned& and Reat"a (i0ted "er "and t <a)e* DFriend 0 y -rsFD Tarran asked* DYes& D ' said tig"t(y* DA"* D He s" k "is "ead& -nderstanding* DT bad* D

We didn+t "a)e m-c" e(se t t"e day* I I I I I

say t

eac"

t"er 0 r t"e rest

Tarran sat <atc"ing t"e stars da==(ing t"e s-mmer nig"t& t"e tiny (ig"ts s<e!t t get"er and s"ining t"eir best in t"e absence 0 t"e !reening m ns& t"e red and t"e si()er n(y (ate(y set* We <ere t< days -t 0 Ra)en and cam!ed A-st ab )e t"e tree (ine near a "ig" s( !ing r ck 0ace* Mid<ay -! t"e s( !e& dark against t"e st ne& t"e entrance t t"e st ried ca)erns ga!ed -t int t"e nig"t* We+d take t"at <ay in and d <n in t"e m rning* Cynara "ad sent -s 00 <it" -r !acks 0i((ed <it" dried meat and 0r-it& and b-nd(es 0 brands 0 r t rc"es* 'nside t"e ca)es t"ere+d be n 0 rage and n (ig"t* O-tside& <e tr-sted my "-nting ski(( 0 r s-!!er& and <it" t"e (itt(e birdCarr <s ' 0etc"ed -s a brace 0 0at gr -se* Tarran ate& <atc"ing t"e sky g(itter& and <"en t"e eating <as d ne& "e (e0t t"e stars t s"ine n t"eir <n and came c( se t t"e 0ire* F r a <"i(e "e said n t"ing& and "e sat ( king at me acr ss t"e 0ire as i0 "e <ere trying t see dee! in and d <n* ' t k my s< rd and (aid it acr ss my knees& t k a <"etst ne and " ned t"e g(ittering b(ade* T"at dee!( king made me edgy& and ' ke!t t"e stee( bet<een "im and me& as t" -g" it c -(d de0(ect "is ga=e* He smi(edC n(y 0aint(yCas t" -g" "e -nderst d* 3ery s 0t(y& "e said& DWe <ere 0i)e <" came "ere t<enty years ag * Me and my br t"er& and t"ree 0 -r kin* 'n T" rbardin t"ey say t"ese ca)erns are 0i((ed <it" )eins 0 si()er and g (d* .-t <e didn+t c me "ere 0 r t"at* 'n T" rbardin <e c-rse t"e drag n and m -rn t"e ( ss 0 t"e si()er and g (d& b-t <e (ea)e it be and de()e in t"er !(aces* Me and t"e t"ers*** <e <ere y -ng 0 (s -t t 0ind (egend+s treas-re* D T"e g (den 0ire(ig"t g(inted 0r m t"e kni)es "e "ad st <ed ab -t "imCa c -!(e 0 straig"tCb(aded dirks& t"ree <a)yCedged daggers& and ne Ae<e(C"i(ted ( ng kni0e* OneCarmed& "e "ad n -se 0 r a b <& n ne 0 r a br ads< rd& (itt(e 0 r any a?e t"at <asn+t a t"r <ing a?e* OneCarmed& Tarran (iked kni)es* DT"ere <as treas-re& D "e said* N < "is ) ice <asn+t s 0t& and it "ad a Aagged edge t it* D't <as s ( )e(y t"at it made -r <i(d dreams !a(e* And t"ere <as C(a<* He+s <e(( named& (ike a ta( n& ( ng and s<i0t& and )ery keen* He+s a c !!er& and "e+s (d and s< ((en <it" greed**** D His < rds trai(ed 00 int si(ent remembering& and "e "ad s-c" a s"-tCtig"t ( k n "im t"at ' <asn+t s-re "e+d 0inis" t"e st ry* D <n in t"e < ds an <( " tedH an t"er ans<ered*

DWe 0 -nd t"e treas-re& D Tarran said n a sig"* DAnd t"e drag n 0 -nd -s* O0 c -rse* ' d n+t "a)e a br t"er n <& n(y t"e mem ry 0 "im dying* Yarden <as "is name& and -r 0riends <ere R <s n& W-(0& and Oran* T"ey <ere t"e s ns 0 /-nn Hammer0e((& and t"ey <ere kin 0 mine* ' <i(( a)enge t"em a((* D DH < <i(( y - take re)enge <it" -t ki((ing t"e drag nFD DC(a<+s a miser& D "e said* D'n T" rbardin <e say t"at a miser " ards t "ide t"e ne t"ing t"at is m st dear t "im* ' kn < <"at t"e drag n ( )es* Take it 0r m "im& and "e+(( 0ee( t"e "-rt a(( t"e days 0 "is (i0e* T"at ( ng <i(( "a)e t be ( ng en -g"* D F(ames (ea!t -! 0r m -r 0ire& t"en 0e((& dragging t"e (ig"t a<ay 0r m Tarran+s 0ace* He ti(ted "is "ead back a (itt(e& ( king !ast me& -! t <"ereCdarker t"an t"e darkCt"e <ay int t"e ca)erns ga!ed* ' c -(dn+t see "is 0aceH ' c -(dn+t read "im& r g-ess <"at "e <as t"inking* A0ter a m ment "e ( ked back t me& and "e n dded s" rt(y* DG d nig"t& D "e said& and "is ) ice "ad a "a-nted& " (( < s -nd t it* ' sat -! a ( ng <"i(e& making my <ea! ns 0it* ' b-nd(ed t"e bird arr <s and re!(aced t"em in my @-i)er <it" stee("eads* 'n my "ands <ea! ns a(<ays 0e(t (ike c m0 rtCg d stee( t raise against 0 es and 0ear* S it <as t"at nig"t* As ' < rked& ' 0e(( t t"inking ab -t Reat"a& "er g (dr-nning "air& "er s-nCbr <ned (egs& t"e sm t" ca()es r sy and !(-m! in t"e m rning (ig"t* Wit" t"e W"iter-s" bet<een -s& s"e+d (i0ted a "and t <a)e me 0are<e((* A0ter a(( t"is time& t"ere <as sti(( n ne s"e ( ked t t"e <ay s"e ( ked t me* My < rk s n d ne& ' stretc"ed -t be0 re t"e 0ire and 0e(( at nce t s(ee!* ' <asn+t rest(ess& and ' s(e!t <e((* .-t nce& t <ard da<n& ' < ke <it" a c"i((& and acr ss t"e sky& in t"e dark <est& ' sa< t"e brig"t !(-mage 0 a s" ting star sketc" a 0a((ing arc& (ike a si()er arr < c ming t gr -nd* ' !i(ed s me < d n t"e ( < 0ire& <arming myse(0 and <aiting 0 r Tarran t <ake* ' s" -(d "a)e seen a <arning in t"e 0a((ing star& t"e reminder 0 a 0ear ' < -(dn+t admit t & b-t ' didn+t* ' "ad t m-c" in)ested in t"e !retense t"at '+d ( ng ag )an@-is"ed t"e (d g-i(ty dread t"at s meday& nce again& my c <ardice < -(d ca-se a deat"* I I I I I We (e0t t"e -t< r(d A-st be0 re s-nrise& <"en t"e r ck 0ace <as c ( t t -c" and de<y dam!* We "ad s me c(imbing t d t get t t"e entrance& and Tarran made me g 0irst -! t"e st ny <a((*

DY - d n+t <ant a neCarmed c(imber a"ead 0 y -* '0 ' 0a((& '+(( take y - d <n <it" me* G * D T"at made sense* ' <ent scramb(ing -!& 0inding g d "andC and 0 t" (ds* At t"e (edge ' g t a brand and set t <it" 0(int and striker* T"e 0(aring t rc" s!i((ed (ig"t )er t"e (edge& and by it ' <atc"ed Tarran c me -!* Bn(ike me& "e didn+t -se "and" (ds 0 r !-((ingH "e -sed t"em n(y 0 r ba(ance* He !-t a(( "is 0ait" in t"e 0 t" (ds* W"en "e <as <it"in arm+s reac"& "e acce!ted t"e "and ' 00ered and (et me " ist "im nt t"e (edge* T"in as "e <as& "e <as an easy (i0t* Sa0e(y -!& Tarran !-t "is back t t"e rising s-n and (ed me int t"e m -ntain& t"e (andsca!e 0 "is nig"tmares* T"e (ig"t 0r m <it" -t came trai(ing a0ter -s 0 r ( nger t"an '+d t" -g"t it < -(d& (ike a (itt(e !a(e d g at -r "ee(s& b-t s n it (e0t -s& and t"ere <as n(y t"e t rc"(ig"t r-nning n dam! <a((s& t"e !a(e sm ke dri0ting a"ead 0 -s t t"e ca(( 0 s me ca)ern bree=e* We <ent a( ng a narr < !at"& <it" t"e <a((s c( sing tig"ter eac" yard 0 t"e <ay& t"e cei(ing dr !!ing ( <er& -nti( ' "ad t st ! t !ass <"ere Tarran easi(y <ent* A0ter a <"i(e <a(king& "e "e(d -! a "and t "a(t* D/istenED DT <"atFD He st d !er0ect(y sti((* T rc"(ig"t g(eamed in "is dark eyes as t"e !-!i(s <idened t take in t"e 0(ickering 0ireg( <* He t-rned "is "ead a (itt(e& and "is eyesCti(( t"en b(ackC s-dden(y 0(as"ed reddis"& (ike a < (0+s in t"e nig"t* D<ar)es "a)e eyes (ike t"at& s"i0ting and c"anging t adA-st t <"ate)er (ig"t is 0 -nd* DT"ere& D "e said* DHear itFD N < ' "eard breat"ing t"at <asn+t Tarran+s and <asn+t mine* DT"is is <"at t"e drag n s -nds (ike s(ee!ing& D Tarran said* DW"et"er "e+s s(ee!ing A-st n <& ' d n+t kn <* T"ings ec" in "ere& and t"e ec" es ec" * D He eyed me c( se(y& "ead c cked* DY - a(( rig"tFD DO0 c -rse ' am& D ' said& a (itt(e c (d(y* He raised an eyebr <& as at s met"ing strange* DN (a< says y - can+t be a0raid& b y* D ' t (d "im ' <asn+t a0raid 0 an ec" & and "e (a-g"ed& a s" rt dry bark* DRig"t& t"en* We+)e g t s me <a(king t d * D ' c"ecked t"e set 0 t"e @-i)er n my "i!& t"e "e0t 0 t"e s< rd at my side* My ( ngb <& t"e <eig"ty ye<& (ay -nstr-ng in a " (der acr ss my back* T rc" "ig"& ' 0 (( <ed Tarran t"r -g" t"e narr < !assage* A(( t"e <"i(e and a(( t"e <ay& t"e s -nd 0 t"e drag n+s breat"ing r se -! 0r m t"e 0( r -nder -r 0eet& 0( <ed d <n 0r m t"e dam! cei(ing& seemed t r (( 00 t"e )ery <a((s t"emse()es*

' am "ere& ' am "ere& ' am "ere*** <"is!ered t"e ec" es 0 t"e beast& t"e drag n dee! d <n in "is (air* '0 '+d been <ise en -g" t (isten <it"in& '+d "a)e "eard t"e dee!Cb-ried 0ear in me stirring a<ake* ' am "ere& ' am "ere& ' am "ereE I I I I I W"en <e came -t 0 t"e narr < s"a0t& Tarran "a(ted again& and ' "e(d t"e t rc" -! and -t* .e0 re -s (ay a ne< !at"& and <e st d ab )e a ) id s <ide ' c -(dn+t g-ess <"ere t"e t"er side m-st be* Tarran kicked a st ne )er t"e edge 0 t"e dr !* We <aited t "ear it "it b tt m& and <e <aited& and <e <aited* DC me n& D "e said& <"en "e <as s-re "is ! int <as made and taken* T"e !at" < -nd d <n t"e side 0 t"e !it& s!ira(ing ar -nd& and "ere t"e ec" 0 t"e drag n+s breat"ing "ad c m!any* 3 ices <"is!ered& (ike g" sts r-st(ing -! 0r m t"e b(ackness* S me ne& ( ng years ag & <"is!ered a secret* An t"er ) ice m aned in dread+s c (d gras!& t"e s -nd (ike a c"i(( 0inger n t"e back 0 my neck* A treas-reCsta(ker s! ke 0 " !e and g (dCand s me ne screamed& a "-ndred years ag & 0a((ing int t"e s<a(( <ing darkness* 'n t"e ne?t breat" a(( t"e <"is!ering g" sts& a(( t"e ancient ec" es& 0(ed t si(ence be0 re a " (( <& gr aning r ar* 'n t"e <a)ering t rc"(ig"t& Tarran+s 0ace s" <ed <a?y and <"ite ab )e "is b(ack beard* He s"-ddered& and t"e gems n t"e drag n br c" g(inted& (itt(e darts 0 (ig"t in t"e b(ackness* DT"at+s C(a<& D "e said& !eering -! at me as t" -g" "e <ere <atc"ing 0 r sign 0 t"e 0ear ' !r 0essed n t t "a)e* C (d in t"e be((y& ' said t"at ' reck ned it <as C(a<& and t"en ' said t"at <e+d best be m )ing n* He <ent 0 r<ard care0-((y and s( <(y& and ' 0 (( <ed a0ter* T"e !at" <as <ide en -g" 0 r Tarran and me t <a(k side by side <it" a man+sC(engt" 0 r m bet<een -s and t"e dr !* We+d entered n a <estCr-nning !at"& b-t ' s n ( st any sense 0 -r directi n n t"e s!ira( <ay* T"e brand '+d (ig"ted -tside b-rned d <n t a st-m!& and ' s!arked a 0res" ne 00 t"e ember* W"en t"e t"ird ne <as "a(0 b-rned& Tarran st !!ed and t k t"e t rc" 0r m me* He "e(d it "ig" and a (itt(e 0 r<ard* /ig"t s!i((ed a(( d <n t"e r cky <a((& (ike a 0ire0a((& a si(ent g (dCs"ining ri)er& and "e st d (ike "e <as st neCcar)ed* W"is!ers 0r m be( < r-st(ed ar -nd -s* DW"at is itFD ' asked*

He ste!!ed back t (et me see <"at (ay a"ead* At "is 0eet <as a break in t"e !at"& a ga! a(m st t<ice as ( ng as ' am ta((* ' kicked at t"e s(ender (edge remainingH st nes t-mb(ed d <n int t"e c"asm& !ebb(es c(attering n t"e sides& t"e (arger r cks si(ent in t"eir 0a((* DWe+(( g back and 0ind an t"er !at"& D ' said* DT"ere is n t"er !at"* D He <ent d <n n "is "ee(s& !eering int t"e darkness and s c( se t t"e edge it made my be((y c(enc" t see "im* G" sty ec" es sig"ed ab -t g (d and si()er& ab -t treas-re and <ea(t"* Kee! n*** " (d n*** <e+(( 0ind*** m re t"an y -+)e e)er*** < rt" a man+s (i0e t risk*** N <& r t"en& t"e drag n r-mb(ed and m aned* ' (i0ted t"e t rc" as "ig" as ' c -(d reac" and sa< t"at "ere& as a(( a( ng -r <ay& t"e <a(( <as st-dded <it" sma(( -tcr !!ings* M st didn+t ( k (ike g d anc" rs& b-t ne ( ng kn b ( ked as t" -g" it c -(d easi(y bear <eig"t* DAre y - a0raid 0 "eig"ts& Tarran 'r n< dFD ' said t"at in Aest& and "e (a-g"edCn t t"at s" rt dry (a-g"ter& b-t a s-dden g(ee0-( am-sement '+d n t "a)e t" -g"t "im ca!ab(e 0* D'+d (ike t meet t"e d<ar0 <" is* D ' t k a st -t c i( 0 r !e 0r m my !ack& tied a s<i0t n se& and t ssed it "ig"* T"e n se s(i!!ed )er t"e kn b and ( dged t"ere sec-re(y* ' tied a stirr-! in t"e end 0 t"e r !e and asked Tarran i0 "e <anted t g 0irst* He ga)e me t"e t rc"& < -nd t"e r !e nce ar -nd "is "and& gri!!ing& and s" )ed 00& (eaning a (itt(e -t t <ard t"e c"asm and (etting "is <eig"t s<ing "im back t t"e !at"* Sa0e agr -nd& Tarran sent t"e r !e back t me& and ' t ssed t"e t rc" acr ss t"e ga! t "im* W"en t"e (ig"t <as steady again& ' sett(ed my !ack& t k my !(ace& and kicked 00* ' <as b-t a 0e< beats 0 t"e "eart "anging t"ere at t"e t ! 0 t"e arc* A(m st sti(( )er t"e dark and t"e ) id& ' ( ked d <n& int t"e !it& int t"e b(ack* T"at end(ess em!tiness made me 0ee( (ig"t in t"e be((y& (ike ' c -(d s ar i0 n(y ' (et g 0 t"e r !e* A s"rieking& <rat"0-( r ar b(asted -! 0r m t"e -nseen dee!* Start(ed& ' c(enc"ed* My "and s(i!!ed n t"e r !eH t"e r -g" "em! b-rned t"e skin* ' 0e(t t"e sickening dr !C t"en ca-g"t myse(0* T"e ec" 0 t"e drag n ec" ed& and Tarran cried -t as t"e arc 0 my 0(ig"t < bb(ed* Ry(eE*** Ry(eE*** Ry(eE ' c -(dn+t 0ee( my gri! n t"e r !e& and ' seemed t 0ee( t"e drag and !-(( 0 0a((ing again as Tarran 0(-ng t"e t rc" a<ay and reac"ed -t as 0ar as "e daredC0art"er t"an "e s" -(d "a)eCand ca-g"t " (d 0 my !ack& trying t c rrect t"e s<ing*

.e( <& t"e t rc" <as a (itt(e 0a((ing star& s" ting d <n int t"e eterna( b(ackness* ' "-ng& b-t <"et"er )er em!tiness r t"e (edge& ' didn+t kn <* D/et g t"e r !eED Tarran s" -ted* DN <ED 'n (ea!ing ec" & t"e ca)ern !(eaded& /et g n <E*** G n <E .(ind(y& in -tter darkness& ' tr-sted* ' (et g 0 t"e r !e and 0e(( "ard against t"e r ck <a((* Sick t my st mac"& my knees g ne s-dden(y <atery& ' st-mb(ed& c(-tc"ed at Tarran+s s" -(der* DStand sti((& b yE Y -+(( s!i(( -s b t" )er t"e edgeED T"e terr r t"at "ad been (ike ice in my be((y n < b(ed a(( t"r -g" me& (ike a ! is n* ' staggered <"en "e m )ed back and a<ay 0r m me* Tarran grabbed my arm t " (d me sti((& gri!!ed s "ard ' kne< t"ere+d be br-ises (ater* DStay rig"t t"ere& D "e said* DStay rig"t t"ere* '+m g ing t (ig"t a t rc"* D S"aking& be((yCsick& ' c(-ng t t"e st ne <"i(e "e g t a brand 0r m my !ack* He str-ck "is stee( against t"e r ck <a((* A s!ark (ea!t and 0e((* An t"er* T"e t"ird ca-g"t& and Tarran !raised "is d<ar0 g d& "is red Re r?& 0 r t"e grace 0 (ig"t* He "e(d t"e ne< t rc" "ig"& and 0 r t"e 0irst time ' sa< s me c ( r c me int "is 0ace& a 0(-s" 0 re(ie0* DY - a(( rig"tFD S<eat ran c (d n me& d <n my neck& d <n my ribs& (ike deat"+s icy t -c"* ' said& DO0 c -rse ' am& D and ' <as !retty s-re ' ( ked (ike ' <as* Yet& (ike an acc-sati n 0 t"e tr-t"& t"e a0terimage 0 t"e 0a((ing t rc"& t"e s" ting star& (ingered in my mind* 6anicked& '+d c me d se t r-mb(ing -s b t" 00 t"e (edge* ' mig"t "a)e ca-sed Tarran+s deat"* S it "ad been& nce be0 re& <"enC !anickedC' c -(d n t dra< t"e b <& ( se t"e b (t& and ki(( t"e b ar t"at <as bearing d <n n my 0at"er* Tarran !-t "is "and n my arm& and ' tensed -nder "is gri!* DEasy n <* Y -+re back t t"e <a((& and 0eet n t"e gr -nd again* D .-t it <asn+t "eig"tC0ear t"at "ad me& n t t"e 0ear 0 0a((ing* 't <as < rse& and "e m-st "a)e sensed it& 0 r n < ' "eard a ne< n te in "is ) ice* .eneat" t"e reass-rance ' "eard d -bt& a t"in @-a(m* D/et+s g & D ' said gr-00(y& taking t"e t rc" 0r m "im* Narr <Ceyed& "e n dded and set -t* ' c -(d 0ee( it as y 0ee( a st rm c mingCTarran <as < ndering i0 "e+d made a mistake t "ire me* He said n t"ing t me ab -t it& and ' <as c (d and s-r(yCasking n @-esti ns 0 "im and !ermitting n ne 0r m "im* ' <as n t minded t ta(k ab -t t"e 0ear "e s-s!ected*

And t"ere <as t"is& t kee! -s b t" @-iet> Tarran "ad been t<enty years at (earning n t t scream in "is s(ee!& t<enty years <aiting ti(( "e c -(d tame "is terr r and take "is re)enge* He+d take t"e c"ance t"at "e+d n t g ne <r ng in "iring me* And '+d been ten years at t"e < rk 0 b-i(ding an " nest(y earned re!-tati n be"ind <"ic" t "ide t"e ne naked dread ' m-st (et n ne seeCt"at my 0ear < -(d nce again ki(( s me ne <" tr-sted me* '0 ' <ent back n <& '+d g back s"amed& a c <ard 0 r (d men t ! int at& 0 r < men t c(-ck )er& and c"i(dren t (a-g" at* A c <ard 0 r Reat"a t t-rn 0r m in !ity* Tarran and '& <e "ad t g n* I I I I I We (e0t t"e s!ira( !at" a0ter n(y a (itt(e <"i(e m re 0 <a(king* We+d n t c me t t"e b tt m 0 t"e c"asmCTarran said <e+d n t g ne e)en a tent" 0 t"e distance d <nCb-t t"ere <as a 0 rk in t"e <inding r ad& and t"e (e0tC"and <ay (ed -s 00 t"e r -nding !at" and int a t-nne(& a sma(( s"a0t* As <e <a(ked& me st !ing again& t"e (esser ec" es 0r m t"e c"asm 0aded and 0e(( be"ind* C(a<+s breat"ing& "is ( ng ag gr ans and cries& 0 (( <ed* T"e s -nd 0 t"e beast <as <it" -s sti(( as <e ste!!ed 0r m t"e s"a0t nt a great <ide !(ain 0 st ne* A stream 0 <ater in a st nyCedged c"anne( ran t"r -g" t"at !(ain& an -ndergr -nd br k t"at seemed t s!ring 0r m t"e r ck itse(0 and <ander a<ay int t"e dark* DW"ere d es it c me 0r m& TarranFD He s"r-gged* DT"ere are (ayers and (ayers -nder t"e < r(d* T"e <ater c mes 0r m -nder "ere& A-st (ike any s-dden <e((s!ring in t"e -t< r(d* D Sta(actites& (ike st ny icic(es& dri!!ed d <n 0r m t"e r 0* Gr )es 0 sta(agmites r se 0r m t"e 0( r& s me as "ig" as trees* :-st !ast t"e t-nne(+s m -t"& in t< !(aces& !airs 0 eac" kind 0 0 rmati n A ined& making 0( rCt Cr 0 c (-mns (ike a 0 rma( entrance* Tarran said t"at "ere < -(d be a g d !(ace t st ! and rest& and "e t (d me <e+d been -ndergr -nd 0 r m st 0 t"e day* DO-tside& D "e said& Dt"e m ns are rising* D ' ac"ed 0 r t"e sig"t 0 t"at& and t"e s -nd 0 crickets& and t"e da==(e 0 stars n t"e b(ack& b(ack sky* I I I I I Tarran ate <a(king& !acing r -nd t"e <ide ca)ern& t -c"ing t"e <a((s& str king a !i(e 0 st ne& and a(<ays c ming back t t"e t"ree c (-mns* We+d <edged a t rc" bet<een s me r cks

and near t"e br k 0 r t"e <ater+s re0(ecti n& b-t e)en s it ga)e (itt(e (ig"t* ' sat c( se t t"e brand& <atc"ing Tarran and seeing "im as n(y a b(ack s"ad <* D' -sed t be a st neC<rig"t& D "e said& "is "and n a g(istening c (-mn* He "ad a ( k ab -t "im as i0 "e <ere t -c"ing a (i)ing t"ing* D'+d take a "ammer and c"ise( t a reac" (ike t"is and ca(( any s"a!e y - <anted 0r m it* D S 0t(y& a(m st tender(y& "e <"is!ered& D't isn+t magic& b-t it -sed t 0ee( (ike t"at* D He t-rned& m )ed abr-!t(y a<ay 0r m <"at "e c -(d n < n(y dream ab -t* DT"at+s " < ' kn < Cynara& D "e said* DN t a(( t"e g d st ne is in T" rbardin* ' -sed t c me -t 0 t"e cities 0r m time t time& ( king* S"e <as a (itt(e gir( <"en ' 0irst sa< "er& -t be"ind t"e ta)ern and !(anting t" rny r se b-s"es* 't <as ' <" made t"e benc" in t"e garden& 0 r "er <edding gi0t* D He st !!ed& smi(ing r-e0-((y* DF r "er 0irst <edding gi0t* T"ere <as an t"er <edding !(anned& a0ter s"e+d been a <id < 0 r a <"i(e* .-t "er man died* Ac"& y - !r bab(y kn < m re ab -t t"at t"an me& being 0r m Ra)en* Any case& Cynara+s been a 0riend 0 r a ( ng time* H < d y - kn < "erFD ' (eaned a<ay 0r m t"e (ig"t& sc !ed -! icy <ater and drank* ' <as a <"i(e s<a(( <ing& kee!ing t"e <ater in my m -t" t <arm* 't <as t"at c (d& (ike sn <me(t& and s<a(( <ed t 0ast t"at st-00 can cram! t"e be((y* Fina((y& ' said& D't <as my 0at"er s"e <as g ing t marry& t"at sec nd time* He died in a "-nting accident* D A(( ar -nd -s t"e drag nCec" sig"ed& and i0 Tarran "eard anyt"ing b-t t"e t"in 0act in my ans<er "e ga)e n sign* D'+m s rry& D "e said& a<k<ard and ca-g"t -na<are in t"e act 0 tres!assing n an t"er+s !ain* DMe& t * D Tarran <a(ked a<ay 0r m t"e st ne* He sat d <n near t"e t rc"& and t"e (ig"t g(inted n t"e "i(ts 0 "is kni)es& darted 0r m t"e r-byCeyed drag n br c" <"ere "is rig"t arm -sed t be* He "ad a tentati)e ( k n "im& as t" -g" "e <asn+t s-re "e s" -(d say s met"ing* .-t "e said it& s-re r n t* DFee(ing betterFD He g(anced a<ay& t"en back* DFr m be0 re& ' mean* D D'+)e g t t"e s (id gr -nd -nder me again& D ' said 0(at(y* D' 0ee( 0ine* D His t"in (i!s <ere a grim (ine& !ressed tig"t& <"i(e "e sat t"ere t"inking* 'n t"e st ny c"anne(& t"e icy <ater ri!!(ed )er r cks& m-rm-ring s 0t(y* DY -+re n t a0raid 0 "eig"ts& Ry(e& are y -FD DN m re t"an y - are* D And t"at <as t"e tr-t"* ' (a-g"ed&

0 r s" <* D.-t ' <as a0raid ' < -(dn+t gr < <ings 0ast en -g"* D T"e t rc" s!at embers* Tiny bits 0 (ig"t arced )er t"e br k and 0e(( int t"e breat"ing darkness* Tarran <atc"ed me intent(y& ne)er b(inking& "is b(ack eyes ne)er m )ing* DRy(e& (isten* D T"e drag n breat"ed in ec" es& (ike t"e sea (a!!ing at t"e s" re* Tarran reac"ed and t -c"ed my c"est* He "ad a dark and strange ( k n "im n <& (ike a man seeing )isi nsCas t" -g" "e c -(d kn < e)eryt"ing in my "eart A-st 0r m t -c"ing me* ' <anted t m )e a<ay& b-t ' ke!t sti((& a0raid t seem a0raid* DT"ey say y -+re 0ear(ess& Ry(e S< rder* .-t s-re(y t"ey say <r ngCn ne is 0ear(ess* /isten t y -rse(0& Ry(e& and searc" 0 r y -r < rst 0ear& y -r m st dire dread* /istenED He st d -!& "ead c cked& eyes b(ack as t"e c"asm as t"e !-!i(s <idened& adA-sting t t"e greater darkness* DC(a< 0eeds at nig"t& in t"e 0 rest <"ere n ne g es* '0 <e+re )ery (-cky& and )ery care0-(& <e < n+t see "im* '+(( get my re)enge& and <e+(( get -t 0 "ere <it" -r ! ckets and !acks 0i((ed <it" en -g" treas-re t kee! y - (ike a king* D.-t i0 -r (-ck misses& D Tarran said& Di0 <e nce c me in sig"t 0 C(a<& "e+(( kn < " < t ( k at y - and see y -r < rst 0ear& t"e terr r t"at cri!!(es y -* He+(( -se t"at 0ear& and "e+(( ki(( y - <it" it A-st as i0 it <ere a s< rd t c-t y - a!art* D T"e t rc" g-ttered& s!at s!arks int t"e darkness& arcing bits 0 (ig"t* T"en t"e darkness 0e((H t"e st-m!y (itt(e ember c -(dn+t stand ( ng against it* D' <as t"e 0irst ne C(a< s! tted& D Tarran said& <"is!ering* DT"e 0irst ne "e came 0 r* He "-rt me& and "e (e0t me b(eeding "a(0<ay bet<een "im and my 0riends* D His < rds <ere (ike "ea)y st nes& ne t"en an t"er& and ' 0e(t t"e <eig"t 0 t"em n my c"est& (ike a barr < being b-i(t t s n )er me* DC(a< -sed me 0 r bait& and t"ey t k it* First Yarden *** t"en t"e t"ers* ' c -(dn+t d anyt"ing t st ! it "a!!ening* .et<een t"e drag n and t"em*** ' <as "e(!(ess* D E)en in t"e dark !e !(e s" -(dn+t ta(k ab -t s-c" dread* ' said& DSt !& Tarran* ' d n+t <ant t "ear it* D ' s! ke r -g"(y& as t a c <ard baring "is < rst cra)en deed* ' "ad n rig"t t s!eak (ike t"at& and ' "ated t"e si(ence my < rds ca-sed* .-t ' c -(dn+t a! ( gi=e& t" -g" ' kne< ' s" -(d* His ta(k 0 < rst 0ears <as (ike ne m re crack in a <eakening dam* D't+s a(( rig"t t be a0raid& Ry(e* Here& y -+d better be* D ' c( sed my eyes& c (d(y @-iet*

DA(( rig"t& t"en* '+(( say n m re b-t t"is> i0 y - d n+t kn < <"at y -r < rst 0ear is& y -+d better s!end t"e nig"t reck ning it -t* Y - d n+t <ant C(a< t be t"e ne t s" < it t y -* D ' didn+t ans<er "im& n r did ' s!eak again 0 r t"e rest 0 t"e nig"t* 'n t"e m rning& Tarran asked i0 '+d s(e!t <e((& and ' t (d "im t"at ' "ad* He s" k "is "ead as y - < -(d )er a st-bb rn 0 (* Once& <"en "e t" -g"t ' <asn+t ( king& "e g(anced back t <ard t"e t-nne( t"at (ed t t"e c"asm and t"e s!ira( !at"& t"e <ay back* .-t "e said n t"ing ab -t n t g ing 0 r<ard* He+d c me t 0ar* S "ad '* I I I I I We <ent a(( t"e day t"r -g" a series 0 c"ambers& ca)erns sma(( and (arge& narr < and <ide& and Tarran 'r n< d remembered "is !at"* D' came in t"is <ay& and ' <ent -t t"is <ay* D He smi(ed bitter(y* DT"e (ast s me<"at m re s( <(y t"an t"e 0irst* D He+d "ad "is rig"t arm n t"e <ay -tH t"e b ne "ad sti(( "-ng t t"e s" -(der* 'n t< !(aces t"e meat 0 t"e arm "ad been (aid !en& t"e m-sc(es naked t "is sig"t* He t (d me t"at& and "e said t"at a man s" -(d ne)er "a)e t see <"at t"e inside 0 "imse(0 ( ks (ike* He+d b -nd t"e < -nd and d ne "is best t kee! it c(ean& b-t t"e arm a(ready "ad t"e gangren -s stink ab -t it by t"e time "e g t -t and g t 0 -nd* He kne< be0 re any ne "ad t te(( "im t"at "e+d be neCarmed 0 r t"e rest 0 "is (i0e* ' 0 (( <ed "im c( se(y& and "e ne)er t k a <r ng t-rn& ne)er st !!ed 0 r m re t"an a m ment t reck n a directi n* ' marked time !assing by t"e c -nt 0 t"e t rc"es& and s ' kne< <e+d <a(ked a 0-(( day by t"e time <e came t a ( < narr < t-nne( (ike t"e ne t"at (ed 00 t"e s!ira( r ad a( ng t"e side 0 t"e c"asm* T"is t-nne( <as m-c" ( nger t"an t"at 0irst& and as ( <* A(( t"e m-sc(es in my back and s" -(ders <ere cram!ed <it" st !ing by t"e time <e came -t 0 it and nt a <ide (edge& (ike t"e ga((ery r -nding a king+s great "a((* T"e <" (e !(ace stank 0 drag n& t"e dry& d-sty re!ti(e sme((& t"e scent 0 end(ess age& and Tarran+s breat"ing g t r -g" and c" !!y& (ike "e <as trying n t t gag* ' ( ked -! t t"e edge 0 (ig"t ar -nd t"e " (e in t"e cei(ing* T"e si()er m n and t"e red sat t get"er in a @-arter 0 t"e sky& t"eir (ig"t ! -ring d <n t"r -g" t"e !ening* .y t"at s"ining ' sa< b nes (ittering t"e st ny ga((ery& t"e (arge rib cages 0 catt(e and " rses& t"e sma((er b nes 0 deer and e(k* '

sa< a bear+s sk-((& and <"at "ad t be t"e ske(et n 0 a min ta-r& t"e " rned sk-(( (arger t"an t"at 0 any b-(( y -+d e)er " !e t see* O(d b( d !ainted t"e (edge& r-sty br <n& dri!!ing )er t"e edge& streaking t"e <a((s 0 t"e beastC"a(( be( <* Here <as <"ere C(a< br -g"t "is nig"t ki((s* Here& n t"is <ide (edge& <as <"ere t"e drag n dined* .e( < -sCa(m st si?ty 0eet d <nC(ay t"e beast+s (air& em!ty& as Tarran kne< it < -(d be* C(a< <as a nig"t "-nter* Ab )eC s "ig" ' "ad t crane my neck t seeCya<ned t"e drag n+s <ay -t& and t"e drag n+s <ay in* DT"ere+s a <ay d <n& D Tarran said& "is ) ice "-s"ed& "ard(y "eard* He ! inted t t"e (e0t& and ' raised t"e t rc"& sa< g -ges in t"e st ne& (ike stairs* DT"ey+re n t as reg-(ar as stairs& D t"e d<ar0 said* DS me are a ( nger ste! t"an t"ers* .-t t"ey+(( d * D DW" b-i(t t"emFD DC(a<* T"e drag n+s g t a <ay 0 c"anging "is breat" and s!it int acid <"en it s-its "im* Y - kne< t"at& didn+t y -FD ' didn+t be0 re t"en* DW"y+d "e b-i(d ste!s in "ereFD DY -+(( see* D He didn+t say anyt"ing m re& and n < "e <as a(( !-((ed int "imse(0& as "e+d been <"en ' 0irst sa< "im in Cynara+s r se b <er* ' str-ng my b < and s(-ng it )er my s" -(der& t"en c"ecked t see t"at t"e stee(C"eads <ere c( se t "and* ' t k my s< rd 0r m t"e s"eat"* T"ese <ere g d <ea! ns and str ng& and t"ey+d a(<ays been my c m0 rt* N t t"is time& and a(( t"e "air r se& !rick(ing n my arms and neck as ' 0 (( <ed Tarran 'r n< d d <n int t"e drag n+s (air* I I I I I ' t" -g"t ' sa< t"e em!tyCeyed sk-((s scattered n t"e 0( r be0 re Tarran did* Maybe t"at+s s & b-t "e kne< t"ey <ere t"ere* T"ey <ere 0 -r& t"e b neCnaked remains 0 d<ar)es by t"e si=e 0 t"em* T"e sk-((s <eren+t b(eac"ed <"ite& 0 r t"ey+d n t (ain -t in t"e s-n and t"e <ind and t"e rain* T"ey <ere br <n& (d and s"iny t"ings <it" ga!ing Aa<s and staring eye s ckets* One 0 t"e sk-((s <as s!(it rig"t d <n t"e midd(e& and t"e t"ree <" (e nes <ere cracked& t"e cracks (ike dark (ace* DR <s n& D Tarran said& ! inting t ne 0 t"e t"ree <" (e sk-((s* DAnd t"ere+s W-(0* Oran+s )er t"ere* D He <ent and kne(t beside t"e br ken sk-((& t"e ne t"at (ay in t< !ieces a<ay 0r m a(( t"e t"ers* ' raised -! t"e t rc"* Tarran kne(t rig"t in t"e midd(e 0 a dark stain n t"e 0( r& a <ide s<ee!ing streak 0 r-sty br <n* T"ere "e+d

(ain& b(eeding and begging "is kinsmen t 0(ee* T"ey "adn+t d ne t"at* One by ne t"ey c"a((enged t"e drag n 0 r "im& biting t"e bait e)ery time& -nti( t"ey <ere a(( dead and Tarran (ay a( ne in "is g re& t"e br ken b dies 0 "is kin scattered ar -nd "im* T"eir dying screams 0ramed "is nig"tmares 0 r t<enty years* Tarran t -c"ed t"e br ken sk-((& )ery gent(y& as i0 "e <ere t -c"ing (i)ing 0(es"* Here <as "is br t"er& and t"e stain n t"e 0( r <as t"e s"ad < 0 t"eir b( d* D't <as a "ard <ay t ki(( t"em& D Tarran said* He g t t "is 0eet& and "e came t stand by me* D't <as a cr-e(& "ard <ay t d it* D He <asn+t ( king at t"e b( d mark as "e s! ke& r at me* He <as c"ecking t"e re(ease 0 e)ery ne 0 t" se kni)es 0 "is& making s-re eac" < -(d c me s<i0t(y 0r m its s"eat" <"en needed* He ke!t t"e Ae<e(C"i(ted ( ng kni0e t "and* DAre y - ready& Ry(eFD DryCm -t"ed& ' said t"at ' <as* D6-t t"e t rc" -t* D ' "esitated& <anting t c(ing t a(( t"e (ig"t ' c -(d* DD it* D ' did& and <"en my )isi n sett(ed& t"ere <as m re (ig"t t see by t"an '+d reck ned c -(d be s * T"e great !ening in t"e cei(ing c"anne(ed t"e star(ig"t and m n(ig"t d <n<ard in a s(anting& mi(ky c (-mn* And n <& <it" t"e (ig"t e)en(y s!read& ' sa< m re t"an b( d and t"e br <ned sk-((s 0 Tarran+s (-ck(ess kinsmen* N < ' sa< t"e drag n+s " ard rising (ike a m -ntain 0 m n(it rainb <s -nder t"e gr -nd* D't+s a 0ine " ard& D Tarran said& "is ) ice ( <* DRa< gems 0r m t"e m -ntains 0 Kart"ay& g (den t r@-es 0r m 'star& rings 0r m 6a(ant"as*** c"a(ices and !(ate 0r m t"e t <ers 0 <i=ards& 0r m t"e "a((s 0 knig"ts& 0r m t"e tab(es 0 t"e e(0 ( rds in Si()an st* T"ere& D "e said& ! inting t a s< rd* T"e b(ade <as r-stC!itted& ageCd-((edH t"e gri! <as a r-by& ne s (id st ne s"a!ed 0 r a s(ender "and* DT"at be( nged t an e()en @-een& and it+s said t"at s"e 0 rged it "erse(0& s ( ng ag t"at t"ese days "er !e !(e "ard(y remember "er name* A(( t"is C(a< "as st (en t "ide t"e sing(e t"ing "e " (ds dearest* D W"is!ering& (ike a < rs"i!er& ' said& DW"at c -(d t"e beast " (d dearer t"an t"is " ardFD D' sa< it& D "e said& ans<ering me n(y g(ancing(y* N < "e s -nded (ike a dreaming man* DW"en ' <as (ying 0 r bait& ' sa< <"at t"e beast g-arded& <"at "e a(<ays tried t "ide <it" e)ery t-rn& e)ery s!read 0 "is <ings* D We <ent <ide ar -nd t"e b( dstain& <ide ar -nd t"e sk-((s* Tarran <as <"ite in t"e m n(ig"t& (ike a g" st <a(king* We

<ent !ast !i(es 0 -nc-t t !a=& and t"at <as (ike <a(king !ast 0r =en 0ire* 'n t"e s"ad < 0 t"e m -nd& be"ind t"e " ard& <e 0 -nd an t"er sk-((* 't <as a drag n+s& and it !a(ed e)ery treas-re C(a< "ad in "is " ard* / ng as me& and "a(0 as ( ng again& t"is sk-(( <asC(ike t"e t"ersCbr <ned <it" age* 'ts 0angs <ere gi(ded& its eye s ckets dressed in si()er and 0i((ed eac" <it" a r-by t"e si=e 0 my t< 0ists t get"er* Se)en b ny s!ines& t"e start 0 a crest t"at m-st "a)e r-n d <n t"e (engt" 0 t"e drag n+s back& < re s"eat"s 0 si()er and <ere "-ng <it" nets 0 s(ender g (d strands 0r m <"ic" diam nds and b(-e& b(-e sa!!"ires dang(ed* ' t -c"ed ne 0 t" se nets& and t"e Ae<e(s c"imed gent(y against eac" t"er& a de(icate tink(ing* DTarran& <"at is t"isFD He sig"ed& a <"is!ered gr an* DW"at t"e miser " ards t "ide* W" < -(d ( k !ast t"at m -ntain 0 trinkets t see t"is& ayeFD T"is sk-((& dressed in g (d and si()er and gems& <as C(a<+s treas-re* Tarran "ad seen t"at* W"en "is kinsmen <ere dying& ne by ne m-rdered& Tarran "ad seen t"e s"a!e 0 "is re)enge be"ind t"e s"ining mass 0 st (en treas-re* N < "e m )ed a (itt(e& as i0 t reac" t t -c" t"e sk-((* .-t "e didn+t reac"& and "e didn+t t -c"* He (et "is "and 0a((& bare(y raised* DT"is is <"y C(a< b-i(t t"e ste!s in "is (air& D "e said* DA gemsmit"& r m re t"an ne& "ad t c me in t d t"is < rk* 't+s d<ar0Ccra0t* C(a< made a bargain <it" s me ne -t 0 T" rbardin& a ( ng time ag * D He (i0ted "is ( ng kni0e& eyeing it as t" -g" "e+d ne)er seen it be0 re n <* He t-rned it t"is <ay and t"at& t"e Ae<e(ed "i(t and b(-ed stee( g(ittering in t"e m ns+ (ig"t* T"en& s-dden(y& "e re)ersed "is gri! and made a s"ining "ammer 0 t"e "i(t* Gr aning& ac"ing rig"t t "is s -(& "e str-ck t"e drag n sk-((* Bnder t"is 0irst 0 re)enge+s b( <s& a si()erC s"eat"ed s!ine 0e(( 0r m t"e b ny crest and s"attered at my 0eet* A g (den net 0 sa!!"ires ratt(ed& s(it"ered& and c(attered t t"e 0( r* ' reac"ed 0 r it& and Tarran t-rned n me& "is eyes (ike dark 0ire* DN t ti(( '+)e ! <dered t"is damn sk-((ED He br ke an t"er s!ine 0r m t"e crest& and "e s" -ted a c-rse& t"e cry a ( ngedC0 r re(ease 0r m (d& (d !ain* He !ried a r-bied eye 0r m ne 0 t"e s ckets& and "is c-rsing n < s -nded (ike t"e cries 0 a b( dC(-sty s (dier sacking a 0 eman+s "a((* T"is <asn+t my )engeanceH it <asn+t 0 r me t d t"is breaking* ' ste!!ed a<ay& -t int t"e m n(ig"t& tig"t and

tense and d ing t"e A b ' <as "ired 0 rC<arding t"e )engeanceCtaking* Eyes n t"e great !ening ab )e& ' <a(ked !ast t"e "i(( 0 treas-re& -t int t"e midd(e 0 t"e (air* ' ste!!ed <ide ar -nd t"e sk-((s 0 Tarran+s kinsmen& <ide ar -nd t"e (d b( d mark n t"e st ny 0( r* Tarran kicked a t t" 0r m t"e drag n+s sk-((* N < "is c-rsing s -nded (ike s bbing* ' didn+t t-rn t ( k at "im* Re)enge is a !ri)ate t"ing& and i0 a man <ants t s b )er it& "e s" -(d be ab(e t d it in !ri)acy* ' <a(ked r -nd t"e (air& !acing& <atc"ing t"e skyCand& n t <atc"ing t"e 0( r& ' tri!!ed n s met"ing* ' 0(inc"ed back& t"inking it <as an ancient b ny re(ic 0 s me -n0 rt-nate deat"& and sa< t"at it <asn+t* 'n t"e s"ad <s& ' c -(dn+t te(( m re t"an t"at& and ' t ed it -t int t"e center 0 t"e (air& int t"e (ig"t 0 t"e t< m ns* 't <as a s"ard 0 an (d& (eat"ery eggs"e((* Once a s"eCdrag n "ad (i)ed in t"is (air* Wit" a s-dden c"i((& ' t-rned t see Tarran kicking an t"er t t" 0r m t"e sk-(( t"at a gemsmit" -t 0 T" rbardin "ad dressed (ike a @-een in Ae<e(s and g (d* T"e <ind -tside m aned (ike grie0* T"e s -nd s"i)ered d <n my s!ine* Tarran ne)er seemed t n tice* He kicked an t"er t t" -t 0 t"e drag n sk-((& and t"e <ind+s m aning r se in !itc"* T"e "air n t"e back 0 my neck and arms brist(ed* DTarranED A s"ad <& a <ide ! ( 0 darkness& s(id acr ss t"e 0( r& and ' sa< t"e drag n& t"e beast 0ramed in t"e !ening* .r ad b(ack <ings <ere A-st t-cking in& "is c !!er b dy g(eamed& a ( ng s"ining streak 0 red acr ss t"e b(ackness& a brig"t star ( se 0r m t"e sky and r-nning bet<een t"e m ns* DTarranED T"e (air 0i((ed <it" t"ick b( dCreekCand t"e b neCcr-nc" s -nd 0 t< "ea)y b dies "itting t"e st ne 0 t"e (edge& an e(k and a c <* S-!!er* ' grabbed Tarran+s arm& yanked "im a<ay 0r m t"e sk-((* DC me nE T"is isn+t < rt" dying 0 rED His dark eyes <i(d& Tarran !-((ed a<ay 0r m me& b-t "e <as neCarmedCand ' "ad t"at arm in a tig"t gri!* He c -(dn+t "e(! b-t g <"ere ' dragged "im* ' didn+t drag "im 0ar& n(y be"ind t"e Ae<e(ed sk-((* T"ere& ' <ent t my knees and !-((ed "im d <n <it" me& s t"at <e "ad C(a<+s !reci -s "eir( m bet<een -s and t"e beast* F r g d meas-re& ' s"i0ted my gri! n Tarran and c(am!ed a "and )er "is m -t" and n se* He c -(dn+t breat"e be"ind my "and& and s "e <as 0 rced t ca(m d <n* W"en ' <as s-re "e+d c me a(( t"e <ay back 0r m rage& ' (et "im g * ' ! inted -!<ard& t"en !-t a 0inger t my (i!s 0 r si(ence* ' c -(d n(y " !e t"at C(a<+s "earing <asn+t s g d t"at "e+d catc" t"e s -nd

0 my "eart t"-ndering* We "eard t"e beast eating& <e "eard t"e ri!!ing 0 0(es"& t"e cr-nc"ing 0 b nes* We "eard t"e c !!er drag n (a!!ing -! steaming b( d be0 re it c -(d a(( r-n 00 t"e (edge* ' b-ried my 0ace in my arms t "ide 0r m t"e reek& t kee! 0r m retc"ing* As C(a< ate& gr aning& a g(-tt n )er a 0east& Tarran (eaned c( se and by gest-res (et me kn < t"at t"e drag n < -(d (ea)e as s n as "e+d 0ed& <anting <ater* ' sett(ed t <ait& my "ands s"aking s "ard ' "ad t c(as! t"em t get"er& a 0ist against 0ear* 'n a s-dden si(ence& ' "eard t"e ta!!ing 0 b( d <"ere it dri!!ed )er t"e (edge and d <n t t"e 0( r 0 t"e (air* And t"en C(a< r se -! n massi)e "ind (egs& t"-ndering !(eas-re& sated* M n(ig"t ran n b( dCdri!!ing 0angs& and ta( ns sti(( c( tted <it" g bbets 0 0(es"* T"e (ig"t raced d <n t"e beast+s crested neck& g(inting 0r m s!ine t s!ine& s!inning d <n t"e c !!er sca(es* C(a< stretc"ed b(ack <ings& (eat"ery and br ad& t"en t"r-st t"em s-dden(y d <n<ard <"i(e (ea!ing -!<ard* 'n t"e <ake 0 "is (ea)ing& <ind r i(ed t"e stenc" 0 "is (e0t )ers& b( d and b ne and t"e -ndigested c ntents 0 t"e creat-res+ st mac"s* Tarran and ' scramb(ed -t 0r m be"ind t"e drag n sk-(( and ran 0 r t"e b( dC<et stairs and t"e <ay -t* We b (ted !ast t"e "ea!ed treas-re as i0 it <ere n m re < rt"y 0 a g(ance t"an t"e (ea)ings 0 a gra)e( !it* C(a< m-st "a)e seen s met"ing as "e <"ee(ed& t-rning& ab )e t"e (airCt"e <ink 0 star(ig"t n my s< rd& t"e s-dden s"ine 0 m n(ig"t n Tarran+s ( ng kni0e& -r s"ad <s <"ere n ne s" -(d be* T"e drag n screamed d <n n t"e !ening t t"e (air& c n0-sing t"e (ig"t* Acid 0e(( (ike rain& t"e drag n+s dead(y s(a)er "issing n st ne* T"ings me(tedCg (den rings and t r@-es& a si()er c"a(ice& t"e r-sty b(ade 0 t"e e(0C@-een+s r-by s< rd* One sing(e dr ! 0 acid "it my <n s< rd* ' n(y dr !!ed it in time t sa)e my "and* C(a< screamed again& and ' "eard n d-mb bestia( r aring n <& b-t ne raging < rd* T"ie0E T"e s -nd 0 it rang t"r -g" t"e ca)ern& ec" ing in t"e )ery b nes 0 me as ' 0itted arr < t b <string <it" c(-msy& s"aking "ands* And t"en t"e drag n sa< <"at <e+d rea((y been d ing* He " <(ed& (-nging at Tarran* Desecrat rE A(( my care0-((y " ned instincts t k )er* ' <as (ike a )esse( 0 r s me c (er intent* ' t-rned& dre<& and (et 0(y a

stee(C"eaded arr <* ' missed t"e beast+s eye by a "and+s <idt"& and t"e b (t ca-g"t -! -nder a !(ateCsca(e* H <(ing c-rses& Tarran sent a dirk 0(ying a0ter my arr <& and t"at b(ade ca-g"t t"e beast in t"e -nsea(ed !(ace rig"t -nder "is (e0t eye* Tarran s" -ted& D'+(( b(ind y -& y - bastardED and "e t"re< an t"er dirk A-st as ' (et ( se an t"er arr <* .-t -r target <asn+t t"ere* T"r-sting d <n <it" (eat"ery <ings& C(a< r se -! t t"e !ening in t"e cei(ing* T"e drag n <as g ne& and ' "adn+t c(enc"ed <"en m st neededE ' s" -ted gratit-de t <"ate)er g d <as (istening* DT ear(y 0 r t"at& D Tarran said* DHe+s A-st getting r m 0 r an t"er di)e* C me nED His <arning <as (ike a s!-r* F rgetting gratit-de& and anyt"ing e(se t"at didn+t "a)e t d <it" s-r)i)a(& <e ran 0 r t"e stairs& scramb(ing ar -nd acidC"e<n !its sti(( "issing at t"e edges* .-t inside me& g(ee0-(& a ) ice ce(ebrated )ict ry <it" (a-g"ter* '+d n t c(enc"ed& n r 0r =en <it" 0earE T"e (air gre< dark as t"e drag n came bet<een -s and t"e m ns+ (ig"t* T"e stairs <ere in reac"* S-dden(y it <asn+t <e r-nningCit <as me scrabb(ing -! t"e 0irst 0e< ste!s* Tarran s(i!!ed in b( d& staggered& and 0e(( as t"e beast came raging d <n again* ' t-rned n t"e stairs& arr < n cked t b <& and sent a stee(C"eaded b (t rig"t int t"e beast+s ga!ing Aa<s* 'n t"e same instant& Tarran raised -! n "is kneesCn < "is " <(ing <as 0 r !ain& "is c-rses 0 r "e(!(essnessCand (et 0(y t"e Ae<e(C"i(ted ( ng kni0e and !ierced t"e beast+s t ng-e* C(a< b(ed& and "e s"rieked in 0-ry and !ain* He s"eered a<ay and t"r-st -!<ard& -t 0 t"e (air again* Tarran tried t get -!& b-t "e 0e(( back* He+d br ken an ank(e* DG & D "e gr aned* His 0ace s" ne <"ite in t"e m n(ig"tH "is eyes g(ittered dark as ! (is"ed Aet* Dread etc"ed dee! (ines int t"e 0(es" 0 "is 0ace* DN <& Ry(e* G ED ' < -(dn+t& and ' t k a ste! t <ard "im& d <n ne b( dy stair* T"en ' st !!ed& s<eat r-nning n me& c (d as terr r* S met"ing t -c"ed me* N t a "and n t"e s" -(der& n t a bree=e <a0ting by& n t anyt"ing (ike t"at* 't <as t"e drag n+s t" -g"t& "im !erc"ed n t"e (i! 0 t"e !ening in t"e r 0 0 "is (air and ( king d <n (ike s me en rm -s& br ding )-(t-re* C(a< raised <ings and beat -! a <ind s str ng it 0(-ng me against t"e st ne <a(( and "e(d me t"ere& a 0 -(Csme((ing 0ist* T"e beast ( ked at me& a "e(!(ess t"ing& a -se(ess t"ie0 c me !adding& a <retc" n t< (egs* Him seeing me <as (ike s met"ing c (d and "ard and s"ar! !iercing t"e inside 0 me& <"ere t"e "eart is& and a(( t"e t"ings ' kn < and

remember and " !e and dread* 'n t"at m ment& ' st d m re naked t"an t"e (d br <n b nes scattered ar -nd t"e drag n+s (air& and t"e beast " )ered n t"e edge 0 t"e !ening& m n(ig"t darting 0r m ta( ns and teet"* Aren+t y - g ing t "e(! y -r 0riend& Ry(eF Tarran gr aned* We kne< it& b t" 0 -sC"e <as bait again* Are y - a0raidF Are y - a0raid y - < n+t be 0ast en -g"F Or bra)e en -g"F Are y - 0r =en t"ere& Ry(e S< rderF My be((y c"-rned <it" t"e 0ear "e acc-sed me 0H my "ands s" k s t"at t"e arr < ' tried t n ck ratt(ed against t"e b <* '+(( gi)e y - t"e c"ance y - didn+t "a)e t"e c -rage t take 0 r y -r 0at"er* C(a< (a-g"ed as "e < )e t< nig"tmares int ne* R-n 0 r t"e d<ar0& Ry(e S< rderC'+(( gi)e y - a c -nt* DRy(eE D n+tED cried Tarran& cried t"e bait* DD n+tED ' tried t !(ace t"e arr < again& and c-t my "and n t"e stee( "ead* .( d ran d <n my arm* '+d sent ne arr < int t"e beast+s m -t"& an t"er t < -nd "im near t"e eye* He <as "-rt& b-t "e <as a ( ng <ay 0r m dying* T"is 0-ti(e arr < 0 mine c -(dn+t "arm t"e beast* Wit" t"e ) ice 0 <inter& C(a< "issed> T"e man+s g t n m re c -rage t"an t"e b y& d es "eF T"e b ar ki((ed y -r 0at"er <"i(e y - st d @-aking& Ry(e S< rder* T"ings d n+t seem m-c" di00erent a(( t"ese years (ater* 'n Tarran+s g(ittering eyes& in "is " (( < !a(( r& ' sa< s-dden -nderstanding and s<i0t des!air* T"e drag n (a-g"ed& seeing int b t" "earts* Tarran 'r n< dE O(d 0riendE D y - s-!! se "e+(( be ca((ing t"is (atest c <ardice a +"-nting accident&+ t F Tarran g t t ne knee& tried t get "is g d (eg -nder "im t rise* W"en "e c -(dn+t& "e cra<(ed& e(b < and knee& e(b < and knee again& an ag ni=ing !r gress* He didn+t get b-t a yard be0 re "e 0e((* T"at drag n "ad t"e c (d s -( 0 a catH "e (iked t !(ay <it" !rey* /a-g"ing& "e s!read "is <ings& 0anning t"e air* T"e stenc" 0 "is 0east 0i((ed t"e air <it" deat"Creek* S"ad <s skittered a(( )er t"e (air and s me magicC r g-i(ty terr rC c"anged e)ery !atc" 0 darkness int t"e g" st 0 my 0at"er* And t"e b nes (ittering t"e (edge <ere "is& t"e b( d staining t"e (air& e)en Tarran+s !anting gr ans as "e tried t get t t"e stairs* 't <as s<eat r tears r-nning n my 0ace n <* 't 0e(t (ike b( d* 't <as g ing t "a!!en again* As my 0at"er "ad died& s < -(d Tarran die& ki((ed by my 0ear* Or& as Tarran+s kinsmen "ad& ' < -(d be ki((ed taking t"e bait t"e drag n 00ered& t"e c"ance 0 sa)ing Tarran+s (i0e* Y - are "e(!(ess& Ry(e* Y - "a)e a(<ays been* N < C(a<+s

) ice <as " (( <& (ike a g" st+s* He(!(ess& -se(ess& and it < -(dn+t "a)e mattered i0 y - "ad seen t"e b ar in time* N !-ny arr < 0r m y -r b < < -(d "a)e st !!ed it* He(!(essE Btter(y* T"en& as n <* And my !-ny arr <s& t"e " ned stee( ti!s& < -(dn+t "-rt C(a<& b-t "e c -(d snatc" Tarran -! and das" "im t deat" be0 re e)er ' c -(d reac" "im* T"ere <as n <ay t <in t"is cr-e( game& as t"ere "ad been n <ay t st ! t"e b ar 0i0teen years ag * Fear drained a<ay 0r m me in ne s-dden r-s"* S"ad <s <ere s"ad <s again& and n g" st <as "ere t "a-nt me* F rgi)eness is t"at ac"ing(y s<i0t and 0ina(* ' t-rned t c"ange my aim* C(a< st !!ed (a-g"ing* 'n t"e si(ence ' "eard Tarran+s (ab red breat"ing* ' sig"ted d <n t"e s-re& straig"t s"a0t& dead center n t"e drag n sk-(( g(ittering in its Ae<e(ed garb* S<i0t& ' ca-g"t t"e edge 0 t"e beast+s -ng-arded t" -g"t* F(ameE S "ad "is mate been named& t"e c !!er s"eCdrag n <" +d s" ne (ike a b(a=e& (ike 0(as" and g(are and& in t"e (ig"t 0 t"e m ns& (ike s"immering g (den 0ire* And i0 my aim <as tr-e& my arr < < -(d strike t"e britt(e re(ic and t-rn it int a !i(e 0 gems and b ne s(i)ers* C(a< and ' b t" kne< t"at* DTarran& D ' said& (ike a s (dier sna!!ing an rder* DC me "ere* D E(b < and knee& "e cra<(ed again& and it seemed (ike 0 re)er ti(( "e t -c"ed t"e 0irst ste! <it" "is "and* C(a< r-mb(ed* Fat dr !s 0 acid s!i((ed d <n int t"e (air& "issing* .-t t"at <as an em!ty t"reat& a -se(ess gest-re* '0 nce t"at c rr ding s(a)er came s c( se as t s!(as" near Tarran& ' < -(d ( se my arr <* C(a< kne< t"at& and t"e kn <(edge <as (ike an ir n s"ack(e n "im as "e <atc"ed Tarran make a !ain0-( <ay -!& ne b( dC<et ste! at a time& bracing n ne "and& dragging ne (eg& s<eat r-nning n "im as i0 "e <ere a man in a rainst rm* W"en Tarran !assed me n t"e stairs ' c -(dn+t <atc" "im anym re& n(y "ear "im* A ste! at a time& ' <ent -! be"ind "im* ' ne)er t k my eyes 00 t"e drag n sk-((& and t"at < nderCdressed re(ic <as (ike a ( dest ne ( cking my arr <+s aim* Tarran g t nt t"e (edge& t"e r -nding ga((ery stre<n <it" g re and b nes and 00a(* He g t int t"e s"ad < 0 t"e !ening* His gr aning sig" t (d me t"at "e+d g t as 0ar as "e c -(d n "is <n* C(a< kne< it& t & and "e t-rned& "is ( ng neck snaking t <ard t"e ga((ery and t"e s"ad <ed !ening <"ere Tarran (ay* T"e beast <as A-st starting t (a-g" <"en ' ( sed my arr <& sent it <"ist(ing ( < t"r -g" t"e (air* M n(ig"t <inked n t"e stee( "ead* T"e treas-reCdressed sk-((& t"e re(ic 0 "is

be( )ed F(ame& s"attered (ike ice& s"ards 0(ying e)ery<"ere* C(a< screamed as i0 "e <ere dying& and ' bent and (i0ted Tarran in my arms* He made n s -nd b-t ne& a gr aning (ike a man <aking 0r m nig"tmares* Or maybe t"at <as me* We <ere n t "-nted t"r -g" t"e ca)erns& b-t t"e s -nd 0 C(a<+s grie0& 0 Tarran+s re)enge& 0 (( <ed -s a(( t"e <ay* I I I I I We came back t Ra)en at t"e end 0 t"e s-mmer* 't <as n easy t"ing getting -t 0 t"e ca)erns& and nce -t ' < -(dn+t (ea)e Tarran a( ne* ' n-rsed "im care0-((y& as i0 "e <ere my kin* Once "e said t"at "e <ed me a 0ee& 0 r <e+d n t taken t"e sma((est trinket 0r m C(a<+s " ard* He said "e+d make it g d i0 ' < -(d <ait ti(( <e g t t T" rbardin& 0 r "e <asn+t a ! r man am ng t" se m -ntain 0 (k* .-t ' t (d "im t"at '+d n t be g ing t T" rbardin <it" "im& t" -g" ' admitted it < -(d be a rare t"ing t see& t"e se)en great cities -nder t"e m -ntain* ' t (d "im '+d tend "im -nti( "e <as <e(( and ab(e t make "is <ay* DT"en '+m b -nd " me& D ' said* D.ack t Ra)en* D He smi(ed& t"at (ean smi(e 0 "is& and said "e s-!! sed "e+d g <it" me t see "is (d 0riend Cynara* /ater t"at day& "e asked i0 ' t" -g"t t"e 0erryman+s da-g"ter < -(d kn < me <"en <e met again* DW"y n tFD ' asked& s-r!rised int (a-g"ing* DY -+re n t t"e same b y <" <ent -t 0r m t"ere& Ry(e* Take a ( k at y -rse(0 s me time* D ' did& in a sti(( ! ( ne m rning <"i(e t"e mist <as sti(( rising& and ' ( ked ab -t t"e same as ' a(<ays did* A (itt(e t"inner in t"e 0ace maybe& b-t ab -t t"e same* Sti((& Tarran <as rig"t ab -t me n t being t"e same as ' -sed t be* W"en <e came t t"e W"iter-s"& it <as Reat"a <" br -g"t t"e 0erry acr ss* S"e greeted Tarran gra)e(y& b-t s"e (ig"ted -! t see me* G-iet(y& s"e asked i0 ' <as <e((* As @-iet(y& ' t (d "er t"at ' <as* Smi(ing& g (den at t"e end 0 t"e day& s"e kne< t"e tr-t" <"en s"e sa< it& and s"e be(ie)ed me* We <ere married in t"e r se b <er s n a0ter* Tarran st d by me& and Cynara st d at Reat"a+s side* T"ere <as n Ae<e( t be "ad 0 r dressing my bride& n(y a t"in g (d band 0 r "er 0inger* And t"ere <as n t a g" st in sig"t t stand bet<een -s* H n r 's A(( Mickey 4-cker Reic"ert

A s"eet 0 c( -ds re0(ected s!ring s-n(ig"t int a g(a=e )er t"e sa(t barrens* T"e " )es 0 Mercanyin+s bay ge(ding sank dee! int t"e sand <it" eac" ste!& and t"e <"ee(s 0 t"e <ag n it dre< seemed t catc" n e)ery stragg(ing <eed* Ear(ier& t"e (ig"t<eig"t b rr <ed cart "ad r ((ed )er t"ree times& b-t since t"e knig"t "ad trans0erred "is arm r and s-!!(ies t t"e <ag n+s bed 0 r ba((ast t"e g ing "ad !r )en easier* Sti((& Mercanyin c -(d n t "e(! b-t @-esti n "is decisi n t (-g t"e drag n+s c r!se back t t"e )i((age t"e beast "ad terr ri=ed& nce "e ki((ed it* Wind s(as"ed t"e -n!r tected !(ain& <"i!!ing Mercanyin+s )ert-nic and ca!e int a 0ren=ied dance* T"e <ind t re 00 "is " d& s!i((ing "air as c arse and dark as t"e " rse+s mane* He s@-inted& s"ie(ding "a=e( eyes 0r m t"e b( <ing sand <it" ne "and& -sing t"e t"er t s-!! rt "is (ance in its rest* T"e <ind "ammered "is ears& making t"em ac"e& b-t t"e !ain n(y 0-e(ed "is determinati n* Many 0 t"e )i((agers c(aimed t"e drag n "ad ne)er "armed man r < man& A-st st (en a 0e< 0 t"e "erdsmen+s c <s and s"ee!* A merc"ant b(amed t"e beast 0 r "is br t"erCinC(a<+s c r!se 0 -nd 0( ating in t"e ri)er& t" -g" t"e (d c !er attrib-ted t"e man+s deat" t dr <ning in a dr-nken st-! r* Fe< d -bted t"e drag n "ad made a mea( 0 t"e seamstress+s missing c"i(d& t" -g" t"e < man "erse(0 <as t tra-mati=ed t s!eak 0 t"e incident* S me said t"e drag n <as as (arge as a d =en menH t"ers c(aimed its s"ad < b( tted t"e entire )i((age and a(( its s-rr -nding 0ie(ds* S me said it s! -ted 0ire& and t"ers t"at it (e0t icic(es n s-nC<armed st nes* One detai( ne)er )aried> e)ery !ers n <" "ad seen t"e m nster described it as <"ite as cream* And Mercanyin kne< a(( <"ite drag ns <ere e)i(* E)i(* Mercanyin "ad needed t "ear n t"ing m re t send "im c"arging reck(ess(y t <ard batt(e* A year ag & <"en "is y -nger br t"er attained t"e c )eted rank 0 / rd Knig"t& " n r and g( ry "ad bec me Mercanyin+s bsessi n* N act 0 "er ism seemed s-00icient(y grand& n n-mber 0 g d deeds en -g" t satis0y "is cra)ing* One <ay r an t"er& "e "ad !(edged t bec me t"e m st 0am -s& t"e bra)est knig"t in a(( S (amnia+s "ist ry* He < -(d scr-!-( -s(y 0 (( < "is at" and make "is " n r "is (i0e* W rd 0 t"e drag n "ad dra<n "im t t"e )i((age A-st as ta(es 0 assassins& s"a!ec"angers& and e)i( <i=ards "ad dri)en "im t s many t"ers* S many t"at "e "ad 0 rg tten t"eir names and t"e c -nt(ess disasters "e "ad res ()ed r a)erted* Fr m t"e )i((age& Mercanyin "ad seen t"e eastern 0 t"i((s <"ere <itnesses c(aimed t"e drag n "ad its (air& b-t "is 0irst day+s ride "ad seemed t bring "im n nearer t t"em*

On t"e sec nd and t"ird days& t"e 0 t"i((s "ad a!!eared c( ser& b-t dece!ti)e(y s * N <& as t"e 0 -rt" day dragged int a0tern n& "is " rse 0ina((y reac"ed t"e base 0 t"e 0irst grassy "i(( ck* T"e ge(ding ( <ered its "ead t gra=e& and Mercanyin Aerked back n t"e reins* T"e bay sna!!ed its "ead -!& ears attenti)e& t" -g" it sn rted its dis!(eas-re* S n en -g"& it < -(d "a)e time t r am and eat in !eace* First& Mercanyin needed t ( cate t"e drag n+s den& !re0erab(y be0 re t"e beast 0 -nd "im* Bn"itc"ing t"e <ag n& Mercanyin r de ar -nd t"e base 0 t"e "i((Cst-dded kn ((* 't <as sma((er t"an "e "ad antici!ated& an is(and in a )ast !(ain 0 sand& n -ris"ed by a s!ring t"at < -nd t <ard t"e dark b-(k 0 cean " )ering eterna((y n t"e " ri= n* A tra)e(er& bra)er t"an m st& "ad 0 (( <ed t"e drag n+s r ar t its (air near t"e center& nest(ed amid "i(( cks t"at !r tected it n e)ery side 0r m )ie< and 0r m <eat"er* T"e man "ad e)en !eered int t"e im!enetrab(e darkness 0 0r nt and back entrances& t" -g" t"ere "is c -rage "ad 0ai(ed* Mercanyin a!!reciated t"e sc -ting* S!ying (ike a c mm n "ig"<ayman <as beneat" "is dignity* .ra)er deeds 0e(( t knig"ts (ike "im& t"e "and(ing 0 !eri(s 0r m <"ic" (esser men c <ered* A bird tri((ed in a distant tree& its ca(( ec" ing 0r m ne end 0 t"e kn (( t t"e t"er* T"e "a!!y s ng b ded n danger& s-ggesting t Mercanyin t"at t"e drag n "ad eit"er g ne -t r (ay rem te(y t-cked in its ca)e* T"e birds ng br -g"t t"er mem ries& nes "e "ad 0ierce(y dri)en t t"e 0art"est c rner 0 "is t" -g"ts and tried t sm t"er beneat" danger -s missi ns in t"e names 0 )irt-e& c"arity& and kindness* T"e 0ace 0 "is <i0e& Dameernya& a!!eared in "is mind+s eye> "er sandy "air a(<ays t -s(edH t"e t Ct"in b dyH t"e (arge br <n eyes 0-(( 0 ( )e 0 r a(( <eak and "e(!(ess creat-res* T" -g" s"e <as 0ar 0r m bea-ti0-(& "er dedicati n t anima(s sick r inA-red "ad made "im be(ie)e s"e c -(d -nderstand "is <n -n<a)ering dedicati n t t"e rder 0 knig"ts and t t"e at"> My " n r is my (i0e* .-t it "ad a(( been a (ie* Mercanyin grimaced& intenti na((y b(-rring Dameernya+s 0ace beneat" t"e image 0 e)ery < man "e "ad e)er seen r met* He c"ased t"e mem ry back t its c rner& b-t "er (ast < rds t "im sti(( "a-nted* Dameernya+s gent(e ) ice )i)id> D'0 y -r " n r is tr-(y y -r (i0e& Mercanyin& t"en t"at+s a(( y -+(( e)er "a)e* D A(( y -+(( e)er "a)e* Mercanyin dism -nted& rem )ing brid(e& sadd(e& and (ance met" dica((y and !(acing t"em n t"e <ag n* T"at+s a(( ' e)er <anted* He tried t c n)ince "imse(0 t"is t" -g"t <as tr-t"& b-t time "ad <"itt(ed t"e (ie -nti( it "ad

bec me sim!(er t a) id t"inking ab -t it t"an t 0ace br-ta( rea(ity* Since t"at s-mmer day near(y a year ag <"en "is dri)ing !assi n 0 r " n r "ad sent "im !acking "is <ea! ns and arm r& (ea)ing "is <i0e and " me <it" -t a back<ard g(ance& "e "ad s-00ered 0r m a di00erent need t"at seemed e@-a((y -n@-enc"ab(e* Mercanyin c -(d n t identi0y t"e need* He kne< n(y t"at it sent "im r aming and 0ig"ting ( ng a0ter "is c"i(dis" @-est 0 r !er0ecti n "ad 0aded& ( king a(<ays )er t"e ne?t m -ntain& t"e distracti n 0 )ari -s c mbats seeming g dsCsent t" -g" t"ey ne)er sated t"e "-nger 0 r <"at "e s -g"t b-t c -(d n t name* T"e " rse ( <ered its "ead t eat& and Mercanyin 0 rced "is t" -g"ts back t t"e !resent* T"e anima( < -(d n t stray <it" 0 d and <ater s near and n t"ing b-t sa(t !(ains bey nd* He 0 c-sed n t"e drag n& g(ad t !(ace a(( t"er t" -g"t back int t"e (imb <"ere it c -(d n t A-dge "im* He "ad a A b t d & inn cents t !r tect 0r m e)i(& an " n r t 0 (( < <it" a de) ti n 0e< c -(d -nderstand* T" se men c ntent t t i( at t"eir !etty A bs 0r m day t day& <"i(e t"ers 0 -g"t t"eir batt(es& c -(d ne)er kn < t"e "a(( <ed dedicati n t"at (ed t"e Knig"ts 0 S (amnia t 0 (( < t"e ca-ses 0 rig"t and g dness t C s me < -(d sayCt"e e?treme* Fe< "ad t"e c -rage t 0ind s-c" dedicati n inside t"emse()es* And& (ike m st t"ings -nc m!re"ended& t"e knig"ts < -(d a(<ays be < rs"i!ed& 0eared& and re)i(ed* S Mercanyin be(ie)ed& yet t"e 0ami(iar !(atit-des rang " (( <* F r t"e knig"ts& "e "ad gi)en -! "is ne tr-e ( )e* He "ad aband ned "is " me and t"e anima(s Dameernya n-rt-red& gi)ing t"em a(( t"e ( )e s"e < -(d "a)e (a)is"ed n "er c"i(dren "ad s"e b rne any* H me (i0e and 0ami(y "ad st (en t m-c" 0 Mercanyin+s attenti n& <eakening "is " n r* T"ere0 re& "e "ad "ad n c" ice b-t t discard t"em* Wa(king t t"e <ag n& Mercanyin s rted -t t"e !ack c ntaining arm r& "is s!ear& and "is s< rd be(t* His "eart @-ickened <it" a c mbinati n 0 e?citement and 0ear& as it a(<ays did be0 re a < rt"y c mbat* He -n(aced t"e !ack& !ee(ing back t"e (eat"er t re)ea( t"e 0ami(iar arm r 0 a Knig"t 0 t"e Cr <n* He (aid -t eac" stee( and (eat"er 0itting int t"e best ! siti n 0 r s<i0t d nning* G-ick(y& "e d 00ed )ert-nic and ca!e& "e0ting breast!(ate )er mai( and !adding* Eac" !iece 0 -nd its !r !er ! siti n in !racticed m )ements& and "e !(aced t"e ga-nt(ets (ast& 0(e?ing "is 0ingers t rest re circ-(ati n* S!ear and s"ie(d in "and& s< rd readied at "is be(t& "e "eaded t <ard t"e center 0 t"e kn ((* He < -(d 0ace t"e drag n b (d(y& g(ad t die 0 r t"e " n r "e embraced* A 0e< strides carried "im t a )ast !ening in t"e side 0 a

"i(( ck& ga!ing b(ack against s!ring greenery& t"e 0r nt entrance !recise(y <"ere t"e sc -ting tra)e(er "ad said* 3ines di!!ed acr ss t"e !ening& and 0r nds )ei(ed it 0r m t"e gr -nd& b-t t"ese <ere scant c )er 0 r t"e massi)e ca)ity& e)en discarding t"e te((ta(e& tram!(ed (ine 0 eart" and s"attered stems <"ere t"e drag n m-st "a)e t -c"ed d <n m re t"an nce* F t!rints in t"e dirt stretc"ed as ( ng as Mercanyin+s b dy& t !!ed <it" c(a<s t"e (engt" 0 "is 0 rearm* His mind c nA-red an image 0 t"e creat-re in its entirety& and t"e !erce!ti n 0 si=e m mentari(y 0r =e "im in !(ace* He 0e(t a c (d <as" 0 s<eat beneat" "is arm r and t (d "imse(0 it came 0 antici!ati n& n t 0ear* T"e m re tremend -s t"e e)i( "e destr yed& t"e (arger t"e gain 0 r t"e 0 rces 0 g d* Dra<ing "imse(0 t "is 0-(( "eig"t& Mercanyin s" -ted at t"e !ening* DDrag nED His ) ice ec" ed t"r -g" t"e c n0ines* He raised "is s"ie(d and tensed& !re!aring t de0(ect r d dge t"e icy breat" <ea! n* S met"ing s<is"ed and t"-m!ed inside t"e ca)e* T"en si(ence ret-rned* Mercanyin c(eared "is t"r at* DDrag nED M re m )ement 0 (( <ed 0r m <it"in& b-t n r ar r <i(d scramb(e t indicate a c ming attack* DDrag nED T"is time& an ans<er emerged& t"e ) ice r ckCsteady b-t n ( -der t"an "is <n and a(s s!eaking t"e c mm n t ng-e 0 mankind* DG a<ayED DE)i( One& c me 0 rt" and meet y -r destinyED Mercanyin st d !r -d& " n r a sa)age "eat in "is c"est* DMy destiny is "ere& D t"e beast re!(ied& its ) ice tired* DG a<ay* ' <i(( n t 0ig"t* D Mercanyin s@-inted& trying t catc" a g(im!se 0 t"e drag n in t"e darkness* T" -g" "e "ad ne)er seen a drag n be0 re& (egend ca((ed t"e <"ite nes "a-g"ty and s (itary* His )isi n car)ed 0 rm 0r m s"ad <* A gigantic& !a(e creat-re " )ered <e(( back 0r m t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e* T" -g" b(-rry& t"e drag n+s s"a!e and si=e <ere -nmistakab(e* '0 anyt"ing& it seemed (arger t"an "e e?!ected* DY -r e)i( reign "as ended& D Mercanyin r ared* DC me -t and 0ig"t& r die a c <ering cra)en* D D'+)e d ne y - n "arm& n r any t"er& b-t ' <i(( ki(( in de0ense* G a<ay n <& and n ne <i(( get "-rt* D A!!arent(y& t"e drag n be(ie)ed t"e c n)ersati n 0inis"ed* 'ts <"iteness s"i0ted* 'ts " rned "ead s<-ng ab -t amid a ratt(e 0 sca(es& and t"e tai( (as"ed a semicirc(e t"r -g" t"e g( m& its ti! near(y c(earing t"e ca)e m -t"* 't (-mbered int t"e de!t"s& s n ( st t Mercanyin+s sig"t*

Mercanyin ( <ered s"ie(d and s!ear& enraged by t"e drag n+s re0-sa(* He 0e(t c"ea!ened& as i0 t"e drag n did n t 0ind "is !iti0-( g dness t"reat en -g" t attack* T"e -ncertainty t"at "ad a(ready beg-n t crack Mercanyin+s 0ait" n < 0-e(ed "is anger* He <as sei=ed by t"e s-dden -rge t c"arge int t"e ca)e& b-t c mm n sense inter)ened* R-s"ing t"e creat-re b(ind(y in its <n dark (air <as certain deat"* He "ad (itt(e c" ice b-t t dra< it -t* T"e tra)e(er "ad re! rted a "idden back entrance t t"e drag n+s (air* 't seemed (ike(y t"e drag n < -(d "ide its " arded treas-res t"ere* Mercanyin "ad (itt(e interest in ba-b(es& b-t rec(aiming s me 0 its <ea(t" mig"t g ad t"e ( at"s me beast int day(ig"t and a batt(e* Se)era( " -rs 0 searc"ing& tram!ing ab -t in arm r t"at seemed t gr < "ea)ier by t"e instant& n(y 0-e(ed Mercanyin+s tem!er* .y t"e time "e 0 -nd t"e nat-ra( s( t t"at ser)ed as t"e drag n+s back d r& "e "ad 0a((en 0ten en -g" t !ermanent(y scratc" "is arm r and stam! br-ises n e)ery (imb* Sta(e s<eat made "is skin itc" beneat" t"e meta(& and t"e <"ite drag n seemed m re e)i( 0 r its re(-ctance* G-iet(y& ca-ti -s(y& Mercanyin s(i!!ed inside& !re!ared 0 r a tra!* T"e <"ite drag n "ad !(ayed "is em ti ns t <e(( n t t "a)e met and )an@-is"ed <arri rs be0 re* 6er"a!s it ke!t an entire c ((ecti n 0 tr !"iesCs"ie(ds r ske(et ns < n 0r m knig"ts <" eit"er be(ie)ed t"e drag n+s 0 (ery& c"arged it in a "eed(ess 0it 0 rage& r e?"a-sted t"emse()es seeking a sec nd entrance* He t"readed t"r -g" t"e <ide !assage t"at sme((ed 0 dam!& m )ing de(iberate(y t kee! 0r m c(anging arm r against st ne& g(ad "e ke!t its !arts <e(( i(ed s t"ey did n t c(ink r creak* T"e s"a!e 0 t"e ca)e < -(d 0-nne( t"e s(ig"test s -nd int ec" es& and "e < rried e)en 0 r t"e s 0t r"yt"m 0 "is breat"ing* T"e ca)e <idened* Mercanyin s(i!!ed ar -nd a c rner and s-dden(y 0 -nd "imse(0 in a nat-ra((y r -nded ca)ern (ined <it" sticks& 0-r& scra!s 0 c( t"& and <"ite sca(es !-()eri=ed int a s-!!(e nest* His eyes adA-sted t t"e darkness @-ick(y& and "is ga=e 0( <ed nat-ra((y t t"e brig"test s! t in t"e (air* A creat-re <"ite as a "en+s egg and (arge as a man c-r(ed in t"e center* He a!!r ac"ed <it" si(ent antici!ati n& g-arding eac" ste! t kee! 0r m cr-s"ing s met"ing t"at mig"t s"i0t r crack beneat" "is 0 t* He ke!t t"e s!ear c(enc"ed in ne "and& t"e s"ie(d stra!!ed t t"e t"er <rist* 'r nica((y& it <as Mercanyin+s ca-ti n t"at betrayed "im* T"e m re de(iberate eac" ste!& t"e m re debris seemed t a!!ear beneat" "is 0eet and t"e m re s (id(y "e s"i0ted "is <eig"t nt it* S"ed sca(es& as b(eac"ed as (d b ne& cr-s"ed t

! <der beneat" "is b ts* T"en "e inad)ertent(y st m!ed n a branc"& and it !i) ted& sending a <a)e 0 ratt(es and sna!s t"r -g" t"e r-bb(e* He 0r =e* A s@-a<k s -nded 0r m dee!er in t"e ca)e& 0 (( <ed by t"e (eat"ery <"isk and scra!e 0 <ingbeats* Mercanyin scarce(y managed t c -c" "is s!ear and raise "is s"ie(d be0 re t"e <"ite drag n c"arged "im* T"e beast <"isked )er t"e s(ee!ing anima(& "ead c cked back& c(a<s s!(ayed* 'ts b(-e eyes 0(ickered red in a beam 0 s-n(ig"t <inding t"r -g" a crack in t"e <a((* 'ts t ng-e streamed -t& and it "-00ed -t a b(ast 0 breat" t"at s<ir(ed& c( -d(ike& t"r -g" t"e intermittent (ig"t* Mercanyin d dged& b t catc"ing n t"e branc"* He st-mb(ed& 0ig"ting 0 r ba(ance "e n(y "a(0 ca-g"t* He t<isted as "e 0e((& dis( dging t"e s!ear* He tensed 0 r t"e c (d ag ny 0 t"e breat" <ea! n& b-t t"e sensati n "e e?!ected ne)er came* 'ts e00ect <ent bey nd c (d& 0ree=ing e)ery m-sc(e int a tig"t s!asm "e 0 -g"t t -n( ck* His s"ie(d skittered acr ss st ne* T"e drag n+s 0ren=ied c"arge (e0t it n c"ance 0 r a s-dden st !* M ment-m s(ammed t"e drag n int t"e 0a((en knig"t& b <(ing "im )er* T"e beast c(-ng& massi)e c(a<s raking Mercanyin+s arm r in a sa)age c"a s 0 00ense* One c(a< t re a ga-nt(et 0r m "is "and and t"e t"er gas"ed "is c"eek& t"e "e(met a(( t"at sa)ed "is ear* 6ain m bi(i=ed Mercanyin& and "e managed t tear 0ree 0 t"e breat" <ea! n t"at "ad !ara(y=ed "im bey nd <inter c (d* He 0(ai(ed 0 r "is s< rd& t"e e00 rt m re des!erati n t"an intent* His "and c( sed n t"e "i(t& t"e t-g t"at 0reed it !ening "is de0enses* T"e drag n (atc"ed its Aa<s nt "is (e0t s" -(der& teet" indenting arm r& t"e !ress-re 0 its bite ra< ag ny* Mercanyin s<-ng in a !ainCmad 0-ry* T"e s< rd b(ade cras"ed "arm(ess(y against sca(es* T"e !ain in Mercanyin+s s" -(der became ang-is" "e c -(d n ( nger bear* He ree(ed and (-rc"ed& !anic t"reatening t -s-r! training* He c(-ng t "is " n r& 0i((ing "is mind <it" need* G d against e)i(* Rig"t against <r ng* His " n r r se t t"e c"a((enge& (ending t"e sec nd <ind "e s -g"t* He (-nged 0 r t"e s!ear& and "is 0ingers t"ras"ed against < d* He ca-g"t t"e s"a0t in "is -n!r tected "and& t"e intensity 0 "is gri! dri)ing s!(inters int "is !a(m* T"e drag n+s 0 t ca-g"t "im a b( < t"at dented "is "e(met and s" cked !ain t"r -g" "is "ead* .(inded by a 0(as" 0 (ig"t t"at t"reatened t stea( c nsci -sness& "e t"r-st 0 r t"e beast+s eye* Meta( Aarred t"r -g" 0(es"* T"e drag n screamed& and t"e sma((er creat-re be"ind it " <(ed an ec" * Mercanyin t<isted* T"e s!ear s"i0ted 00 b ne& g(iding dee!er

int <"at "e c -(d n < see <as t"e drag n+s breast* Warm b( d s!(attered Mercanyin& and "e " !ed it <as n t "is <n* T"e beast reared <it" a cry m re !ained t"an angered* 'ts teet" 0e(( a<ay& and it 0( !!ed t t"e 0( r* 'ts (imbs sti00ened& tai( (as"ing a ra!id b-t -ndirected cadence* T"en its b(-e eyes& s 0tened by t"e g(a=e 0 " )ering deat"& r ((ed t Mercanyin* DD y - grant y -r )ictims a (ast re@-estFD it ras!ed& b( d 0 aming 0r m its m -t" <it" e)ery < rd* St-nned by t"e a!!ea(& Mercanyin ga)e n ans<er& A-st 0 -g"t t catc" "is <n breat"* T"e drag n c( sed its eyes& 0inis"ing <it" -t a<aiting a re!(y* D6(ease* Take care 0 my s n* He+s n t <"at "e seems* D Great (-ngs "ea)ing& it str-gg(ed t !en ne eye a crack* DAnd neit"er am '* D T"e e00 rt !r )ed t m-c"* T"e eye sna!!ed c( sed& and b( d <as"ed 0r m its Aa<s& c ( ring n se and teet" scar(et* A(( breat"ing ceased* Mercanyin 0e(t "is <n c nsci -sness <a)ering* A s<ir( 0 !in! int (ig"ts -n0 c-sed "is )isi n& and a r ar 0i((ed "is "ead& gr <ing ( -der* He dared n t m )e& gri!!ing t"e r ck 0( r <it" 0ingers t"at 0e(t t"ick and detac"ed* Grad-a((y& sig"t ret-rned* T"e s -nd in "is "ead diminis"ed& t"en disa!!eared& (ea)ing a si(ence interr-!ted n(y by reg-(ar gr-nts 0r m dee!er in t"e ca)e* F r n <& Mercanyin ign red t"em& n t <is"ing t 0ace an t"er drag n& n matter its si=e& s s n* He st-died "is dead enemy* T"e massi)e b dy s!ra<(ed n t"e st ne 0( r& sti(( and "arm(ess in t"e g( m* O(d < -nds marred its "ide& s me -nnat-ra((y straig"t& b)i -s(y car)ed by s< rd r a?e in c mbat* Ot"ers (e0t t"e te((ta(e& !ara((e( gas"es 0 c(a<s r t"e ragged(y edged )a(s t"at indicated bites* One 0(es"y "ead " rn ended in a tattered st-m!* Scars crisscr ssed its sn -t* Des!ite "is "atred& Mercanyin kne< a m ment 0 !ity 0 r a creat-re "is " n r t (d "im s" -(d ne)er "a)e e?isted 0 r its e)i(* Des!ite its s-re(y 0eigned re(-ctance& it "ad ( ng kn <n " < t 0ig"t* He < ndered i0 a(( drag ns b re t"e marks 0 many c mbats* 't seemed -n(ike(y* On(y t"e bra)est 0 men < -(d c nsider 0acing s-c" a creat-re& and s-re(y a(( b-t t"e m st 0 (is" !redat r < -(d seek a (ess s!irited mea(* Mercanyin < ndered <"y t"is !artic-(ar drag n seemed t"e )ictim 0 s m-c" )i (ence* 'ts in"erent e)i( did n t seem en -g" 0 r any b-t a dedicated knig"tH it "ad acted disinc(ined t d batt(e <it" "im* A creat-re <"ic" s!ent m-c" 0 its (i0e ca-sing stri0e < -(d s-re(y "a)e seen a knig"t as a c"a((enge& n t an intr-der t be ign red -nti( "e breac"ed t"e (air and !(aced 0ami(y in danger*

T"e end 0 t"e s!ear !r tr-ded 0r m beneat" t"e drag n* Mercanyin sei=ed it& braced "imse(0& and !-((ed* .r ken& t"e <ea! n A (ted 0ree easier t"an "e e?!ected and sent "im staggering back<ard* He ca-g"t "is ba(ance& )ertig b-00eting "im at t"e s-dden m )ement* He "e(d a b( dCsmeared& s"attered s"a0t in "is "ands* Mercanyin t ssed t"e -se(ess stick aside* 't t"-nked " (( <(y against t"e ca)e <a((& t"en r ((ed acr ss t"e !i(ed debris <it" a < den c(atter* T"e drag n+s (ast < rds ec" ed t"r -g" "is "ead* A(( t"e (egends and a(( "is st-dy t (d "im t"at <"ite drag ns "ad n " n r at a((* Fr m <"ere& t"en& came t"e ( ya(ty t its c"i(d t"at "ad made it 0ig"t <"en it < -(d rat"er "ide and g aded it t beg an enemy t raise its y -ngF T"e need t @-esti n b t"ered Mercanyin m re t"an t"e circ-mstances* Eac" 0 t"e e)i( creat-res "e "ad enc -ntered < -(d 0(ing its <n m t"er n t"e knig"t+s s< rd i0 it mig"t gain its <n esca!e* Mercanyin "eaded back t <ard t"e nest and t"e sma(( <"ite creat-re t"at m-st be t"e drag n+s s n* He did n t 0ee( b -nd by a !r mise t e)i(* H n r dr )e "im t c" se t"e m ra( !at" and t damn a(( c nse@-ence* Yet& t"e drag n+s des!erati n seemed t ec" t"r -g" "is "eartH t"e < rds remained ( dged in "is mind* DTake care 0 my s n* D He <ed an enemy n t"ing& yet "e < -(d e?amine t"is baby* T"e "atc"(ing "-dd(ed in t"e midd(e 0 t"e !assage<ay* 't resemb(ed its !arent c( se(y in s"a!e and c ( r& a(t" -g" its immat-rity <as b)i -s* 't (acked t"e ad-(t+s ang-(arity& a(( edges r -nded and !-dgy* T" -g" s 0terC0eat-red t"an its e(der& t"ere <as n t"ing attracti)e ab -t t"e creat-re* 'ts ( ng& "air(ess neck stretc"ed 0r m a b dy !(ated <it" <"ite sca(es* 'ts beak s!(ayed !en& 0 rked t ng-e !r tr-ding* St-bby <ings beat back<ard at t"e sig"t 0 Mercanyin& and it !ened its m -t" <ider& ( king (ike s me ancient& re!ti(ian bird* Fr m "is years <it" Dameernya and "er anima(s& Mercanyin s-s!ected its m ti)ati ns <ere simi(ar* T y -ng t yet kn < 0riend 0r m 0 e& it <anted t be 0ed* Bns"eat"ing "is s< rd& Mercanyin ste!!ed -! beside t"e "atc"(ing* 'ts acti ns became m re <i(d as "e a!!r ac"ed* 'ts b(eats b(ended int a 0ren=y& and its m -t" seemed t -n"inge <it" antici!ati n* H-ge b(-e eyes ri)eted n Mercanyin& 0-(( 0 an inte((igence t"at seemed bey nd its age& t" -g" n t bey nd its breed* H-man eyes* Mercanyin 0reed "is mind 0 t"e c m!aris n* He 0aced a creat-re 0 -(timate e)i(* T" -g" it <as sma(( n <& "e c -(d n t (et it reac" t"e si=e 0 its !arent* Mercanyin raised "is s< rd 0 r t"e ki((* T"e "atc"(ing+s eyes 0 (( <ed t"e m )ement& b-t it did n t c <er r cringe* C(ear(y& it "ad n c nce!t 0 deat" r

danger& a((Ctr-sting (ike a "-man in0ant* Since ( nger t"an a decade ag & <"en Mercanyin "ad interna(i=ed t"e knig"t+s at" in a 0(as" 0 <"at "ad seemed 6a(adineCins!ired insig"t& "e "ad ne)er @-esti ned* N <& a mi((i n -ncertainties b mbarded "im at nce* T"e 0ee(ing 0 s met"ing amiss t"at "ad " -nded "im since (ea)ing Dameernya n < ignited int a sa)age b n0ire t"at 0ina((y a(( <ed "im t rec gni=e d -bt* D -bt* 't c ns-med "im& s!reading 0r m (imb t mind t "eart in an instant* D -bt assai(ed "im in t"e 0 rm 0 a trai( 0 c(-es "e c -(d n t 0 (( < as <e(( as an inner ske!ticism "e dared n t c ntem!(ate* T many detai(s 0 t"is drag n and its 00s!ring did n t 0it int "is neat and narr < )ie< 0 a rea(ity based n a sing(e sentence and t"e t"ree "-ndred ) (-mes t"at de0ined it> My " n r is my (i0e* Mercanyin 0 c-sed n t"e !"rase& trying t -se it t 0-e( a n <Ctrite acti n t"at s" -(d n t "a)e re@-ired t" -g"t* .-t& instead 0 descending& t"e s< rd remained 0r =en in !(ace* S( <(y& Mercanyin ( <ered b(ade and arm* C mm n sense t (d Mercanyin t"at t"is creat-re <as e)i(* 6e !(e& n t magica( creat-res& <ere b rn inn cent& sin(ess& <it" -t bent t <ard any 0 rm 0 be"a)i r* /egends 0r m s -rces "e < -(d ne)er d -bt t (d t"at e)ery c"r matic drag n <as e)i( and e)ery meta((ic g d* .reeding& n t en)ir nment& determined t"e nat-re 0 s-c" creat-res* Yet& t"e "atc"(ing+s eyes bes! ke a di00erent st ry> g-i(e(ess& tr-sting& and -(timate(y needy* Mercanyin s"eat"ed "is s< rd* 't seemed (ike 0 re)er since "e "ad needed t c nsider "is acti ns* A(<ays& "is " n r r se t steer "im t <ard t"e m ra( c -rse& @-e((ing any misgi)ings <it" an -nderstanding 0 rig"t* N <& 0 r t"e 0irst time& " n r 0ai(ed "im* He 0e(t -tter(y a( ne and as des!erate(y needy as t"e "atc"(ing* T"e " (e inside "im gre< t a )ast and ( ne(y des (ati n* T"e ans<er 0ina((y cameH it "ad e(-ded "im be0 re beca-se "is mind < -(d n t acce!t it* T"e t"ing t"at "ad made "im inc m!(ete& t"e name(ess s met"ing "e c"ased <as t"e )ery t"ing "e "ad tried t esca!e> Dameernya* His bsessi n 0 r g( ry c -(d n t& by itse(0& carry "im any ( nger* Certain(y& t"ere <as r m in "is (i0e 0 r ( )e* Mercanyin sank t t"e gr -nd& sitting& ( st in t" -g"t* T"e drag n+s "-ngry gr-nts became distant backgr -nd t t" -g"ts "e "ad denied t ( ng& "idden be"ind a c de "e "ad c" sen ne)er t @-esti n* F r a(( its e)i(& t"e drag n s" <ed m re " n r t"an '* E)en near deat"& its ( ya(ty <as t its b( d 0irst& <"i(e ' aband ned my ( )e* G-i(t s<am d <n n Mercanyin& and t"e intr s!ecti n !ened "im t t"er detai(s* Many !artic-(ars ab -t t"e drag n sti(( did n t 0it* First& it <as (arger t"an "is st-dies s-ggested it s" -(d be& near(y

ten times rat"er t"an 0i)e times "is "eig"t* Bnti( n <& "e "ad !assed t"is 00 as t"e e?aggerated !erce!ti n 0 an enemy& t"e same t"at made )i((agers describe a biting !-!!y as a < (0* .-t "e did n t -s-a((y 0a(( !rey t t"e de(-si ns t"at ga)e credence t t"e !-ny acc m!(is"ments 0 sma((C minded men* T"e drag n <as )ersi=ed* Sec nd& t"e drag n+s re(-ctance t 0ig"t seemed -tC 0C!(ace* C(ear(y& neit"er 0ear n r (ack 0 abi(ity acc -nted 0 r t"is* Mercanyin < -(d n t de(-de "imse(0* As in m st batt(es against c m!etent enemies& (-ck "ad !(ayed as (arge a "and as ski((* He& n t t"e drag n& c -(d as easi(y (ie dead n t"e ca)e 0( r* T"e (ast inc ngr-ity !(aced t"e !ict-re int 0-(( !ers!ecti)e* T"e breat" <ea! n t"at "ad bare(y ca-g"t "im and tem! rari(y !ara(y=ed "im <as t"e !iece t"at Aarred t"e m st* At t"e time& "e "ad e?!ected a <"ite drag n+s icy breat"& and "is mind "ad c(-ng t t"e image 0 0ree=ing "is m-sc(es in !(ace* N <& "e c -(d reca(( n sensati n 0 c (dness in t"e attack& and t"e e?"a(ati n "ad been m re gase -s t"an c nica( and b(asting* T"e ans<er came s<i0t(y> On(y si()er drag ns "a)e a gas <ea! n t"at !ara(y=es* H rr r c(-tc"ed Mercanyin+s c"est& and "is "eart seemed t st ! beating& (ea)ing "im gas!ing 0 r (i0e and air* He (ea!t t "is 0eet& "eed(ess 0 t"e di==iness t"at <as"ed d <n n "im* His "ands and 0eet <ent icy as "is b( d 0( <ed t )ita( rgans* He r-s"ed t t"e ad-(t drag n& dra<ing "is kni0e as "e ran* 't seemed (ike an eternity be0 re "e managed t !ry a sca(e 0ree <it" t"e kni0e& re)ea(ing a !atc" 0 skin as !ink as a !ig(et+s* He c"arged -tside amid t"e ye(!ing c" r-s 0 t"e baby drag n& " (ding t"e sca(e -! t t"e e)ening (ig"t* 't <as <"ite& !-re <"ite& <it" -t e)en a "int 0 meta((ic s"een* T"e re(ie0 t"at 0( ded Mercanyin bare(y b-dged t"e grim certainty t"at "e "ad m-rdered a creat-re 0 -(timate g dness& a drag n "e s" -(d "a)e sacri0iced "is <n (i0e t !r tect* His mind 0(as"ed again t t"e image 0 a !ig(et* N t a(( !igs <ere !ink& n(y t" se t"at < -(d bec me <"ite as ad-(ts* On(y t" se t"at <ere a(bin * /ig"t s"eened s 0t(y 0r m t"e sca(e& t" -g" it seemed b(inding in t"e <ake 0 rea(i=ati n* Dameernya "ad n-rsed m re t"an ne redCeyed rabbit t "ea(t"& t"e same -nbreac"ab(e <"ite as b t" 0 t"e drag ns "e "ad 0aced t"is day* A(bin r dents "ad !ink eyes* Ot"ers& (ike t"e !igs& t"e " rse& and t"e "-man c"i(d "e "ad seen& "ad b(-e eyes* .(-e (ike t"e drag n+s* Rem rse 0 (( <ed rea(i=ati n in a <i(d r-s" t"at near(y )ert-rned reas n* ' ki((ed ne 0 t"e m st ! <er0-( ser)ants 0 g dness* A < rse t" -g"t -s-r!ed t"e 0irst* ' near(y

m-rdered a baby si()er drag n as <e((* Tears 0 0r-strati n b-rned "is eyes& and g-i(t "ammered merci(ess(y at "is c nscience* He did n t rati na(i=e r try t A-sti0y <"at "e "ad d ne* Ot"ers < -(d "a)e 0a((en as easi(y t c nc(-si ns& b-t "e <as n t t"ers* T"e tatters 0 "is " n r t (d "im t make amends& and "e de()ed t"e means 0r m "is c re* ' "a)e t tend t"is baby* ' "a)e t raise it* Dameernya <i(( kn < " <* Mercanyin kne< "is <i0e "ad ne)er be0 re seen a drag n& b-t caring 0 r anima(s 0 e)ery kind came nat-ra((y t "er* DMy " n r is my (i0e& D Mercanyin <"is!ered& yet t"e < rds seemed t "a)e ( st a(( t"eir abi(ity t c"arge "im* T"e ( ss 0rig"tened "im& and "e 0e(t <" ((y a( ne 0 r t"e 0irst time since "is training as a knig"t* T"ere <as m re t "is (i0e t"an being a Knig"t 0 S (amnia* T"ere <as Dameernya& i0 s"e "ad t"e grace t take back a "-sband s -ndeser)ing& and& n <& t"e a(bin si()er "atc"(ing* He < ndered i0 "e c -(d rec nci(e t"at t "is " n r& < ndered e)en i0 "e s" -(d* T many& inc(-ding t" se <" 0 (( <ed t"e <ay 0 rig"t m st sta-nc"(y& (i)ed by a!!earances a( ne* T"e dying si()er drag n "ad c"arged "im <it" a res! nsibi(ity "e dared n t tr-st t an t"er* T"ere <ere t" se <" < -(d -se its !resence in "is " -se t de0i(e t"e knig"ts& <" < -(d see "is ass ciati n <it" a D<"iteD drag n as !r 0 t"at t"e Knig"ts 0 S (amnia (eag-ed <it" e)i( and s" -(d be ( at"ed and reAected& e)en ki((ed* T"ere < -(d be t" se am ng t"e knig"ts t"emse()es <" < -(d n t be(ie)e r e)en stay t (isten t "is e?!(anati n* S-re(y& t"e drag n "ad s-00ered t"e same 0ate& des!ised by e)i( 0 r its g dness and by t" se 0 g d 0 r a!!earances n(y* Mercanyin "eaded back inside& "is mind a(ready c"-rning )er t"e many ! ssib(e <ays t trans! rt t"e baby drag n t t"e <ag n "e "ad br -g"t 0 r its !arent+s c r!se* N <& 0 r t"e 0irst time since "is bsessi n <it" " n r and 0ame "ad made a 0 ( 0 "im& t"e idea 0 dis!(aying "is !ri=e and !r <ess made "im b(-s"& "is g( ry bec ming a s"ame as <e(( as a regret* He "ad c" sen a di00ic-(t c -rse& yet ne t"at <as bare(y s-00icient 0 r at nement* 'n t"e end& "e " !ed& it < -(d rede0ine rat"er t"an destr y "is " n r* Mercanyin rem )ed ga-nt(et and "e(met& t"en "eaded back int t"e drag n+s ca)e* Easy 6ickings D -g(as Ni(es DCa-g"t +em <it+ t"e ri)er be"ind +em C m re better 0 r ki((in+& D C"a(ti0 rd gr <(ed& e?citement ! -nding <it"in "is

barre(Csi=ed c"est* DSt-!id !(ace t ride& D agreed De(markiam S(as"master& C"a(ti0 rd+s triba( c"ie0* T"e t< gres st d n a grassy embankment )er( king a ri)er )a((ey* A 0i(e 0 arm red ridersCKnig"ts 0 S (amniaC !atr ((ed t"e near bank& m )ing steadi(y d <nstream* Wit" t"e )ast army 0 H-ma and "is drag ns r-m red t be 0ar t t"e n rt"& t"is detac"mentCbetter t"an t"ree sc re knig"tsC certain(y 0aced terrib(e danger* T" -g" a(( t"e <ar c"ie0s "ad ad)anced t t"e (i! 0 t"e !r m nt ry& as yet t"ey "ad n t been bser)ed* C"a(ti0 rd+s kinsmen& si? d =en str ng& "-nkered d <n -t 0 sig"t& as did t"e t"er n-mer -s c m!anies 0 t"e "-(king& br-tis" "-man ids* As t"e c"ie0tain 0 a sma(( tribe& De(markiam c mmanded a band 0 "is )i((age mates and c -sins* DT"ey+(( git t 0ar a<ay& D C"a(ti0 rd <arned* 'ndeed& C"a(ti0 rd+s c m!any needed t strike 0astC e(se t"e "-man riders < -(d s n s(i! -t 0 range* DC"argeED be(( <ed De(markiam& ne)er ne 0 r ( ng c mmand c n0erences* T<enty c"ie0s s"ared a!!r ?imate(y t"e same t" -g"t !r cess& and a ( ng& ri!!(ing be(( < r-mb(ed 0r m t"e "eig"ts a( ngside t"e ri)er* N < t"e knig"ts ( ked -!& immediate(y <"ee(ing t"eir "ea)y c"argers t <ard t"e t"reat* C"a(ti0 rd imagined t"eir 0ear as a t" -sand gres ! -nded t <ard t"em& and t"e t" -g"t !ierced "im <it" a c"i(( 0 !(eas-re* T"e d =en c(ans 0 gres& a(( -nited -nder t"e banner 0 t"e Dark G-een& !ressed 0 r<ard* F r brie0 min-tesCt"e time it t k t c"arge a "a(0 mi(eCC"a(t re(is"ed ne 0 t"e m st g( ri -s e!is des in "is ( ng and )i (ent (i0e* T"e "-(king br-tes& c"arging (ine abreast& made t"e )ery gr -nd r-mb(e beneat" t"eir a<es me ns(a-g"tE .e0 re t"em& t"e sma(( c m!any 0 "ea)i(y arm red knig"ts <"ee(ed t"eir " rses in a tig"t circ(e& b-t t"ey <ere n t ab(e t !r tect t"eir 0(anks* And t"e ri)er be"ind t"em& t dee! t 0 rd& e00ecti)e(y b( cked t"eir retreat* A great sta((i n reared be0 re C"a(ti0 rd& and "e smas"ed at it <it" "is c(-b& breaking t"e steed+s (eg* T"e rider+s s< rd s(as"ed d <n<ard& biting t"e gre+s <rist& b-t De(markiam S(as"master t"r-st "is st neCti!!ed b(ade bet<een C"a(ti0 rd and t"e knig"t* T"e "-man gr-nted& < -nded in t"e be((y& and C"a(ti0 rd+s c(-b r se again& s<ee!ing t"e (-ck(ess 0e(( < 0r m "is " rse* Eig"t r ten gres cr <ded near t eager(y administer t"e 0ina( b( <s& <"i(e De(markiam s(it t"e " rse+s t"r at as an a0tert" -g"t* Raising "is b( dy c(-b& C"a(ti0 rd " <(ed in tri-m!"* His

c"ie0tain at "is side& t"e gre (ie-tenant (-mbered dee!er int t"e 0ray& !-rs-ing "is ne?t )ictim* .-t t"e knig"ts resisted <it" s-r!rising disci!(ine and im!ressi)e 0er city* A0ter t"e 0irst c(as" t"ey dre< t"eir " rses tig"t(y t get"er* T"e gres tried )a(iant(y& b-t c -(d n t !ress c( se en -g" t drag t"e ins (ent "-mans 0r m t"eir sadd(es* T"e knig"ts made a series 0 g-tsy c -nterc"arges& kee!ing t"eir br-tis" !! nents 00 ba(ance* C"a(ti0 rd admired t"eir bra)ery e)en as "e (-sted 0 r t"eir b( d& b-t "is c(-b remained -n<etted by 0-rt"er b( d(etting* H <(ing in 0r-strati n& "e "-r(ed "imse(0 against t"e <a(( 0 b-cking " rses& 0a((ing back <it" br-ises 0r m many an ir nCs" d " 0* E)ent-a((y& n-mbers !re)ai(ed& and t"e br-tis" gres 0-((y encirc(ed t"e sma(( band 0 riders* A?es and "ammers rang against s< rds and s"ie(ds& and t"e 0ie(d res -nded <it" t"e c(as" and c"a s 0 a 0ine batt(e* Cries 0 men& gres& and " rses ming(ed in a cac !" ny 0 !ain and rage* Sti((& (ess t"an "a(0 0 t"e "-mans "ad been kn cked 0r m t"eir sadd(es <"en C"a(ti0 rd+s eyes s<e!t sky<ard& c m!e((ed by s me g-t !rem niti n* S(eek meta( deat" s< !ed t <ard "im* T"e drag ns 0 H-ma "ad c me& and n < t"ey d )e 0r m t"e "ea)ens in g(eaming sa)agery& g (ds and si()ers& brasses and br n=es& a(( bearing ridersCand many 0 t"e riders <ie(ding t"e dead(y (ances t"at "ad s decisi)e(y t-rned t"e tide 0 t"e <ar* T"e entire 0 rce 0 gres @-ai(ed be0 re t"e sig"t 0 t"e mat-re ser!ents* Many 0 t"e "-ge "-man ids 0e(( t t"e gr -nd& gr )e(ing !at"etica((y& t terri0ied e)en t try t 0ig"t t"e great <yrms* T"e m -nted knig"ts 0 -nd ne< (i0e and (-nged 0 r<ard in an -ne?!ected c"arge* C"a(ti0 rd raised "is c(-b& bare(y kn cking aside a b( < t"at < -(d "a)e s!(it "is 0ace* De(markiam stabbed at a c"arging " rse& b-t s(iced at t"in air* 'n an instant& it seemed& t"e knig"ts "ad er-!ted t"r -g" t"e ring 0 gres* T"e 0-(( 0-ry 0 t"e drag ns <as )ented n t"e 0(eeing gres* C"a(ti0 rd+s (air mates b(ed t t"e c-t 0 ta( n and 0ang& r died in ag ny beneat" sca(ding 0ireba((s 0 drag n breat" and t"e s!itt(e 0 ca-stic acid* F r 0rantic min-tes C"a(ti0 rd+s <n (i0e became a terri0ying c ((age 0 nearC0ata( enc -nters <it" deat"* He sa< De(markiam b rne t eart"& cr-s"ed by ! <er0-( c(a<s* T"e dying gre cried -t t "is 0riend& b-t C"a(t scramb(ed a<ay& terri0ied by t"e nearness 0 t"e drag ns* Ot"er <yrms s ared !ast& b( tting -t t"e s-n* C"a(ti0 rd

d )e t t"e m ist eart" and b-ried "is 0ace in t"e m-d& @-i)ering in " rr r as gres t "is rig"t and (e0t <ere rent by t"e c(a<s 0 a "-ge g (d drag n* Sna!!ing Aa<s t re a<ay m st 0 ne 0 "is ears as "e des!erate(y cra<(ed a<ay* T"e gre d )e 0 r s me b-s"es& 0ee(ing t"e searing e?!( si n 0 a drag n+s breat" b( ss ming )er "is "eadCA-st "ig" en -g" t s!are "is (i0e& t" -g" crack(ing b(isters r se n "is back& and t"e ( ng !igtai( n t"e rear 0 "is sca(! <as singed t as"es* C(ear 0 t"e immediate batt(e& C"a(ti0 rd r se t "is 0eet and (-mbered 0 r t"e s"e(ter 0 a nearby 0 rest* E)en t"en "e <as n t c m!(ete(y sa0e& " <e)er& as an intre!id knig"t ga(( !ed a0ter "im n "is great& barded c"arger* T"e gre bare(y reac"ed t"e ent<ined branc"es in time& !(-nging t"r -g" a t"icket 0 t" rns <it" t"e knig"t+s (ance !r dding "im in t"e "ee(* 6rick(y branc"es t re C"a(ti0 rd+s b-rned& br-ised 0(es"& b-t "is !ain n(y dr )e "im t greater !anic and m re des!erate 0(ig"t* On(y a0ter " -rs 0 gas!ing& terri0ied r-nning did "e dare t s( < "is !ace t a st-mb(ing <a(k* As "e b(ind(y !( dded a( ng& "is st rm 0 em ti ns bsc-red any immediate sense 0 0atig-e* C"a(ti0 rd <as < -nded& angry& de0eated& "-mb(ed& 0r-strated*** a b(eak and de!ressing (itany* Yet "e c -(d n t 0 rget t"at& m st 0 a((& "e <as a(i)eE DA "-ndred c-rses n t"e Knig"ts 0 S (amniaED "e snar(ed a( -d& "a(0 e?!ecting t"e trees n eit"er side 0 t"e trai( t c <er in terr r at t"e 0ierceness 0 "is ) ice* A0ter a((& t"ere "ad been a time "ere in t"e K"ar (is M -ntains <"en t"e bark 0 an gre <as a 0eared and res!ected s -ndE O0 c -rse& t"at "ad been in t"e time be0 re t"e knig"ts& and t"e drag ns 0 meta(& and t"e acc-rsed (ances& C"a(ti0 rd re0(ected r-e0-((y* W"y did t"ey "a)e t 0ig"t an enemy s br-ta((y ca!ab(eF He gr -sed t"at c m!(aint )er and )er& te((ing "imse(0 t"at t"e Dark G-een+s <ar "ad bec me a gigantic <aste 0 time and b( d* Ogres against knig"ts and drag nsF T many gres <ere getting ki((ed* W"at "e needed <ere s me easy !ickings& C"a(ti0 rd decided* He <as a big& str ng greC"e s" -(d be ab(e t 0ind s met"ing sma(( and <eak& (ike in t"e (d days& and bas" it !retty g d* Fr m n < n& t"at+s <"at "e+d make s-re t d * C"a(ti0 rd <as d ne <it" <ars and cam!aigns and batt(es against 0ireCbreat"ing& 0(ying ser!entsE He maintained "is tr-dging marc" 0 r many days* His c -rse t k "im dee! int t"e K"ar (is M -ntainsCn t 0 r any !artic-(ar reas n& b-t beca-se "is 0earCcra=ed instincts t (d

"im t"at t"e r-gged "eig"ts 00ered "im s me re0-ge 0r m t"e "ate0-( "-mans and t"eir <retc"ed a((ies& t"e drag ns 0 meta(* O0 c -rse& in m -ntains t"e t"reat 0 d<ar)es <as a(<ays !resent* C"a(ti0 rd kne< d<ar)es& "ad ki((ed many 0 t"e scra!!y& bearded <arri rs& and "e ( at"ed t"em near(y as m-c" as "e did t"e S (amnics* .-t "e kne< t"at T" rbardin (ay 0ar t t"e s -t"& and d<ar)es in t"is range <ere !retty scarce* F r t"e time being& C"a(ti0 rd < -(d "a)e t take "is c"ances against t"e ! ssibi(ity 0 d<ar)es )er t"e certainty 0 t"e drag ns and knig"ts <" r-(ed t"e !(ains 0 S (amnia* He <as trekking <eari(y t"r -g" a r cky& barren )a(e <"en t"e gre c"ie0tain sa< s met"ing t"at st !!ed "im in "is tracks* At 0irst "e 0eared t"at a(( "is e)asi ns "ad been 0 r na-g"t* S-n(ig"t& s(anting ( < )er t"e <estern ridge& re0(ected )er a g(eaming s-r0ace be0 re "imCa skin 0 ri!!(ing sca(es& eac" as brig"t as a ! (is"ed c in 0 !-rest g (d* Drag nE T"e big& ser!entine b dy s!ra<(ed n a m -ntainside n m re t"an a "a(0 mi(e a<ay* T"e <yrm (ay at t"e base 0 a s"eer !reci!ice& and 0 r t"e m ment at (east "ad n t n ticed C"a(ti0 rd+s !resence* T"e gre+s knees <ent r-bbery& and "e s(-m!ed t t"e gr -nd <it" a ( < m an* Eyes <ide& "e ga!ed at t"e immense g (den ser!ent t"at "e "ated and 0eared m re t"an anyt"ing e(se* T"e creat-re (ay& a!!arent(y s-nning itse(0& n a r -g" and stee!(y s( !ing ridget ! 0 b -(ders* T"e c(i00 bey nd t"e drag n e?tended -!<ard 0 r t" -sands 0 0eet& c-(minating in ne 0 t"e "ig"est !eaks in t"is !art 0 t"e K"ar (is Range* Had t"e drag n s! tted C"a(ti0 rdF T"e gre <asn+t s-reC t" -g" t"e drag n "ad n t m )ed* T"en C"a(ti0 rd rea(i=ed s met"ing& as t"e drag n0ear s( <(y dissi!ated* T"ere <as n t"ing in t"is drag n+s manner& C"a(ti0 rd t (d "imse(0 <it" gr <ing c ckiness& e)en t s-ggest t"at it <as a(i)eE T"e gre+s dr !ing (ids descended )er "is <icked& !ig(ike eyes as a ( k 0 cra0ty a!!raisa( re!(aced t"e stark terr r t"at "ad dist rted "is 0ace m ments ear(ier* C(imbing t "is 0eet& C"a(ti0 rd sc-tt(ed t a nearby b -(der* T"e st ne A-tted -!<ard 0r m t"e gr -nd& "ig" en -g" t screen "im 0r m t"e rec-mbent drag n* 6eering ar -nd t"e r ck& "e st-died t"e m ti n(ess creat-re* S-re en -g"& C"a(ti0 rd s! tted a ga!ing tear in t"e creat-re+s neck& and its <ing (ay s!ra<(ed beside it in an a<k<ard 0as"i n& <renc"ed 0r m its !r !er a(ignment* S"re<d(y& t"e gre st-died "is ancient enemy* C"a(ti0 rd s"-ddered <it" re)-(si n e)en as "e g( ated )er t"is drag n+s !redicament* T"e creat-re m-st "a)e been tr-(y a<es me <"en it <as a(i)e& 0 r its b dy <as -nc mm n(y "-ge*

H < m-c" treas-re mig"t a <yrm (ike t"at ac@-ire d-ring a (i0etimeF S-re(y& an -nimaginab(e am -ntE As t"e t" -g"t entered "is mind& an t"er 0 (( <ed in -n-s-a((y ra!id se@-ence* W"ate)er treas-re t"is drag n "ad amassed "ad t be !resent(y -ng-ardedE O0 c -rse& t"e creat-re c -(d "a)e ended -! "ere a0ter 0(ying 0r m a )irt-a((y -n(imited distance* .-t 0r m t"e se)erity 0 its < -nds& C"a(ti0 rd g-essed t"at t"e drag n "ad n t tra)e(ed )ery 0ar in its <eakened state* N & t"e g (den ser!ent "ad been rig"t in t"is )icinity& "e s-s!ected& <"en grim 0ate c(aimed it* Tremb(ing& C"a(t cre!t c( ser* E)en dead& t"e m nster remained massi)e& a<eCins!iring& and " rri0ic* 't <as a(( t"e gre c -(d d t 0 rce "is < bb(ing (egs 0 r<ard* Yet as "e c ntin-ed "is ca-ti -s a!!r ac"& and n sign 0 m )ement ri!!(ed t" se g (den sca(es& C"a(ti0 rd began t master "is 0ear* .y t"e time "e "ad reac"ed t"e massi)e c r!se& t"e gre <as !ractica((y s<aggering& !-00ing "is c"est -t<ard and ba(ancing "is c(-b n "is s" -(der at a Aa-nty ang(e* He ste!!ed rig"t -! t a massi)e& (i0e(ess (imb& and e)en t" -g"t ab -t de(i)ering a sc rn0-( kick* C"a(ti0 rd c ntented "imse(0 by s!itting in t"e drag n+s directi n* T"e gre+s b( ds" t eyes g(ittered as "e ins!ected t"e c r!se 0 "is race+s dread enemy* He sa< t"at ne 0 t"e drag n+s <ings <as cr-m!(ed and scarred& as i0 it "ad s-00ered a grie) -s < -nd a ( ng time ag * C"a(ti0 rd reas ned t"at& e)en a0ter t"at < -nd "ad "ea(ed& t"e drag n "ad been -nab(e t 0(y* Ot"er < -nds <ere 0ar 0res"er& and t"ese t"e gre ded-ced t be t"e m rta( nes* T" -g" n master 0 ( gic& C"a(ti0 rd "ad seen en -g" mang(ed 0(es" and dead r dying b dies t -nderstand t"e genera( nat-re 0 0ata( inA-ry* A ( ng gas" t re t"e drag n+s neck& and t"e gre kne< t"is t be t"e deat"b( <* Yet t"e g (den <yrm "ad n t s-cc-mbed t a <ea! n& 0 r n t e)en a drag n(ance < -(d in0(ict a < -nd s dee! and <ide* 'nstincti)e(y t"e gre+s eyes ti(ted& e?amining t"e stee! 0ace 0 r ck stretc"ing sky<ard t a "ig"& sn <Cs<e!t s-mmit* Ha(0<ay -! t"e c(i00 "e sa< a !r t-berance 0 r ck* D-(( br <nis" stains intermi?ed <it" a 0e< 0(ecks 0 g (den sca(es marred t"e s-r0ace 0 t"at -tcr ! and c n0irmed C"a(ti0 rd+s "-nc"> T"e <eakened drag n "ad t !!(ed& breaking its neck in t"e !(-nge* W"y <as t"e drag n a( ne& "ere& <"en s many 0 its kin <aged <ar )er t"e !(ainsF O0 c -rse& <it" its im!aired <ing t"e ser!ent < -(d "a)e been (itt(e -se in t"e great 0(ying

0 rmati nsCb-t t"en& <"y "ad it tried t ascend s-c" a ( 0ty and stee!Csided !eakF 'deas t-gged at C"a(ti0 rd+s a)arici -s mind* A c(attering 0 st nes ca-g"t t"e gre+s ear* W"ir(ing& t"e br-te raised "is c(-b and s@-inted a( ng t"e m -ntainside* Se)era( !ebb(es r ((ed -t 0r m beneat" t"e dead ser!ent+s tai(* C"a(ti0 rd cre!t 0 r<ard& c(-b raised* He st !ed t in)estigate& !eering int a s"ad <y nic"e <"ere t"e drag n+s tai( s(-m!ed )er a !air 0 r cks* T< g (den eyes b(inked 0ear(ess(y back at "im* T"e drag n "e sa< <as a miniat-re 0 its m t"er& t" -g" at bare(y t< 0eet ( ng it "e(d n ne 0 t"e 0ears me maAesty 0 t"e ad-(t <yrm* T & its <ings <ere tiny and n t yet -sab(e* T"e (itt(e creat-re t k a ste! 0 r<ard* W"en t"e tiny "ead emerged 0r m t"e s"ad <s& C"a(ti0 rd br -g"t "is c(-b d <n in a s"ar! strike& smas"ing t"e ser!entine sk-(( <it" a sing(e b( <* T"en "e 0r =e& e?citement ting(ing t"r -g" "is )eins* W"y < -(d t"is drag n+s "atc"(ing be ar -ndF T"e ans<er <as b)i -sCs me<"ere nearby <as t"e drag n+s (airE He sa< g -ges near t"e t ! 0 t"e c(i00Cs-re(y t"e drag n+s c(a<s "ad made t"em& scratc"ing des!erate(y as it ( st its ba(ance and 0e((* Wit" 0ierce g(ee& "e made -t& ab )e t"e ta( n marks& t"e s"ad <y -t(ine 0 a ca)e+s m -t"* He "ad 0 -nd t"e drag n+s (air* Tremb(ing <it" A y& C"a(ti0 rd a!!raised t"e t <ering m -ntain* T t"e rig"t and (e0t 0 "im <ere m re grad-a( s" -(ders 0 r ck* T"ese& t & <ere stee!& b-t t"e greC n stranger t m -ntain -s terrainCkne< t"at "e c -(d c(imb eit"er side* Ob)i -s(y& t"e 0(ig"t(ess "atc"(ing "ad made t"e easy descent* T"e certainty t"at ab )e "im <aited t"e drag n+s (air !r )ed a ! <er0-( int ?icati n* A mig"ty ser!ent s-c" as t"is m-st ass-red(y "a)e been g-arding a )eritab(e " ard 0 treas-reE T"e day+s s-n(ig"t <as a(ready 0ading& s t"e gre 0 rced "imse(0 t rest 0 r t"e nig"t& intending t begin t"e c(imb <it" t"e da<n* C-r(ing -! bet<een a !air 0 A-tting r cksCn t t c( se t t"e drag n+s (i0e(ess 0 rmCC"a(ti0 rd 0e(( int a dee!& rest0-( s(ee!* His s(-mber <as br ken by !(easant dreams& in <"ic" "e <as s-rr -nded by m -ntains 0 g (d& <"ic" s"immered (ike a "-ndred bri((iant s-ns* W"en "e a<akened& "e <asted n time* He b -nced t "is 0eet& " isted "is c(-b& started t <ard ne 0 t"e m -ntain+s stee!& c-r)ing s" -(ders& and began !( dding -! t"e r ckCstre<n base* Steadi(y "e c(imbed* .e"ind "im (ay a )ast !an rama 0 m -ntains& ridges& and )a((eys* Yet t"e gre+s eyes did n t

t-rn 0r m t"e r cks in 0r nt 0 "im& and "e m )ed c ntin-a((y -!<ard& t <ard t"at b(ack " (e n t"e m -ntain+s !eak* T"e g ing <as r -g"& and in !(aces C"a(ti0 rd <as 0 rced t s(ing "is c(-b t"r -g" "is be(t s t"at "e c -(d -se b t" "ands t assist "is c(imb* Ne)ert"e(ess& "e "ad c(imbed many s-c" c"a((enging s( !esCand ne)er <it" s-c" a c m!e((ing ind-cement* T"e (-re 0 treas-re gre< )i)id in t"e gre+s mind* T"e images 0 "is dream& s"immering m -ntains 0 g (d& 0e)ered "is imaginati n* Ric"esE C"a(ti0 rd kne< "e <as n t"e )erge 0 great <ea(t"* W"en "e ret-rned t "is )i((age& t"e gres < -(d c"ant "is name& te((ing t"e ta(e 0 "is tri-m!"ant acc m!(is"ment* He < -(d "a)e "is !ick 0 t"e 0ema(es& "e kne<& and e)en t"e s<aggering y -ng ma(es < -(d stare d-mb(y in a<e at t"e < ndr -s <ea(t" 0 C"a(ti0 rdE Ogres ( )ed g (d <it" -t reas n* 'n t"is& t" -g" in 0e< t"er <ays& t"ey <ere m-c" (ike d<ar)es* G (d sed-ced t"em& m re t"an anyt"ing e(se* :-st t"e nearness 0 t"e !reci -s meta( ca-sed t"em t sa(i)ate* T ! ssess g (d )ers"ad <ed a(( t"er ! ssib(e re<ards* T"e gres 0 C"a(ti0 rd+s )i((age "ad been s-00ering 0r m nearCstar)ati n <"en t"e Dark G-een+s sc -ts "ad c me t recr-it t"em 0 r <ar* Yet& <"en 00ered t"eir c" ice 0 !ayment& n ne 0 t"e "-man ids "ad asked 0 r 0 d* 'nstead& eac" "ad desired g (d* T"e "-man c mmanders "ad engaged t"eir ser)ices 0 r !a(try n-ggets* N < t" se tidbits < -(d be mere ba-b(es c m!ared t t"e treas-re t"at <as ab -t t bec me C"a(ti0 rd+sCand "is a( neE H < m-c" g (d < -(d "e 0ind in t"e great drag n+s " ardF W -(d t"ere be !i(es 0 c ins r tr-nks 0 n-ggetsF 6er"a!sC t"e )ery t" -g"t t k "is breat" a<ayC"e < -(d 0ind a stack 0 g(eaming ing ts& eac" <eig"ing as m-c" as a kenderE O0 c -rse& t"ere < -(d d -bt(ess be gems and si()er and t"er rnaments& and t"ese& t & C"a(ti0 rd intended t c(aim* Si()er < -(d !r )ide gi0ts 0 r t"e <enc"es back " me& <"i(e t"e t"er trinkets mig"t !r )e -se0-( 0 r barter n t"e r ad* .-t t"e t" -g"t 0 t"ese !a(ed beside t"e g (d t"at dre< "im -!<ard* His mind t"-s cc-!ied& C"a(ti0 rd t k (itt(e n te 0 t"e !assing 0 t"e day* W"en "e 0ina((y !a-sed t re0(ect n "is !r gress& "e rea(i=ed "e "ad a(m st reac"ed t"e t ! 0 t"e m -ntainCand t"at t"e s-n "ad a(ready dr !!ed 0ar int t"e <estern sky* Fr m t"e crest 0 t"e ridge& t"e gre sa< t"e drag n+s (airC <it" its <ide& s"ad <y m -t"* E?cited(y& t"e gre started t inc" t <ard it a( ng a 0(at s"e(0 0 r ck* Wit" "is ( ng arms& "e reac"ed t gras! a tig"t crack in t"e r ck <a(( as a

"and" (d* S"-00(ing "is 0eet side<ays& "e edged c( ser t t"e (air* T"e (edge <as n t )ery <ide& and in s me !(aces C"a(ti0 rd+s "ee(s "-ng s-s!ended )er a manyCt" -sandC0 t dr !* Eac" ste! <as made <it" !ainstaking care& and eac" m )e necessitated a 0irm "and" (d* 'n t"is s( < 0as"i n& C"a(ti0 rd made remarkab(y g d time& and <it"in an " -r t"e s"ad <y& arc"ed entrance 0 t"e ca)e <as <it"in reac"CA-st s(ig"t(y )er"ead* N < "e strained t (i0t t"e b-(k 0 "is massi)e b dy -!<ard* His r -g"Ct ed b ts c(a<ed at t"e r ck& scramb(ing 0 r (i0t& and a "a=e 0 red 0( ated acr ss "is eyes as "e gr-nted and gas!ed* Wit" ne mig"ty !-s"& C"a(ti0 rd r ((ed -! and 0 r<ard andCdes!ite t"e !r ?imity 0 t"e (airC!anted 0 r se)era( min-tes be0 re "e 0e(t ready t stand and begin !(-ndering* Rising t "is 0eet& "e !eered int t"e s"ad <Cdarkened ca)e* .e"ind "im& t"e 0-(( g( ry 0 t"e K"ar (is range s!i((ed int t"e distance& yet "is attenti n remained ri)eted n t"e immediate g a( 0 t"e (air* F r t"e 0irst time a g(immer 0 0ear t-gged at "im* He -ns(-ng t"e c(-b 0r m "is be(t& and t"e easy "e0t 0 t"e <ea! n c nsiderab(y b (stered "is c -rage* T"e sm t" ca)ern 0( r beck ned "im in<ard& and "e care0-((y ste!!ed -nder t"e arc"ed r 0* G-ick(y "is eyes adA-sted t t"e darkness* His 0eet cr-nc"ed )er britt(e r cks& and "e ( ked d <n t see <e((Cc"e<ed s"ards 0 b ne c )ering t"e 0( r* Se)era( sk-((sC 0 deer& m -ntain s"ee!& and e(kC(ay scattered ab -t* T"e rest 0 t"e b nes "ad been br ken and s!(intered by s met"ing eager t get at t"e ric" marr < inside* An t"er 0e< ste!s br -g"t C"a(ti0 rd <it"in sig"t 0 a "-ge b-nd(e 0 t<igs and "ide* 't resemb(ed a bird+s nest& t" -g" it c -(d easi(y "a)e "e(d t"e gre and a !air 0 "is kinsmen* / king <it"in& "e sa< s"ards 0 eggs"e((s* T"e nest !r )ed bey nd a d -bt t"at t"is <as t"e drag n+s (air* S me<"ere <it"inC!r bab(y in t"e 0art"est recess 0 t"e ca)eCC"a(ti0 rd < -(d 0ind t"e ser!ent+s ric"es* T"e t" -g"t sent ting(es 0 !(eas-re ri!!(ing t"r -g" "is b dy& bringing g seb-m!s acr ss t"e s-r0ace 0 "is !a(e& brist(eCst-bb(ed skin* Cr-s"ing s"e(( 0ragments beneat" "is b ts& C"a(ti0 rd st m!ed t"r -g" t"e nest and !r bed dee!er int t"e ca)e* T"e <inding !assage<ay c ntin-ed in<ard& branc"ing int n-mer -s (arge c"ambers* S me 0 t"e c rrid rs m-st "a)e been -nc m0 rtab(y narr < 0 r t"e "-ge ser!ent& C"a(ti0 rd m-sed t "imse(0*

T"e gre ad)anced ca-ti -s(y t"r -g" se)era( 0 t"ese c"ambers& s<inging "is c(-b t"is <ay and t"at* His eyes& s"ining <it" a)arice& strained t !enetrate t"e g( m* He "eard a sc-tt(ing& r dent(ike s -nd* W"ir(ing& "e sa< n t"ing b-t s"ad <s and m ti n(ess r ck* T"ereE S met"ing raced t"r -g" t"e air <it" 0rig"tening s!eed& and C"a(ti0 rd ye(!ed in s-r!rise* 'nstincti)e(y t"e gre t"re< "imse(0 t t"e 0( r& n(y t"en rea(i=ing t"at "e "ad been start(ed by bats* H-ndreds 0 t"e tiny creat-res <inged )er"ead& 0(ying -t 0r m t"e de!t"s 0 t"e ca)e* 'n a 0e< sec nds& t"e !(ag-e 0 bats "ad !assed* T"e gre sn rted c ntem!t- -s(y& d-sting "imse(0 00 as "e r se t "is 0eet* Again "e "e0ted t"e c(-b& 0ee(ing t"e reass-ring <eig"t 0 its gri!* T"e ne?t c"amber in t"e ca)ern net< rk !r )ed -ne?!ected(y (arge* A "ig" cei(ing& st-dded <it" icic(e(ike s!ires 0 dang(ing st ne& arc"ed <e(( )er "is "ead* 6 (s 0 sti((& c(ear <ater d tted t"e 0( r* .eside t"ese "e 0 -nd many 0is" ske(et ns& !icked c(ean 0 meat* M )ing t"r -g" t"is (arge ca)e& C"a(ti0 rd t" -g"t nce m re t"at "e "eard s met"ing m )ing be"ind "im& b-t "e sa< n t"ing* Trans0erring "is c(-b t "is (e0t "and& t"e gre 0 -nd a g dCsi=ed c"-nk 0 r ck and " isted it in "is rig"t 0ist* Sti(( <a(king& "e s<i)e(ed "is b(-nt neck t t"e rig"t and (e0t& daring t"e darkness t s" < any sign 0 m )ement* T"e ca)e <as si(ent as "e cr ssed t t"e 0ar end* A narr < arc" (ed t a <inding c rrid r& and "e 0 (( <ed t"is 0 r a d =en !aces be0 re t"e <a((s !ened t eac" side& and "e nce m re 0 -nd "imse(0 in a (arge& s-bterranean c"amber* Bn(ike t"e !re)i -s r ms& " <e)er& t"is ! rti n 0 t"e ca)ern "ad n sm t" 0( r* 'nstead& t"e st ne be0 re t"e gre+s 0eet t-mb(ed stee!(y a<ay* C"a(ti0 rd c -(d bare(y make -t t"e r -g"& r cky b tt m 0 a !it& s me t<enty r t"irty 0eet be( <* T"e de!ressi n 0i((ed m st 0 t"is ca)ern& t" -g" narr <& cr-mb(ing s"e()es 0 r ck e?tended ar -nd t"e sides* .ey nd t"e !it& t"e br-tis" "-man id sa< t"e darkened arc"<ay (eading t yet an t"er -ndergr -nd c"amber* S met"ing g(immered <it"in t"at r m& and C"a(ti0 rd+s "eart ! -nded* His !a(ms gre< s(ick <it" s<eat as "e s@-inted& straining des!erate(y t !enetrate t"e g( m* His eyes s( <(y c n0irmed <"at "is mind "ad dared t " !e* T"e gre+s Aa< dr !!ed in ama=ement* Here <as g (dCa sma(( m -ntain 0 it& A-st as "e "ad !ict-red s )i)id(y in "is imaginati nE E)en t"e s"ad <s c -(d n t c ncea( t"e (-ster 0 t"e sm t" c ins* Ot"er c ( rs g(ittered and teased "im* He sa< t"e (-str -s

green t"at c -(d n(y mean emera(ds& and many a crims n s!eck signi0ied r-bies* /arger bAects 0 green and b(ack "e s-s!ected <ere Aade& <"i(e garnets& agates& and t-r@- ise a(( added t"eir m-(ti"-ed bri((iance t t"e "ea!ing m -nd 0 treas-re* C"a(ti0 rd (icked "is (i!s& -na<are t"at dr ( "ad beg-n t trick(e d <n "is manyC0 (ded c"in* On(y a s-!reme e00 rt 0 "is dim brain st !!ed "im 0r m 0(inging "imse(0 acr ss t"e !it in a des!erate e00 rt t (ea! t t"e t"er side* He 0 rced "imse(0 t ( k 0 r a !at" ar -nd t"e bstac(e* Eit"er 0 t"e r-bb(eCstre<n (edges& "e decided& 00ered a ! tentia( <ay* S & <it" a s"r-g 0 "is st !ed s" -(ders& C"a(ti0 rd "eaded t <ard t"e rig"t* 6eering int t"e !it& "e n ted t"at t" -g" its de!t" )aried& it did n t t"reaten a 0ata( 0a((* T"e b tt m <as stre<n <it" irreg-(ar r cks& " <e)er& <"ic" < -(d make 0 r a )ery -nc m0 rtab(e (anding& s t"e gre t k great !ains t make s-re t"at "e didn+t miss a ste!* F rt-nate(y& t"ere <as r m 0 r "im t <a(k <it" -t c(inging t t"e <a(( <it" b t" "ands& s "e ke!t "is c(-b ready& s<inging it <it" "is (e0t "and as "e eased 0 r<ard sim!(y beca-se t"e "e0t and 0ee( 0 it reass-red "im and increased "is c n0idence* N t t"at "e "ad anyt"ing t < rry ab -t& "e reminded "imse(0* He "eard scam!ering ste!s be"ind "im and t<isted ar -nd s t"at "is back <as against t"e <a((* He <as start(ed t see an t"er min-sc-(e drag n& (ea!ing a( ng t"e (edge A-st a 0e< 0eet be"ind "im* T"e "ead <as n (arger t"an a snake+s& s-!! rted by a s-!!(e& c-r)ing neck* T"e creat-re+s 0 re0eet <ere ti!!ed <it" s"ar! c(a<s& and des!ite its tiny si=e it regarded t"e "-(king "-man id <it" -t any b)i -s trace 0 0ear* C"a(ti0 rd+s c(-b smas"ed d <n<ard& s!(intering st nes and scattering gra)e(& b-t t"e (itt(e drag n darted s!ry(y back<ard be0 re t"e b( < str-ck* T"e "atc"(ing <as darn 0ast 0 r s-c" a tiny creat-re& t"e gre admitted t "imse(0* '0 t"at "ad been a rat r s@-irre(C creat-res 0 c m!arab(e si=eCt"e b( < < -(d "a)e certain(y s!(attered it a(( )er t"e (edge* Yet t"e drag n "ad seemed t disa!!ear e)en as t"e c(-b started its d <n<ard !(-ngeE T"e im! rtant t"ing <as t"at it "ad g ne& C"a(ti0 rd t (d "imse(0* 't c -(dn+t "a)e "-rt "im )ery m-c"& b-t t"e (ast t"ing "e <anted <as a !esky <yrm(ing ni!!ing at "is "ee(s <"i(e "e made t"is treac"er -s cr ssing* An t"er ste! 0 "is "ea)y b t kn cked ( se st nes 0ree 0r m t"e (edge& and C"a(ti0 rd rea(i=ed t"at t"e tra)erse <as a (itt(e m re c"a((enging t"an "e "ad 0irst s-s!ected* T"e

(edge narr <ed& and "e <as 0 rced t t-rn "is 0ace t t"e ca)ern <a(( as "e ba(anced n "is t es 0 r s-!! rt* T"e r ck s-r0ace <as !itted and scarred <it" n-mer -s cracks and " (es& s at (east "e 0 -nd !(enty 0 "and" (ds* He sti(( c(-tc"ed t"e "ea)y c(-b in "is (e0t 0ist* 'rritating(y& t"e (itt(e drag n "ad a!!eared nce again& scam!ering be"ind "im n t"e (edge* 't st d& a miniat-re image 0 its m t"er& staring -!<ard at t"e gre 0r m ab -t ten 0eet a<ay* Tiny <ings -n0-r(ed& 0(a!!ing a<k<ard(y& t" -g"C(ike its sib(ing d <n by t"e m t"er+s c r!seC C"a(ti0 rd kne< t"e creat-re <as sti(( t y -ng t 0(y* A tiny& 0 rked t ng-e s(i!!ed bet<een need(e s"ar! teet"& and t"e creat-re+s eyes g( <ed <it" a strange -rgency* T"ere <as en -g" menace in t" se (itt(e 0angs 0 r t"e "-man id t c nsider t-rning back and c"asing t"e creat-re 00 t"e (edgeC r !re0erab(y ki((ing itCbe0 re "e c ntin-ed n t c(aim t"e treas-re* .-t t"e nearness 0 t"at gi(ded m -nd !r )ed t str ng a (-re* Wit" a s"ar! kick& t"e gre sent t"e <yrm(ing scramb(ing a<ay* On(y t"en did C"a(ti0 rd c ntin-e "is ca-ti -s tra)erse 0 t"e (edge* / se st nes t-mb(ed a<ay <it" eac" ste!& and t"e gre c ncentrated n maintaining a tig"t gri! <it" "is 0ree "and <"i(e "e care0-((y e?amined t"e 0 ting be( <* M re n ises scratc"ed t"e (edge be"ind "im* C-rsing& t"e "-ge "-man id <is"ed "e "ad (e0t t"e c(-b in "is rig"t "andCt"e "atc"(ing <as c( se by& b-t t"e gre+s !recari -s ba(ance made it di00ic-(t 0 r "im t trans0er t"e <ea! n* E)en s & <it" "is t es <edged 0irm(y against t"e (edge& C"a(ti0 rd reac"ed ar -nd be"ind "imse(0 t !ass t"e c(-b t "is t"er "and* N < "e raised t"e kn bby stick& <aiting 0 r t"e (itt(e drag n t m )e A-st a tad c( ser* Yet t"e creat-re "-ng back& regarding "im <it" t" se !enetrating eyes* Again t"e gre a(m st started a0ter it& b-t "e kne< by n < t"at t"e <yrm(ing c -(d 0(ee 0ar 0aster t"an t"e "-man id c -(d !-rs-e* 'nstead& C"a(ti0 rd t-rned back t <ard "is g a(& re(ie)ed at (east t"at "e <as ab -t "a(0<ay ar -nd t"e !it* Once again "e "eard t"at 0ami(iar c(attering 0 c(a<s n st neCb-t t"is time t"e s -nd riginated in 0r nt 0 "im* On t"e (edge in "is !at" an t"er (itt(e drag n sat !atient(y& <e(( -t 0 striking range* And e)en i0 t"e ser!ent "ad been c( ser t "im& C"a(ti0 rd sn rted angri(y& nce again "e "e(d t"e acc-rsed c(-b in t"e <r ng "andE O0 c -rse& t"is "atc"(ing <asn+t ab -t t st ! "im eit"erE Grim(y& t"e gre c ntin-ed n& kicking t"e (edge c(ear 0 ( se r-bb(e* His 0ace <as !ressed c( se t t"e st ne <a((&

and -t 0 t"e c rner 0 "is eye "e sa< t"at t"e 0irst <yrm(ing "ad again 0 (( <ed "im nt t"e (edge* C-rsing& C"a(ti0 rd made -t t"e -t(ines 0 se)era( m re (itt(e drag ns& ca-ti -s(y emerging 0r m t"e darkness be"ind t"eir b (d sib(ing* W"en "e t<isted "is 0ace back t t"e (e0t& "e sa< t"at m re 0 t"e "atc"(ings "ad A ined t"e ne t"at b( cked "is 0 r<ard !at"* T"ere <as n d -bt in t"e gre+s mind as t "is c -rse 0 acti nC"e "ad t g 0 r<ard* T"at treas-re sti(( beck ned& and "e <as n t ab -t t be de!ri)ed 0 "is rig"t0-( re<ard* T"e insigni0icant (i=ards regarded "im <it" "-ge& 0ascinated eyes& b-t made n m )e t retreat as "e dre< c( ser* Wa)ing "is c(-b at t"e ser!ents t "is rear& "e again !r !!ed "imse(0 n "is t es and reac"ed "is "ands ar -nd "is back t trans0er t"e <ea! n t "is t"er side* 't <as t"en t"at "e n ticed t"e tiny drag n cr -c"ed in t"e s"ad <s 0 a cre)ice rig"t be0 re "is 0ace* C"a(ti0 rd b(inked& cr ssing "is eyes t 0 c-s n t"e ser!ent bare(y a 0 t 0r m "is n se* Tiny Aa<s ga!ed& s" <ing an array 0 tr-(y (arge teet"* T"e <yrm(ing+s eyes 0(as"ed <icked(y as it g-(!ed a "-ge breat"* G (den sca(es b-(ged -t<ard n t"e s<e((ing c"est& and t"en a sma(( !-00 0 0(ame be(c"ed 0r m t"e ser!ent+s <ides!read m -t"* Fire seared C"a(ti0 rd+s 0ace& b-rning a<ay "is eyebr <s and si==(ing t"e skin 0 "is b-(b -s n se* Wit" a be(( < 0 !ain& C"a(ti0 rd (-nged a<ay 0r m t"e drag nCand a<ay 0r m t"e (edge -! n <"ic" "e st d* T-mb(ing back<ard& "e 0(ai(ed t"r -g" t"e air -nti( "e cras"ed nt a !i(e 0 Aagged b -(ders t"at c m!rised t"e 0( r 0 t"e !it* . nes sna!!ed in "is (egs and s" -(ders& <"i(e "is c(-b c(attered t t"e gr -nd s me distance a<ay* And again "e "eard t"at s -ndCt"e c(icking 0 tiny c(a<s against t"e st ne* E)en b(inded by 0ire& t"e gre c -(d easi(y ( cate t"e drag ns by t"e c(icking s -nds* T"e "atc"(ings <ere cree!ing c( ser& c(imbing d <n t"e <a((s 0 t"e !it <it" n a!!arent di00ic-(ty* Ag ny t re at C"a(ti0 rd+s b dy& b-t "e c -(d d (itt(e m re t"an gr an* N ne 0 "is (imbs res! nded t t"e des!erate c mmands 0r m "is mind* T" -g" "e strained t see& "is eyes re0-sed t 0-ncti n* 'nstead& "e (istened in " rr r as t"e ser!ents ad)anced* T"ey came 0r m a(( ar -nd "im& a "ide -s !ar dy 0 t"e g (den c ins t"at "ad s-rr -nded "im in "is dream* N < "e -nderst d t"at !ec-(iar -rgency "e "ad sensed in t"e "atc"(ings+ eyes* T"e drag ns+ e?!ressi n <as n(y nat-ra(& "e rea(i=ed as "e gritted "is teet" in !ain* A0ter a((& t"eir m t"er <as dead& and t"ey "ad been (e0t a( ne in t"e (air 0 r

a ( ng time* T"e e?!(anati n <as a sim!(e T"ey <ere "-ngry* A Drag n t R ger E* M t"e C re re

ne>

T"e t"ird e)icti n n tice arri)ed in t"e m rning+s ! st d-ring a (ate s!ring t"-nders" <er* T"e (and(ady kne< ab -t gn mes and t"eir mec"anica( de)ices 0irst"and Ks"e "ad been ca-g"t in an Entrance and Egress Faci(itati n De)ice nceL& and s c" se t c ntact "er dimin-ti)e tenant 0r m a0ar* T"e rainCs aked ! stman& t & kne< ab -t gn mes 0irst"and* He "ad (earned ( ng ag n t t !-t "is "and inside t"e tra!(ike !ening 0 t"e stee( Missi)e Rece!tac(e -tside t"e gn me+s 00ice* N < "e a!!r ac"ed <it" c nsiderab(e ca-ti n* H (ding t"e (etter by a c rner and taking care n t t stand direct(y in 0r nt& "e gent(y !-t t"e (etter int t"e b ? <it" -t t -c"ing any !art 0 t"e meta(* He t"en 0(i!!ed t"e (etter in and Aerked "is "and back* T"e (id sna!!ed s"-t <it" a ( -d c(ang* T"e ! stman sig"ed <it" re(ie0 and <ent n "is <ay& 0ingers intact* Gi(benst ck& t"e !ers n t <" m t"e (etter <as addressed& <as b-sy at "is desk <"en t"e mai( arri)ed* He t k n n tice as a (arge mac"ine m -nted t t"e <a(( by t"e 0r nt d rCt"e Reacti)e 'nterce!t r 0 6 sted 6arce(s and En)e( !es KRedesignedLCc"-gged ( -d(y t (i0e* T"e (etter a) ided being c-t int c n0etti by t"e (etterC !ening b(ades Kt"e 0ate 0 t"e 0irst e)icti n n ticeL r being ca-g"t in t"e r ((ers 0 t"e (etter c n)ey r and bec ming s sm-dged <it" i( t"at it ( ked (ike an )er-sed grease rag Kt"e 0ate 0 t"e sec ndL* 't <as gent(y !(-cked 0r m t"e be(t by a mec"anica( arm& <"ic" cr-m!(ed t"e (etter int a !eac"Csi=ed <ad and !(aced it n t"e gn me+s desk* Gi(benst ck s!ent an t"er 0i0teen min-tes !-tting t"e 0ina( t -c"es t "is (atest set 0 !(ans 0 r a gigantic r ckCb ring mac"ine& t"is ne ca!ab(e 0 dri((ing a !er0ect(y triang-(ar " (e t"r -g" a m -ntain& ass-ming any ne e)er "ad a need 0 r s-c" a t"ing* DY - ne)er kn < <"ere t"e ne?t trend <i(( be in t-nne( b ringD <as ne 0 Gi(benst ck+s 0a) rite !"rases& a( ng <it" DT"at s" -(d d it& D r D' !-t t"e rent m ney in t"e mai( A-st yesterday& D r DWe+(( "a)e t <atc" 0 r c ((atera( damage <"en ' t-rn it n& 0 c -rse* D DT"at s" -(d d it& D "e said <it" an air 0 satis0acti n& !-tting d <n "is !en* He a-t matica((y reac"ed 0 r t"e <ad 0 !a!er n "is n te!a!erCc )ered desk& -n<adding it <it" -t nce taking "is eyes 00 "is 0inis"ed sketc"es* .eaming <it" e?citement& "e g(anced )er t"e e)icti n n tice& set it n a

t< C0 t stack 0 !a!ers in a b ? (abe(ed DT D & D and g t d <n 0r m "is st (* Stretc"ing& "e straig"tened "is r-m!(ed < rk c( t"es and <andered 00 int t"e kitc"en& t"e d r banging s"-t be"ind "im* DN br cc (i& D "e gr <(ed a0ter a brie0 searc" 0 t"e s"e()es* D' <as ! siti)e ' t (d S@-ib t !ick -! s me at t"e market yesterday* D He <ent back t t"e d r and ( ked int t"e 00ice r m* DS@-ibE S@-iiiiibED A r-st(ing n ise came 0r m be"ind ne 0 t"e many stacks 0 n te!a!er ar -nd t"e 00ice* M ments (ater& a s"abby d<ar0 n(y "a(0 a 0 t ta((er t"an t"e t"reeC0 t se)enCinc" gn me cra<(ed 0r m be"ind t"e stack and g t -nsteadi(y t "is 0eet* .r <n "air aske< and beard sticking -t in a(( directi ns as i0 it "ad been "it by (ig"tning& t"e g-((y d<ar0 ga)e t"e gn me a cr ssCeyed sa(-te as "e s-cked in "is (i!s )er cr ked teet"* DA"& t"ere y - are& D Gi(benst ck said& g ing back int t"e kitc"en* DE?ce((ent* '+)e been searc"ing 0 r s me br cc (i 0 r (-nc"* '+)e A-st 0inis"ed a ne< set 0 !(ans t"at are certain t im!r )e -r 0inancia((y c"a((enged c nditi n 0 (ate& and ' s" -(d mai( t"em -t t ! tentia(*** D H-ngry "imse(0& t"e g-((y d<ar0 <andered )er t t"e kitc"en and <as a(m st kn cked t t"e gr -nd as t"e gn me 0(-ng t"e d r !en and ran -t& eyes as big as sa-cers* Gi(benst ck ran t t"e DT D D stack and snatc"ed t"e <rink(ed e)icti n n tice 0r m t"e t !* He "e(d it -! t t"e desk (antern as "e read it a sec nd time* DGreat Re r?ED "e s"rieked* D' !-t t"e rent in t"e mai( A-st yesterday r maybe it <as be0 re t"en by a <eek r t< & b-t sti(( ' can+t be(ie)e s"e < -(d t"r < me -t 0 my 00iceE T"ree m nt"s s"e says t"e rent is )erd-eE T"at+s im! ssib(e& beca-se n < ' remember t"at ' 0i((ed -t t"e bank n te and st-ck it in an en)e( !e and "anded it rig"t t y -& S@-ib& and t"e n te c )ered -r rent 0 r t"e ne?t t"ree*** D Gi(benst ck+s ) ice 0ai(ed "im as "e sa< 0ait"0-( S@-ib+s 0ace (ig"t -!* T"e g-((y d<ar0 reac"ed int a back ! cket 0 "is !ants and !-((ed -t a <ad 0 stained& cr-m!(ed !a!er* Wit" a br ad grin& "e "e(d it a( 0t and "anded it t t"e gn me* Gi(benst ck 0e(t a need t sit d <n* He !-((ed -! a st (& t k a seat& and -n0 (ded t"e !a!er* A0ter ( king it )er& "e c( sed "is eyes* T"e !a!er 0e(( t t"e 0( r* DY - <ere s-!! sed t mai( t"is& D "e said& <it" -t ( king -! at S@-ib* D'+)e s!ent a(( t"e rest 0 -r m ney n 0 d and "ad t b rr < e)en m re t !ay t"e rent n t"e < rks" ! s -r bank acc -nt is em!ty beca-se ' <as e?!ecting an t"er ge ( gica( s-r)ey A b rig"t ab -t n < b-t n < <e+re being

e)icted and ' <as g ing t make br cc (i b-t maybe <e can get s met"ing 0 r dinner -t 0 t"e garbage s me<"ere i0 ' d n+t t"r < -! 0irst* D T"e gn me sig"ed dee!(y& t"en st d erect t "is 0-(( t" -g" min-sc-(e "eig"t* He absent(y br-s"ed at "is <"ite beard and straig"tened "is green )est* DWe s"a(( sti(( !erse)ere& !atient S@-ib& D "e c ntin-ed& t" -g" S@-ib <as n ( nger t"ere* D'+)e (i)ed am ng "-mans 0 r m st 0 my (i0e& and t"ere "a)e been 0inancia((y c"a((enging times be0 re& and <e s"a(( yet see t"is ne t"r -g"& t * A rig"te -s drag n "as c -rage& and it kn <s <"at it m-st d and d es it& s <e m-st be (ike drag ns inside& str ng and bra)e and res (-te* :-st (ike drag ns& S@-ib* D .-t 0 r an instant& Gi(benst ck+s s!irits 0(agged* Fai(-re (ike(y meant "e < -(d "a)e t (ea)e mig"ty 6a(ant"as& Ae<e( 0 a(( Ansa( n& and ret-rn t t"e gn mis" " me(and 0 M -nt Ne)ermind* T"e need 0 r ge ( gica( s-r)eys <as certain(y greater at M -nt Ne)ermind& b-i(t as it <as int a d rmant ) (can & b-t getting !aid 0 r A bs <as im! ssib(e* T"e Grand .ank 0 Ne)ermind "ad s<itc"ed t a ne< acc -nting system a0ter t"e War 0 t"e /ance and n < t"e 0inances 0 "-ndreds 0 b-sinesses and g-i(ds <ere " !e(ess(y 0 -(ed* Gi(benst ck "ad (e0t t<e()e years ag t try "is (-ck in 6a(ant"as* 't "ad been "ard g ing "ere* T<e()e years s!ent at dd A bs and menia( (ab r in an -n0riend(y city& scra!ing t get"er t"e m ney and materia(s t b-i(d "is b-siness and assemb(e t"e !arts needed t b-i(d t"e 'r n Drag n& "is great mining mac"ine and t"e c re 0 "is (i0e* T<e()e years s!ent (earning t"e !ec-(iar <ays 0 "-mans& t t"e ! int <"ere Gi(benst ck <as s" cked t 0ind "e s metimes e)en t" -g"t and s! ke in s" rt sentences (ike t"em* T"e best !art 0 t" se years <ere t"e m ments "e+d s!ent < rking n t"e 'r n Drag n& 0itting e)ery n-t and b (t int !(ace in t"e <are" -se "e+d rented a 0e< b( cks a<ay* Gi(benst ck grimaced& -nc nsci -s(y r-bbing "is (arge n se* He did n t <ant t (ea)e 6a(ant"as* He "ad gr <n 0 nd 0 t"e great city& t"ick <it" < nder and magic& 0i((ed <it" ac"ing bea-ty and <retc"ed s@-a( r* He "ad been g(ad t (ea)e t"e n isy c n0inement 0 M -nt Ne)ermind t see t"e Drea( < r(d* D Gi(benst ck <asn+t (ike t"er gn mes* He -nderst d "-mans s metimes& 0 r ne t"ing* M re remarkab(y& "is in)enti ns < rked m re 0ten t"an n t* One e)en "ad marketab(e @-a(itiesC"is SemiCHermetic Rece!tac(e Eradicating Debris by Di(-ti n& E?citati n& and R tati n* .-t it sti(( needed < rk t a) id t-rning s i(ed (a-ndry int stri!s 0 ri!!ed c( t"* He "ad a g d (i0e "ere* He "ad "is b-siness* He "ad t"e 'r n

Drag n* He "ad tr-sty S@-ib& "is n(y 0riend and t"e n(y !ers n "e tr-sted t !i( t t"e 'r n Drag n* E)en i0 t"e g-((y d<ar0 c -(dn+t s!eak a < rd& S@-ib <as a geni-s at !erating mec"anica( t"ings* .-t t"ere <as (itt(e e(se 0 c"eer* He and S@-ib < -(d star)e in t"e <are" -se <it" n(y m t r i( and mac"ine !arts 0 r 0 d* N & c rrect t"atC n(y "e < -(d star)e* S@-ib "abit-a((y ate -t 0 t"e garbage be"ind !r d-ce and b-tc"ery s" !sH Gi(benst ck <as t !r -d and "ad t <eak a st mac" t e)en t"ink 0 t"at* T"e gn me stared at "is s" es in abAect de!ressi n* N ne< !(ans came t mind* 6er"a!s t"ere <as s me n-triti)e )a(-e in m t r i(* T"ere <as a s-dden& str ng kn ck at t"e d r* T"e gn me A-m!ed& t"en ye((ed 0 r S@-ib* T"e g-((y d<ar0 "ad disa!!eared again* M-ttering t "imse(0& Gi(benst ck cr ssed t"e t"res" (d and t"re< !en t"e d r* T"ree men st d -tside in t"e ! -ring rain& b(i)i -s t t"e streams 0 <ater t"at ran d <n t"eir 0aces* One <as gang(y and redCbearded& ne <as ta(( and b(ackC"aired& and ne <as t"ickCm-sc(ed and b( nd* F r a reas n "e c -(d n t 0at" m& Gi(benst ck "ad a m mentary im!ressi n t"at a(( t"ree <ere br t"ers* DG d*** sir& D said t"e c( sest& t"e redCbearded man* He smi(ed as "e s! ke& b-t "esitated bet<een < rds as i0 -n0ami(iar <it" t"e (ang-age* DGi(benst ck Mines and Minera(s S-r)ey 0 r <"ic" <e are ( king* D He <aited 0 r a res! nse* Gi(benst ck b(inked& "is breat" s"a(( <* A(( t"ree men <ere staring at "im in a )ery !ec-(iar <ay& b-t t"ey did n t a!!ear t be armed r -n0riend(y* D'+m Gi(benst ck& D "e said 0ina((y& remembering t s!eak (ike a "-man* At t"at& t"e t"ree men smi(ed br ad(y& s" <ing a(( t"eir teet"* DGi(benst ck& )ery g d& D said t"e redCbearded man* D3ery g d* A mine <e <is" a s-r)ey 0r m y -* Y - <e <is" "ire* D Gi(benst ck sim!(y stared back at t"em* DY - <is" t "ire me& D "e re!eated* T"en it "it "im* DO"ED "e gas!ed* DO"E O"& yesED F rgetting "imse(0 c m!(ete(y& t"e gn me s(ammed t"e d r s"-t and ran back int "is 00ice& "eading 0 r "is desk* He scattered !a!ers mad(y& searc"ing 0 r "is b-siness 0i(es* T"en "e remembered t"e d r and r-s"ed back& 0(inging it <ide !en in a !anic* T"e t"ree men <ere sti(( t"ere& standing in t"e rain in t"eir s aking c( t"es* D.y Re r?ED t"e gn me cried* DC me inE C me in at nceED T"ey entered& "eed(ess 0 t"eir <et c nditi n& and Gi(benst ck b-sied "imse(0 <it" c(earing t"e !a!ers 0r m en -g" c"airs t seat t"em a((* S@-ib a!!eared 0r m t"e 0 d

c-!b ard& "is ratty br <n beard 0i((ed <it" cr-mbs and "a(0C c"e<ed bits 0 dried 0r-it& and <as immediate(y !-t t < rk bringing t"e rainCs aked c-st mers <arm c-!s 0 0res" g at+s mi(k* T"e t"ree men stared int t"eir c-!s in si(ence& t"en care0-((y set t"em aside n nearby stacks 0 !a!er* DY -+(( "a)e t e?c-se t"e ( ks 0 t"e !(ace& D Gi(benst ck said& -nab(e t c ntain "is e?citement* D.-siness "as been a bit s( <& 0 c -rse& <"at <it" t"e <eat"er& b-t '+)e been kee!ing my " !es -! t"at 0ine gent(emen (ike y -rse()es < -(d need !r 0essi na( assistance <it" matters in ge ( gy& !etr gra!"y& minera( gy& r e)en gem ( gy& s-c" as it may be& and ' grad-ated 0irst am ng my g-i(d in mine engineering and ge ( gy& <it" a sec ndary degree in mec"anics**** D He s( <ed and st !!ed* Eac" 0 t"e t"ree men <as <atc"ing "im in t"at !ec-(iar <ay again* F r a dread0-( sec nd& Gi(benst ck t" -g"t t"at i0 "e reac"ed -t and t -c"ed ne 0 t"e men& t"e "-man < -(d be " (( <& (ike a !a!ierCmac"e mannikin* A s"i)er <ent -! "is s!ine* He s-!!ressed t"e t" -g"t* D*** b-t any<ay& '+m A-st ratt(ing n& D "e 0inis"ed @-ick(y* DW"at s rt 0 !r 0essi na( assistance d y - needFD T"e t"ree men ( ked at ne an t"er& t"en back at t"e gn me n t"e st (* T"is time& it <as t"e big b( nd ne <" s! ke* DA mine <e need& D "e began& t"en c rrected "imse(0* DN & a mine <e "a)e* Y - <e need a mine s-r)ey* BnderstandFD W"en Gi(benst ck n dded& t"e man <ent n* DA mine <e "a)e <as br kenCD DC ((a!sed& D said t"e darkC"aired man* DFa(( d <n in mine* D D'n m -ntains& near 6a(ant"as& D !-t in t"e redCbearded man* DYes& a mine <e "a)e <as c ((a!sed* Y - <e need s-r)ey* T"e mine <e m-st dig -t* Y - <e need dig -t* BnderstandFD DYes& 0 c -rse& D said Gi(benst ck* DY - <ant me t s-r)ey y -r c ((a!sed mine and see i0 it is sa0e& and !er"a!s see i0 it sti(( c ntains any )a(-ab(e res r t"er res -rces* And y - <ant me t dig it a(( -t* D DYes& D said t"e b( nd man* DS(a)es y - "a)e digFD DW rkers& D said t"e darkC"aired man s"ar!(y* DW rkers* D T"e b( nd man n dded @-ick(y& 0(inging dr !(ets 0r m "is ( ng& <et "air* DYes& < rkers* D H < 0 rt-it -s& Gi(benst ck t" -g"t* D't A-st s "a!!ens ' "a)e a mac"ine t"at digs* ' in)ented it* Fait"0-( S@-ib "ere is t"e Onb ard Starb ard C mmandCM d-(e 6i( t* S@-ib <i(( r-n t"e mac"ine& and it <i(( dig -t y -r mine* D T"e men ( ked at eac" t"er and made !ec-(iar !enC"anded gest-res* DWe "ear te(( mac"ine& D said t"e redCbearded man& t-rning back t t"e gn me* DCata!-(t(ikeFD DN & n & n & n t (ike a cata!-(t at a((* N t a siege mac"ine* 't+s a digging

mac"ine& t"e 'r n Drag n* ' b-i(t it myse(0& <it" "e(! 0r m tr-sty S@-ib& 0 c -rse* D DDrag nFD asked t"e redCbearded man and t"e b( nd man at t"e same time& <it" r -ndCeyed ( ks 0 s" ck* DDrag nFD Gi(benst ck s-dden(y (a-g"ed& t"e tensi n br ken* DO"& my& n E it+s n t a rea( drag n* ' @-ite a! ( gi=e 0 r t"e s(i!* it+s a great mac"ine& a steamC! <ered de)ice t"at m )es n <"ee(s (ike a <" s"<ag nC "& t"at+s rig"t& y - !r bab(y "a)en+t seen t"em -n(ess y -+)e been t M -nt Ne)ermind& b-t t"at+s @-ite a(( rig"t& ' < -(dn+t < rry ab -t it* We+)e "ad n rea( drag ns ar -nd "ereC r n ne t s!eak 0& any<ayCsince t"e War 0 t"e /ance& 0i0teen years ag & s t"ings are @-ite sa0e "ere& m re r (ess* D He "esitated& t"en !(-nged n* DY - kn <& ' d n+t mean t be r-de& 0 c -rse& b-t ' "a)e t askCand it+s n(y beca-se 0 my great c-ri sity& y - -nderstand& '+)e been a00(icted <it" it since ' <as A-st a (itt(e s!r cket <renc"Cb-t ' "a)e t"e im!ressi n t"at y - 0e(( <s aren+t rea((y 0r m ar -nd "ere& 0r m 6a(ant"as* ' <as A-st t"inking t"at y -*** "a)e an interesting <ay 0 s!eaking& and ' <as @-ite taken <it" itC t"ere+s n t"ing <r ng <it" t"at at a((& y - seeCb-t ' 0e(t as i0& <e((& y - mig"t be !assing t"r -g" "ere 0r m s me<"ere e(se& maybe n t )ery 0ar a<ay* D He 0inis"ed <it" a c -g"* D't <asn+t )ery im! rtant& and <e can getCD DEast& D said t"e redCbearded man* DEast <e are 0 "ere& )ery 0ar* N <& y - "ire <e <is"& make s-r)eyFD DO0 c -rse& D Gi(benst ck said& embarrassed and g(ad t m )e n t an t"er t !ic* A ne< s-bAect came immediate(y t "is mind* DBm& ' " !e y - d n+t t"ink me -n-s-a((y 0 r<ard 0 r asking& b-t ' < -(d re@-ire a d <n !ayment& i0 ! ssib(eC ad)ance m ney& y - -nderstand* D T"e big b( nd man reac"ed 0 r a dam! ! -c" n "is be(t and !-((ed it 0ree* He t ssed it t t"e gn me& <" <as s me<"at disa!! inted* T"e bag <as (ig"ter t"an "e+d e?!ected* He+d c -nted n recei)ing stee( c ins* T"e ! -c" ratt(ed 0aint(y* His ner)es strained t t"eir (imits by t"e e)ents 0 t"e m rning& Gi(benst ck !-((ed !en t"e dra<strings* He !eered inside& adA-sting t"e bag s t"at t"e interi r <as i((-minated by (antern (ig"t* DO"& D "e said in a sma(( ) ice* DM ney <e "a)e n & D said t"e b( nd man* DDiam nds& yes& b-t m ney <e "a)e n * Diam nds y - takeFD T"ere <as a de(ay <"i(e Gi(benst ck decided n t t 0aint* DO0 c -rse& D "e s@-eaked* DO"& 0 c -rse* D A(( t"ree men smi(ed& t"eir teet" s"ining* I I I I I

T< " -rs a0ter t"e men "ad (e0t& Gi(benst ck s!(as"ed t"r -g" t"e ( ng& c-r)ed streets 0 6a(ant"as+s Merc"andi=ing District* His rainc at <asn+t 0astened in 0r nt& and "e+d 0 rg tten "is b ts& b-t "e didn+t care " < <et "e g t* He ran as i0 "e <ere <eig"t(ess* He+d A-st !aid 00 "is (and(ady and t"e <are" -se <ner 0 r t"e ne?t year eac"& t" -g" t"e (and(ady "ad demanded d -b(e t"e n rma( rent as sec-rity against 0-t-re n n!ayment* Gi(benst ck& n < ric" bey nd "is dreams& "ad ( cked a<ay t"e remaining gems at a merc"ants+ bank* He < -(d be ric"er sti(( nce "e <as !aid t"e 0ina( s-m <ed "im a0ter t"e mining !erati n <as c nc(-ded* His 0inancia( tr -b(es <ere 0 re)er g ne* T"e rain "ad (et -! 0 r a <"i(e* Dark gray c( -ds s"r -ded t"e stee! s( !es 0 t"e 3ingaard M -ntains& <"ic" ringed t"e (d city* Si(ent d nkeys and " rses& s aked and miserab(e& g(anced -! as t"e gn me "-rried !ast* He c -(d see t"e red r 0 0 t"e <are" -se n <& and "e !-s"ed n& t" -g" "e <as -t 0 breat" and near e?"a-sti n* At t"e <are" -se+s great d -b(e d rs& "e s( <ed and st !!ed& !-00ing and (eaning "is "ead against t"e !ee(ing !aint* Catc"ing "is breat"& "e 0e(t in "is rainc at ! ckets 0 r t"e !ad( ck key& b-t didn+t 0ind it* He gas!ed& terri0ied t"at "e "ad 0 rg tten t"e key ring in "is 00ice r ( st it n "is mad r-n t !ay 00 "is debts* A m ment (ater& "e t"r-st a !anicked "and int a !ants ! cket and t -c"ed t"e keys+ c ( meta(& sa0e and s -nd* Weak <it" re(ie0& "e reac"ed -! and care0-((y inserted ne 0 t"e keys int t"e c"ain ( ck " (ding t"e d rs c( sed* A t<ist 0 t"e <rist& and t"e ( ck re(eased* Gi(benst ck !-s"ed !en t"e d r a crack and s(i!!ed inside* T"e sme(( 0 i( and grease <as t"ick in t"e c ( air* 6a(e <"ite (ig"t 0e(( 0r m a "a(0 d =en g( <ing meta( g( bes s-s!ended 0r m t"e "ig" cei(ing n t"in r !es* Gi(benst ck "ad !aid a y -ng mage dear(y 0 r t" se c ntin-a(C(ig"t s!e((s& b-t it "ad been < rt" e)ery stee(* T"e (ig"ts sa0e(y i((-minated "is < rks" ! at a(( " -rs 0 t"e day r nig"t& a(( <ing "im t < rk -nti( "e dr !!ed 0r m "-nger r s(ee!* T"e res-(t 0 "is years 0 (ab r r se "ig" ab )e Gi(benst ck& a(m st 0i((ing t"e great <are" -se <it" its staggering b-(k* T"e gn me sig"ed and ( ked -! at "is creati n <it" tears 0 A y in "is eyes* T"e b(ack m nster s(e!t s -nd(y& -na<are 0 "im* T"e 'r n Drag n <as as ( ng as t"ree <ag nCteams and a t"ird as <ide* .eneat" its si? t <ering <"ee(s& t"e !a)ed st nes "ad s-nk a "a(0 0 t int t"e eart" -nder its st-!end -s mass* T"e main b dy <as a great ir n cy(inderCa b i(er (aid

n its sideC0r m <"ic" a ma=e 0 !i!es and )a()es s!rang (ike gnar(ed b(ack i)y* A !air 0 ir nCc )ered cabins sat "ig" n its back t eit"er side& 0 r its !i( t and c mmanderCS@-ib and Gi(benst ck& res!ecti)e(y* At t"e b < 0 t"e cy(inder <as a massi)e b( ck 0 gears and dri)e s"a0ts 0r m <"ic" !r Aected a great set 0 t"ree ta!ering& stee(Cgray r ck dri((s& t< be( < and ne ab )e& eac" as t"ick as a drag n+s neck* T"e 0anged dri(( ends "-ng in t"e air "ig" )er t"e gn me+s "ead& g(eaming d-((y in t"e magica( (ig"t* T"e mac"ine <as gargant-an& c (d& and -g(y bey nd nig"tmares* T Gi(benst ck& it <as as bea-ti0-( as a ( )er+s 0ace* 't "ad m re ! <er t"an a <" (e drag narmy* And in A-st a matter 0 days& it < -(d g n its 0irst r-n* DT"ank y -& Re r?& <" g-ided my "and& D <"is!ered t"e gn me& s-dden(y "-mb(e in t"e !resence 0 "is <n < rk* T"en "e t k a dee! breat"& (i0ted "is c"in& and set 00 int t"e s" ! t gi)e t"e mac"ine a c m!(ete i(ing and c"eck -t* T"e " -rs !assed -nn ticed* C )ered <it" grime& Gi(benst ck "-mmed t "imse(0 as "e < rked -nder t"e starb ard centra( <"ee( c"assis& c"ecking t"e s" ckCabs rbing c i(s* Aside 0r m a c -!(e 0 birds+ nests and t"e -s-a( (ea)ings 0 rats and mice& t"e great mac"ine "ad <eat"ered <e(( since "e+d seen it (ast* He reac"ed -! t c"eck t"e 0it 0 a n-t n a b (t* A meta((ic n ise rang t t"e 0( r by "is rig"t ear* Start(ed& Gi(benst ck ( ked )er and sa< t"e brig"t stee( key t"at "e "ad -sed t enter t"e b-i(ding* 't (ay n t"e !a)ed 0( r astride a ga! bet<een t< st nes* :-st bey nd t"e key& at t"e side 0 t"e <"ee( itse(0& <ere t< ta(( b(ack b ts& m-ddy and <et* As "e <atc"ed& ne b t s"i0ted s(ig"t(y& 0(e?ing t"e t e* DTime 0(ies <"en y -+re "a)ing a g d time& e"FD said a man+s -n0ami(iar ) ice* Gi(benst ck (et -t "is breat" )ery s( <(y* He 0e(t an -nreas ning -rge t cra<( -! int t"e mac"inery 0 t"e 'r n Drag n and "ide* Wit" tremb(ing 0ingers& "e care0-((y !icked -! t"e key* DY - 0 rg t it in t"e ( ck& D dra<(ed t"e ) ice ab )e t"e b ts* Gi(benst ck bit "is ( <er (i!* C -(d it be a medd(es me city g-ardF '0 s & t"at c -(d be "and(ed @-ick(y> Gi(benst ck certain(y "ad t"e m ney& i0 it came t bribery* T"e gn me c ((ected "imse(0* DT"ank y -& D "e ca((ed -t& "asti(y 0inis"ing "is c"eck 0 t"e n-t and b (t* D' s"a(( be <it" y - in A-st a m ment& i0 y -+(( bear <it" me* ' am A-st a bit b-sy "ere* A (itt(e maintenance g es a ( ng <ay& y kn <* D T"e man ste!!ed back as Gi(benst ck gr-nted and !-s"ed

"imse(0 -t 0r m -nder t"e <"ee( c"assis& a) iding t"e !ist nCdri)en bar t"at c nnected t"e t"ree side <"ee(s t get"er* T"e gn me sa< immediate(y t"at t"e man <as n t <it" t"e city g-ard* He <as ta((& (ike a(( "-mans& <it" tig"t(y c-r(ed b(ack "air& a ! ckmarked 0ace& and sa(( < skin* He < re n )isib(e arm r& n(y c mm n c( t"es& and "ad n <ea! nsC at (east& n ne t"at Gi(benst ck c -(d see* His c( t"ing <as 0air(y dry e?ce!t 0 r "is b ts& and "e < re a ( < gray ca! t"at Gi(benst ck "ad seen m st(y -sed by )isit rs 0r m t"e centra( !art 0 Ansa( n& ar -nd Est<i(de* Gi(benst ck g(anced be"ind t"e man and sa< t"at t"e 0r nt d rs "ad been !-((ed s"-t* D'nteresting& D said t"e man& "is ga=e r aming )er t"e ir n (e)iat"an beside t"e gn me* T"e man c"e<ed s met"ing& !r bab(y a bit 0 0(a) red resin r g-m& a candy t"at "ad gr <n ! !-(ar in s me !(aces a0ter t"e War 0 t"e /ance* DY b-i(d t"is y -rse(0FD Gi(benst ck 0e(t a g(immer 0 !ride t"r -g" "is ner) -sness* DW"y& yes& ' did at t"at* T k me t<e()e years t get it a(( t get"er& 0inding a(( t"e rig"t !arts and*** and e)eryt"ing* D He c(eared "is t"r at* D' c n0ess ' didn+t e?!ect t "a)e c m!any in my < rks" ! t"is m rning& Mister -m*** D T"e man n dded& ign ring t"e c-e* He c ntin-ed t c"e< "is resin and ( k t"e 'r n Drag n )er <it" a ca(c-(ating eye* DY - are a b-sy (itt(e g-y& aren+t y -& D "e said* Gi(benst ck brist(ed* 't "ad been a ( ng time since s me ne "ad been s !en(y r-de t "im <it" remarks ab -t "is "eig"t* D' am& D "e said c-rt(y* DN <& i0 y -+(( !(ease (et me get back t CD DT"is t"ing sa0e t r-n& r d es it b( < -! <"en y - start itFD asked t"e man <it" a grin* DY - ne)er kn < <it" gn me t"ings s metimes& d y -F N 00ense* D 't t k a m ment 0 r Gi(benst ck t 0ind "is t ng-e* D'+(( "a)e y - kn < t"at t"is is n rdinary de)ice& D "e said angri(y* D'+)e inc(-ded e)ery necessary sa0ety 0eat-re& and t"ere+s abs (-te(y n danger 0 e?!( si)e b i(er ma(0-ncti n s ( ng as t"e ! rt c mmander kee!s t"e !ress-reCre(ease )a()es !en <"i(e t"e )e"ic(e is at rest and s ( ng as t"e <ater (e)e(s are !r !er(y m nit red* T"e "eating e(ements re@-ire n 0-e( and are @-ite 0 (!r 0& since t"ey are a (itt(e bit magica( in rigin& and ' < -(d dare say t"at riding a " rse c -(d be m re danger -s& s it < -(d be @-ite cr-de 0 s me ne t s-ggest des!ite !ast -n0 rt-nate incidents t"at sim!(y beca-se s met"ing is made by gn mes t"at it !resents any rea( "a=ard t CD D't+s a steamC! <ered t"ing& rig"tFD t"e man interr-!ted* He

seemed am-sed* DD es it <eed 0( <er beds <it" t" se big dri(( bits n its n seF A steamC! <ered 0( <er <eederFD T"at <as t"e (ast stra<* Gi(benst ck s@-ared "is s" -(ders* D' beg y -r !ard n& b-t '+)e rea((y "ad @-ite en -g" 0 t"is disc-ssi n and '+m g ing t "a)e t ask t"at y - !(ease (ea)e and (et me get n <it" my < rk "ere as it is )ery im! rtant and ' sim!(y d n+t "a)e t"e time t make c"itc"atCD DY - "ad s me )isit rs t"is m rning& D t"e man said cas-a((y* DT"ree g-ys& <asn+t itFD DAnd <"at i0 ' didFD Gi(benst ck ret rted* T"e man didn+t ans<er rig"t a<ay* 'nstead& "e ste!!ed c( ser t t"e 'r n Drag n and r-bbed a t"-mb )er a b(ackC!ainted !i!e t"at ran a( ng t"e t ! 0 t"e -!!er <"ee( " -sing* DT"ey gi)e y - t"eir namesFD DBn(ike s me !e !(e& t"ey*** D A nasty remark died n Gi(benst ck+s (i!s as "e rea(i=ed t "is ama=ement t"at t"e t"ree men "ad n t gi)en -t t"eir names& n r "ad Gi(benst ck remembered t ask 0 r t"em* D' < n+t say& D t"e gn me 0inis"ed* DW"at b-siness c -(d s met"ing (ike t"at ! ssib(y be 0 y -rs& any<ayFD DWe((*** (et+s say t"at& in a <ay& t" se t"ree g-ys and '& <e+re in t"e same b-siness* We+re ( king 0 r t"ings* Maybe '+m a (itt(e c-ri -s ab -t <"at t"ey+re ( king 0 r* F r !ers na( reas ns* D T"e man (eaned against t"e <"ee( " -sing& t"en s-dden(y ( ked d <n at Gi(benst ck in a <ay t"at <as a(m st 0riend(y* DY - r-n a mining b-siness& rig"tFD '0 ' <ere bigger& t"e gn me t" -g"t& '+d !-nc" "im rig"t in t"e n se and t"r < "im -t t"e d r <it" ne "and* His 0ists c(enc"ed "e(!(ess(y* '0 ' <ere n(y bigger**** DRig"tFD !r m!ted t"e man again& eyebr < raised* DYes& D gr <(ed t"e gn me* T"e man smi(ed* DT"ey <ant y - t dig s met"ing -! 0 r t"emFD DT"at& D Gi(benst ck said s( <(y& Dis bet<een my c-st mers and myse(0* D DH-"* D T"e man+s ga=e (i0ted& and "e stared int s!ace at a secret t" -g"t* DMaybe* D He t" -g"t 0 r a m ment m re& t"en ( ked t t"e side at t"e si(ent b-(k 0 t"e 'r n Drag n* DY - taking t"e A bFD D' said& t"at is bet<een my c-st mers and myse(0& and y - are "ard(y better t"an a g b(in in y -r manners* D T"e man st !!ed c"e<ing "is g-m* His smi(e 0aded* He s" k "is "ead a(m st sad(y as "e e?"a(ed t"r -g" "is n se and ( ked d <n at t"e gn me <it" c (d& em!ty eyes* Gi(benst ck st !!ed breat"ing* His anger me(ted in t"e 0ear t"at "e+d g ne t 0ar* He ste!!ed back <it" a s-dden a<areness 0 "is !"ysica( (imitati ns*

A 0e< ( ng sec nds !assed* G-iet(y& t"e man reac"ed 0 r s met"ing -nder "is )erc at* He !-((ed t"e bAect int )ie< <it" -t "-rry* T"e c ( )er"ead (ig"ts g(eamed 00 t"e s-r0ace 0 a ! (is"ed stee( b(ade& an )ersi=ed "-nter+s kni0e <it" a sing(e c-tting edge and dee! b( d gr )es& )irt-a((y a s< rd t Gi(benst ck* Red r-nes dec rated t"e stee(* T"e gn me+s st mac" kn tted in an instant* '+)e g t t r-n& "e t" -g"t <i(d(y* '+)e g t t get -t 0 "ere* T "is " rr r& "e <as !ara(y=ed <it" 0ear& -nab(e t d anyt"ing b-t stare* T"e "-man (i0ted t"e "-nting kni0e and began t scra!e at t"e !aint n t"e !i!e 0 t"e 'r n Drag n& r-bbing t"e 0(akes a<ay <it" "is 0ingers* A0ter scra!ing a<ay an area ab -t a 0 t ( ng and a "a(0Cinc" <ide& "e n dded as i0 satis0ied <it" "is ins!ecti n* DNice A b& D "e said& (etting "is kni0e "and dr !* T"e "-ge b(ade ! inted d <n at Gi(benst ck+s 0eet* DG-ess '+d better be g ing and (et y - get back t y -r < rk* D Gi(benst ck said n t"ing& -nab(e t take "is ga=e a<ay 0r m t"e kni0e* T"e man smi(ed 0aint(y and n dded& t"en t-rned and <a(ked t <ard t"e d -b(e d rs* He "ad a(m st reac"ed t"em <"en "e t-rned ar -nd* T"e kni0e <as g ne* DO"& y - kn <& ' <as A-st t"inking& D t"e "-man said* D'0 y -r c-st mers <ere t kn < ab -t me& it mig"t be a bad t"ing a(( ar -nd* ' < -(dn+t menti n t"is nice (itt(e c"at 0 -rs t t"em i0 ' <ere y -* D He <aited A-st ( ng en -g" t make s-re t"e gn me "ad g tten t"e message& t"en !-s"ed !en t"e d rs and (e0t* As "e did& "e ( ked back at t"e gn me and <inked* T"en "e <as g ne* 't t k a <"i(e 0 r Gi(benst ck t rea(i=e t"at t"e s-n <as s"ining -tside t"r -g" t"e c( -ds* He "eard t"e street tra00ic !icking -!& t"e s -nds 0 " )es c( !!ing and <ag ns ratt(ing )er t"e c bb(est nes* A0ter a c -!(e 0 min-tes& "e < rked -! t"e ner)e t <a(k t t"e d r and ( k -! and d <n t"e street* T"ere <as n sign 0 t"e "-man* Gi(benst ck !-((ed t"e d r s"-t& dr !!ed a "ea)y b (t int !(ace& t"en !-((ed a c"ain acr ss t"e d -b(e d rs* 6assersby n ticed t"ere <as n s -nd at a(( 0r m t"e <are" -se& <"ic" <as -s-a((y @-ite n isy <"ene)er t"e gn me <as inside* I I I I I Tr-sty S@-ib <as !-t in c"arge 0 making t"e " rs d+ e-)res 0 r t"e e)ening+s mea(& <"en t"e t"ree men <ere t ret-rn t

sign t"e c ntracts and c(ari0y t"eir missi n 0 r Gi(benst ck* T"e gn me kne< !er0ect(y <e(( t"at S@-ib+s idea 0 edib(e 0are did n t matc" any ne+s b-t an t"er g-((y d<ar0+s& b-t "e a(s tr-sted S@-ib t @-ick(y get ( st in 6a(ant"as n "is s" !!ing s!ree& as "e a(<ays did* T"is < -(d gi)e t"e gn me and "is c-st mers a 0e< min-tes 0 !eace t disc-ss t"e missi n* '0 S@-ib ret-rned ear(y& Gi(benst ck c -(d a(<ays gener -s(y a(( < t"e g-((y d<ar0 t eat "is <n c king Kby "imse(0 in t"e kitc"en <it" t"e d r c( sed& 0 c -rseL* T"e t"ree "-mans arri)ed at s-nset* T"ey "adn+t b t"ered t c mb t"eir "air r straig"ten t"eir -t0its& b-t s-c" niceties meant (itt(e t Gi(benst ck& <" <e(c med t"em in and g t t"em seated in s" rt rder* DYes& D sig"ed Gi(benst ck& D' m-st say it+s been @-ite a day since y - dr !!ed in n me t"is m rning& Mister -m*** D T"e t"ree men n dded in -nis n* DB"& D m-mb(ed Gi(benst ck t t"e redCbearded man& <" <as nearest* D'+m dread0-((y a0raid t"at '+)e 0 rg tten t ask y -r names* D C m!re"ensi n da<ned in t"e man+s 0ace* DHarbis& D "e said* DHarbis my name is* D T"e t"er t< men ( ked s-r!rised& t"en res! nded as <e((* DK(arm-n& D said t"e big b( nd* DSk rt& D said t"e ta(( ne* Gi(benst ck <as 0( ded <it" re(ie0* DMy& D "e said& D' can+t te(( y - " < g d it is t meet !e !(e <" are ! (ite en -g" t gi)e y - t"eir names& -n(ike s me !e !(e ' kn <* D He <as n t"e )erge 0 saying m re <"en t"e mem ry 0 t"e "-nting kni0e came back* DW -(d y - (ike s me g a0s mi(kFD "e said instead& sei=ing t"e !itc"er and ! -ring -t drinks* Wit" a 0 rced smi(e& "e !assed t"e m-gs ar -nd* Eac" man t k "is drink and set it& <it" -t a sec nd ( k& beside "is !(ate* DWe y - asked 0 r s!eaking 0 ab -t -r mine& y - "ire 0 r digging& D began t"e big b( nd* He reac"ed int "is deerskin )est and !-((ed -t a !iece 0 0 (ded !arc"ment* T"e m-sc-(ar b( nd -n0 (ded t"e !a!er care0-((y and sm t"ed it -t in t"e 0(ickering (antern (ig"t* T"e side 0acing -! <as b(ank e?ce!t 0 r s me cr-de markings t"at seemed t "a)e been made <it" a s"ar! c"arc a( stick* Gi(benst ck ( ked at t"e !a!er in c n0-si n -nti( "e rec gni=ed t"e n rt"ern .ay 0 .ranc"a(a& t"e city 0 6a(ant"as& and O(d S -t" R ad& (eading 00 int t"e m -ntains t <ard t"e T <er 0 t"e Hig" C(erist and t"e (ands 0 S (amnia* K(arm-n c(eared "is t"r at and ! inted decisi)e(y at t"e !a!er* DN < <e are "ere& D "e said as "e indicated 6a(ant"as& Dand s n <e are t"ere* D His 0inger s(id t a ! int A-st

east 0 t"e s -t" r ad -t 0 6a(ant"as* Gi(benst ck g-essed it t be ten mi(es -t 0 t <n& and again 0e(t re(ie)ed* T"e 'r n Drag n c -(d make t"at distance and back easi(y n a 0-(( tank 0 <ater* DT"at+s t"e ( cati n 0 y -r mineFD "e asked* A(( t"ree men n dded* DFr m r ad "ere& y - 0(yCD K(arm-n c -g"ed and began again* DY - <a(k "ere& inside dry <ater 0( <* D DDry creek& D c rrected t"e ta((& darkC"aired Sk rt* K(arm-n n dded @-ick(y* Gi(benst ck "ad rare(y been -tside 6a(ant"as since "is arri)a( a(( t" se years ag & s "e <as -n0ami(iar <it" t"e area t"e men indicated* T"e 'r n Drag n& " <e)er& "ad a semiC 0(e?ib(e c"assis and "ea)y s" ck abs rbers* 't mig"t manage a dri)e -! a creek bed* D's t"e creek bed s (id st neFD "e asked* DOr is it m-ddy r gra)e(C0i((edFD DA"& st ne& D said K(arm-n* D3ery <ide& easy <a(k* D DE?ce((ent* T"at+s <"ere '+(( "a)e S@-ib take t"e 'r n Drag n* D Gi(benst ck n ticed t"e b(ank ( ks t"e men n < ga)e "im* DO"& yes& g d S@-ib is t"e !i( t* ' be(ie)e ' menti ned t"at nce* He <i(( !erate t"e 'r n Drag n n its 0irst r-n* He+s act-a((y @-ite a gi0ted s rt <it" mec"anica( t"ings& <"ic" '+)e n ticed a great many !e !(e d n+t e?!ect* 'n tr-t"& "e+s "e(!ed me @-ite a bit <it" t"e 'r n Drag n d-ring its b-i(ding& and '+d ne)er "a)e g tten s 0ar <it" -t "im* A sa)ant& ' be(ie)e is t"e < rd 0 r it* D Gi(benst ck tact0-((y s" rtened t"e !"rase idi t sa)ant* DHe+s de0inite(y a c(e)er r g-e and @-ite g dC"earted& a rea( !(eas-re nce y - c me t kn < "im* He nce 0 -nd a <ay t *** a"& t"at m-st be dinner* '+(( be rig"t back* D A ( < <"ist(ing s -nd 0 esca!ing steam "ad beg-n in t"e kitc"en* Gi(benst ck c(imbed d <n 0r m "is st ( and "-rried 00& t rea!!ear t< min-tes (ater Ka0ter a series 0 at"s and cries 0 !ainL <it" se)era( b <(s 0-(( 0 )ari -s c ked )egetab(es* He set t"ese n t"e tab(e& ne beside eac" c-st mer& and b(e< n "is b-rned 0ingers* T"e c mbinati n F d Steamer& Mas"er& and 6(ateCWi!er <as a bit n t"e b(ink D' d rea(i=e t"is is @-ite -t 0 t"e rdinary 0 r a c ntract r t s-!!(y a re!ast t t" se <" "ire "im& D "e said "a!!i(y& Db-t t"is rea((y "as been an e?tra rdinary day& and ' s-!! se ' s" -(d be !ermitted t take a 0e< (iberties <it" n rma( !r t c (* A"& t"ere <e g & t"at+s t"e ( t 0 it* We "a)e s me )egetab(e c n0etti t"ere& <it" ke(! s-bstit-ted 0 r t"e br cc (iCt"e market <as c m!(ete(y -t 0 itCand s me 6a(ant"as ! tat es& t<ice c ked& and t"at rig"t )er t"ere by y -r e(b < is sa) ry s@-as"& @-ite 0res"& and t <ra! it -! '+)e bakedCa(t" -g" it is -t 0 seas n& ' kn <Ca / rd

Am t"-s+s Y-(e s -rCcream <a(n-t cake* 't+s a remarkab(e s rt 0 cake& and t"is is t"e 0irst ne '+)e been ab(e t bake <it" -t setting t"e kitc"en n 0ire* ' !-t e?tra <a(n-ts in& ' " !e y - d n+t mind* S@-ib (ikes it t"at <ay* D T"e t"ree men made n m )e t eat t"eir 0 d* T"e redCbearded man& Harbis& s<a(( <ed and ( ked sick* DG-esti n& D said Sk rt* He (eaned 0 r<ard& "is "ands c-!!ed )er t"e b <( 0 sa) ry s@-as" as i0 s"ie(ding it 0r m "im* DH < s n t"e mine y - dig -tFD DH < s nFD Gi(benst ck s! ned m -nds 0 )egetab(e c n0etti nt "is !(ate* DWe((& ' ins!ected t"e 'r n Drag n t"is m rning s" rt(y a0ter y - (e0t& and*** -m& e)eryt"ing <as 0ine t"ere& s a(( ' need t d is r-n a !i!e int t"e st rm drains and t ! 00 t"e !rimary b i(er& <"ic" s" -(dn+t take ( ng at a(( gi)en t"e r-n 00 0r m t"e rain t"is m rning& t"en '+(( need t gi)e it a (ast systems c"eck& t"en '+(( need t get !ermissi n 0r m t"e city g )ernment 0 r m )ing an )ersi=ed )e"ic(e t"r -g" t <nCt" -g" !er"a!s ' c -(d get a<ay <it" it A-st t"is nce& as t"e 00icia(s can be @-ite -nderstanding s metimes b-t n t a(<ays s t <ard in)ent rs& as ' "a)e (earned inCD DH < s nFD re!eated Sk rt !atient(y* DT"e day a0ter t m rr <& D said Gi(benst ck* He reac"ed 0 r t"e ! tat es b-t st !!ed s" rt* DY - can eat n <& D "e said& n dding at "is g-ests+ em!ty !(ates* Harbis <as s<eating )isib(y* K(arm-n t yed <it" a tiny !iece 0 0ried ! tat * Sk rt ne)er ( ked d <n at t"e tab(e* DT< days& g d& D Sk rt said <it" satis0acti n* DAt mine <e t"ree <i(( be& <aiting at n n* Wa(king g d 0 r -s& <e see y t"ere* D He !a-sed& t"en <ent n* DRemember& y - <e ask n t s!eak ab -t mine r digging t"ers* Secret -r mine* D D.eg !ard nFD Gi(benst ck "ad 0inis"ed ser)ing "imse(0 and <as !re!aring t eat t"e s -rCcream <a(n-t cake* T"e t"ree men ( ked at eac" t"er& t"en K(arm-n ga)e it a try& grate0-((y !-tting aside "is ! tat scra!* DY - ab -t t"is& -r mine& n t s!eak ab -t* N t g d& e)ery ne kn <* Secret* D Gi(benst ck n dded* DYes& ' reca(( y - said t"at t"is m rning A-st be0 re*** A-st be0 re y - (e0t* D He t" -g"t 0 t"e man <it" t"e big kni0e in "is < rks" !* His 0ace s-dden(y 0e(t as i0 a(( t"e b( d "ad (e0t it* W"at <as g ing n "ereF DDiam nds <e y - ga)e& y - -r tr-st& D Sk rt said* His eyes seemed t "a)e gr <n (arger* D'0 e)ery ne -r mine kn <& <e "a)e 0 r -s m-c" tr -b(e& yes& tr -b(e* O-r tr-st y - and*** y -r 0riend "a)e* N tr -b(eFD T"ere <as a (itt(e si(ence* Gi(benst ck 0e(t (ig"tC"eaded <it" 0ear* DN tr -b(e* N ne <"ats e)er* D

DN tr -b(e& D Sk rt said again in a!!r )a(* D'0 tr -b(e& y <e m-stCD T"e 0r nt d r banged !en <it" -t <arning* C (d nig"t <inds b(e< in* A s@-at& 0i(t"y 0ig-re carrying a b-cket staggered inside* DS@-ibED cried t"e gn me* T"e g-((y d<ar0 <as c )ered <it" ( ng& b(eeding scratc"es 0r m "ead t m-dCc )ered 0eet* His n rma((y ragged c( t"es <ere near(y s"redded& and "e sme((ed as i0 "e+d been r ((ing in an a((ey (atrine* DGreat Re r?& <ere y - set -! nFD Gi(benst ck c(imbed d <n 0r m "is st ( s @-ick(y "e near(y 0e((* He r-s"ed t S@-ib* DWere y - beatenFD S@-ib r ((ed "is eyes and s" k "is "ead& " (ding -! t"e b-cket* He 0irst s"aded "is eyes <it" ne "and& as i0 searc"ing* T"en "e ! inted& made a brie0 "issing s -nd <it" "is 0ree "and in t"e s"a!e 0 a scratc"ing c(a<& and !ant mimed a scene 0 batt(e <it" a 0e(ine !! nent* At t"e end& "e "e(d t"e b-cket a( 0t again in tri-m!"& "is 0ree "and n < a 0ist <a)ing )er "is "ead* He t"en 00ered t"e b-cket t t"e men at t"e tab(e* Gi(benst ck+s eyes ( cked n t"e b-cket and <ent <ide <it" " rr r* T"e b-cket <as 0i((ed a(m st t t"e brim <it" dead mice* S@-ib "ad br -g"t back t"e " rs d+ e-)res* Gi(benst ck <as m rti0ied* DS@-ib& by my t<e()eCtimesCgreat Grand0at"er M-( rbine(( & n E We d n+t 00er -r*** -r g-ests*** D His ) ice trai(ed 00* Harbis& 0ace g( <ing in re(ie0& t k t"e b-cket 0 mice 0r m t"e g-((y d<ar0* Grins br ke -t a(( ar -nd t"e tab(e* S@-ib grabbed a c"air and !-((ed it -! t A in t"e t"ree men as Harbis @-ick(y d (ed -t mice t eac" 0 t"e t"ers !resent* T"ey acce!ted t"em <it" g-sty sig"s* Gi(benst ck grabbed "is <n !(ate 0r m t"e tab(e and made it t t"e kitc"en in t"e nick 0 time* He " !ed "is c-st mers < -(d 0 rgi)e "is r-deness& t" -g" "e n < kne< t"em t be barbarians <earing ci)i(i=ed c( t"ing* Taking a seat n t"e 0( r& Gi(benst ck made a stab at s me 0 t"e s -rCcream <a(n-t cake& b-t "e ke!t imagining it <as 0-(( 0 m -se "eads r tai(s* He g(-m(y set "is mea( aside and ! -red "imse(0 a c-! 0 <ater as "e 0 -g"t 00 na-sea* N t e)ery ne& "e re0(ected& is c-t -t t be a )egetarian* I I I I I T"e c ntracts <ere signed t"e 0 (( <ing m rning& <"en Gi(benst ck <as 0ee(ing <e(( again* T"e mea( "ad been a

c m!(ete s-ccess 0r m t"e "-mans+ ! int 0 )ie<Cand 0r m S@-ib+s& as t"e g-((y d<ar0 g t n t n(y s me 0 t"e mice b-t t"e entire s -rCcream <a(n-t cake as <e((* T"e day !assed @-ick(y* Gi(benst ck asked s me 0 t"e city g-ards t take an e?tra <a(k !ast "is s" ! t ( k 0 r !r <(ers& and t"e gener -s d nati n "e made t t"e city g-ards+ treas-ry and <id <s+ 0-nd ens-red t"at t"e g-ards t k a 0riend(y interest in c"asing sma(( c"i(dren and )agrants 0r m "is d r<ay* T"e gn me 0e(t m-c" m re sec-re and <as ab(e t tank -! t"e 'r n Drag n by ( <ering a " se int t"e drain in "is s" !& !-m!ing -t <"at <ater "e needed 0r m t"e st rm se<ers int t"e dri((ing mac"ine+s "-ge b i(er* A0ter a ( ng day s!ent in t"e 0ina( c"eck -t 0 t"e mac"ine& Gi(benst ck br -g"t S@-ib t t"e < rks" ! 0 r a test start 0 t"e 'r n Drag n* T"e gn me and g-((y d<ar0 c(imbed t t"eir res!ecti)e cabins& and Gi(benst ck& <it" "is c-st mary remark ab -t Dc ((atera( damage& D signa(ed 0 r t"e 'r n Drag n+s b i(er t be br -g"t t neC@-arter steam* At 0irst t"ere <as si(ence in t"e < rks" !* O)er a s!ace 0 ten min-tes& " <e)er& a ( < r-mb(e c -(d be "eard 0r m t"e 'r n Drag n+s "-ge b i(er* Gi(benst ck 0e(t t"e mac"ine gat"er ! <er and tremb(e s(ig"t(y* T" -g" 6a(ant"as "ad strict (a<s ab -t n isemaking a0ter dark& t"e "-mans <" c -(dn+t stand t"e c nstant "ammering "ad ( ng ag m )ed a<ay 0r m t"is b( ck& s Gi(benst ck <asn+t < rried ab -t ci)i( tr -b(e* T"e r-mb(ing gre< -nti( t"e <a((s 0 t"e <are" -se s" k -nder <a)es 0 s -nd s ( -d t"at t"e gn me be(ie)ed "e c -(d see t"em* T"e <a? ear!(-gs and "ea)yCd-ty ear m-00(ers "e ke!t tied )er "is "ead "e(!ed a great dea(* Fait"0-( S@-ib <as ca(m and -na00ected* He < re a c mbinati n 0 )ersi=ed g gg(es and earm-00s t"at made "im ( k rat"er (ike a b-gC eyed insect& <it" a t"ick(y !added s-it and "ea)y g( )es t !r tect 0r m steam b(asts* Gi(benst ck < re a simi(ar -t0it* At neC@-arter steam& t"e 'r n Drag n ga)e a(( indicati ns t"at it <as act-a((y c ming t (i0e* A sma(( !i!e b-rst near t"e ! rt centra( <"ee( " -sing* S@-ib and Gi(benst ck !-((ed (e)ers& t-gged c rds& 0(i!!ed s<itc"es& and t-rned kn bs* T"e steam (eak <as s"-t 00* S" rt(y a0ter& i( s!rayed 0r m a ( se A int A-st -nder t"e dri(( "ead m -nt& b-t Gi(benst ck ign red it* T"e test start <as a(( "e c -(d "a)e " !ed 0 r* :-st as !(easing <as t"e c"ance Gi(benst ck "ad t see S@-ib dis!(ay "is -ni@-e geni-s <it" t"e c ntr (s 0 t"e magni0icent )e"ic(e* T"e m-te g-((y d<ar0 c -(dn+t c -nt !ast t< & (ike m st 0 "is kind& b-t "e c -(d disassemb(e any de)ice and reassemb(e it 0(a<(ess(y& a ski(( t"at "ad sa)ed

t"e gn me 0r m disaster n t"is !r Aect a "-ndred times* S@-ib "ad !assed a(( t"e !i( ting tests t"at Gi(benst ck c -(d de)ise* Wit" -t 0ai(& "e !erated t"e 'r n Drag n+s array 0 c m!(e? dia(s& (e)ers& b-tt ns& ga-ges& <arning <"ist(es& timing be((s& signa( 0(ags& and t"er de)ices t"at 0aced "im in "is (itt(e cabin* T"e gn me "a!!i(y 0 rga)e S@-ib e)ery 00enseCe)en (ast nig"t+s D" rs d+ e-)res* D Gi(benst ck br -g"t t"e b i(er !ress-re d <n a0ter a 0e< min-tes& seeing n need 0 r 0-rt"er tests* T m rr < at da<n& "e+d bring it -! t 0-(( !ress-re and engage t"e main dri)e* T"e 'r n Drag n < -(d r (( 00 t meet "is c-st mers at t"e mine* 't < -(d be a "ist ric m ment* 6er"a!s& "e re0(ected& t"e city < -(d 00er "im s me 0 rm 0 rec gniti n 0 r "is ac"ie)ement& s-c" as a stat-e and a sack 0-(( 0 m ney* One ne)er kne<* T"e mac"ine <as c m!(ete(y s"-t d <n by midnig"t& acc rding t t"e s" !+s " -rg(assCt"e n(y g(ass<are in t"e !(ace t"at <asn+t c m!(ete(y s"attered by t"e n ise* A0ter 0ina( re!airs& Gi(benst ck m ti ned 0 r S@-ib n t t b t"er c(eaning -!& and t"ey (e0t by a sma(( d r in t"e back 0 t"e s" !* S@-ib s" rt(y t"erea0ter disa!!eared t r-mmage t"r -g" a garbage "ea!* T"e gn me c ntin-ed n a( ne& enA ying t"e nig"t air and trying t get t"e ( -d ringing -t 0 "is ears* 6er"a!s a @-arter 0 an " -r <ent by be0 re Gi(benst ck c -(d make -t n rma( street n ises* C-ri -s(y& a(( t"e d gs in t"e neig"b r" d <ere barking (ike mad* Many (am!s <ere (it in t"e <ind <s and r ms& and t"ere seemed t be an e?tra rdinary n-mber 0 !e !(e -t n t"e streets& arg-ing and ! inting in t"e directi n 0r m <"ic" t"e gn me "ad A-st c me* He s"r-gged& s-!! sing t"e <arm s!ring <eat"er "ad br -g"t e)ery ne -t& and began t "-m a t-ne 00Ckey* He c-t t"r -g" an a((ey and e)ent-a((y <a(ked -t nt a ! r(y (it street n(y t< b( cks 0r m " me* A ratt(ing n ise s -nded be"ind "im in t"e a((ey& (ike a 0a((en !ebb(e* G(ancing back& "e sa< n t"ing* He ( ked a"ead again A-st in time t r-n int a man+s (egs* .ad(y start(ed& t"e gn me cried -t in s!ite 0 "imse(0* He backed a<ay and ( ked -!* D.y my ancest r+s a(-min-mCsiding !atent& ' "ad @-ite a t-rn t"ereE Y - m-st 0 rgi)eCD Rec gni=ing t"e man+s 0ace& Gi(benst ck instant(y t-rned t r-n* A !iti(ess "and grabbed "is -!!er rig"t arm and s" )ed "im back int t"e a((ey* Gi(benst ck ( st "is ba(ance and 0e((* DTime 0(ies <"en y -+re "a)ing a g d time& e"FD 't t k a 0e< m ments 0 r t"e gn me t 0ind "is ) ice* Terr r ke!t "im 0r m ( king -!* D' ke!t y -r secret& D "e gas!ed*

D' s<ear t"at ' did* '0 y - can ! ssib(y see y -r <ay t making 0riends and (etting me g & ' < -(dCaag"ED T"e "-man+s "ands c( sed n t"e gn me+s c( t"ing and dragged Gi(benst ck t "is 0eet& s" )ing "im against an a((ey <a((* T"e gn me <as t 0rig"tened t ca(( 0 r "e(!* T"e man+s "ands s( <(y re(eased t"eir gri! n t"e gn me+s <ater( gged c( t"ing* T"en "e kne(t d <n in 0r nt 0 Gi(benst ck& "is 0ace and -t(ine bare(y )isib(e in t"e darkness* He began t gent(y br-s" 00 t"e gn me+s c( t"ing (ike a c ncerned (d 0riend* D.ad 0a(( y - t k t"ere& D t"e man said gent(y* He 0inis"ed "is ministrati ns and ga=ed int t"e gn me+s 0ace* D' <ant t kn < i0 and <"en y -+re (ea)ing t <n t "e(! -t y -r 0riends* And ' " !e y - < n+t say it isn+t any 0 my b-siness* D Gi(benst ck <anted s bad(y t 0ig"t back& t d anyt"ing t de0end "imse(0* D' asked y - a @-esti n& D said t"e man* DT m rr < m rning& D t"e gn me <"is!ered s-((en(y* DWe (ea)e A-st be0 re da<n* D T"e man sn rted in disg-st* D' t" -g"t s met"ing <as -! <"en ' "eard y -r steamC! <ered 0( <er <eeder start -! t nig"t* Great g ds 0 Krynn& y - c -(d "ear it a(( )er t"e city* ' < -(dn+t be s-r!rised i0 t"e g d t <ns0 (k d n+t b-rn y -r (itt(e < rks" ! d <n 0 r a(( t"e s(ee! t"ey+)e ( st* Y gn mes "a)e d g cra! 0 r c mm n sense* And y -+)e g t (ess t"an -s-a( 0 r taking -! <it" t" se s!ecia( !a(s 0 y -rs* D A0ter a m ment 0 t" -g"t& t"e man t k a dee! breat"* DWe((& (itt(e g-y& '+(( te(( y - <"at+s g ing t "a!!en* .e0 re y get ready t (ea)e t <n <it" y -r t"ree big b-ddies& y -+re g ing t CD D4 r(en& D a ) ice said* 't s -nded (ike K(arm-n* Gi(benst ck and t"e man immediate(y t-rned* 'n t"e dim (ig"t 0 a distant (am!& t"e gn me c -(d see t"e si(" -ette 0 s me ne standing in t"e a((ey entranceCs me ne ta(( and t"ickCarmed& <it" s" -(derC(engt" "air* T"e man 0r =e* Gi(benst ck (-nged 0 r<ard* He t"re< "is <eig"t against t"e knee(ing man be0 re "im& sending "im s!ra<(ing back<ard* T"e gn me t"en 0(ed d <n t"e a((ey t"e <ay "e+d c me& st-mb(ing )er c bb(est nes and tras" in t"e b(ackness* .e"ind "im rang -t c-rses& t"en meta((ic b( <s n st ne& and m re c-rses* T"e 0ig"t 0aded in t"e distance as "e ran n and n* An -nkn <n time (ater& Gi(benst ck staggered -! t "is 0r nt d r and c ((a!sed against it* His (-ngs <ere n 0ire& and "e c -(dn+t catc" "is breat"* He tried t t-rn t"e d rCkn b* 't <as ( cked* He str-gg(ed <it" it& t"en re(eased t"e kn b as

"e 0e(t in "is ! cket 0 r t"e key ring* T"e keys <ere g ne* A0ter a 0r-it(ess searc"& Gi(benst ck sat d <n n t"e d rste! and c )ered "is 0ace <it" "is t"ick "ands* He < -(d "a)e t g back and 0ind "is keys* He kne< <"ere t"ey <ere n <& remembering a meta((ic c(atter <"en "is assai(ant "ad !-s"ed "im against t"e <a((* 't "ad been t"e keys 0a((ing 0r m "is )est ! cket* Gi(benst ck < -(d rat"er "a)e died t"an ret-rn t t"e a((ey& b-t "is < rks" ! key <as n t"e key ring as <e(( as "is " -se key* '0 "e <aited -nti( da<n& a c"i(d mig"t carry t"em 00* D.e a drag n inside& D "e said t "imse(0* He kne< "e <as anyt"ing b-t a drag n* He c -(d kid "imse(0 and be(ie)e "e <as bra)e and kne< t"e rig"t t"ing t d & b-t it meant n t"ing in t"e rea( < r(d* 't <as t"e )ery dee!est !art 0 nig"t <"en "e 0 -nd t"e a((ey again* N s -nds iss-ed 0r m it* A(( (am! (ig"ts "ad been e?ting-is"edH t"e darkness <as a(m st c m!(ete* He <as 0 rced t 0ee( "is <ay a( ng t"e a((ey <a((* /ike a(( gn mes& Gi(benst ck "ad in0raredCsensiti)e )isi n t"at (et "im see "eat s -rces in darkness& b-t "e sa< n t"ing <arm in t"e entrance t t"e a((ey* He ke!t "is 0ace t t"e <a((& "is 0ingers straying int stinking& -nidenti0ied 0i(t" and debris as "e s(id "is "ands )er t"e c bb(eCst nes* T"e searc" 0 r t"e keys <ent n 0 r ages* Gi(benst ck ( st a(( sense 0 time* Ha)en+t ' s-00ered en -g"F "e asked "imse(0* His "ands and c( t"ing <ere c )ered in 0 -( garbage* He c -(d sme(( anima( d-ng and r tting 0r-it and m (d and& s n& b( dC( ts 0 b( d* D n+t (et me 0ind a b dy& "e !rayed* /et me 0ind my keys and '+(( g * /et me 0ind my keys* /et me 0indC His 0ingers t -c"ed s met"ing meta(* S( <(y "e 0e(t d <n <it" "is <" (e "and* His 0ist c( sed n "is ( st keys* 'n a(( "is (i0e& Gi(benst ck "ad ne)er be(ie)ed it <as ! ssib(e t 0ee( as re(ie)ed and (ig"t as "e 0e(t t"en* Re r? "ad been <atc"ing -t 0 r "im& a0ter a((* T"e gn me sig"ed and ste!!ed a<ay 0r m t"e <a((* He !r m!t(y st-mb(ed )er s met"ing in t"e a((ey be"ind "im& 0a((ing against a (arge bAect t"at <as s 0t and <et* Gi(benst ck cried -t in 0rig"t* He c -(d a(m st taste t"e s"ar! d r 0 0res" b( d* A manCsi=ed b dy (ay n t"e a((ey+s st nes* 't <asn+t m )ing* 't <as a(s c (er t"an a (i)e b dy < -(d be* K(arm-n r t"e assai(antF <as t"e 0irst @-esti n t"at came t Gi(benst ck nce "is t" -g"ts <ere c "erent again* 't <as a min-te be0 re "e c -(d < rk -! t"e c -rage t 0ind -t* He ( ked ar -nd& sa< and "eard n ne c ming& t"en inc"ed )er t t"e dead man+s "ead* S( <(y& t"e gn me !-t -t a "and and

t -c"ed t"e man+s "air* T"e "air <as t"ick and <iry& set in tig"t c-r(s* 't <as sticky <it" drying b( d* 4 r(en& K(arm-n "ad ca((ed "im* 4 r(en <as dead* Gi(benst ck re(eased t"e man+s "air and ste!!ed back* T"e "ead r ((ed 0ree(y a<ay 0r m t"e b dy and b-m!ed against t"e gn me+s 0 t& (ea)ing a trai( 0 b( d be"ind it* Gi(benst ck <ent rigid <it" terr r and made a c" king n ise* He t k an t"er ste! back& t"en 0ainted* I I I I I S met"ing <arm <as !ressed int "is "ands* Gi(benst ck t k it <it" -t t"inking& d-((y a<are 0 t"e sme(( 0 meaty br t"* S me ne t"en !-s"ed "is "ands t <ard "is m -t"& s!i((ing a bit 0 " t (i@-id 0r m t"e c-! "e "e(d* He began t drink* T"e br t" st-ng "is 0ingers and m -t"& b-t "e drank <it" -t 0(inc"ing* .e0 re ( ng& Gi(benst ck ( <ered t"e em!ty c-! and !-((ed t"e b(anket ar -nd "is s" -(ders a (itt(e tig"ter* T "is s-r!rise& "e 0 -nd t"at "e <as in "is <n bed* S me ne !-s"ed "is 0eet nt t"e bed and t-cked "im -nder t"e c )ers* H < nice& "e t" -g"t* Wit"in m ments& t"e gn me <as s -nd as(ee!* A gnar(ed& dirty "and !atted t"e sn ring (-m! -nder t"e b(ankets and !icked -! t"e c-! 0r m t"e 0( r* S@-ib drained t"e (ast 0e< dr !s 0 br t"& t"en "e0ted Gi(benst ck+s 0i(t"y c( t"ing and "eaded 0 r t"e s metimesC0-ncti na(& t<e()eC 0 tC( ng Eradicati n Rece!tac(e in t"e back 0 t"e 00ice* He "ad n idea <"at t"e gn me "ad been d ing in t"e a((ey s (ate at nig"t in s-c" a " rrib(e !redicament& b-t it <as b)i -s t"at it <as ( ng !ast time 0 r "is b ss t g " me* 't "ad been a (-cky t"ing 0 r t"e gn me t"at bra)e S@-ib "ad c"ased "is r dent @-arry rig"t int t"e a((ey <"ere t"e 0ig"t "ad cc-rred* Ot"er<ise*** S@-ib s"-ddered t e)en imagine <"at mig"t "a)e "a!!ened* S met"ing bad 0 r s-re& (ike <"at "a!!ened t t"at t"er g-y& Mister N C"ead* S@-ib "ad been s s" cked t"at "e+d e)en (et t"e rat get a<ay* On t"e <ay back 0r m t"e Eradicat r& <"ic" t"-m!ed c"eeri(y as it mang(ed t"e c( t"ing& t"e g-((y d<ar0 st !!ed in t"e kitc"en and g t "imse(0 an t"er c-! 0 br t"* He drank a si! and sig"ed <it" satis0acti n* O0 a(( t"e t"ings "e kne< " < t c k& cream 0 rat s -! <as easi(y t"e best t"ing 0 a((* He " !ed "is b ss a!!reciated t"at* I I I I I T"e m rning sky <as brig"t )er t"e m -ntains ringing

6a(ant"as* Farmers dr )e t"eir carts t"r -g" t"e streets& bringing !r d-ce 0 r t"e markets* G-((s s"rieked and cr <s ca<ed angri(y by t"e bay <ater0r nt* Gnar(ed "ands !ened a !air 0 < den s"-tters t t"e da<n& t"en r -g"(y s" k t"e b(anketed (-m! in t"e nearby bed* T"e gn me a< ke <it" a gas! and accidenta((y kicked )er a c"air by "is bedside* A 0i)eC0 t stack 0 !a!ers n t"e c"air ti(ted and 0e((& b-rying t"e gn me beneat" its <"ir(ing <"ite !ages* DAaaaaggggg"""""ED Gi(benst ck s"rieked& c n)inced "e <as being attacked again* He 0(ai(ed ab -t& "-r(ing reams 0 (d n tes 0r m "is bed as S@-ib <ise(y retreated and "id -nder a tab(e* W"en "e "ad ca(med d <n and c rrect(y assessed t"e sit-ati n& Gi(benst ck 0e(( back am ng "is c )ers& trying t s( < "is "eartbeat* T"e !re)i -s nig"t+s e)ents seemed m re distant n <& t" -g" "ard(y (ess 0rig"tening* Ca-ti -s(y& S@-ib cra<(ed 0r m -nder t"e bed and ta!!ed Gi(benst ck n t"e arm& ! inting t t"e <ind < and t"e (ig"t streaming t"r -g" it* Gi(benst ck stared& t"en ( ked back at S@-ib in c n0-si n* And c m!re"ensi n* DO"& great g ds 0 KrynnED 'n rene<ed !anic& Gi(benst ck str-gg(ed t get -ntang(ed 0r m "is b(ankets* DWe m-st get t t"e < rks" !E We+re sc"ed-(ed t meet -r c(ients at t"e mine at n nED T"e ne?t 0e< min-tes <ere a b(-r* 't <as <"i(e "e <as "asti(y !-((ing n a c(ean !air 0 !ants t"at Gi(benst ck rea(i=ed t"at "is c(ient K(arm-n& <" m "e+d be meeting s" rt(y& <as a ki((er* T"e t" -g"t ca-sed "im t tear a " (e in "is breec"es by Aamming "is 0 t int a tr -ser (eg t "ard* He dr !!ed t"e !ants and 0rantica((y "-nted 0 r yet an t"er !air* T"en again& "e re0(ected& K(arm-n "ad n(y c me t "is resc-e& s !er"a!s a certain am -nt 0 b( d(etting <as t be 0 rgi)en* Maybe* T"e )ery idea sti(( made t"e gn me b(anc"* He ski!!ed break0ast Kt"e F(agrati nary /arder A!!(iance Maintaining E@-i! tentia( Radiance "ad b-rned a(( t"e <a00(esL& and "e and S@-ibC t"e (atter c(-tc"ing a <arm c-! 0 s me s rt 0 meaty br t"C"-rried 00 int t"e street* T Gi(benst ck+s ast nis"ment& (arge s"eets 0 !a!er <ere nai(ed t t"e 0r nt d rs 0 t"e <are" -se* He s@-inted -! at t"e <riting* D+Warning&+D "e read a( -d* D+On t"is day& t"e city g-ard 0 6a(ant"as "as determined t"at t"e mec"anica( de)ice ke!t <it"in t"is 0aci(ity m-st n t be !erated <it"in t"ese city (imits& by rder 0 Sergeant /iam :era<s& -nti( s-c" time as its e?cessi)e n ise& <"ic" s )i (ent(y dist-rbed t"e !-b(ic n t"e !re)i -s e)ening& can be !ermanent(yC+ W"at r-bbis" is

t"isFD Gi(benst ck sn rted as "e (ed t"e <ay ar -nd t t"e back entrance* DT t"ink 0 a(( t"e bribes ' !aid "im& and n < t"isE T"at+s -tter(y disgrace0-(* N ne "as any res!ect 0 r m ney t"ese days* D S@-ib be(c"ed in sym!at"y* Wi!ing "is m -t" and beard n "is s(ee)e& "e 0 (( <ed "is b ss int t"e <are" -se* 't t k b-t a 0e< min-tes t d n t"e !r tecti)e c( t"ing& g( )es& t ( be(ts& ear!(-gs& g gg(es& and earm-00s* 't t k an t"er 0e< min-tes t take t"em a(( 00 again <"en b t" gn me and g-((y d<ar0 disc )ered t"ey "ad t )isit t"e (atrine be0 re t"e tri! KDT m-c" e?citement& D m-ttered Gi(benst ckL* Once again 0-((y -t0itted& t"ey g t n <it" a (ast c"eck 0 t"e s-!!(y b ?es& <"ic" c ntained 0 d& t (s& e?tra c( t"ing& and yards 0 c(ean bandagesCA-st in case* Wit"in ten min-tes& t"e r-mb(ing b i(er <as -! t neC@-arter ! <er* A s"ri(( <"ist(e <ent 00 at "a(0 ! <er& triggering a c" r-s 0 a(arm be((s ar -nd t"e t< great dri)er !ist ns* T"e m nstr -s ( c m ti)e gr <(ed and s" k as i0 an eart"@-ake b i(ed <it"in it* A(( e)i( mem ries 0 t"e !ast nig"t )anis"ed* T"e gn me 0e(t ta((er t"an "e rea((y <as& e)en ta((er t"an a "-man* His b( d r-s"ed and ! -nded in "is )eins in time <it" t"e s" ck <a)es 0 s -nd t"at 0i((ed t"e <are" -se* D-st 0e(( 0r m t"e cei(ing* Gi(benst ck ( ked -t 0 t"e <ind < t "is rig"t 0 r S@-ib+s cabin& A-st as t"e g-((y d<ar0 ( ked )er and ca-g"t "is ga=e* T"e g-((y d<ar0 grinned 0r m ear t earCm-00ed ear& "is cr ssed eyes bare(y )isib(e be"ind "is t"ick g gg(es* T"e m ment <as at "and* DF r<ard& int destinyED cried Gi(benst ck& b-t "is ) ice <as ( st in t"e c"a s as "e ! inted at t"e d rs* S@-ib n dded "a!!i(y& t" -g" c m!(ete(y -nab(e t "ear a t"ing& and !-((ed d <n "ard n t"e t"r tt(e* T"e 'r n Drag n !ened -! t 0-(( ! <er as S@-ib engaged t"e main dri)e* A t" -g"t cc-rred t t"e gn me* DFirst& (et+s !en t"e 0r nt d rs& D Gi(benst ck added a m ment (ater* DWe+(( "a)e t <atc" 0 r c ((atera(C !sED He <as t (ate* Hammer b( <s 0 s -nd cras"ed int "is b nes* T-rbines and !ist ns screamed* T"e 'r n Drag n ga)e a t rt-red meta((ic s"riek t"at <ent -! t t"e r 0 and sky& t"e b(ast s"attering t"e " -rg(ass at t"e s" !+s rear* Wit" a banging 0 gears& t"e great mac"ine (-rc"ed 0 r<ard* Gi(benst ck <atc"ed <it" a mi?t-re 0 ast nis"ment& " rr r& and <i(d !ride as t"e giant r ck dri((s !-nc"ed t"r -g" t"e ( cked < den d rs 0 t"e <are" -se* M ments (ater& t"e 'r n Drag n cras"ed t"r -g" t"e <" (e <a(( <it" ease* T"e b(ack m nster s-rged 0 r<ard t"r -g" t"e ga!ing " (e and r ((ed

direct(y nt t"e streetCs-r!rising(y 0ree 0 !edestrians in t"e immediate area* T"e mac"ine+s <"ee(s cr-s"ed 0(at an aband ned me( n cart* S@-ib+s kn <ing "ands 0(e< )er t"e c ntr (s& and t"e 'r n Drag n sm t"(y !i) ted n its starb ard <"ee(s t make a rig"t t-rn d <n t"e street& <"ic" <as ra!id(y em!tying 0 a(( tra00ic* T"e !e !(e seemed @-ite e?cited as t"ey 0(ed* As <e(( t"ey s" -(d be& t"e gn me t" -g"t !r -d(y* 'n "is <i(dest dreams& Gi(benst ck "ad ne)er imagined riding "is 'r n Drag n < -(d be (ike t"is* T"e ir n 0( r t"-m!ed as i0 ! -nded by a giant& beating t"e s (es 0 "is 0eet merci(ess(y* He bare(y managed t kee! -!rig"t by gras!ing (e)ers and !i!es <it" a(( "is strengt"* M st 0 t"e g(assC c )ered dia(s s n br ke& and se)era( dia(s st !!ed 0-ncti ning entire(y& b-t t"e 'r n Drag n sti(( a!!eared t be in g d r-nning rder* And t"e s -ndE T"e )ery air )ibrated (ike <a)es n t"e s" re d-ring a great st rm* H -ses seemed t s"i)er in 0ear and a<e 0 Gi(benst ck+s in)enti n* S-re(y t"e city ! !-(ace < -(d <e(c me "im back as a "er <"en "e ret-rned 0r m "is 0irst missi nE S-re(y "-ndreds < -(d t"en 0i(( "is ge ( gica( s-r)ey s" ! <it" ne< mines t dig& ne< 0 rt-nes t make& and ri)ers 0 !raise 0 r "is geni-sE T"e 'r n Drag n dr )e d <n t"e street t <ard t"e intersecti n <it" t"e treeC(ined O(d S -t" R ad* Gi(benst ck g(anced be"ind b-t c -(dn+t see m-c" t"r -g" t"e "-rricane 0 d-st and steam t"at 0 (( <ed t"em* He c -(d te((& " <e)er& t"at t"e street <as s-00ering c nsiderab(e damage 0r m t"eir !assage* He grimaced at t"e t" -g"t 0 s!ending an t"er diam nd r t< 0 r r ad re!airs& b-t it < -(d be < rt" t"e g d !-b(ic re(ati ns* T"ere <ere t"er !r b(ems& t * T< aband ned <ag ns <ere smas"ed t !ieces beneat" t"e mac"ine+s c ttageCsi=ed <"ee(s& and a stray b ard 0r m ne brie0(y Aammed t"e ! rt dri)er bar* /-rc"ing t t"e (e0t& t"e 'r n Drag n str-ck and s!(intered a "a(0 d =en (d trees (ining t"e b -(e)ard be0 re t"e b ard <as dis( dged and S@-ib br -g"t t"e mac"ine back -nder c ntr (* 6i) ting at t"e intersecti n <it" O(d S -t" R ad& t"e 'r n Drag n came ab -t t make t"e 0ina( (eg 0 its A -rney -t 0 t <n* As it did& Gi(benst ck 0 -nd "imse(0 c n0r nted by a ner) -s cr <d 0 maceC<ie(ding dry g-ards& acc m!anied by a man and a < man <earing t"e red r bes -sed by s me 0 t"e city+s mages* T"e ! sse <as n(y a "-ndred 0eet a<ay* DB"C "& D m-ttered t"e gn me& "is ) ice ( st in t"e racket* He reac"ed -! and !-((ed a c rd t acti)ate a <arning <"ist(e !ri r t "is s( <ing d <n t"e mac"ine* T"e g-ards d -b(ed

)er in ag ny as t"e <"ist(e screamed* T"r <ing d <n t"eir <ea! ns& m -t"s !en <ide and "ands c(as!ed t t"eir ears& t"e "-mans 0(ed 0 r t"eir (i)es* T" se in red r bes ran 0astest 0 a((* Gi(benst ck decided t"ere <as n need t st ! n <& and s c ntin-ed n* T"e (ast b-i(dings n t"e edge 0 t <n <ere n < g ing !ast t"e <ind <s* T"e 0r nt end 0 t"e 'r n Drag n r se steadi(y& c(imbing t"e O(d S -t" R ad at t"e s -t"eastern end 0 t"e Merc"andising District* T"ey <ere at t"e 0 t 0 t"e m -ntains* Fr m "ere& t"e r ad c-r)ed back and 0 rt" (ike a dr-nkard+s <a(k 0 r se)era( mi(es a0ter (ea)ing t"e city& b-t it < -(dn+t take b-t a 0e< " -rs t reac" t"e mine i0 t"e steam stayed "ig"* T"e 'r n Drag n str-ck s met"ing in t"e r adCa br n=e stat-e n a ( < st ne !edesta(Cand b -nced !artic-(ar(y "ig" be0 re it cr-s"ed t"e 0ig-re and its st ne base 0(at* As t"e gn me <as t ssed int t"e air& "e ca-g"t a g(im!se t"r -g" t"e 0 r<ard <ind < 0 s met"ing a"ead in t"e r ad& direct(y in t"e !at" 0 t"e A-ggerna-t* A man <earing b(ack r bes* Gi(benst ck g t -! n ti!t es and t k a sec nd ( k* 't act-a((y a!!eared t be an e(0 in b(ack r bes* He st d ca(m(y& n t a "-ndred and 0i0ty 0eet a"ead& "is arms cr ssed )er "is c"est in care(ess 0as"i n as "e <atc"ed t"e nc ming mac"ine* Gi(benst ck c -(d see t"e e(0+s (i@-id b(ack eyes !er0ect(y* T"ey <ere 0 c-sed n "im* His b( d ran c (d* E)en t"e m st "-mb(e 0 gn me tinkers in 6a(ant"as kne< 0 Da(amar& "ead 0 t"e Order 0 .(ack R bes& ne 0 t"e mig"tiest <i=ards a(i)e* Gi(benst ck )ag-e(y reca((ed "earing t"at Da(amar "ad -ndead s rcerers 0 r ser)ants* Bns!eakab(e m nsters <ere at "is beck and ca((* Ot"er r-m rs ab -t Da(amar "ad gi)en Gi(benst ck -n!(easant dreams in t"e !ast* T see t"e dark e(0 act-a((y ( king at "im <as < rse by 0ar t"an any nig"tmare* T"e gn me tried t s -nd t"e <arning <"ist(e& b-t t"e c rd "ad 0(i!!ed -! -t 0 reac"* Gi(benst ck ( ked t t"e rig"t and sa< t"at 0ait"0-( S@-ib a!!eared t be <rest(ing <it" a st-ck )a()e and <as n t !aying t"e s(ig"test attenti n t t"e r ad a"ead r its ( ne bstac(e* Greetings& Gi(benst cke(b-r(indi s !"amisti(a(iniar& said a c (& dark ) ice in t"e gn me+s "ead* Gi(benst ck "ad n t "eard t"e ( nger s" rt 0 rm 0 "is name in many years* 't terri0ied "im t "ear it s! ken n < in "is mind& as i0 by a g" st* His t" -g"ts Aammed -! (ike a gearb ? <it" a ( g st-ck in it* F rgi)e me 0 r -sing direct menta( c ntact <it" y -& b-t

n rma( s!eec" is @-ite im! ssib(e& said t"e ) ice* ' <as a<akened (ast nig"t by t"e racket 0 y -r mac"ine& and n(y a @-arter " -r ag <as interr-!ted in my st-dies by t"e same* N < ' 0ind t"at in additi n t tr -b(ing me& y -r de)ice "as dri)en a<ay a(( street tra00ic 0 r b( cks& red-ced t"e ! !-(ati n 0 t"is city t anarc"y& and damaged t"is district at a c st 0 many t" -sand stee(s* 't < -(d n t tr -b(e me in t"e s(ig"test t "-r( b t" y - and y -r miserab(e de)ice int t"e bay& and ' am great(y tem!ted t d s n <* A(( t"e strengt" <ent -t 0 t"e gn me+s knees* He gri!!ed t"e <ind < (edge t kee! 0r m 0a((ing* He stee(ed "imse(0 0 r <"at < -(d c me ne?t* A smi(e 0(itted acr ss t"e 0ace 0 t"e dark e(0& n < n(y 0i0ty 0eet a"ead* On t"e t"er "and& y - "a)e -nintenti na((y am-sed and !(eased me& t"e ) ice said* ' great(y dis(iked E(istan+s stat-e& <"ic" y -+)e red-ced t scra!* E(istan <as as great a d Cg der and 0 ( as ' "a)e e)er kn <n& and "is stat-e <as a drink 0 bi(e* .esides& it <as a terrib(e (ikeness* We+(( ca(( it e)en* Y - may (ea)e t"is city -n"armed* T"e dark e(0 t"en t-rned int mist and 0aded 0r m )ie<* :-st t"ree sec nds (ater& t"e 'r n Drag n dr )e direct(y )er t"e s! t in t"e r ad <"ere t"e e(0 "ad been standing& c ntin-ing its t"-ndering dri)e int t"e m -ntains* A0ter a ( ng& breat"(ess m ment d-ring <"ic" Gi(benst ck e?!ected Da(amar t rea!!ear and carry -t "is t"reat any<ay& t"e gn me c( sed "is eyes and !ened "is m -t" t say a !rayer 0 t"anks t Re r?* ' < -(d enc -rage y - t take y -r time ab -t c ming back& " <e)er& t"e ) ice added abr-!t(y* And y -+d best c me n 0 t& i0 y - c me at a((* N m re <as said* Aside 0r m r-nning )er a <ag n( ad 0 0r-it and a dea0 ! ss-m& t"e 'r n Drag n and its cre< (e0t t"e nce tran@-i( city <it" -t 0-rt"er incident* I I I I I A0ter 0rantic "and signa(s 0r m Gi(benst ck& S@-ib <as ab(e t bring t"e gargant-an de)ice t a "a(t ab -t si?teen mi(es -tside 0 t <n& dee! in t"e 3ingaard M -ntains* .(asts 0 steam s!rayed 0r m t"e ( c m ti)e+s !i!es and )a()es& t"e t"-nder ec" ing acr ss t"e )a((eys and c(i00s* Gi(benst ck 0 -nd t"at "e <as s a00ected by t"e b neCAarring ride t"at "e <as tem! rari(y -nab(e t <a(k r !ick -! t"ings <it" "is 0ingers* He reac"ed t"e gr -nd a0ter 0a((ing "a(0<ay d <n t"e (adder and <as rem )ing s"ar! r ck 0ragments 0r m "is !a(ms

<"en S@-ib A ined "im* T"e gn me t k 00 "is ear !r tecti n and tried t s!eak& b-t "e c -(dn+t e)en "ear "imse(0 )er t"e end(ess ringing in "is ears* He gest-red "e(!(ess(y& t"en ca-g"t S@-ib by t"e arm and dragged "im t t"e ! rt side 0 t"e id(ing mac"ine* He ! inted t t"e dry creek bed t"at ran acr ss t"e r ad a"ead& tra)e(ing !er!endic-(ar t t"eir directi n 0 tra)e(* A0ter a 0e< m re gest-res& S@-ib ca-g"t n t t"e idea t"at t"ey <ere t dri)e -! t"e creek bed and& <it" s"aky (imbs& b t" 0 t"em rem -nted t"e )e"ic(e* Ne< b(asts 0 n ise rang t"r -g" -t t"e !eaks* T"e 'r n Drag n s( <(y s!-n n its ! rt <"ee(s& r cks 0(ying& and set -t )er t"e r -g" gr -nd* Tra)e(ing <as n < 0ar < rse t"an be0 re* T"e O(d S -t" R ad <as "ard(y in t"e best 0 c nditi n in t"is area& b-t t"e r cky gr -nd <as a<0-( and 0 rced t"e g-((y d<ar0 t dri)e at a 0racti n 0 t"eir !re)i -s s!eed* Gi(benst ck <as reg-(ar(y s(ammed 0r m side t side in "is cabin& t"e b ?es and crates b -ncing ar -nd "im& and "e banged "is "ead !ain0-((y n nearby !i!es and ga-ges m re 0ten t"an <as e?act(y !(easant* M re t"an nce "e <as near(y t"r <n 0r m t"e cabin t"r -g" a side <ind <* A0ter <"at seemed (ike a t" -sand years 0 t"is !-nis"ment& Gi(benst ck da=ed(y n ted t"at t"e 'r n Drag n <as c ming t a "a(t* T"e mac"ine r cked n its <"ee(s s(ig"t(y& t"en sett(ed d <n <it" an t"er c" r-s 0 steam b(asts and meta((ic c(anks and bangs* ' am n t n(y dea0& "e t" -g"t as "e (ay n t"e 0( r 0 "is cabin& "is s" rt arms <ra!!ed ar -nd a !i!e& b-t ' "a)e a(s "ad e)ery b ne in my b dy br ken t !ieces* ' <i(( "a)e t b-y a ne< b dy& <"ic" means an t"er diam nd g ne& b-t it <i(( be < rt" it* ' s"a(( ask ar -nd 0 r a ta((er b dy i0 ! ssib(e* S@-ib& grinning and "ard(y t"e < rse 0 r t"e <ear& <as ab(e t bring Gi(benst ck d <n t"e (adder and re)i)e "im <it" a drink 0 meaty br t" 0r m a sea(ed c ntainer* Gi(benst ck s n !-s"ed t"e c-! a<ay* W" kne< <"at t"e g-((y d<ar0 "ad made t"e s -! <it"F Gi(benst ck @-ick(y sa< t"at S@-ib "ad st !!ed t"e mac"ine beca-se t"ere <as sim!(y n <"ere e(se t g * T"e br ad& trai(C(ike creek "ad nce 0( <ed 0r m <"at ( ked (ike a ca)ern in t"e side 0 t"e m -ntain* T"e ca)ern "ad ( ng ag c ((a!sed& and t"e creek "ad !r bab(y died <it" it* W"i(e S@-ib ga)e t"e 'r n Drag n a brie0 c"eck )er& Gi(benst ck stri!!ed 00 "is earm-00s& g gg(es& and g( )es& t"en set 00 n r-bbery (egs t e?amine t"e area* T"e ca)ern <as n t tr-(y a ca)ern at a((& instead being t"e d<ar)enCmade entrance t <"at <as !r bab(y an (d mineC an

ir n mine& A-dging by t"e reddis" c"-nks 0 "ematite t"at (ittered t"e gr -nd* Gi(benst ck b(inked as "e ran "is "ands )er t"e 0itted st ne< rk t"at 0ramed t"e b-ried entrance* T"ere <as a g d c"ance t"at t"e )ery d<ar)es <" "ad b-i(t 6a(ant"as in ages !ast "ad a(s d-g t"is mine* Gi(benst ck g-essed t"at t"e mine "ad seen n < rkers 0 r*** DH-ndreds 0 years& D Gi(benst ck sig"ed* He 0 -nd "is "earing "ad c me back& t" -g" t"e ringing "ad yet t (ea)e* DTen cent-ries& D said a 0ami(iar ) ice be"ind "im* C(-tc"ing "is "eart& Gi(benst ck gas!ed and s!-n ar -nd* Harbis and Sk rt st d n(y a d =en 0eet a<ay* Neit"er man <as smi(ing* T"ey <ere d-sty b-t seemed c m0 rtab(e in t"e "eat* DMerci0-( g ds& y - ga)e me @-ite a t-rn* D Gi(benst ck (a-g"ed and t<eaked a !inky in "is rig"t ear* DMy "earing+s A-st a (itt(e 00& b-t it s" -(d be back in s"a!e s n en -g"* 's t"is t"e mine ab -t <"ic" y - <ere s!eaking ear(ierFD D't is& D said Sk rt* His ga=e 0(icked t t"e entrance& t"en back t t"e gn me* DF rgi)e -s 0 r start(ing y -& b-t <e+d ear(ier retreated s me distance ar -nd t"e side 0 t"e m -ntain t a) id being dea0ened by y -r*** remarkab(e 'r n Drag n* D DA"& n !r b(em at a((& D Gi(benst ck re!(ied grand(y* S met"ing str-ck t"e gn me as di00erent& b-t "e c -(dn+t @-ite !(ace it* DWe((& <e "a)e ab -t 0i)e m re " -rs -nti( s-nd <n& s i0 y - <is" -s t start dri((ing <e can get n <it" it in A-st a 0e< m re min-tes a0ter my assistant c(ears t"e 'r n Drag n 0 r !erati n* We "ad @-ite a r -g" ride -! "ere& ' m-stCD He st !!ed in mids!eec"* He 0e(t an -nreas ning m ment 0 0ear& t"en s<a(( <ed and ( ked -! at Sk rt* D' m-st say& y -+)e rea((y ca-g"t n <it" t"e (ang-age since ' (ast sa< y -* Y - s" -(d be c mmended n y -r abi(ity* Y -+)e managed t !ick -! t"e t ng-e 0ar m re @-ick(y t"an m st !e !(e d * ' d n+t mean t"at as a s(-r against "-mans& y - -nderstand& b-t it d es seem !er"a!s a bit -n-s-a(* D D' a! ( gi=e 0 r t"e dece!ti n& b-t <e <is"ed t a!!ear as s met"ing t"er t"an <e are& D Sk rt said dry(y* DMy barbaric r (e ser)es me <e((H s metimes it !ays t a!!ear -ns !"isticated* My ass ciates are n t as ski((ed in y -r (ang-age as '& s t"eir r (es <ere m re gen-ine* And& yes& t"e s ner y - start dri((ing& t"e better* We are )ery eager t get -r b-siness -nder<ay again* D DO0 c -rse& D Gi(benst ck agreed -ncertain(y& -nab(e t t"ink 0 anyt"ing m re t say* He t-rned t ( k at t"e mine entrance b-t instead sa< Harbis& "ands n "i!s& b( cking "is

)ie<* Rat"er& Harbis seemed t "a)e b t" "ands n "is "i!s& b-t ne "and <as act-a((y resting n t"e ! mme( 0 a ( ng dagger t"at <as stra!!ed t "is rig"t t"ig"* DO"& D Gi(benst ck said& and ( ked back at Sk rt <it" 0rig"tened eyes* D:-st start digging& !(ease& D Sk rt said* DY - "a)e been <e(( !aid 0 r y -r < rk& and <e great(y <is" t see t"e res-(ts* D DBm& res-(ts& 0 c -rse& D t"e gn me ec" ed* DO0 c -rse* D He ( ked ne (ast time at Harbis+s dagger& t"en "eaded back t <ard t"e 'r n Drag n& 0ig"ting t"e -rge t r-n a<ay* .e0 re "e reac"ed t"e 'r n Drag n& " <e)er& "e st !!ed nce n im!-(se and ( ked back* E)en as "e s! ke& Gi(benst ck kne< "e <as risking tr -b(e* He c -(dn+t "e(! "imse(0* He "ad t kn <* DF rgi)e me& D "e ca((ed& Db-t ' d n+t see -r 0riend K(arm-n "ere* ' " !e y - d n+t mind my asking a0ter "im* D Sk rt and Harbis stared at t"e gn me 0 r a 0e< sec nds* T"ree inc"es 0 Harbis+s dagger b(ade a!!eared 0r m its s"eat"* DK(arm-n <as detained by an (d ac@-aintance in t <n& D Sk rt said <it" -t e?!ressi n* DCarry n* D Harbis+s b(ade s( <(y disa!!eared& t" -g" "is kn tted "and did n t re(a? its gri! n t"e "i(t* Gi(benst ck n dded again& t"en <ent n t t"e 'r n Drag n* He c-rsed "imse(0 as "e did* F r t"e ( )e 0 m ney& "e "ad s (d "is ser)ices t agents 0 darkness& and t"ey n < e?!ected t"eir d-e* T"ey <ere n t cr-de barbarians at a((& b-t s"re<d act rs !(aying -t t"eir !arts& secret(y 0 rt-ne "-nters r t"ie)es* T"ey b)i -s(y t" -g"t t"e mine "e(d b-ried treas-re 0 s me s rt& and t"ey+d ki(( 0 r t"at treas-re* Gi(benst ck "ad been !(ayed 0 r a 0 (* He <as a(i)e n(y beca-se "e <as -se0-(Cand beca-se n ne s-s!ected "im 0 treac"ery* T"e e?citement t"e gn me "ad 0e(t ear(ier n t"e dri)e -t 0 6a(ant"as <as g ne* N < "e s"i)ered& antici!ating t"e s"ar! !ain 0 a kni0e t"r-st in "is back& and < ndering " < ( ng "e "ad t (i)e* Sk rt "ad im!(ied t"at 4 r(en <as kn <n t t"em& an D (d ac@-aintance* D An (d enemy& m re (ike(y* Did t"e t"ree s-s!ect t"at Gi(benst ck "ad t (d 4 r(en ab -t t"eir !(ansF W"at < -(d t"ey d i0 t"ey t" -g"t "e "adF His mind )err-n <it" tr -b(ing @-esti ns& t"e gn me <as bare(y ab(e t kee! "is t" -g"ts n "is < rk as "e c"ecked back <it" "is assistant* W rt"y S@-ib ! inted -t a 0e< areas 0 !artic-(ar damage d ne t t"e 'r n Drag n n its " -rsC ( ng dri)e& b-t t"e mac"ine as a <" (e "ad "e(d -! <e((* T"ere <as n reas n it c -(dn+t tack(e t"e dri((ing rig"t a<ay*

Wit" a "ea)y sig"& Gi(benst ck <a)ed t t"e t< men and <arned t"em t"at t"e dri((ing < -(d s n c mmence* W"en "e s!e((ed -t t"e dangers 0 t"e n ise and 0(ying r cks KDT"e c ((atera( damage s" -(d be e?tra rdinaryDL& t"e t< men n dded& t"en set 00 d <n t"e creek bed t be -t 0 "arm+s <ay* Gi(benst ck distracted(y !atted S@-ib n t"e back& t"en started back -! t"e ir n (adder t "is cabin* Once t"ere& "e care0-((y barred "is d r and raised se)era( sma(( s"ie(ds in t"e <ind <s t !r tect "im 0r m r ck s"ards* He t"en !eeked -t t"e starb ard <ind < t see " < S@-ib <as d ing* One 0 t"e (arge s-!!(y b ?es be"ind Gi(benst ck s"i0ted and creaked* 'ts (id came !en* Start(ed& Gi(benst ck s!-n ar -nd* A dirty 0ig-re ar se 0r m inside t"e b ?& " (ding t"e (id !en <it" ne arm* T"e man+s c-r(y b(ack "air <as dam! <it" s<eat* O(d b( d streaked "is 0ace* DTime 0(ies <"en y -+re "a)ing a g d time& e"FD said t"e man in a s 0t& <eary ) ice* Gi(benst ck c -(dn+t t"ink 0 anyt"ing t say* He <as n-mb <it" terr rCand ast nis"ment* T"e manC4 r(enCs" k "is "ead as i0 t c(ear it* D't+s me& (itt(e 0riend& D "e said* DD n+t b t"er t ans<erH ' can bare(y "ear a t"ing any<ay 0r m t"e racket y -r 0( <er <eeder !-t -t* ' A-st "ad t tag a( ng n y -r (itt(e tri! int t"e m -ntains* Y - "ad ( ts 0 t"ings in t"is crate& b-t ' 0ig-red y - < -(dn+t miss t"em& s ' t k t"em -t and !-t myse(0 in (ast nig"t a0ter -r meeting in t"e a((ey* 't t k a <"i(e t d it* O-r 0riend t-rned -t t be better <it" a b(ade t"an '+d a(( <ed* D T"e man grimaced& t"en br -g"t "is t"er arm -t 0 t"e crate and int )ie<* 'n a bandaged "and& "e c(-tc"ed t"e "-ge& b( dstained "-nting kni0e* Gi(benst ck 0 -nd "is t ng-e* DY - <ere dCdCdead& D "e managed t gibber* DY - "ad n "C"C"*** D 4 r(en ga)e a 0aint (a-g"& @-ick(y g ne* D' ( ked mig"ty dead& didn+t 'F ' t" -g"t s & t * T"e c r!se ( ked A-st (ike me* T"ey a(( d t"at& y - kn <* Deat" c"anges a(( Si)ak drac nians& <"et"er t"ey ki(( r are ki((ed t"emse()es* ' "ad t make s-re "e <as as dead as "e c -(d get& be0 re*** D 4 r(en raised t"e ti! 0 "is (arge kni0e and 0(icked it gent(y !ast "is t"r at* D.est c-re 0 r "eadac"es t"ere e)er <as* D DDrac nians& D t"e gn me re!eated da=ed(y* 4 r(en r-bbed "is ears* DDrac nians* ' kne< t"e t"ree 0 t"em <ere n t s met"ing* F (( <ed t"e sca(y bastards 0r m Ka(aman& east 0 "ere* T"ey st (e s me !a!ers 0r m an (d mage& a 0riend 0 mine& a0ter t"ey t re "im t ribb ns* T"ey

kne< <"at t"ey <ere a0ter and <"ere t"ey <anted t g * T"e Dark G-een m-st "a)e ti!!ed t"em 00* T"ey t k n(y t"e !a!ers <ritten d <n by t"e d<ar)es at 6a(ant"as& ab -t t"eir mines* My 0riend c ((ected (d st ries (ike t"at* T"en t"ey ki((ed s me !easants& t k t"eir c( t"es and identities* D 4 r(en "ad t s" -t t be "eard )er t"e rising steam n ises 0r m -tside* DT"e d<ar)es 0 -nd s met"ing& years ag d-ring t"e Age 0 Mig"t& d <n in t"is mine* A0ter t"ey 0 -nd it& t"e d<ar)es sea(ed 00 t"e s"a0t and ne)er <ent back t it* Y -r t"ree b-ddies disc )ered t"eir secret* N < t"ey <ant it 0 r t"emse()es& and y -+)e been recr-ited t "e(! t"em get it* D DWaitED Gi(benst ck !r tested* DT"ey+re n 0riends 0 mineC t"ey+re c-st mersE ' ne)er met t"em -nti( t< days ag E T"ey "ired meE ' d n+t kn < <"at t"ey <ant& eit"erED 4 r(en sig"ed and n dded* 'n t"e backgr -nd& t"e great engine began t r-mb(e )ery ( -d(y* D' t" -g"t t"at mig"t be t"e case& b-t ' <asn+t s-re* At 0irst ' t" -g"t y - mig"t e)en be ne 0 t"em& b-t ' decided y - <eren+t* Y - did t many st-!id t"ings& acted t m-c" (ike a rea( gn me* D Gi(benst ck <as -ns-re i0 "e s" -(d be re(ie)ed r m rta((y ins-(ted* DH < c -(d y - mistake me 0 r ne 0 t"emFD DNe)er "-rts t be !aran id* D 4 r(en ga)e a r-e0-( smi(e* D'0 Si)ak drac nians ki(( s me ne& t"ey can take "is s"a!e 0 r a time& <"et"er gn me r gre* '+m a0raid ' <as a (itt(e r -g" <it" y -& n t kn <ing i0 y - <ere ne 0 t"em r A-st a (ackey* ' <e y - an a! ( gy* W"at <e need t d n <& " <e)er& isCD 4 r(en st d -!& (eaning back against t"e b ? (id* As "e did& t"e "issing n ises 0r m -tside s-dden(y c"anged int r aring t"-nder* T"e 'r n Drag n (-rc"ed 0 r<ard* Gi(benst ck 0e(( n "is side* 4 r(en& <" <as 00 ba(ance& !itc"ed "ead( ng int t"e rear <a((& s(amming "is c-r(y "ead int t"e t"ick b(ack ir n* He 0e(( 0(at -t 0 t"e crate (ike a rag d ((* His ( ng kni0e c(attered acr ss t"e 0( r* D4 r(enED Gi(benst ck tried des!erate(y t rest re t"e man& t n a)ai(* He <as -t c (d* Gi(benst ck "asti(y grabbed 0 r "is earm-00s and g gg(es& !-tting t"em n a0ter inserting <a? int "is ears* T"e great de)ice r ((ed 0 r<ard& 0 t by 0 t& (e)ered int ! siti n by S@-ib+s e?!ertise* W"at i0 t"e drac nians ( ked inside and sa< 4 r(enF Sk rt and Harbis mig"t bec me danger -s(y !ert-rbed* D ing t"e n(y t"ing "e c -(d t"ink 0& t"e gn me -!ended t"e em!ty crate and c )ered 4 r(en+s -nc nsci -s 0 rm <it" it* Gi(benst ck ginger(y !icked -! t"e b( dstained kni0e by its "and(e and& a0ter s me t" -g"t& !(aced it -nder t"e b ? ne?t t 4 r(en* T"e "-man s -nded as i0 "e <ere te((ing t"e tr-t"* A0ter a((& "e "adn+t "armed t"e gn me <"en "e "ad t"e

!! rt-nity* He deser)ed a c"ance t a)enge "is dead mage 0riend& t" -g" Gi(benst ck " !ed t"e (arge "-man < -(dn+t <ake -! -nti( t"e A b <as d ne and "e <as sa0e(y back in 6a(ant"as* A ne< n ise began 0r m dee! inside t"e 'r n Drag nCa s( <& reg-(ar )ibrati n <it" a rising "-m* Gi(benst ck !eered -t a 0r nt <ind < and sa< t"e t"ree en rm -s dri((s s!inning& gaining s!eed by t"e sec nd* D-st n t"e 0( r r se in a c( -d -nder t"e increasing tem! 0 t"e )ibrati n* T"e 'r n Drag n dr )e 0 r<ard& Aerked as t"e dri((s made c ntact <it" t"e (d r cks(ide* Gi(benst ck c(-tc"ed "is g gg(es* A t"ick c( -d 0 d-st and r ck 0ragments s!rayed int "is cabin t"r -g" a(( t"e <ind <s* He b-ried "is m -t" in "is !r tecti)e c at and <is"ed "e+d t" -g"t t design an arm red scar0* N t t"at it < -(d matter& since "e <as tra!!ed in "is <n dri((ing de)ice <it" a mad a)enger <"i(e -tside <aited "-mans <" <ere !r bab(y b( dt"irsty& s"a!ec"anging drac nians* Gi(benst ck "-nkered d <n* T"e s!ray 0 debris and d-st gre< < rse& b( cking -t t"e (ig"t and air* .-t "e "ad t admit !r -d(y t"at& n matter " < bad t"ings <ere n <& t"e 'r n Drag n <as < rking !er0ect(y* I I I I I W"en t"e dri((s 0ina((y s"-t d <n& it <as t dark t read t"e s-r)i)ing ga-ges and dia(s* T"ree 0eet 0 r ck d-st 0i((ed t"e cabin* Gi(benst ck !ened t"e rear d r t s" )e( it -t& t"en rea(i=ed <"y it <as darkCbeca-se t"e 'r n Drag n "ad br ken t"r -g" t"e entrance and <as a!!r ?imate(y ne "-ndred 0eet -ndergr -nd* He care0-((y !-((ed 00 "is earm-00s and !-((ed -t t"e <a?* /ig"ting an i( (antern& "e 0 -nd a br-s" n a <a(( t ( rack and <as d-sting 00 t"e mac"inery <"en "e remembered 4 r(en* He care0-((y c"ecked n t"e man& sa< t"at "e <as sti(( -nc nsci -s& t"en d-sted ar -nd t"e )ert-rned crate and @-iet(y (e0t t"e cabin by <ay 0 t"e (adder* Fait"0-( S@-ib <as a(ready n t"e gr -nd& ins!ecting t"e mac"ine* 'n t"e 0aint (ig"t& "is br ad smi(e <as as <e(c me as t"e s-n n a st rmy day* T"e gn me and g-((y d<ar0 "-gged eac" t"er in c ngrat-(ati ns& t"en !r ceeded t c"eck -t t"e 'r n Drag n* D' tr-st a(( is <e((& D said Sk rt m ments (ater& as "e and Harbis <a(ked acr ss t"e cr-s"ed r ck t <ard t"e dri((ing mac"ine* Gi(benst ck A-m!edH "e "ad a(m st 0 rg tten "is t< t"reatening c(ients* DE?ce((ent& D "e said @-ick(y*

DE)eryt"ing is g ing sm t"(y indeed& n !ermanent damage r !r b(ems& at (east bey nd t"e -s-a( s rt 0 scarring& dentingCD DG d& D interr-!ted Sk rt* DKind(y <ait "ere* D He m ti ned t st nyC0aced Harbis& and t"e t< men ste!!ed )er t"e 'r n Drag n+s "-ge <"ee( r-ts and <a(ked a"ead int t"e br ad t-nne( 0 t"e mine* Wit" -t (ig"ts* D' s-!! se ' s" -(d get t"e (antern 0r m t"e cabin 0 r t"em& D m-ttered Gi(benst ck as "e <atc"ed t"em g * DT"ey mig"t !-t in an t"er diam nd r t< 0 r*** D His ) ice trai(ed 00* T"e t< men "ad )anis"ed int t"e darkness a"ead <it" -t s( <ing d <n* F r a 0e< m ments& "e mere(y stared* DH < !ec-(iar& D "e said 0aint(y& ste!!ing 0 r<ard and s@-inting* On(y t"e 0aint s -nd 0 0 tste!s n r ck marked t"eir !assing& and e)en t"at <as 0ading a<ay against t"e "iss 0 steam 0r m t"e great mac"ine* 'n t"e s!ace 0 !er"a!s t<enty sec nds& t"e 0 rces 0 <isd m and daring <arred <it"in Gi(benst ck+s mind* 't <as c-ri sityC<"ic" "as ki((ed m re gn mes t"an catsC t"at < n -t* DG d S@-ib&D "e <"is!ered t "is 0riend& <" <as again !icking "is n se* D6(ease <ait 0 r me "ere& by t"e mac"ine* D n+t 0 (( < me& n(y <ait* D He "esitated& t"en added& D'0 t" se t< men c me back <it" -t me& y - m-st c(imb ab ard t"e 'r n Drag n& ( ck y -rse(0 int y -r cabin& and dri)e back t 6a(ant"as* St ! at t"e city (imits and (ea)e t"e mac"ine t"ere* D n+t st ! 0 r any ne e(se* Bm& e?ce!t any ne in b(ack r bes*D S@-ib+s br < 0-rr <ed as "e tried t remember a(( 0 t"e instr-cti ns* Wit" a !at n S@-ib+s back& Gi(benst ck -ndid "is steam arm r& t k 00 "is stee(Ct ed b ts and t ( be(t& and set 00 int t"e t-nne( a"ead in "is st cking 0eet* He gritted "is teet" 0r m ste!!ing n r ck s"ards& b-t nce !ast t"e 'r n Drag n& t"e !ackedCeart" mine 0( r <as 0air(y sm t" and (e)e(* '+m g ing t be ki((ed& "e t" -g"t* T" se drac niansCi0 t"at+s <"at t"ey areC<i(( "ear me& t"en t"ey+(( c-t me -! (ike a s -rCcream <a(n-t cake* N t e)en t"e M -nt Ne)ermind G-i(d 0 Anat my& 6"ysi ( gy& and MeatC6acking <i(( rec gni=e me* ' m-st be insane* ' am insane* ' s" -(d st ! rig"t "ere and g back t M -nt Ne)ermind and take -! "ydr dynamics (ike e)ery ne e(se in my 0ami(y& <it" t"e e?ce!ti n 0 GreatC timesCt<e()e Grand0at"er M-( rbine(( & <" <ent int a(-min-m siding and g t ric"* Gi(benst ck sa< (ig"t -! a"eadCc (d& !a(e (ig"t& (ike t"e s-n n a "a=y <inter m rn* He s( <ed "is "-rried ti!t eing&

0ee(ing t"e mine 0( r start t ang(e d <n s(ig"t(y and bec me r -g"er* T"e gn me s! tted s met"ing in t"e !at"<ay as "e m )ed a( ng& and "e s( <ed t !ick it -!* 't <as a b t* .ey nd it <as an t"er& t"en se)era( artic(es 0 stre<n c( t"ing and t< t"er b ts* He c -(dn+t te(( i0 t"ey "ad be( nged t Sk rt and Harbis& b-t t"e items <ere sti(( <arm* T"ey a(s sme((ed 0-nny* Gi(benst ck "esitated& t"en !ressed a s"irt t "is )er(arge n se and sni00ed dee!(y* Fr <ning& "e !-((ed t"e s"irt a<ay 0r m "is 0ace* /i=ard came t mind* A n ise came 0r m d <ns( !e* Gi(benst ck cr -c"ed& t"en ti!t ed 0 r<ard again& dr !!ing t"e s"irt* He c -(d "ear s me ne ca((ingCHarbis* Finding a (itt(e bit 0 c )er am ng s me r cks& t"e gn me made 0 r it and "id t"ere* At 0irst "e t" -g"t t"at Harbis <as ca((ing 0 r Dcat (itter& D b-t in an t"er m ment "e "eard Sk rt ca(( in a c(earer ) ice& D.( dg(itterED T"e ca(( ec" ed 0 r se)era( sec nds* Gi(benst ck care0-((y !eeked ar -nd t"e side 0 a sma(( b -(der and sa< b t" Sk rt and Harbis& <it" "ard(y a stitc" 0 c( t"ing n& standing at t"e ! int <"ere t"e t-nne( (e)e(ed -t and !ened int a )ast ca)ern "a((* On eit"er side 0 t"e t< men <ere (arge g( <ing g( bes& a!!arent(y 0 g(ass& m -nted n st ne !edesta(s* Fr m "is ! siti n s(ig"t(y ab )e and s me distance be"ind t"e (e)e( 0 t"e men+s "eads& Gi(benst ck c -(d n t see 0ar int t"e c"amber* D.( dg(itterED ca((ed Sk rt again& t"en ( <ered "is c-!!ed "ands 0r m "is m -t"* D' < nder i0 "e died* D DO-r @-een n (et t"at "a!!en& D Harbis said* He str ked "is beard t" -g"t0-((y* DMaybe t"e dri((ing "e "eard* D DS"""* D Sk rt raised a "and* Gi(benst ck strained "is ears& and s n "eard a s( <& distant t"-m!ing s -nd* He s<a(( <ed& trying n t t breat"e* DHe+s "-geED Harbis gas!ed* DT big* .e0 re "ere "e gets& <eCD He abr-!t(y ste!!ed back* DG ds damn& D said Sk rt* His m -t" 0e(( !en <ide* DG ds damn* D T"ere <as a ( <& r"yt"mic s -nd (ike air r-s"ing in and -t 0 a great be(( <s* Wit" t"e s -nd came t"e dee! t"-m!ing n ise& t"e beats s!aced se)era( sec nds a!art* A ne< ) ice ec" ed 0r m acr ss t"e "-ge r m* 't <as a ( < r (( 0 t"-nder& yet strange(y (ike a <"is!er* DW" ca((s 0 r meFD said t"e ) ice s( <(y* DW" kn <s my nameFD Sk rt t k a @-ick breat"* DWe ca(( 0 r y -& .( dg(itterED "e s" -ted* He smacked Harbis n t"e arm* DC"ange n <ED "e "issed* Harbis n dded& b-t Sk rt <as a(ready c"anging* T"e "-man+s 0ace stretc"ed -t& e( ngating int a m-==(e* His neck

disa!!eared* His arms gre< t"ickerH "is 0eet en(arged* H-ge t es branc"ed -t int c(a<s& and strange !r Aecti ns gre< -t 0 "is s" -(der b(ades* A tai( a!!eared 0r m t"e base 0 "is s!ine and gre< t"ick& reac"ing d <n t t"e 0( r* T"e !r Aecti ns 0r m "is back t-rned int (arge si()er <ings* His 0ace <as re!ti(ian* And "is skin c"anged in t"e !a(e& c (d (ig"t 0r m br n=e t <"ite& t"en t a g(eaming si()er* Harbis c"anged int t"e same s"a!e& n(y a 0e< sec nds be"ind* Gi(benst ck "ad (i)ed t"r -g" t"e War 0 t"e /ance a(m st <it" -t n ticing it& b-ried in "is ge ( gica( and mec"anica( st-dies at M -nt Ne)ermind* H <e)er& "e "ad )er"eard a ( t 0 ta(k ab -t t"e <ar& s "e kne< ab -t t"e re!ti(ian drac nians* He kne< t"at drac nians <ere b rn 0 c rr-!ted drag n eggs& came in meta((ic c ( rs& and b(e< -! r t-rned t st ne r acid <"en t"ey died& as re! rted by t"e s-r)i) rs 0 M -nt Ne)ermind+s S-bc mmittee 0 r t"e 3i)isecti n 0 Danger -s b-t 6 tentia((y Fascinating S!ecimens 0 / ca( Fa-na* He+d a(s "eard st ries t"at certain drac nians <ere ab(e t take n t"e s"a!es 0 beings t"at t"ey ki((ed* 4 r(en "ad been rig"t* DWe ca(( 0 r y -& .( dg(itter& D ras!ed t"e great Si)ak drac nian <" "ad nce been Sk rt* DWe read 0 y -r entra!ment in t"e ancient scr ((s 0 t"e d<ar)es& and <e came t searc" 0 r y -* D DY - "a)e 0 -nd me& D ret-rned t"e t"-nder d-ring a !a-se in t"e dee!& r"yt"mic be(( <sCs -nd* A ( -d t"-m! s -ndedH a s"ad < 0e(( )er t"e t< drac nians* A "-ge& sca(ed 0 t str-ck t"e r cky 0( r n(y ten 0eet 0r m Sk rt and Harbis& a 0 t s (arge t"at it d<ar0ed b t" beings* Gi(benst ck c -(d c(ear(y see t"e brig"t red re!ti(ian sca(es* A drag nE .( dg(itter <as a rea(& (i)e& 0ireCbreat"ing& gn meCc" m!ing drag nE D' d n t rec gni=e y - t< & D said t"e drag n ca-ti -s(y* DH < d y - kn < meFD DWe are ser)ants 0 -r @-een& and <e are " n red t greet y -& Great One& D said Sk rt re)erent(y* DT"e (egends 0 t"e d<ar)es ga)e y -r name and y -r (air& b-t <e "ad n t e?!ected t 0ind ne as great in si=e as y -* We <is" t set y - 0ree* A0ter t"at& <e <i(( ser)e y - in any <ay ! ssib(e* D T"e be(( <sCs -nd gre< )ery ( -dCt"en st !!ed a(t get"er* A0ter a !a-se& t"ere came a r ar s " rrend -s t"at t"e gn me c(a!!ed "is "ands t "is ears* D-st danced n t"e gr -nd be0 re "im* 't <as a <a)e 0 s -nd (ike t"e 'r n Drag n+s& n(y 0r m a (i)ing t"r at* 't <ent n 0 r <"at seemed (ike an " -r* Abr-!t(y& t"e great r ar died a<ay& and t"e drag n s! ke

again* DY - dare s m ck meFD it asked in a ) ice t"at seemed b t" sacc"arin and )en m -s* Eac" < rd )ibrated Gi(benst ck+s b nes* DW"en ' <as a<akened and tra!!ed "ere by t"e d<ar)es 0 6a(ant"as& it <as t"e sec nd time ' "ad been im!ris ned in t"is great st ne ce((* First <ere t"e e()es& t"e t"ree <i=ards <" c mmanded t"e eart" t s<a(( < -! my bret"ren* 'n t"e eterna( "a((s 0 si(ence "ere ' s(e!t& racked <it" dreams 0 )engeance& yet denied e)en t"e c"ance t m )e a c(a<* DT"en ' "eard a ta!!ing& a c(anging& t"e kn cking 0 d<ar)en t (s* Bnkn <ing& t"ey dr )e t-nne(s !ast me& ab )e me& be( < me* T"en ne 0 -nd me& e?! sing my 0(ank* T"ey mist k me 0 r dead& a !etri0ied re(ic 0r m an ancient age& and (ab red (ike ants t 0ree me and (et me stand as t"e center!iece t a great "a(( t"ey car)ed 0r m t"e r ck ar -nd me* ' ac"ed t m )e& e)en t b(ink my eyes& yet ' betrayed n t a m ti n -nti( t"e day <"en t"ey "ad 0inis"ed t"eir < rk* As t"ey ga=ed -! n me& ' br -g"t myse(0 -t 0 my ( ng& miserab(e s(ee!& and ' 0e(( -! n t"em (ike t"e m -ntain itse(0* D T"e s( < r-mb(e 0 t"e drag n+s breat"ing res-med 0 r !er"a!s a min-te be0 re t"e creat-re c ntin-ed* DS<eet it <as t taste b( d in my Aa<s& b-t s" rt t"e s<eetness (asted* Many esca!ed& sea(ing t"e ca)ern be"ind t"em and (ea)ing me am ng t"eir arti0actsCt"eir magica( (ig"ts& t"eir car)ed staircases& t"eir !i(es 0 t (s and b nes* ' c -(d m )e& b-t n t 0(y* ' c -(d see& b-t sa< n " ri= n* ' c -(d s!eak& b-t n ne "eard* ' in)estigated e)ery !art 0 t"is r-in 0 r a means 0 esca!e* 't <as -se(ess* T"e b nes 0 my ca!t rs "a)e decayed and )anis"ed* H < ( ng "a)e ' been ke!t 0r m t"e m rta( < r(dFD T"e t< si()er drac nians ( ked at ne an t"er& t"en ( ked -! again* DY -r Greatness& t"e <ar 0 <"ic" y - s! ke 0irst& against t"e e()es& <as )er t"ree t" -sand years ag * T"e d<ar)es 0 -nd y - a t" -sand years ag & as best <e can te((* D T"e "ea)y breat"ing ended <it" a ( -d sn rt* A dr ! 0 ye(( < (i@-id 0e(( 0r m ab )e and s!(as"ed 0i)e 0eet 0r m t"e c(a<ed t es 0 t"e t< drac nians* T"e (i@-id 0(amed brie0(y as t"e r ck 0( r si==(ed* DTak"isis "as 0 rg tten me& t"en& D said t"e drag n* D.-t ' "a)e n t 0 rg tten "er* ' "a)e 0ed n magic and st ne& b nes and d-st& gems and b( d* ' "a)e s(-mbered "ere t"r -g" t"e ages& a<aiting a c"ance t s ar t"e <inds 0 t"e < r(d* ' "a)e <aited t ( ng t breat"e )engeance n t"e green (ands ab )e* ' can <ait n m re* Y - m-st 0ree me* ' care n t " <* D DWe can d itED s" -ted Sk rt abr-!t(y& (ike an eager !-!i(* His eyes g(eamed <"ite <it" e?citement* DWe 0 -nd a mad gn me

and a degenerate d<ar0 <" "a)e b-i(t a mining de)ice* We tricked t"em int c ming "ere* T"ey <ere ab(e t dri(( t"r -g" t"e debris at t"e entrance t t"e mine* T"e de)ice <aits 0 r -s at t"e t-nne(+s m -t"* We <i(( 0 rce t"em t <iden t"e t-nne(s s y - may !ass t"r -g"* Y - <i(( be 0ree <it"in a matter 0 daysED DA mining mac"ineF T"is is s F Was t"at t"e ca-se 0 t"e r-mb(ing and n ise ear(ierF Tak"isis m-st "a)e g-ided y 0r m t"e Abyss itse(0& t"en* /et -s n t de(ay* D T"e t< drac nians @-ick(y ste!!ed back* DWaitED t"e drag n c mmanded* An t"er dr ! 0 amber (i@-id 0e(( 0r m ab )e and s!attered n t"e r cks at t"e t-nne( m -t"* D.( d& D said t"e drag n& and t"ere <as s met"ing di00erent n < in its t ne* D' sme(( a (i)e t"ing <it" <arm b( d* 't "as s!arked my "-nger* W" "a)e y - br -g"t <it" y -FD T"e drac nians ( ked back -! t"e t-nne(& 0r <ning in c n0-si n* DT"ere is n t"er being "ere b-t -s& Great One& D said Sk rt* DF (ED said t"e drag n s"ar!(y* An t"er b-rning dr ! 0 amber 0e(( 0r m its !en Aa<s t t"e b(ackened st ne* D' "a)e been <it" -t 0 d 0 r ten cent-ries* ' kn < <"at is "ere and <"at is n t* D Eyes narr <ed& Sk rt ( ked -! t"e t-nne(* DG back and see i0 s me ne 0 (( <ed y -& D "e said t Harbis* A0ter a m ment+s "esitati n& t"e drac nian beyed& !eering be"ind t"e sma(( b -(ders and (d debris t"at (ittered t"e <ay* DFree at (ast& D said t"e ( < t"-nder be"ind "im* DFree at (ast* .rig"t <i(( be t"e 0ires <"en ' reac" t"e cities 0 e()es and d<ar)es* .rig"t t"e 0 rests and 0ie(ds as t"ey b-rn beneat" me* T ( ng "a)e ' <aited and dreamed* T ( ng "a)e my enemies kn <n !eace* ' m-st be 0reeED I I I I I Gi(benst ck raced back t"r -g" t"e darkness t <ard t"e 'r n Drag n* He <as c m!(ete(y -t 0 breat"* He gas!ed as "e ste!!ed n s"ar! r cks in "is st ckinged 0eet and tri!!ed n t"e b-m!y gr -nd& b-t "e m )ed as @-ick(y as "e c -(d* T"ere <as n time e)en t berate "imse(0 0 r "a)ing 0a((en s dee!(y int t"is tra!* T"ere <as time n(y t 0(ee* S-c" <as "is "-rry t"at "e r -nded a c rner and ran straig"t int s me ne 0ee(ing "is <ay s( <(y d <n t"e t-nne( t <ard t"e gn me* Wit" gr-nts 0 !ain and s-r!rise& gn me and "-man 0e(( )er in a "ea!* 6anicked& Gi(benst ck tried t b (t !ast* A "and snagged t"e gn me+s !ants <it" ne str ng "and and Aerked "im back*

An t"er "and reac"ed -t and ca-g"t Gi(benst ck+s beard* DD n+t ki(( meED t"e gn me cried -t* DDamn y -& s"-t -!ED 4 r(en "issed& re(easing "is gri!* DD y - <ant t"e bastards t "ear -sFD DDrag nED gas!ed Gi(benst ck& "is "eart ! -nding* DDrag n*** back t"ere*** "-ge red ne*** drac nians*** D DA drag nFD <"is!ered 4 r(en* DTe(( me <"at y - sa<ED .et<een ragged breat"s 0 air and c nstant c -g"ing& t"e gn me ! -red -t t"e ta(e 0 <"at "e "ad seen and "eard* T"e "-man+s 0ace <ent s(ackH "is "ands re(eased t"eir gri! n t"e gn me* DWit" a(( t"e g ds as my <itnesses& D 4 r(en said at (ast* D'+d ne)er imagined t"ere+d be a drag n d <n "ere* My <i=ard b-ddy kne< s me st ries ab -t a m nster enc -ntered by t"e d<ar)es cent-ries ag in t"ese mines* T"e drac nians m-st "a)e 0ig-red it -t* DamnED 6-00ing (ess n <& Gi(benst ck ( ked t"e man )er* T"e gn me+s "eat )isi n re)ea(ed t"at 4 r(en <as b(eeding 0r m a sca(! < -nd& !r bab(y ca-sed by "is 0a(( inside t"e cabin 0 t"e 'r n Drag n* 4 r(en+s "and s" k as "e t -c"ed "is "ead* He didn+t ( k at a(( (ike t"e t"reatening 0ig-re "e "ad nce been* He ( ked (ike a battered& des!erate "-man <" "ad r-n -t 0 (-ck* D:-st <" are y -FD Gi(benst ck asked s"aki(y* D' d n+t (ike being !-s"ed ar -nd by s me ne ' d n+t kn <& a(t" -g" it seems t "a)e been t"e !astime 0 a great many !e !(e (ate(y* N t t"at '+m bitter* D 4 r(en ( ked in t"e gn me+s genera( directi n& smi(ed s(ig"t(y* Gi(benst ck rea(i=ed t"at t"e "-man c -(dn+t see "im in t"e darkness* T"e man c -(dn+t see anyt"ing* DName+s 4 r(en& D "e said at (ast* D4 r(en Marga-00* '+m a mercenary& s rt 0 a n sy ddCA bs man 0 r ric" 0 (ks in Ka(aman* ' <as "e(!ing a 0riend& t"e <i=ard ' t (d y - ab -t& <" g t a bad di)inati n 0r m "is crysta( ba((* ' (e0t "im 0 r a c -!(e " -rs and g t back t 0ind "im c-t -! as t" -g" "e+d been r-n t"r -g" a b-tc"er+s meat grinder* ' g t a 0e< di)inati ns myse(0 and !icked -! t"e trai( 0 t"e ki((ers* '+)e been "-nting t"em 0 r <eeks A-st t see <"at t"ey+re -! t * Ne)er dreamed it < -(d be t"is* D 4 r(en e?"a(ed dee!(y and made a gest-re <it" "is "ands* DS rry ab -t r -g"ing y - -!* 't <as in t"e (ine 0 d-ty& s rt 0* ' rea((y t" -g"t y - <ere a drac nian& t & t"e <ay y - a(( b-ddied -! t"ere at t"e start* .-t& (ike ' said& y <ereCD He "esitated& sensing t"e gn me+s s-dden tensi n* DE"& 0 rget it* Drac nians are g d act rs& b-t n t t"at g d* ' <as <r ng* D

Gi(benst ck g(anced back d <n t"e t-nne(& b-t "e c -(dn+t see ar -nd t"e c rner* D' s-!! se ' s"a(( "a)e t be satis0ied <it" t"at 0 r an a! ( gy& D "e said @-iet(y* DO-r !ri rity n < is t get -t 0 "ere as @-ick(y as ! ssib(e <it" -r (imbs and interna( rgans sti(( intact* D DT"e Abyss it is& D said 4 r(en& !-((ing an bAect 0r m "is be(t* 't <as t"e ( ng kni0e* 4 r(en reac"ed d <n <it" "is t"er "and and !r d-ced an t"er ( ng bAect 0r m a b t& a "ea)y <renc"& !r bab(y b rr <ed 0r m ne 0 t"e 'r n Drag n+s many t ( b ?es* DWe+)e g t t< drac nians t ki(( 0irst* T"en <e+re g ing t 0ind a <ay t sea( -! t"is mine again* D DY -+)e been eating t m-c" c ked meatED gas!ed Gi(benst ck* DF rget t"e drac niansE We+)e g t t get -t 0 "ere be0 re t"eyCD Ar -nd t"e c rner& a !ebb(e ratt(ed acr ss t"e 0( r* Man and gn me t-rned t ( k& < rds 0r =en n t"eir (i!s* A "-ge <inged s"a!e (-rc"ed ar -nd t"e c rner and t"re< itse(0 -! n t"em* A <ing s(ammed int t"e gn me+s 0ace& a(m st kn cking "im sense(ess* He 0e(( back* T"e drac nian (ea!t at 4 r(en* S met"ing c(attered t t"e mine 0( r am ng t"e r cks and dirt* 4 r(en cried -t in !ain& (as"ed -t <it" b t" 0eet& and ca-g"t t"e drac nian in t"e c"est* 't 0(a!!ed its <ings and came n a sec nd time& c(a<s -t and Aa<s <ide* D/ig"tED cried 4 r(en& stabbing at t"e darkness* D' need (ig"tED Gi(benst ck scramb(ed a<ay and tried t get t "is 0eet* His 0ingers 0 -nd a "ard meta((ic t"ing n t"e gr -nd* He snatc"ed it -!* 't <as a <renc"& t"e ne 4 r(en "ad br -g"tCa "-ge t<entyC! -nder n rma((y -sed n t"e dri)er <"ee(s* Drac nian and "-man batt(ed n t"e mine 0( r& t"e "-man n t"e b tt m* Gi(benst ck sa< t"e drac nian+s ! <er0-( arms strike d <n at t"e "-man time and again& <ings <"ir(ing and !-m!ing* 4 r(en+s ag ni=ed screams ec" ed <i(d(y t"r -g" t"e mine t-nne(* Wit" -t t"inking& t"e gn me s<-ng t"e <renc" and ran 0 r<ard* T"e b( < (anded s (id(y n t"e drac nian+s ( <er back* T"e s"ar! crack 0 b nes breaking <as a-dib(e e)en )er 4 r(en+s s"rieks* T"e creat-re 0e(( 0 r<ard& catc"ing itse(0 n its c(a<ed "ands* C-ri -s <"ee=ing s -nds came 0r m its Aa<s& as i0 it c -(dn+t breat"e* 't tried t t-rn ar -nd* Gi(benst ck c"arged 0 r<ard& t 0rig"tened t d anyt"ing b-t attack* He d-cked -nder a <ing and s<-ng t"e <renc" again& -! and )er* 't smas"ed int t"e drac nian+s m-==(e A-st in 0r nt 0 its eyes* A sca(ed arm (as"ed -t and str-ck t"e gn me in t"e 0ace& t"r <ing "im 0(at n "is back* He banged "is "ead as "e 0e((*

T"e < r(d e?!( ded in a s" <er 0 stars and s!arks* Gi(benst ck mar)e(ed at it a((* 't <as an im!ressi)e dis!(ay* F r s me reas n& t" -g"& "e kne< "e <as n t g ing t (ike it <"en t"e stars <ent a<ay* T"e stars s n (e0t& re!(aced by t"e nset 0 a sk-((C ! -nding& )isi nCt"r bbing& rec rdCbreaking "eadac"e* A(( <as darkness* DHe(! me& D 4 r(en m aned* D't+s c(a<ed me* He(! me* D Di==y and ac"ing& t"e gn me r ((ed )er& t"en g t -nsteadi(y t "is "ands and knees and cra<(ed t <ard t"e "-man* 4 r(en (ay n "is back& "ands gras!ing "is (e0t t"ig"* He <as b(eeding 0r m a d =en !(aces* A 0e< 0eet a<ay 0r m "im (ay an t"er b dy& a kni0e sticking -! 0r m its m ti n(ess c"est* T"e dead b dy <as 4 r(en* DHe(! me& D 4 r(en gas!ed* D' t"ink it br ke my (eg* D T"e gn me "esitated& remembering ear(ier c n)ersati ns* 't <as "ard t t"ink <"en "is "ead "-rt s m-c"* DAre y - rea((y 4 r(enFD "e asked* DY - c -(d be t"e drac nian& c -(dn+t y -F ' mean& y - c -(d "a)e taken 4 r(en+s s"a!e <"en y - ki((ed "im& and y - c -(d be <aiting 0 r me t CD DY - r tten (itt(e midget& D "issed 4 r(en <eak(y* D'+m n t t"e damn drac nian* My (eg+s br ken* D He (a!sed int a string 0 c-rses t"at ama=ed Gi(benst ck <it" t"eir creati)ity and !it"iness* Head t"-ndering& Gi(benst ck managed t get t a <a(( and !-(( "imse(0 t "is 0eet* He care0-((y made "is <ay t 4 r(en+s side* T"e "-man "ad 0a((en si(ent again& e?ce!t 0 r "is m aning* DY - m-st be 4 r(en& t"en& D t"e gn me said* DAs s me ne nce t (d me& drac nians are g d act rs& b-t t"ey+re n t t"at g d* D DG ds& A-st s"-t -! and get me -t 0 "ere* D DY -+re g ing t "a)e t stand -! and !-t y -r arm ar -nd me& D said t"e gn me* 4 r(en (e)ered "imse(0 -!& ne "and sti(( gras!ing "is (e0t t"ig"* His 0ace t<isted <it" !ain* DY -+re t damn s" rt& D "e m-ttered* D' can+t d it* D Gi(benst ck gr aned* He sig"ed and ( ked ar -nd in t"e darkness* DWe((& ' s-!! se ' c -(d make -! s me kind 0 s!(int 0 r y -r (eg <it" t"e <renc"& and maybe ' c -(d e)en im!r )ise s me s rt 0 t -rni@-et& since ' t"ink ' remember a (ect-re ab -t t"at gi)en by t"e G-i(d 0 Anat my& 6"ysi ( gy& and MeatC6acking& and '+m 0air(y certain ' can a) id t"e (ect-rer+s mistakes and n t "a)e t"e same t"ing "a!!en t y as "a!!ened t t"e t -rni@-et ) (-nteer& <"ic" <as @-ite a !ity c nsidering t"atCD 4 r(en gritted "is teet" and reac"ed -t b(ind(y* DF rget it*

' can make it& D "e said* DHe(! me -! be0 re t"e t"er drac nian gets "ere* D D't < -(dn+t take b-t a m ment t assemb(e t"e materia(s 0 rCD DB!E B!E W"ere t"e Abyss are y -FD Wit" terrib(e s( <ness n t"e gn me+s !art and end(ess c-rses n t"e "-man+s& Gi(benst ck managed t get 4 r(en t "is 0eet* A0ter s me e?!erimenting& t"ey <ere ab(e t de)ise a s rt 0 t"reeC(egged <a(kH 4 r(en gri!!ed t"e t ! 0 t"e gn me+s "ead <it" b t" "ands and " !!ed s( <(y t"r -g" t"e t-nne( be"ind "is s" rter c m!ani n* T"e !ress-re made Gi(benst ck+s neck ac"e& <"ic" aggra)ated "is "eadac"e* N net"e(ess& t"e system seemed t < rk* Time became meaning(ess as t"ey !( dded a( ng* T"ere <as n(y t"eir s( < 0 tste!s& t"e nig"t 0 t"e t-nne(& and !ain* Neit"er s! ke* Years came and <ent* T"en (ig"t a!!eared a"ead* T"ey <ere a(m st at t"e 'r n Drag n* 4 r(en sagged s-dden(y* Gi(benst ck 0e((& mas"ing "is n se int t"e debrisCstre<n 0( r* T"e "-man c ((a!sed n t ! 0 "im* 't t k a 0e< m ments 0 r t"e gn me t !-(( "imse(0 0ree and c"eck 4 r(en 0 r (i0e* T"e man <as a(i)e b-t -nc nsci -s* He "ad ( st t m-c" b( d* DRat ! !& D m-ttered Gi(benst ck& -sing t"e str ngest !r 0anity "e kne<* He c(-tc"ed "is ac"ing "ead and staggered t <ard t"e 'r n Drag n* Cr ssCeyed S@-ib <as !-((ing debris 0r m t"e )e"ic(e+s <"ee( assemb(ies* He < re "is earm-00s and <as s t ta((y 0 c-sed n "is A b t"at "e missed t"e gn me+s a!!r ac"& A-st as "e "ad missed seeing 4 r(en ear(ier* W"en Gi(benst ck ! ked "is 0riend in t"e side& t"e g-((y d<ar0 A-m!ed a 0 t and dr !!ed "is !ick* D.ra)e S@-ib& D Gi(benst ck gas!ed <"en t"e tremb(ing g-((y d<ar0 "ad rem )ed "is earm-00s* DWe m-st 0(eeE We m-st take t"e 'r n Drag n back t 6a(ant"as at nce* We are in t"e gra)est dangerED He g(anced back* DO"& and <e+(( "a)e a !assenger* /et+s "-rry* D Gi(benst ck started -! t"e ir n (adder 0 r "is cabin& a(m st 0a((ing t<ice* His "eadac"e made t"e < r(d seem distant and -nrea(& (ike a bad dream* 4 r(en+s )ert-rned crate "a(0 b( cked t"e d r* D-st sti(( c )ered e)eryt"ing* Gi(benst ck !-s"ed t"e crate -t t"e d r& t"en t-rned t t"e c ntr (s and acti)ated t"em 0 r a ra!id startC-!* '0 t"e (ast drac nian s" <ed -!& it < -(d get an -n!(easant taste 0 a tri!(eC"eaded r ck dri((* T"e t" -g"t ke!t Gi(benst ck am-sed as "e 0(i!!ed s<itc"es and t<isted kn bs* Nearing t"e end 0 t"e start-! se@-ence& "e a-t matica((y reac"ed 0 r a (e)er m -nted in t"e 0( r and

t-gged* N t"ing "a!!ened* T"e gn me tried again& t"en st !!ed e)eryt"ing e(se "e <as d ing and t"re< a(( 0 "is <eig"t int m )ing t"e (e)er* 't didn+t b-dge* Gi(benst ck+s "ands began t s<eat* 4 r(en m-st "a)e accidenta((y s" )ed t"e crate against t"e (e)er& Aamming t"e mec"anism* T"e (e)er <as t"e 'r n Drag n+s Tertiary .ackC-! Emergency .rakeCit ( cked t"e dri)er bars* Gi(benst ck re(eased t"e (e)er and ste!!ed back* His "eart st !!ed* E)en "is "eadac"e st !!ed* T"e 'r n Drag n c -(d n t m )e an inc" <it" t"e brake Aammed* MaA r re!airs <ere ca((ed 0 rH cab(es < -(d "a)e t be c-t and ir n !ins s"eared 00* .-t t"ere <as n t"ing "e c -(d d ab -t it "ere* N t a t"ing* T"e 'r n Drag n <as 0inis"ed* T"e gn me ( ked ar -nd t"e cabin as i0 seeing it 0 r t"e 0irst time* He kne< e)ery b (t& e)ery gear& e)ery b( t 0 !aint* He t" -g"t 0 t"e s re t"-mbs and !inc"ed 0ingers "e "ad s-00ered& t"e end(ess r ((s 0 bandages "e+d -sed* A(( 0 it 0 r t"is& "is n(y c"i(d& and n < it <as st-ck in a ( ngC aband ned mine and c -(d n t m )e* T"e (ast drac nian < -(d be c ming* 't+d "a)e n tr -b(e 0inis"ing 00 a gn me& a g-((y d<ar0& and an -nc nsci -s "-man* T"en it < -(d 0ree t"e drag n& and t"en*** A b(ast 0 steam b(e< -t 0r m ne 0 t"e side )a()es n t"e great mac"ine* T"e b i(er !ress-re "ad b-i(t -! inside t"e 'r n Drag n )er its ( ng id(e* Gi(benst ck reac"ed -! a-t matica((y 0 r a c ntr ( t"at < -(d <iden t"e )a()e and (et 00 t"e steam* His "and gri!!ed t"e <"ee( )a()e& t"en "e "esitated* T"e gn me st d -nm )ing& "is eyes ( king at t"e )a()e b-t seeing bey nd it* He bit "is (i!& and a tic ca-sed "is (e0t eye t t<itc"* ' m-st be a drag n inside* ' m-st be a drag n& t * A !reci -s min-te !assed* T"en t"e gn me+s "and gri!!ed t"e )a()e tig"t(y and began t t-rn& b-t n t in t"e directi n "e "ad rigina((y meant t t-rn it* T"e steam b(ast <as s"-t 00 by degrees -nti( it <as g ne* Gi(benst ck 0e(t t"e 0( r creak* He reac"ed -! and t-rned an t"er )a()e& c( sing it as <e((* He t-rned t"ree m re& m )ing m re @-ick(y n <& t"en t-rned t"e b i(er -! t 0-(( ! <er <it" a set 0 back-! c ntr (s* He (e0t t"e cabin @-ick(y* He t" -g"t "e <as g ing t cry& b-t n tears came* He did n t e)en ( k back* At t"e b tt m 0 t"e (adder& Gi(benst ck 0 -nd t"e g-((y d<ar0 "-nc"ed )er 4 r(en+s semic nsci -s 0 rm* S@-ib again "ad a c-! 0 <arm& meaty br t" and <as 0eeding it t t"e

"-man in si!s& " (ding 4 r(en+s "ead in ne dirty "and* DWe+(( "a)e time 0 r t"at (aterED t"e gn me said @-ick(y* DWe m-st aband n t"e 'r n Drag nE /et+s drag "im <it" -s and get -tED S@-ib stared in ast nis"ment at "is 0riend& t"en ( ked -! at t"e t <ering b-(k 0 t"e b(ack engine* T"e 'r n Drag n <as starting t r-mb(e s(ig"t(y and made ( -d kn cking s -nds as its !i!es and b i(er <a((s began t e?!and* DR-n 0 r itE F(eeE Esca!eE E)ac-ateE Aband n s"i!ED s" -ted Gi(benst ck& <a)ing "is arms in S@-ib+s 0ace* DA drac nian is c ming -! t"e t-nne(E T"e dri)er brake+s AammedE /et+s g ED S@-ib dre< back& b-gCeyed and !enm -t"ed* He dr !!ed "is c-! 0 br t" n 4 r(en+s "ead in ast nis"ment* T"e "-man s!-ttered and gr aned* Gi(benst ck and S@-ib grabbed 4 r(en+s c( t"ing at t"e s" -(ders and "ea)ed* T"e "-man <eig"ed a t n& b-t "e c -(d be m )ed& "ead ( ((ing back& "air A-st br-s"ing t"e r cky gr -nd* Gr-nting <it" e00 rt& t"e gn me and g-((y d<ar0 made 0 r t"e dimming (ig"t at t"e t-nne(+s m -t"* 't <as a(m st nig"t0a((* C -g"ing n t"e d-st t"ey stirred -!& t"ey st-mb(ed )er <"ee( r-ts and near(y 0e(( n ( se gra)e(* T"e entrance gre< nearer* T"irty 0eet* T<enty 0eet* Ten* .e"ind t"em& a !i!e b-rst in a <"ee( " -sing* Meta((ic debris ric c"eted 00 meta( and r ck* A !ress-reC<arning <"ist(e <ent 00& t"e s"riek <as"ing t"r -g" t"e t-nne( (ike a dying anima(+s scream* T"ey reac"ed t"e entrance* Gi(benst ck !a-sed& ( ked back* T"e 'r n Drag n b(a=ed in "is in0ra)isi n (ike t"e s-n* E)en at t"is distance& "e c -(d 0ee( t"e "eat 0r m t"e b i(er t"r -g" "is c( t"ing* War!ing meta( cried -t* Sma(( seams b-rst and steam r ared -t* DG dCbye& D Gi(benst ck said <it" -t breat"& s "is < rds <ere si(ent* DG dCbye* D T"ey !-((ed 4 r(en 0r m t"e mine int 0ading day(ig"t and dragged "im ab -t 0i0ty 0eet a<ay 0r m t"e entrance t ne side& be"ind a (arge b -(der* T"e <ind <as c (& t"e e)ening sky a(m st 0ree 0 c( -ds* O)er"ead <ere t"e !(anets and t"e 0irst stars 0 nig"t* DG ds& my (eg "-rts& D 4 r(en m-mb(ed as t"ey sat t get"er& e?"a-sted* 't <as t"e 0irst t"ing "e+d said in many min-tes* .(eeding and !a(e& "e ( ked 0 r a(( t"e < r(d as i0 "e <ere a(ready dead* DYes& ' reca(( y -r menti ning t"at& D said Gi(benst ck* He g t n "ands and knees and cre!t ar -nd t"e r ck t take a (ast ( k at t"e mine entrance* He <as "a(0 tem!ted t g back and see "is creati n nce m re* Maybe it < -(dn+t e?!( de a0ter a((& in <"ic" case "e c -(dC Gi(benst ck 0r =e*

T"e (ast drac nian <as at t"e mine entrance* 't <as " (ding 4 r(en+s "-nting kni0e& n < c( tted <it" dark b( d* As its eyes r )ed t"e scenery& t"e drac nian s! tted t"e m ti n(ess gn me* 'ts eyes <idened s(ig"t(y& and a s( <& t"ick smi(e !(ayed )er its 0eat-res* DGi(benst ck& D it ca((ed& its ) ice (ike r cks grinding t get"er* D'+)e been ( king 0 r y -* Y - "a)en+t 0inis"ed y -r A b 0 r -s yet* Y -r 'r n Drag n is )er"eated b-t -n"armed* D n+t (ea)e n <* D T"e smi(e gre<* DWe "a)e a -se 0 r y -r 0riend 4 r(en& t * ' kn < "e+s t"ere* Y - tried t trick -s& ' t"ink& and t"at < n+t g )er <e((* Y - <eren+t s-!! sed t te(( any ne ab -t t"is& b-t y - did* D T"e ti! 0 t"e ( ng kni0e r se s(ig"t(y* DWe+(( sit d <n and ta(k ab -t t"ings a0ter y - 0inis" t"is (ast A b 0 r -s& D t"e drac nian said* 'ts teet" came t get"er& s"ining and <"ite* D.-siness 0irst* Y -+re a b-sinessman& s y - kn < t"at* T"en& <"en t"e b-siness is d neCD T"e gr -nd A-m!ed* 'n t"e b(ink 0 an eye& t"e drac nian <as g ne* A m nstr -s Aet 0 0(ame& sm ke& and r ck e?!( ded 0r m t"e mine entrance* T"e b(ast (ea!t -! at t"e sky and m -ntaint !s& carrying a<ay a !art 0 t"e m -ntain <it" it* T"e gn me t"re< "imse(0 0(at and c )ered "is "ead <it" "is s" rt arms* S"ards 0 r ck t re at "is "ands and neck* T"e m -ntains acr ss t"e great )a((ey rang )er and )er& re!eating t"e 'r n Drag n+s (ast great r ar* And t"en& a(( <as si(ent* Min-tes <ent by as t"ings ca(med d <n* W"en it seemed sa0e& Gi(benst ck raised "is "ead and b(inked a<ay d-st* T"e mine entrance <as g ne* A m -nd 0 0a((en r ck b-ried it t a de!t" 0 "-ndreds 0 0eet* T"ere <as n sign 0 t"e drac nian* N t e)en sca(es* Gi(benst ck remembered t breat"e* He 0i((ed "is (-ngs <it" t"e c ( nig"t air* DWe((& D "e said* DT"at s" -(d d it* D He g t -nsteadi(y t "is 0eet and <i!ed at "is eyes* T-rning ar -nd& "e sa< 4 r(en and S@-ib staring at "im in ama=ement* Gi(benst ck straig"tened -!& br-s"ing "imse(0 00 <it" a m re !r 0essi na( air* DY - -nderstand& 0 c -rse& D "e said& Dt"at catastr !"ic e)ents are n t -nc mm n <"ere ad)anced tec"n ( gy is c ncerned* Y - can+t "e(! b-t b-rn d <n t"e kitc"en at (east nce in making a <a00(e* D DT"e mineCD began 4 r(en* D's n ( nger& D 0inis"ed Gi(benst ck* DN drag n& n drac nians* T"at+s t"e g d ne<s& as t"ey say* T"e bad ne<s is t"at <e s"a(( "a)e t <a(k " me* Rat"er& S@-ib and ' <i((

<a(k " me& b-t <e can rig -! s me s rt 0 (itter 0 r dragging y - a( ng <it" -s* D He !a-sed* Da(amar "ad said*** DOn t"e t"er "and& D t"e gn me added& D<a(king is kn <n t be in)ig rating 0 r t"e circ-(ati n& s !er"a!s t"at+s n t s-c" bad ne<s a0ter a((* D As Gi(benst ck and S@-ib sc -ted t"e area (ater 0 r materia(s t -se in making t"e (itter& t"e gn me 0 -nd "imse(0 t"inking ab -t t"e 'r n Drag n* His t" -g"ts at 0irst <ere sad& b-t a0ter a 0e< min-tes "e remembered t"at "e sti(( "ad @-ite a ( t 0 m ney (e0t 0r m t"e drac nians+ ad)ance !ayment& and "e did sti(( "a)e t"e !(ans 0 r t"at ne< dri((ing mac"ine& t"e ne t"at made t"e triang-(ar " (es* He <as sti(( a y -ng gn me& n(y in "is 0 rties* An 'r n Drag n '' <as n t -t 0 t"e rea(m 0 ! ssibi(ity* A0ter a((& ne ne)er kne< <"at t"e ne?t trend < -(d be in t-nne( b ring* Drag n .reat" Nick O+D n " e T"e b-i(ding <as ( !sided& (eaning in t"e dark as t" -g" it "ad dr-nk t m-c"* A bad(y car)ed sign !r c(aimed t"at t"is <as t"e End 0 t"e R ad* F r t" se <" c -(dn+t read& t"ere <as a signb ard 0eat-ring a s(ee!yCeyed man <it" ne arm ar -nd a s(ee!yCeyed " rse& b t" <a)ing a(e steins* Strange(y& 0 r an inn& t"ere <ere n " rses nearby& n )isit rs entering r (ea)ing* T"e m n s" ne n an em!ty r ad a(( t"e <ay int t"e t <n 0 Gra)eside* T"e d r <as barred and t"e ragged c-rtains !-((ed s"-t* 't <as testing nig"t& <"en t"e ne<est batc"es <ere c"ecked* Traditi na((y& testing <as d ne @-iet(y& <it" ca-ti -s si!s in near darkness& s as n t t be distracted by t"e c m!any r by t"e s!irits+ a!!earance* On t"is ccasi n& " <e)er& 0ire(ig"t 0(ickered n a c !!er tank t !!ed <it" c !!er c i(s& dri!!ing (i@-id int a "-ge !en )at* 'n t"e g( < 0 t"e 0(ames& a 0at& midd(eCaged man named Graym (a-g"ed -nti( tears (eaked 0r m "is eyes as t"e W (0 br t"ers& (eaning greasy s" -(ders against eac" t"er 0 r s-!! rt& ! -nded t"e tab(e& c"anting& DDrinkE DrinkE DrinkED Dar((& a gri==(ed e?Cmercenary& mani!-(ated a (it s!(inter <it" e?aggerated care and t -c"ed it t a tiny g(ass 0 br <nis" (i@-id* F(ames s" t -! 0r m t"e (i@-id* Wit" a 0( -ris"& Dar(( snatc"ed -! t"e g(ass& !ened "is m -t"& and t"re< t"e b-rning c nc cti n in t"e genera( directi n 0 "is t"r at* Bn0 rt-nate(y& t"is <as "is 0i0t" tasteCtest* He missed "is m -t" and "it "is beard& setting it n 0ire* Graym (a-g"ed s

"ard "e 0e(( 00 "is < den benc" nt t"e 0( r* Dar((+s eyes <ent <ide as "e tried t b( < -t "is <n beard <it" @-ick !-00s* He gest-red 0rantica((y t t"e W (0 br t"ers& <" <ere sti(( ! -nding t"e tab(eH t"ey "adn+t n ticed t"at "e <as n 0ire* :arek& t"e ga<ky y -t" ne?t t "im& (a-g"ed and gest-red back* 'n des!erati n& Dar(( grabbed a 0-(( a(e stein and d-m!ed it )er "is <n "ead* T"e a(e r-nning d <n "is 0ace !-t -t t"e 0ire* Graym& str-gg(ing -! t tab(e (e)e(& b-rst -t (a-g"ing again and c ((a!sed t "is knees* He str-gg(ed back nt t"e benc" and (eaned n t"e tab(e& !-s"ing t"e !en b-cket 0 test (i@-id 0 nd(y <it" "is 0inger* DWe "a)e g t t 0ind a name 0 r t"is st-00* D Dar((& 0ingering "is singed and sti(( <arm c"in& came -t <it" ne* Graym s" k "is "ead* D'n)enti)e& sir& b-t n & and any<ay& '+m n t s s-re t"at dead tr ((s d t"at* D DW"at can <e name itFD :arekCt"e ga<ky y -t"C asked* DT"ere+s ne)er been anyt"ing (ike it* D DCame 0r m a sti((& didn+t it& FanFD Fenris said t "is br t"er* DRig"t y - are& Fen* D T"e t"er W (0 br t"er Aerked "is "ead t <ard t"e c !!er t-bing and )at c ntra!ti n )er t"e 0ire !it& near(y t !!(ing t"em b t" back<ard* DWe((& t"ere y - are* D Fenris t"-m!ed t"e tab(e* DSti((<aters* D DR-ndee!& D Fanris s-ggested& and t"ey e?!( ded int ga(es 0 (a-g"ter e)en t" -g" it <asn+t t"at 0-nny* Dar(( c -g"edC n(y !art(y 0r m sm keCand ! inted an -nsteady and acc-sing 0inger at Graym* DY -+re a damn <i=ard* D DN & sir* D Graym s" k "is "ead& <"ic" s!-n b(iging(y& s "e st !!ed* DN t"ing b-t a g d " nest c !er <it" a "ead 0 r b-sinessCD DN magicFD Dar(( said it " arse(y& t< r t"ree times* DT"en " <+d y - (earn t make t"is st-00FD DFr m a reci!e /a-rin ga)e me& <it" directi ns* D He reac"ed 0 r<ard and !icked -! t"e test g(ass* DHere+s t /a-rin* D DT /a-rinED t"e t"ers s" -ted* At t"is ! int& t"ey+d "a)e dr-nk as readi(y t cr ! b(ig"t* Graym d-ti0-((y !assed t"e g(ass ar -nd& making s-re t"e W (0 br t"ers g t it (ast& t"en t k it back and <as"ed it care0-((y -sing a !itc"er 0 <ater <"ic"& s 0ar t nig"t& "ad been -sed 0 r n t"ing e(se* DW"ere+d s"e get t"e reci!eFD Dar(( <anted t kn <* DHer (ate "-sband 0 -nd it in t"e r-ins 0 Krinne r* T"ere+s a <" (e < r(d <aiting t be re(earned -t t"ere& 0 -nd

kn <(edge t be a!!(ied by entreC!ergn irs*** n < t"at t"e CartCC ((isi n+s )er* D DCatac(ysm& D Dar(( c rrected a-t matica((y* He+d been c rrecting Graym+s mang(ing 0 t"e < rd 0 r as ( ng as t"e t< "ad kn <n eac" t"er* :arek& be"ind t"e t"ers& 0ina((y ! inted at Dar((+s s !!ing& "a(0Cb-rned beard and (a-g"ed* Dar(( di!!ed t"e tiny g(ass in t"e b-cket and !assed it t "im* DT"ink it+s 0-nny& b yF Y try* D Graym 0 nd(y "-gged t"e sma(( )a((en< d aging barre( 0r m <"ic" "e+d ! -red t"e test b-cket* 6art 0 "im <as a<are t"at t"e tasteCtesting "ad g tten -t 0 "and* T"e rest 0 "im& g( <ing <it" )isi ns 0 s-ccess and "a=y <it" test drinks& didn+t m-c" care* T"e W (0 br t"ers ! -nded t"e tab(e& c"anting& DDrinkE DrinkED :arek !-((ed a < d s!(inter 0r m t"e 0ire !it -nder t"e disti((ery& (it t"e drink g(ass in t"ree tries& and !r m!t(y t ssed it int "is <n ( ng "air& <"ic" b(a=ed -! nice(y* Dar(( (a-g"ed as :arek s<-ng "is b-rning "air t"is <ay and t"at in !anic* His eyes s"-t tig"t& :arek gr !ed 0 r t"e a(e stein* His "ands <ra!!ed ar -nd t"e b-cket 0 test drink instead* He (i0ted it )er "is <n "ead and began t ! -r* Dar(( kn cked t"e b-cket 0r m "is "ands A-st in time& -!ending t"e a(e stein )er :arek+s "air* T"e b-cket 0 0(ammab(e tasteCtest 0(e< acr ss t"e tab(e and "it t"e 0( r* T"e (i@-id s!i((ed -t in a ( ng& straig"t stream* Time seemed t s( <* A(( 0 t"em <atc"ed in 0ascinati n as t"e streaming (i@-id ran )er t"e 0( r st nes& !ast t"e !en )at& d <n t"e s-nken "eart"& and int t"e 0ire !it ar -nd t"e sti(( and t"e " (ding tank* A 0inger 0 (i@-id t -c"ed t"e b(a=e* A track 0 0(ame m )ed back t <ard t"e !en )at* T"e )at& n < 0-((& <as trick(ing (i@-id d <n t"e side* T"e 0(ame (it t"e trick(e and (ea!t -! it t t"e )at**** I I I I I Gra)eside& t"e )i((age d <n t"e reb-i(t r ad& s(e!t* T"e mist in t"e <estern "i((s s" ne in t"e setting t"reeC@-arter m n& and -tside t"e End 0 t"e R ad 'nn& a(( <as @-iet* T"e r 0 (i0ted a(m st straig"t 00 t"e inn& 0(aming at t"e edges* F -r men d )e and r ((ed -t t"e gr -nd 0( r <ind <s* T< 0 t"em ( ked incredib(y c"arred b-t <ere mere(y 0i(t"y* One <as a gri==(ed& m-sc(ed man dragging a skinny& da=ed y -t" c(-tc"ing a sma((& em!ty g(ass* /ast came a 0at& midd(eCaged man <" & <it" s me e00 rt and incredib(e

determinati n& carried a )a((en< d cask <it" "im* T"ey a(( t-rned t <atc" t"e 0ire& <"ic" <as n < @-ite s!ectac-(ar* A0ter a m ment+s st-nned si(ence& Graym t-rned t t"e t"ers* DSti(( and a((& D "e said c"eer0-((y& De?ce!t 0 r t"is (ast bit& it <as a 0ine !arty& <asn+t itFD :arek <as near tears* D' didn+t mean t d anyt"ing e?ce!t <"at Dar(( "ad d ne& and <"en ' ca-g"t 0ire& ' t" -g"t& <"y n t !-t it -t t"e same <ay**** D Graym smi(ed at "im& am-sed and c m!(ete(y 0ree 0 ranc r* DA g d idea& b y* A bit m-dd(ed in t"e e?ec-ti n& b-t a g d idea* D He !-t an arm ar -nd :arek+s s" -(ders* T"ey st d in si(ence& <atc"ing t"e beams b(a=e* Dar((& <" "ad carried :arek -t t"e <ind <& st d -! !ain0-((y* E)en 0 rmer mercenaries get a (itt(e (d 0 r t"is s rt 0 t"ing* DD y - kn < <"at can "a!!en <"en y - ! -r a b-cket 0 t"at st-00 n a 0(ame near y -r "eadFD :arek stared at "im b(ank(y* DN * W"atFD Dar(( (et g 0 "im and st d <it" "is 0ace in "is "ands* A0ter a <"i(e& :arek s"r-gged and t-rned back t t"e 0ire* I I I I I 'n t"e 0irst gray m rning (ig"t& it c -(d be seen t"at t"e End 0 t"e R ad <as (itt(e m re t"an as"es and m re as"es* T"e inn+s sign! st& (ying n t"e gr -nd& <as sti(( sm (dering* T"e sec ndCst ry 0( rb ards <ere c"arred and dang(ing* T"e steaming barre(s <ere c"arc a( n t"e -tside& a(eCs aked < d in* A(( 0 t"em <ere s!r-ng& t"e "eat "a)ing <ar!ed t"e meta( " !s and ! !!ed t"e nai(s " (ding t"em in !(ace* T"e disti((ery <as b-ck(ed 0r m t"e "eat& b-t Graym t" -g"t it mig"t be ser)iceab(e& i0 t"ey c -(d c(ean it* :arek& ga<ky and )acant& st d !eering m -rn0-((y t"r -g" a d r 0rame <"ere n -tside <a(( e?isted* Fenris and Fanris& t"e W (0 br t"ers& ! ked t"r -g" t"e r-ins <it" interest* Tr-t" be t (d& t"ey 0e(t rig"t at " me ar -nd <reckage and garbage* Dar((& -nab(e t s"ake (d "abits& !atr ((ed t"e !erimeter& as t" -g" t"e 0ire "ad been !art 0 an attack* A(s <a(king ar -nd t"e edge 0 t"e sm king and steaming <reckage <as a determined(y c"eer0-(& )er<eig"t& midd(eCaged man <it" a dr !ing m-stac"e <"ic" "ad a(ready been singed nce in t"e searc" 0 r anyt"ing 0 )a(-e* DHere+s s met"ing* D Graym st !ed !ain0-((y& 0ee(ing e)en 0atter and (der t"an "e <as& and !icked -! a sm keCb(ackened rint(e& t"e tiny t"-mbCg-ard t"at c !ers -se* He t ssed it 0r m !a(m t !a(m* DT"ere+s a(<ays sa()age& i0 y - kn < <"ere t ( k* D

He !assed it t :arek& <" s(id it n "is t"-mb& ye(!ed& and Aerked it 00* 't 0e(( int t"e r-bb(e& <"ere it )anis"ed* Graym sig"ed* DWe((& it <asn+t m-c" any<ay* D Fenris came 0 r<ard <it" t"e g(ass :arek "ad sa)ed& n < re0i((ed 0r m t"e sma(( keg t"at Graym "ad carried -t* Graym t k it and si!!ed grate0-((y* Dar(( g(ared at "im* DH < can y -FD Graym smi(ed at "im !(acid(y* DWe((& s-re(y a man -g"t t be a(( <ed t enA y a drink at "is <n 0ireside* D Dar(( sn rted in disg-st* A 0e< m ments (ater t"e W (0 br t"ers c"-ck(ed* G-ite a <"i(e (ater& :arek said s-dden(y& DO"& ' get itED and (a-g"ed -nti( Dar(( t (d "im s"ar!(y t be @-iet* .-t n ne 0 t"em (a-g"ed 0 r ( ng* T"e r-ins 0 t"eir beds and t"eir b-siness (ay in 0r nt 0 t"em& gray and sm (dering* DS m-c" 0 r t"e a(e batc" <e "ad aging& D Dar(( said* S< rd in "andCe)en in a t <n as !eace0-( as Gra)eside& "e "ad re0-sed t gi)e -! "is s< rdCt"e mercenary !r dded ne 0 t"e s!(it& c"arred kegs* DN < t"at+s a ( ss* D :arek ( ked miserab(e again* Graym <a)ed a "and in dismissa(* DN t s great a ( ss& sir* Remember& t"e market 0 r Sk-((CS!(itter 6remi-m <as dr !!ing 00* We needed t attract ne< c-st mers* D He c nsidered* DM re& <e needed t c-t c sts s me" <* D T"e t"ers ( ked at Graym " !e0-((y as "e ! ndered t"e r-ins* DW"en y - t"ink ab -t it& <e+)e c-t )er"ead s met"ing c nsiderab(e* N r 0 re!airs& n keg maintenanceCD He ( ked ar -nd at t"e t"ers earnest(y* D't+s -r c"ance t start )er* D DWit" t"e ne< st-00FD Fenris asked c-ri -s(y* His br t"er added& DT"e st-00 <it" n nameFD DWe+(( ne)er "a)e a better time t start it* D Graym !-t "is "ands n "is "i!s& 0acing t"em* DE)ery eye in Gra)eside <i(( be <atc"ing -s* T"e st ry 0 t"e 0ire <i(( tra)e( -! and d <n t"e r ad& t * As ad)ertisingCit+(( d < nders* D Dar(( r ((ed "is eyes* Graym 0inis"ed& ine)itab(y& by !-m!ing :arek+s "and* D.est t"ing t"at c -(d "a!!en& rea((y* Once again& n t"e c-tting edge 0 d <nsi=ing* . (d(y d ne& sir* D :arek ( ked "a!!ier* DSti((*** D Graym eyed t"e t"ers* DWe+(( a(( 0ee( t"e (ack 0 t"e (d (i0e& <"i(e <e start back -!* A0ter a((& (i)ing ind rs is "abitC0 rming* We+(( miss bat"ing* D He g(anced at t"e W (0 br t"ers and amended& DS me 0 -s <i(( miss bat"ing* D DAnd t"e c-st mers* D Dar(( r-bbed "is Aa<& <"ic" "ad a (arge& s( <C0ading br-ise*

D't <as a g d inn& D Graym said re0(ecti)e(y* DFig"ts& t"ie)ery& cr ked gamb(ing*** )ent-re in)estment at its best* D He sig"ed* D'+(( miss it* D DWe+(( miss t"e m ney& D Dar(( r-mb(ed* D't <asn+t m-c"& b-t it <as g d en -g"* D Graym stared int t"e embers& sig"ing again* D' <as g ing t -se t"e m ney t marry /a-rin* D DA"""* D /a-rin "ad ( st "er "-sband 0 t<enty years t a Catac(ysm a)a(anc"e* S"e "ad "air t"at <as !art(y gray and m st(y redH s"e < re s"a<(s and r bes t "ide "er <eig"t& and s"e <as !retty en -g" t"at it < rked* /a-rin& as Graym "ad bser)ed nce& Dc-r(s ar -nd y -r "eart (ike a cat and makes y "a!!y* D E)en Dar((& <" "ad ne)er 0e(t t"e need t marry& c nceded t"at /a-rin& <it" "er s"ar! t ng-e and s 0t "eart& made a !(ace 0ee( (ike " me A-st by <a(king in* DAnd s"e < n+t marry y - <it" -t t"e m neyFD "e said d-bi -s(y* DS"e < -(d& D Graym re!(ied s" rt(y* D' < -(dn+t ask "er* And t"ere+s*** c m!(icati ns* D He didn+t e(ab rate* DY - A-st ( st t"e < man y - ( )e* Y - d n+t "a)e t be s damn c"eer0-(* D D' d * D Graym ( ked at Dar(( earnest(y* D't kee!s -s g ing* On(y t"ink& sir& <"en n ne 0 -s is c"eer0-(& 0 t"e 0irst "ard times t"at "it -s* D Dar((& in c"ains& "ad been dragged t Gra)eside by Graym& <" ca((ed t"e Catac(ysm Da b-siness !! rt-nity* D T"ey sa)ed Gra)esideCm st(y t"r -g" (-ck at t"atC 0r m a t"reatened in)asi n 0 men <" t-rned -t t be dead* Graym !ard ned Dar((& made "im a mi(itary ad)is r t Graym& +Gra)eside+s 6r tect r* + DOne 0 -s a(<ays needs t be c"eer0-(& D Dar(( admitted gr-dging(y* D6r bab(y& it+(( be y -* D He !eered -! t"e r ad t <ard t"e t <n 0 Gra)eside* .y n <& t"e t <ns!e !(e c -(d see t"e sm ke* Se)era( 0 t"em <ere tr tting t <ard t"e inn& ga!ing at t"e damage* DHere t"ey c me* Frig"tened& 0r m t"e ( k 0 t"em* D Graym t" -g"t t"ey ( ked -nc mm n(y 0ear0-(* DNice 0 t"em t be < rried 0 r -s* D DOr 0 r t"e inn* D Dar(( g(anced at "im s"re<d(y* DAre t"ey -!set )er ( sing t"e !(ace r ( sing t"eir m neyFD He !a-sed* DG ds& Graym& y - did !ay t"em back& didn+t y -FD Graym+s ca(m smi(e <a)ered* DAct-a((y& <e sti(( <e a (itt(e t t"e city* D As a re<ard 0 r de0ending t"e t <n& Gra)eside "ad ( aned t"em m ney t start t"e inn and t"e bre<ery* Graym "ad !aid s me back <"ene)er t"e city reminded "im " < 0ar !ast d-e "e <as*

DH < (itt(eFD Dar(( gr <(ed* DS me* D DA(( 0 itFD Graym sig"ed* DA(m st* D Dar(( c( sed "is eyes and said bitter(y& D' d n+t t"ink as"es are )iab(e ( ca( trade g ds* D A t" -g"t str-ck "im 0 r t"e 0irst time> D' < nder <"y t"ey didn+t c me -t (ast nig"tF W"at are t"ey a0raid 0FD T"e g d citi=ens 0 Gra)eside "-ng back& ! inting <it" a<e at t"e sm king r-ins* T"ey <"is!ered t get"er& n t -t 0 ! (iteness 0 r Graym and t"e t"ers& b-t 0ear0-((y* A n-mber 0 t"em& a0ter ins!ecting t"e r-ins& d-cked "-rried(y -nder trees and <atc"ed t"e sky in a!!re"ensi n* A <e((Cr -nded& redC"aired < man& <it" a s" ck 0 gray ab )e "er 0 re"ead& b-st(ed t"r -g" t"e cr <d* DY -+re a(( rig"t& t"enFD S"e <as ( king n(y at Graym* DA(( 0 -s are* D Graym smi(ed int "er green eyes& 0ee(ing s-dden(y better ab -t e)eryt"ing* DG d t see y -& Ma+am* D D' t" -g"t y -+d be needing break0ast a0ter s-c" a nig"t* D /a-rin raised t"e <icker basket n "er armH it <as steaming s(ig"t(y* T"e W (0 br t"ers ( ked sickH :arek& staring at t"e basket& <as green* S"e c"-ck(ed and <ent straig"t t :arek* DAnd 0 r y -& y -ng man& dry t ast* D S"e !-((ed -t a 0res"Cbaked& (ig"t(y t asted b-n* DS met"ing in y -r st mac" <i(( make y - 0ee( better& n matter <"at (ast nig"t <as (ike* D S"e 0 rced it int "is "ands* DG n& t"en& (et me see y - eat y -r break0ast* M st im! rtant mea( 0 t"e day* D DT"e <isd m 0 t"e ages& D Graym m-rm-red 0er)ent(y& taking a r (( 0 r "imse(0* DWas t"ere e)er s-c" a < manFD DY - ( )e me +ca-se ' 0eed y -& D /a-rin said& (a-g"ing* S"e "anded r ((s t t"e W (0 br t"ers as <e((* DT"ere ne)er <as a crisis s bad t"at 0 d didn+t make a b dy 0ee( better* D Graym <as <atc"ing "er and smi(ing* He "eard a discreet c -g" near "is e(b <* :ayem& ne 0 t"e E(ders 0 Gra)eside& st d by Graym+s side* E(der :ayem s! ke in a 0-ssy& s (emn ) ice* DT"ese as"es cry -t 0 r re)enge& d t"ey n tFD T" -g" "e "ad n idea <"at t"e e(der <as ta(king ab -t& Graym !atted t"e sma((er man+s s" -(der* D' a(<ays try t (i)e and (et (i)e& sir* +S!ecia((y <it" t" se <" d n+t <ant t (et me (i)e* D D/et (i)eFD :ayem cried ( -d(y& and a 0e< ner) -s t <ns!e !(e A-m!ed* D' "a)e n t "eard t"at drag ns are <i((ing t (et (i)e* D He ! inted an acc-sing 0inger at t"e r-ins* DCan y deny t"at t"is is t"e < rk 0 a drag nFD :arek stared ner) -s(y at t"e sky*

Graym "esitated* DHa)en+t t" -g"t ab -t it& sir& and <"at i0 it <ereFD "e said* DW"at c -(d <e d ab -t itFD E(der :ayem+s ) ice rang -t& c(ear and ec" ing <it" c n)icti n* DW"at c -(d y - d F G & as Gra)eside+s 6r tect r& and s(ay t"e drag n in c mbatED Se)era( t <ns!e !(e m-rm-red a!!r )ing(y* T"e W (0 br t"ers& <" a(s "ad been staring at t"e sky& s-dden(y a!!eared )ery -!set* :ayem 0 (ded "is arms* DT"ere "a)e been r-mb(ing n ises in t"e nig"t& and sig"tings 0 <inged m nsters in t"e sky* T"ere "a)e been r-m rs 0 damage t c ttages and 0arm b-i(dings* D He ! inted t t"e c"arred r-in 0 t"e a(e " -se* D's t"ere any m re sensib(e e?!(anati n 0 r t"atFD A0ter a strang(ed c -g"& Graym said& D +M re sensib(e* + A"* T"ere y -+)e g t -s* D He ( ked at Dar(( and <inked* DE?act(y* D E(der :ayem ! inted* D.e0 re& <e n(y "ad r-m rs and re! rts 0 a drag n in t"e m -ntains t"ereC t t"e <estH n < <e can be s-re* We "a)e !r 0* S met"ing m-st be d ne immediate(y* D E(der :ayem n < st d at t"e center 0 a " !e0-( cr <d 0 t <ns!e !(e* Dar(( 0ingered "is s< rd& t"en m )ed "is "and a<ay* His ( ng c mbat career "ad ta-g"t "im t"at it is im! (itic t reac" 0 r <ea! ns in 0r nt 0 s me ne t <" m y - <e m ney* Graym said ske!tica((y& DS y - t"ink <e s" -(d 0ig"t t"is drag nFD DFig"t and ki(( it& D :ayem said* T"e Gra)esiders kicked in <it" a 0e< ragged c"eers* DKi(( itFD Dar(( )ent-red* DMaybe <e s" -(d A-st br-ise it* A0ter a((& n drag ns "a)e been seen in generati ns* D T"e cr <d ign red "im c m!(ete(y* E(der :ayem <as s (emn* DT"ere <i(( be danger* D T"e W (0 br t"ers edged back* DT"ere <i(( be " rr rs -nimaginab(e* D :arek (eaned 0 r<ard interested(y* Dar(( !-s"ed "im back* One and a(( <ere s"aking t"eir "eads* :ayem c -g"ed discreet(y* DT"ere <i(( be a re<ard* D T"e "eadCs"aking 0r =e* Graym brig"tened& saying "earti(y& DA(<ays a !(eas-re <"en b-siness disc-ssi ns get d <n t !artic-(ars* D DFi0ty stee( !ieces& raised by t"e )i((age* D F r nce Graym c -(dn+t t"ink 0 a t"ing t say* D:-st 0 r ki((ing t"e drag nFD Dar(( demanded* DKi((ing& dri)ing 00* Eit"er re@-ires !r 0 r <itnesses* D DNat-ra((y* D Dar(( 0ingered "is s< rd* E(der :ayem n dded* DS y - <i(( ki(( t"e drag n 0 r -s& D "e said& as t" -g" it <ere sett(ed* D6r m!t(y* D He 0r <ned at

Dar((+s singed beard* DAnd d s met"ing ab -t y -r !ers na( a!!earance* D He <a(ked a<ay* Graym ca-g"t Dar((+s arm as t"e mercenary aimed a b( < at :ayem+s back* DN <& n <* Weren+t y - ta-g"t as a c"i(d t res!ect y -r E(dersFD Dar(( gr <(ed& DT"e ! m! -s (itt(e t<itE He kn <s <e need t"e m ney* D Graym s"r-gged* DHe e)en kn <s <"y <e need it* 't+s a sma(( t <n& sir* D He t-rned a<ay 0r m t"e r-in and stared int t"e m -ntains t t"e <est* Dar(( r-bbed "is "ands t get"er& s-dden(y a<are " < m-c" "e "ad been missing c mbat* DS * We g t t"e t <n arm ry& get t"e <ea! ns& and gi)e +em a g d s" <**** D He ( ked at Graym+s 0ace and st !!ed* T"e t< 0 t"em edged -t 0 /a-rin+s ears" t& and Dar(( said& DWe((FD D' s (d +em& D Graym said s" rt(y* Dar(( c -(d n t "a)e been m re s" cked i0 Graym "ad c n0essed t se((ing E(der :ayem+s breec"es* DY -+re t"e t <n+s 6r tect r& and y - s (d t"eir <ea! nsFD DWe((& ( k at it* D Graym <a)ed an arm at Gra)eside& <"ic" <as s-rr -nded by 0arm 0ie(ds and s!ring 0( <ers* D't+s c m!(ete(y !eace0-(* We+)e "ard(y "ad a !r b(em* D He smi(ed ar -nd t"e )i((age* D/ )e(y !(ace t (i)e* D Dar(( ! ked Graym in t"e c"est* DAnd y -+re its 6r tect r* D Graym <inced& n t entire(y 0r m t"e ! ke* DWe((& t be tr-t"0-(& y - are& sir* D 't <as tr-e* W"en t"ie)ery "a!!ened& Dar(( in)estigated* W"en 0ig"ts br ke -t& Dar(( st !!ed t"em* W"en r -g" strangers came d <n t"e r ad& Dar(( <ent -t and s! ke t t"emC 0ten t"ey retreated& s metimes <it" bandages* Dar(( scratc"ed "is bearded c"in& t"inking* D.-t sti((& y -+re t"e ne <it" t"e 00icia( s< rd 0 00ice* D He g(anced ar -nd* DC me t t"ink 0 it& ' "a)en+t seenC Graym& y - didn+t**** D DFirst t g & sir* A c ((ect r+s item* Hig" resa(e )a(-e& e)en in "ard times* D Dar(( bit "is (i!* DSti((& y - "ad s me s!earsCD DS (d as a sing(e ( t* D Graym 0r <ned t" -g"t0-((y* D' s" -(d "a)e g t m re 0 r t"em& b-t s me sa(es are 0 r g d<i(( and < rd 0 m -t"* D D's t"ere anyt"ing (e0tFD DO"& 0 c -rse* D Graym s!read "is "ands& im!(ying a <ea(t" 0 <ea! nry& t"en grad-a((y br -g"t t"em in* DAct-a((y& m st 0 <"at+s (e0t "as main(yCsentimenta( )a(-e* D Dar(( n dded tired(y* DMeaning& it < -(dn+t se((* D He s" k "is "ead* DA(( ' can say is& it+s a damn g d t"ing t"ere+s n t a rea( drag n* D

DO"& b-t t"ere is neED a ) ice cried* T"ey t-rned t ( k* R"ae(& y -ngest 0 t"e E(ders& st d be0 re Graym* E)en n <& Graym <as "a!!y t see "er* R"ae(& E(der 0 Fear(essness& "ad been Graym+s 0irst 0riend in Gra)eside* S"e <as a(s /a-rin+s 0a) rite niece* D6(ease& y -+re n t rea((y g ing t try t ki(( t"e drag n& are y -FD R"ae( demanded* DD n+t y - < rry ab -t -s& D :arek said* He !arried <it" an imaginary s< rd& since Graym < -(dn+t (et "im carry a rea( ne t"is c( se t t <n* R"ae( said 0(at(y& D'+m n t* '+m < rried ab -t t"e drag n* D DT"ere is n CD Graym began* Dar(( ste!!ed n "is 0 t& "ard* R"ae( <ent n <it" -t n ticing& DDrag ns are <ise& grace0-(& bea-ti0-( beasts& and t"ey "a)en+t been seen 0 r ages be0 re t"is* Y - can+t ki(( ne& A-st <"en t"ey+re c ming back* Y m-stn+tED DW"y n tFD Graym <as 0rank(y !-==(ed* DWe+re "er es& s-c" as <e areH t"ey+re drag ns* '0 <e ki(( t"em instead 0 t"em ki((ing -s& t"at+s g dCdeedCd ing* D /a-rin ste!!ed 0 r<ard& "anded R"ae( a bisc-it t eat* DC"i(d& "e+s t"e 6r tect r* it+s "is A b* D R"ae( s" k "er "ead )ig r -s(y* Stray as"es 0r m t"e 0ire dri0ted -t 0 "er "air and nt "er n se* D.-t a drag n isn+t a )i((ain* D Her eyes s" ne* DDrag ns are t"e n b(est& <isest& m st grace0-( and bea-ti0-(CD Graym "e(d -! a "and& t"inking ab -t t"e m ney E(der :ayem "ad 00ered* DC mmitment t bea-ty+s a(( rig"t& D "e said d-bi -s(y& Db-t y - can+t (et it inter0ere <it" g dCdeedC d ing* D He gest-red t t"e men <it" "im* DWe+)e s-r)i)ed t"e CatCC ((-si nCD DCatac(ysm& D Dar(( c rrected tired(y* DO0 c -rse& y - did& D R"ae( said @-ick(y* D.-t y -+re "er es and <arri rsCD DAnd as s-c"& D Graym said s (emn(y& D<e "a)e -r < rk* D He g(anced at t"e W (0 br t"ers and at :arek& <" <as !racticing s< rd!(ay <it" t"e "eatCb <ed ! ker 0r m t"e inn+s 0ire!(ace* DS me < -(d say <e "a)e -r < rk c-t -t 0 r -s* D He 0inis"ed s (emn(y& DC -(d y - res!ect -s& i0 <e t-rned a<ay 0r m t"isF C -(d y - see me marrying y -r A-ntie /a-rinFD /a-rin came c( ser& !-t a "and n "is arm* R"ae( s" k "er "ead 0irm(y* D' can+t see my 0a) rite a-nt marrying s me ne <" < -(d ki(( a drag n* '+m s rry& b-t ' can+t* D /a-rin said @-ick(y& DN <& ( )ey& y -+re A-st -!set by t"e 0ire and a((* '+m s-re i0 y - t"ink ab -tCD

DN * D R"ae( 0aced "er a-nt 0irm(y* DMy Bnc(e Ott <asn+t t"e s rt 0 man <" ran ar -nd ki((ing drag ns*D DT"ere <eren+t any* D DAnd ' can+t (et y - marry s me ne <" < -(d* D R"ae( t ssed "er "ead and <a(ked 00* /a-rin said& D'+(( ta(k t "er& ( )e* D n+t y - be tr -b(ed* D S"e "anded Graym a m-00in& <"ic" "e ate& t"en s"e (i0ted "er "ea)y skirt and "-rried a0ter R"ae(* Dar(( r-mb(ed& D/et+s g see <"at <ea! ns y - c -(dn+t !a<n 00 n any ne* D .y midm rning t"ey "ad a !itted s< rd& a battered br ada?e ca((ed Ga(ean r& t"e A?e 0 t"e :-st& and ne rea( 0indCa t<iceCmended (ance* Acc rding t t <n (egend& it <as ne 0 t"e rigina( drag n(ances* Bn0 rt-nate(y& t"e ! (e "ad been s"attered* 't <as n < a s" rt and c(-msyC( king s!ear* T"ey a(s "ad s!(itting "eadac"esCremnants 0 t"e ne< !r d-ct* :arek <"im!ered and said a "-ndred times t"at "e <as s rry t"e 0ire "ad "a!!ened* Graym t" -g"t& b-t did n t say& t"at "e <as s rry& t * I I I I I T"e <" (e t <n sa< t"em 00* T"ere <as n time t make banners& and :ayem& t"e E(der 0 6r m!tness& < -(dn+t (et any ne make ( ng s!eec"es* Wer( <& t"e E(der 0 Ca-ti n& ste!!ed 0 r<ard care0-((y* DSa0e A -rney* .e <atc"0-(* D Warissa& t"e E(der 0 :-stice& str de -t and 0aced t"em* DStrike <"ere y - m-st& D s"e said c(ear(y and ca(m(y* DWr ng n ne* Sa0e A -rney* D T"ey n dded back t "er ! (ite(y* Gi)en t"eir !asts& t"e E(der 0 :-stice made t"em m st -nc m0 rtab(e* Sernaya& t"e E(der 0 T"ri0t& came 0 r<ard and bare(y n dded* DMind y -r e?!enses* Take a (-nc"* S(ee! -td rs& n t at inns* D n+t 0 rget t bring !r 0 0 a ki((& r 0 dri)ing it a<ay* D S"e !atted t"e keg 0 test (i@-id& set n a sma(( cart t take <it" t"em& and said re!r )ing(y& DD n+t drink t m-c" 0 t"is n t"e <ay -t 0 t <n* D S"e ste!!ed back and added as an a0tert" -g"t& DSa0e A -rney* D T"e t"er E(ders came -! t t"em ne by ne& <is"ing t"em (-ck and gi)ing t"em ad)ice* Fina((y& R"ae(& ( king tr -b(ed& ste!!ed 0 r<ard and said s-ccinct(y& DSa0e A -rney* D S"e t-rned a<ay* /a-rin <a(ked -t 0 t"e cr <d* S"e !-t a c( t"C<ra!!ed bag in Graym+s "ands* DSernaya a(<ays says& Take a (-nc"* + ' !acked y - eac" ne* D DW -(dn+t y - A-st& D Graym said re)erent(y* 't sme((ed (ike

! rk baked int bread& and it <as steaming t"r -g" t"e c( t"* DH < many < men are t"ere (ike y -FD S"e said se)ere(y& DD n+t y - g ( king 0 r t"em* D S"e kissed "im n t"e (i!s* DSa0e A -rney& and a sa0e A -rney back* D Graym+s "eart s<e((ed* As a y -ng man& "e+d been t b-sy t marry* /ater& a ! r c !er in a ric" t <n& "e+d been t disre!-tab(e* He b <ed& !-00ing at t"e e00 rt t bend "is c nsiderab(e <aist* DDid y - ta(k t y -r nieceFD "e <"is!ered* DS me* D S"e g(anced side<ays at R"ae(& <" <as 0r <ning* /a-rin b(-s"ed& sc <(ed de0ensi)e(y& and "-rried back int t"e cr <d* Graym c(eared "is t"r at* DYes& <e((* G d sendC 00* Y -+re nice !e !(e* We+d best be g ing n <* D He grabbed t"e cart carrying t"e test (i@-id and (-rc"ed 0 r<ard* T"e t"ers 0 (( <ed "im* /a-rin !-((ed -t a na!kin and <a)ed sad(y t "im* R"ae( g(ared at "er and /a-rin st !!ed* Graym s"r-gged resigned(y* T< tattered& dis"e)e(ed creat-res detac"ed t"emse()es 0r m t"e cr <d and (ea!t nt Fenris and Fanris& a(( b-t <rest(ing t"em t t"e gr -nd* Dar(( dre< "is s< rd* Graym& <it" a gest-re& st !!ed "im* T"ey b t" stared* A!!arent(y& t"e creat-res <ere 0ema(e* M re ast nis"ing(y& t"ey <ere kissing t"e W (0 br t"ers* T"e <atc"ing Gra)esiders smi(ed t (erant(y& t" -g" s me 0 t"em ( ked @-easy* DT"e R-(g Sisters& D Fenris said ra!t-r -s(y* DT"ey+re ne< in t <n& D Fanris added* D'+m s-re& D Dar(( said& sc <(ing* Graym asked& DW"ere are t"ey 0r mFD DS me t"er t <n& D Fenris said* DT"ey "ad t (ea)e& D Fanris said* DRea( @-ick* D DD n+t kn < <"y& D Fenris said m di(y and sig"ed* DWe((& s me t"ings are "ard t e?!(ain& D Graym m-rm-red& t"en s(a!!ed t"e t< n t"e back* D.-t <e(( d ne& and b (d(y& t"e b t" 0 y -* Y -+)e met t"e ( )es 0 y -r (i)es& and ' kn < y -+(( be "a!!y* D T"ey <ere a(ready "a!!y* DT"ey+re g ing t marry -sCD D.-t <e need t "a)e m ney* D Fenris sagged des! ndent(y* DT"ey said t"ey < -(dn+t marry -s <it" -t m ney* D Fanris ( ked t Graym 0 r reass-rance* Graym 0( -ndered 0 r a m ment& t"en came -t <it"& DYes& <e((& it+s nice t"at y -+)e b t" met < men <it" standards* D Dar(( sn rted and began <a(king* T"e t"ers& !-((ing t"e cart& str-gg(ed t kee! -!* Fanris b-rb(ed& DHa)e y - e)er seen a < manCD

DC(ike eit"er 0 t"emFD Fenris 0inis"ed* T"ey <ere at t"e edge 0 Gra)eside& !assing a st neC<a((ed !igsty* Graym ( ked at it t" -g"t0-((y* DN t a < man& n * D T"ey <a(ked a <"i(e& t"inking t t"emse()esCa(( e?ce!t :arek& <" <as "a!!i(y t"r <ing st nes at t"er st nes* Fina((y Dar(( said& DT"e <ay ' see it& i0 t"ere <ere a drag n& and t"ere isn+t& <e+d be in big tr -b(e* '0 <e s me" < managed t ki(( it& and <e can+t beca-se t"ere isn+t ne& y -+(( ( se t"e c"ance t marry /a-rin* '0 <e try t dri)e it 00& and <e can+t beca-se t"ere isn+t ne& it < -(dn+t g <it" -t a 0ig"t* '0 <e d n+t 0ind ne& and <e < n+t beca-se t"ere isn+t ne& <e+re sti(( g ing t be br ke and n ne 0 -s <i(( get t marry& inc(-ding y -* D He added beca-se "e <as getting "-ngry& D6(-s <e+(( !r bab(y star)e t deat"* D Graym c nsidered& t"en s@-inted -!<ard int t"e 0 g* DAny<ay& it+s a nice day 0 r a <a(k* D I I I I I :ayem "ad directed t"em t <ard t"e m -ntains t t"e <est* Bn0 rt-nate(y& t"e r ad <est didn+t di)erge 0r m t"e main r ad -nti( it "ad !assed t"r -g" t"e 3a((ey 0 Deat"& a "-ge aband ned cemetery 0r m t"e r-ins 0 a (arger city* T"e eart"@-akes and r ck s(ides 0 t"e Catac(ysm& as <e(( as recent )anda(ism& "ad (e0t a great many ske(et ns e?! sed* T"eir b(eac"ed& -nceasing grins did (itt(e 0 r t"e W (0 br t"ers+ m ds* DAre drag ns bigFD Fenris asked Graym* T"e 0at man !-rsed "is (i!s* DHard t say* .y re! rt& s me 0 t"em are t"e si=e 0 " -ses* D DAre t"ey 0ierceFD @-a)ered Fenris* DA""* N <& t"ere y - "a)e me& sir* T"ey say& and again t"is is n(y by re! rt& t"at s me 0 t"em are 0ierce en -g" t 0ig"t <" (e armies* D Graym smi(ed at t"e t< 0 t"em* D.-t (ike(y t"e (egend "as gr <n )er t"e years* D T"ey <a(ked n& t"e r ad <inding -!<ard* Fenris and Fanris seemed -n-s-a((y !ensi)e* Fina((y Dar(( sna!!ed& DW -(d y - t< st ! ( king (ike y -+re t"inkingF 't+s -nnat-ra(* D T"ey st !!ed* Graym said !atient(y& DW"at+s n y -r mindsFD DT"e drag n& D t"ey said in -nis n* DWe c -(d !retend t ki(( it& D Fanris 00ered* DAnd g " me& D Fenris added* DRig"t n <& D Fanris 0inis"ed* :arek bAected* DW"at ab -t <"en t"e drag n s" <s -! and

b-rns an t"er b-i(dingFD Dar(( r-bbed "is eyes and said <it" bare(y s-stained !atience& DT"e drag n didn+t b-rn t"e 0irst b-i(ding& n <& did "e& :arekFD :arek b(inked* DO"& rig"t& rig"t* D Graym !-00ed "is (i!s -t& c nsidering* D6retending t ki(( t"e drag n is an attracti)e ideaCreass-res !e !(e& brings -s " me -n"armed& e)en !r m tes trade**** N & n & ' 0 rg t* :ayem said <e need !r 0 t"at <e+)e ki((ed it& r <e can+t get t"e m ney* D D'+(( say ' sa< it& D Fenris 00ered* DAnd '+(( say ' sa< "im see it& D Fanris added* DT"e genera( < rt" 0 y -r testim ny aside& ' t"ink t"ey <ant a <itness <" isn+t getting !aid 0 r t"e deat" 0 t"e drag n& D Graym said s (emn(y* DDrag nsED Dar(( c -(dn+t c ntain "imse(0 any ( nger* DW" be(ie)es in t"em anym re& -tside 0 Gra)eside and a 0e< 0armersF W"at is it <it" t"is t <nF S met"ing in t"e <ater& t"at kee!s 0 (k sim!(eFD D' (ike Gra)eside& D :arek said st-bb rn(y* D' (ike it& t & D Graym ec" ed @-iet(y* D'+d (ike n t"ing better t"an t g back t it and reb-i(d t"e inn& and marC and market a(e* D He g(ared ar -nd* DS <e+d a(( better " !e t"at t"ere+s a drag n& and t"at <e ki(( it* E"FD He t-rned t c ntin-e !-((ing t"e cart n t"e -!<ard& <inding r ad* I I I I I T"e r ad narr <ed int t< r-ts* Dar(( gre< m re a(ert& t"e 0art"er -! t"e r-ts t"ey tra)e(ed* T"e W (0 br t"ers gre< m re ner) -s* Graym !-t t"em in c"arge 0 t"e keg and cart& b-t !-((ing it didn+t tire t"em -t en -g" t ca(m t"em d <n* T"e 0i)e "er es !assed a disma(C( king 0arm* Graym ! (ite(y kn cked at t"e d r and b <ed t t"e <iry& incredib(y ga!C t t"ed < man <" !ened it* DY -r !ard n& ma+am* We+re <arri rs& 0 a s rtCD T"e (d < man <as staring )er "is s" -(der at :arekH Graym decided n t t s!eci0y <"at s rt**** DAnd <e c -(dn+t "e(! < ndering <"at "a!!ened t y -r " -se* D S"e (eaned -t& "er ( ng <"ite "air <a)ing in t"e bree=e& and "issed& DT"e drag n did it* D Fenris made a sma((& sick n ise* Fanris ec" ed it* T"e (d < man c cked "er "ead and grinned* DWit" ne c(a<& "e did it& dears& ne c(a< t"e si=e 0 a man* He s!-n d <n in t"e m n and t"e mist and s!it 0ire )er me " -se& and kicked t"e c rner c(ean 00 it* D S"e (a-g"ed& an a<0-( cack(e t"at

died a<ay s( <(y* Graym "ad ne)er seen a cr ne& b-t "e <as 0air(y s-re t"is <as ne* He said ! (ite(y& DAnd <"at is y -r name& ma+amFD DRanissa* D S"e r ((ed "er eyes& st-ck a c(a<(ike "and -t t "im& and 0inis"ed& DRanissa t"e Mad& t"ey ca(( me* W"at d+y t"ink 0 t"atFD Graym& e)er ! (ite& said& D' can see <"ere y -r manner 0 s!eaking mig"t start(e @-iet 0 (k**** Maybe '+d "a)e named y - RanissaCt"eCn tC(ikeryCt CbeCaskedC0 rCdinnerCt<ice& b-tCD DAnd t"e drag n ret-rned& D Ranissa <ai(ed& striking "er 0 re"ead* DDi)ing 0r m t"e mist& (ike a t"ing 0 deat"& straig"t 0 r me <n " me and 0arm* D S"e g(ared at Dar((& <" ( ked d-bi -s* DAnd "e t re at me 0arm and t"e "i(( ab )e it& and "e be(c"ed 0ire and s< !ed t and 0r & (ike a t"ing g ne mad* D Ranissa <a)ed "er arms and s< !ed back and 0 rt" in 0r nt 0 t"e c ttage& b bbing "er scra<ny neck and g(aring 0ierce(y* T"e W (0 br t"ers grabbed " (d 0 eac" t"er and s"rieked in terr r* De(ig"ted at t"e e00ect 0 t"e n(y g d st ry t"at se)enty years 0 0arm (i0e "ad gi)en "er& Ranissa s< !ed at t"em t<ice m re& near(y sending t"em int "ysteria* Dar(( !-t a "a(t t it& saying <it" m re manners t"an "e <anted& DW"ere did t"is e?ce!ti na( drag n g & ma+amFD Ranissa ! inted a skinny 0inger -! t"e r ad t"ey "ad been c(imbing* DB! int t"e mist& and t"ere "e <aits 0 r <" e)er c mes& in t"e c( -ds <e+)e a(<ays ca((ed Drag n .reat"* D I I I I I T"ey c(imbed t"e stee! r ad t"at gre< e)er stee!er be"ind Ranissa+s c ttage& -nab(e t "e(! g(ancing 0r m time t time at t"e (ayer 0 mist "anging ab )e t"em> Drag n .reat"* 6assing a ! int n t"e "i((side <"ere t"e eart" <as sc red <it" a sing(e gigantic track& Dar(( bent and e?amined it* DSee " < t"e 0r nt is dee!erF S met"ing !-s"ed "ard "ere& maybe (ea!ing* D D/ea!ing* D Fenris <ra!!ed "is tattered c( ak tig"ter* DAt 0arms* D Fanris "-dd(ed against "im& and t"ey ( ked ( nging(y at t"e tiny cart& <is"ing it <ere (arge en -g" t "ide -nder* A(( g(anced back at t"e damaged r 0 0 Ranissa+s 0armC" -se* DS met"ing kicked it& D Fenris said 0irm(y* DS met"ing <it" big 0eet& D Fanris agreed* DF(ying big 0eet& D Dar(( ! inted -t* B! -nti( n <& "e "adn+t be(ie)ed in drag ns* .-t s met"ing "ad kicked t"at " -se in* T"e W (0 br t"ers c -(dn+t "e(! b-t n tice t"at "e

"ad -ns"eat"ed "is battered s< rd and carried it at t"e ready& in tr-e mercenary 0as"i n* Graym& in t"e (ead& !r tested c"eeri(y* DDidn+t kick it in& n <* :-st kn cked it ab -t* 'n !(ay& (ike* D Dar(( m-ttered t Graym* DY - kn <& ' 0ind it "ard t be(ie)e <e mig"t rea((y meet a drag n -! "ere* D DT"at+s y -r tr -b(e& D Graym said* DN t an !timist (ike me* D W"en Dar(( stared at "im& "e added& DAnd <"en <e d 0ind "im& <e+(( ki(( "im* We need t"e m ney* D D6(-s it+s -r d-ty t t"e t <n& D Dar(( said sti00(y* DA < nder0-( man 0 r d-ty& y - are n <& sir* S <e+(( meet t"e beastie& and gi)e "im -r bestCD Graym g(anced back at :arek& <" <as Aabbing t"e air <it" t"e mended (ance& and at t"e W (0 br t"ers& <" <ere 0(inc"ing a<ay e)ery time :arek Aabbed* DWit" (-ck& "e+(( be as(ee!**** D I I I I I T"ey edged -!<ard* S" rt(y t"ey <ere s-rr -nded by b(inding& brig"t 0 g* A ra)en cried& s me<"ere in t"e mists* T"e W (0 br t"ers c <ered* :arek snatc"ed -! a s< rd and !eered a(ert(y in t"e <r ng directi n* T"e ra)en 0(e< 00 be"ind t"em* D' "eard s met"ingED Fanris <ai(ed* DFr m t"ereED Fenris cried* Dar((& sc <(ing& kicked )ici -s(y at a r ck* A sma(( (i=ard das"ed -t 0r m -nder* T"e (i=ard st !!ed in 0r nt 0 t"e W (0 br t"ers& !-00ed itse(0 -!& and "issed* T"ey screamed in -nis n* DDrag nED :arek 0(ai(ed ab -t in t"e 0 g& stabbing& t"e (ance narr <(y a) iding !-nct-ring t"e keg* DW"ereFD .-t t"e W (0 br t"ers& 0(eeing back d <n t"e r ad& "ad n ans<er* T"ey "ad bare(y r -nded t"e 0irst c-r)e <"en a r bed& c <(ed 0ig-re a!!eared -t 0 t"e mist& "a(ted t"eir 0(ig"t* 't t-rned& raised a s(ender arm& and ! inted at t"em* T"e W (0 br t"ers& s!inning t r-n t"e t"er <ay& screec"ed& DWi=ardED T"e 0ig-re !-((ed back its " d* DD n+t be scared& ( )esH it+s n(y me* D /a-rin smi(ed reass-ring(y& t" -g" s"e ( ked < rried* DFenris& Fanris& are y - a(( rig"tFD T"ey <ere as c( se t !a(e as t"eir -n<as"ed skin c -(d get* S"e circ(ed ar -nd t"em& a sma(( cr-sty ( a0 in eac" "and* D6 r dears* Here& eat s met"ing* D DWe sa< it& D Fenris <ai(ed& ign ring t"e bread* D't+s "-ge* D Fanris e?tended "is arms <ide*

Graym& catc"ing -! <it" t"em& !-00ed and said genia((y& D't <asn+t t"at big* D DO0 c -rse n t& t y -* D /a-rin ( ked at "im admiring(y* DY -+re n t a0raid 0 anyt"ing* D DN r are y -* Y - 0 (( <ed meC-s& D Graym said& gi)ing "er a kiss n t"e c"eek* /a-rin b(-s"ed and g(anced s"y(y at :arek* D/ )e& n t in 0r nt 0 t"e c"i(d* D Dar((& (im!ing -! t t"em& sn rted* Fenris @-a)ered& DDid y - see RanissaFD Fanris ec" ed& DT"e MadFD DT"at ' did* S"e screamed in my 0ace ab -t drag n 0ire& disemb <e(ment& and deat"* C"eery s -(* D /a-rin (a-g"ed* DAnd <"at did y - d FD :arek asked& a<ed* DFed "er a berryCAam tart and t (d "er t get m re s(ee!* .y t"e by& "a)e y - ki((ed it yetFD /a-rin ( ked ar -nd at t"em c m!(acent(y* :arek b(inked* DKi((ed <"atFD DT"e drag n& c"i(d& t"e drag nED :arek kicked a sma(( st ne and said g( mi(y& DWe "a)en+t e)en seen it* D DT"at+s g d& t"en* '+m n t t (ate* D /a-rin sat "ea)i(y n a b -(der by t"e r ad* S"e @-ick(y "anded e)eryb dy m re tarts 0r m "er kna!sack* DEat t"ese and re(a?* Graym and Dar(( and ' need t ta(k a bit* D S"e eyed t"em* D' kn < t"e tr-t"* D Graym b(-s"ed* :arek gr aned* Dar(( s"r-gged* DN t m-c" t ta(k ab -t t"en& is t"ereF '0 t"ere+s n rea( drag n& <e can+t ki(( it r c"ase it -t& and <e t"ere0 re d n+t get !aid* We+re 0inis"ed* '0 t"ere is a drag n& and <e d n+t ki(( it& <e+)e (et t"e t <n d <n* '0 t"ere+s a drag n& and <e d ki(( it& y -r niece < n+t (et y and Graym get married* D DRig"t* D /a-rin beamed at "im and "anded "im a meat !ie* DS t"ere "as t be a drag n& and y - "a)e t dri)e "im a<ay* G d t"inking& dear* 6r -d 0 y -& ' am* D A "issing n ise came 0r m 0ar 00 in t"e mist* T"e W (0 br t"ers g-(!ed and c(-tc"ed at eac" t"er* Graym ign red t"em* DT"e !r b(em being& ma+am& n ne+s seen a rea(& (i)e drag n 0 r a ( ng time n <* D A dra<nC -t creak& dim and m -rn0-(& s -nded in t"e 0 g ab )e t"em* T"e W (0 br t"ers edged c( ser t Dar((* /a-rin smi(ed* D/et+s say it <as a drag n as destr yed y -r inn* D :arek d-g "is t e in t"e dirt and m-ttered* /a-rin !atted "is e(b <& inserting a cream r (( in t"e cr k 0 "is arm* D.e 0rank <it" y -rse(0& c"i(d* C -(dn+t it "a)e been a drag nFD

D'+d (ike t t"ink s & D Dar(( r-mb(ed* DN b dy (ikes care(ess idi ts& b-t it seems as t" -g" e)ery ne <ants a drag n* D A grating screec" ec" ed 0r m t"e "i((side* T"e W (0 br t"ers& <ideCeyed& stared 0r m side t side* :arek scratc"ed "is "ead absent(y <it" t"e (ance* Dar((+s "and dri0ted d <n t "is s< rd* Graym g(anced at "im and 0ingered t"e a?e* DHas y -r niece t"e y -ngest E(der s 0tened "er "eart t <ard !r gress and drag nCs(aying at a((FD Graym asked& c(earing "is t"r at 0 an -ne?!ected "-skiness* /a-rin t"re< -! "er "ands* DO"& y - kn < "er <"en s"e+s 0-(( 0 "erse(0 and " < magica( (i0e is* A(( s"e says is& +Drag ns are <ise& grace0-(& bea-ti0-( beasts* + D A ( -d be(( < 0r m ab )e c-t "er 00* :arek& "is m -t" "anging !en& ! inted at t"e sky* A "-ge& batC<inged 0 rm careened t"r -g" t"e mist& di)ing straig"t at t"em* A(( 0 t"em d-cked*** e?ce!t :arek* At t"e (ast min-te& Dar(( d )e 0 r "im& str-ck "im <it" an e?as!erated gr-nt& and kn cked "im -t 0 "arm+s <ay* T"e dark 0ig-re s< !ed <it"in a 0e< 0eet 0 t"e r ad& ne <ing scra!ing t"e dirt* A b-rst 0 0(ame be(c"ed 0r m its 0r ntH t"e dark <ings )ers"ad <ed t"e entire c m!any* T"en& <it" a ( -d grating screec"& it !-((ed -! and disa!!eared int t"e mist* Dar((& c"ecking "is b nes as "e g t -!& m-ttered& DGrace0-(& y - said* D T"ey "eard a ( -d t"-m!H t"e drag n str-ck a r ck s me<"ere ab )e t"em n t"e m -ntain 0ace* DHere it c mes againED Graym cried* T"ey d )e 0 r t"e gr -nd as t"e drag n s!-n )er"ead& ( sing a(tit-de ra!id(y and be(c"ing 0ire* T"e 0ire sme((ed (ike a bad(y r-n smit"y* DAnd <ise& D Dar(( c nc(-ded* He cr -c"ed& <aiting 0 r t"e ne?t 0(y )er* /a-rin s" k "er "ead sad(y& stared int t"e 0 g* DD esn+t seem grace0-( and <ise& d es itF We((& <e a(( "a)e -r 00 days* 6 r t"ingH maybe it+s "-ngry* D Fenris and Fanris <"im!ered in -nis n* A 0-((Ct"r ated scream s -nded (ike t< !ieces 0 meta( dragged acr ss eac" t"er* A s"ad < descended 0r m t"e mist* 't < bb(ed& t"en 0(a!!ed its <ings (ist(ess(y& and 0ina((y ! -red -t " t steamy breat" as it dri0ted bey nd t"em* One <ing& 0(a!!ing a(( t"e <ay d <n t t"e trai(& c-t a di) t beside :arek* /a-rin !-((ed "im -t 0 t"e <ay A-st be0 re a sec nd <ing s!-r dragged a ragged g -ge in t"e r ad* T"e drag n )anis"ed in t"e mist& 0(a!!ing -! t"e m -ntain*

T"e sma(( !arty c ((ected in t"e midd(e 0 t"e r ad& m -t"s aga!e* E)en Graym <as m mentari(y s!eec"(ess* He t k t"e (ance 0r m :arek and ! ked Dar(( <it" it* DSir& < -(d y mind 0 rming a sc -ting !arty <it" meF And bring t"e s-!!(y barre(* D Dar(( str-gg(ed t "is 0eet* Graym "anded "im t"e (ance and barre( 0 tasteCtest& t"en dragged "im 00 int t"e mist* W"en t"ey <ere 0ar en -g" a<ay 0r m t"e t"ers& Dar(( said sarcastica((y& DFine idea bringing t"e bre< a( ng* T" se W (0 (ayab -ts mig"t drink t"is <"i(e <e+re -t 0 sig"t* D Graym s" k "is "ead& DY -+re a 0ine ne 0 r strategy& sir& b-t y - d me t m-c" credit* ' <as t"inking s met"ing e(se entire(y* D He added t" -g"t0-((y& DY - kn <& '+m beginning t < nder i0 maybe t"e drag n didn+t b-rn t"e inn a0ter a((* D Dar(( stared at "im as i0 "e "ad g ne mad* DN <& n <* Y -+re a man 0 t"e < r(d& sir& and y -+)e seen 0 (k (-mber ab -t grace(ess(y t"e <ay t"at ! r 0(ying beastie is m )ing* D es t"at m )ement remind y - 0 anyt"ingFD Dar(( !ened "is m -t"& s"-t it& and stared 0irst at t"e (i@- r keg& and t"en at Graym* D'+m t"inking <e <eren+t t"e n(y nes !artying t"at nig"t& D Graym c ntin-ed& Dand maybe <e "a)e a drag n as needs a m rning !ickCmeC-!H a (itt(e "air 0 t"e tr ((* MmmFD Dar((& c m!(ete(y ba00(ed& m-ttered& DA rea( drag n& a0ter a(( t"ese agesFD DWe((& sir& D Graym said reas nab(y& D<"at e(se c -(d it beFD He ca((ed back t /a-rin and t"e t"ers& DDar(( and ' are g ing sc -ting* .e ready t take c )er* D /a-rin ans<ered& DH-rry back& t"en& ( )e& D as ca(m(y as i0 "e "ad said t"ey <ere g ing t t"e 0armer+s market* :arek ann -nced& D'+m ready t 0ig"t& D at <"ic" t"ere <as a ( -d t"-d and a ye(! in t"e mist* Graym said steadi(y& DT"at+s <"y '+)e (e0t y - t g-ard t"e main b dy& b y* '0 anyt"ing "a!!ens t -s& y -+re in c"arge* D Dar(( said a( -d& DT"at+s tr-e& b y& D and <"is!ered t Graym& D'n a(( my years& '+)e ne)er "eard anyt"ing be0 re t make me s"i)er* T"at A-st did it* D He c(imbed -!"i(( beside Graym* T"ey <ent a s-r!rising distance be0 re being attacked nce again* Graym <as !-00ing& and e)en Dar(( <as tired& <"en t"ey "eard a strange <"ine )er"ead& gr <ing ( -der e)ery sec nd* Graym raised t"e a?e& straining t see in t"e 0 g* Dar(( !-s"ed t"e 0at man d <n* DHe+s di)ing* D T"e drag n skidded )er"ead& -!side d <n& <it"in a 0e< 0eet

0 t"em* Sm ke and steam !-00ed at t"emH s t rained d <n n t"em* Graym tig"t(y gri!!ed t"e battered a?e& Ga(ean r& and readied 0 r a direct assa-(t* /ying a(m st !r ne n t"e r ad& Dar(( "ea)ed t"e (ance as t"e drag n !assed )er* His t"r < <as !er0ect* T"e s!ear ! int entered t"e back 0 t"e drag n* T"e creat-re ree(ed -!rig"t& and t"ey sa< t"e (ance !r tr-ding 0r m its be((y* DAma=ing s" t& sir& D Graym said* Dar((& staring a0ter it& !r tested& D'+m n t t"at str ngED T"ey "eard a "iss and a sig"* T"e drag n+s <ings s( <ed )isib(y* D't+s < -ndedED Graym s" -ted and ran -!"i((& "is be((y b -ncing -! and d <n as "e c"arged 0 r<ard <it" t"e a?e* DCare0-(& D Dar(( <arned* Dra<ing a s" rt s< rd& "e 0 (( <ed m re s( <(y* Wit" a "iss& a r ar& m re grating screec"es& and a terrib(e scra!e& t"e drag n s(id nt t"e "i(( ab )e t"em* Dar(( ca-g"t -! <it" Graym <it"in arm+s reac" 0 t"e drag n* Dar(( <as ab -t t "iss a <arning <"en "e <as distracted by t"e sig"t 0 s met"ing !ec-(iar ab -t t"e (e0t <ing* A br ken cab(e trai(ed 0r m it* Dar(( stared "arder* T"e cab(e ran acr ss a !-((ey t t"e <ing+s -ter ti!* T"e drag n !erc"ed n r-nners& skis& r ckers& and a "-ge& strange& sing(e b t attac"ed t a cr -c"ed (eg near t"e tai(* Graym a!!r ac"ed& t -c"ed t"e beast+s sca(y side tentati)e(y* 't <as c )ered <it" r-bbery s"ing(es* A castCir n ratc"et <"ee( dr !!ed -t and (anded s@-are(y n Dar((+s 0 t* His eyes <atered& and "e <"is!ered s met"ing 0er)ent ab -t <i=ards and ! r "ygiene* Graym c(-tc"ed t"e a?e tig"t(y* D +Ware* 't+s m )ing* D Dar(( (ea!t back and raised "is s< rd* T"e c nstr-ct r cked 0r m side t side& seeming terrib(y 0(imsy* 't sett(ed back in !(ace as a sma((& bearded 0ig-re& <a)ing b t" arms& A-m!ed t t"e gr -nd* 't s" -ted <"at seemed ne ( ng& ! (ysy((abic& e?treme(y grate0-( < rd* Dar(( dr !!ed "is s< rd* DA gn me* D T"e gn me grabbed "is "and& !-m!ed it -! and d <n 0er)ent(y <"i(e e?!ressing "is t"anks* He <ent n 0 r s me time* Fina((y Dar(( said des!erate(y& D6(easeE S"-t -!* D T"e gn me st !!ed* Dar(( said& DN <Cbrie0(yC<"at <ere y - sayingFD DT"ank y - 0 r !r )iding t"e steering (e)er* D T"e gn me made a c nsci -s e00 rt t ta(k s( <(y* DH < did y - kn < ' needed neFD DNeeded ne 0 r <"at& sirFD .e<i(dered& Graym e?amined t"e

mac"ine c ((a!sed n t"e "i((side* DW"y& 0 r t"e S-!raCTerrestria(& Bnc nnected& A(e nic O)erC Trans! rt* D T"e gn me gest-red* DS-re(y y - can see t"at it g t (e0t -t* D Graym ( ked )er t"e drag n+s b-(ky can)as and < d b dy& its "-ge 0-e( tank& its b i(er& its c"ain dri)e and s!ring (ea)es& its ba(( scre< cy(inder <it" a g )ern r mec"anism )er it& and its (eaking "ydra-(ics* DFrank(y& sir& it+s "ard t imagine y -r "a)ing (e0t anyt"ing -t 0 t"is* D T"e gn me n dded gra)e(y& acce!ting t"e c m!(iment* DE?act(y* Bn0 rt-nate(y& my rigina( steering (e)er& <"i(e <e(( designed& <as !er"a!s t aer dynamica((y s -nd& and t"e .ackC-! F(ig"t Fai(-re 6 <er Bnit t <"ic" it <as c nnectedCD DFe(( -t& did itFD Dar(( sn rted* DN t e?act(y& D t"e gn me ans<ered re0(ecti)e(y* D't 0(e< n a"ead& and ' c -(dn+t catc" -! <it" it* D DC -(d y - b-i(d an t"er& sirFD Graym asked* He <as ! king interested(y at t"e b t* T"e gn me said "asti(y& D' d n+t t"ink '+d t -c" t"e . ta!-(t& i0 ' <ere y -& beca-se it rec cks itse(0 a-t matica((y n (anding& <"ic" is )ery "andy in t"e e)ent 0 need 0 r a @-ick (a-nc"& b-t t"e (atc" isn+t terrib(y re(iab(e& and it+s str ng en -g" t kick t"e entire mac"ine int t"e airCD He st !!ed* .y n < Graym <as <e(( a<ay 0r m t"e mac"ine* T"e gn me 0inis"ed (ame(y& DO0 c -rse& '+d (ike t b-i(d a better steering (e)er& b-t t d t"at ' "a)e t 0(y back t my < rks" !CD DW"ic" is <"ereFD Dar(( br ke in* D't is ca((ed M -nt Ne)ermind by "-mans& D t"e gn me said <it" dignity* DH me 0 t"e greatest gn me tec"n ( gy imaginab(eCmac"ines t"at < -(d make "-man tec"nicians <ee!CD D' be(ie)e y -* D T"e gn me 0r <ned at Dar((+s t ne* Graym said @-ick(y& D.y t"e <ay& sir& <"at+s y -r nameFD Dar((& <" kne< s met"ing 0 gn mes& said @-ick(y& DY -r "-man name* D T"e gn me "ad t re0(ectC r !er"a!s trans(ate* D' <as renamed 0 r t"e c nsiderati n by <"ic" ' -ndert k t test t"e O)erC Trans! rt n(y -nder c )er 0 darkness& s t"at c"ance bser)ati n < -(d 0rig"ten !e !(e (essCD Graym t" -g"t 0 Ranissa and said& D/ess t"an <"atFD T"e gn me !ened "is m -t"& and Graym said "asti(y& D' <it"dra< t"e @-esti n& sir* W"at did y - say y -r name <asFD T"e gn me ga)e -! trying t e?!(ain* DF(yC.yCNig"t* D DA g d name& D Graym said s (emn(y& Da(( t"ings c nsidered* We((& sir& i0 y - need t"e "a)en 0 y -r < rks" !& <"at+s

kee!ing y - "ereFD T"e gn me sig"ed* DA!!arent(y& t"e O)erCTrans! rt Steam 6r !-(si n System "as a design <eakness* ' kee! taking 00 0 r " me& b-t <it" -t s-00icient 0-e( ' tend t g(ide m re t"an 0(y& and t"is m -ntain d esn+t gi)e me an ade@-ate starting a(tit-de t 0ind an -!dra0t be0 re ' (and**** D He <ent n "a!!i(y ab -t tai( <inds& t"erma(s& (i0t rati s& and t"er strange terms* E)ent-a((y& Graym ca-g"t t"e gist and said& DH (d n a min-te& sir* Are y - saying t"at i0 y - c -(d n(y 0ind s-00icient 0-e(& y -+d (ea)e "ereFD DE?act(y* 'dea((y ' s" -(d "a)e a (i@-id 0-e(& b-t in its absence '+)e tried < d& and '+)e tried making c"arc a(& t" -g" ' "ad t c nstr-ct an B(traC6ress-re C"arc a( C m!act r& and '+)e e)en tried in)enting a dirt b-rner* D F(yCbyCNig"t regarded t"em earnest(y* D't "asn+t < rked& s 0ar& b-t can y - imagine a m re e00icient 0-e( s -rceFD Graym e?c"anged a g(ance <it" Dar((* He !atted t"e keg beside "im in a00ecti nate 0are<e((* DAs it "a!!ens& sir& D "e said "ea)i(y& D' can* D I I I I I Bnder F(yC.yCNig"t+s ( ngC<inded directi ns& Graym and Dar(( cra<(ed )er and -nder t"e drag n& " king -! cab(es& ! -nding n b (ts <it" t"e a?e "ead& and ret"reading 0-e( !i!es* . t" 0 t"em <ere s(ig"t(y b-rned& Graym n t"e 0 re"ead* T<ice Dar(( <as <"acked n t"e "ead by bad(y 0astened !artsH nce Graym narr <(y a) ided being str-ck by a descending <ing* As t"ey c(ambered ab -t& t"e gigantic s!ring t"at <as c m!ressed ab )e t"e . ta!-(t creaked and t<isted* . t" 0 t"em stayed as 0ar a<ay 0r m it as ! ssib(e& ti!t eing <"ene)er t"ey <ere < rking n t"e tai( secti n* T"ey ! -red t"e c ntents 0 t"e keg int t"e 0-e( tank at t"e (ast min-te& 0ig-ring Kat Dar((+s s-ggesti nL t"at s met"ing c -(d g <r ng i0 t"ey ! -red it in t ear(y* Eac" 0 t"em debated taking a 0are<e(( si!& b-t n b(y decided t"e gn me+s need -t<eig"ed t"eir !(eas-re and res ()ed n t t "a)e any* T"en t"ey <ent back n t"eir res ()e 0 r a 0ina( t ast* At (ast F(yC.yCNig"t c(imbed int a tra! near t"e 0r nt& <"ere an array 0 (e)ers& <"ee(s& cranks& b-tt ns& and dia(s im!(ied at (east s me meas-re 0 c ntr (* He s" -ted ( ng b-t 0air(y c(ear rders t t"em* Wit" Graym 0(a!!ing ne <ing -! and d <n& and Dar(( 0(a!!ing t"e t"er& t"e gn me !-((ed (e)ers and cranked gears -nti( t"e entire c ntra!ti n <as 0(a!!ing n its <n* S-dden(y F(yC.yCNig"t Aerked t"e s!earC(e)er back and cried&

DStand c(ear beca-se y - ne)er kn < @-ite <"at <i(( "a!!en in t"e e)ent t"at t"e b i(er stays -nder !ress-re& t"e "eat remains c nstant& <ing (i0t is s-00icient& and t"e . ta!-(t mec"anism engages <it" -t my needing t c(imb d <n and kick it 0reeCD F rt-nate(y& t"ey "ad a(ready (ea!t aside* T"e . ta!-(t re(eased !remat-re(y and& <it" a t"-nder -s kick& (a-nc"ed t"e <" (e s"i)ering mec"anism t<e()e 0eet in t"e air* T"e . ta!-(t& s" )ing 00& (e0t a mark in t"e eart" e?act(y (ike t"e giant drag n tracks t"ey "ad seen n t"e "i((side* A sec nd (ater& <it" a s!ark and a <" s"& t"e b i(er ignited* F(yC.yCNig"t stra!!ed n a bi=arre (eat"erCandCmeta( "e(met <it" bin c-(ars )er t"e eyes and s" -ted d <n at t"em& DW"ic" <ay t M -nt Ne)ermindFD Dar(( ! inted )ag-e(y t t"e s -t"<est* T"e gn me& n dding and <a)ing& !-((ed back n t"e stick* Wit" a series 0 ( -d creaks and "isses& t"e drag n 0(e< b-m!i(y ar -nd <"i(e it b-i(t -! steam* Graym and Dar(( ran a0ter it& kee!ing -! easi(y des!ite Graym+s being -t 0 s"a!e* A0ter t< circ-its& t"e gn me <a)ed a 0ina( timeC againC!-((ed t"e (e)erCagainCand (et 00 a magni0icent screec" 0r m t"e 0-((y ! <ered steam <"ist(e* T"e entire !-00ing assemb(y 0(a!!ed !-r! se0-((y 00 t t"e n rt"east* Graym and Dar((& a(s !-00ing& <atc"ed it 0ade int t"e mist* A 0aint screec" 0 strained meta( ec" ed acr ss t"e )a((ey* 't s -nded (ike a cry 0 tri-m!"* DT"ere+s n t"ing& D Graym !anted& D(ike a g d deed <e(( d ne& e)en i0 y -+re n t s-re <"at y - did* D A 0e< min-tes (ater& /a-rin came r-nning -! t t"em& :arek c( se be"ind& tri!!ing e)ery t"ird ste!* DS-c" a<0-( n isesE Are y - a(( rig"t& ( )eFD S"e t -c"ed Graym+s 0 re"ead* D't "-rt y -ED D'+m 0ine* D He !atted "er s" -(der* :arek dre< "imse(0 -! and brandis"ed a st -t branc"* DW"ere is t"is <icked drag nF We+(( "a)e < rds& '+(( te(( y - t"at* D Dar((& grinning "-ge(y& !ened "is m -t" t say s met"ing* /a-rin c-t "im 00 ca(m(y* D.-t ' sa< y - c"ase t"e drag n* ' sa< "im 0(y 00* ' <itnessed t"e <" (e t"ing*D Graym& t"inking 0aster t"an "e "ad in "is entire (i0e& ste!!ed n Dar((+s br-ised rig"t 0 t* Dar((+s m -t" sna!!ed s"-t <it" an a-dib(e c(ick as Graym said <it" a catc" in "is t"r at& DAnd <"at did y - <itness& ( )eFD DWe((& 0irst ' sa< Dar(( "ea)e a s!ear at "imCn t t"at it "-rt "im& 0 c -rse& D /a-rin added "asti(y& D<"ic" <e+(( be s-re t te(( R"ae(* T"en ' sa< t"e b t" 0 y - cra<( rig"t -nder "is <ings and t"-m! "im <it" t"e b-tt 0 y -r a?e&

gi)ing "im d-e n ticeCb-t n t "-rting "im& 0 c -rse* D DS & D s"e 0inis"ed& "anding t"em eac" a snack* DMay ' say t my niece t"at t"e drag n+s been banis"ed 0r m t"ese !arts& )ery m-c" a(i)eFD Graym ! ndered and 0ina((y said& DWe((& "e+s certain(y n t dead* D W"ic" <as tr-e* DG d en -g"* D /a-rin <inked* Dar((+s eyebr <s <ere !-((ed t get"er in t" -g"t* He !ened "is m -t" again* DT"e beastie <as ( st& and n t 0ee(ing "is best& D Graym said easi(y* DWe ta(ked t "im& and s" <ed "im t"e <ay " me* D DAnd t"at+s <"at '+(( testi0y* D A " t& !er"a!s a steam <"ist(e& s -nded in t"e distance* /a-rin ( ked ad ring(y at Graym* DA (itt(e "int "ere and t"ere& and it+s < nder0-( <"at y - can make 0 an !! rt-nity* D Dar(( s"-t "is m -t" again& s<a(( <ing "ard* Graym sig"ed "a!!i(y* DT"at+s t"at& t"en* We can g " me* D DH meFD Fenris and Fanris& cringing be"ind :arek& said in -nis n 0 r nce* D.ack t Gra)eside& any" <* D Graym <as grinning at Dar((+s t" -g"t0-( e?!ressi n* T"e mercenary <as str-gg(ing bet<een a ( )e 0 r t"e tr-t" and a ( )e 0 r re<ard m ney* DWe+(( need t reb-i(d* D D'+(( "e(! y -& D /a-rin said 0irm(y* DMe and t"e <" (e t <n* Y -+)e earned it* D S"e added "esitant(y& DMaybe y - c -(d !ay back t"e t <n <it" t"e re<ardCD D' <as A-st t"inking t"at )ery t"ing& D Graym said& s sincere(y t"at e)en Dar(( < ndered i0 "e "adn+t been* DAnd ' need s me t set -! " -se& i0 ' s" -(d bec me marCi0 ' s" -(d be n t sing(e**** D He "esitated -nti( /a-rin n dded )ig r -s(y& smi(ing& t"en "e sig"ed* DWe((& t"en* And Fenris and Fanris <i(( need s me m ney 0 r t"eir <n brideC!rice* D /a-rin ( ked at t"em in ast nis"ment* DWe can "a)e ne <edding& D Fenris said "a!!i(y* DOne big <edding& D Fanris added& scratc"ing* /a-rin !-t an arm ar -nd Graym and s@-ee=ed* T"ey 0e(( in ste!& "eading " me& t" -g" /a-rin stared <ist0-((y )er "er s" -(der in t"e directi n t"e drag n "ad disa!!eared* D' ne)er sa< it c( se -!* Was it bea-ti0-(FD D'+)e ne)er seen its (ike& D Graym said gra)e(y* DY - didn+t "-rt it& did y -FD Graym !atted "er s" -(der* DY - kn < ' m st (ike(y < n+t "-rt anyt"ing& e)en <"en ' set -t t * D Dar(( " bb(ed be"ind t"em& 0a) ring "is s re 0 t* D' < -(dn+t g t"at 0ar* D :arek and t"e W (0 br t"ers c"-ck(ed* /ater& <"en /a-rin sc-rried a"ead t s!read t"e g d ne<s&

Graym dr !!ed back beside Dar((* DH <+s y -r 0 tFD D.ad& b-t better t"an y -r "ead* D Dar(( added gr-dging(y& DS"e+s a smart < man* N < <e get t"e m ney& y - d n+t "a)e t ki(( a drag n& and y - can sti(( marry* D He added& DAnd t"e W (0 br t"ers marryCg ds "e(! t"e ne?t generati nCand :arek "ad a g d time* E)eryb dy g t s met"ing b-t me* D D' < -(dn+t say t"at& sirD Graym said s( <(y* D'+)e been t"inking**** As a married man& ' can+t a00 rd t take t"e risks a 6r tect r "as t * T"en& t & '+(( need t <atc" t"e inn m re& make it a g ing c ncern* D Dar(( st !!ed in "is tracks and stared& a0raid e)en t " !e* Graym 0inis"ed& DA(( in a((& sir& '+d be m re t"an grate0-( i0 y -+d be 6r tect r instead 0 me* D W"en Dar(( c -(d s!eak& "e s -nded a(m st as ga<ky as :arek* D'+(( be g d at it& Graym* ' !r mise* '+)e "ad ( ts 0 e?!erience <it" (a< en0 rcement* D Graym c(a!!ed "im n t"e s" -(der* DT"ere y - are& sir* ' <as ne)er any g d at arrests& <"ere y - kn < a(( t"e !r t c ( and n-ances* Y -+(( be a nat-ra(& ' !redict* D :arek (-nged& em!tyC"anded& and sa(-ted an imaginary 0 e* Dar(( "ad sensib(y taken "is <ea! ns a<ay be0 re t"ey g t t t <n* D't+s g d t be "er es again* T"ink " < 0am -s <e+(( be* D DWe+)e g t n t riety& g d < rdC 0Cm -t"& and an estab(is"ed b-siness& D Graym said s (emn(y* DT"e b-siness& D Dar(( reminded "im& Dis b-rned t t"e gr -nd* D DN <& n <* '+)e t (d y - many times t"at y - need a ! siti)e -t( k* D Graym t" -g"t* D'0 n(y <e "ad s met"ing ne< t se(( !e !(eCD DH < ab -t t"e ne< drinkFD Fenris said& edging -! t Graym* D'0 y - can make it again& D Fanris added& beside "im* Graym stared at t"em in s-r!rise* DG d t"inking* D n+t < rryH /a-rin < -(d ne)er tr-st me <it" t"e n(y c !y 0 t"e reci!e* We+(( market it by t"e barre(0-(& and maybe e)en darken it <it" c"arc a(* 6a(adine kn <s <e+)e g t en -g" c"arc a(* D His eyes g( <ed* DAnd <e+(( ca(( itCD Fenris& beside "im& be(c"ed* Graym+s eyes <atered& t"en 0(e< !en <ide* D6-re Drag n .reat"* D Fenris ( ked ins-(ted n(y 0 r a min-te* F (+s G (d :e00 Gr-bb DO0 a(( t"e Drag nkind& t"e < rst by 0ar are t"e G (den Wyrms* T"e rainb <C"-ed m nsters 0 e)i( <i(( A-st <ant t

eat y -& b-t t"e G (ds& t"ey < n+t be "a!!y -nti( y - (earn s met"ing* Gi)en t"e c" ice& '+d rat"er be eaten*D CF(int Fire0 rge Kattrib-tedL DT"is is a gn me st ryED be(( <ed t"e bard& 0-((y e?!ecting e)ery eye in t"e r m t t-rn "is <ay* 'ndeed& e)ery eye did t-rn "is <ay& as <e(( as e)ery "andC"ands 0i((ed <it" ! ttery m-gs& < den !(atters& stained c-t(ery& and t"e dd 0 d item* A "ai(st rm 0 !r d-ce and kitc"en<are !e(ted t"e st ryte((er& and "e made 0 r t"e nearest e?it& b t" e?!ectati ns and c( t"es s! i(ed* On "is <ay -t& t"e bard c ((ided& e)er s brie0(y& <it" a t <ering gent(eman <" m mentari(y 0i((ed t"e d r<ay at t"e same time t"e bard <as seeking egress* T"e manCm -ntain <as n t )ery m )ab(e& and < -(d n t "a)e m )ed in n rma( circ-mstances& and t"e bard < -(d "a)e reb -nded back int t"e c mm n r m 0 t"e W (0+s Head 'nn* .-t t"e ne<c mer "ard(y e?!ected 0(eeing ska(ds t greet "im& s "e ste!!ed back -nder t"e assa-(t 0 t"e terr rCstricken ta(es!inner* T"e bard did n t miss a ste! as "e esca!ed 0r m b t" t"e inn and t"e remainder 0 t"is ta(e* As t"e "-ge man t-rned& re)ea(ing t"e scabbard s(-ng acr ss "is back& "e g( <ered at t"e retreating 0 rm 0 t"e bard* He st d ! ised in t"e d r<ay& -nti( a ( < r-00 s" k "im 0r m "is t" -g"ts* T"e "-ge ne<c mer entered t"e inn& a (arge " -nd !adding a( ng at "is side* T"e ne<c mer "ad t"at "aggard& <e((Ctra)e(ed ( k 0 an ad)ent-rer* A merc"ant < -(d by nat-re scan t"e r m& si=ing -! t"e market* A t"ie0& r e)en a 0 rmer <arri r in t"e drag narmies < -(d s( -c" in& " !ing t a) id rec gniti n* T"is ne sim!(y did n t care* He "ad t"e ( k& it < -(d be said (ater& 0 ne made <ise against "is <i((* His d g <as (ean and ( ngC0aced& b-t t"er<ise 0i((ed a(( t"e basic re@-irements 0 d gness* T"e man made 0 r t"e bar& <"i(e t"e d g sa-ntered t"r -g" t"e debris (e0t by t"e i((C0ated bard& st !!ing n(y brie0(y t n se a m st(y c"e<ed m-tt n b ne* T"e d g sn rted a reAecti n& !added n t <ard t"e "eart"* T"ere "e t-rned t"rice ar -nd in 0r nt 0 t"e 0ire and (ay d <n& c-r(ed t <ard t"e 0(ames& g (denC0-rred be((y -!& "ead -!side d <n and resting n t"e 0( r* 't <as as i0 t"e creat-re <ere a reg-(ar )isit r& and t"is <as a(s (ater menti ned as c-ri -s by t" se re(ating t"e st ry* T"e ne<c mer "e(d -! t< 0ingers t t"e barkee!* T"e ta)ernmaster in t-rn !-((ed t< m-gs& ne in eac" 0ist& and raised an eyebr <& a si(ent in@-iry* T"e ne<c mer s! ke 0 r t"e 0irst time* DOne 0 r my c m!ani n&D "e e?!(ained&

m ti ning t t"e anima( stretc"ed -t by t"e 0ire* T"e barkee! n dded& sm t"ered a grin int a tig"t& b-siness(ike smi(e& and dre< t< a(es* T"e stranger+s canine c m!ani n "ad a(ready attracted an admirer in t"e 0 rm 0 ne 0 t"e barmaids& a !retty y -ng < man dressed in a sim!(e <"ite skirt and dark b(-e b( -se& t"e entire ensemb(e c )ered by a manyC! cketed a!r n 0 a=-re* Her "air <as !-((ed back 0r m "er 0ace& and ran in an rnate braid reac"ing t"e sma(( 0 "er back* S"e <as !etting t"e d g+s b( nd be((y 0-r& and t"e beast made n m ti n t diss-ade "er* T"e d g n(y reacted <"en t"e ne<c mer set a 0 aming m-g by "is m-==(e* And t"en t"e d g ( ked at t"e m-g and t"e y -ng (ady and attem!ted t c" se bet<een t"em* At (engt"& t"e a(e < n -t& and t"e beast (icked "is c" !s and raised "is "ead t s(ig"t(y ab )e t"e m-g+s (e)e(& (a!!ing t"e beer <it" a ( ng& s(ender t ng-e* S!-rned& t"e y -ng (ady sig"ed and ret-rned t "er task 0 gat"ering em!ty m-gs and b tt(esCDdead s (diersD in t"e ( ca( !ar(ance 0 a t <n t"at "ad esca!ed m st 0 t"e <ar+s < rst e00ects* S"e br -g"t t"em back t t"e bar& taking a (ess t"an direct r -te t"at s<-ng "er <e(( a<ay 0r m an (der& <e((Cdressed !atr n <" "ad been eyeing "er t"r -g" -t t"e e!is de* Said r -te t k "er back !ast t"e ne<c mer& <" st !!ed "er in "er tracks <it" a m ti n 0 "is "and* D.ring a sec nd r -nd <"en "e 0inis"es t"e 0irst& and a t"ird <"en "e 0inis"es t"e sec nd& and s again -nti( "e cares t st !* D T"e < man Ka stitc"ery 0 (ig"t b(-e t"read n "er a!r n identi0ied "er as Me(issaL made as i0 t c mment& t"en n dded and ret-rned t t"e bar* T"e remainder 0 t"e !atr nsC0armers ta(king ab -t t"e -!c ming "ar)est& car!enters and brick(ayers dri)en ind rs by t"e darkness& a bes!ectac(ed scribe <riting a (etter 0 r a midd(eCaged < man in t"e c rnerC"ad a(( ret-rned t acti)ities !re)i -s(y interr-!ted* A(( e?ce!t 0 r t"e (der& <e((Cdressed !atr n& <" ( ked direct(y at t"e ne<c mer <it" t"e s-reness 0 eit"er a <i=ard r a !etty ( rd* His 0inery <as 0aded b-t sti(( ser)iceab(e& t" -g" "is g-t stretc"ed t"e b-tt ns 0 "is )est* T"e man "ad a s(ender <and 0 < rn i) ry r b ne "anging 0r m "is be(t& b-t it <as -nc(ear at 0irst g(ance i0 t"is <as an enc"anted item& a symb ( 0 ! <er& r an a00ectati n* DT"at is an interesting anima(& D said t"e ( ca( n b(e at (engt"* DM re s t"an y - kn <& D came t"e re!(y& 0(at and a-t matic* D' "a)e ne)er seen a d g take t a(e* D DHe drinks n(y t embarrass me& D said t"e ne<c mer <it" a sig"* DN ne e)er asks "im t c(ear t"e c"eck* D

D's "e 0 r sa(eFD DHe is n t mine t se((* T"e d g acc m!anies me 0 "is <n 0ree <i((* T"ere <ere times ' tried t se(( "im& dri)e "im 00& aband n "im& b-t "e a(<ays ret-rns& bringing tr -b(e <"en "e d es* D At t"is t"e d g !-((ed "is m-==(e 0r m t"e n < em!ty m-g and ya<ned& baring a 0-(( set 0 c(ean& s"ar! teet"& n(y s(ig"t(y ye(( <ed by age* He c cked "is "ead at "is "-man c m!ani n* DY - kn < it+s tr-e& D added t"e ne<c mer& addressing t"e d g* T"en "e m-ttered& DAs i0 it c -(d be anyt"ing b-t t"e tr-t"* D And <it" t"at& "e m ti ned 0 r t"e sec nd r -nd* T"e c n)ersati n died in t"e 0(ickering 0 t"e 0ire as t"e (der man K!etty ( rd de0inite(y& t"e eyes <ere s"ar! and 0era(& b-t n t brig"t en -g" t indicate <i=ardryL rea(i=ed "e "ad been c-t -t 0 t"e dia( g-e bet<een t"e man and t"e d g* He tried again* DY - 0ind -r )i((age !(easantFD D' 0 -nd y -r )i((age by accident* ' <as tra)e(ing d <n t"e c ast 0r m Trent< d* D D.-siness r !(eas-reFD D' "a)e n b-siness and )ery (itt(e !(eas-re* D DAre y - a <arri rFD His eyes tra)e(ed t t"e s< rd and s!ark(ed 0 r a m ment <it" a<areness* D'C<eC"a)e need 0 a <arri r& "ere* D D'*** D said t"e ne<c mer& taking a ( ng dra< n "is m-g& Dam a 0 (* .-t y - can ca(( me :engar* D DAt (east y -+re tr-t"0-( ab -t it& D said t"e (d bar n& t"e c"-ck(e dying in "is t"r at as "e rea(i=ed t"at :engar did n t s"are "is am-sement* :engar trans0i?ed t"e !etty ( rd <it" a "ars" g(are& t"en re(a?ed& b-t n(y a t -c"* D' d n t "a)e a c" ice in t"e matter* 't is my c-rse& t te(( t"e tr-t"* Are y - interested in t"e st ryFD DO0 c -rse& 0 c -rse& D said t"e !etty ( rd* D't d esn+t 0eat-re*** a"& gn mes& d es itFD DN t yet& D gr <(ed t"e man* D.-t gn mes c -(d n(y ser)e t make matters < rse**** D I I I I I T"e r m @-ieted s( <(y as :engar began "is ta(e* He did s <it" -t !r ( g-e r ca(( 0 r @-iet& mere(y setting in t a recitati n 0 t"e 0acts* His @-iet demean r ca-g"t many by s-r!rise& s t"at "a(0 t"e r m missed "is beginning& yet a0ter t"e 0irst min-te& t"e entire r m <ent si(ent* C n)ersati ns ended in midsentence& a(e <ent -n rdered and -nde(i)ered& and e)en t"e scratc" 0 t"e scribe+s !en <as

sti((ed* T"e n(y s -nd <as t"e d g (a!!ing n isi(y at "is m-g& and e)en t"at 0e(( 00 as t"e ta(e !r ceeded* D/et it be kn <n t"at my name is :engar* T"e d g+s name is F (+s G (d& named s-c" 0 r reas ns t"at <i(( bec me c(ear* .ack d-ring t"e <ar ' tacked n a nickname 0 r myse(0 ty!ica( 0 r <arri rsCTr ((ki((er r F(amedeat" r s met"ing e@-a((y st-!id* W"y '+)e (et s-c" s bri@-ets !eris" <i(( a(s bec me c(ear* D' ser)ed <e(( in t"e (ast <ar and 0 -g"t "ard* At T< Wars and Armada and at t"e Siege 0 Cast(e Dire& ' <as n "er (eading t"e c"arge& mind y -& b-t <as !art and !arce( 0 t"e batt(e* And i0 ' "a)e !re)i -s(y in0(ated my <n c ntrib-ti n t s-c" )ict ries& <e((& t"at is t be e?!ected 0r m a batt(eC< rn )eteran* My 0(a<& (ike t"at 0 many 0 my c m!ani ns& <as t rete(( my )ict ries in t"e m st g( <ing terms ! ssib(e many times& -nti( at (ast ' be(ie)ed t"em myse(0* DW"en t"e (ast 0 t"e drag n( rds <ere dri)en 0r m t"is !art 0 t"e < r(d& ' t" -g"t& (ike many s (diers& t"at ' c -(d A-st !-t my s< rd a<ay and g back t 0arming& r c bb(ing& r in my case& smit"ing* And& (ike many& ' 0 -nd ' c -(d n t* My attenti n <as n t n my cra0t& <"ic" be0 re t"e <ar "ad been t"e center and t ta( 0 my (i0e* T"e (and and t"e 0 rge A-st didn+t seem t " (d t"e same a!!ea( a0ter ' "ad batt(ed t"e mini ns 0 t"e Abyss and t"eir 0e(( G-een* DT"ere <ere 0 -r 0 -s& 0 simi(ar intent and backgr -nd* We "atc"ed a sc"eme t"at c -(d n(y be "atc"ed in a dim(y (it ta)ern simi(ar t t"e ne <"ere <e n < sit* W rd <as 0( ating ab -t t"at a drag n t"at s-r)i)ed t"e <ar "ad made its (air in t"e m -ntains t t"e s -t"* A bard br -g"t b t" t"e ta(e& <"ic" "e ga)e -! <i((ing(y& and a s-!! sed(y acc-rate ma!& <"ic" "e !arted <it" at n sma(( c st* DWe intended t beat t"er 0 rt-ne "-nters t t"at drag n and t its ric"es* F -r mere men against a drag nE Yet <e <ere 0-(( 0 -rse()es and t"e st ries 0 t"ers <" "ad beaten s-c" 0e(( <yrms& and s <e !a<ned -r meager be( ngings 0 r s-!!(ies t make t"e A -rney and t"e c"ance t strike it ric"* DWe tra)e(ed 0 -r& n & 0i)e days int t"e m -ntains* O-r ta(k <as merry& m re 0 " < <e <ere t s!end t"e drag n+s " ard t"an " < <e < -(d de0eat t"e m nster* We made n m )e t c ncea( -rse()es 0r m -r !rey& and < -(d "a)e sent it an engra)ed <arning 0 -r a!!r ac" i0 <e "ad st !!ed t t"ink 0 it* Yes& <e <ere 0-(( 0 -rse()es& and -r ta(es 0 bra)ad * DT"e e)ening 0 t"e 0i0t" day& <e <ere bedding d <n <"en t"ere <as a c mm ti n in t"e br-s"* T"e mig"ty drag n

"-nters& inc(-ding myse(0& scramb(ed 0 r -r <ea! ns& s-re t"at creat-res 0r m t"e !its < -(d descend n -s at any m ment* 'nstead& t"e b-s"es r-st(ed& !arted& and -t (im!ed*** t"is* D He m ti ned at t"e d g& <" n sed )er an em!ty m-g and ga)e t"e r m a c ckeyed g(ance 0 e?!ectati n* Me(issa& t"e ser)ing gir(& br -g"t a 0res" m-g 0 r t"e d g* :engar sat @-iet(y -nti( F (+s G (d <as (a!!ing -! an t"er a(e& ign ring t"e attenti n s-dden(y 0 isted n "im* :engar sig"ed and c ntin-ed* DWe <ere "ard men& t -g" men* We <ere !re!ared 0 r batt(e and t"en c n0r nted by t"is ridic-( -s& miserab(eC( king creat-re* .-rrs and nett(es c )ered "is b dy& and "e ( ked mangier t"an "e ( ks n <* A0ter (a-g"ing at -r <n 0 (is"ness Kand making t"e menta( n te t ! st <atc"esL& <e debated <"at t d <it" "im* We did n t !ack a ( t in t"e <ay 0 !r )isi ns& and ne 0 t"e !arty s-ggested& "a(0 in Aest& t"at <e r ast "im 0 r t"e e)ening mea(* DO-r s-!!(ies <eren+t rea((y t"at strained* ' ) (-nteered !art 0 my <n s-!!(ies t 0eed "im& and t"e beast t k t t"em readi(y* E)en t"en "e <as a m c"* He tagged a( ng beside me 0 r t"e ne?t day& as <e disc-ssed " < <e <ere g ing t s!end -r ! rti ns 0 t"e treas-re* G-ick Eddie& t"e ne <" "ad 00ered t c k -r ne< !et& !(anned t set "imse(0 -! as a ( ca( ( rd* A c -!(e t"ers ta(ked ab -t <ine and < men and stat-s in t"e c mm-nity* Me& ' <anted t tra)e( 0 r a <"i(e in sty(e& t"en sett(e d <n nce ' "ad seen e)eryt"ing ' needed t * D :engar ga)e a s(y c"-ck(e& and a 0ara<ay ( k came int "is eyes* A man made <ise against "is <i((& t"e !e !(e < -(d say* DT"e 0irst <arning <e g t ab -t <"at <as t "a!!en <as <"en t"e d g disa!!eared* He+s g t t"at abi(ity t )anis" at a m ment+s n tice in t"e 0ace 0 danger& b-t at t"e time ' <as sti(( (earning ab -t "is "abits& s <"en ' ( ked d <n& ' <as s-r!rised t 0ind "e "ad e)a! rated* ' !ened my m -t" t ca(( -t 0 r "im& b-t G-ick Eddie+s m re 0rantic s" -t dr <ned my cry* DWe "ad e?!ected t"e ty!ica( drag n+s ca)e s-c" as t"e bards describeCa "-ge m -t" g -ged int t"e side 0 a m -ntain& c-st mCmade 0 r (arge (i=ard(ike creat-res t c(aim as " me* 'nstead& <e sa< a <ide c(earing& t"e ty!e deer make <"en t"ey sett(e 0 r t"e nig"t* T"e br-s" and sma((er trees <ere !-s"ed t t"e side& and in t"e center& a 0 rg tten d nati n t a n < dead g d& <as a "-ge !i(e 0 treas-re* :-st (ike t"e (d (egends saidE DT"ere <ere gems 0 amber and r-by& and !(atters 0 <"at ( ked (ike b-rnis"ed stee(& s"a!ed (ike r -nded d<ar)en

s"ie(ds* :e<e(ry 0 g (d and t"er semi!reci -s meta(s <ere gat"ered s (e(y 0 r -r enA yment* Discarded i) ry t-sks <ere !(anted in a (ine a( ng ne edge 0 t"e !i(e* And t"e entire assemb(y <as dis!(ayed n a bed 0 g (den c ins& < rt"(ess n < as rea( m ney& 0 c -rse& b-t g d en -g" 0 r trade <it" cra0tsmen 0 r g d& de!endab(e stee(* DG-ick Eddie ga)e a cry 0 greedy A y& and <e a(( st d t"ere (ike 0 (s& smi(ing at -r g d 0 rt-ne* T"is <as e?ce((entE We "ad 0 -nd t"e drag n+s treas-re <"i(e t"e drag n itse(0 <asn+t e)en " meE As ne man& <e (ea!t 0 r<ard& dr !!ing -r <ea! ns and !-((ing satc"e(s& bags& and !acks -t t sc ! -! t"e ancient c inage* DT"en t"e !i(e 0 g (d snee=ed* D't <as a "-ge& ancient& <indy snee=e 0 be(( <s t"at <ere anti@-e be0 re <e <ere b rn* A g (den ser!entine "ead r se -! 0r m t"e !i(e& and great <ings -n0 (ded& g(ittering in t"e <estering s-n* W"at <e "ad t" -g"t <ere stee( !(atters <ere t"e be((yC!(ates 0 t"e creat-re& t"e i) ry t-sks its teet"& and <"at <e s< re <ere !ieces 0 0ine(y < rked Ae<e(ry <ere <e((C0 rmed m-sc(es r i(ing beneat" its s"ining sca(es* 'ts eyes <ere t"e c ( r 0 g( <ing r-bies& and its <"iskers resemb(ed g (d s!-n int 0ine& s 0t <ire* DY - see& <e "ad 0 rg tten& in -r greed and -r dreams& t in@-ire as t t"e drag n+s c ( r* DO-r greedy c"arge n < became a 0-((C0(edged retreat t <"ere <e "ad d-m!ed -r <ea! ns* T< 0 my batt(eC"ardened c m!atri ts aband ned e)eryt"ing and ke!t g ing& 0(eeing (ike c"i(dren int t"e < ds& and i0 any ne "as e)er seen t"em again& ' cann t say* G-ick Eddie st !!ed n(y brie0(y t grab 0 r "is discarded s< rd* He <as re<arded 0 r "is attem!t <it" a s" rt g -t 0 0(ame& <"ic" set "is tr -sers a(ig"t and sent "im& b-rning and s" -ting& dee!er int t"e < ds* '0 "e <as e)er seen again& ' cann t say* D' a( ne grabbed my <ea! n and st d my gr -nd* N t -t 0 bra)ery r "er ism r e)en greed* ' <as r ted t t"e s! t by my <n c <ardice& !etri0ied <it" 0ear* 't is ne t"ing t describe a drag nCt"e "-ge (eat"ery <ings& t"e 0ire& t"e g (den sca(es s"ining (ike ne<(y c(eaned gi(t< rk* 't is ne t"ing t see a dra<ing 0 ne r e)en a st-00ed creati n r m de(* .-t t be c n0r nted <it" t"e gen-ine artic(e& its ma< t"irty 0eet ab )e y - and brist(ing <it" teet" t"at g( < (ike " t c a(s& t"at <as @-ite an t"er matter* ' "ad t" -g"t myse(0 a bra)e man& ser)ing <it" t"er bra)e men against t"e drag narmies& ' "ad b asted myse(0 a "er & b-t at t"at m ment& a( ne <it" t"e creat-re& ' <as s" <n my tr-e 0ace* DY - "a)e "eard t"e bards s!eak 0 t"e mig"ty <arri r bringing a drag n t "ee( <it" a sing(e b( < 0 "is s< rd*

S-c" a b( <& care0-((y aimed <it" great ! <er& < -(d be 0 s-c" strengt" t"at t"e 0 rce < -(d c n)ince t"e drag n t retreat* DY - "a)e "eard s-c" ta(es& and s "ad '* ' c( sed my eyes& !(aced my 0ait" in t"e tr-e g ds& and s<-ng 0 rce0-((y& i0 a bit <i(d(y* ' <as re<arded 0 r my 0ait" <it" a "ard A (t t"at began at t"e 0(at 0 my b(ade and tra)e(ed -! my arms& t"e s" ck a(m st dis( cating t"em 0r m my s" -(ders* D' ke!t my eyes s"-t& <aiting 0 r eit"er t"e t"-nder 0 t"e beast cras"ing t t"e gr -nd& r t"e 0ireCbaked e?"a(ati n t"at < -(d be t"e (ast t"ing ' e)er "eard* ' "eard neit"er& and a0ter a ( ng m ment& ! !!ed !en ne eye* DT"e scene <as -nc"anged* T"e drag n sti(( t <ered )er me& g (den <"iskers A-tting 0r m beneat" its i) ry teet"& eyes g( <ing (ike r-bies t"at "ad ca!t-red 0ire(ig"t* My s< rd <as s" rt a 0 t& and ended n < <it" a Aagged& br ken edge* T"e ti!& sna!!ed 00 by t"e 0 rce 0 t"e b( <& <as (ying ar -nd s me<"ere& b-t ' "ad n -se 0 r it* T"e drag n !ened its m -t"& s" <ing r <s 0 sma((er& s"ar!er teet"* D +Are y - @-ite 0inis"edF+ D 't s! ke& its ) ice r-mb(ing t"e gr -nd ar -nd me and s"aking me t my b nes* D't <as a ! (ite i0 a<es me(y ! <er0-( beast& c nsidering t"e sit-ati n* 't asked me my name and b-siness* ' "ad en -g" !resence 0 mind K' t" -g"t at t"e timeL t (ie my 0 ( "ead 00* R bbersF Nay& <e <ere mere tra)e(ers <" "a!!ened -! n its s(ee!ing 0 rm* Ki((ersF Nay& <e <ere g ing 0 r -r <ea! ns 0 r se(0C!r tecti n* Warri rsF We(( yes& ' <as a ! <er0-( <arri r& b-t n(y i0 ri(ed* ' remember n t @-ite kn <ing <"at ' < -(d say ne?t& my mind mad(y scramb(ing A-st t kee! t"e c n)ersati n g ing& since t"at <as a(( t"at a!!eared t be standing bet<een me and e?tincti n* DT"e im!eria( beast < -(d "a)e n ne 0 my c"icanery* 't kne<& in t"e <ay t"at a(( drag ns kn < t"ingsCt"e 0-((ness 0 t"e m n& t"e <eig"t 0 t"e "-man "eart& sciences -ndreamed 0& and magics t take t"e attrib-tes 0 t"e (esser m rta(s and beasts* 't kne< t"at ' <as (ying& and t"at kn <(edge seemed t b t" anger and sadden it* DYet& t"e m nster did n t s(ay me& n r (ay a c(a< n me* S metimes ' <is" it "ad* 'nstead it (aid -! n me a great geas& t tra)e( Kas "ad been my <is"L and <"en tra)e(ing& t a(<ays s!eak t"e tr-t"* DT"e great <yrm set me 0ree <it" t"is "eady c-rse& and t"en '& t & 0(ed& int t"e 0 rest and 0ar 0r m my " me& 0 r ' did n t <ant t te(( 0riends 0 my 0 ((y in be(ie)ing ' c -(d best a drag n* T"e d g ca-g"t -! <it" me t"at e)ening& and remains by my side* ' named "im F (+s G (d& 0 r "e is t"e n(y treas-re ' recei)ed 0 r my 0 (is"ness* As ' said& '

"a)e tried t get rid 0 "im& t trade "im& r t se(( "im& b-t bad t"ings -sed t "a!!en <"en ' tried& s ' n ( nger d s * ' "a)e a(s tried t (ie& t test t"e c-rse& b-t again& bad t"ings "a!!en& s again ' n ( nger d s * 't is my 0ate& my c-rse& and my (ess n t be an " nest <anderer* D'0 ' say y -r a(e is 0(at and y -r beds 0it n(y 0 r 0(eas& it is t"e tr-t"& and many d n t care t "ear t"at ty!e 0 s(ander* S ' came t y -r )i((age and <i(( stay& 0 r a day r t< -nti( my manners bec me -nseem(y& t"en ' <i(( de!art* ' am a (i)ing e?am!(e 0 t"e 0 (is"ness 0 (ying& and t"e 0 ((y 0 se(0Cdece!ti n and greed* And& 0 c -rse& 0 t"e (ess ns 0 a drag n* D I I I I I :engar 0inis"ed "is ta(e t a @-iet r m& t"e t <ns!e !(e c nsidering "is < rds* T"en t"ere <as a s-dden e?!( si n as Me(issa t"e ser)ing gir( <"ee(ed and str-ck t"e !etty ( rd 0-((y acr ss t"e 0ace& t"en st rmed& redC0aced and tearyC eyed& int t"e ta)ern+s back st rer m* T"e (d bar n ( ked ast -nded and m-ttered& ( -d en -g" 0 r t" se in t"e r m t "ear& DW"at g t int "erFD :engar ( ked at t"e (d bar n s (emn(y* DY - "ad !(aced y -r "and in a m st -ngent(eman(y ( cati n d-ring my ta(e* Once it "ad 0inis"ed& s"e rea(i=ed b t" its ( cati n and y -r intent* D N < it <as t"e (d bar n+s t-rn t gr < redC0aced* DN <& see "ere*** D :engar interr-!ted* D' d see& "ere& and s!eak& "ere& and s!eak t"e tr-t"& "ere& 0 r t"at is my c-rse* Did y - t"ink my ta(e a mere t t"(ess 0ab(eF 't is tr-e& and t"at is <"y ' cann t remain ( ng* D And <it" t"at "e t k "is <n em!ty m-g and t"e d g+s t t"e bar* T"e a-dience t k t"is as t"e 00icia( end 0 t"e !resentati n and ret-rned t t"eir <n a00airs* T"e ser)ing gir( did n t rea!!ear* :engar signa(ed 0 r t< m re& and n ticed t"e barkee!+s sc <( directed !ast "im& back t <ard t"e 0ire!(ace and t"e !etty ( rd* DY - d n t (ike t"e gent(emanFD asked :engar& and t"e barkee! ret-rned "is attenti n t "im <it" a start* DT"e (d bar nF ' ne)er said*** D "e began& t"en s"r-gged* DY - d n t need t * ' take it "e "as eyes 0 r t"e y -ng < manFD D't+s n t "is eyes t"at b t"er me& D said t"e ta)ernCkee!er* D't+s "is "ands* And t"e rest 0 "im* He+s been !-s"ing 0 r my !ermissi n t take "er int "is ser)ice* D DAnd s"e d es n t care 0 r t"isFD

DN t in t"e (east* S"e+s t"reatened t r-n 00 i0 ' agree* Mean<"i(e& "e makes it m re di00ic-(t 0 r me t < rk* He raises tari00s& in) kes !etty (a<s& and "arasses me <it" min r matters t"at <i(( n d -bt 0ade a<ay <"en ' agree t "is demands* D DAnd y - <i(( agree e)ent-a((y* D D't+s a "ard < r(d& D m-ttered t"e barkee!& s-dden(y bec ming interested in a s! t a 0e< 0eet a<ay* :engar ret-rned t t"e "eart"* T"e (d bar n <as trying t make 0riends <it" F (+s G (d& b-t <as "a)ing as m-c" s-ccess <it" "im as "e+d "ad ear(ier <it" t"e maiden* T"e d g rec i(ed& !"ysica((y s"rinking a<ay 0r m t"e man+s t -c"& cr -c"ing at (ast against t"e c"air* T"e d g <as grate0-( 0 r t"e m-g and t-rned "is attenti n t t"e a(e* T"e (d bar n a!!raised :engar d-bi -s(y* DAre y - sti(( t"e bra)e <arri r y - describe in y -r ta(eFD "e said& "is eyes g(inting in t"e 0(ames* :engar c -(d a(m st see t"e <"ee(s s!inning be"ind t"em* :engar s"r-gged* D.ra)e& b-t <it"in my <n (imits* My ta(e s" -(d "a)e !r )en t" se (imits* ' kn < ' cann t e)er 0ace a drag n again* D T"e (d bar n <a)ed a "and dismissi)e(y* D' "a)e a !r b(em& D "e began& t"en st !!ed and t" -g"t 0 r "a(0 a beat* DT"e c mm-nity "as a !r b(em* T"ere is a gn me (i)ing nearby* D :engar s"r-gged again* DT"at e?!(ained t"e " sti(e reacti n t t"e bard& at (east* Ca)eat (ect r* Kn < y -r a-dience* W"at matter is it t meFD D' am c ncerned t"at t"is sma(( gn me can !resent a great danger t myCer& -rCc mm-nity* E?!( si ns* 3 (can es* Sea ser!ents* R-na<ay A-ggerna-ts and a(( t"at* D D' am ine?!erienced in gn me rem )a(s& D :engar said 0(at(y* DYes& b-t y - are " nest& D said t"e (d bar n& reac"ing -t t !at t"e <arri r n t"e knee in a 0riend(y manner* :engar 0(inc"ed at "is t -c" and -nderst d at nce F (+s G (d+s reacti n t t"e man* D'+)e sent t"er s Cca((ed +bra)e <arri rs+ -t t t"e creat-re+s (air t in)estigate& b-t t"ey ne)er ret-rned* C <ards a((* ' <ant y - t dri)e t"e creat-re -t& r at (east ret-rn t me and te(( me <"y t"e t"ers "a)e 0ai(ed* D DAnd i0 ' te(( y - t"at y - are a re!e((ent (itt(e manFD said :engar !(ain(y* DOne -n< rt"y 0 a <arri r+s timeFD D' take t"at as a mark 0 y -r " nesty& D re!(ied t"e (d bar n <it" a mi(d& t"eatrica( c"-ck(e* D' can make y <ea(t"y 0 r y -r sma(( e00 rt& and !er"a!s gi)e y - a "a)en <"ere y -r*** indiscreti ns < -(d g 0 rgi)en* D DW"at d y - t"inkFD @-esti ned :engar& and t"e (d bar n <as g ing t c ntin-e t"e c n)ersati n -nti( "e rea(i=ed t"at

t"is time t"e <arri r <as addressing t"e d g* F (+s G (d& n < (ying n "is side& (et -t a "ea(t"y be(c"& <"ic" seemed t sett(e t"e matter* I I I I I 'n t"e end& t"e (d bar n agreed t !-t -! r m and b ard 0 r man and d g KD' "a)e in0(-ence <it" t"e innkee!&D "e said <it" an i(y <inkL in e?c"ange 0 r :engar a!!r ac"ing t"e gn me and disc )ering <"at "ad "a!!ened t t"e !re)i -s <arri rs* :engar !r mised t ret-rn t"e ne?t day <it" t"e inte((igence* T"e gn me+s t <er <as a "a(0Cday+s <a(k d <n t"e c ast& a ( ne(y& 0(at s!-r 0 (and A-tting -t int t"e sea& 0ramed by a sm t" beac" 0 g (den sand* A sec nd !enins-(a 0art"er s -t" "e(!ed crad(e t"e <ater in a !(acid bay& !r tected 0r m t"e sea+s 0-ry by a br ken Aa<C(ine 0 b(ackCr cked s" a(s* A ( < t <er 0 m-dCda-bed st ne d minated t"e 0(at (andsca!e& 0 rty 0eet "ig" and a(m st t"at great ar -nd at t"e base* T"e t <er ended in a 0(at& tr-ncated t ! crad(ing a great ir n b <(& and t"e str-ct-re ( ked as t" -g" it "ad ser)ed in t"e !ast as a (ig"t" -se* T"e beac" (eading t t"e t <er <as d tted <it" !its& as <as t be e?!ected <it" gn mis" (and& and s!rink(ed <it" strange str-ct-res* T"e str-ct-res <ere -ni)ersa((y 0 <eat"ered < d& <it" tattered banners 0 can)as "anging 0r m a(( sides* T"ey <ere cast ab -t n t"e sand ab )e t"e "ig"Ctide (ine& (ike t ys aband ned by s me g d(ing* :engar <as n t ca-g"t -na<are by t"e mac"ine as it s< !ed in n "im& i0 n(y beca-se t"e n ise !receding it <as incredib(y ( -d* 't <as t"e s -nd 0 a bag 0 bees attacking a sa<mi((& and it iss-ed 0r m -t t sea* Man and d g instincti)e(y ( ked -!& b-t t"e c-(!rit <as c( ser t t"e " ri= n& n t"e s-r0ace 0 t"e bay itse(0* 't <as skittering side<ays a( ng t"e sm t" <aters& canted at <"at :engar ass-med <as an ang(e t its intended rientati n* A (arge& si()ery crescent& m -nted n <"at < -(d n rma((y be ca((ed t"e Dt !D d-g 0irm(y int t"e bay& trai(ing a (arge !(-me 0 sa(ty s!ray t"at resemb(ed a r ster+s tai(* .(ack sm ke iss-ed 0r m a castCir n st )e and s!ira(ed be"ind it in ( ng& (a=y ( !s* T"e entire assemb(age <as "eading& )ery @-ick(y and side<ays& t <ard t"e beac"* A sma(( 0ig-re 0 -g"t 0 r c ntr ( 0 t"e cra0t& b-t in t"e end aband ned b t" "is c -rse 0 acti n and t"e )e"ic(e* T"e 0ig-re di)ed int t"e s"a(( < <ater& <"i(e t"e cra0t s!ed 0 r<ard an t"er 0e< "-ndred 0eet t dry (and* 'ts s!eed <as s-c" t"at t"e cra0t !( <ed -! t"r -g" t"e <et sand t t"e

beac"& t"en c ((a!sed n itse(0& A ining t"e t"er 0reestanding sc-(!t-res 0 < d and tattered can)as* :engar ran -! t t"e 0ig-re& <" <as a(ready !-((ing "imse(0 0r m t"e s-r0 and <ringing <ater 0r m "is t-nic* :engar "ad e?!ected t"e gn me& b-t t"is <as a y -ng man& s(ender and A-st getting t"e 0irst 0-== 0 a beard* T"e y -ng man <as s<earing in a manner 0ami(iar t )eterans 0 t"e War 0 t"e /ance& b-t rare(y "eard 0r m ne s y -ng* DY - a(( rig"tFD < ndered :engar* T"e y -ng man n ticed :engar 0 r t"e 0irst time& t"en n dded& 0irst at t"e man& t"en at t"e <reck* DDamn* We a(m st "ad it* D DHad <"atFD asked t"e <arri r* DA <ind(ess sai(b at& D said t"e y -ng man& t"en added& DY m-st be t"e (d bar n+s (atest b-((y& "ere t t"reaten T-g* D DW"atFD DT"e s< rd& sir& D said t"e y -ng man& and :engar 0 r t"e 0irst time rea(i=ed t"at "e "ad !-((ed "is <ea! n <"en t"e cra0t 0irst a!!eared* Wit" a gr-nt& "e res"eat"ed it* A sma(( 0ig-re came r-nning -! 0r m t"e directi n 0 t"e (ig"t" -se& be(( <ing* His "ead <as <reat"ed in b( nd "air& t"inning n t"e t !& and "e < re a !air 0 c )era((s t"at c(anked and Aing(ed as "e m )ed* DE?ce((entE We a(m st "ad itED DT"is t"e gn meFD asked :engar* DMaster T-g& D said t"e y -ng man* T"e gn me ran -! and st !!ed& 0 r a m ment trans0i?ed bet<een c-ri sity ab -t t"e <reck and g d manners t t"e ne<c mer* G d manners < n -t& b-t n(y bare(y* He e?tended a "and* D6(eased t make y -r ac@-aintance& D said t"e sma(( "-man id* DT-ga<a(( ! Hig"seamaster R (( ! r)ikia*** D DT-g& D said t"e y -ng man& and sa-ntered )er t e?amine t"e cras"* :engar and t"e gn me 0 (( <ed& t"e gn me <it" "and -tstretc"ed& c ntin-ing t"e renditi n* D*** Diam c(es Di genes T"r-st<add(e*** D DN t a c m!(ete ( ss& D said t"e y -ng man& si0ting t"r -g" t"e s"attered remains 0 t"e cra0t* D*** Miri(and Kiri(and Ya<eig" Hen<eig"*** D D. i(ers intact& and t"e ne< c a( grid "e(d* N 0ire t"is time& D c ntin-ed t"e y -ng man in "is in)ent ry* D*** : ma(ia Greatstr ke Cann nti! Kenne(< rt"*** D D6r !e((er+s s" t& D said t"e y -ng man* DB!!er sai( made it* / <er ! nt ns a t ta( ( ss* D D*** .reeding .r m< rk Ha( isi-s H meb dy*** D T"e y -ng man sig"ed* DC m!ared t t"e t"er tests& t"is is a b na 0ide s-ccess* D D*** M rid tes M-gg(e<-m! F(inders : nes Atyerser)ice* D

:engar <as a<are t"e gn me 0ina((y "ad 0inis"ed "is intr d-cti n* He absentminded(y st-ck -t "is "and& "is eyes sti(( s<ee!ing t"e <reckage* D:engar* D T"ere <as a ( <& "a(0"earted < 0* DAnd F (+s G (d& D "e added 00"anded(y* DCa(( me T-g& D said t"e gn me* DDamage re! rt& /e?iFD DHa)e t <ait 0 r t"e b i(er t c (& b-t it ( ks g d* D DH < did t"e meta( -!!er <ing s-r0ace d FD DBnbr ken& b-t ' sti(( t"ink it <as t "ea)y* D DWe need a bigger b i(er& t"en& D said t"e gn me& n dding* DM re <eig"t& D re!(ied t"e y -ng man <it" a s"ake 0 "is "ead* DY -+(( sink "er* D D.-t a(s m re steam& <"ic" rises& and t"ere0 re makes it <eig" (ess& D c -ntered t"e gn me* DY - "a)e t t"ink t"ese t"ings t"r -g"* D DE?c-se me& D said :engar* DT"is*** t"ing*** it is s-!! sed t *** <"atFD D6 <ered& n nmagica( sea tra)e(& D said t"e gn me <it" a grin* D'+m s rry& <"ere are my mannersF Y - !r bab(y <ant t t"reaten me* Can <e d it )er teaF 't+(( take a <"i(e 0 r t"e b i(er t c ( t t"e t -c"& and t"en <e c -(d -se s me "e(! (-gging it back t t"e s" !* D T"e gn me set 00 t <ard t"e (ig"t" -se <it" -t <aiting 0 r a re!(y& t"e y -ng man named /e?i in t <* :engar and F (+s G (d e?c"anged a g(ance& as i0 b t" < ndered <"at t"ey "ad g tten int & and tr-dged a0ter t"em* I I I I I DT"is "a!!ens reg-(ar(yFD asked :engar& "e(!ing "imse(0 t t"irds 0 t"e s<eetCb-tter bisc-its* F (+s G (d <-00ed and a-t matica((y :engar dr !!ed "is "and& !-tting t"e " neyC c ated treat <it"in canine striking distance* DT"e (d bar n sending s me s< rdCbra) t in0 rm me t"at my !resence is -n<e(c meF Ab -t nce e)ery 0e< <eeks 0 r t"e !ast t"ree m nt"s& since s!ring br ke* Can+t 0ig-re <"at+s g tten int "im 0 (ate* He -sed t be& <e((& i0 n t !(easant& at (east t (erab(e* D T"e 0 -r 0 t"em K<arri r& y -ng man& d g& and gn meL <ere n a sma(( (anding )er( king t"e !en main 0( r 0 t"e (ig"t" -se* A "-ge centra( c(ear s!ace "ad -nti( recent(y been t"e " me 0 t"e <reckage -tside* T"e <a((s <ere (ittered <it" t ( racks and c rkb ards& and breac"ed by a (arge set 0 d -b(e d rs Kc-rrent(y !enL* A (arge b(ackb ard <as cr <ded <it" t"e ca(c-(ati ns 0 ski!!ing a st ne acr ss a (ake* T"e "ig" cei(ing <as "-ng <it" a(( manner 0 m de(s 0 K!res-mab(yL seacra0tC s"i!s <it" t"e <ings 0 bats and 0ins 0 d (!"ins and " ri= nta( sai(s& sea

drag ns and d (!"ins& <icker b dies c )ered <it" !a!er& 0 (ded cranes and rigami s ngbirds* S me <ere made 0 meta( and c(anged against eac" t"er m-sica((y in t"e s(ig"t bree=e* /ig"t 0( <ed in t"r -g" t"e !en d r<ay and 0r m a series 0 !enings in t"e (ig"t" -se "ig" ab )e t"em* D.-t n < "e <ants y - g ne& D said :engar& <it" -t in0(ecti n* DAnd t"e @-esti n is <"yF Re r? kn <s '+)e "ad (arger& ( -der e?!eriments* W"y d esn+t t"e (d bar n <ant me t !er0ect my ! <ered n nmagica( sea tra)e(FD DW"at <i(( it d FD asked :engar T"e gn me ( ked at t"e <arri r& br -g"t -! s" rt* DW"y& sai( @-ick(y& 0 c -rse* D :engar s"i0ted -nc m0 rtab(y& DWe((& in any ! rt ' can b-y !assage n a (arge& t" -g" admitted(y s( <er <indC! <ered cra0t* And at t"e T <ers 0 Hig" S rcery& t"ere are said t be rings t be "ad t"at a(( < m )ement t"r -g" t"e air& and t"ers t"at a(( < simi(ar m )ement beneat" t"e sea* Add t t"at a(( manner 0 m -nts t"at a(( < m )ement ab )e and be( < t"e seaCsea " rses& sea (i ns& drag ns& and <"atn t* Wi(( it be @-icker t"an t"eseFD T"e gn me s"r-gged& trying t <ra! "is mind ar -nd t"e @-esti n* 't <as /e?i& "is a!!rentice& <" br ke in* DT"ere are t" se <" d n t "a)e drag ns 0 r a((ies& r can+t re(y n magic* Reg-(ar 0 (k& (ike y - and me* D DY -& !er"a!s& D said :engar <it" a sma(( smi(e& snagging an t"er r ((* F (+s G (d <-00ed and :engar 0ed t"at ne t "im as <e((* T"e gn me <as distra-g"t* D' can+t -nderstand t"e bar n+s " sti(ity* T"is !r Aect is m-c" (ess "a=ard -s t"an my a-t matic "arr <er*** D DW"ic" dr )e itse(0 00 a c(i00& D said /e?i s 0t(y* D*** r my 0ireCA-gg(ing < d g (em*** D DW"ic" b-rned n its 0irst test r-n& D added /e?i* D*** r my in)isib(e ) (can detect r*** D DW"ic" "asn+t been seen since <e s<itc"ed it n& D said /e?i* D' A-st d n+t -nderstand& D said t"e gn me* DW"y !ick n < t try t r-n me -t 0 t <nF DD y - kn <& Dsaid :engar& reac"ing 0 r an t"er bisc-it& D<"y n ne 0 t"e t"ers "a)e ret-rnedFD F (+s G (d <-00ed& and :engar absentminded(y 0ed "im t"e r ((* DT"e t"er*** +t"reateners* + D T"e gn me s" k "imse(0 0r m "is t" -g"ts& DHmmF T"e t"er <arri rsF We((& t"ey c me -t "ere& see <"at '+m -! t & and t"en (ea)e* S me "ang ar -nd ( ng en -g" t "e(! <it" t"e "ea)y (i0ting* T"e m re "ardC"earted are tem!ted& b-t decide t"at t"e (d bar n mig"t n t (i)e -! t "is end 0 t"e

!r mise and (ea)e s n en -g" 0 r greener !ast-res* He carries a magica( <and& y - kn <* D D'+)e seen it n "is be(t& and < ndered i0 it <ere t"reat r rnamentati n* D DA 0e< 0 t"e bra) s intended t ret-rn t t"e (d bar n& b-t ' ne)er sa< t"em again* Eit"er t"ey c"anged t"eir minds& r*** D DT"e (d bar n (ied ab -t n ne ret-rning& D 0inis"ed :engar* DT"e (d bar n "as a bit 0 a tem!er& D said t"e gn me* DT"e (d bar n is a m neyCgr-bbing (d !-sCba((& D gr <(ed /e?i* D/e?i& res!ect y -r e(ders& D said T-g s"ar!(y& and ( ked at :engar& De)en i0 y - are c rrect* D He c"-ck(ed* T"e c n)ersati n @-ieted& and /e?i c(eared t"e tea tray* T"e 0is"Cs"a!ed <ind c"imes c(anked s 0t(y& and t"e (ate a0tern n s-n etc"ed brig"t s@-ares against t"e 0ar <a((* DS & are y - g ing t t"reaten me n <FD T-g asked c"eeri(y* D' can see <"y t"e t"er*** bra) s 0ai(ed* Y - are t"e m st disarming t"reat '+)e e)er enc -ntered* D :engar smi(ed* D'+m t (d ' "a)e a <ins me <ay& D said t"e gn me* D.-t ' intend t see t"at /e?i (earns t "and(e a s< rd and a s(ing* S metime& s ner r (ater& t"e (d bar n is g ing t 0ind s me ne <" is <i((ing t d "is dirty < rk& and t"enDC"e sig"edCD<e may "a)e t de0end -rse()es as best <e can* D :engar sig"ed in sym!at"y* DT"ere are t many bra) s -t t"ere in t"e years since t"e <ar* D DT"e best t"ing 0 r y - < -(d be t c ntin-e y -r A -rney* D :engar !icked -! an t"er bisc-it& e?amined it& and 0ed it t t"e d g a-t matica((y* D' cann t* ' !r mised t ret-rn t t"e (d bar n <it" ne<s* D DY - stand t get m re dee!(y in) ()ed t"an y - <is"* D D' am a0raid ' cann t a) id my res! nsibi(ity* D DY - can a(<ays remain "ere 0 r a s" rt <"i(e* He(! -t <it" t"e reb-i(ding* D D6er"a!s (ater* ' ga)e my < rd t ret-rn* D DAnd y - cann t break it& e"FD said t"e gn me* DOr c k -! s me g d e?c-se& (ike ' am t"e n(y t"ing !re)enting an inc-rsi n 0 sea drakesFD D' am 0 rced t be tr-t"0-(* D T"e gn me ga)e -t a ( ng& ( < sig" t"at seemed t say D"-mans& D t"en said& D'+(( send /e?i a( ng <it" y -* He needs t !ick -! s me s-!!(ies any<ay* D At t"is /e?i brig"tened* DGi)e me 0i)e min-tes t c(ean -!ED "e s" -ted and barre(ed d <n t"e stars* S n t"ere <as t"e s -nd 0 t"e !-m! dra<ing <ater and a )ig r -s s!(as"ing* D' cann t c n)ince y - t c"ange y -r mindFD

D't is n t -! t me* '0 ' !r mise s met"ing& ' cann t g back n my < rd* D DT"en may t"e tr-e g ds <atc" y -r ste!s* An t"er bisc-itFD :engar reac"ed 0 r t"e a(m st em!ty b <(& t"en <a)ed it a<ay* D'+(( "a)e t !ass& e)en t" -g" ' m-st c mmend y -r c king* T"ese r ((s are "ard(y 0i((ing& and seem (ig"ter t"an air* D I I I I I /e?i <as ) (-b(e and 0riend(y n t"e r ad back t t <n* Master T-g "ad taken "im n as an a!!rentice years ag & and t"e t< "ad ta(ked 0 a !artners"i!* W"i(e "e (acked t"e grand imaginati n 0 t"e gn me& /e?i "ad a !ractica(ity t"at ba(anced t"e gn me+s g d intenti ns and ke!t t"e damage t a minim-m* '0 anyt"ing& T-g seemed (ess danger -s t"an t"e a)erage gn me* W"ic" made t"e (d bar n+s " sti(ity e)en m re !-==(ing* /e?i skirted t"e iss-e <"en :engar br -g"t it -!& instead engaging in a r -sing game 0 t ssCt"eCstick <it" F (+s G (d* :engar n ted t"at t"e y -ng man "ad scr-bbed "imse(0 t <it"in an inc" 0 "is (i0e& dd b-t n t e?ce!ti na( be"a)i r 0 r a sim!(e tri! int t <n* /e?i esc rted :engar t t"e bar n+s man r and 00ered "a(0"earted(y t <ait 0 r "im* :engar dec(ined* Wit" a !at t F (+s G (d& t"e (ikab(e y -ng man <as g ne& d <n int t"e center 0 t"e )i((age* A br-tis"C( king g-ard -s"ered :engar int t"e (d bar n+s !resence* T"e tig"t& dark (itt(e 00ice <as (it by a sma(( bra=ier be"ind t"e (d bar n+s seat* T"e e00ect <as s-!! sed t gi)e t"e bar n t"e i((-si n 0 a "a( & b-t in rea(ity it ( ked as i0 t"e back 0 "is "ead <ere n 0ire* T"e (d bar n "a(0 r se and <a)ed :engar t a seat* DY - "a)e taken care 0 t"e matterFD D' "a)e c"ecked t"ings -t& as y - "a)e re@-ested* ' said ' < -(d eit"er rem )e t"e gn me r 0ind <"y t"e t"ers 0ai(ed* ' "a)e d ne t"e (atter* D T"is <as n t t"e ne<s t"e (d bar n "ad " !ed 0 r* He 0r <ned& sat in si(ence 0 r a m ment& t"en began ta!!ing "is <and in ne "and* At (engt"& "e said& DAndFD DT"e gn me& Master T-g& is e)ery bit ty!ica( 0 "is race& b-t ! ses n t"reat t y - r t"e )i((age* 'n 0act& "e is @-ite t"e c ngenia( 0e(( <* T"e t"er <arri rs y -+)e sent -t seem t "a)e rea(i=ed t"is and A-st ke!t n g ing* D An t"er si(ence& as t"e (d bar n ta!!ed* D.-t y - ret-rned* D D' said t"at ' < -(d* ' am c-rsed t te(( t"e tr-t"* D DS y - "a)e said* Antici!ating t"is& ' sent a messenger (ast

nig"t t Trent< d& and "e br -g"t back !r 0 0 y -r " nesty* 't seems t"at t"e ( ca( may r t"ere is dis!(eased <it" y -r tr-t"Cte((ing* D DHe t k iss-e <it" my re)ie< 0 "is acc mm dati ns* D DYes& t"is +" nesty+ y - kee! ta(king ab -t* 't (ed t breaking -! t" se acc mm dati ns* D DA 0ig"t br ke -t& yes* ' regret t"at& b-t t"e may r+s s ns did attack 0irst* D DT"e may r 0 Trent< d "as asked i0 ' < -(d " (d y - 0 r c"arges* ' am inc(ined t b(ige& since y - seem t treat y -r " nesty as an e?c-se t ins-(t y -r " sts <"ere)er y g * H <e)er& ' -g"t t be 0air ab -t t"is**** D DMeaningFD :engar s"i0ted -nc m0 rtab(y* As s n as ne side -ses t"e < rd D0air& D "e "ad (earned in (i0e& t"ings @-ick(y became (ess t"an 0air* DG back and 0inis" t"e A b* Get rid 0 t"e gn me* '+(( send < rd back t Trent< d t"at y - !-s"ed n* T"e may r t"ere is an (d 0 ( and <i(( s n be <"ining ab -t t"er matters* D D' < -(d rat"er n t& D said :engar* DY -r rat"ers d n t c -nt& D said t"e (d bar n <a)ing t"e <and absentminded(y at F (+s G (d* DWe <i(( " (d y -r ! ssessi ns as a sign 0 g d 0ait"* D D6 ssessi nsFD DY -r a(eCs<i((ing " -nd& D said t"e (d bar n <it" a tig"t& !a!erCdry smi(e* DWere ' "a(0 t"e <arri r y - t"ink ' am& ' c -(d s(ay y n <* D D6er"a!s* And at t"e c st 0 y -r <n (i0e& !er"a!s* Or t"at 0 y -r c m!ani n* D He m ti ned again t <ard t"e d g* F (+s G (d gr <(ed as :engar reac"ed d <n a "and t s"-s" "im* .-t :engar <asn+t @-ick en -g"& and t"e creat-re (ea!t t <ard t"e !etty ( rd* DObser)e and (earn& D said t"e (d bar n& ! inting "is <and at t"e " -nd and m-ttering s met"ing -nder "is breat"* F (+s G (d ne)er c m!(eted "is (ea!* T"e d g 0r =e& mid<ay bet<een t"e <arri r and t"e dais& and "-ng t"ere& tra!!ed <it"in a s!"ere 0 s 0t(y scinti((ating c ( r* D6retty& n FD said t"e (d bar n <it" a smi(e* DT"is t y <as 0 -nd ( ng ag in <"at is n < t"e gn me+s (ig"t" -se* Watc" 0-rt"er* D An t"er m-tter& an t"er <a)e 0 t"e <and& and t"e s!"ere began t c ntract 0r m a(( sides* F (+s G (d s"rank as <e((& diminis"ing -nti( "e <as "a(0 "is rigina( si=e* T"e d g ga)e a <"ine t"at <as "a(0 s-r!rise& "a(0 0ear* T"e (d bar n (eaned 0 r<ard* DD ' "a)e y -r !r mise y <i(( rid t"e )i((age 0 t"is gn mis" t"reatFD :engar 0r <ned* D' cann t !r mise& D "e said <it" ann yance )erging n anger*

T"e (d bar n c"-ck(ed* DYes& y - can* T"at+s <"at makes y idea( 0 r t"is task* Ot"ers ' sent& c <ards and <astre(s a((& <ere b -g"t 00 <it" "ig" idea(s and a (itt(e tea* Y - can !r mise& and y - m-st kee! y -r !r mise* D DT" se t"at disa!! inted y - in t"e !ast <ere s"r-nk t n t"ingness& D s-rmised :engar* DY - said t"at& n t '& and y - a(<ays s!eak t"e tr-t"* D A t"ird m-tter& and F (+s G (d and t"e g( <ing g( be 0( ated t t"e base 0 t"e dais& t"e 0rig"tened d g s!inning <it"in& ( king 0 r an -t(et* DT"e b di(y 0-ncti ns are s( <ed <it"in t"e g( be& b-t star)ati n and s-00 cati n d cc-r e)ent-a((y& D said t"e (d bar n in an 00"and manner& t"en added in a "a(0 <"is!er& DOne bra) (asted t< 0-(( <eeks& a rec rd* D' <ant t"e gn me and "is (itt(e ind-stry g ne 0r m my bar ny& D t"e (d bar n c ntin-ed& "is ) ice rising <it" s-r!rising strengt"* D'0 y - d n t s !r mise& ' 0ear 0 r b t" y - and y -r !et* D :engar <as si(ent* D'0 y - need t t"ink ab -t it& D said t"e (d bar n s<eet(y& Dtake a <a(k ar -nd t"e )i((age* '+(( be "ere* S <i(( t"e d g* D :engar kne(t and ( ked at t"e d g in t"e s!"ere* F (+s G (d "ad ca(med and n < <as seated& t ng-e ( ((ing -t& ( king as t" -g" "e <ere <aiting 0 r dinner* D't+s a(( rig"t b y& '+(( get y - -t* D / king at t"e (d bar n& :engar added& DGi)e me time t t"ink* D DTake y -r time b-t ret-rn be0 re nig"t0a((* ' retire ear(y& and ' < -(d "ate t see s met"ing "a!!en t y -r !ri=e ! ssessi n <"i(e y - dit"ered* D T"e (d bar n c"-ck(ed as t"e d r s(ammed be"ind :engar* T"e (d bar n reac"ed d <n and "e0ted t"e magica( s!"ere& admiring "is !ri=e* D' s" -(d "a)e t" -g"t 0 t"is ear(ierC t"reaten a man& and "e resists* T"reaten "is d g& <e((& t"at+s an t"er matter& isn+t itF O"& y - are misnamed& F (+s G (d& beca-se y - are )ery )a(-ab(e t me* D T"e d g snar(ed and tried t bite "is <ay t"r -g" t"e g( be& <"ic" ca-sed t"e (d bar n t (a-g" a(( t"e "arder* I I I I I :engar <andered int t"e )i((age* T"e e)ening <ind <as a(ready -!& b( <ing in(and& and t"e s-n <as <estering* He "ad "a(0 a mind t (ea)e F (+s G (d be"ind& b-t n d -bt an t"er <arri r < -(d c me a( ng <" < -(d be merci(ess en -g" t d t"e (d bar n+s bidding and 0 (is" en -g" t take "im at "is < rd*

T"e <arri r made 0 r t"e W (0+s Head 'nn* At (east "is credit <it" t"e (d bar n <as g d& and an a(e r 0i)e < -(d "e(! <ear d <n "is resistance t t"e idea* He c -(d dri)e t"e gn me -t& "e s-!! sed& b-t it seemed s-c" an -nnecessary act* W"y < -(d t"e !etty ( rd t (erate !re)i -s gn mis" in)enti ns& t"en s-dden(y brid(e at a ! <ered b atF S ( st in t" -g"t <as "e t"at "e <as a(m st -! n t"em be0 re "e sa< t"em* T"ey <ere seated by t"e <e(( in 0r nt 0 t"e inn& t"e y -ng man& /e?i& and t"e ser)ing gir(& Me(issa* T"ey !aid "im n mind& and < -(d n t "a)e n ticed i0 "e "ad a!!r ac"ed A-gg(ing <ea! ns and singing at t"e t ! 0 "is (-ngs* T"ey <ere n(y c ncerned <it" eac" t"er& 0aceCt C 0ace& 0 re"eads !ressed against eac" t"er* T"ey s! ke t ( < 0 r :engar t "ear& b-t t"en& "e did n t need t * A0ter a s" rt <"i(e& Me(issa r se& kissed /e?i n t"e 0 re"ead& and ret-rned t t"e inn* /e?i r se and <atc"ed "er retreating 0 rm& and n(y became a<are 0 :engar Kand t"e rest 0 t"e < r(dL a0ter s"e "ad disa!!eared* DHa)e y - been <atc"ing ( ngFD D/ ng en -g"& D said :engar <it" a s"r-g* DH < ( ng "a)e y t< been meeting (ike t"isFD /e?i b(-s"ed " t(y& "is 0ace e)en redder in t"e setting s-n* D't+s n crime* S"e+s n(y t"ree years (der t"an ' am* And ' d n+t intend t !r ! se -nti( ' bec me a master in)ent r* D 't "ad t"e s -nd 0 a statement re!eated t ne+s se(0 a "-ndred times& -nti( it s -nded reas nab(e* 6er"a!s it <as* And s-c" < -(d e?!(ain "is bsessi)e de) ti n t t"e gn me& t" -g"t :engar* DAnd " < d es t"e innkee! 0ee( ab -t t"isFD DHe (ikes me& b-t t"inks '+m t y -ng* '+m a0raid "e+s g ing t gi)e in t t"e (d bar n and !ress-re "er int marrying t"e (d !-sCba((* D /e?i+s ) ice @-ieted as :engar sat d <n beside "im& <a)ing "im si(ent* A0ter a <"i(e t"e <arri r said& DT"at seems a distinct ! ssibi(ity* D D's t"at st ry y - t (d Me(issa and t"e t"ers tr-eFD asked t"e y -ng man* DAb -t y - being c-rsed t te(( t"e tr-t"FD DA(( t tr-e& s-c" t"at n < ' am in greater di00ic-(ties t"an be0 re* D He re(ated "is ear(ier meeting <it" t"e (d bar n& and t"e 0act t"at F (+s G (d <as being "e(d as a " stage t 0 rce "is c !erati n* /e?i <as -traged b-t (ess t"an "e(!0-(& !-nct-ating "is t" -g"ts <it" in)ecti)es (ike D!-sCba((D and Dm neyCgr-bber* D D.e t"at as it may& n < ' am 0aced <it" t"is di(emma> T resc-e F (+s G (d& ' "a)e t agree t get rid 0 y -r master& T-g* D D' kn <E Maybe <e can g t T-g and e?!(ain t"e sit-ati n t "im& and maybe "e+(( m )e a<ay A-st ( ng en -g" 0 r t"e (d

bar n t ca(m d <n 0r m <"ate)er+s b t"ering "im* D :engar ( ked at t"e y -t" <it" a ( ng& s( < ga=e& and said& D.-t y -+d "a)e t g <it" "im* D DWe((& ' g-ess ' < -(d* D DE?act(y* And t"at d es n t s ()e any ne+s !r b(ems& e?ce!t maybe t"e (d bar n+s* D He ga)e /e?i a meaning0-( ( k& <" se meaning <ent -nn ticed* D' <is" t"ere <as s me <ay <e c -(d get rid 0 t"e (d <art* Maybe "e can disa!!ear in t"e midd(e 0 t"e nig"t* Y -+re ski((ed <it" s< rds& can+t y -*** FD :engar s" k "is "ead* DS me <arri rs reac" 0 r t"eir s< rds e)ery time t"ey !ercei)e an inA-stice r an !! rt-nity& t"en t"ey are s-r!rised <"en t"e entire < r(d c( ses in n t"em& and e)ery ne is made miserab(e* '+)e (earned t"at (ess n 0r m t"e drag n& at (east* D A si(ence 0e(( bet<een t"em <"i(e t"e s"ad <s (engt"ened* At (ast :engar s! ke* DOn(y ne t"ing t d & D "e said* D/e?i& g back t y -r master and te(( "im '+(( take -! "is 00er t < rk <it" "im* D He started t <a(k back t <ard t"e man r* DW"ere are y - g ingFD s" -ted /e?i* D' "a)e t make a !r mise t t"e bar n& D came t"e res! nse* DAnd t"en ' "a)e t ta(k t my d g*D I I I I I :engar s" <ed -! at t"e (ig"t" -se t"e ne?t m rning& A-st as /e?i and T-g <ere sa()aging t"e great crescentCs"a!ed sai( and t"e steam b i(er* :engar t (d T-g t"e tr-t" K"e c -(d d n (essL* :engar <as -nder a great dea( 0 !ress-re and "ad agreed t Drid t"e (and 0 t"e gn mis" t"reat* D DT" se <ere my e?act < rds& D "e sig"ed* :-st as /e?i !redicted& T-g ) (-nteered t m )e and e)en started sketc"ing s me !(ans t !-t t"e (ig"t" -se n t< (egs t <a(k it in(and* :engar snatc"ed t"e !(ans -t 0 "is "ands and instead re!(aced t"em <it" an t"er set& dra<n -! t"e !re)i -s e)ening at t"e inn* T-g (et -t a ( < <"ist(e and 0r <ned* D't <i(( ne)er 0( at& D said T-g& a biting c ndemnati n c ming 0r m a gn me* DYes& it <i((& D insisted :engar* T"e gn me sni00ed* DH < can y - be s certainFD D.eca-se ' said it <i((& and ' a(<ays te(( t"e tr-t"* D T"e gn me c nsidered t"e ( gic 0 t"e arg-ment and "ad t agree* T"e rest 0 t"e <eek c nsisted 0 reb-i(ding t"e cra0t a( ng t"e (ines 0 t"e ne< !(ans* /e?i& :engar& and T-g c-t timbers& reb-i(t t"e "-(( and ! nt ns& and c )ered t"e 0rame

<it" resinCc )ered ga-=e* /e?i !r )ed @-ite kn <(edgeab(e& m re s t"an T-g ga)e "im credit 0 r* O0ten /e?i < -(d make a s-ggesti n and "a)e it )err-(ed by "is master& <" <as t"en arg-ed int t"at )ery decisi n by :engar* .y t"e 0 -rt" day& /e?i <as making "is rec mmendati ns direct(y t t"e <arri r K<"en T-g <as e(se<"ere& in rder t a) id "-rting "is master+s 0ee(ingsL* W"at (itt(e s!are time t"ey "ad& e)enings& /e?i s!ent <it" Me(issa K-nder t"e innkee!+s <atc"0-( eyeL& <"i(e :engar <ent t )isit "is im!ris ned 0riend* He < -(d bring <it" "im t"e (atest b(-e!rints and ca(c-(ati n b ks 0r m t"e day+s < rk& b-t n(y !-(( t"em -t <"en "e and t"e d g <ere (e0t a( ne* T"e bar n "ad "is men ea)esdr !& and t"ey re! rted back t"at :engar s!ent m-c" 0 "is time te((ing t"e d g t"e e)ents 0 t"e day and ab -t t"e n nes-c" de)ice t"e gn me <as c-rrent(y b-i(ding* Occasi na((y :engar < -(d ask a @-esti n and t"e d g < -(d <-00 r r-00 in res! nse* And :engar a(s t (d t"e d g t be !atient* He said t"at a ( t* Once& t"e g-ards re! rted& <"en t"ey ! ked t"eir "eads ar -nd t"e c rner t"ey sa< t"e <arri r knee( )er t"e g( be& "is arms <ra!!ed ab -t it* At 0irst t"ey t" -g"t "e <as trying t !irate 00 t"e entire s!"ere& b-t "e <asn+t (i0ting t"e g( be& n(y "-gging it and s!eaking in a s 0t& ( < ) ice* T"ey did n t catc" any 0 t"e < rds& b-t t"e d g "ad "is 0ace !ressed against t"e g( be& against t"e <arri r+s 0ace* T"e <arri r+s ) ice seemed t 0a(ter and catc"& and t"e g-ards& n t <anting t be s! tted& retreated* T"e (d bar n s" k "is "ead* 6er"a!s t"is <arri r <as (ess t"an "e seemed and n t ca!ab(e 0 t"e nasty b-siness 0 taking care 0 t"e !est T-g and "is me<(ing assistant* Were it -! t "im& "e < -(d "a)e ( !!ed 00 t"e (itt(e <ease(+s "ead a(ready and banis"ed /e?i& b-t a"& a!!earances m-st be maintained* 't is easier t make strangers disa!!ear t"an ( ngCstanding citi=ensC0e<er @-esti ns t"at <ay* Sti((& "is s!ies t (d "im t"at :engar and /e?i dined at t"e inn& e)ery e)ening& n "is acc -nt* T"e <arri r+s c mrades"i! <it" t"e gn me and "is assistant made t"e (d bar n -neasy* He !ressed t"e ! int ne e)ening& as :engar <as (ea)ing t"e man r a0ter )isiting "is d g* :engar <as sti00& ! (ite& <atc"ing e)ery < rd* DY - said y - <ere g ing t get rid 0 t"e gn meED T"e !etty ( rd e?!( ded in :engar+s 0ace* D' said ' < -(d rem )e t"e gn mis" t"reat& and t"at in se)en days+ time* 't "as n(y been 0i)e days* D DTime <"en y - "a)e r-n -! my tab <it" t"e innkee! and 0 rti0ied "is idi t "e(!er* D D' <i(( rem )e t"e gn mis" t"reat& D said :engar*

DY - said t"at 0i)e days ag * D DAnd ' mean it n <& A-st as ' meant it t"en& D re!(ied :engar ca(m(y* D' am "e(!ing Master T-g s ()e a 0e< !r b(ems& t"en a(( <i(( be ready 0 r t"e decisi)e act* ' am a<are ' m-st "asten in t"is matter* D DW"at can ' d t "-rry y -FD t"e (d bar n demanded t kn <* DWe((& D said :engar& smi(ing grim(y as i0 "e "ad A-st t" -g"t 0 it& Dy - can !-t t get"er a g ingCa<ay !arty* D :engar did n t (inger 0 r t"e res! nse 0 t"e (d bar n& <" se gr-mb(ing and c-rses 0 (( <ed t"e <arri r -t t"e d r* I I I I I T< days !assed& and a(( <as in readiness* /e?i sent < rd t"r -g" t"e )i((age and ! sted a "andC(ettered sign by t"e inn& ann -ncing t"at Master T-g<add(e "ad s ()ed ne 0 t"e great mysteries 0 t"e age and < -(d dem nstrate "is (atest de)ice at n n* W rd @-ick(y s!read t t"e neig"b ring t <ns& and by a @-arter t t<e()e t"e entire ! !-(ace 0 t"e )i((age& !(-s t" se 0 neig"b ring )i((ages& <as gat"ered e?!ectant(y -t by t"e (ig"t" -se* E)en Trent< d sent a re!resentati)e& ne 0 t"e may r+s -n< -nded s ns& a st-00y& ! m! -s s rt <" immediate(y g t int a snit )er :engar+s c ntin-ed !resence in t"e area* T"e (d bar n <as beside "imse(0* He "ad& n :engar+s s-ggesti n& 00ered a !icnic t t" se <" s" <ed -!& b-t t"e ra< n-mbers gre< and stretc"ed t"e (arders 0 t"e inn* N < "e sta(ked -! and d <n t"e beac" am ng t"e assemb(ed g-ests& <atc"ing t"em eat and drink and be merry at "is e?!ense* O0 :engar& /e?i& and t"e gn me t"ere <as n sign yet& and b t" t"e innkee! and Me(issa <ere b-sy c king* A"& <e((& "e t" -g"t& nce t"e (ad <as g ne t"ere < -(d be time 0 r m re (eis-re(y !-rs-its* T"e (d bar n snar(ed 0 r an t"er a(e& t" -g" t"e "eat 0 t"e day and t"e e?ercise 0 <a(king t t"e (ig"t" -se "ad a(ready (e0t "is 0ace -n!(easant(y 0(-s"ed* At n n t"ere <as a 0( -ris" 0 tr-m!ets Ks(ig"t(y 00Ckey& t"e (egacy 0 a !re)i -s gn mis" in)enti nL& and t"e d rs t t"e (ig"t" -se 0(e< !en* Straining& :engar& T-g& and /e?i !-((ed 0 rt" a (arge& <"ee(ed c n)eyance "idden beneat" a tar!* A(( t"ree <ere dressed in b(ack s" rts and !enCnecked <"ite s"irts& <it" red bandannas ad rning t"eir "eads* :engar ( ked (ike a !irate& /e?i (ike a y -t" <" <as !(aying !irate* T-g ( ked (ike a gn me in a red kerc"ie0* T"ey inc"ed t"eir c ntra!ti n 0 r<ard nt t"e beac"& and a0ter ab -t ten yards se)era( )i((agers came 0 r<ard t "e(! <"ee( it t <ard t"e cr <d* T-g <ent 0r m !-((ing t

directing& and at (ast t"e great cra0t <as in !(ace* T-g <a)ed t"e cr <d t si(ence* D/adies& gent(emen& )i((agers& < rt"y n b(es& and )isit rs& D T-g said in ne breat"& t"e cr <d (eaning 0 r<ard t catc" "is reedy ) ice* T-g !a-sed& and 0 r a m ment :engar t" -g"t t"e gn me < -(d c ntin-e n <it" "is e(ab rate greeting& b-t instead t"e sma(( being ca-g"t "imse(0 and g t K0 r nceL t t"e "eart 0 t"e matter* DAs y - kn <& ' "a)e been -ndertaking a ne< directi n in my researc"& t a(( < manCby <"ic" ' mean a(( sentient and g d creat-res*** er& <it" -t 0ins and gi((s and simi(ar ada!ti nsCt sai( t"e seas <it" -t aid 0 <ind& m nster& r magic* T t"at end ' "a)e been aided by t"e tra)e(er :engar& and 0 c -rse my erst<"i(e assistant /e?i* D T"ere <as ! (ite a!!(a-se& and b t" :engar and /e?i t k dee!& t"eatrica( b <s* DT"ere0 re& <it" -t 0-rt"er ad & D said t"e gn me& D' gi)e y - t"e 0r-its 0 my (ab rCt"e Sea Drag nED /e?i and :engar !ee(ed back t"e tar! t re)ea( t"eir < rk* 't resemb(ed a can)asCc )ered sa-cer n sma(( <"ee(s& t"e sa-cer carrying t"e b i(er and <ing(ike sai(* A sma(( c"arc a( b-rner sm ked in t"e stern& <"ic" "eated a brass kett(eC b i(er& and <as attac"ed by gears and c"ains t a !r !e((er 0acing t"e rear* A set 0 -triggers ending in ba(( nCs"a!ed ! nt ns A-tted -t t eit"er side t !r )ide ba(ance* A sing(e seat <as ! siti ned <"ere t"e dri)ing b ard <as ( cated& in 0r nt 0 a <eb< rk 0 <ires and strings (eading back t t"e sai(& and a (arge (e)er& (ike a brake t ne side& <as attac"ed t a r-dder "anging at t"e stern* T< t"er seats <ere ! siti ned direct(y be"ind t"e dri)ing b ard* T"e entire t"ingamaAig <as !ainted )i)id s"ades 0 red* T"e can)as sa-cer <as dyed a brig"t crims n& and t"e < d 0 t"e r-dder& -triggers& and ! nt ns <as tinted <it" magenta* E)en t"e brass 0 t"e b i(er "ad a reddis" s"een t it* T"e sai( "ad been b-rnis"ed <it" a redCbr <n c"re and g(eamed in t"e s-n* T"e cr <d a!!(a-ded ! (ite(y at t"e a!!earance 0 t"e )e"ic(e* T"e (d bar n 0r =e& t"e a(e raised "a(0<ay t "is (i!s& as i0 st-nned by s me "idden bea-ty in t"e design* T"en "e n ticed Me(issa& ne<(y arri)ed <it" a batc" 0 a(e and edib(es& ga=ing dreami(y at "er "er & /e?i& and "is "eadac"e ret-rned* T-g "e(d -! "is "ands 0 r si(ence* DT dem nstrate t"is ne< de)ice& my c m!ani ns and ' <i(( take t t"e cean& -naided by magic r c n)enti na( <ind* S" -(d t"is < rk Kand ' "a)e been ass-red it <i((L& 0ree rides <i(( be 00ered t t" se bra)e en -g" t )ent-re int

t"e bay* T"ese <i(( c ntin-e 0 r t"e rest 0 t"e day r -nti( t"e c"arc a( r-ns -t* D /e?i and :engar <ere a(ready man"and(ing t"e cra0t int t"e <ater* 't 0ai(ed t sink immediate(y& <"ic" a(( t k as an e?ce((ent sign* Once a0( at& t"e <"ee(s easi(y detac"ed* . t" men& y -ng and (d& "e(d t"e cra0t steady as t"e gn me <aded -t t t"e )e"ic(e* T"ey "e(!ed "im ab ard& t"en b arded t"emse()es* Wit" d-e cerem ny& t"ey be(ted and tied t"emse()es sec-re(y in t"eir !(aces* Wit" a great 0( -ris"& T-g m -nted t"e dri)ing b ard and eased t"e (arge brake (e)er* S( <(y& t"e steam )a()es c( sed and t"e !r !e((er engaged& beating t"e air in <ide& sm t" str kes* F r a m ment& a(( <as "-s"ed sti((ness sa)e 0 r t"e "iss 0 steam and t"e (eis-re(y beat 0 t"e !r !e((er t"r -g" t"e air* T"en& )ery s( <(y& t"e cra0t began t ease 0 r<ard* T"e dri0t <as im!erce!tib(e at 0irst& and m re t"an a 0e< 0 t"e bser)ers t" -g"t it a mere i((-si n& t"eir <n sense 0 " !e ca-sing t"e cra0t t a!!ear t m )e* .-t n & as t"e !r !e((er c" !!ed t"e air& t"e strange s"i! began t g(ide 0 r<ard 0 its <n ) (iti n* Scattered a!!(a-se <as 0 (( <ed by c"eers as t"e gn me+s tri-m!" became c(ear* As t"e cra0t m )ed 0 r<ard& it began t rise <it" greater s!eed& (ea)ing (ess and (ess 0 t"e sa-cer in c ntact <it" t"e <ater* W"en it <as at t"e 0ar side 0 t"e bay& near t"e b(ack s" a(s t"at b( cked t"e "arb r& T-g !-((ed mad(y n <ires and string& and t"e s"i! <"ee(ed bedient(y back t <ard t"e (ig"t" -se* T"e 0irst !ass barre(ed direct(y at t"e "eart 0 t"e cr <d n s" re& breaking t t"e rig"t n(y at t"e (ast m ment* Many 0 t"e n( kers instincti)e(y "-r(ed t"emse()es t t"e g (den sand& eminent(y a<are t"at t"is <as a gn me in)enti n& and i0 s met"ing <ere t g <r ng& it < -(d g <r ng at t"e abs (-te(y < rst m ment* T"e <ind 0 t"e b at+s !assing sent skirts 0(-ttering and "ats r ((ing acr ss t"e beac"* T"e sec nd !ass <as a (itt(e 0aster and a (itt(e c( ser t t"e s" re* E)ery ne a!!(a-ded 0-ri -s(y* On t"e t"ird !ass& /e?i !-((ed -t a satc"e( and s<-ng t"e c ntents )er "is "ead (ike a s(ing* He b mbarded t"e cr <d <it" sma(( bits 0 <ra!!ed candy& made t"e day be0 re by t"e innkee!er+s <i0e* T"e cr <d <ent <i(d* One (ast !ass& t"is time a (eis-re(y sai( !ast t"e (ig"t" -se itse(0 as t"e cra0t t"readed its <ay t"r -g" t"e (arge& ( ne r cks at t"e b-i(ding+s base* :engar ( ked acr ss and sa< /e?i smi(ing& <a)ing at t"e cr <d* :engar n ted "is <n "ands <ere sti(( tig"t(y gri!!ing t"e sides 0 "is seat* T"e Sea Drag n came in 0r m t"e sea& t -c"ing gr -nd A-st ab -t <"ere it "ad taken 00& ! <ering nt t"e beac" itse(0*

T"e sa-cer cr-nc"ed and <"itened t"e dam! sand beneat" it and came t rest n t ten 0eet 0r m t"e assemb(ed )i((agers* A(( t"ree ne< sai( rs dism -nted and b <ed dee!(y as t"e cr <d a!!(a-ded& " ted& and " ((ered* DA(( rig"t& D s" -ted T-g <it" a smi(e& D<" +s 0irstFD A (id 0 si(ence c(am!ed d <n n t"e cr <d* T"en ne man <aded -nsteadi(y 0 r<ard* DT"at < -(d be meED cried t"e (d bar n* /e?i and :engar ( ked at eac" t"er* D'+m g ing -t& D said t"e (d bar n& t <ering )er t"e gn me (ike an -nsteady tree in a "ig" <ind* He ( ked ar -nd t see Me(issa+s reacti n& b-t "e "ad ( st sig"t 0 "er in t"e cr <d 0 "a!!y re)e(ers* DO0 c -rse& sir& D said T-g* D/et me c"eck t"e (ines and '+((*** D DN t y -& D "e s!at* D'+(( take "er -t* D DMi( rd& D said :engar& c" sing "is < rds care0-((y& DT-g is a better !i( t 0 r t"is mar)e( -s de)ice t"an '* Y - < -(d be sa0er <it" "im* D T"e (d bar n <a)ed "is "ands and s" -ted& DY -E Y -+re t"e ne <" said y -+d take care 0 t"e gn me and "is assistant* Made t"em b( dy "er es& t"ank y - )ery m-c"* ' d n+t <ant t "ear anyt"ing 0r m y -* 't+s my t-rn t be t"e "er * D D' t"ink <"at :engar means& D T-g res! nded& Dis t"at t"is is a tricky !erati n& s-c" t"at its s-bt(eties may e(-de e)en ne as !-issant asCD T"e (d bar n be(( <ed "im d <n* DY - mean t say t"at a 0ai(ed se((Cs< rd& a gn me& and a ca(( < y -ng man can sai(& and n t 'F ' bet e)en t"e damned d g kn <s " < t r-n t"is rig* '+)e been !aying 0 r t"is damn !arty* /et me at it* D /e?i and T-g ( ked at eac" t"er and s"r-gged* :engar remained si(ent and s (emn& "is eyes 0 c-sed t t"e rig"t and s(ig"t(y be"ind t"e (d bar n* DT"ink 0 it t"is <ay& D snar(ed t"e !etty ( rd* D'0 t"is is as s-ccess0-( a creati n as it seems& maybe '+(( decide t kee! it and (et y - "a)e y -r 0(eaCbitten c m!ani n* C"e< n t"atED :engar sig"ed as T-g c"ecked t"e c ntr (s* E)eryt"ing <as !-t int readiness <"i(e t"e (d bar n tied "imse(0 sec-re(y t t"e dri)ing b ard as "e "ad seen t"e t"ers d * :engar& standing in <ater t "is knees& ta!!ed t"e )ari -s c ntr (s* DT"r tt(e* Steam 0eed* R-dder* ' d n t rec mmend y - d t"is& bar n& and ' cann t in " nesty te(( y - t !r ceed* D T"e (d bar n " <(ed* DH nestyE T"at means (itt(e t y -& c-rse r n c-rse* Y - said t"at y - < -(d get rid 0 t"e gn mis" t"reat* D

:engar ( ked d <n& a(m st as"amed* DYes& and t"at c -(d mean m re t"an ne t"ing* A gn me t"at d es n t t"reaten y - is n t a t"reat* And t"ere is a(s a di00erence bet<een t"e t"reat 0 a gn me and a t"reat t *** D T"e (d bar n s" -ted "im d <n <it" a "earty DStand c(earED and t"re< t"e steam 0eed 0-(( !en* T"e Sea Drag n b (ted 0 r<ard as i0 ne<(y re(eased 0r m ca!ti)ity* T"e b at t k a mig"ty (-rc" and !itc"ed t t"e (e0t* T"e (d bar n (ab red at t"e c ntr (s& "is 0ace an e)en dee!er s"ade 0 red* A(t" -g" started <it" a g d "ead 0 steam& t"e Sea Drag n g t e)en 0aster by t"e m ment& as i0 !r !e((ed by t"e anger and resentment 0 t"e (d bar n* 't made a 0irst !ass c( se t t"e s" re& t"e sec nd e)en c( ser* 'n b t" cases& t"e !assing kicked -! s"ar! s!rays 0 s-r0 t"at ca-g"t t"e c( sest 0 t"e re)e(ers* T"e sa-cer seemed t bare(y t -c" t"e s-r0ace as it s!ed by& t"e (d bar n tig"t(y gri!!ing t"e c ntr (s* T"en t"e cra0t t-rned t <ard t"e in(et and its b(ackCt t"ed s" a(s* T"e cra0t b re d <n n t"em <it" a re(ent(ess !-r! se* :engar c -(d see t"e (d bar n+s sma(( 0ig-re& trying t man"and(e t"e c ntr (s nt a sa0e c -rse* T-g <as s" -ting n <* D' kne< itE He+s g ing t <reck itE He+s g ing t 0astE T-rn& b(ast y -E T-rnED And <it" t"at "e t"re< "imse(0 n t"e sand& -nab(e t bear <atc"ing* T"is made "im t"e n(y member 0 t"e gr -! <" missed t"e greatest meas-re 0 t"e gn me+s s-ccess* .eca-se t"at <as <"en t"e Sea Drag n (i0ted itse(0 c m!(ete(y 0r m t"e s-r0ace 0 t"e bay* N t by a great dea(& n t en -g" t gi)e t"e (d bar n a tr-e sense 0 0(ig"t& b-t m re t"an en -g" t a(( < it t c(ear t"e s"ar! r cks g-arding t"e bay+s entrance* T"e Sea Drag n dr !!ed& t"en r se again and dr !!ed again& a t"ird and 0 -rt" time (ike a 0(at r ck t"r <n by a ski((ed st neCski!!er* T"e red sa-cer 0 t"e cra0t ca-g"t t"e s-n(ig"t and g( <ed (ike "eated b( d* T"e m re s"ar!Ceyed bser)ers < -(d (ater say t"at t"e ( ca( n bi(ity <as sti(( !-((ing n t"e c ntr (s as t"e cra0t bec me a sma(( d t& t"en at (ast <as ( st t sig"t* I I I I I A0ter t"e e?citement <as d ne and a(( t"e a(e dr-nk& t"e re)e(ers staggered 00 t t"eir " mes* At (ast t"e n(y nes remaining n t"e beac" <ere T-g& :engar& /e?i& Me(issa Kstanding )ery c( seL& and a scribe& t"e (ast trying t !-t "is bser)ati ns d <n as @-ick(y as ! ssib(e& c"r nic(ing t"e -ne?!ected tragedy* T"ey a(( sat at t"e base 0 t"e

(ig"t" -se& 0acing t"e dying s-n& as i0 at any m ment t"e r-s" 0 <ind and "iss 0 steam < -(d signa( t"e Sea Drag n+s ret-rn* D't is my 0a-(t& '+m a0raid& D said t"e gn me s rr <0-((y* DN & it is n t& D said :engar s 0t(y& D(east 0 a((& y -rs* D' s" -(d "a)e rea(i=ed -r !(ans did t"e A b t <e((* T"e (i0t and s-!! rt <ere s !er0ect t"at n(y s-00icient <eig"t ke!t it 0r m 0(ying 00 n its <n ) (iti n* T"e (d bar n "ad ins-00icient <eig"t 0 r t"e de)ice*D /e?i made a 0ace* DW" is g ing t tr-st a de)ice t"at carries 00 t"e ( ca( r-(ing c(assFD DS me mig"t t"ink t"at an ad)antage in and 0 itse(0& D said Me(issa @-iet(y& b-t n t s @-iet(y t"at any ne missed it* Ab -t t"is time& F (+s G (d r m!ed -!& (ankier 0 r "is <eek 0 !ri)ati n b-t a!!arent(y n ne t"e < rse 0 r a(( "is s-00ering* W"et"er "e "ad been re(eased by t"e ret-rning bar n+s men& r t"e magic 0ina((y e(a!sed t a(( < an esca!e <as -nc(ear& b-t "e seemed t be a d g e?treme(y !(eased <it" "imse(0* He carried a sma(( <"itis" stick in "is Aa<s* DWit" eac" e?!eriment& <e (earn s met"ing ne<& D said t"e gn me* DWe can make a ! <ered b at& b-t <e need t s ()e t"is ski!!ing !r b(em* Anc" rs* ' t"ink '+d better d m re < rk in anc" rs* One t"at d esn+t <eig" anyt"ing -nti( y - need it < -(d be idea(* D Master T-g<add(e began sketc"ing s met"ing in t"e dirt& making "is !(ans* DWe can say& D said :engar& Dt"at a great and terrib(e beast t k y -r ( rd 0r m y -* A great drag n 0 t"e sea* T"at < -(d be t"e tr-t"& i0 n t entire(y " nest* ' d n+t t"ink y -r bar n kne< t"e di00erence bet<een t"e t< * He may yet (i)e -t t"ere s me<"ere& !er"a!s n an is(and 0ar rem )ed 0r m -s* At (east ' " !e s & D "e said& stressing t"e < rd " !e as "e !atted F (+s G (d n t"e "ead* T"e d g ya<ned and dr !!ed t"e stick* /e?i !icked it -!& "e(d it a( 0t* D't+s t"e (d bar n+s <and* M-st "a)e 0a((en int t"e bay <"en t"e Sea Drag n t k t"at big (ea!& t"en <as"ed -! n s" re* D DOn(y reas nab(e e?!(anati n& D m-ttered :engar tr-t"0-((y& i0 n t <it" c m!(ete " nesty* :engar 0(-ng t"e <and back acr ss t"e beac"& and t"e g (denC "aired d g <ent (ea!ing a0ter it* /e?i and Me(issa "e(d "ands& T-g scratc"ed -t "is m-sings in t"e dying (ig"t& and t"e scribe ca-g"t t"e (ast m ments 0 t"e day 0 r 0-t-re ta(es* And F (+s G (d (a-g"ed as "e ca-g"t t"e b ne <and in t"e air& r ((ing )er and )er in t"e dying s-n(ig"t -nti( "is 0-r resemb(ed ri!e <"eat bending be0 re a s-mmer bree=e& r g (d s!-n int 0ine& s 0t <ire*

Sc -rge 0 t"e Wicked Kendrag n :anet 6ack D.-t ' <as n(y*** aaa""""ED 6r !e((ed by t"e s" !kee!er+s arm& t"e kender Ma!s"aker Wander0-ss became a bird& sai(ing t"r -g" t"e d r and t"-dding int t"e midd(e 0 Da(tig t"+s main street* D-st c( -ded ar -nd t"e kender* 'ndignant and c -g"ing& "e (e)ered "imse(0 t a sitting ! siti n* D' <as A-st ( king at t"at si()er b ?& D Ma!s"aker de0ended "imse(0* N ne (istened* DT"e s" !kee!er said my ! -c" <as !en& b-t '+m s-re it <asn+t* He m-st "a)e bad eyesig"t* D T"e kender br-s"ed at t"e eart" d-((ing "is b(-e s"irt and c -g"ed again* E)ery ne+s tem!er seemed s" rt& !er"a!s beca-se 0 drac nians recent(y s! tted in t"e area* D +WayE O-t 0 t"e <ayED T"e meta(Cbanded <"ee( 0 a (arge "andcart ( aded <it" barre(s aimed straig"t 0 r Ma!s"aker+s n se* T"e kender scramb(ed t sa0ety n t"e 0ar side 0 t"e r ad as it (-mbered !ast& dri)ing rig"t )er t"e !(ace "e+d been sitting* A g-ard d g+s "-ge Aa<s sna!!ed inc"es 0r m "is s" -(der* Ma!s"aker made "imse(0 int a ba(( and r ((ed -t 0 reac"* :-m!ing -!& "e ! inted a s"aking 0inger at t"e brist(ing d g* DG d t"ing y -+re (eas"ed* ' can+t imagine <" < -(d (ea)e s-c" an -n0riend(y anima( s c( se t !assersbyED He s" k "imse(0& s"edding d-st and rearranging "is ! -c"es& t"en t k a c( ser ( k at t"e b-i(ding* On(y ne d r& n <ind <s* 't mig"t be a <are" -se* T"e kender grinned* G-arded by s-c" a 0ierce d g& t"ere "ad t be treas-re insideE He <as determining t"e best <ay t <ease( int t"e b-i(ding <"en t"e s -nd 0 ! -nding 0r m t"e b(acksmit"+s s" ! acr ss t"e street intrig-ed "im* D' didn+t stea( t"at !astry& y - kn <* D Ma!s"aker <andered int t"e 0 rge area and c ntin-ed "is e?!(anati n* D' n(y tasted it* A0ter a((& ne c rner <as "anging )er t"e edge 0 t"e tab(e* D D'+m b-sy* G a<ay& D t"e smit" said r -g"(y& !-m!ing t"e be(( <s -nti( t"e r aring 0ire made c n)ersati n im! ssib(e* A merc"ant+s messenger sc-rried by <it" a "and0-( 0 acc -nts* R-nning t kee! -!& Ma!s"aker attac"ed "imse(0 t t"e ta(( y -ng < man* DT"en ' <as t"r <n -t 0 t"at s" ! 0 r A-st ( king at a si()er b ?* N < my s" -(der "-rtsCD DO-t 0 my <ayED T"e messenger br-s"ed !ast and disa!!eared d <n a side street* T"e edge 0 "er c( ak ca-g"t ar -nd Ma!s"aker+s b dy& t"en sna!!ed a<ay& t<ir(ing t"e kender (ike a t !*

He staggered a c -!(e ste!s& di==y& t"en (eaned against t"e b(acksmit"+s <a((& "is s!irits ( <er t"an street d-st* E)ery ne <as t b-sy t ta(k* '0 "e <ere "-man r an e(0 instead& e)en a d<ar0& s-re(y t"en n ne < -(d )er( k "imE T< men "e0ted a "ea)y bAect& c )ered by a b(anket& -t 0 t"e b(acksmit"+s s" ! and nt a cart* T"e c( t" s(i!!ed& re)ea(ing a ( ng meta( s!ear <it" a !ec-(iar a!!endage sticking -t 0 t"e -nderside 0 t"e s"a0t& b)i -s(y meant t 0asten nt s met"ing& !er"a!s a sadd(e* .-t <"at < -(d be (arge en -g" t carry s-c" a s!ear& Ma!s"aker < ndered& e?ce!t maybe a drag nF DW"at is t"at t"ingFD t"e kender asked* DW"at d es it d F H < d es it < rkF W"at d y - !-t it nFD DT"is is n t kender b-sinessED T"e men "-rried t c )er t"e <ea! n and r (( t"e cart -t 0 sig"t* Ma!s"aker trai(ed t"em d <n a dark& narr < side street* S-dden(y "is <ay <as b( cked by t"e (argest "-man "e+d e)er seen* DB"& "e(( & D g-(!ed t"e kender& staring -! int t"e man+s c (d eyes* D's t"is y -r a((eyFD DG & D t"e big man grated& ! inting in t"e directi n 0r m <"ic" Ma!s"aker "ad c me* D.-t ' A-st <anted t seeCD DSeen en -g"& D t"e man snar(ed* H-ge 0ists reac"ed -t& c(am!ed n Ma!s"aker+s c( t"ing* F(i!!ing "im ar -nd& t"e "-man giant !itc"ed t"e kender back t <ard t"e main street* DB00ED Ma!s"aker d-sted "imse(0 00 nce again* DAt (east t"at (anding <asn+t as "ard as t"e 0irst ne* D Aiming "imse(0 t <ard t"e -tskirts 0 t"e city& "e began <a(king* A raindr ! s!(attered against "is s" -(der& t"en an t"er* 'n sec nds& stinging rain "ad s aked t"e kender and t-rned t"e r ad int sticky m-d* S-dden(y "e 0 -nd a " -se <it" a ! rc" dee! en -g" t !r )ide s"e(ter* He ran t <ard it& t" -g" st-bb rn m-d s-cking at "is b ts made t"at di00ic-(t* Winded& "e 0ina((y reac"ed t"e " -se <it" t"e ! rc" and sc ted int its s"ad <s& sagging <it" "is back against t"e 0r nt d r* DWis" '*** sti(( "ad my*** <arm red ca!e& D "e m-ttered t "imse(0& in"a(ing and e?"a(ing in great g-sts* W"i(e catc"ing "is breat"& Ma!s"aker c ntem!(ated t"e si()ery d <n! -r& t ta((y -na<are t"at "is rig"t "and <as cree!ing t <ard t"e d r ( ck* His nimb(e 0ingers began < rking at t"e mec"anism* T"e kender (eaned "arder against t"e 0aded < d* /ea)ing t"e ( ck& "is "and d )e int a br <n (eat"er ! -c"& t"en ret-rned t < rk <it" a sma(( !iece 0 meta(* T"e snick 0 t"e re(easing (atc" <as b(iterated by t"e s -nd 0 t"e ! -nding rain* S-r!rised& Ma!s"aker 0e(( back<ard t"r -g" t"e !ening& (anding <it" a s dden <"-m! in a (arge

entry<ay* T "is rig"t& a < den stair<ay <it" de(icate <r -g"t ir n rai(ings 0( ated -!<ard t t"e sec nd st ry* A brace 0 m-((i ned <ind <s ab )e it a(( <ed in rainC0i(tered (ig"t* T "is (e0t and a"ead <ere t"ree d rs& ne s"ad <ed by t"e staircase* T"at ne dre< t"e kender (ike a ( dest ne dra<s ir n* Ma!s"aker+s (e0t "and mani!-(ated t"is ( ck* 't yie(ded a(m st instant(y and t"e d r s<-ng in<ard& creaking* DS"""ED t"e kender ca-ti ned it* DS me ne mig"t "earED C-ri -s and a(ert& "e ste!!ed int a mage+s < rkr m* S"e()es 0i((ed <it" red (eat"er b ks (ined t"e <a((s 0r m 0( r t cei(ing* 3esse(s and )ia(s sat in tidy r <s n e)ery 0(at s-r0ace* A "-ge armi((ary s!"ere g(inted in t"e 0ar c rner* .-t by 0ar t"e m st interesting t"ing in t"e r m <as t"e sma(( casket sitting n a marb(e !edesta( t t"e (e0t 0 t"e d r* 'ts intricate embr idery g( <ed e)en in t"e dim (ig"t* Ma!s"aker "e(d "is breat" as "e (i0ted t"e catc"& e?!ecting resistance* T"ere <as n ne* 'nside& sett(ed n indi)id-a( c-s"i ns 0 <"ite si(k& rested t"ree car)ed 0ig-res* One <as a cat in amet"yst <it" an amber neck(et* T"e sec nd <as a 0is" 0 trans!arent r ck crysta( <it" eyes 0 !a(e green and ye(( < st nes* And t"e t"ird <as a drag n 0 dark g (den meta(* 't <as seated <it" tai( c-r(ed ar -nd its (egs and its <ings 0-r(ed as i0 testing t"e <ind* Ent"ra((ed& t"e kender gent(y (i0ted t"e drag n 0r m its e(egant nest* DO<ED Ma!s"aker near(y dr !!ed t"e drag n at t"e s-dden sting* A bead 0 b( d <e((ed n "is t"-mb* D't bit meED Wi!ing t"e b( d n "is r-stCc ( red !ants& t"e kender @-ick(y 0 rg t ab -t "is < -nd* He carried t"e drag nC care0-((y t"is timeCint t"e "a(( 0 r c( ser ins!ecti n* T"e e(egant s!ira( " rns and !er0ect tiny sca(es s-ggested d<ar)en < rk* T< dark red st nes& set as its eyes& <inked at "im* De(ig"ted <it" "is treas-re& Ma!s"aker d-g a (eat"er t" ng 0r m a ! -c"& < -nd it sec-re(y ab -t t"e (itt(e drag n+s b dy& and s-s!ended it ar -nd "is neck* He t"en c n0r nted t"e ne?t d r* D't+s s terrib(y " t in "ere& D "e m-ttered* Ma!s"aker br ke -t in s<eat and ting(ed s-dden(y 0r m t"e r ts 0 "is ( ng "air t t"e ends 0 "is t es* S met"ing c(enc"ed "is <ind!i!e* He c -g"ed* DCa-g"t c (d 0r m t"e rain 0aster t"an ' t" -g"t* D T"e kender+s ) ice gre< r -g"er& dee!er <it" eac" < rd* Fire b-rned in "is be((y and 0(as"ed t "is "ead* Heat and !ain ske<ed "is )isi n and disr-!ted "is ba(ance* His n se& "is 0eet& "is "ands seemed t gr < and dist rt* D'+m*** '+m*** aaa""""""""""""ED Ma!s"aker+s ) ice dr !!ed

t< cta)es* His !"rase 0inis"ed in a b ming& r aring " <(* F(a!!ing "is arms in an e00 rt t re(ie)e t"e "eat& "e s ared t"r -g" t"e r 0 <it" a res -nding cras" and disa!!eared int t"e rain* I I I I I T"e 0a((ing 0 br ken s(ates and s!(intered ra0ters added m re n ise t t"e d <n! -r dr-mming in t"e entry <ay* N t"ing e(se m )ed in t"e " -se 0 r ( ng m ments* T"en a d r s(ammed s me<"ere in t"e sec nd st ry* DK"arianE W"at in t"e name 0 Krynn is g ing nFD A redCr bed mage a!!eared at t"e t ! 0 t"e bea-ti0-( stair<ay& t"ick gray "air s<ee!ing )er "is s" -(ders (ike a ca!e* DK"arian& <"ere are y -F Ans<er meED "e s" -ted irritab(y* He <ra!!ed t"e ba(-strade <it" c(a<(ike 0ingers& t"eir bea-ty sacri0iced d-ring "is Test at t"e T <er 0 Hig" S rcery* He ( ked ab -t* T"e rain and debris n t"e 0( r be( < ca-g"t "is attenti n* His intense !a(e eyes Aerked -!<ard t )ie< t"e ske(et n 0 t"e cei(ing* D.y t"e t"ree m nsED "e s< re* DW" r <"at dares destr y a mage+s r 0FD He @-ick(y descended t"e stairs& "is ( ng braided m-stac"e @-i)ering* DW"at c -(d "a)e ca-sed s-c" a "-ge " (e*** FD At t"e b tt m 0 t"e 0(ig"t "e t-rned t <ard "is < rkr m* T"e !en ! rta( re)ea(ed m-c"* Striding acr ss t"e <et 0( r t t"e d r<ay& "e ( ked inside t "is (e0t* T"e embr idered casket ga!ed& n(y t< in"abitants remaining* DS me t"ie0 "as t"e drag nED "e s" -ted* DMaster Myrt"inFD A dri!!ing y -ng 0ema(e assistant& arms !i(ed <it" 0 dst-00s& skidded t"r -g" t"e main a!ert-re* D' "eardCD T"e mage <"ir(ed n "er* DDidn+t ' rene< t"e s!e(( n t"is d rF Y - <ere s-!! sed t kee! track 0 t"at s rt 0 t"ing since my i((nessED He ste!!ed care0-((y t"r -g" t"e 0 yer& e?amining s"attered r 0ing 0 r c(-es as "e s! ke* S"e c <ered at "is criticism* DD n+t stand t"ere (ike a 0 (* / k 0 r anyt"ing "e& s"e& r it dr !!ed* D 6i(ing "er !arce(s in a dry s!ace& t"e assistant A ined Myrt"in& eyes searc"ing t"e < den 0( r* T"e mage 0ina((y gr-nted in satis0acti n and straig"tened& a tiny sca(e 0r m t"e brass drag n ba(anced n t"e ti! 0 ne cr ked 0inger* DGet s me ne t !atc" t"e r 0 <e(( en -g" s t"e rest 0 t"e " -se < n+t 0( d <"i(e '+m g ne* C(ean -! t"is mess* T"en !ack e)eryt"ing <e+(( need 0 r a A -rney* D D.-t& Master& y -+re sti(( n t <e((* D

DW"at c" ice d ' "a)eF 'magine s me ne e)i(& n < a drag nC t"e destr-cti n "e r s"e c -(d ca-se < -(d be de)astating* T"e b(ame is entire(y mine* D He t-rned t <ard "is < rkr m& t"e !reci -s drag n sca(e im!ris ned bet<een gnar(ed t"-mb and 0 re0inger* DGet t < rk& K"arian* N <* D I I I I I Ma!s"aker+s eyes <ere c( sed* He 0e(t m-c" c (er t"an "e "ad a 0e< min-tes ag * Wind tick(ed "is ears and s t"ed t"e 0ire streaking t"r -g" -t "is b dy* He re(a?ed* An )er<"e(ming im!ressi n 0 0a((ing made "is eyes ! ! !en* He <as 0a((ing*** t"r -g" dia!"an -s c( -ds& t <ard green 0ie(ds di)ided by 0ences 0 !i(ed r cks* T"ere <as n t"ing t catc" "im e?ce!t grass and st ne -tcr !!ings 0ar be( <* DB"C """"ED His scream emerged as a 0-((Ct"r ated r ar* 6anic b( tted "is mind* And t"en s met"ing 0(a!!ed& (e)e(ing "im 00* He !eered be"ind "im* DWingsED "e s" -ted* De(ig"t and c-ri sity re!(aced !anic as "e s ared -!<ard* D'+m rea((y 0(ying& D "e cr <ed* DW nder " < t"at "a!!ened* D T"in c( -ds c ndensed against "is n se& tick(ing* Ma!s"aker dre< -! "is rig"t arm t scratc" it* His "and a!!eared "-ge& r !ed by t"ick m-sc(es -nder brassCc ( red sca(es and ti!!ed <it" en rm -s ny? c(a<s* DC(a<sFD t"e kender be(( <ed* DSca(esFD He d-cked "is "ead 0 r a s-r)ey& "is ne< ( ng neck making t"at easy* .rass !(ated "is midd(e* His ! -c"es& tiny against "is b-(k& "-ng by t"eir strings 0r m sca(es* On(y tatters 0 "is (eat"er be(t <ere (e0t& and n sign remained 0 t"e rest 0 "is c( t"ing* A ( ng sin- -s tai( <"i!!ed be"ind* He c -(d 0ee( t"e drag n stat-ette b-m!ing "im "ig" -nder "is neck& sti(( s-!! rted by its (eat"er t" ng* Ma!s"aker+s "ead sna!!ed 0 r<ard againH "is mind r i(ed <it" disbe(ie0* : y )ercame "im and "e c" rt(ed& a )ery n ndrag n s -nd* D'+m a drag nE N < nder ' can 0(yE Maybe '+(( g back t Da(tig t" and singe t"e s -t" end 0 t <n* Teac" t" se !e !(e t be -n0riend(y& t"ey < n+t kn < <"at "it t"emE 'C -"*** D Far be( < "e s!ied a scenic ! nd* A(( 0 a s-dden "e <as )ery& )ery t"irsty* F rgetting a(( ab -t "is re)enge n Da(tig t"& Ma!s"aker ! inted "is "ead d <n and !-((ed "is <ings !art<ay in* T"e mane-)er sent t"e kender int an -ne?!ected(y stee! di)e* Wind screamed !ast "is earsH t"e gr -nd s!rang t meet "im* 6anicked "erds 0 c <s& s"ee!& !igs& and g ats ran ba<(ing and s@-ea(ing in a(( directi ns* At t"e (ast m ment t"e kender tried !-s"ing -t "is <ings a (itt(e* T"e additi na( sai( sent "im -!<ard <it" en -g"

m ment-m t c m!(ete a tig"t -!sideCd <n r ((* Ma!s"aker <as s e?cited )er t"is ne< ta(ent "e re!eated it se)era( times* T"e ! nd <as (e0t 0ar be"ind* H -rs (ater& "e <as sti(( t"irstyCb-t a(s e?ceeding(y tired* A (arge "ay 0ie(d c )ered t"ick(y <it" s" rt green grass and d tted <it" ( ng g (den ricks seemed a !er0ect (anding site* E?ce!t "e sti(( didn+t kn < " < t (and* He came in m-c" t 0ast& back c(a<s -tstretc"ed* His intenti n <as t grab eart" <it" t"em& s( < d <n& t"en dig in <it" "is 0r nt c(a<s and st !* 't didn+t < rk* 'nstead Ma!s"aker g t 0 -r 0eet 0-(( 0 m-d* He s mersa-(ted int a "ayrick& e?!( ded t"at secti n 0 it& and !( <ed int a sec nd& <"ere "e 0ina((y st !!ed* A " rse <"innied in terr r and t"-ndered a<ay* S met"ing str-gg(ed beneat" Ma!s"aker+s tai(* He !-s"ed giddi(y t "is 0eet and s" k& sending "ay a(( directi ns* T"en "e !eeked be"ind "im* His -n<itting !ris ner t"ras"ed& m-mb(ing& 0aced <n in m-d* Ma!s"aker m )ed "is a!!endage* D*** re! se and "a)e a drag n descendED Dark eyes 0(as"ing& m-ddy m-stac"e tremb(ing <it" irritati n& t"e ta(( arm red knig"t (e)ered "imse(0 t "is 0eet and dre< t"e biggest s< rd t"e kender "ad e)er seen* DAnd y - a00rig"ted my steedC"e is d -bt(ess in 0-(( 0(ig"t back t S (amnia* W" are y -F F r by t"e Oat" and t"e Meas-re& '& Sir Aric ) n Kat"mann& Knig"t 0 t"e R se& demand satis0acti n 0 r t"is m st c <ard(y deedED Ma!s"aker sc ted 0 r t"e nearest intact "aystack& " !ing t "ide be"ind it* 't <asn+t (arge en -g"* His "ead and tai( !r tr-ded 0r m eit"er side& a(( <ing t"e knig"t t 0 (( < e)ery m )ement "e made* D.-t ' didn+t kn < y - <ere t"ereED Ma!s"aker !r tested as Sir Aric sta(ked t <ard "im* T"e knig"t dri!!ed g -ts 0 m-d and "ay* D'+m a kenCD N t anym re "e <asn+t* A(m st t (ate Ma!s"aker rea(i=ed "is mistake and sna!!ed "is Aa< s"-t* DDrag n& D "e 0inis"ed (ame(y* DA kendrag nFD T"e knig"t ( <ered "is s< rd an inc"* D' "a)e ne)er "eard 0 s-c"* Y - a!!ear as a brass drag n& t" -g" m-c" n rt" 0 y -r n rma( c(ime* .-t y -r c(an and d mici(e "a)e n bearing n my " n r& n r d t"ey e?c-se y -r acti n* D He raised "is s< rd int ! siti n again* DDe0end y -rse(0& ma(e0icent kendrag nED Ma!s"aker beat "is <ings 0-ri -s(y and r se int t"e air* His acti n t re t"e "aystack t bits and sent t"e !ieces s aring* T"e g-st kn cked t"e knig"t 0(at n "is back& t"en b-ried "im -nder a (arge !i(e 0 g (den "ay* D'+d better g & D Ma!s"aker ca((ed 0r m ab )e* DG dCbyeED

D' <i(( ( cate y -& kendrag nED T"r <ing 00 t"e dried grass& t"e knig"t str-gg(ed t "is 0eet* D' <i(( searc" Erg t" di(igent(y -nti( <e are met again and my " n r can be ass-agedED Ha!!y t esca!e <it" -t being im!a(ed& Ma!s"aker s ared and s!ira(ed ab )e 0 rest& mead <& and t"e 0 t"i((s 0 Erg t"* He 0 -nd ne< energy and 0(e< "a!!i(y again* He "ad A-st disc )ered an interesting t"erma( <"en s met"ing s"ar! (ike a tiny s< rd ! ked "im* DR bberE T"ie0ED it s"rieked* DNest de0i(erED DW"atF WaitED T"e kendrag n craned "is "ead -!<ard t see "is attacker& d-cking as t"e beak stabbed at "is eye* D' "a)en+t been in any nestsCD DEgg crackerE F(edg(ing eaterE Get -tE He(!& "e(!E DangerED Attacking "im <as an a<as& a medi-mCsi=ed br <n and <"ite bird Kc m!(ete(y -nre(ated t g atCs-cker birdsL <" se ( ng ! inted beak <as n rma((y -sed t dig insects 0r m trees* T"ese creat-res are )ery territ ria(& assa-(ting anyt"ing -n(-cky en -g" t <ander t c( se t t"eir nests* T"is !artic-(ar a<as 0(e< ab )e Ma!s"aker+s "ead& s!earing at any )-(nerab(eC( king s! t and screaming c ntin- -s(y* D' "a)en+t d ne anyt"ing& D t"e kendrag n !r tested* D'+m A-st !assing t"r -g"CD DW rse& a tra)e(erE Harm& desecrati nE Get -t& get -tED Deciding t"at !r-dence <as t"e better !art 0 )a( r& Ma!s"aker increased "is s!eed* T" -g" -tdistanced& t"e a<as c"ased "im 0 r s me time& ye((ing incessant(y& -nti( it 0ina((y )eered 00 t attack an t"er tres!asser* Ha!!y t"at incident <as )er& t"e kendrag n 0(e< b(it"e(y n& rig"t int a c( -d 0 b-==ing insects* T"ey (anded n "is <ings and "ead& attac"ing t"emse()es <it" tiny barbed 0eet* DWe+re "-ngry& D t"ey "-mmed* DHere+s a mea( (arge en -g" t 0eed a(( 0 -sED W"en t"ey bit "is tender !arts& Ma!s"aker 0e(t as i0 "e+d been !-nct-red by t" -sands 0 tiny need(es* DO<ED "e !r tested* DT"at "-rtsED T"e insects& eac" a<aiting its t-rn t drink "is b( d& c( sed ar -nd "im& bsc-ring "is )ie<* D' can+t seeED ye((ed Ma!s"aker* He b(e< at t"em& !-00ing "-ndreds a<ay at a time* Bn0 rt-nate(y& t"ers r-s"ed t re!(ace t"em* T"e kendrag n ( st a(tit-de& "is (egs and be((y ccasi na((y s(a!!ing t"e t !s 0 trees* DG d t"ing t" se aren+t r cksED "e be(( <ed* S-dden(y "e 0ig-red -t e?act(y <"at "e needed t d t get rid 0 t"e !ests* E?"a(ing at t"e insects reg-(ar(y a(( <ed "im t c"eck "is ! siti n as "e !ain0-((y <inged east* O)er t"e sea& se)era( drag nC(engt"s 0r m t"e beac"& "e !(-nged int t"e <ater* And sank* Ma!s"aker str-gg(ed t 0(a! again& t"is time

endea) ring t !r !e( "imse(0 -!<ard t"r -g" s-rging sa(t <ater* 't <as m re di00ic-(t t"an "e+d imagined& es!ecia((y <"en t"e (i@-id ar -nd "im became cr <ded <it" 0is" 0eeding n t"e insect s<arm* Bn0 rt-nate(y& s me 0 t"e 0is" decided t nibb(e t"e kendrag n a(s * E?"a-sted& Ma!s"aker 0ina((y dragged "imse(0 int t"e s"a(( <s and 0r m t"ere t t"e s" re* His <ings& "is eye(ids& t"e insides 0 "is ear cana(s& and "is ( <er nasa( !assages <ere s< ((en 0r m bites* DW"at a dayED He sig"ed& easing int t"e <arm sand& "is < -nds stinging 0r m sa(t <ater* D' didn+t kn < birds and insects <ere s-c" a n-isance t drag ns* ' a(s didn+t kn < drag ns can+t s<im* D He ya<ned "-ge(y* DAt (east ' g t a big drink -t 0 it* D He ya<ned again& !-((ing a 0ace* DBg"E Sa(t <aterED F (ding "is <ings and (aying "is "ead a( ngside "is c(a<s& Ma!s"aker 0e(( as(ee!* T"e ne?t m rning "e a<akened as d =ens 0 sma(( crabs tried t carry "im 00 in as many di00erent directi ns* Fascinated and am-sed& t"e kendrag n <atc"ed as t"e (itt(e creat-res attem!ted di(igent(y b-t -ns-ccess0-((y t " ist !arts 0 "im and skitter a<ay* He 0ina((y s!read ne <ing and t-cked t"e t"er& r ((ing nt "is side and 0r m t"ere t "is back* 6-((ing b t" <ings c( ser t "is b dy "e t<isted& scr-bbing a(( t"irtyCt"ree 0eet 0 "is back in t"e c arse sand* T"e entire beac" <as sin- -s(y !atterned by "is e00 rts* Fee(ing n(y a (itt(e s reness 0r m t"e !re)i -s day+s bird !ecks& insect bites& and 0is" nibb(es& Ma!s"aker <inged -!<ard* He s n (earned " < t sides(i! int <ide& grace0-( t-rns* Tig"t t-rns demanded m-sc(e c ntr ( <"i(e !-((ing in ne <ing r t"e t"er and " (ding it in ! siti n* A0ter m-c" !ractice& "e (earned t" se& t * B!dra0ts <ere 0ascinating& b-t "e tired @-ick(y 0r m " (ding "is <ings in a(m st t"e same ! se 0 r e?tended !eri ds* Arr <ing -t 0 t"e sky straig"t at "erd anima(s <as by 0ar t"e m st 0-n beca-se 0 t"e mad <ay t"ey ba<(ed and scattered* D-ring "is t"ird day 0 drag n" d& ne be0-dd(ed c < s(ammed 0-(( s!eed int a b -(der and didn+t get -!* Ma!s"aker 0e(t g-i(ty ab -t ca-sing t"e beast+s demise& yet (icked "is c" !s in antici!ati n 0 t"e " t& A-icy mea(* DRa< c <FD He circ(ed& !eering d <n at t"e dead anima(* D't mig"t be g d* ' g-ess ' c -(d try it* D T"en t"e kender in "im became na-seated at t"e t" -g"t 0 eating -nc ked meat* DN & ' d n+t t"ink s * ' d n+t t"ink ' can* D Fig"ting "is demanding st mac"& Ma!s"aker 0(e< 00 in searc" 0 an t"er drag n t get s me ti!s n (anding*

I I I I I Myrt"in str de a( ng t"e dirt r ad& trai(ed by K"arian <it" t"eir !ack* T"e mage ke!t ne eye !en 0 r treac"er -s ! t" (es& t"e t"er n t"e b(ack b ? in "is t<isted "and* His tracer& <it" t"e brass drag n sca(e im!ris ned <it"in& b-bb(ed and b(-r!ed& !-tting -t n m re t"an a tiny @-esting !inna 0 d r -s eart"Cc ( red 0 g* DT"ing made me tra)e( in circ(es yesterday& D Myrt"in m-ttered& t"-m!ing it n ne t gent(y <it" a <ar!ed 0inger* He scr-tini=ed t"e sky " !ing 0 r sig"t 0 t"e drag n* T"e b ? emitted an t"er tendri( 0 stinking sm ke t"at dri0ted 0irst s -t"east& t"en c-r(ed back n itse(0 and ! inted n rt"<est* T"e st-00 made K"arian gag* DA gn me mig"t "a)e b-i(t t"is 0 r a(( t"e g d it+s d ing* D He <a(ked n& sig"ing& <"en s-dden(y t"e !(-me 0r m t"e tracer t"ickened and de0inite(y indicated n rt"<est* H-rrying& Myrt"in 0 (( <ed it* Ar -nd an abr-!t c-r)e in t"e r ad& t"e t< came -! n a 0armer& <" st d staring at "is barn* 6art 0 it "ad c ((a!sed -nder a ( ad 0 steaming d-ng* Ne?t t t"e 0armer 0idgeted a " rse "itc"ed t a cart* At an abr-!t signa( 0r m t"e mage& K"arian sc-rried 0 r<ard* DE?c-se me& my g d man& b-t did a drag n ca-se t"at damageFD DYa"& r t get t +is <ings* W" a t"ere& " rse* N t"in+ (e0t b-t its sme((* Ha!!ened "a(0 an " -r g ne* G tta get t Maygart" n < 0er nai(s* D T"e 0armer scratc"ed "is beard* DDrag n did m re+n t"is& t * Neig"b r came by (ast nig"t te((ing +b -t it c"ased "is c <s* Ki(t ne& b-t didn+t et it* Strange& t"at* :-s+ (e0t it (yin+ t"ere* .een 0(yin+ r -nd Maygart"& s! kin+ )i((agers& <e(( as st ck* D DT"e tracer+s < rking againED ca((ed Myrt"in im!eri -s(y t "is assistant* DC me nED DM mentari(y& Master* D K"arian t-rned back t t"e 0armer* DT"anks 0 r y -r in0 rmati n* G d (-ck reb-i(ding* D T"e 0armer s@-inted at Myrt"in nearsig"ted(y as t"e mage started a"ead 0 K"arian a( ng t"e track* DT"ere be an t"er man ( kin+ 0er it& t & D t"e 0armer ca((ed a0ter t"em* D.ig ne& arm red* Says it smirc"ed "is " n r* +E+s -t t ki(( it& i00en +e can git it t set sti(( t"at ( ng* D DA S (amnic Knig"tFD asked K"arian& s-r!rised* T"e 0armer s" k "is "ead* DD-nn * D K"arian < rked t"e !ack nt "er s" -(der and ca-g"t -! <it" "er master* DHe saidCD D' "a)e e?ce((ent "earing& D Myrt"in sna!!ed* T"e mage a(m st

ran& 0 (( <ing t"e trace 0r m t"e drag n 0inder* T"e (itt(e b ? ! -red br <n sm ke <it" g (den g(ints* 't sme((ed e)en m re )i(e t"an be0 re* D' m-st reac" t"at drag n be0 re t"e knig"t d es r c"ance ( sing t"e stat-etteED I I I I I C(angE Meta( s(amming meta( a<akened Ma!s"aker t"e ne?t m rning* DO"& g dE A <arED T"e kendrag n ! !!ed -! "is "ead t see& 0 rgetting t"e st ne )er"ang 0 "is s"e(ter* DWC <<<<ED Ma!s"aker im!acted t"e r 0 "ard en -g" t g a(( < bb(y and s" <er "imse(0 <it" gra)e(* Bnsteadi(y& "e backed -t and tried t 0 c-s "is eyes t <ard t"e din c ming 0r m t"e nearby mead <* His )isi n 0ina((y c(eared a0ter "e stared at t"e c mbatants 0 r a 0-(( min-te* A "-ge gre <ie(ding a (arge mace <as batt(ing a sing(e knig"t n " rseback* T"e arm rCc(ad knig"t 0 -g"t des!erate(y <it" ( ng s< rd and s"ie(d* He bare(y "e(d "is <n* T"e kendrag n+s anger 0(ared* D' "ate gresED An gre "ad kicked a!art e)eryt"ing in Ma!s"aker+s " met <n* Fanning "is <ings& "e r se int t"e air* D'+(( sa)e y - 0r m t"at gre& Sir AricED Ma!s"aker c(imbed "ig"& t"en re)ersed t a stee! di)e* DEeey <<<ED He t"-ndered "is ne< <ar cry*** <"ic" became a 0rig"tened DAaa""""ED as "e 0(as"ed !ast t"e <arri rs& 0(e< t near t"e gr -nd& and "ad t try e)ery trick "e kne< t kee! 0r m cras"ing* T"e back<as" 0r m Ma!s"aker+s !assing "ad (itt(e e00ect n t"e massi)e gre& t"er t"an tang(ing its greasy "air* .-t Sir Aric+s c"arger staggered in t"e ga(e& a(m st -nseating t"e knig"t* Grinning& t"e gre (i0ted its "-ge mace 0 r a ki((ing b( <& <"i(e Sir Aric and "is m -nt str-gg(ed t rec )er* N < <e(( !ast t"e scene 0 t"e 0ig"t& t"e kendrag n (ab red int a tig"t t-rn in !re!arati n 0 r an t"er& " !e0-((y m re e00ecti)e& !ass* D'+(( get y -& y - -g(y beastED !anted Ma!s"aker& 0(a!!ing 0-(( s!eed t <ard "is enemy* W rdsCmagica( < rdsC"e didn+t kn < "e kne< b(a=ed s-dden(y in "is mindH a strange g-rg(e came 0r m t"e regi n near "is st mac"* He !ened "is m -t" and "icc -g"ed* Desert "eat seared t"e gre+s back* T"e gre c"ecked its s<ing& be(( <ing in !ain and s-r!rise as t"e drag n s< !ed c( se by* Sir Aric+s c"arger !(-nged in an attem!t t get a<ay 0r m t"e singeing b(ast& and t"e knig"t gas!ed as t"e

s-dden increase in tem!erat-re made "is meta( arm r tr-(y -nc m0 rtab(e* D' d n t need "e(! 0 t"is s rtED Sir Aric s" -ted& mastering "is " rse and 0 rcing it t 0ace t"e enemy again* DKendrag n& desistED .-t "is cry came t (ate* Ma!s"aker "ad 0(a!!ed again& ca((ing m re magic < rds t mind* T"is time "e be(c"ed& s!reading a mi(ky !a@-e c( -d t"at encased 0irst t"e knig"t and "is c"arger& t"en t"e gre* Bn0 rt-nate(y& t"e mist dri0ted -!<ard* Try as "e mig"t& t"e kendrag n c -(dn+t 0(y 0ast en -g" t a) id it as "e !assed t"e 0ig"ters and banked* T"e gre (i0ted its <ea! n again& b-t <"et"er t"e b( < <as meant 0 r Sir Aric r t"e kendrag n& Ma!s"aker c -(dn+t te((* At t"e 0-((est e?tent 0 its s<ing& t"e en rm -s mace dr !!ed 0r m t"e beast+s ner)e(ess 0ingers* T"e gre t"-dded back<ard int t"e grass (ike a 0e((ed tree& -nc nsci -s* Sir Aric s(-m!ed )er "is m -nt+s neck& (etting g 0 "is <n s< rd as t"e " rse staggered* T"e knig"t+s gri! n t"e sadd(e ( sened& and "e cras"ed& "e(metC0irst& t t"e gr -nd* T"e c"arger <"-00(ed m -rn0-((y& sat n its "a-nc"es& t"en s( <(y r ((ed side<ays and c ((a!sed* Ma!s"aker "imse(0 0e(t strange(y s(ee!y* He ya<ned& t"en sa< t"e a!!r ac"ing tree (ine* 't <as t c( se* .ack<inging mad(y& t"e kendrag n s( <ed& sta((ed& and t-mb(ed int s me sa!(ings& a(ready sn ring& a )ictim 0 "is <n s(ee! breat"* I I I I I DWake& Kendrag n*D Ma!s"aker& start(ed 0r m dreaming& "ad n idea <"ere "is imaginati n ended and rea(ity started* S-re(y t"at 0ami(iar !r dding ) ice s! ke n(y in "is dream* DWake& Kendrag n* T"e " -r 0 -r batt(e dra<s nig"* D 6 !!ing ne eye !en& Ma!s"aker 0 -nd Sir Aric !(anted be0 re "is sn -t& (eaning n "is scabbarded s< rd* T"e knig"t 0a) red "is rig"t (eg& standing <it" m re <eig"t n "is (e0t* His "e(met <as mas"ed d <n n "is "ead& <it" t"e )is r t" r -g"(y aske<* .e"ind "im& t"e knig"t+s gray c"arger st d -nsteadi(y& "ead dang(ing bet<een 0 re(egs* Sig"ing& 0inding "imse(0 sti(( a (itt(e < =y 0r m t"e s(ee! gas& Ma!s"aker c( sed "is eye* DD n t endea) r t decei)e me& D Sir Aric be(( <ed* D' ken y - are r -sed* Des!ite my in0irmity& des!ite n ( nger being ab(e t see <e(( 0r m -nder my "e(met& ' s"a(( dis!atc" y <it" t"e greatest satis0acti n* Y - <i(( ne)er )e? my batt(es r my re! se again* D . t" 0 Ma!s"aker+s eyes b(inked !en* D.-t ' <as "e(!ingE

T"at gre < -(d "a)e bas"ed y - <it" its maceCD DY - staggered my steed <it" y -r 0irst -nc ntr ((ed !assage& near(y -n" rsing me* T"at de(i)ered batt(e ad)antage t t"e gre& <" <as n t t"e (east disc mm ded by y -r c-rrent* 6i(ing ne indignity -! n an t"er& y - t"en em!( yed y -r desertC"eat breat" <ea! n& t" r -g"(y sc rc"ing a(( b-t y -rse(0* And& ec(i!sing a(( e(se& y - 0-rt"er -sed y -r s(ee! breat" <ea! n t render my enemy& my " rse& and myse(0 -nc nsci -s -nti( dee! int t"is a0tern n* ' c -(d n t c m!(ete my d-ty -nti( ' a< ke* On(y e?ce((ent g d 0 rt-ne a(( <ed me t r -se be0 re t"e gre* His "ead is n < di)ided 0r m "is tr-nk* T"ere0 re& !re!are y -rse(0* .y t"e Oat" and t"e Meas-re& my " n r <i(( n < be ass-aged by y -r b( dED D.-tCD DE?c-se me& Sir Knig"t& D came a ne< ) ice* RedC0aced <it" e?erti n& !anting& it <as K"arian <" a!!eared at Sir Aric+s e(b <* DMy master& Myrt"in t"e Red Mage& -rgent(y re@-ests < rds <it" y - be0 re y - c n0r nt t"is drag n* T"e matter direct(y re(ates t y -r " n r* D T"e mage c -(d be seen standing at a s(ig"t distance d <n t"e r ad& sti(( c(as!ing t"e b(ack b ? in "is ta( n(ike 0ingers and staring at t"e kendrag n* O-t 0 t"e tracer ! -red stinking br <n sm ke& dancing <it" brassy g(ints* Sir Aric ( <ered "is <ea! n* D.y my grand0at"er+s s< rd& <i(( ' ne)er 0ind t"e m ment t dis!atc" t"is beastFD DHe+s n beast& b-t a t"ie0 <it" t< (egs& D Myrt"in ca((ed as "e a!!r ac"ed t"e tri & "is "ardCedged ) ice c"i((ing t"e s-n(ig"t* DHe is my res! nsibi(ity* ' <i(( n < ret-rn "im t <"at "e <as* D T"e knig"t straig"tened& staring d <n at t"e mage* DAnd ' "a)e s< rn by t"e Oat" and t"e Meas-re t"at "e s"a(( at ne 0 r my s-((ied " n r <it" "is (i0e* D His dark eyes g(ared steadi(y int t" se 0 ice* D' <i(( n t be 0 rs< rn* D Tensi n si==(ed bet<een t"e t< (ike (ig"tning* Ma!s"aker ( ked 0r m ne t t"e t"er& " rr r ming(ing <it" !ride as "e rea(i=ed a 0ig"t <as ine)itab(e* A 0ig"t )er "imE T"e mage+s (i!s started m )ingH t"e knig"t+s s< rd began t rise* T"e kendrag n t k in breat" t !r test& and snee=ed* T"e t rnadic <ind <"i!!ed Myrt"in int Sir Aric& t"en r-mb(ed b t" int K"arian& <" +d been standing in 0r nt 0 t"e knig"t+s " rse* Tang(ed& t"ree "-mans and t"e c"arger skidded t"r -g" t"e mead < grass a(m st t t"e r ad* T"e kendrag n b(e< "imse(0 back<ard* A r ck -tcr !!ing a g d(y distance a<ay "a(ted "is m ment-m !ain0-((y* Air 0ed -t 0 Ma!s"aker+s (-ngs and "e sagged against t"e m n (it"+s base* T"e t"ers s rted t"emse()es -t and began ( king 0 r "im*

DT"ereED K"arian cried ! inting& eyes trai(ing a( ng t"e !(-me 0 sm ke 0r m t"e tracer* S"e str-gg(ed t 0 (( < Myrt"in as t"e mage e?tricated "imse(0 0r m t"e kn t 0 b dies and raced t <ard t"e kendrag n* T"e knig"t& t-gging "is battered "e(met ar -nd t <"ere "e c -(d see& s( <(y r se& -rged "is c"arger t its 0eet& t"en !-((ed "imse(0 int t"e sadd(e* T"e c n0-sed " rse ba(ked& c"am!ed "is bit& and 0ina((y br ke int a re(-ctant <a(k t <ard Ma!s"aker* T"e magicC-ser reac"ed t"e drag n 0irst& 0 (( <ed by "is assistant* H-nc"ed miserab(y against st ne& t"e e?"a-sted Ma!s"aker <as <"ee=ing and c -g"ing be"ind a )ei( 0 c"er "a=e* D'+)e g t y - n <& t"ie0ED Myrt"in ! inted t t"e stat-ette b-m!ing against Ma!s"aker+s neck* DT"at+s my !r !erty* Gi)e it back& t"en '+(( ret-rn y - t y -r nat-ra( 0 rm* D DC -(d y - t-rn 00 t"at nasty sm ke 0irstFD t"e kendrag n asked !(ainti)e(y& c" king* T"e mage m-ttered a 0e< < rds at t"e b(ack b ?* A0ter a 0ina( g-s"& t"e tracer became @-iescent* DAnd <"at kind 0 being <ere y - be0 reFD K"arian !r dded gent(y* DA kender* D Ma!s"aker "acked* D' mig"t "a)e kn <nED e?c(aimed Myrt"in* DA(( t"is e00 rtC n(y 0 r a kenderED He raised "is gnar(ed "ands* DN < !re!are y -rse(0CD D.e n t "asty& D t"-ndered Sir Aric& !r !iti -s(y riding -! and dism -nting* DMy " n r "as n t yet been satis0ied* D Myrt"in 0aced "im& eyes 0 rbidding* DW -(d y -& a S (amnic Knig"t& 0ig"t a kenderFD DHere is n kender& D !r tested t"e knig"t* DT"is be a brass kendrag n& a(t" -g" s me<"at bey nd its acc-st med c(ime* D DT"at+s " < "e c-rrent(y a!!ears& D sna!!ed t"e mage* DHe st (e a bes!e((ed bAect 0r m me& <"ic" t-rned "im int a brass drag n* N < "e m-st ret-rn t being a kender* D He "e(d -t ne -g(y "and t Ma!s"aker* DGi)e t"e stat-ette back* D D' n(y b rr <ed it& D Ma!s"aker de0ended "imse(0& -ntang(ing t"e (eat"er stri! 0r m "is sca(es <it" a c(-msy c(a<* Re(-ctant(y "e "anded t"e stat-ette t Myrt"in& <" ! !!ed it int a ! -c" and began sec-ring t"e ties t "is be(t* D'0 y - remain drag n& it be" )es me t 0ig"t y -& D said Sir Aric* DT"ere0 re ' s"a(( strike n <* D Eyes (ike bsidian& t"e knig"t ste!!ed 0 r<ard s-dden(y& (i0ting "is s< rd* DS-cc-mb and make an end* D Ma!s"aker snatc"ed "is (e0t 0r nt (eg -t 0 t"e <ay 0 t"e <ea! n A-st as t"e s< rd <"ist(ed by* D' am sma((er& t"ere0 re ' tire (ess easi(y t"an y -& D Sir

Aric ad)ised t"e kendrag n* He aimed a tremend -s b( < at Ma!s"aker& intending t ri! "im !en 0r m "ig" side t ( < side* DS- margat" naga n-(isED " <(ed Myrt"in& ! inting at t"e kendrag n* T"e knig"t+s b(ade bit dirt instead 0 0(es"& 0a((ing n(y a "andC<idt" a<ay 0r m t"e sma(( b dy* Ma!s"aker <as a kender nce m re* He sat& breat"(ess and tremb(ing& br <n eyes "-ge in "is !a(e 0ace& <"i(e Sir Aric t <ered ab )e "im* Sir Aric raised "is mig"ty s< rd again and st !!ed* D.a"ED T"e knig"t sn rted in disg-st* D +Tis a kender& in tr-t"* D Wi!ing "is s< rd care0-((y <it" an i(ed c( t" 0r m a ! -c" n "is sadd(e& "e s"eat"ed it and m -nted "is " rse* DRemember t"is& D t"e S (amnic Knig"t dec(aimed in a dire ) ice* D'0 e)er y - t-rn kendrag n again& y -r (i0e is mineED DFare<e((& Sir Knig"t& D said K"arian s 0t(y as t"e knig"t r de a<ay* DKender& ' " !e y - (earned a )a(-ab(e (ess n 0r m a(( t"isED sna!!ed Myrt"in* DY -+)e ca-sed many !e !(e n end 0 tr -b(e* D D' (earned ( ts& D Ma!s"aker res! nded& rising& ( king m -rn0-((y at "is ! -c"es scattered ab -t in t"e grass* He began gat"ering -! "is t"ings* D' (earned t"at drag ns need (anding (ess ns& and t"at ' can+t eat a ra< c <* D He !eered in@-isiti)e(y t <ard K"arian+s !ack* DY - < -(dn+t "a)e any !astries in t"ere& < -(d y -F ' "a)en+t eaten anyt"ing 0 r days* N F O"& <e((* D T"e red mage g( <ered d <n at Ma!s"aker* DDid y - (earn t"at t"ings are 0ten n t as t"ey a!!ear& and t"at )ery se(d m d es rea(ity a!!r ?imate <"at y - imagineFD T"e kender g-(!ed* DO0 c -rse* 'sn+t t"at <"at ' saidFD DHe+s " !e(essED Myrt"in t-rned a<ay in disg-st* D' d n+t kn < <"y ' b t"ered trans0 rming "im* He+(( A-st +b rr <+ s met"ing e(se and begin t"e <" (e !r cess a(( )er again* D He "ad a s-dden idea* D6er"a!s ' s" -(d s"rink "im& !-t "im in a Aar n my < rktab(e* T"at mig"t kee! "im -t 0 tr -b(e* D Ma!s"aker s"i)ered* DB"& n t"anks& ' -m*** ' (earned my (ess n& ' rea((y& rea((y didED He darted a<ay 0r m Myrt"in* DT"ink '+(( "ead 0 r Maygart"* Maybe t"ey "a)e a bakery* D He <a)ed& "is "ands 0-(( 0 ! -c"es& and s!rinted -! t"e r ad* N ne n ticed t"ere <as ne m re sma(( bag t"an "e "ad started <it"* DG dCbyeED Ma!s"aker+s s!irit s ared as "is 0eet "it t"e r ad* He "ad a ne< ad)ent-re t te((& ne "e <as certain n t"er kender c -(d d-!(icate* His mig"t e)en be better t"an s me 0 "is

A-nt Nary( ck+s st riesE And as s n as "e 0 -nd s met"ing t eat in Maygart" and a ne< be(t 0 r "is ! -c"es& "e !(anned t "ead 0 r G d(-nd* A s!(atter 0 rain "it "is s" -(der& t"en an t"er (anded n "is n se* He ( ked int t"e ( <ering c( -ds* DN t again* And ' sti(( d n+t "a)e a g d ca!eED T"e d <n! -r <as s-dden* Ma!s"aker ran& seeking s"e(ter* He 0 -nd it at t"e -tskirts 0 Maygart"* T"e " -se sat <e(( back 0r m t"e r ad* 't <as n t (arge& yet t"e d r<ay a!!eared dee! en -g" t !r tect a kender 0r m t"e < rst 0 t"e rain* D/ k at t"is car)ingED Ma!s"aker cr <ed de(ig"ted(y as "e ste!!ed nt t"e ! rc"* D't+s as i0 '+m standing in t"e m -t" 0 s me m nsterE T"e d r e)en "as eyes !ainted ab )e it* W nder <"at it+s s-!! sed t beF Kinda reminds me 0 t"at gre* D T"e 0ace a!!eared decided(y -n0riend(y& b-t Ma!s"aker didn+t mind* He 0aced t"e rain& (eaning back against t"e d r& re(i)ing "is mem ries as a drag n* E)en enc-mbered <it" ! -c"es& ne "and 0idd(ed <it" t"e ( ck* T"e (atc" snicked !en* Ma!s"aker 0e(( back<ard nt a < den 0( r& t"en "ea)ed a g-sty sig"* D6e !(e "a)e A-st g t t 0i? t"ese br ken ( cks* '+(( "a)e t te(( s meb dy *** a0ter ' in)estigate**** D I I I I I Edit r+s N te> T"e a-t" r t"anks Tracy Hickman 0 r "is Dn tesD n a<as birds& and 0 r Myrt"in+s s!e((* And .aby Makes T"ree Amy St -t Cr es-s says ' t"ink t m-c"& t"at ' s" -(d remember my )irt-e is in my s< rd arm* 6r b+(y s * T"e t< 0 -s a(<ays 0(e< t get"er& s<-ng c(a< and b(ade <"en t"e ca-se r t"e m ney <as rig"t& t"en r de t"e ne?t -!dra0t* T"e drag n+s back "ad r m 0 r m re& b-t <e < -(d "a)e A ined t"e na)y i0 <e+d <anted tig"t @-arters* Ti(( :a?* W"en ' 0irst met :akster& t"e b( d n my s< rd "ad act-a((y dried and my 0ist <as itc"in+ 0 r a g d 0ig"t* As it "a!!ens& ' a(s "ad -n+) idab(e b-siness ab -t t rain a(( )er t"e drag n+s neck* ' <as beginnin+ t t"ink ' <asn+t g in+ t (ast ti(( <e reac"ed ne 0 -r reg+(ar <aterin+ " (es* ' ! inted t a r cky !(atea- bare(y ( ng en -g" t kee! "is tai( 0r m "anging )er t"e edge* DT"at ne* One 0

-r (d 0a) rites* D T"e O(d Gr -c"C' ne)er s! ke t"e nickname a( -d& t" -g" '+d (ay dds "e kne< ' t" -g"t itCsn rted in c ntem!t* ' !ened my m -t"& n t s-re <"at < rds+d be c min+ -t& t"en s(a!!ed it s"-t* Sittin+ at ! a drag n 0 r days+(( sti00en -! t"e m st "ardened 0 mercenariesC<"ic" ' s-re(y became ( ng ag a0ter ' st !!ed c -ntin+ batt(es r b dies* Rig"t t"en& ' needed t stand straig"t n my <n t< (egs and <a(k +em ar -nd -nti( t"ey remembered " < t d it t"emse()es <it" -t "e(!* ' ke!t @-iet* N t"in+ < rse t"an an arg-ment <it" a drag n* Cr es-s t k a s-dden di)e and br -g"t -s t gr -nd* He kne< t"is ne ca)e <"ere "e c -(d c m0 rtab(y sett(e "is great c !!er b-(k* He a(s kne< t"at a <"i(e back '+d s!ent time "ere <it" a certain < man* A ( ng <"i(e back* We "adn+t !arted a(( t"at 0riend(y& and ' s< re t a) id cr ssin+ "er !at" again* T"at ga( "ad ta(ents& t"e t" -g"t 0 <"ic" <as en -g" t gi)e me an itc" at t"e base 0 my s!ine* Cr es-s+s back ri!!(edC0r m ab )e it+d ( k s met"in+ (ike a be((y dancer+s st mac" A-st <"en t"e a-dience c"eers t"e ( -destCand dr !!ed me n ne t gent(y t t"e gr -nd* D' sme(( 0res" meat* D His m -t" !ened in a smi(e* DBn(ess '+m mistaken& t"ere+s a <is! 0 a 0ire g ing s me<"ere* Maybe <e+)e g t 0riends <" kn < " < my tastes r-n* D T"at <as it t"en* ' mig"t as <e(( "ead -!<ind* Cr es-s < -(d be gassin+ s me ! r stray creat-re s n* He <as a(<ays )ery care0-(& b-t ' didn+t <ant t"ere e)er t be a 0irst time 0 r me t 0a(( -nder t"at s!e((* ' 0 -nd a s! t as 0ar a<ay 0r m t"e ca)e m -t" as ' c -(d* T"e "andC and 0 t" (ds <eren+t t"e best& b-t +(east ' c -(d (et t"e 0(-ids 0( <* '+d A-st 0inis"ed my b-siness& <"en t"e drag n r ared -t a great c"a((enge and ' scramb(ed back d <n* ' dre< my s< rd and <aited at t"e m -t" in t"e -n(ike(y ! ssibi(ity t"at "e <anted my "e(!* S metimes 0 d !r tested& b-t '+d ne)er seen t"e O(d Gr -c" ( seCes!ecia((y <"en "e <as "-ngry* A "ig"C!itc"ed ) ice said& DSt ! t"atE ' <arn y -& st ! t"atED Cr es-s t"-m!ed "is tai( against t"e <a(( "ard en -g" t crack it* T"e "ig"C!itc"ed mea( A-st said& DN E .ad drag nE Get backED T"e drag n "issed* ' <as getting c-ri -s* ' !-t my s< rd a<ay and sid(ed inside t see <"at <as gi)in+ Cr es-s !a-se and t get a better )ie< 0 t"ings* We((& ' immediate(y sa< t"e !r b(em* /-nc" t-rned -t t be a kidC<"at& 0i)e& maybe si?* N t t"at it -g"t t make any di00erence t Cr es-s*

.-t t"is kid <as !-tting n @-ite a s" <& <a)in+ a sma(( < den s< rd at Cr es-s* He s" -(d+)e been c <ering against t"e <a((* Gr <n men "ad b(acked -t 0r m near(y a mi(e 00* T"ese t< <ere c( se en -g" t s"ake "ands& yet t"is kid seemed c m!(ete(y -na0raid 0 a t"irtyCsi?0 t c !!er drag n* 't <as im! ssib(eE T"e drag n t-rned and ga)e me a d n+tCt"atCbeatCa(( ( k* 'n bet<een "is s" -tin+ at -s& t"e kid <as ! kin+ at a sma(( 0ire a 0e< ste!s back 0r m Cr es-s* He "ad ta(ent t kee! t"e 0ire g ing <it" -r b-(k b( cking m st 0 t"e 0res" air& ' "ad t gi)e "im t"at* DT"is ne bears st-dy* D Cr es-s di!!ed "is "ead in <"at !assed 0 r a n d in "-mans* ' scratc"ed absent(y at my backside and <aited a beat* We "ad ( ng ag agreed n a 0e< t"ings* We ga)e ne an t"er r m t 0ig"t and didn+t !ress t "ard ab -t !ers na( !(eas-res& (ike a drag n+s s<eet t t" r a mercenary+s*** <e((& ne)er mind* One time ' ca-g"t Cr es-s m-nc"in+ n s me kind 0 meat a0ter a nasty batt(e* / ts 0 0(es" e)ery<"ere& and n t a(( 0 it <as t -g"Cm-sc(ed men* ' <asn+t !ayin+ m-c" attenti n ti(( "e t-rned a<ay and bent )er as t" -g" maybe "e <as "idin+ s met"in+ 0r m me& <"ic" g t me c-ri -s* T" -g"t maybe "e+d 0 -nd a trinket "e <as c nsiderin+ "e mig"t n t <ant t+ s"are* T-rned -t Cr es-s "ad a s 0t s! t& as it <ere& 0 r y -ng 0(es"* Didn+t matter <"at s!ecies* He t" -g"t A-st ab -t a(( 0 +em tasted !retty g dC+ce!t maybe t"e ka!aks* He c -(d -s-a((y <ait ti(( t"ey died n t"eir <n K!re0erab(y by 0ire& medi-m rareL& b-t <as -trig"t abas"ed t admit "e s metimes "e(!ed +( ng t"e (ike(ier tidbits* 't <as as m-c" a !art 0 "is nat-re as cas-a( greed <as b rn int "is race* ' didn+t mind* We a(( g t testy !(aces c( sed t disc-ssi n* ' 0ig-red t"is <asn+t any < rseC<e((& n t m-c" any<ayCt"an s me 0 t"e st-00 '+d d ne <"en it came t kids r t"eir mams* W"ic" made it a(( t"e m re !ec-(iar t"at t"e O(d Gr -c" ( ked st-m!ed by t"e y -ng+-n <it" t"e < den s< rd* DW"at ab -t "is 0 (ksFD t"e drag n gr <(ed* DHe+s g tta be "ere <it" s me ne* T sma(( t tra)e( a( ne* D T"e drag n ga)e me a !iercing ( k as t" -g" maybe ' -g"t t "a)e a t"e ry n t"e s-bAect* N < t"at ' <as 0 rced t gi)e it s me t" -g"t& t"ere <as s met"in+ !(ain dd ab -t t"e b y* :-st bein+ near "im made my skin !-cker* ' n ticed "e carried a sma(( !ack s(-ng acr ss "is back* ' 0ig-red it mig"t yie(d s me c(-es <"ic"& i0 n t"ing e(se& < -(d !r )ide interesting a0terCdinner c n)ersati n& s ' grabbed 0 r it and "im* He <as a s(i!!ery

c-ss& b-t ' " ked "is arm and tig"tened my gri!Cand g t a 0(as" 0 a )i((age in 0(ames* Y - see strange t"ings in my (ine 0 < rkCb-rning t <ns& distressed damse(s& tykes <" c nA-re )isi ns* Fe<+)e s( <ed me d <n b-t s-dden(y ' 0 -nd m+se(0 starin+ -t at t"e s(ice 0 sky as ' t (d Cr es-s& D' get t"e distinct 0ee(in+ t"e b-gger+s an r!"an* D DT"en t"at+s sett(ed& D "e said& matterC 0C0act* ' s"r-gged* T"e drag n <as rig"t* On re0(ecti n ' t" -g"t it best t kee! t"e ca)e tidy and dragged t"e kickin+& A-m!in+& s<ingin+& screamin+& dang(in+C0r mCmyCarmCkid -tside* Cr es-s 0 (( <ed "-ngri(y* DSt ! t"atE ' <arn y -& st ! t"atED T"e b y+s 0ace <as t"e !ict-re 0 brattiness* As i0 "e t" -g"t '+d bey "im* ' c -(dn+t "e(! < nderin+ <"at kind 0 0 ( "e "ad 0 r a 0at"er* Maybe t"e kid+d ne)er seen a drag n& s "e didn+t gras! !-re t"reat <"en it <as )ergin+ n "is t"r at* D'+m <arning y - 0 r t"e (ast timeED DOkay& D ' m-ttered& and <aited 0 r +n t"er !"antasm* And g t Aabbed in t"e g-t* '+d 0 rg t ab -t "is !-ny s< rd* /itt(e b-gger kne< A-st <"ere t "it* ' dr !!ed "im <it" a ( -d D-"D and d -b(ed )er* Cr es-s g t a g d g-00a< -t 0 it& t"ank y -* W -(dn+t be t"e (ast time t"e kid+d catc" me by s-r!rise& r e)en t"e m st !ain0-(& b-t it <as t"e ne t"at < ke me @-ick as a b-cket 0 c (d <ater )er my "ead* ' re)ised my +!ini n 0 "is 0at"er*** and de)e( !ed s me res!ect 0 r t"e <"e(! n acc -nt 0 bein+ s" <ed -! by s me ne a tent" my <eig"t* KAnd a sim+(ar ! rti n 0 my age& b-t <e < n+t menti n t"at* L He <as a g d (itt(e 0ig"ter <it" darned s"ar! s-r)i)a( instincts& and ' a(m st 0e(t a t<inge 0 regret t"at "e <as ab -t t bec me a drag n " rs d+ e-)re* W"en ' c -(d stand and breat"e at t"e same time& ' t k a ( k ar -nd* T"e (i+( bastard "ad sc ted n me* He "ad taken ad)antage 0 Cr es-s+s (a-g"in+ s!e(( t c-t a <ide arc ar -nd "im& a(( t"e <"i(e kee!in+ -t 0 my reac"& and <as dartin+ back t <ard t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e* ' te(( y - t"is kid <as im!ressi)e* T"e b y+d been s @-ick t"at ' <as ga!in+ at "im (ike a r-be <" +d A-st seen t"e 0ina(e 0 t"e Dance 0 t"e Fi0teen 3ei(s* K.-t& "& t"at 0i0teent" )ei(EL T"e O(d Gr -c" "ad g t "is c"-ck(in+ -nder c ntr (& and c(eared "is t"r at* DG t y -r breat" backFD "e asked sarcastica((y* E)en <it" t"e kid+s (ead n me& ' ca-g"t -! <it" "im be0 re

"e g t 0ar int t"e ca)e* ' grabbed "im by an ank(e and dragged "im -tside again* ' dang(ed t"e kid in 0r nt 0 t"e drag n at arm+s (engt" K"e <as s<ingin+ t"at s< rd ar -nd (ike a maniacL* DHere+s y -r dinner* 6(enty 0 baby 0at n t" se (egs* D T"e O(d Gr -c"+s eyes g(a=ed A-st a sec nd as i0 maybe "is res ()e <ere s(i!!in+ +( ng <it" my !atienceCt"is kid <as m re < rk t"an a t <n 0 t"ie)esCt"en "e said& DN & t"ere+s s met"ing ab -t t"is c"i(d ' < -(d (ike t e?!( re 0-rt"er* We <i(( "a)e t restrain "im& t" -g"& d n+t y - t"inkFD T"e kid s<-ng -! and nicked my "and* 't st-ng < rse t"an an angry )i?en& b-t ' <as ready t"is time* ' tig"tened my gri! n "is ank(e& dang(ed "im c( ser t t"e O(d Gr -c" K<" se breat" c -(d be rat"er intimidatin+L& and s" k "ard* DD t"at again& and '+(( eat y - m+se(0* D T"e kid <ent (im!& t"en t-rned t st-dy me 0r m "is -nten+b(e ! siti n* T"e set 0 "is Aa< st !!ed me c (d* Reminded me 0 t"at < man ' -sed t see*** na"* ' s"r-gged it 00* D.e"a)e y -rse(0& and ' < n+t tr-ss y - (ike a !ig& +kayFD Sti(( -!side d <n& "e n dded seri -s(y* ' (et g "is 0 t& and "e t-mb(ed t t"e gr -nd* DOkay& D "e said& c min+ -! <it" "is "and "e(d -t* ' t k itCand again g t t"e )isi n 0 a b-rnin+ )i((age* T"is kid s-re "ad an interestin+ bag 0 tricks* ' grabbed my "and back and m ti ned "im )er t <ard a r ck* Cr es-s 00ered n g-idance* He "ad c( sed "is eyes as i0 t"e !r ceedin+s n ( nger interested "im& t" -g" ' kne< "e <as (istenin+ and < -(d !r bab(y eat t"e b y any<ay <"en t"e m d str-ck* ' (et t"e b y seat "imse(0& t"en !-t n my best 0 rma( ) ice* D' am St ic : "n* My c m!ani nDCa @-iet sn rt 0r m sameCDis Cr es-s* We "a)e n reas n in t"e s(ig"test t t (erate y -* Y - "a)e tres!assed n -r !ri)ate sanct-aryDC"ere ' <as stretc"in+ t"e tr-t" A-st a bitC Dand dist-rbed -r !eace 0 mind* D KW"ic" "e "ad& +s!ecia((y my !eace 0 mind* .-t "e+d a(s been a m st(y am-sin+ di)ersi n& -! ti(( n <* L DM st dist-rbances dieD ' c ntin-ed& gi)in+ t"at a c"ance t s ak in* DW"at d y - "a)e t say 0 r y -rse(0FD He ( ked at me <it" big eyes& ca(c-(atin+* D'+m :akster& D "e said !r -d(y& as i0 t"at e?!(ained <"at "e <as d in+ in a ca)e "ig" -! in t"e m -ntains* ' <aited* He re!eated* ' <aited s me m re* T"e drag n a(( <ed a @-iet& man-0act-red sn re t esca!e* ' admit ' "a(0 e?!ected t"e kid t (a-nc" int s me -trage -s (ie& s!eakin+ in !er0ect e()en* ' <as a (itt(e disa!! inted <"en "e <ent 0 r sym!at"y instead* T"ere <ere (arge tears& <"ic" "e bra)e(y <i!ed a<ay* DMy m mmy (e0t me*

D N d -bt* W" c -(d b(ame "erF ' s" <ed n t a trace 0 c m!assi n K' "ad !(enty 0 !ractice in t"at de!artmentL* At (ast "e made a s" < 0 sittin+ sti00er and straig"ter and (ettin+ t"e tears dry -!* DOkay& :akster*** D His name (ingered in my m -t"* D:a?& D t"e drag n r-mb(ed& and <as sti((* T"e O(d Gr -c" (iked t+ kee! names sim!(e* One 0 "is @-irks* DWe+(( ca(( y - :a?& D ' c ntin-ed* T"e kid ga)e a 0riend(y s"r-g and said& DOkay* D DY -r s" <& D ' t (d t"e drag n* Cr es-s !ened "is eyes* T"ey s" ne brig"t(y* DWe+)e <asted en -g" time* W"y d n+t y - "ead back -!<indFD G d idea& i0 ' didn+t say s myse(0* ' t k ne (ast g(ance at t"e kid* He <as diggin+ in "is !ack* He didn+t !ay any attenti n t t"e drag n* Eit"er "e <as 0ear(ess& as ' saidC r st-!id* ' t-rned a<ay* DB"& Mr* St icFD ' 0r =e in s-r!rise* Mr* St icF .e0 re ' c -(d res! nd& "e <ent n& DMy m mmy said t gi)e y - t"is* D ' tensed as "is "and came -t 0 t"e !ack& b-t "e <as n(y " (din+ a n te* 't <as "er "and<ritin+ a(( rig"t* Ras(yn* :-st t -c"in+ t"at bit 0 !arc"ment 0e(t t"e same as !-ttin+ my "and in a <as! nest* ' Aammed t"e !a!er int my ! cket* ' didn+t need t ( k at it* A(( 0 a s-dden rea(i=ati n "it me& and ' kne< <"at it+d !r bab(y say* T"en ' <as standin+ t"ere& 0acin+ d <n t"e drag n and t"e b y& n t @-ite s-re " < ' g t int t"is mess* DAnyt"ing ' s" -(d kn <FD Cr es-s m cked& <aitin+ 0 r my de!art-re* DY - a(ready kn < a(( ab -t Ras(yn& D ' sna!!ed back* T"e O(d Gr -c" ga)e a g d imitati n 0 a s"r-g* DYes* And <"at ' didn+t kn < ' g-essed& D "e said ! inted(y& r ((in+ "is eyes t <ard :a?* D.-t it d esn+t matter& d es itF He+s mine t d <it" as ' <i((FD O"& s ! (ite& 0 r ne as ! <er0-( as "e* DA(<ays "as been& D ' re!(ied& my 0ace red* DAnd ' s-re d n+t screen y -r 0 d 0 r y -* W"at am '& a taste testerFD ' m-ttered c-rses& embarrassed at myse(0 0 r "esitatin+ )er t"is n C+c -nt c"i(d& and st m!ed 00 t <ard an -!!er (edge* Cr es-s <aited ti(( "e sa< t"at ' <as -nc m0 rtab(y sett(ed& t"en e?"a(ed in t"e kid+s directi n* T my s-r!rise& :a? didn+t seem t react& <"i(e ' 0 -nd myse(0 t"inkin+ 0 t"at b-rnin+ )i((age again* ' <as beginnin+ t catc" n t"is time* T"e )isi n g t dee!er& ric"er& m re detai(ed n t"e edges* ' c -(d "ear t"e

)i((agers screamin+& 0ee( t"e "eat 0 t"e 0(ames* Odd t"ing <asCn ne seemed "-rt* And <"ere <ere t"e c-tt"r ats <" +d started t"e b(a=eF Stea(in+ ( tF W"at c -(d a ! r !(ace (ike t"is )i((age "a)e < rt" takin+F Fr m my ( k -t& ' c -(d see Cr es-s circ(e :a?* T"e drag n ( ked be"ind t"e kid+s (itt(e ears& -nder "is !-dgy arms& inside "is m -t" 0-(( 0 ga!!ed teet"* KHe+d ( st a c -!(e in 0r nt* L T"e kid "ad a ( !sided smi(e* He "ad s"eat"ed "is t y s< rd and seemed t be enA yin+ "imse(0 as t"e drag n ! ked at "im* S-dden(y ' 0e(t as t" -g" '+d ste!!ed int an ant"i(( and s-nk -! t my neck* T"e itc"in+ '+d 0e(t <"en <e+d 0irst (anded A-st set my b dy a0ire* ' c nsidered t"e kid* Na"& n <ay "e c -(d+)e been trained t t"at (e)e( yet* 't t k years* T" se )isi ns s+gested :a? "ad a "e0ty d se 0 t"e gi0t& b-t it <asn+t t"e kid makin+ me itc"* N * ' 0ina((y "ad t admit& it <as m-c" < rse t"an magic* ' "adn+t seen r t -c"ed Ras(yn in si? r se)en years* We -sed t da((y in t"is ca)e rig"t "ere* Ot"er times <e <ent t "er "-t +midst c(atterin+ and cras"in+ 0 magica( st-00 cr <din+ e)ery s-r0ace* Ras(yn <as t"e m st < nder0-( 0(es" '+d e)er set "ands n t"en r since* Had a nice smi(e& t * ' s-re c -(d+)e g t -sed t <akin+ -! <it" "er ar -nd*** i0 s"e <asn+t s & <e((& c ntrary* Arg-mentati)e* ' (e0t "er in t"e darkest " -r 0 t"e darkest nig"t& tried t (ea)e <it" -t 0-ss r c(-es* .-t "er mage breed isn+t easi(y 0 (ed* +Sides& ' <as c(-msier t"en* Wit" -t !enin+ t" se g rge -s a((Ckn <ing eyes& s"e <"is!ered in "er c nA-rin+ ) ice& DY - <i(( meet y -r 0ate ne day* S" -(d y - be tem!ted t esca!e <"en Fate ca((s& kn < t"at ' "a)e marked y -* D S"e !ened "er eyes t"en& t" -g" "er 0ace sti(( "e(d t"e rest0-( ca(m 0 -ntr -b(ed s(ee!* D't <i(( n t be denied* D W"ene)er ' t" -g"t back t t"at nig"t& ' tried t te(( m+se(0 '+d (e0t A-st in time* .-t t"e (ady ta-g"t (ess ns* S"e a(<ays s! ke tr-e& and s"e "ad t"e <i(( t <ait e)en i0 it t k years* ' c -(dn+t t"ink 0 a ne <" cr ssed "er <" didn+t +)ent-a((y get a reminder* E)er since& ' g-ess& ' kne< my time <as c min+* At 0irst& e)+ry !ec-(iar !ain r strange itc"& '+d been s-re <as my end* Sti((& any mercenary "as t (i)e <it" s-c"& and ' g t -sed t dd sym!t ms a0ter a <"i(e* ' r-bbed at a br-ise n my tai(b ne* Days n a drag n+s back& ' t (d myse(0* ' <atc"ed t"e drag n kee! ! kin+ at :a? as ' re(-ctant(y

-n0 (ded t"e n te* 't said& DFate* S"e+s y -rs* H n r "er* D FateCt"at 0ick(e 0ema(e* S"e s-re <as mine* ' ( ked -! t see t"e O(d Gr -c" (icking t"e kid+s 0ace* Y mig"t+)e t" -g"t "e <as A-st bein+ !-!!yCd g 0riend(y& b-t y -+d +)e been <r ng* :a? kne< it t * T"e drag n "e(d :a? -t as i0 t get a better )ie<& t"en ( <ered t"e kid t <ard "is !en m -t"* DSt ! t"atED :a? and ' ye((ed as ne* D'nteresting& D Cr es-s res! nded* He !a-sed& b-t "e(d t"e kid danger -s(y c( se t t" se Aa<s* Ras(yn+s magic <as ! <er0-(* T"e itc"y 0ee(in+ g t -nbearab(e* S-dden(y ' "ad t st ! Cr es-s* ' A-m!ed -! and s(i!!ed n ( se r ck* DD n+t d t"atED ' s" -ted as ' 0e((* T"e drag n t-rned t 0ace me& t"en m )ed t bring -s at eye (e)e(* ' <as "a(0 n my back* His b-(gin+ eyes& "is 0(ared n stri(s& "is "-ge 0 rm b( cked a(( e(se 0r m my sig"t* We b t" kne< <" <as master "ere and "ad been 0r m t"e 0irst* 'n a ) ice "e -sed n(y <"en "e t" -g"t "is smarter enemies mig"t yet "a)e t"e sense t r-n a<ay& t"e drag n said& D'+)e decided t eat t"e c"i(d* W"at c ncern is it 0 y -rsFD ' s" k myse(0* My 0ace itc"ed* ' t-rned it int an embarrassed smi(e* DD n+t kn < <"at g t int me* M-st+)e been t" se 0-mes y -+re !-ttin+ -t* ' s! ke "asti(y& D ' said& " !in+ t ( sen "im s me* Cr es-s ( <ered "is 0ace c( ser t mine* DY - kn < it <as n t"ing 0 t"e kind& D "e said t"r -g" gritted teet"* We "adn+t been t"is tig"t 0aceCt C0ace 0 r a ( ng time* 6r bab(y e)er& c me t t"ink ab -t it* Cr es-s <asn+t !atient <it" disagreements* He didn+t b t"er t < rk <it" 0ate* He <as 0ate* :-dgments <ere instant and 0ina(* '+d a(<ays (iked t"at ab -t t"e O(d Gr -c"*** ti(( n <* DT"e kid& D ' reminded "im* DWi(( kee!& D "e said* DT"is re@-ires a str ng*** st mac"& s"a(( <e say* D S+gestin+ '+d ( st my ner)e <as a gra)e ins-(t* : kin+ ab -t it meant ' <as ne ste! c( ser t bec min+ drag n c" <* Eit"er <ay& n ne <as (a-g"in+* My skin seemed <i(d <it" cra<(in+ insects* ' c -(d "ard(y kee! 0r m br-s"in+ +em a<ay* 'n t"e back 0 my mind& ' sat ne?t t a sma(( c"i(d and <atc"ed a )i((age b-rn* A "ars" <ind b(e<* / se r cks c(attered be"ind -s* Cr es-s <aited* ' scratc"ed my back and neck <it" t"e scra! 0 !arc"ment ama=ing(y sti(( in my "and* DCr es-s& '+m& -"*** D ' 0a(tered* D' "a)e t kee! t"e kid* Y - can+t eat "imED ' s!at it -t @-ick in ne breat"Ct"en tensed 0 r t"e < rst* DW"at <i(( y - d <it" "erFD "e e?!( ded* DY - "a)e n -se

0 r t"is ne* D y - t"ink y - <e "er s met"ingFD Cr es-s <as steamin+* We+d ne)er 0 -g"t (ike t"is e)en <"en "e a(m st ate meC nce* D' <e "er n t"in+ED ' s" -ted back& g(ad 0 r an e?c-se t b( < and !(enty angry myse(0* D' (e0t "er& 0air and reas nab(e& as y - <e(( kn <CD DN t t"e m t"er& y - inc m!etent "-manE :a?ED D:a?E .-t :a? isn+t a "er* He+s a "e*** isn+t "eFD T"e drag n+s 0ace said t"er<ise& and "e backed 00 en -g" t (et me get t"e message* ' st-died t"e sky* T"e < r(d s!read -t be0 re me* T"e <inds <ere s-dden(y ca(m* 't made a t<isted sense* Fate <as s-re(y 0ema(e* S"e and my (ady mage kne< " < t teac" a mercenary a (ess n* ' a(m st (a-g"ed as ' said& DGir( r b y& d esn+t matter* ' "a)e t kee!*** "er* D ' said it a(m st as t" -g" ' be(ie)ed it* KA gir(& " s<eet dancin+ sisters& t"e b(asted < man (e0t me a gir(EL ' "anded t"e O(d Gr -c" Ras(yn+s n te& <"ic" "e snatc"ed 0-ri -s(y <it" ne c(a<* DT"is means n t"ing& D "e said& readin+ it* DDrag ns are n t b -nd by 0ate* D D.-t ' am& D ' t (d "im <it" s-r!risin+(y (itt(e regret Kand maybe e)en a (itt(e re(ie0 at 0ina((y "a)in+ Fate s(a! me in t"e r-m!L* Cr es-s <as back t ta(kin+ t me& and t"e cra<(in+ ants <ere retreatin+& s ' kne< ' "ad a c"ance* D' g t n idea <"at <e+re g in+ t d <it" an -ntrained& gir(c"i(d magician& b-t s"e+s t"e debt ' <e* D ' !a-sed& <aitin+ 0 r a sign "e agreed* T"e drag n sni00ed& "a(0 in c ntem!t b-t a (itt(e s rr <0-((y t & ' t" -g"t* D' agree t"is c"i(d <i(( ca-se -s indigesti n& D "e said <it" a sig"* T"e n te& im!a(ed n ne 0 t"e drag n+s c(a<s& <as stirred by a stray g-st 0 <ind& <"ic" a(s br -g"t <it" it a de(ici -s& -ne?!ected scent* D's t"at sm keFD DW"ere did t"e c"i(d disa!!ear t & any<ayFD And t"en ' smi(ed <ider+n at a "arem 0-(( 0 dancin+ gir(s* KN & n t t"at* M-c"& m-c" <iderC'+m n t m-c" 0 r "arems* T"e gir(s tend t be a (itt(e y -ng* 6re0er mine <it" e?!erience* L 't 0ina((y da<ned n me <"at t"at sme(( <as c min+ 0r m t"e back 0 t"e ca)e& and " < ' c -(d !-t t"ings rig"t <it" t"e O(d Gr -c"* ' m )ed t t"e ca)e m -t" t eyeba(( t"e kid and c"eck -t my t"e ry* Cr es-s <as rig"t be"ind me* 'nside& :a? <as "-mmin+ a "ig"C!itc"ed t-ne as s"e merri(y 0ed a gr <ing 0ire +neat" a r astin+ "-nk 0 )enis n* See& ' s" -(d "a)e rea(i=ed t"e )i((age in my )isi ns ( ked mig"ty 0ami(iar* .esides "a)in+ a !enc"ant 0 r magic& :akster <as a (itt(e 0ireb-g* S"e "ad set "er )i((age& Ras(yn+s

)i((age& ab(a=e* Her neig"b rs !r b+(y !-t -t "er 0(ames !(enty 0 times be0 re* T"is time <as t"e (ast stra<* ' (earned t"e g ry detai(s (ater& 0r m :a? "erse(0* S"e <as -nderstandab(y !r -d* Wit" "is im!eccab(e timin+& Cr es-s ta!!ed me n t"e s" -(der and "anded me Ras(yn+s n te* On t"e back 0 t"e !arc"ment& in a messy scra<(Cmaybe t"e angry " rdes <ere c( sing inCit said> D6* S* :a? is a !retty 0air c kCb-t <atc" t"e 0ire* D And in a messier scra<( sti((& DTe(( t"e drag n it <i(( ease "is c nscience t eat s me ne e(se+s c king 0 r a c"ange* D DWe((& "-"& D ' gr-nted t+ m+se(0* ' ( ked )er at t"e kid& b-t :a? seemed t be a(t get"er ca-g"t -! in !re!arati ns 0 r dinner* Cr es-s <as sti(( " )erin+& ( kin+ n ne t !(eased at de)e( !ments* DWe c -(d -se a c k& D ' said <eak(y* His tai( s(a!!ed t"e gr -nd "ard en -g" t add cracks t t"e (edge and ( sen a 0e< r cks s me<"ere be( <* D +Sides& s"e d n+t <eig" m-c"& and t"ere+s !(enty 0 r m* D ' tried t s -nd ingratiatin+& b-t ' didn+t e)en c n)ince myse(0* T"e drag n s(a!!ed "is tai( "arder& making t"e entire c(i00 s"ake* DA<rig"t& a<rig"t* '+m c mingED said a "ig"C!itc"ed ) ice* And :a? came "-rryin+ -t 0 t"e ca)e carryin+ a m -nded !(atter 0 readyCt Ceat )enis n* DMedi-m rareED :a? ann -nced& settin+ t"e meat be0 re t"e drag n* /ike t"e n te said& :a? <as a !retty 0air c k* Cr es-s said s "imse(0& s" rt(y a0ter "e t re int a g dCsi=ed "-nk* T"ings <ere sett(ed* Fate <e(( met* ' cast a s 0t"earted g(ance )er my s" -(der as :a? <ent back int t"e ca)e t !re!are an t"er !(atter& t"en "eard a crack be"ind me* T"e drag n& interr-!tin+ "is 0east& "e(d a branc" sna!!ed in t< C an (i)e branc"& as it <ere* My re(ie0 didn+t esca!e "is n tice as "e "anded t"e < d t me* He kne< 0-(( <e(( <"ere '+d take it& !r )in+ "e rea((y isn+t a bad s rt nce y - get !ast t"at t -g" "ide* .ack in t"e ca)e& ' said& D:akster& ' 0 -nd s me m re kind(in+ 0 r y -* D :a? ( ked s (emn as s"e t k it 0r m me and !(aced it cerem nia((y n t"e 0ire* DT"ank y -& D <as a(( s"e said* ' scratc"ed a tiny itc" in t"e sma(( 0 my back and < ndered ab -t t"e tr -b(e <e+d get int * DY - are indeed <e(c me& D ' t (d "er& bare(y catc"in+ t"e r-mb(e 0 a sn re 0r m a midd(eCaged drag n sett(in+ d <n 0 r a na!* T"e First Drag narmy .ridging C m!any D n 6errin

T"e rain <as A-st ending* T"e s -nd 0 t"e <ater s!(as"ing in !-dd(es "ad s( <(y s-bsided t (ig"t s!(ats* Fig-res began t emerge 0r m <"ate)er s"e(ter t"ey+d been ab(e t 0ind& c-rsing t"e <et& searc"ing in )ain 0 r < d dry en -g" t b-rn* S me ne e(se <as searc"ing t"e cam!& t * DKangF .ridge Master KangF Get yer sca(y (ard ass -t "ere be0 re ' "a)e t "-nt y - d <n (ike a d gE KangE KangED Bnab(e t be(ie)e t"at s me ne <as act-a((y ( king 0 r "im& a (arge . =ak drac nian emerged s( <(y 0r m t"e barracks tent* He <as s(ig"t(y "-nc"ed and < re t (ed (eat"er arm r* T"e standard c-r)eCb(aded s< rd < rn by m st drac nian <arri rs <as absent 0r m "is be(t* 'n its !(ace "-ng a sma(( dagger and a c i(ed r !e* D' am Kang& D "e gr <(ed* DW"at is it y - <ant& "-manFD DRaAak& t y -& .ridge Master* Sec nd Aide t Drag n Hig"( rd Ariakas* Y - <i(( acc m!any me t t"e c mmand tent* Y - <i(( recei)e y -r rders 0 r t"e -!c ming !erati n t"ere* D Kang stared in ast nis"ment* .e0 re t"e drac nian c -(d ask @-esti ns& t"e 00icer "ad t-rned and beg-n tr-dging -! a m-ddy track* S!-ttering cam!0ires <ere dim(y re0(ected in t"e man+s !(ate c-irass* S"r-gging& Kang s( gged res!ect0-((y a0ter "im* T"e drac nian <as easi(y t<ice t"e <eig"t and a g d si? inc"es ta((er t"an t"e "-man& b-t t"ere <as n t" -g"t 0 anyt"ing b-t bedienceCt"e (i0eb( d 0 t"e drac nian* His )ery e?istence& 0r m "atc"(ing n& <as dedicated t ser)ing t"e Drag n Hig"( rd& 0 (( <ing "is rders* Orders*** Kang+s ( ng& (i=ard(ike t ng-e 0(icked 0r m "is m -t" in antici!ati n* At (ast& a0ter a(( t"is time& rders*** As .ridge Master& it <as Kang+s A b t train& maintain& and (ead a s@-adr n 0 drac nian bridge b-i(ders* T"ey "ad trained 0 r t"ree m nt"s n < and "ad !racticed b-i(ding e)ery c ncei)ab(e ty!e 0 bridge* T"ey "ad& " <e)er& ne)er -sed t"eir cra0t in c mbat& ne)er gained t"e !raise and res!ect Kang kne< <ere d-e t"em* His s@-adr n "ad n t been t"r -g" its ba!tism 0 0ire* N t t"at t"ere "adn+t been bridges b-i(t* T"e c ntinent 0 Ansa( n <as (aced <it" ri)ers and streams& d tted <it" (akes* .ridges <ere needed t aid in t"e ad)ance 0 gr -nd tr !s& t bring -! s-!!(ies and siege e@-i!ment s )ita( t t"e c ntin-ed s-ccess 0 a 0ig"ting 0 rce* Bnti( a year ag & it "ad been standard !erating !r ced-re t ca(( in t"e drac nian c mbat engineers* A(( t"is "ad c"anged& " <e)er& <"en t"e .(ack R be G (mitack and "is sma(( band 0 <i=ards and dr-ids "ad < n t"e 0a) r 0

Ariakas& Drag n Hig"( rd* G (mitack arg-ed t"at it <as 0ar m re e00icient t a(( < t"e dr-ids t ca(m t"e <aters and s (idi0y t"e a!!r ac"es& and "a)e t"e mages cra0t t"e str-ct-res 0r m magica( s -rces* AriakasCa <ie(der 0 magic "imse(0C"ad been im!ressed by G (mitack and "is 0(as"y met" ds* T"e drac nian engineers <ere re(egated t rear area sec-rity& standing g-ard& d ing kitc"en and (atrine d-ty* /atrine d-ty* Kang sn rted* He <as damn sick and tired 0 (atrine d-ty* His <as t"e n(y bridging s@-adr n (e0t in t"e entire Red Drag narmy* His c mmand <as made -! 0 t"e biggest Si)ak drac nians ar -nd& (ed by "imse(0& a . =ak* His tr !s <ere ab(e and ready* T"ey+d been ab(e and ready 0 r m nt"s n <* And t"ey <ere ab(e and ready t d s met"ing t"er t"an dig t" se e)er(asting s(it trenc"es**** Kang <as !(eased t"at "e <as being s-mm ned t an rders c n0erence& b-t "e c -(dn+t "e(! b-t < nder <"y* 't made n sense* T"e Red Drag narmy+s ad)ance "ad sta((ed n a "asti(y b-i(t set 0 de0enses t"r <n -! by "-man and d<ar)en <arri rs acr ss t"e n(y 0 rdab(e secti n 0 t"e ri)er* T"e mig"t 0 t"e "-man 0 rces <as t"reatening t"e rig"t 0(ank 0 t"e drag narmy& and t"ere <ere r-m rs 0 si()er drag ns s-!! rting t"e "-mans* Kang ass-med t"at t"e .(ack R be G (mitack < -(d eit"er de)ise a met" d t de0eat t"e de0enses r b-i(d a bridge )er t"e ri)er* Or !er"a!s Wing /eader .art(ett < -(d (ead t"e Drag n Hig"( rd+s red drag ns in a raid bent n destr ying t"e !estering de0enders* A(( in a((& t"e !(ans added -! t m re (atrine digging 0 r t"e drac nian engineers& and Kang didn+t need a di)isi n c mmander r a Hig"( rd t te(( "im t"at* Sec nd Aide RaAak came t a "a(t in 0r nt 0 t"e (arge "ead@-arters tent* DWait -t "ere& .ridge Master& -nti( y are ca((ed 0 r* D Kang gr-nted in ackn <(edgment* RaAak entered t"e tent* As t"e 0(a! !ened& Kang c -(d "ear t"e s -nds 0 "eated debate inside* He st d& !-==(ed* W"at <as t"e !r b(emF A!!arent(y& "e <as ab -t t 0ind -t* RaAak rea!!eared* D.ridge Master Kang& y - are s-mm ned* W"en y - enter& y <i(( t-rn t y -r (e0t& marc" 0 r<ard t t"e area in 0r nt 0 t"e batt(e ma!& sa(-te& and 0ace t"e Hig"( rd* G-esti nsF N F G d* Carry n* D T"e rank 0 .ridge Master <as 00icia((y an 00icer rank* Kang <as n t -sed t being treated (ike an 00icer& " <e)er* /atrine and kitc"en d-ty tended t <ear t"e s"ine 00 "is meta( c(as!s* He t<itc"ed "is arm r int !(ace& ga)e "is "arness b-ck(es a @-ick s<i!e <it" "is t ng-e* Entering t"e

tent& "e !er0 rmed as instr-cted& sa(-ted t"e Drag n Hig"( rd* D.ridge Master Kang as re@-ested& Hig"( rd* D Ariakas <as (arge 0 r a "-man* T"e Drag n( rd+s c (d& e?!ressi n(ess 0ace marked "im as cr-e(& !r -d& ambiti -s* Kang& <" "ad n(y seen "is c mmander 0r m a distance& <as c nsiderab(y im!ressed* D.ridge Master* D / rd Ariakas+s ) ice r-mb(ed t"r -g" t"e tent& si(encing a(( c n)ersati n* DH < < -(d y - rate t"e !erati na( e00ecti)eness 0 y -r bridging s@-adr n in nig"t bridging !erati nsFD Kang <as st-nned* H < by t"e G-een < -(d "e kn <F His s@-adr n "ad n t been in c mbat 0 r )er a yearE T"ere <as n <ay**** Recei)ing n ans<er t "is @-esti n& / rd Ariakas "ad beg-n t 0r <n* D.ridge MasterFD Kang t k a dee! breat"& made t"e n(y res! nse "e c -(d* DHig"( rd& <e are 0ig"ting 0it and ready 0 r c mbat* 't is -r " n r t ser)e ne s-c" as y -**** D Ariakas <a)ed "is "and im!atient(y* DYes& yes* Fine* En -g" <it" t"e !(easantries and bra)ad * ' need straig"t ans<ers& and ' need a !(an in t"e ne?t "a(0 " -r* As y - kn <& bridging "as 0 rmer(y been t"e d main 0 t"e mages and dr-ids* .-t yesterday& a !atr ( 0 e()es& aided by ! <er0-( magics& amb-s"ed and ki((ed -r t< dr-ids and seri -s(y < -nded t"e <i=ard G (mitack* D Kang attem!ted t ass-me an e?!ressi n 0 dee!est sym!at"y& a(( t"e <"i(e trying t kee! "is sca(es 0r m c(icking t get"er in A y* Ariakas <ent n* DWe "a)e t get r -nd t" se c-rsed d<ar)en 0 rti0icati ns* T"e army m-st cr ss t"e ri)er& 0(ank t"e 0 rti0icati ns& and cr-s" t"e de0ense* Ot"er<ise& <e+(( be s@-as"ed (ike b-gs <it" t"e "-mans ! -ring in 0r m -r rig"t and n <ay t cr ss t"is damned ri)er* D T"e Hig"( rd str de )er t t"e (arge batt(e ma! s!read -t acr ss a cr-de < den tab(e* Markers 0 )ari -s ty!es de(ineated enemy and 0riend(y tr ! -nits& 0 rti0icati ns& and terrain* OneCt"e symb ( 0 a si()er drag n& n t"e side 0 t"e enemyCimmediate(y ca-g"t t"e drac nian+s attenti n* Si()er drag nsF C -(d it be tr-eF Drac nian b( d n rma((y r-ns c (d& b-t Kang+s ran c (der t"an -s-a(* He "ad di00ic-(ty& 0 r a m ment& 0 (( <ing Ariakas+s < rds* T"en a sing(e !"rase A (ted t"e drac nian t attenti n* D.ridge Master& D said Ariakas& D' need a bridge* W"ere < -(d y - !-t itFD Kang ( st "is 0ear and "is a<e* His sca(y skin (itera((y

t<itc"ed <it" antici!ati n* / rd Ariakas <as asking Kang t c mmit t "is ba!tism 0 0ireC"is 0irst !! rt-nity since bec ming c mmander* Kang st-died t"e ma! intent(y* T"e ans<er <as& t "im& b)i -s* DHere& Hig"( rd* ' < -(d b-i(d a sing(eC(ane 0( ating 0 t bridge* Here* D Kang ! inted at ne 0 t"e <idest& dee!est ! rti ns 0 t"e ri)er d <nstream 0r m t"e enemy de0enses* / rd Ariakas gr-nted in disg-st* DT"ereF .ridge Master& e)en 0 r a drac nian& y - are an idi t**** D T"e Drag n Hig"( rd !a-sed* His "and r-bbed "is c"in& dark <it" se)era( day+s gr <t" 0 beard* A s( < smi(e began t s(ide acr ss t"e Drag n Hig"( rd+s 0ace* T"e smi(e br adened t a c"-ck(e* D' see y -r !(an*D Kang began t breat"e again* D'0 ' may be a(( <ed t e(ab rate& Hig"( rd* ' < -(d b-i(d t"e bridge d <nstream in t"e <ide and dee! !art 0 t"e ri)er& 0irst t make t"e cr ssing easier d-e t t"e ca(mer <aters& and sec nd beca-se n ne in "is rig"t mind < -(d !-t a bridge t"ere& t"-s ens-ring -r sec-rity and secrecy* Once t"e mig"t 0 -r in0antry is acr ss& <e <i(( <iden t"e bridge t acc mm date siege engines and <ag n trains* D Ariakas n dded* DW"at 0 bridging materia(sFD T"e sca(es n t"e drac nian+s back tig"tened and c(icked int !(ace& eac" ne a(igning itse(0 <it" its neig"b rCa nat-ra( reacti n t tensi n and ner) -sness 0 r drag ns!a<n* DHig"( rd& t"is 0 rested area "ere <i(( ser)e t b t" c )er -r c nstr-cti n and !r )ide t"e materia(s* We can -se t"e (arge trees as d-g -t ! nt ns and t"e sma((er nes t create a c rd-r y !(anking* / ng& t"in trees <i(( be -sed t !r )ide girders t (ink t"e ! nt ns t get"er* 't <i(( take t"e s@-adr n t"ree days t "a)e t"e materia(s ready t b-i(d a 0( ating bridge& / rd* D Ariakas smi(ed* DY - "a)e -nti( t m rr < nig"t& .ridge Master* T"at bridge <i(( be -! be0 re t"e rise 0 t"e s-n t"e ne?t day* D Kang+s sca(es c(icked m re ( -d(y* DT"en ' <i(( need m re man! <er& Hig"( rd**** D D'm! ssib(e* ' cann t s!are any men t aid y - in y -r c nstr-cti n* T"e ( ss 0 tr !s 0r m t"e eart"< rks < -(d a(ert t"e enemy t -r*** my !(an* D Ariakas t-rned a<ay* DWing /eader .art(ett& y - <i(( gr -nd y -r drag n <ing -nti( a0ter t"e bridge is -!& e?ce!t t 0(y interce!t missi ns* ' <ant n c"ance 0 enemy si()er drag n riders bser)ing t"e bridge c nstr-cti n* Bnderst dFD Kang "ad been s a<ed and ner) -s& "e+d ne)er act-a((y

rea(i=ed t"er 00icers <ere !resent* N < t"at "e ( ked& "e rec gni=ed t"ree di)isi n c mmanders& eac" <it" "is sta00& se)era( 0 t"e Hig"( rd+s aides& s!ecia(ists& and g-ards* T"e !(ace stank 0 seni r 00icer* Ariakas c ntin-ed t iss-e rders* Kang st d as si(ent and -nm )ing as a br n=eCsca(ed ! st* D.ridge Master& y - are dismissed* .egin y -r < rk at nce* O"& and .ridge Master& y - <i(( sit in n my !(anning c n0erences 0r m n < n* D DG( ry t -r Dark G-een& Hig"( rdED Kang said& sa(-ting* DT t"e G-een& D Ariakas said absent(y& <it" a <a)e 0 "is "and* Kang a(m st 0(e< d <n t"e m-d track t "is s@-adr n+s barracks tent* He "esitated at t"e tent 0(a!& sa) ring t"e m ment* T< < rds < -(d start "is 0irst rea( c mbat c mmand* F r t"is& "e+d been "atc"ed* He entered t"e tent @-iet(y and n dded ! (ite(y t t"e sentry* 6-tting "is "ands n "is (eat"er be(t& "e dre< in a "-ge breat" 0 air* DStaaaaand t ED He <as in "is e(ement n <& 0 r t"e 0irst time in "is e?istence* T"is <as "is "atc"Crig"tE DGet -tta bed& y - id(e gitsE Get m )ingE Stand t & y - (a=y bastardsE F rm ranks n t"e r ad in t"ree min-tes& c mbat braces and "e(mets* F-(( c nstr-cti n gear* We+re g ing t < rkE M )e itED T"is (ast rder ca-sed a sensati n am ng t"e drac nians* F-(( c nstr-cti n gearF T"at <as n(y needed 0 r b-i(ding bridgesC rea( bridges* T"is <as certain(y n time 0 r a !ractice e?ercise* T"e s@-adr n 0 rmed -! in c (-mns <it" t<enty sec nds t s!are* T"ey <ere g ing t <ar* T"ey <ere back in t"e b-siness 0 0ig"ting**** Kang ( ked e)ery ne )er* DRig"t* /isten -!* Tr ! c mmanders re! rt t me in t<enty min-tes* T"e rest 0 y -& -n!ack a(( bridging t (s and !(ans* Rec nnaissance C mmander& re! rt t me n <* T"e rest 0 y -CdismissedED C m s& (eader 0 Rec nnaissance Tr !& st-m!ed )er* Kang dre< "im t ne side* DRecce C mmander& ' <ant y - and y -r tr ! t c"eck -t a g d site d <nstream& <"ere t"e ri)er gets <ide and ca(m* Yea"& y - kn < t"e !(ace* T"e s@-adr n <i(( arri)e in t"ree " -rs* ' <ant trees marked 0 r !(anking& ! nt ns& and girders* ' <ant a bi) -ac site marked& and ' <ant a sm ke(ess 0ire <e(( "idden 0r m t"e !! site s" re g ing and at (east ne (arge r dent r asting <"en ' get t"ere* C(earF G d* G * D T"e area e?!( ded in a 0(-rry 0 acti)ity* E)ery sing(e

member 0 t"e bridging s@-adr n kne< t"e signi0icance 0 t"e endea) r* Eac" ne 0 t"em A-m!ed at t"e c"ance t !r )e "imse(0 in t"e eyes 0 t"e .ridge Master* T"e bridging s@-adr n <as rgani=ed int gr -!s 0 t<enty Si)aks and ne . =ak* T"e Si)aks !r )ided t"e bra<n need 0 r bridging !erati ns* T"e . =ak acted as t"e tr ! c mmander and t"e seni r Si)ak as "is s-bc mmander* T"eir main tasks <ere t"e c nstr-cti n 0 !arts and t"en assemb(y 0 t" se !arts int a bridge* S-!! rt Tr !& c nsisting 0 r -g"(y t"e same mi? 0 drac nians& c nstr-cted t (s and s!ecia(i=ed in digging t"e a!!r ac"es 0 r t"e bridge* Recce& r Rec nnaissance Tr !& <as res! nsib(e 0 r !icking t"e e?act bridge site& marking t"e trees needed 0 r t"e c nstr-cti n 0 t"e bridge& and t"e de0ense 0 t"e site d-ring c nstr-cti n* Se)era( .aa= drac nians <ere mi?ed in& as t"ere <as n need t <aste "ig"er @-a(ity drac nians n sentry r c king d-ties* As t"e saying <ent& i0 t"ere <as a m-ndane A b t d & (et a .aa= d it* Recce Tr ! a(s "ad t"e n t s en)iab(e task 0 " (ding t"e 0ar bank 0 t"e ri)er d-ring bridge assemb(y* T"at <as& acc rding t t"e (earned scr ((s& -s-a((y re0erred t as a s-icide missi n* Kang "e(d "is <n rders c n0erence <it" "is tr ! c mmanders inside t"e barracks tent* T"ere "ad ne)er been s m-c" e?citement r s-c" "ig" s!irits in t"e s@-adr n* N ne needed Kang t em!"asi=e t"e signi0icance 0 t"is !erati n* '0 t"ey s-cceeded& n t n(y < -(d t"ey be c )ered <it" g( ry& b-t / rd Ariakas mig"t see 0it t dis!ense <it" t" se sneaky .(ack R bes and t"e treeC"-gging dr-ids* A0ter t"e rders <ere gi)en& t"e tr ! c mmanders ret-rned t t"eir !re!arati ns* Kang dragged "is s-bc mmander& a "-ge Si)ak drac nian& 00 t t"e side* DS(it"& t"is is it* We+re g ing t b-i(d a g ds0 rsaken bridge and sa)e t"e <" (e b( dy day* N < ' <ant y -& as sec ndCinCc mmand& t be t"e disci!(inarian* Kee! t" se t ads in (ine* Here+s " < <e < rk it* ' <ant t"e tr !s t ( k )er at -s and say +t"at S(it"& "e+s a mean bastard 0 a drag ns!a<n& b-t .ridge Master Kang& "e+s kay* + Get my dri0tF W"en t"ere+s !raise r enc -ragement t be gi)en& t"at+s my A b* W"en t"ere+s <"i!s t be crackedC r !er"a!s a 0e< "eadsCy -+(( d t"e cracking* H <+s t"at <it" y -FD S(it" "ad been s-bc mmander 0 r n(y ne m nt" -nder Kang& b-t it "ad been a g d m nt"* S(it" "ad s" <n "imse(0 t be brig"ter t"an m st Si)aks and r-t"(ess <"en it came t a!!(ying t"e (a<* He < -(d (ike(y ne)er earn a c mmand 0 "is <n& b-t "e certain(y <as g d at s-bc mmanding*

S(it"+s ta-t carti(age (i!s !ee(ed back 0r m r <s 0 ra= rC s"ar! teet"* D' am ( king 0 r<ard t t"is& .ridge Master* My n(y re@-estDCs@-inty eyes narr <ed as "e ga-ged t"e e00ect 0 "is ne?t 0e< < rds n "is c mmanderCDis t"at ' c mmand t"e 0arC side " (ding secti n* D Kang <as !(eased at t"e re@-est* S(it" <as eager t !r )e "imse(0* He <as asking 0 r t"e m st danger -s ! siti nC g-arding t"e side 0 t"e ri)er t"at <as in enemy "ands* Kang c(a!!ed t"e Si)ak n "is b ny s" -(der* D' d n+t "a)e t remind y - t"at y - may ne)er c me back acr ss t"at bridge* D S(it"+s t t"y smi(e <idened* Kang n dded* DT"e " n r is y -rs* D :-st as t"e s-n r se ab )e t"e green "i((s s-rr -nding t"e )a((ey& t"e bridging s@-adr n arri)ed in 0 rce at t"eir destinati n* T"ey m )ed <it" a(( d-e ca-ti n and stea(t" t"r -g" t"e -nderbr-s"* T"ey <ere -tside t"e de0ensi)e !erimeter 0 t"e drag narmy& meaning t"ey <ere in enemy territ ry* .-t it <as t"e s-n t"at < rried Kang m re t"an e()es r e)en si()er drag ns at t"e m ment* Wit"in t"e tree (ine it <as sti(( dark& b-t a(ready it <as b)i -s t Kang t"at t"e day <as g ing t be a " t ne* S!a<ned 0r m drag ns& drac nians are c (dCb( ded and can adA-st t"eir b dy tem!erat-re t s-it t"e c(imate* T"is s!ring "ad been -n-s-a((y " t& " <e)er& and beneat" t"e trees& " t <as )ery " t* S me drac nians c -(d n t adA-st c m!(ete(y* Y - c -(d a(<ays te(( a drac nian <" <as e?"a-sted r )er"eatedC"e grinned <it" -t kn <ing it* As t"e sca(es n "is back s!read t a(( < t"e air t circ-(ate& t"e skin 0 "is 0ace !-((ed ta-t& "is m -t" !ened t a(( < greater c (ing* Kang <as a0raid t"at "is tr !s < -(d n t be ab(e t "and(e t"e "ard (ab r in t"e "eat& and "e "ad n 0(e?ibi(ity in "is timetab(e 0 r a de(ay* 't cc-rred t "im& " <e)er& t"at e)ery drac nian in t"is -nit <as as e?cited ab -t t"e c ming batt(e as "e <as* He <as !r bab(y < rrying need(ess(y* .y ear(y a0tern n& t"e t"<acking 0 a?es and t"e ! -nding 0 < den ma((ets n end ! sts <ere s<eet m-sic t Kang* He a(m st started t "-m a( ng& ca-g"t "imse(0 A-st in time* W"at i0 / rd Ariakas "a!!ened by& disc )ered "is .ridge Master singingF Kang+s sca(es c(icked at t"e t" -g"t* R -nding -! S(it"& Kang decided t s-r)ey t"e < rk* T"e 0irst tr ! <as dee! in t"e 0 rest c-tting ta((& straig"t !ine trees* T" se t"at <ere t be c-t <ere marked by a d -b(e b(a=ing mark n t"e tr-nk& made by t"e members 0 Rec nnaissance Tr ! <"en t"ey "ad 0irst arri)ed* T"e trees <ere 0e((ed and t"en stri!!ed& (ea)ing n(y t"e ( ng tr-nk*

T"ese <ere t be -sed as t"e rai(s 0 t"e bridge and c nnect t"e ! nt ns* Kang <as <atc"ing "is men < rk <"en*** T"-nkE Kang r ((ed 0 r c )er* T"e tree t "is rig"t "ad )irt-a((y e?!( ded <it" t"e im!act 0*** 0 <"atF A(( < rk in t"e area immediate(y ceased* T"e (eat"erCarm red drac nians <ere near(y in)isib(e in t"e dense br-s"* N ne made a s -nd* Kang r ((ed t "is side t ( k -! at t"e tree* 't "ad s!(it dead center si? 0eet 0r m t"e gr -nd* Kang+s ga=e m )ed 0irst -! t"e tree& and t"en d <n& 0ina((y e?amining t"e base* Here "e 0 -nd "is ans<er* A sma(( !iece 0 d <e( <it" si()er (ea0 s"ards (ay br ken near t"e tr-nk* Y - c -(d a(m st sme(( t"e magic c ming 0r m t"e s"a0t* An e()en arr <* W"ic" meant*** DS(it"& ( k at t"isED Kang "issed* DT"ere+s a damned e(0 !ansyCassing ar -nd -t t"ere* D y - see "imFD S(it" <as m )ing s( <(y& snake(ike& in t"e directi n 0 t"e s" t* He made n s -nd and ga)e n re!(y* .-t t"e Si)ak "ad gi)en Kang a(( t"e ans<ers "e needed* R ((ing t "is (e0t& Kang r se t a cr -c" and ( !ed 00 in a s( < arc t"r -g" t"e < ds* DT"ere+s n <ay -nder t"e Abyss '+(( (et s me ! intyCeared < dsy r-in my 0irst c mbat c mmand& D Kang m-ttered* R -nding a (arge decid- -s tree& "e s! tted m )ement* He dre< "is dagger& t"en& c-rsing& ret-rned it t t"e scabbard* W"at <as "e g ing t d <it" a dagger <"en "e 0aced a <e((Carmed e(0 <arri rF Wit" re(ie0& Kang rea(i=ed t"at t"e m )ement "ad been made by S(it"* T"e s-bc mmander& seeing Kang& m ti ned t a b-s" n a kn ((* T"e c-rsed e(0 m-st be "iding t"ere* S(it" <as si(ent(y asking Kang t dra< t"e e(0 -t& s t"at t"e Si)ak c -(d amb-s" t"eir enemy 0r m be"ind* Kang n dded* A(t" -g" "e <as a magicC-ser& "e+d n(y "ad time t mem ri=e ne s!e(( be0 re being interr-!ted 0 r t"e rders c n0erence* N < it <as time t !-t t"e s!e(( t -se* Kang r se t "is 0-(( "eig"t& cras"ed t"r -g" t"e br-s"* T"e e(0 s! tted "im easi(y* An t"er t"<ack sent t"e drac nian s!ra<(ing* An arr < embedded itse(0 in t"e t"ick tr-nk 0 a nearby tree* R -nding a sma(( r ck& Kang sig"ted t"e e(0* T"e creat-re <as <earing a green Aerkin and tr -sers )er (eat"er b ts& <it" a c"ain c-irass c )ering its t rs * At its side& it < re a s" rt s< rd& and in its "and <as an rnate(y cra0ted e()en ( ngb <* T"e e(0 ( aded its b < and began t aim& a(( in ne 0(-id m ti n* Kang ( sed "is s!e((* T"e 0 rest (it -! (ike a b n0ire at

ne 0 t"e deat" g d C"em s"+s 0esti)a(s* T"e e(0 a!!eared t be m mentari(y c n0-sed& b-t @-ick(y regained its c m! s-re and !re!ared t send t"e drac nian t "is G-een* S(it" r se -! be"ind t"e e(0& str-ck* A s" cked e?!ressi n c nt rted t"e e(0+s 0ace* 't s( <(y re(eased tensi n n t"e b < and& <it" a gr-nt& sat d <n* Kang started t c ngrat-(ate S(it"& b-t S(it" <as n ( nger t"ere* Standing be"ind t"e dead e(0 <as a sec nd e(0& e?act(y t"e same as t"e 0irst in e)ery detai(& b-t " (ding a drac nian dagger& dri!!ing <it" b( d* D'+)e a(<ays <anted t d t"atED e?c(aimed S(it"Ct"e e(0* 't "ad been s ( ng since t"ey+d been in c mbat& Kang "ad 0 rg tten t"at Si)ak drac nians "ad t"e ! <er t take t"e s"a!e 0 t"e creat-re t"ey+d A-st ki((ed* A(( drac nians <ere end <ed <it" certain s!ecia( gi0ts 0r m t"eir G-een* E)en in deat"& a drac nian c -(d in0(ict seri -s "arm n t"e enemy* Kang <as !artic-(ar(y !r -d t kn < t"at& <"en it came time t ret-rn t "is G-een& "is b nes < -(d e?!( de& d ing c nsiderab(e damage t "is ki((er* A Si)ak+s c r!se t k n t"e a!!earance 0 t"e ne <" m-rdered "im& <"i(e a )ict ri -s Si)ak c -(d s"a!eCc"ange t ( k (ike "is )ictimC -nner)ing any 0 t"e enemy <" st-mb(ed acr ss <"at a!!eared t be a 0riend t"ey+d t" -g"t dead* E)en t"e ( <(y .aa= c -(d t-rn t st ne& encasing an enemy+s <ea! n in t"eir b dies& seri -s(y "am!ering "is abi(ity t c ntin-e t 0ig"t* Kang (et -t an -ndigni0ied sig" 0 re(ie0* He <a(ked -! t "is 0riend& grabbed "im by t"e s" -(der* DG d < rk& S(it"* ' t" -g"t ' <as "eaded 0 r t"e Abyss t"ere 0 r a sec nd* Damn& b-t y - ga)e me "a(0 a 0rig"t ( king (ike t"at c-rsed e(0* D S(it" grinned at t"e !raise* DSir& t"ere may be m re t"an ne e(0 in t"is !arty& and '+m t"e !rancing ninny t 0ind t"em* A0ter a((& d n+t ' ( k A-st (ike ne 0 t"em t<itsFD Kang began t (a-g"Ca (a-g" t"at b-bb(ed -! 0r m dee! in t"e be((y* DYes& yes& g and "-nt t"em d <n* W"en y -+re d ne <it" y -r 0-n& '+(( see y - in y -r n rma( 0 rm back at t"e cam!* '0 y -+re n t back by s-nd <n& '+(( send C m s acr ss <it" Recce Tr ! t take t"e 0ar side* D S(it"Ct"e De(0DC<i!ed "is b( dy dagger n t"e back 0 t"e dead e(0 and ti!t ed dainti(y int t"e < ds* Kang "-rried back t t"e engineering tr !* T"ey "ad res-med < rk& b-t "e n ticed t"at "is drac nians <ere -neasy* T"e bastards ke!t st !!ing t !eer ner) -s(y ar -nd* At t"is rate& it+d take t"em si? m nt"s t b-i(d t"e damn bridgeE Ass-ming a d -r e?!ressi n& Kang str de !-r! se(y -! t t"e tr ! c mmander* DW"ere in t"e Abyss are y -r sentries& G( t"FD

G( t"& t"e 00icer in c"arge& A-m!ed ner) -s(y* His eyes darted back and 0 rt" acr ss t"e .ridge Master+s massi)e 0 rm& "is ga=e ab -t (e)e( <it" Kang+s s" -(ders* T"e s(ig"t c(icking s -nd 0 "is sca(es a(igning <as a(( t"at Kang needed t "ear* DD n+t te(( me y -+re scared 0 a sing(e ! intyCearE Y sni)e(ing <"e(!E Get a gri! n y -r s(ack and id(e b dy* '+)e seen bra)erC( king "atc"(ingsE F r t"e ( )e 0 t"e G-een& y - better get s me ice back in t" se )eins& r '+(( "a)e y g-arding kender !ris ners back at base cam!E N < <"ere t"e de)i( are y -r b( dy sentriesFD C( t"+s eyes <ere <i(d& sna!!ing t"is <ay and t"at* DSir& it+s n(y t"at y - t (d me ' "ad 0 -rteen " -rs t c m!(ete a t"reeCday A bE T"ere+s n <ay ' can s!are engineers 0 r sentry d-tyED Kang& n < t"at "e "ad taken t"e 00icer a!art& "ad t reb-i(d G( t" in t"e .ridge Master+s <n image* His ) ice s 0tened* He dre< t"e drac nian t ne side& "and n "is @-i)ering s" -(der* D/isten& G( t"& ' kn < t"at it+s t -g" -t "ereCt -g"er t"an it+s e)er been 0 r -s& b-t t"is is -r batt(e& -r bridge* Y -+)e g t t d mirac(es& and t"e tr ! ( ks t y - 0 r t" se mirac(es* Gi)e t"em y -r "eart and y -r 0ig"ting s!irit and t"e mirac(es <i(( c me* ' kn < y -+)e g t it in y -* Remember -r !-gi( stick 0ig"tFD G( t" dre< a breat"& !r bab(y 0 r t"e 0irst time since t"e arr < "ad "it t"e tree* D-ring t"at !-gi( stick matc"& G( t" "ad attacked Kang <it" s-c" 0er city t"at Kang <as s-re G( t" < -(d be in (ine 0 r (eaders"i! s meday* T"e drac nian "ad it in "im& and it <as starting t s" < again* DYes& sir& D G( t" said& straig"tening* DT"is < n+t "a!!en again& and& sir& <e+(( be ready 0 r bridge assemb(y t"is e)ening* We+(( a(s be ready 0 r any e()es t"at s" < t"eir -g(y 0aces in t"is < ds again* D He <asn+t brig"t& b-t "e "ad dri)e en -g" 0 r t< drac nians* Sa(-ting& G( t" m )ed back t "is tr !* Kang "ad been 0 rced t !(ay b t" bad drac and g d drac in t"at c n0r ntati n& b-t it needed d ing* He+d better c"eck n t"e t"er tr !s* G( t" "ad reminded "im 0 t"at damn dead(ine* Kang <as starting t < rry* I I I I I 'n t"e < ds& S(it" m )ed ab -t Aa-nti(y* He ke!t de(iberate(y -t in t"e !en s "e c -(d be seen& and " !e0-((y s! t "is e()en Dc mrades* D He "ad r -nded a bend

in t"e trai( <"en a str ng "and grabbed " (d 0 "is arm& Aerked "im 00 t"e !at"& and t"re< "im t t"e gr -nd* He ( ked -!* Standing )er "im st d t< e()es& b t" dressed simi(ar t "imse(0* DHey& care0-(& 0e(( <sE '+m a de(icate e(0* ' mig"t br-ise& y - kn <* .e nice& D said S(it"& s!eaking t"e C mm n (ang-age and trying t s -nd and ( k e(0(ike* He reac"ed -t a "and* DC+m n* He(! me -!* ' t"ink y - made me t<ist my ank(e* D DG(t"gb"e b"eee t"g"dedd b((a"FD T"e t< e()es A-st st d and stared& ne 0 t"em Aabbering at "im in t"at birdbrained t ng-e 0 t"eirs* St-!id& st-ckC-! t<its* W"y c -(dn+t t"ey ta(k a sensib(e (ang-age (ike e)ery ne e(se in t"e < r(dF S(it" "ad n idea <"at t"e ! intyCeared d 0-s <as saying* DO"& yes& yes& 0 c -rseED "e ans<ered& again in C mm n* T"e e(0 eyed S(it" <ari(y& b-t "e(!ed "im t "is 0eet* As "e reac"ed a standing ! siti n& S(it" dr )e "is dagger int t"e st mac" 0 t"e e(0& "ea)ed t"e b(ade -! int its ribs* .( d g-s"ed& and t"e sec nd e(0 stared in ama=ement* A(m st immediate(y& S(it" "ad m-tated int t"e 0 rm 0 t"e dying e(0& and t-rned n t"e sec nd& (i)ing ne* Dr !!ing its b <& t"e e(0 reac"ed 0 r a s" rt s< rd* S(it" dr )e "is 0ist int t"e e(0+s 0ace& at t"e same time trans0 rming back int "is drac nian b dy* T"e ( k 0 disbe(ie0 n t"e e(0+s 0ace <as (a-g"ab(e& s S(it" (a-g"ed and d -b(eC0isted t"e e(0+s neck& breaking it and dri)ing t"e (i0e(ess b dy t t"e gr -nd* Again S(it" m-tated& t"is time int t"e 0 rm 0 t"e sec nd e(0& <" t-rned -t t be a 0ema(e* S(it" <as e(ated* T"ings <ere g ing e?ceeding(y <e((* '0 "e ke!t t"is -!& "e+d "a)e a(( t"e e()es in t"is end 0 t"e < r(d dead by s-nd <n* T"at ga)e "im an idea* He+d s<im acr ss t"e ri)er in t"is 0 rm and c(ear t"e 0ar side 0 t"e enemyE 't <as !er0ect* He+d be in t"e rig"t ! siti n t retake c mmand 0 t"e de0ense !arty <"en "e+d 0inis"ed* .ri((iantE I I I I I S-nd <n t"at nig"t <as ne 0 t"e m st eerie and bea-ti0-( sig"ts Kang "ad e)er seen* At t"e " ri= n& t"e sky t-rned t"e c ( r 0 b( d* A(( 0 t"e drac nians st !!ed t"eir backbreaking < rk and re)e(ed in t"e sig"t* 't <as an men 0 t"e batt(e t c me* .-t A-st <"en Kang <as 0ee(ing rea((y& rea((y g d& "e sa< s met"ing 0(y acr ss t"e " ri= n* 't <as t 0ar a<ay t identi0y by sig"t& b-t t"e drac nian kne<& by t"e terrib(e stirring 0 t"e b( dCa stirring t"at c(enc"ed "is g-t and

s"ri)e(ed "is b <e(sC<"at it <as* A si()er drag n* Drac nians "ad been Db rnD 0 t"e eggs 0 si()er& g (d& and t"er drag ns <" ser)ed t"e <im! g d 0 sni)e(ing g d and rig"te -sness& 6a(adine* .(ack magic and dark !rayers "ad a(tered t"e drag n eggs& c"anging <eak drag n "atc"(ings int str ng& ! <er0-( 0ig"ters (ike Kang* Kang "ated and 0eared si()er drag ns* And t"e drac nian kne< t"e 0ee(ing <as m-t-a(* He br ke t"e a<ed si(ence <it" a be(( <ed rder* DTr ! c mmanders& re! rt t me in 0i0teen min-tesED W rk c ntin-ed* T"e ri)er <as )er ne "-ndred 0eet <ide at t"is ! int* Ferrying Recce Tr ! acr ss <as g ing t be a !r b(em* T"e distance <as t great t "a)e t"e .aa= 0(y acr ss& and t"e c-rrent <as str ng& making s<imming a !r b(em* Kang didn+t <ant "a(0 "is c mmand 0( ating 00 d <nstream* T"e tr ! c mmanders arri)ed at t"e c mmand tent ne by ne& a"ead 0 t"e 0i0teenCmin-te dead(ine* T"ey marked t"eir ma!s 0r m t"e master ma! Kang "ad nai(ed t a (arge s(e<m-c tree& adding any c"anges t"at may "a)e been made* T"at <as t"e rit-a( in t"e drag narmy* Y - arri)ed 0 r rders a"ead 0 time& marked y -r ma!& grabbed a m-g 0 steaming gr-e( 0r m t"e bi) -ac area& and <aited 0 r t"e meeting t be ca((ed t rder* T"e tr ! c mmanders ta(ked am ng t"emse()es& disc-ssing t"eir !r gress and < rking -t detai(s* Kang c(eared "is t"r at* A(( r se t t"eir 0eet <"en t"e .ridge Master t k "is !(ace at t"e 0r nt 0 t"e tent* N rma((y& t"e s-bc mmander < -(d ca(( t"e meeting t attenti n& b-t S(it" "ad n t yet ret-rned* DRe(a?* T"is is g ing t be s" rt* '+)e )isited a(( 0 t"e tr !s& and '+m !(eased <it" t"e !r gress* ' <ant a(( bridge secti ns assemb(ed by t< " -rs !ast midnig"t "ere in t"e c(earing* Recce Tr ! <i(( cr ss at midnig"t* C m s& <"at d y - t"ink is t"e best <ay t cr ssFD C m s c nsidered 0 r a m ment* DSir& <"y d n+t <e 0ire a ba((ista b (t <it" a sma((Cga-ge r !e attac"ed acr ss t"e ri)erF '0 it sticks& <e+(( s<im& -sing t"e r !e as a g-ide* '0 it d esn+t& <e+(( s<im and " !e 0 r t"e best* D DG d* ' (ike it* Set -! t"e ba((ista t<enty min-tes be0 re y - g * Ca(( me t"en* '+m g ing t rest and mem ri=e s!e((s* Get at it& and t"e G-een+s <rat" t any 0 y - <" +re (ate* D T"e tent em!tied* Kang <as (e0t a( ne* A sing(e t rc" (it t"e interi r* 6-((ing a < rn (eat"er t" ng 0r m a ! -c" in "is be(t& Kang r"yt"mica((y <ra!!ed and -n<ra!!ed "is "and <it" t"e t" ng* He a(( <ed "imse(0 t 0a(( int a trance& m-rm-ring t"e ancient < rds asking t"e G-een 0 Darkness 0 r

"er b(essing and t"e granting 0 s!e((s* Mem ri=ati n 0 s!e((s <as act-a((y a misn mer& c ming 0r m t"e "-man "abit 0 reading and mem ri=ing s!e((s 0r m a b k* 'n 0act& <it" t"e drac nians& t"e -se 0 magic <as m re simi(ar t t"at !racticed by t"e ancient c(erics& <" <ere granted s!e((s by t"e grace 0 t"eir g ds* T an -tsider& t"e magic -sed by t"e . =ak drac nians a!!eared t be an innate abi(ity* T"e . =ak kne< t"at "is magic <as a gi0t 0r m t"e G-een "erse(0* A kn ck n t"e tent ! st start(ed Kang int <ake0-(ness* DW"at is itFD T"e re!(y <as 0r m "is sentry* DSir& it is A-st c ming -! t midnig"t& and y - rdered <e s" -(d <ake y -* D DMidnig"tF A(readyFD Kang <as b)i -s(y m re tired t"an "e+d t" -g"t* He did& " <e)er& "a)e a c m!(ete c m!(ement 0 s!e((s* T"e G-een "ad sensed "is need and granted "im a(( t"at "e "ad asked* E?iting t"e tent& "e t-rned t t"e sentry* DAny < rd 0r m S-bc mmander S(it"FD DN < rd& sir* N ne "as seen "im since ear(y t"is a0tern n* D Kang <a(ked )er t t"e c(earing* T"e darkness ! ssessed n maA r !r b(ems 0 r "im* A(( drac nians& <it" t"eir s!ecia(i=ed "eatCsensing )isi n& c -(d see 0air(y <e(( in t"e nig"t* T"ree 00icers descended -! n t"e .ridge Master as s n as "e <as in sig"t* T< 0 t"em <ere drac nians 0 t"e bridging s@-adr n& and t"e t"er <as a "-man* DG d e)ening& Sec nd Aide RaAak* ' tr-st a(( is <e(( <it" t"e Hig"( rdFD DA(( is <e((& .ridge Master Kang* / rd Ariakas asks 0 r a !r gress re! rt* D DT"e bridge <i(( be ready 0 r -se A-st be0 re t"e 0irst breaking 0 (ig"t& acc rding t "is rders* A(s & an e()en sc -t <as ki((ed* ' "a)e sent my s-bc mmander t dis!atc" t"e rest 0 t"e !arty* ' ass-me& t"ere0 re& t"at n < rd 0 -s "as made it back t t"e enemy* Rec nnaissance Tr ! <i(( de!( y t t"e !! site bank in min-tes* T"e assemb(y 0 t"e bridge <i(( begin in t< " -rs* D-ring assemb(y& ' < -(d ask t"e Hig"( rd t rede!( y s me 0 "is s" ck in0antry t t"is area* ' < n+t be ab(e t s!are engineers 0 r sentry d-ty nce <e begin* T"e n ise <i(( -nd -bted(y make t"is a " t s! t* D RaAak n dded* D' <i(( re! rt t"is t t"e Drag n Hig"( rd* Y <i(( n tice t"e tr !s assemb(ing n t"e track be"ind t"is c(earing in an " -r r s * W"en t"e bridge is !en& ' <i(( (ead -r 0 rces t t"e t"er side* D T"e sec nd aide de!arted* Kang t-rned t t"e t"er t< 00icers& G( t" and C m s*

DC m s& is t"e ba((ista readyFD DYes& sir& b-t t"ere is n <ay t acc-rate(y aim in t"e dark* D N t e)en drac nians c -(d see acr ss t"e )ast ri)er* DD t"e best y - can* D Kang m ti ned "is 00icers t 0 (( < and <a(ked t t"e ba((ista* 'n s( <& met" dica( t nes& t"e .ridge Master int ned t"e s!e(( 0 r si(ent 0(ig"t& and !(aced "is "ands -! n t"e b <string 0 t"e ba((ista* W"en "e "ad 0inis"ed& "e !icked -! t"e ba((ista b (t <it" t"e r !e tied t t"e end and re!eated t"e !r cess* T"en "e "anded t"e b (t t G( t"* DFire it @-ick(y* T"e si(ence s!e(( d es n t (ast ( ng* D T"e b (t 0(e< acr ss t"e ri)er and (anded n t"e t"er side& s me<"ere in t"e br-s"& a(( in -nnat-ra(& dead(y si(ence* T"e n(y s -nd <as t"e < d 0 t"e ba((ista creaking& and t"at <as min r* Kang+s s!e(( "ad < rked* He !eered int t"e darkness& t" -g"t "e sa< m )ement n t"e 0ar bank* T "is ast nis"ment& t"e r !e <as ine?!(icab(y dra<n an t"er ten 0eet acr ss be0 re it st !!ed* S(it"E 't "ad t be S(it"E He " !ed t t"e G-een it <as S(it"**** Recce C mmander C m s !-((ed n "is end 0 t"e r !e& 0 -nd t"e t"er end sec-re* He rdered "is tr ! acr ss* Ten min-tes (ater& a0ter t"e (ast 0 "is c mmand "ad entered t"e <ater& C m s started t"e A -rney "imse(0* T"e cr ssing <as easy* Eac" drac nian "-ng n t t"e r !e& !-((ed "imse(0 a( ng& c(a< )er c(a<* Arri)ing n t"e t"er bank& C m s c(ambered -t 0 t"e <ater& t"en st !!ed dead in "is tracks* He reac"ed 0 r "is dagger* Facing "im <as an e(0 00icer in g (d !(ate mai( arm r* C m s+s men "ad t"e e(0 s-rr -nded* One 0 t"e Si)aks "ad a kni0e t t"e e(0+s t"r at* D.y t"e G-een& <"at "a)e <e g t "ereFD C m s (a-g"ed* DA "a-g"ty !ris ner ca-g"t in a drac nian s!ider<eb& e"FD T"e e(0 c-rsedCin drac nian* DC m s& y - d (t* S"-t -! and take c mmand 0 t"is gagg(e 0 y -rsED T"e Si)ak " (ding t"e dagger n t"e e(0 t"re< d <n "is <ea! n in disg-st* D'0 t"at isn+t S-bc mmander S(it"& '+m a 0aerie !rincessE A(( t"is tr -b(e 0 r n t"ingED C m s stared& narr <Ceyed* DSir& is t"at y -FD DO0 c -rse it+s me& 0r gCbrain* W" in t"e Abyss did y t"ink sec-red y -r r !e n t"is sideF T"e G-een "erse(0F N <& (isten t me* '+(( retain t"is e(0 0 rm 0 r an t"er " -r r t< * '+m g ing t sc -t ar -nd* '0 s met"ing g es <r ng& y -+(( "ear my batt(e cry* And i0 y - r-n acr ss an e(0 <earing a "e(m r a "at& ki(( it* '+(( take my "e(m 00 and <a)e it& s y -+(( kn < it+s me* D Wit" t"at& S(it" t-rned and disa!!eared int t"e < ds* T"e

t"er drac nians s!read -t in a semicirc(e and started t < rk* Bsing "-ge ma((ets& t"e drac nians began t ! -nd (arge < den s!ikes int t"e gr -nd t 0 rm t"e bridge anc" r* T"e n ise <as s-re t dra< attenti n n t"is side& ass-ming any ne <as <it"in "earing distance* C m s !re!ared 0 r tr -b(e* :-st as t"e (ast s!ike <as being ! -nded& "e "eard a (arge s!(as" n t"e !! site side 0 t"e ri)erCKang+s side* T"e bridge <as starting t be assemb(ed* N <& t"e race <as n* DT t"e Abyss <it" gi)ing -rse()es a<ay& D C m s s" -ted& grinning t "imse(0* D/et t"e enemy try t st ! -sED O00icers ye((ed rders* T"e "ea)ing and ! -nding 0 ir n s!ikes int t"e < d ! nt ns made a cac !" ny in t"e nig"t* E)ery t<enty min-tes r s & an t"er s!(as" s -nded& an t"er ! nt n <as !-s"ed int t"e ri)er* T"e ! -nding and ye((ing rene<ed* Tensi n <as rising n C m s+s side& " <e)er* S(it" "adn+t ret-rned& and t"e sentries <ere @-ietCt @-iet* C m s <as ab -t t g c"eck n t"ings "imse(0 <"en "e "eard a r-st(ing in t"e trees* An e(0 <a)ing "is "e(m sta(ked -t 0 t"e s"ad <s* Entering t"e c(ear area at t"e bank& t"e e(0 c"anged int a Si)ak drac nianCS(it"* T"e s-bc mmander <as n t !(eased* He str de -! t C m s& grabbed " (d 0 "im by t"e c ((ar 0 "is (eat"er arm r& and s" k "im (ike a d g s"akes a rat* DY - idi tE Ne)er ne)er ne)er !-t a .aa= n sentry d-tyE Y -+re a 0 (& C m s* '+)e kn <n scramb(ed eggs <it" m re brainsE Te(( me& <"at d y - t"ink "a!!ens <"en a .aa= is garr tedF He A-st stands t"ere @-iet as st neE As st ne& (i=ardCbreat"E A(( y -r damn sentries -t t"ere "a)e been ki((ed& and t"ey+)e t-rned t st neE And y - didn+t "ear a damn t"ingED D.-t& sirCD C m s tried t e?!(ain* S(it" g( <ered* DAt (east i0 a . =ak b-ys it n sentry d-ty& "e+d "a)e e?!( ded& and <e+d "a)e "ad s me <arningE /-cky 0 r y - ' <as nearby* T"e m-rdering e()en sc -t !arty is n < 0erti(i=ing daisies n t 0i0ty 0eet 0r m "ere* '+m ass-ming c mmand* Y -+(( act as my aide* C(earFD DYes& sCsCsirED stammered t"e -n"a!!y C m s& t"r -g" ratt(ing teet"* S(it" g(anced ar -nd& n ticed t"e rest 0 Recce Tr ! standing ar -nd& d ing n t"ing& <atc"ing t"e t< 00icers* D:-st <"at in t"e Abyss d y - t"ink y -+re ( king atFD S(it" s" -ted at t"em* DN ne t (d y - t st ! < rkingE F rm a de0ensi)e !erimeterE M )eED Recce Tr ! began t s( g 00 in t"e directi n 0 t"e tree

(ine* S-dden(y ne drac nian gr aned and sagged t t"e gr -nd* An t"er 0e((& c(-tc"ing an arr < in "is midri00* M re arr <s <"ined t"r -g" t"e trees& s -nding (ike e)i( <as!s* DGet g ing& y - magg tsED S(it" " ((ered* DEnemy t y -r 0r ntED Acr ss t"e ri)er& Kang st d n a tree st-m! at t"e <ater+s edge and s-r)eyed t"e < rk* A(( 0 t"e ! nt ns <ere c nstr-cted& and cr ssbeams <ere being nai(ed int !(ace* As a secti n <as readied& it <as !-s"ed int t"e <ater& m )ing t"e entire 0( ating bridge c( ser t t"e !! site bank* T"e end 0 t"e bridge <as sec-red t t"e r !e t"at Recce Tr ! "ad s" t acr ss& ens-ring t"at t"e bridge <as n t s<e!t d <nri)er* Si)ak drac nians& ba(ancing n t"e beams& nai(ed "a(0( gs int !(ace& creating a <a(k<ay* Se)era( "e(d s" rt b <s& t"eir attenti n n t"e air and t"e (and& kee!ing <atc"* Kang <as m re < rried n < t"an e)er* T"e bridge <as nearing c m!(eti n& and n t ne !r b(em "ad cc-rred* S-re(y it can+t be t"is easy& "e t" -g"t* He <as rig"t* Fr m acr ss t"e 0ar side 0 t"e ri)er& "e "eard <"at s -nded (ike S(it"+s r-mb(ing ) ice& t"e < rds> DEnemy t t"e 0r nt* D DDamnED Kang !eered acr ss t"e <ater& trying des!erate(y t see* He c -(d "ear t"e c(as" 0 b(ades& m re s" -ts* And t"en a "-ge b(ack s"a!e dri0ted )er"ead in t"e darkness& b(acker t"an b(ack* 't <as 0(ying ab )e t"e ri)er& and it c -(d n(y be ne t"ing* Kang A-m!ed d <n 0r m "is !erc"* He raced )er t acc st t"e "-man& standing n t"e ri)er+s edge* DSec nd Aide& ' take it t"at is ne 0 -r drag nsFD RaAak s" k "is "ead* DN & c -(dn+t be ne 0 -rs& .ridge Master* O-r drag ns are gr -nded e?ce!t t interce!t enemy*** D T"e "-man+s ) ice trai(ed 00* DH (y M t"er Tak"isisED Kang s< re* RaAak t-rned and s!rinted t t"e rear& "eading back t / rd Ariakas+s c mmand tent* Kang A-m!ed nt t"e !artia((y c m!(eted bridge& made "is <ay t t"e center* 6 -nding "is 0eet& "e -rged t"e engineers n* DFasterE M )e itE We+)e g t t"e enemy n -r*** .(essed AbyssE 'nc mingED T"e darkness s-dden(y c a(esced int t"e 0 rm 0 a "-ge si()er drag n* S t"at+s " < it disg-ised itse(0* Magica( darkness s!e((E Kang rea(i=ed* T"e drag n n < s" ne brig"t si()er* 't s<e!t 0 r<ard* 'ts -tstretc"ed "ind ta( ns raked acr ss t"e bridge* T"e damage t"e drag n did <as (ig"t& b-t it carried 00 t< . =aks in

its c(a<s* Kang rec gni=ed C m s& screaming c-rses as t"e drag n+s ta( ns d-g int "is sca(y 0(es"* T"e .ridge C mmander s< re* T"e drag n "ad ca!t-red !ris ners a(i)e* T rt-re c -(dn+t make a drac nian ta(k& b-t gi)e t"at <retc" C m s a c -!(e 0 drams 0 e()en <ine and*** Kang <as b(inded by a 0(as"& t"en dea0ened by an e?!( si n& 0 (( <ed @-ick(y by an t"er* 't t k "im a m ment t rea(i=e <"at "ad "a!!ened* T"e t< . =aks "ad b( <n a!art in midairE T"e 0 rce 0 t"e b(ast ri!!ed t"e -nderbe((y 0 t"e si()er drag n <ide !en* 't screamed& r ((ed )er nt its back& and !(-nged int t"e ri)er* DN t bad s" ting& e"& .ridge MasterFD S-bc mmander S(it"& " (ding an e()en b <& <as grinning at Kang* T"e .ridge Master stared at "im in < rd(ess ast nis"ment* S(it" s"r-gged* DC -(dn+t "a)e t"at (i=ardC(i)ered C m s and t"at t"er 00icer b(abbing ab -t -r bridge& c -(d <e& sirF S ' s" t t"em* T"ese arr <s are 0r m an e()en 00icer& and ' g-ess t"ey d n+t miss* ' remembered t"at <it" y - . =aks& y -r b nes e?!( de <"en y -+re deadCbegging y -r !ard n& sir* N t"ing !ers na(* 't+s A-st t"at ' 0ig-red i0 t" se t< <ent -!& t"ey+d take t"e drag n <it" +em* D Kang 0 -nd "is ) ice* DS(it"E W"ere in t"e G-een+s name did y - c me 0r mF H < in t"e Abyss did y - get )er "ereFD DT"e bridge "as reac"ed t"e !! site s" re* Recce Tr ! is sec-ring t"e t"er side as <e s!eak* We+re being )err-n by e()es )er t"ere* T"at+s <"at ' sent C m s t te(( y -* D Kang "adn+t rea(i=ed t"ey+d made t"is m-c" !r gress* He !eered acr ss t"e ri)er& c -(d see "is tr !s a(( )er t"e !! site bank* He c -(d a(s see t"e 0(as" 0 meta(& "ear t" se ner)eCgrating s ngs t" se c-rsed e()es sang <"en t"ey <ent int batt(e* He ( ked back at t"e near bank* T"e 0irst engineering tr ! <as A-st 0inis"ing t"e !(anking* G d 0 r G( t"* He "ad n t !ermitted "is men t st ! < rk& e)en <"en t"e drag n attacked* Kang <as s-dden(y& dee!(y& rig"te -s(y angry* S!rinting nt t"e bridge& "e ra((ied "is 0 rces* DKee! First Tr ! < rkingED "e ye((ed at G( t"* DT"e rest 0 y -& c me <it" meE We+re n t g ing t (et any G-eenCc-rsed& ! intyC eared& singCs ngy& gim!yC(egged e()es take -r bridgeE Are <eFD T"e drac nians ans<ered <it" ne res -nding ) ice* DN & sirED T"e engineers < rking n t"e bridge did n t g armedH s< rds < -(d n(y get in t"eir <ay* N < t"ey grabbed anyt"ing t"at c -(d be -sed t ki((> "ammers& ma((ets& a?es& s!ikes* Wie(ding t"eir cr-de <ea! ns& t"e drac nians s<armed acr ss t"e bridgeCt"eir bridge* E()en arr <s !icked 00 m re t"an a

0e<& b-t t"e drac nians s-rged n* .y a(( t"e g ds in t"e dark !ant"e n& t"eir bridge < -(d stand* T"e 0 rce 0 t"e drac nian ns(a-g"t smas"ed t"e e()en (ine* S n& t"e 0ar bank <as a<as" <it" e()en and drac nian b( d* Kang& "acking t"e "ead 00 an e(0 <arri r& "eard t"e e()en tr-m!ets s -nd retreat* T"e e()es (e0t a(i)eCand t"ere <eren+t manyCmade a das" 0 r t"e sa0ety 0 t"e < ds* Kang <as 0 rced t st ! "is batt(eCmad tr !s 0r m !-rs-ing* T"eir A b <as t"e bridge* /et RaAak and "is army 0inis" 00 t"e e()es* Weary b-t tri-m!"ant& Kang s( gged back acr ss t"e bridge in c m!any <it" S(it"* T"e drac nian <as (icking e(0 b( d 0r m "is dagger* DY - kn < <"at ' "eard ne 0 t"em ninnies say t an t"er& rig"t be0 re ' s(it t"eir t"r atsF +W"at+s g t int t"ese de)i(Cs!a<nF Bs-a((y t"ey+re !-s" )ers* + D DOb)i -s(y& t"ey+)e ne)er 0 -g"t t"e engineers be0 re& D Kang said& grinning* Once "e reac"ed t"e t"er side& "e ( ked )er t"e bridge& r-bbed "is c(a<s t get"er in satis0acti n* DG d& it+s ready t cr ss* D DS!eaking 0 cr ssing& <"ere+s t"e army& sirF S" -(dn+t t"ey be "ere by n <FD DY -+re rig"t& D Kang m-ttered* D' " !e n t"ing+s g ne <r ng**** A"& "ere c mes RaAakE He+s (eading t"e cr ssing* D DYea"F We((& "e+s in n "-rry& is "e& sirFD S(it" bser)ed* T"r -g" t"e darkness& t"e drac nians c -(d make -t a <arm(y g( <ing b dyCa "-manCstr ((ing at a (eis-re(y !ace a( ng t"e ri)erbank* DC -(dn+t "e "ear <e <ere -nder attackFD Kang s< re* DW"at+s "e ( ((ygagging ar -nd 0 rFD Kang das"ed -! t meet RaAak* Des!ite t"e 0act t"at m st 0 Recce Tr ! "ad !aid 0 r t"is bridge <it" t"eir (i)esC r maybe beca-se 0 t"at 0actCt"is <as Kang+s !r -dest m ment* DSec nd Aide RaAakDCKang sa(-ted smart(yCDy - may re! rt t Hig"( rd Ariakas t"at& as .ridge Master& ' "ereby dec(are t"is bridge !en* Y -r army can cr ss immediate(yED RaAak bare(y s!ared t"e bridge a g(ance* DG d < rk& .ridge Master& D "e said absent(y* His ga=e s"i0ted back t Kang* D.-t <e < n+t be needing it* D Kang+s m -t" 0e(( !en* His (i=ard t ng-e -nr ((ed& dr !!ed d <n near(y t "is <aist* Rea(i=ing "e ( ked -ndigni0ied& "e "asti(y s-cked "is t ng-e back in* D'0 y -+(( e?c-se my asking& sir*** did y - say t"e army < n+t be cr ssingFD RaAak s<atted irritab(y at a m s@-it * DC rrect& .ridge Master* We <i(( n t be needing t"is bridge* D DB"& begging y -r !ard n& sir& b-t c -(d ' ask <"yFD

DWe < n+t be cr ssing t"e ri)er* N t "ere& at any rate* T"at damn G (den Genera( and "er si()erC!(ated knig"ts are a "-ndred mi(es n rt" 0 "ere* St (e a marc" n -s* DT"isDCRaAak <a)ed a "and at t"e !! site bankC D<as a(( a di)ersi n* 'nte((igence 0e(( 0 r it* 'nte((igenceED T"e s (dier sn rted* DN < t"ere+s a misn mer* Damn s! ks c -(dn+t 0ind 6a(adine i0 "e 0e(( -t 0 t"e sky and (anded rig"t n t ! 0 +emED D'*** ' d n+t s-!! se / rd Ariakas < -(d (ike t c me take a ( k at t"e bridge <e b-i(tFD Kang asked <ist0-((y* D/ rd Ariakas "as seen a bridge be0 re& y - kn <& D RaAak said sarcastica((y* T"en "e sig"ed* D.esides& y - < -(dn+t <ant t be ar -nd "im A-st n <& Kang* My ( rd is n t& s"a(( <e say& in t"e best 0 m ds* D T"e "-man massaged "is Aa<* Kang n ticed a (arge and s<e((ing br-ise starting t de)e( ! n t"e (e0t side 0 RaAak+s 0ace* A!!arent(y it didn+t !ay t be near Ariakas <"en "e recei)ed bad ne<s* DWe((& .ridge Master& ' s" -(d be "eading back t cam!* Taking my time& 0 c -rse* D Sec nd Aide RaAak added& as an a0tert" -g"t& DY -+(( be recei)ing ne< rders* D DG ing t be needing a ( t 0 (atrines <"ere <e+re g ing& e"& sirFD Kang gr-nted* RaAak (a-g"ed a!!reciati)e(y& s(a!!ed t"e drac nian n "is sca(y s" -(der& and m )ed 00* Kang st d staring a0ter "im disc ns (ate(y* S(it"& <" "ad been <atc"ing& b-t kee!ing -t 0 ears" t& sid(ed -!* DW"at+s t"e < rdF W"ere in t"e Abyss is e)ery neFD DT"ey+re n t c ming& D Kang said* DT"ey+re n t cr ssing* D DN t cr ssingFD S(it" ga!ed* DA0ter a((C We((& '+(( be a skinnyCassed e(0ED He 0(-ng t"e dagger int t"e m-d in disg-st* Kang didn+t res! nd* He <as ( king at t"e bridgeC "is bridge* Bnd-(ating gent(y n t"e s-r0ace 0 t"e 0( <ing <ater& it stretc"ed acr ss t"e dark ri)er t"e <ay a ribb n 0 t"e 0inest si(k mig"t (ie acr ss "is Dark G-een+s b s m* He made "is decisi n* D.y t"e g ds& s me ne <i(( cr ss -r bridge& D "e ann -nced* S(it" stared at "is c mmander as i0 "e+d A-st ne<(y cracked -t 0 "is s"e((* DF rm ranks& D Kang rdered* DHa)e t"e tr !s 0a(( in* /et+s g * D T"e First Drag narmy .ridging C m!any (aid d <n t"eir t (s* T"ey 0 rmed a d -b(e (ine be"ind t"eir 00icers* Kang t k "is !(ace in 0r nt* DG-ick marc"ED

Wit" c(a<C0 ted !recisi n& t"e drac nians marc"ed acr ss t"eir bridge* Once n t"e t"er side& t"ey 0 rmed ranks* DFirst Tr !& 0a(( -t& D Kang rdered* D.-ry t"e dead* Acc rding t c-st m& D "e added& trying t kee! "is ) ice 0r m s"aking* T"ey b-ried t"e remains 0 Recce Tr ! near t"e 0 t 0 t"e bridge& t"eir bridge* T"e rest ( ked n s (emn(y& t"e ranks as rigid as i0 t"ey+d a(( been t-rned t st ne* N t a < rd r a s -nd& t"er t"an t"e digging* W"en t"e A b <as d ne& Kang rdered t"e tr ! t 0a(( in* He marc"ed 0 r<ard and embedded an ir n ma((et int t"e t ! 0 t"e m -nd* Any ne <" sa< it < -(d kn < t"at engineers <ere b-ried "ere* Kang sa(-ted t"e dead& t"en ret-rned t t"e s@-adr n* 'n si(ence& t"e First Drag narmy .ridging C m!any marc"ed back acr ss t"eir bridge* DM )e +em int cam!& D Kang rdered G( t"* DMake s-re e)ery < rker+s g t "is s" )e(* D G( t"& a bit dimC<itted& didn+t -nderstand t"e sarcasm* He b(inked& s(-r!ed "is t ng-e& and did as "e <as t (d* .ridge Master Kang and S-bc mmander S(it" 0e(( -t 0 t"e !r cessi n and st !!ed& standing a( ne n t"e ri)erbank* T"e bridge b bbed gent(y in t"e <ater* An entire s@-adr n 0 drac nians "ad marc"ed back and 0 rt" acr ss it and n t ne !(ank "ad gi)en <ay& n t ne ( g s(i!!ed its m rings* T"e bridge <as a master!iece& a mirac(e* DW"at d <e d n <FD S(it" asked s (emn(y* 't seemed a s (emn m ment* Kang dre< "is dagger* DC-t +er ( se* D T"e Midd(e 0 N <"ere Dan Harnden 't <as a )ery sma(( b-t rdinary )i((age& t"e kind city d<e((ers 0ten t"ink 0 as idy((ic& 00ering a sim!(e& m re !eace0-( <ay 0 (i0e* At t"e t <n+s center <ere A-st a 0e< st res* '0 t"e )i((agers+ needs c -(d n t be satis0ied by t"ese ( ca( merc"ants& t"en a ( ng <ait 0 r de(i)ered g ds r an e)en ( nger A -rney t s me distant ( cati n <ere t"eir n(y t"er a(ternati)es* .-t t"is <as rare(y necessary* T"e t <n <as se(0Cs-00icient and& in 0act& "ad (itt(e r n c ntact <it" t"e -tside < r(d* A(( )ery @-aint* A(t" -g" s me residents (i)ed at a distance 0r m t"e )i((age !r !er& t"ers c" se t b-i(d t"eir " -ses rig"t in t <n and rat"er c( se t ne an t"er* T"e d<e((ings and t"er str-ct-res <ere sim!(y designed* A(m st a(( t"e " mes <ere s"eat"ed <it" bark in t"e manner t"at <as ! !-(ar am ng

c -ntry 0 (k* T"e main street& <"ic" <asn+t ( ng& <as !a)ed <it" dirt and cr-s"ed r ck and (ined <it" (-s" (d trees t"at !artia((y "id many 0 t"e " -ses 0r m )ie<* .-t t"e main street did n t !ass a(( t"e <ay t"r -g" t"e )i((age as ne mig"t e?!ect* 'nstead& it <idened and ended in a circ(e <it" a )i((age green in t"e center* '0 ne <ere 0(ying ab )e t"e t <nCas say a drag n mig"tCt"e street < -(d ( k s met"ing (ike a key" (e* Rea((y @-ite c"arming* N t a(( t"e str-ct-res <ere made 0 bark* T"e nes at t"e circ-m0erence 0 t"e circ(e <ere b-i(t 0 <eat"ered gray st ne* T"is <as t"e b-siness district& <"ic" inc(-ded a b(acksmit"+s s" !& a c mbinati n 0eed and genera( st re& a ta)ern& and a (arge b-i(ding t"at ser)ed as t"e arc"i)es* T"e )i((age+s n(y s -rce 0 neg tiab(e inc me came 0r m t"e !reser)ing& c !ying& re!(icating& and s-bse@-ent se((ing 0 ancient man-scri!ts* 3ery metic-( -s < rk* O0 t"e 0 -r b-i(dings& t"e ta)ern <as by 0ar t"e m st ! !-(ar* As it <as t ear(y t"is day 0 r any decent citi=en t be imbibing& t"e ta)ern <as <it" -t !atr nage* T"is <as n t -t 0 t"e rdinary* .-t t"e (ack 0 acti)ity at t"e 0eed st re and b(acksmit"+s s" ! <as 0ar 0r m n rma(& as <ere t"e s" -ts 0 anger t"at r se 0r m t"e arc"i)es& <"ic" d -b(ed as t"e t <n+s meeting !(ace in times 0 crisis* Fists cras"ed d <n n tab(es and acc-sati ns 0(e<* Fear <as in t"e air& and t"e serenity 0 t"is m st(y s(ee!y "am(et "ad been s"attered* I I I I I T"e sig"ting 0 a drag n "ad !r m!ted t"e emergency sessi n at t"e arc"i)es* Wit" -t e?ce!ti n& a(( t"e residents "ad t-rned -t 0 r t"e meeting and <ere in g d ) ice* DW"at kind 0 drag n <as itFD s me ne s" -ted* DW"at kind d y - t"ink& idi tFD sna!!ed G(yk r& <" directed t"e < rk 0 t"e arc"i)es* DH < can <e be s-re it <as n a rec nnaissance missi nF W"y < -(d t"e drag n attack -sFD an t"er )i((ager in@-ired* DS"-t -!E Y - kn < <"y& D re!(ied Sm rg& t"e t <n+s 0 rge smit"* A ( -d& e?tended sessi n 0 inc "erent s" -ting ens-ed* M in Ranke( "ad ( ng ag (earned t ign re t"e -tb-rsts 0 "is c nstit-ency and <as c n0ident "e "ad 0 -nd t"e s (-ti n t t"eir di(emma* He <as A-st <aiting 0 r t"e <" !ing t die d <n* T"is <as by 0ar t"e < rst sit-ati n M in Ranke(+s administrati n "ad e)er 0aced& and t"ere e?isted t"e rea( danger t"at !anic am ng t"e !e !(e < -(d t"reaten e)eryt"ing t"ey "ad < rked s "ard t ac"ie)e* .-t M in Ranke( <as a

res -rce0-( (eaderCs me t" -g"t "im a bit ! m! -sCand <"en "e r se t "is 0eet& t"e t <ns!e !(e grad-a((y began t 0i? t"eir attenti n -! n "im* T"e r m gre< si(ent* M in Ranke(& an im! sing 0ig-re& (et t"e si(ence "ang in t"e air 0 r an e?tended m ment be0 re s!eaking* T"e c ns-mmate ! (itician* DAnd <"at& !ray te((& is y -r s-ggesti nFD "e asked& 0i?ing "is ga=e n Sm rg* DS< rds and arr <s 0r m y -r 0 rge against a drag nFD Sm rg c -(d 0ind n re!(y* DAnd <"at ab -t y -FD M in Ranke( s"i0ted "is attenti n t G(yk r* D6er"a!s y - c -(d <rite t"e drag n a (etter* Maybe y -r e( @-ent <ay <it" < rds <i(( c n)ince t"e beast t seek -t an t"er t <n t destr y* D Si(ence* M in Ranke( t-rned t t"e assemb(y* He ad !ted a m re c nci(iat ry t ne* DT"ese are indeed tr -b(ed times* T"e tr-t" is t"ere is n acce!tab(e s (-ti n t -r di(emma& and t"-s <e m-st c" se 0r m t"e -nacce!tab(e !ti ns* '+m certain& <"en y - eac" "a)e "ad time t c nsider t"e rea(ities 0 -r sit-ati n& y - <i(( agree t"at my !(an is -r n(y rati na( c -rse 0 acti n* D He <ent n t detai( "is !(an& t"en sat d <n <it" a <eariness t"at s-ggested "is <n acce!tance 0 t"e ine)itab(e* A master mani!-(at r at < rk* .-t make n mistake ab -t it& (ike t"e rest 0 t"e c mm-nity& t"e s<eat ! -ring 0r m "is br < <as @-ite gen-ine* Many " -rs (ater& s" rt(y be0 re s-nrise& M in Ranke(+s strategy <as 0ina((y acce!ted* O0 c -rse& i0 "is !(an s" -(d 0ai(& t"e 0a-(t < -(d be s (e(y "is* On(y M in Ranke( rea(i=ed t"ere < -(d be n s-c" recriminati ns i0 "is !(an did n t s-cceed* N ne < -(d be (e0t a(i)e t recriminate* As "e (e0t t"e meeting& "e 0 -nd "imse(0 < ndering <"y t"e g ds "ad seen 0it t gi)e "im s-c" a t <n 0 imbeci(es t g )ern* W"y meF "e t" -g"t as "e "eaded int t"e 0 rest n "is <ay t <"at <as t"e m st im! rtant and terri0ying meeting 0 "is (i0e* I I I I I He < rked "is <ay a( ng t"e se(d mCtra)e(ed !at"H t"e 0 rest gre< darker and m re 0 reb ding <it" e)ery ste!* /eaders"i! is a d -b(eCedged s< rd& M in Ranke( rea(i=edH t"is <as "is idea and t"ere0 re "is res! nsibi(ity* Sti((& "e <is"ed t"ere <ere s me t"er <ay* .-t it <as c(ear t"at any c n)enti na( de0ense against a drag n < -(d be -se(ess& <"ic" (e0t n(y ne a(ternati)e> magic* And 0 r better r < rse& t"at meant

/ =(an* T"ere <ere !(enty 0 reas ns <"y n b dy <anted anyt"ing t d <it" / =(an* His manner and a!!earance <ere terri0ying* / =(an+s eyes <ere g( <ing red s(its* His 0ace <as e?ceeding(y <rink(ed& <it" n ne 0 t"e (ines c"aracteristic 0 ne <" "as any ccasi n t smi(e* He <as t"e kind 0 man im! ssib(e t imagine "a)ing e)er been a c"i(d* 't <as r-m red& in 0act& t"at "e <as b rn (d& c m!(ete <it" a beard* W"ate)er t"e tr-t"& it <as c(ear "e <as an indi)id-a( <" se c"i(d" d <as 0ar& 0ar be"ind "im& and a(t" -g" "e <as n t in (eag-e <it" t"e dark g ds& neit"er did "e side <it" t"e (ig"t* Y - ne)er rea((y kne< <"ere y - st d <it" t"e man* T"e n(y !r s!ect m re 0rig"tening t"an a drag n and / =(an <as a drag n and n / =(an* S M in Ranke( !ressed n t <ard t"e mage+s (air* As "e came t t"e t ! 0 a rise& "e became s-dden(y a<are 0 an a((Cenc m!assing !resence* He st !!ed dead in "is tracks* Fr m t"e c rner 0 "is eye& "e sa< s met"ing s"i0t be"ind a tree* N t"ing t"ere* He t-rned at an t"er m )ement& b-t again sa< n t"ing* W"ate)er it <as managed t stay in t"e c rner 0 "is eye& a(<ays ne ste! a"ead 0 "im* 't <as maddening* And t"en& a(( at nce& a cr < cried -t ( -d(y& ca-sing M in Ranke( t <"ir( ar -nd and& catc"ing "is 0 t in t"e !r tr-ding r t 0 a tree& 0a(( t t"e gr -nd* DDamnE .e damnedED M in Ranke( cried -t* Angry& "e staggered t "is 0eet& br-s"ing t"e dirt 0r m "is (egs* / =(an <as standing direct(y in 0r nt 0 "im* M in Ranke( gas!ed* T"e mage smi(ed sadistica((y* DWe((& i0 it isn+t t"e great (eader "imse(0& D / =(an "issed* DC me& D "e c mmanded* And t"e great (eader 0 (( <ed* / =(an+s ab de <as as !ec-(iar as t"e man* A !er!et-a( mist c( -ded t"e str-ct-re& "iding it 0r m )ie<* Once inside& t"e same mist ga)e t"e )ie<er t"e -nner)ing im!ressi n t"at t"e < r(d -tside n ( nger e?isted* And !er"a!s& in s me <ay& it did n t* / =(an 00ered M in Ranke( a c-! 0 tea& and t"e tea! t began t <a(k d <n t"e tab(e t <ard t"em* / =(an <as am-sed by "is g-est+s ner) -s reacti n* T"at <as "is sty(e* M in Ranke( 0 -g"t t kee! "is <its ab -t "im* W"en t"e teac-! asked "im i0 "e <anted mi(k r s-gar& "e c -(dn+t "e(! "imse(0& "e began t stammer* D'+m sCsCs rry t b t"er y -& / =(an& b-t ' "a)e cCcCc me beca-seCD D' kn < <"y y - "a)e c me& D interr-!ted t"e mage* DAnd it

<i(( c st y -* D DH < m-c"FD M in Ranke( asked 0ear0-((y* DN t @-ite e)eryt"ing* D T"is <as t"e kind 0 res! nse M in Ranke( "ad e?!ected* And yet& <"at !ti n did t"ey "a)eF DY - <i(( !r tect -s 0r m t"e drag nFD D' d n+t kn <* Drag ns are danger -s& D / =(an said c y(y* M in Ranke( sensed t"e mage <as t ying <it" "im* DT"en& y t"ink <e s" -(d aband n t"e )i((ageFD DN t necessari(y* '& t & am danger -s& and i0 t"e !rice is rig"t& ' mig"t de0eat t"e drag n*** c ncei)ab(y* D DT"en y - t"ink y - can sa)e -sFD M in Ranke( !ersisted* D' can+t "ide t"e t <n& at (east n t inde0inite(y& D / =(an m-sed* DAnd it is -n(ike(y ' can diss-ade t"e beast 0r m attacking* D DT"en <"at can be d neFD DW"y& <e <i(( "a)e t trick t"e drag n& nat-ra((y* D DWeFD M in Ranke( "ad a sinking 0ee(ing* DYes* Y -& me& and t"e m r ns y - s ine!t(y g )ern* D D' d n+t -nderstand* D DT"en '+(( e?!(ain* D F r t"e 0irst time& M in Ranke( sa< s met"ing a(m st s-ggesti)e 0 a smi(e cr ss t"e (d man+s 0ace* / =(an+s idea <as t "a)e t"e )i((agers c ((ect a(( t"eir g (d& si()er& Ae<e(s& c ins& !endants& and anyt"ing e(se 0 )a(-e t"ey <ned and "ea! it in a c ns!ic- -s !i(e n t"e )i((age green* Drag n bait& "e ca((ed it* T"e sig"t 0 t"e treas-re& "e c nAect-red& < -(d be an irresistib(e distracti n t t"e <inged creat-re* En -g" s t"at it < -(d s!are t"e t <n immediate destr-cti n and m )e in 0 r a c( ser ( k* As it a!!r ac"ed& t"e drag n < -(d K" !e0-((yL n t n tice / =(an+s magica( s!"ere 0 rming ar -nd it* .y t"e time t"e <inged ser!ent sensed <"at <as a0 t& it < -(d be t (ate* 'ts (et"a( breat" 0 0ire < -(d n t be ab(e t esca!e / =(an+s in)isib(e g( be& and t"e drag n < -(d incinerate itse(0 rat"er t"an t"e )i((age* As 0 r t"e residents& t"eir !art <as t g ab -t t"eir b-siness in !(ain sig"t& acting as t" -g" it <ere an rdinary day and n t ar -se t"e drag n+s s-s!ici ns* DC(e)er& d n+t y - agreeFD asked t"e mage* Ty!ica(& t" -g"t M in Ranke(* N t n(y d es "e ask an -nt"inkab(e !rice& b-t "e a(s makes -s risk -r (i)es t !r )ide am-sement 0 r "im* DT"e treas-re <i(( m st (ike(y be destr yed by t"e "eat* .-t <"ate)er ! rti n 0 it t"at s" -(d s-r)i)e& <e <i(( c nsider !art 0 my 0ee& D / =(an added* A0ter se)era( " -rs& t"e neg tiati ns 0ina((y came t an end*

T"ey <ent e)en < rse t"an M in Ranke( "ad e?!ected& <it" / =(an demanding a "-ge year(y !ercentage 0 t"e t <n+s meager earnings in ret-rn 0 r "is magica( ser)ices* F r "is !art& t"e mage agreed t !r tect t"e )i((age 0r m t"is and any 0-t-re drag n attacks 0 r as ( ng as "e (i)ed* M in Ranke( insisted n t"e (ast !art* DY - dri)e a "ard bargain& D / =(an said* DW"en d <e !-t y -r tra! int !erati nFD asked M in Ranke(& ign ring t"e sarcastic c mment* / =(an ( ked -t "is <ind < int t"e !a@-e gray mist* A!!arent(y t"e mage <as ab(e t see int it r t"r -g" it& 0 r <"en "e 0ina((y t-rned back t M in Ranke(& "e "ad t"e ans<er* D'n t"e m rning& t"ree days "ence* D DT"ree daysE T"at isn+t m-c" timeED M in Ranke( gas!ed* DWe((& t"en y - best be "-rrying 00 t y -r (itt(e enc(a)e and te(( t" se m r ns t start c ((ecting t"eir )a(-ab(es r !acking t"eir bags* N <& '+)e g t im! rtant matters t dea( <it"* D / =(an t-rned a<ay* M in Ranke(+s c"air !-s"ed "im t a standing ! siti n& and t"e d r s<-ng !en* T"e meeting <as )er* M in Ranke( !a-sed in t"e d r<ay& ab -t t ask a 0ina( @-esti n 0 t"e mage* .-t as "e did& t"e d r s<-ng s"-t& str-ck "im n t"e n se& and !r !e((ed "im back<ard nt t"e gr -nd* DDamnE .e damnedED <as t"e best M in Ranke( c -(d m-ster* Wi!ing b( d 0r m "is n se& "e began t"e ( ng <a(k back t t <n* I I I I I DT"e !rice is t "ig"ED insisted Sm rg* DSi?ty !ercentE He+s mad& D !i!ed -! G(yk r* DYes& "e is& D 0ired back t"e be(eag-ered M in Ranke(* DAnd t"e dea(& @-ite 0rank(y& 00ends t"e n stri(s* .-t remember t"is& / =(an is )ery (d and can+t ! ssib(y (i)e many m re years* D T"e tr-t" <as& "e "ad n idea " < (d / =(an <as& b-t "e ( ked (d and ne m-st n t 0 rget& M in Ranke( <as a ! (itician* D' d n+t (ike it& D gr-mb(ed Sm rg* DNeit"er d '* .-t <"at is -r c" iceF Aband n -r " mes& -r be( )ed arc"i)esF ' kn < t"is is n t t"e best 0 dea(s& b-t ' te(( y -& it is t"e n(y c"ance <e "a)e* O-r n(y c"ance* D D.-t a(( 0 -r )a(-ab(esFD One 0 t"e seni r scribes s! ke -!* DYes& in a !i(e n t"e )i((age green& D M in Ranke( res! nded* He e?!(ained / =(an+s !(an in detai( t t"e

agitated cr <d and !r d-ced a bag 0 b(ack crysta(s* D/ =(an said <e eac" m-st carry ne 0 t"ese n -r !ers n and be standing ar -nd t"e circ-m0erence 0 t"e green <"en t"e drag n arri)es* He is adamant t"at e)ery ne 0 -s& <it" -t e?ce!ti n& be !resent at t"e cr-cia( m ment& r e(se t"e magic <i(( n t s-cceed* T"e crysta(s <i(( acti)ate s! ntane -s(y at A-st t"e rig"t time* D DY - ask -s t !-t -r 0ait" in t"ese < rt"(ess !ieces 0 c a(FD G(yk r demanded* DN * ' ask y - t !-t y -r 0ait" in meED <as M in Rankers res! nse* Fait" n t c ming easy t t"is b-nc"& t"e debate <ent n 0 r " -rs and " -rs* .-t ear(y t"at m rning& t"e decisi n <as 0ina((y made* Wit" t"e "e(! 0 / =(an& t"e g ds& and s me <eirdC( king b(ack r cks& t"ey < -(d attem!t t smite t"e drag n* I I I I I 6re!arati ns <ere beg-n at nce* T"e n rma( dai(y b-siness 0 t"e c mm-nity <as s-s!ended <"i(e M in Ranke( sc -red t"e )i((age& c ((ecting t"e !e !(e+s )a(-ab(es* 't <as n t easy 0 rcing a gr -! 0 !e !(e as tig"t0isted as t"ese t "and )er t"eir treas-res& e)en <"en t"eir (i)es <ere at stake* 't t k !r dding and& at times& -trig"t t"reats t get many 0 t"e citi=ens t d t"eir ci)ic d-ty* M in Ranke( 0e(t certain m st 0 t"e residents <ere " (ding back* Sti((& it <as remarkab(e A-st " < m-c" <ea(t" a c mm-nity as seeming(y "-mb(e as t"is <as ab(e t kee! "idden 0r m itse(0 a(( t"ese years* E)ery ne mar)e(ed at t"e si=e 0 t"e !i(e 0 treas-re as it gre< n t"e )i((age green* T"e sma(( m -ntain 0 !-(ence <as a t"ing 0 !rideC <"i(e at t"e same time ser)ing t c n0irm t"e s-s!ici ns t"ese )i((agers "ad ( ng "arb red 0 eac" t"er* W"en t"e 0ate0-( day arri)ed& t"e !e !(e mi((ed ab -t t"e street at t"e edge 0 t"e )i((age green& n t rea((y kn <ing <"at t d <it" t"emse()es& ner) -s(y c"ecking 0 r t"e b(ack crysta(s in t"eir ! ckets* 't is "ard t say e?act(y <"en t"e drinking began* Fear and t"e ta)ern+s c( se !r ?imity c mbined t (-re t"e ner) -s residents inside* As t"e m rning dragged n& t"e bre< 0( <ed at an increasing(y gener -s rate* E)en Sm rg and G(yk r 0e(( -nder t"e s!e(( 0 t"e b-bb(y int ?icant* M in Ranke( "imse(0 <as s me<"at s-r!rised <"en "e ( ked d <n t disc )er an )er0( <ing m-g c(enc"ed tig"t(y in "is <n "and* 't <as s n genera((y agreed t"at& -nder di00erent circ-mstances& t"e e)ent c -(d "a)e been a rat"er !(easant

e?!erience* Many 0 -nd t"eir ( ngC( st c -rage in t"e c (d meadH s me e)en dis!(ayed a s rt 0 c ckiness M in Ranke( 0 -nd t ta((y ina!!r !riate* 'n genera(& t" -g"& "e did n t bAect t t"e drinking& 0 r it mig"t "e(! t"e !e !(e " (d t"eir c -rage <"en t"e cr-cia( m ment <as at "and* He kne< it <as "e(!ing "im* A0ter a <"i(e& t"e rdea( act-a((y began t trans0 rm itse(0 int a 0esti)a(* T"ere <as dancing and singing and (a-g"ter* E)en t"e m st d -r members 0 t"e c mm-nity g t ca-g"t -! in t"e ce(ebrati n* 't <as t"e m st 0-n t"ey+d "ad since t"e )i((age+s 0 -nding* '0 t"is is t be -r (ast day& t"en <"y n t make it -r bestF became t"e m tt * T"e bre< 0( <ed and 0( <ed* D't d esn+t get any better t"an t"isED 't <as "ard t be(ie)e s-c" < rds came 0r m t"e m -t" 0 G(yk r* DY -+)e rea((y -td ne y -rse(0 t"is timeED a < man ye((ed at M in Ranke(& as s"e and "er !artner <"ir(ed !ast in a 0ren=ied dance* .y a0tern n& t"e drag n <as ( ng 0 rg tten* T"e 0irst sign t"at t"e !arty <as ab -t t c me t an abr-!t end <as a s-bt(e s met"ing in t"e air& s met"ing inde0inab(e* Sm rg& G(yk r& and M in Ranke( <ere t"e 0irst t n tice it* S n e)ery ne 0e(t it and sti00ened& as t"ey remembered <"at t"ey <ere rea((y t"ere 0 r* M in Ranke( -rged t"em t get int ! siti n and n t ( k -!* At t"is ! int& t"e drag n <as mere(y a s!eck n t"e " ri= n& b-t it <as c(ear t"e creat-re <as ra!id(y c( sing in* T"e !e !(e became m re 0rig"tened <it" eac" !assing sec nd* M in Ranke( !rayed t"ey < -(d n t break and r-n* DMaintainED "e screamed* F r <"ate)er reas n& t"ey did as t"ey <ere t (d* /ike "imse(0& t"ey <ere !r bab(y !etri0ied* W"en "e "eard t"e s -nd 0 t"e <ind r-s"ing beneat" t"e creat-re+s en rm -s <ings& "e t k a (ast g-(! 0 bre< and ( ked -!* M in Ranke( st d t"ere 0r =en in " rr r as "e stared int t"e 0ace 0 a drag n n < c( se en -g" t breat"e in0erna( deat" -! n t"em a((* .-t t"e drag n did n t immediate(y attack* Trans0i?ed by t"e sig"t 0 t"e treas-re& it <as " )ering A-st ab )e t"em* / =(an "ad been c rrect s 0ar& b-t <"y& M in Ranke( < ndered des!erate(y& "adn+t t"e b(ack crysta(s acti)atedF S-dden(y t"e drag n ( ked direct(y at t"e residents& and at t"at instant it became c(ear t"e beast rea(i=ed t"is <as a tra!* 't <as t"en& <"i(e -ns!eakab(e terr r 0i((ed t"e s -(s 0 e)ery )i((ager& t"at M in Ranke( 0e(t s met"ing stir in "is ! cket* / king ar -nd "im& "e c -(d see an eerie g( < radiating 0r m t"e ! ckets 0 a(( <" <ere !resent* He n < kne< <"at it <as t"at triggered t"e crysta(s at !recise(y t"e

rig"t instant* 't <as t"e (e)e( 0 0ear* He <as c-rsing / =(an <"en an -ng d(y 0 rce "-r(ed "im and t"e rest 0 t"e )i((agers against t"e st ne <a((s 0 t"e b-i(dings be"ind t"em* M-(tic ( red beams 0 !-re energy emanated 0r m t"e ! ckets 0 e)ery !ers n* T"e rays 0 rmed a "-ge trans(-cent s!"ere t"at n < s-rr -nded t"e "ein -s creat-re A-st ab )e t"e center 0 t"e green* T"e drag n !ened its m -t"& and t"ere <as n d -bt in M in Ranke(+s mind <"at <as g ing t "a!!en ne?t* He c( sed "is eyes* Se)era( sec nds (ater M in Ranke( 0 -nd "imse(0 sti(( a(i)e* He dared t s( <(y !en "is eyes* .e0 re "im <as a sig"t "e < -(d ne)er 0 rget* / =(an+s s!"ere <as -nd-(ating& " (ding <it"in it a <i(d(y <rit"ing drag n& tra!!ed in a 0ire 0 its <n creati n* M in Ranke( c -(d c(ear(y see t"e beast s"rieking in !ain& yet n t a s -nd 0 any kind esca!ed t"e diab (ica( s!"ere* 't <as many min-tes be0 re t"e drag n 0ina((y st !!ed str-gg(ing* And t"en& at nce& t"e s!"ere began t disintegrate* As t"e crysta(s became d rmant& M in Ranke( and t"e t"ers s(id d <n t"e <a((s t t"e gr -nd* T"e drag n+s c"arred 0(es" began t 0a(( 0r m t"e sky& (anding in a sm (dering mass n m re t"an ten 0eet 0r m M in Ranke(* S!arks singed "is c( t"es and arms* His breat"ing came "ard and 0ast* 't <as d ne* T"e mirac(e "ad cc-rred& and t"e drag n (ay dead in t"e center 0 t"e )i((age green ne?t t t"e !i(e 0 treas-re t"at "ad s-r)i)ed -n"armed* T"e residents ran t rec(aim t"eir ( t& b-t as t"ey did& t"e treas-re disa!!eared* M in Ranke( n < -nderst d t"at t"is "ad been / =(an+s !(an 0r m t"e start* He c -(d a(m st "ear t"e mage (a-g"ing* St-nned& t"e )i((agers st d staring at t"e "-ge sm king carcass and at ne an t"er* E)ent-a((y s me ne "anded s me ne a m-g 0 bre<& and <it"in min-tes se)era( 0 t"e t <ns!e !(e "ad beg-n t !(-nge t"eir s< rds int t"e (i0e(ess mass* Ot"ers A ined in -nti( it became a 0ren=y* .y s-nset& ta(es 0 indi)id-a( c -rage "ad beg-n t circ-(ate* A(( (a-ded t"eir great (eader& M in Ranke(& saying "e "ad (ed t"em t )ict ry* T"at+s " < it began& t"e year(y 0esti)a( n t"e )i((age green* An -nin"ibited time 0 decadence and )erind-(ging& t"e 0esti)a( "ad been "e(d e)ery year 0 r se)enteen years* M st 0 t"e rigina( !artici!ants <ere sti(( a(i)e and n <& n t"is day& <ere gat"ering 0 r t"eir m ment 0 g( ry& bec ming dr-nk <it" s met"ing e)en m re ! tent t"an bre<C imagined mem ries 0 bra)ery* 't <as se(0Cdece!ti n t"at rea((y ke!t a(i)e t"e t <n 0 / =(ania& n < its name& by / =(an+s 0ina( demand*

A(( )ery @-aint* I I I I I T"e s-n darted in and -t 0 t"e c( -ds t"r -g" -t t"e m rning* T"e <eat"er c -(d g eit"er <ay* 't didn+t matter m-c" t M in Ranke(& <" st d at "is back d r* T"is day <as t be ne 0 rest and re(a?ati n& <eat"er be damned* '0 it rained& "e < -(d stay beneat" "is near(y (eakC0ree r 0* '0 n t& "is "amm ck < -(d d nice(y* T"e im! rtant t"ingC0 r a man 0 "is yearsC<as t get s-00icient rest* 't <as n(y t< days be0 re t"e 0esti)a(* T"e (ast se)enteen years "ad n t been !artic-(ar(y kind t t"e / =(anian (eader* His nce b-r(y& intimidating 0 rm "ad r -nded @-ite a bit& and "e <as certain(y (ess agi(e* His mind <as sti(( s"ar! t" -g"* He "ad managed t " (d n t ! <er a(( t"is time& in s!ite 0 e)erCincreasing t"reats 0r m e)erCincreasing detract rs* T"e -ngrate0-( 0 (s* H < <as "e t g-ess t"at / =(an < -(d (i)e t"is ( ngF T"e -n!redictab(e s-n br ke t"r -g" t"e c( -ds& re)ea(ing a )ery !r mising !atc" 0 b(-e sky* M in Ranke( t" -g"t t"e "amm ck a!!r !riate 0 r t"e day+s re! se* He ga=ed -!<ard at t"e r-st(ing (ea)es "ig" ab )e "is "ead* 't <as an a-s!ici -s day& <e(( s-ited t t"e dee! t" -g"ts 0 a man 0 "is ! tentia(* And t"ere <as m-c" t t"ink ab -t* A meeting at t"e arc"i)es <as sc"ed-(ed 0 r t"at e)ening& and M in Ranke( <as s-re t c me -nder "ea)y criticism* He a(<ays did at t"is time 0 year& <"en / =(an+s ann-a( !ayment came d-e* T"e )erta?ed )i((agers "ad ( ng ag st !!ed being grate0-( 0 r t"eir de(i)erance and n < bitter(y b(amed M in Ranke( 0 r t"eir dire 0inancia( straits* T"e si?ty !ercent year(y c-t t / =(an !-t t great a b-rden n t"e sma(( c mm-nity* Many n < be(ie)ed M in Ranke( s" -(d "a)e dri)en a "arder bargain back <"en* W"at is needed& t"e / =(anian (eader t" -g"t t "imse(0 as "e a<k<ard(y r ((ed )er& trying t get c m0 rtab(e n t"e "amm ck& is s me ne< dem nstrati n 0 my (eaders"i! t im!ress t"e t <ns!e !(e* T"at < -(d re@-ire s me t" -g"t* S n M in Ranke( <as as(ee!* Se)era( " -rs (ater& "e !ened "is eyes* T"e (ea)es <ere sti(( dancing ab )e "is "ead* T"e s-n "ad beaten back t"e c( -ds& ca-sing M in Ranke( t s@-int as "e (ay t"ere <it" -t m )ing* T"e s -nds 0 <ind& birds& insects& and sma(( creat-res stirring in t"e br-s" b(ended int a s t"ing (-((aby* T"e (eader <as dri0ting back int s(ee! <"en s met"ing s" k "is bare(y c nsci -s mind t attenti n* An -n(ike(y s -nd*

His eyes n < <ide !en& "e (istened intent(y* Yes& t"ere it <as again* 't b(ended s <e(( <it" t"e s -nds 0 t"e 0 rest& ne c -(d "a)e easi(y missed it* 't <as strange m-sic* Sitting -!& M in Ranke( grabbed "is s< rd and marc"ed int t"e s-rr -nding 0 rest* He intended t 0ind t"e s -rce* M in Ranke( st !!ed in a c(earing* T"e dd(y stirring m-sic <as c ming 0r m A-st )er a sma(( rise& s me<"ere be"ind t"e t"ick 0 (iage straig"t a"ead* N t kn <n 0 r t"e (ig"tness 0 "is tread& M in Ranke( tried t s 0ten "is ste!s as "e neared* He c -(d n < discern t"at t"e me( dic intr-der <as !(aying s me s rt 0 stringed instr-ment& and @-ite ski((0-((y at t"at* W"en "e <as n(y a 0e< 0eet a<ay& t"e m-sic s-dden(y st !!ed and s did M in Ranke(* He st d 0r =en& n t @-ite kn <ing <"at t d & 0ee(ing s me<"at 0 (is"* He "e(d "is breat" 0 r se)era( ( ng sec nds& -nti( an t"er t-ne beganCand t"is ne "ad < rds* 't "ad been many years since "e "ad "eard s-c" ) ca( !r 0iciency* T"e ) ice "ad a !(easing timbre& <as me(( < and ski((ed* T"e (yrics& s-bt(e and dd(y c m!e((ing& seemed t s!eak direct(y t M in Ranke(* DW"en t yie(d and <"en t be stern& <"en t (i0t t"e s< rd and <"en a s!e(( t (earn* D H < a!!r !riate& t" -g"t M in Ranke(* He (istened& care0-( n t t stir t"e (ea)es at "is 0eet* Yes& t"e s ng tr-(y <ent t t"e "eart 0 "is !r b(ems* He (istened& trans0i?ed and mesmeri=ed* 't <as t"e m st bea-ti0-( m-sic "e "ad e)er "eard* .-t <" < -(d c" se t"ese !artic-(ar < ds t serenade& and <"yF W"en t"e s ng 0inis"ed& it <as time t 0ind -t* Fig"ting an -rge t a!!(a-d& M in Ranke( brandis"ed "is s< rd and c"arged t"r -g" t"e -nderbr-s"* T"e singer <as a y -ng man in "is teens& (it"e& <it" b( nd "air 0a((ing t "is s" -(ders* His amber eyes 0(as"ed in 0ear as "e A-m!ed t "is 0eet& kn cking "is instr-ment t t"e gr -nd* DW" are y -F W"at d y - <antF ' "a)e n m ney& D t"e y -ng man said& tremb(ing* DW" am 'F W"y& '+m a man <it" a s< rd <" "as disc )ered a stranger in t"e < ds near "is " me* N <& <" are y - and <"at are y - d ing "ereFD M in Ranke( narr <ed "is br <& imitating <"at "e c nsidered ne 0 / =(an+s m st -nner)ing mannerisms* D3isiting* D D3isiting <" mFD T"e minstre( "esitated* D'+m )isiting t"e (and* D Seeing t"is <as inade@-ate& "e @-ick(y added& D6assing t"r -g"* D DOn y -r <ay t <"ereFD t"e (eader 0 / =(ania !ressed* DT < rk in t"e great n rt"ern cities* Times are (ean <"ere '

c me 0r m* Fe< can a00 rd my ser)ices& D "e said& ! inting t "is instr-ment* His t ne c"anged t ne a s"ade m re "a-g"ty* DY - need n t ! int y -r s< rd at me* As y - can see& '+m -narmed* D T"ere <as a t -c" 0 de0iance in t"is y -ng 0e(( < t"at reminded M in Ranke( 0 "imse(0 at a simi(ar age* He s-s!ected t"e stranger+s st ry <as n t a(t get"er tr-e* .-t t"e minstre(+s m-sic <as s-re(y a gi0t 0r m t"e g ds& t"e (ikes 0 <"ic" "ad ne)er been "eard in t"is sma((& is (ated c mm-nity* Ha)ing disc )ered a ta(ent s-c" as t"is in t"e midd(e 0 n <"ere < -(d s-re(y be a 0eat"er in t"e (eader+s "at* He made "is decisi n* D6er"a!s ' "a)e misA-dged y -& D "e said as "e s"eat"ed "is s< rd* DW"at is y -r nameFD D' am ca((ed A-rea(& D t"e y -ng man re!(ied* D'0 it is < rk y - seek& D M in Ranke( c ntin-ed& D' may "a)e s me 0 r y -* Y -r m-sic is m st remarkab(e* T ta((y enc"anting* D DS t"ey say& Y -r Grace& D t"e minstre( res! nded& b <ing s(ig"t(y* DWe((& ' kn < 0 an a-dience t"at < -(d tr-(y a!!reciate a bit 0 c-(t-re a0ter "a)ing (i)ed <it" -t it 0 r a ( ng time* 't < -(d n t be a (arge cr <d& mind y -& b-t a grate0-( ne n net"e(ess* D D' < -(d c nsider t"e !! rt-nity a str ke 0 g d 0 rt-ne* D DWe((& grab y -r instr-ment and 0 (( < me* N d -bt y - are "-ngry* D DY - cann t imagine " < m-c" s & D A-rea( re!(ied& as "e gat"ered -! "is m-sica( de)ice and began t 0 (( < "is ne< em!( yer* DW"at d y - ca(( t"at t"ing y - !(ayFD asked M in Ranke( as t"ey < rked t"eir <ay t"r -g" t"e -nderbr-s"* D' ca(( it a s(it"er* 't is 0 my <n creati n* D 't <as as c-ri -s and c m!(e? an instr-ment as M in Ranke( "ad e)er seen* T"e s(it"er "ad d -b(e 0ingerb ards and t< sets 0 sym!at"etic strings* M-sic <as !r d-ced by !(aying b t" ends against t"e midd(e* T"e m re "e ( ked at it& t"e m re M in Ranke( <as ama=ed t"at any ne c -(d master s-c" an intricate de)ice* DAnd te(( me& Y -r Grace& d es y -r )i((age "a)e a nameFD A-rea( in@-ired& as t"e t< men <a(ked a( ng* DWe ca(( it / =(ania* D And maybe s meday& Ranke(ia& added M in Ranke( t "imse(0* DW"at a !(easant s -nding name& D c mmented A-rea(* I I I I I

T"ey ate in si(ence& t"e minstre( de) -ring "is mea(* DY are in g d s!irits& Y -r Grace& D A-rea( said as "e <atc"ed M in Ranke( <as" d <n "is s-!!er <it" se)era( (arge g-(!s 0 bre<* DYes& it is a "a!!y time 0 r t"e / =(anians* 'n t< days t"e )i((age <i(( " (d its year(y 0esti)a( t c mmem rate -r mirac-( -s de(i)eranceCt"anks t meC0r m certain destr-cti n* D He c"e<ed "is <ay t"r -g" a !artic-(ar(y t -g" !iece 0 meat* DMy idea is y - <i(( !er0 rm at t"is 0esti)a(* D D' ( k 0 r<ard t it& Y -r Grace* D D' !redict& A-rea(& t"at y - <i(( !r )e t"e best entertainment in t"ese !arts 0 r many a year& D M in Ranke( said& re0i((ing t"eir m-gs and taking an t"er gener -s s<a(( <* DAnd y - <i(( !r bab(y be t"e (ast* D DW"at d y - meanFD asked t"e y -t"* DO-r )i((age is ne 0 se)era( sett(ed dee! in t"ese 0 rests& 0ar 0r m ci)i(i=ati n& 0ar 0r m ne an t"er* We did t"is t ens-re -r is (ati n in rder t"at <e n t be distracted by t"ings t"at mig"t s( < t"e !r gress 0 -r im! rtant < rk* T< 0 t"e sett(ements <ere destr yed by an -nmenti nab(e " rr r* D M in Ranke( !a-sed t <et "is g-((et again* DT"anks t me& <e are d ing @-ite <e((* S n <e <i(( "a)e ac"ie)ed -r g a(& and t"e !e !(e <i(( m st certain(y dis!erse and s!read -r <ares t"r -g" -t Ansa( n* T"en t"is midd(eC 0C n <"ere <i((& nce again& be t"e midd(e 0 n <"ere* W"at d y - t"ink 0 t"at& minstre(FD D't is a strange me( dy& D came t"e res! nse* DHa)e y - ne t matc" itFD (a-g"ed M in Ranke(& n < s(ig"t(y inebriated* DA(<ays& Y -r Grace& D A-rea( said* He reac"ed 0 r "is instr-ment* Once again t"e me( dy seemed t s!eak t M in Ranke(& t -c"ing s me inner !art 0 "im* T"e y -ng minstre( < )e "is ) ice int t"e intricate ta!estry 0 s -nd* He sang 0 !e !(e and !(aces 0ar a<ay& t" -g" "e c -(d <e(( "a)e been singing 0 / =(ania* A!!arent(y& a(( sma(( "am(ets "a)e simi(ar !e !(e in simi(ar sit-ati ns* O0 c -rse& as t"e s"re<d (eader kne< and t"e y -ng (ad c -(d n t ! ssib(y kn <& t"ere <ere certain t"ings ab -t / =(ania t"at <ere -ni@-e* W"en t"e s ng 0ina((y came t an end& se)era( (ines 0r m t"e re0rain (ingered in M in Ranke(+s mind> 't <as ( ng agreed& tig"t (i!s t "eed& (est <e s-cceed& it <as ( ng agreed* 't seemed t a-g-r s met"ing t M in Ranke(* He <as n < certain t"at A-rea(+s !er0 rmance < -(d be e?act(y <"at t"e )i((age needed t "ear* DS <"at e?act(y d t"e !e !(e 0 / =(ania d FD A-rea( added&

!icking -! t"e c n)ersati n <"ere it (e0t 00* DWe d <"at <e m-st& D M in Ranke( ret-rned c-nning(y* DAs d <e a((& Y -r Grace* ' meant n intr-si n* D M in Ranke( r se t "is 0eet and smi(ed* DY - m-st 0 rgi)e t"e s-s!ici -s nat-re 0 an (d man* We "a)e "ad s 0e< )isit rs* .asica((y& <e are a )i((age 0 trans(at rs and scribes* D DW"at are y - transcribingFD DAncient b ks 0 (itt(e interest t m st !e !(e* D DAnd ne day s n t"e task <i(( be c m!(eted& Y -r GraceFD D' " !e t see t"at day* D DW"at are t"ese b ks ab -tF W" <r te t"emFD A-rea(+s ) ice <as s t"ing* /ike "is m-sic& it !-t ne at ease* D't "as been a ( ng day& and ' "a)e b-siness ear(y in t"e m rning* 't is time t retire& D re!(ied t"e <i(y ! (itician as "e <a(ked a<ay* M in Ranke( <as n t a man readi(y !-t at ease* I I I I I M in Ranke( st !!ed -tside t"e entrance t t"e arc"i)es* He kne< <"at a<aited "im inside* T"is <as t"e day t"at / =(an+s !ercentage 0 t"e )i((age+s !r 0its came d-e* T"e t <n+s e(ders <ere a(<ays n "and as t"e (eat"er sacks <ere "anded t M in Ranke(& <" in t-rn carried t"em t t"e mage* O)er t"e years& t"e e(ders "ad grad-a((y re(in@-is"ed a(( res! nsibi(ity 0 r t"eir c ((ecti)e decisi n 0 se)enteen years !ast& !r ! rti na((y increasing t"e am -nt 0 ab-se t"ey "ea!ed n t"e ne a(( b(amed 0 r t"e -nbearab(e 0inancia( b-rden* M in Ranke( s-cked in a dee! breat" 0 cris! air and !-s"ed !en t"e (arge < den d r* DA"& t"ere "e is& D ne 0 t"em m-ttered* DC me t bring "is <i=ard -r b( d m ney& D came an t"er c mment* DY - < -(d be a !i(e 0 as"es "ad it n t been 0 r t"is b( d m ney& D M in Ranke( said& de0ending "imse(0 as -s-a(* DMaybe a man < -(d be better 00 as"es t"an t s!end "is (i0e t i(ing 0 r a 0racti n 0 "is < rt"ED Sm rg ret-rned* DT"en& !er"a!s& y - < -(d (ike t g in my stead t day and e?!(ain t / =(an t"at y -+)e decided n t !ay "im anym re* D 't <as n < G(yk r+s t-rn t t<ist t"e kni0e* DT"e !e !(e "a)e ( st c n0idence in y -r (eaders"i!& M in Ranke(* A0ter t"e 0esti)a(& <e <i(( ask t"e !e !(e i0 t"ey sti(( c" se y - as t"e ne t g-ide -s int t"e 0-t-re* D F r t"e 0irst time any 0 t" se !resent c -(d remember& M in Ranke( <as at a ( ss 0 r < rds* He kne<& <it" t"e sit-ati n as it <as& "e < -(d ne)er s-r)i)e a ) te 0 c n0idence*

E)eryb dy in t"e r m kne< t"is as <e((* M in Ranke( " isted t"e (eat"er sacks )er "is s" -(der& ( ked "is detract rs in t"e eye* DWe+(( see& D "e said& and t-rned and "eaded 0 r t"e d r* DM in Ranke(ED G(yk r sna!!ed* DY - br -g"t t"is n y -rse(0* D DYes& t"e !rice 0 sa)ing -ngrate0-( 0 (s& D M in Ranke( ret rted* He <a(ked -t 0 t"e b-i(ding angry and s"aken& made "is <ay d <n t"e <e((C< rn !at" int t"e < ds* He "ad n idea " < "e <as g ing t t-rn t"is sit-ati n ar -nd* His gri! n ! <er seemed t be ( sening by t"e " -r* T"ere m-st be s me <ay -t* He <a(ked a( ng& @-ite t" -g"t0-(& "eading 0 r "is d<e((ing* I I I I I N t 0ar 0r m M in Ranke(+s " -se& a b-bb(ing stream < -nd its <ay t"r -g" t"e 0 rest in searc" 0 t"e sea* M in Ranke( 0 -nd A-rea( sitting by t"e stream* H (ding "is instr-ment& "e <as staring int t"e gent(e t-rb-(ence at "is 0eet* As t"e tr -b(ed / =(anian (eader dre< c( ser& t"e minstre( began t !(ay a m st enc"anting me( dy* D6 <er <i(( recede& i0 y - dare n t t"e deed& t"ese < rds y m-st "eed& (est <e s-cceed* D And s-dden(y many t"ings seemed c(ear t M in Ranke(* He kne< <"at c -rse 0 acti n "e m-st take* D.ea-ti0-(& abs (-te(y bea-ti0-(& D M in Ranke( s! ke -!* D'& myse(0& !re0er t"e s -nd 0 t"e stream& D said A-rea(* DYes& ' s-!! se it is m-c" (ike m-sic* D D.-t -n(ike m-sic& <"ic" n(y gi)es& a stream a(s takes a<ay& D came t"e minstre(+s strange re!(y* M in Ranke(Cn t ne 0 r !"i( s !"yCt-rned t t"e matter at "and* D' "a)e a !r ! siti n 0 r y -* T"e 0act is& -r t <n "as been s-00ering an -nbearab(e sit-ati n 0 r years* A greedy (d mage "as -n0air(y 0 rced a ta? -! n t"e )i((agers* '0 y - <i(( "e(! me dea( <it" t"is mad <i=ard& ' <i(( make y - ric" bey nd y -r <i(dest dreams* D D'0 t"at is y -r <is"& Y -r Grace& D res! nded t"e graci -s y -t"* D't is& D said M in Ranke(& Dand y - <i(( m st certain(y <ant t bring y -r instr-ment* '+(( e?!(ain as <e <a(k* D T"e y -ng man did as "e <as t (d& s(inging t"e -ni@-e instr-ment )er "is s" -(der and 0 (( <ing M in Ranke( nt t"e se(d m tra)e(ed !at" t"at (ed n rt" t <ard / =(an+s !(ace* I I I I I

A0ter M in Ranke( e?!(ained "is !(an& t"ey !r gressed in si(ence* S me" <& t"is -n(ike(y d- "ad de)e( !ed an -nderstanding t"at <ent bey nd < rds* A kind 0 !eace seemed t s-rr -nd A-rea(* T"is !eace e?tended t M in Ranke( and !r )ided a m-c" needed break 0r m t"e !ress-re and < rries 0 t"ese !ast years* H < 0 rt-it -s it is& t" -g"t M in Ranke(& t"at t"is remarkab(e y -ng man "as c me int my (i0e* T"ey entered t"e c(earing -tside 0 / =(an+s d<e((ing* T"e (d mage+s ab de <as n ( nger s"r -ded in 0 g& b-t <eak(y accented by <is!s 0 )a! r -s mist* T"e t< <ere a(m st t t"e d r <"en it s-dden(y !ened& and t"ere st d / =(an* '0 se)enteen years "ad been (ess t"an kind t M in Ranke(& age "ad been -trig"t cr-e( t t"e (d mage* His <rink(es t<isted "is 0acia( 0eat-res int s met"ing t"at <as n(y !artia((y "-man* He st d "-nc"ed )er& (eaning n a stick& tremb(ing& and genera((y a!!earing @-ite 0rai(* / =(an+s eyes n < a!!eared !ink in tint and s" ne <it" -t t"eir !re)i -s intensity* M in Ranke( "ad 0ten < ndered& )er t"e years& A-st " < m-c" magic t"is bede)i(ed s rcerer "ad e?"a-sted& and " < m-c" "e sti(( "ad (e0t in "im* D' "a)e br -g"t s me ne 0 r y - t meet& / =(an& D M in Ranke( began* He kne< t"e -s-a( c -rtesies <ere 0 n interest t t"e mage& <" "ad a(ready s"i0ted "is ga=e t <ard A-rea(* DW"yFD / =(an+s 0eeb(e ) ice sti(( "ad a(( t"e c"arm 0 a c i(ed snake* D.eca-se "e "as a ta(ent t"at is -ni@-e and !(eas-rab(e* ' t" -g"t y - mig"t take s me interest in "im* D / =(an stared at t"e minstre( 0 r a ( ng time& t"en s"i0ted "is ga=e t t"e (eat"er sacks t"at "-ng acr ss M in Ranke(+s s" -(der* N ne kne< <"at t"e <rink(ed <i=ard did <it" "is treas-re* M in Ranke( s-s!ected t"e mage 0 -nd s-00icient !(eas-re in mere(y c ((ecting it 0r m t"e )i((agers* D3ery <e((& c me in& D / =(an said -ngraci -s(y* A-rea( seated "imse(0 acr ss t"e sma(( r m !! site / =(an and M in Ranke(* T"e c"air t"e minstre( c" se& m-c" (ike t"e t"er s!arse 0-rnis"ings& "ad seen better days* D' "a)e ( st interest in t"e !rimiti)e tra!!ings 0 t"is < r(d& D / =(an said& Dand n < de) te a(m st a(( my attenti n t matters y - c -(d ne)er " !e t a!!reciate r 0at" m* D M in Ranke( a(<ays 0 -nd / =(an+s abi(ity t read "is t" -g"ts -nner)ing* He c"anged t"e s-bAect* D' t"ink y - <i(( s n agree t"at -r y -ng )isit r "as m-c" t 00er* D M in Ranke( n dded at t"e minstre(& <" <as a(ready adA-sting "is instr-ment& !re!aring t !(ay*

DT"e tree "as n m re 0r-it t bear* 't <as t"en and y - <ere t"ere* Bnba(anced nat-re -na<are* D y - careF D y - careFD T"e s ng& A-rea(+s m st ca!ti)ating yet& <ent n and n& b-i(ding t an intensity t"at 0i((ed t"e r m* M in Ranke( c -(d see t"at / =(an <as dee!(y a00ected* T"e mage <as r cking s( <(y& r"yt"mica((y& side t side* T"e m-sic c ntin-ed* DS "eed t"e < rds 0 ne s y -ng* D -bt n t t"e tr-t" 0 t"is 0air t ng-e* T t" se 0 r <" m t"e be(( "as r-ng& ' c me t sing t"e s ng '+)e s-ng* D / =(an r se t "is 0eet& as i0 t a!!(a-d& b-t t"e e?!ressi n n "is 0ace <as n t ne 0 !(eas-re* 'nstead& "is m -t" <as ga!ing as "e ( ked d <n t 0ind M in Ranke(+s s< rd !r tr-ding 0r m "is c"est* He tried t s!eak& b-t n < rds came -t* T"e mage staggered and t-rned t <ard M in Ranke(& 0ig"ting t maintain "is ba(ance* He a!!eared ready t -n(eas" a dead(y s!e(( -! n "is ki((er* Once again "e tried t say s met"ing t M in Ranke( b-t 0ai(ed* T"en "e 0e(( t t"e 0( r* / =(an st !!ed str-gg(ingH a strange ca(m came )er "im* And t"en& -ne?!ected(y& "e ( ked -! at M in Ranke( and smi(ed* He s! ke ne < rd& t"en "is eyes 0(ickered se)era( times and 0ina((y <ent dark* M in Ranke( remained m ti n(ess* 't <as se)era( m ments be0 re "e dared t breat"e again* He <as ama=ed at " < easy it a(( "ad been* He "ad 0aced a " !e(ess sit-ati n and tri-m!"ed* He 0e(t e)en better ab -t t"ings <"en "e disc )ered t"e treas-re and a(( t"e m ney t"e t <n "ad !aid )er se)enteen years "idden -nder t"e 0( r* A-rea(& <" "ad been !r mised a g d ! rti n 0 t"e 0ind& !r )ed "e(!0-( in carrying as m-c" 0 it as t"ey c -(d "and(e back t M in Ranke(+s !(ace* / =(an+s (ast < rd came back t M in Ranke(+s mind* DF (* D M in Ranke( n(y (a-g"ed* I I I I I T"e bree=e carried t"e sme(( 0 incense& r asting meat& and str ng bre< 0ar int t"e < ds* M in Ranke( c -(d "ear t"e s -nd 0 s" -ts and (a-g"ter* T"e 0esti)a( <as b)i -s(y <e(( -nder <ay* M in Ranke( <as eager t re! rt / =(an+s deat" and recei)e t"e acc(amati n "e <as d-e* He !icked -! "is !ace* I I I I I

Sm rg "anded an )er0( <ing m-g t t"e man <" se A b it <as t 0-rnis" t"e !arc"ment essentia( t t"eir " (y !r Aect* Se)era( 0eet a<ay& a gr -! 0 < men <ere (a-g"ing )er s me ne e(se+s mis0 rt-ne* G(yk r a!!r ac"ed t"e b(acksmit" and "is c m!ani n* Setting "is m-g bet<een t"e t"er t< & <it" -t greeting r in)itati n& t"e master 0 t"e arc"i)es (a-nc"ed int "is 0irst c m!(aint 0 t"e day* 't < -(dn+t be "is (ast* DT"is be)erage is n t !r !er(y bre<ed* 't ne)er is* D D'+m damned sick and tired 0 t"is !(ace& D Sm rg added* DW" isn+tFD G(yk r agreed s-((en(y* D't+s t"is end(ess ! )erty <e+)e been 0 rced t end-re& D m-ttered an t"er* DWe((& it+s certain(y n t my 0a-(t <e+re in t"is dread0-( sit-ati n& D G(yk r said* Sm rg stretc"ed "is "-ge s" -(ders* D' d n+t see <"y <e A-st d n+t aband n t"e )i((age* We "a)e a(ready trans(ated and c !ied m re t"an en -g" materia( t sat-rate a(( Ansa( n* D DWe+)e been t"r -g" a(( t"is& D G(yk r snar(ed& rea((y angry n <* D/ea)e t"e t"inking t t" se <it" brains& Sm rg* We <ere rdered t c !y and s!read a(( t"e Dark G-een+s teac"ings& and <e <i(( d n t"ing (essE We <i(( stay -nti( a(( are inscribedED DS me < -(d disagreeE S me < -(d say <e "a)e a(ready 0-(0i((ed -r c mmitments* D T"e in0ig"ting 0 r c ntr ( "ad a(ready beg-n& in antici!ati n 0 t"eir c-rrent (eader+s demise* G(yk r& kn <ing it <as -se(ess t arg-e& st d and <a(ked t <ard a sma(( gr -! 0 men <" <ere disc-ssing a !artic-(ar secti n 0 man-scri!t t"at "ad recent(y been c !ied and !reser)ed* T"ey& (ike G(yk r& <ere dressed in b(ack* A(( t"e / =(anians a(<ays dressed in b(ack* I I I I I M in Ranke(+s "a!!iness <as a!!arent in "is ste!* He brisk(y b -nded d <n t"e !at" t"at (ed t t"e )i((age* He < -(d gi)e "is detract rs am!(e !! rt-nity t ridic-(e "im* T"en "e < -(d ca(( 0 rt" A-rea(* A0ter t"e minstre(+s !er0 rmance& M in Ranke( < -(d te(( t"e !e !(e 0 / =(an+s 0ate and 0 t"e rec )ery 0 s me 0 t"e treas-reH "e <as sti(( deciding " < m-c"* Once again& "e < -(d be in c"arge* 'n additi n& "e < -(d be e?ceeding(y <ea(t"y* N t a bad day+s < rk* As "e a!!r ac"ed t"e )i((age& M in Ranke( reac"ed in "is ! cket t 0ee( 0 r t"e b(ack crysta(* A(t" -g" a drag n attack <as t"e (ast t"ing any ne e?!ected& it <as c-st mary 0 r / =(anians t carry t"eir crysta(s t"is ne day 0 t"e

year* T"e t <n ( ked e?act(y as it "ad t" se se)enteen years ag * Same !e !(e& same e)eryt"ing* Ab -t t"e n(y t"ing t"at "ad c"anged <as t"e grass n t"e )i((age green* 't gre< (-s" and bea-ti0-( )er t"e !(ace <"ere t"ey "ad b-ried t"e g (den drag n+s remains* M in Ranke( <as greeted <it" b s and "isses* He ret-rned t"e sa(-tati ns indi00erent(y and !-s"ed "is m-g int t"e 0reeC 0( <ing stream 0 t"e b(essed be)erage* 't <as a ty!ica( 0esti)a(* O(d st ries& 0 rg tten dances& in0(ated eg s& -nins!ired ! etry& and abs (-te(y terrib(e singing c mbined t create an t"er "a(( <ed anni)ersary 0 t"e s(aying 0 t"e drag n* T"e bre< isn+t bad t"is year& t" -g"t M in Ranke( as "e si(ent(y <atc"ed t"e armC<rest(ing c ntest* Sm rg < n it* He < n it e)ery year* N t m-c" 0 a s" <* 't <asn+t ( ng be0 re m st 0 t"e residents gre< b red <it" t"e !r ceedings and drank increasing am -nts 0 bre< t c !e <it" t"e tedi-m* M in Ranke( did n t b(ame "is neig"b rs* T"ey <ere sick and tired 0 ne an t"er* He <as sick and tired 0 t"em* Sti((& t"ey "ad n c" ice b-t t g n* DAnd d y - t"ink -r great (eader caresFD Sm rg s" -ted dr-nken(y* DHe !r bab(y "as s me !ri)ate dea( <it" / =(an* D DT"at+s a (ieED said M in Ranke(* Many "eads t-rned t <ard t"e (d ! (iticianCt"e s -rce 0 a(( t"eir tr -b(es* Wit"in min-tes& M in Ranke( <as de0ending "imse(0 against an angry m b* DHe "as betrayed -sED Sm rg c ntin-ed& enc -raging t"e -nr-(y cr <d* DHe s" -(d be rem )edED added G(yk r* DMaybe e)en ki((ed* D T"e cr <d s-rged 0 r<ard* M in Ranke(& kn <ing <e(( t"e mind 0 s-c" a gr -!& made "is m )e* He& t & s-rged 0 r<ard* T"e )i((agers "esitated& 0e(( back* DN <& y - dr-nken "a(0C<its& (isten t me* First& y -+d a(( be dead i0 y -+d (istened t t"ese t< se)enteen years ag * D M in Ranke( ! inted at G(yk r and Sm rg* DRemember t"atE Sec nd& (ater t"is )ery day& ' <i(( make a dramatic ann -ncement t"at <i(( im!r )e -r (i)es* .-t be0 re ' d & ' 0ee( it is a!!r !riate t mark t"is ccasi n <it" a s!ecia( e)ent* S as a gi0t t y -& my neig"b rs& a(( < me t !resent my g d 0riend& t"e great minstre(& A-rea(* D He t-rned ar -nd& <a)ed at n t"ing b-t air* A-rea( <as n <"ere t be seen* G(yk r (a-g"ed -n!(easant(y* D'0 t"is is s me trick t try t " (d n t ! <er& it+s n t g ing t < rk* D M in Ranke( ( ked int t"e 0aces 0 "is c nstit-ency* He

s"ared "is neig"b rs+ ( ya(ty t t"e dark g ds& b-t n <& "e rea(i=ed& t"at e)i( <as a(( t"ey "ad in c mm n* A0ter se)era( min-tes& t"e cr <d again gre< rest(ess* W"ere <as A-rea(F DYear a0ter year <e s-00er beca-se <e (et a 0 ( neg tiate -r 0-t-re a<ay& D Sm rg said* Sti(( n A-rea(* DHe s" -(d !ayED s" -ted G(yk r& and t"e cr <d edged in* A-rea(& <"ere are y -F M in Ranke( < ndered des!erate(y* DWaitE Y - m-st (isten& D "e cried -t* DWe+)e "ad en -g" 0 y -r < rt"(ess gibberingE Take "imED Sm rg grabbed " (d 0 M in Ranke(* Screaming& 0aces t<isted in "atred& t"e !e !(e in t"e cr <d started t drag t"eir (eader t t"e )i((age green* T"ey st !!ed dead in t"eir tracks* T"ere& standing n t ! 0 a tab(e& <as A-rea(* His b( nd "air b( <ing in t"e <ind& "e "e(d "is instr-ment c( se t "is b dy& "is eyes 0i?ed n t"e )i((agers* T"e start(ed cr <d re(eased M in Ranke(* He c ((a!sed t t"e gr -nd* T"e / =(aniansCs-c" !r -d citi=ensCm )ed c( ser t t"e minstre(& (ike a dark c( -d descending -! n t"e s-n* As t"e 0irst strains 0 m-sic reac"ed t"eir ears& t"ey s( <ed t"eir ste!s* D/isten <e(( t t"e s ng 0 s"e& t"e s ng 0 me ' sing t t"ee* D 'nt t"e )i((agers+ minds came t"e same m )ing imageCt"at 0 an in0ant& a( ne in a 0 rest& c( se t a )i((age n t -n(ike t"eir <n* E)en t"e m st e)i( / =(anians c -(d n t "e(! b-t t be s<e!t a<ay by t"e minstre(+s ta(e* DCan y - imagine& ( sing y -r m t"er a day a0ter being b rn& D ne )i((ager <as "eard t m-tter* An t"er <e!t* DDri0ting in a stream 0 (ig"t* Dreaming ti(( t"e time <as rig"t* D W"en t"e c"i(d <as (d en -g"& "e began t s!y n t"e )i((age& being !artic-(ar(y care0-( t a) id disc )ery by t"e ( ca( mage* 'n time& t"e b y came t kn < a(( t"e t <n+s secrets* DC"i(d 0 0 rest ! ssessed 0 t"e sig"t* Deni=ens 0 darkness in t"e 3i((age 0 Nig"t* D A-rea( c -(d <e(( "a)e been singing 0 / =(ania* He sang 0 t"ings n -tsider c -(d ! ssib(y kn <* 't <as < nder0-( and strange* DTime gre< nig" in t"e "eart 0 0ear* .-t " < t !ierce t"e s rcer -s s!"ereFD A-rea(+s ) ice gre< ( -der and dee!er in timber* Sm rg s" t a @-esti ning g(ance at M in Ranke( <" <as basking in "is m ment 0 tri-m!" and did n t n tice* T"e

b(acksmit" managed t catc" t"e eye 0 G(yk r* S met"ing <as )ery <r ng* DA(( s"a(( descend& as t"e dark m-st 0a((* ' "ear t"e m-sic& ' "eed t"e ca((* D M in Ranke( 0ina((y sna!!ed -t 0 "is trance ( ng en -g" t see Sm rg and G(yk r 0rantica((y gest-ring "im t <ard a nearby tent* An inde0inab(e sense 0 terr r cre!t int "is s -( as M in Ranke( "-rried t A in "is ( ngtime ri)a(s* DT"e g (den 0(ig"t nce beg-n& n < 0a((en t t"e g (den s n* D Sti(( ( -der and dee!er came t"e minstre(+s ) ice* DT"e deed t y - ' n < c n0ide* T"e task 0 0inis"ing <"at "ad been tried* D Dee!er and ( -der t"an any "-man ) ice c -(d e)er be* 'nside t"e tent& Sm rg screamed at M in Ranke(& DY - idi tE D y - "a)e any idea <"at y - "a)e br -g"t -! n -sFD T"e great / =(anian (eader c -(d n(y gas! and st-tter* D't d esn+t matter* We a(( sti(( "a)e -r crysta(s& and / =(an s< re "e < -(d !r tect -s as ( ng as "e (i)edED G(yk r s" -ted* N ticing t"e " rri0ied e?!ressi n n M in Ranke(+s 0ace& G(yk r grabbed "is (eader* DW"at+s t"e matter <it" y -F M in Ranke(& <"at "a)e y - d neFD Fr m -tside came t"e s -nd 0 "-ge <ings 0(a!!ing& 0 (( <ed by t"e terri0ied screams 0 t"e dying t <ns!e !(e* T"e t"ree men r-s"ed t t"e !! site end 0 t"e tent and tried t esca!e t"r -g" an !ening in t"e side* I I I I I T"e ret-rning s-n br ke 0ree 0 t"e c( -ds& <arming t"e air be( <* Fr m "ig" ab )e& t"e drag n c -(d see a stream re0(ecting (ig"t 00 t"e r-s"ing <ater* Sma(( streams g n t bec me raging ri)ers in t"e c -rse 0 t"eir A -rneys* 't < -(d be interesting t 0 (( < t"is ne* A s-dden r-s" 0 <ind s<e!t t"r -g" t"e trees* T"e (-s" !eace 0 t"e < d(and seemed -nbr ken and eterna(* T"e c"arred& key" (e s"a!ed !atc" <as bare(y )isib(e 0r m ab )e* T"e drag n c -(d "ard(y see t"e s(ig"test sign 0 it* 't <as a )ery (arge b-t rdinary 0 rest& t"e kind city d<e((ers 0ten t"ink 0 as idy((ic* T"e midd(e 0 n <"ere* Ka= and t"e Drag n+s C"i(dren Ric"ard A* Knaak He "ad (earned t s(ee! <it" t"e batt(eCa?e c(-tc"ed in "is

"ands& a trick t"at "ad sa)ed "is (i0e m re t"an nce* E)en n <& <it" t"e <ar s-!! sed(y )er 0 r m re t"an a m nt"& it <as a <ise t"ing t d & 0 r t"ere <ere sti(( t" se <" < -(d "a)e seen "im dead sim!(y beca-se 0 <"at "e <as* T"ree days ag & "e "ad bare(y esca!ed t"e ( ca( mi(itia* T"ey+d <anted t make "im !ay 0 r <"at "is kind "ad d ne in t"e ser)ice 0 t"e Dark G ddess& Tak"isis* Sma(( matter t"at "e "ad ser)ed <it" t"e Knig"ts 0 S (amnia and c" sen t 0ig"t against "is (d masters in t"e <aning <eeks 0 t"e <ar* Ka= <as a m nster in t"e eyes 0 "-mans& and t s me t"at made "im 0 re)er an e)i( t"at needed t be e?ting-is"ed* .irt" a( ne "ad c ndemned "im t t"at 0ate* T"e sa)age "ist ry 0 t"e min ta-r+s race "ad n t "e(!ed& eit"er* Ka=+s "-ge "ands tensed im!erce!tib(y* He !ened "is eyes a crack* He c -(d see (itt(e& 0 r t"e m ns <ere "idden by t"e c( -ds& and da<n <as sti(( at (east an " -r a<ay* W"at (itt(e "e did see did n t aid "im* And s "e (istened* A s -nd& a s(ig"t s -nd& "ad br ken t"e n rma( !attern 0 nig"t n ises and stirred t"e )eteran <arri r t <aking* 't mig"t "a)e been n t"ing m re t"an an an?i -s rabbit& a c(-msy bat& r Tem!est& "is <n " rse& s"i0ting ! siti n& b-t Ka= didn+t t"ink s * He "ad n t s-r)i)ed t"is ( ng A-m!ing at anima( n ises* T"is <as s met"ing m re* '0 t" se in0erna( s (diers "a)e tracked me d <n again& Ka= t" -g"t in bitterness& t"en t"is time ' <i(( stand and 0ig"t regard(essE 'n t"e <ar against t"e (egi ns 0 t"e Dark G-een& "e "ad 0 -g"t beside a ( ne knig"t ca((ed H-ma& a knig"t <" se " n r and ski(( < -(d earn "im t"e tit(es 0 Drag nbane and H-ma 0 t"e /ance* W"en de0eat "ad a!!eared imminent& H-ma "ad br -g"t t t"e des!erate de0enders 0 g d t"e (egendary drag n(ances& <"ic" "ad t-rned t"e tide by bringing d <n t"e drag ns 0 d m and des!air* H-ma "imse(0 "ad died de0eating t"e Dark G ddess* H n r <as t"e m st im! rtant 0 rce in a min ta-r+s (i0e& and Ka= "ad admired H-ma 0 r "is " n r* T"e knig"t+s -ns"akab(e be(ie0 in t"e g dness 0 t"e < r(d "ad c"anged t"e min ta-r* Ka= "ad s< rn t"at "is <ea! ns < -(d be raised against n(y t" se <" 0 (( <ed t"e !at" 0 e)i(* 't <as "is trib-te t ne "e c nsidered t"e greatest c"am!i n 0 a((* A trib-te "e <as 0inding )ery di00ic-(t t s-r)i)e* T"e s (diers <" "ad a(m st ca!t-red "im t"ree days ag "ad basica((y been g d men trying t c(ear t"eir (and 0 t"e stragg(ers and mara-ding bands t"at "ad s!r -ted -! (ike <eeds a0ter t"e G ddess+s armies "ad been r -ted* 't "ad been @-ite reas nab(e 0 r t"em t ass-me t"at a min ta-r <andering t"is 0ar s -t" <as a !art 0 t" se scattered 0 rces*

Bn0 rt-nate(y& t"ey "ad n t a(( <ed Ka= any time t !resent !r 0 t"er<ise* T"e d c-ments and meda((i n gi)en t "im by t"e masters 0 t"e S (amnic rders <ere sec-re in t"e "idden c m!artment 0 "is sadd(ebags* He d -bted t"at "is !-rs-ers < -(d be(ie)e t"e !r 0 e)en i0 t"ey a(( <ed "im t"e c"ance t dis!(ay it Scared "-mans "ad t"e bad "abit 0 ki((ing 0irst& asking @-esti ns (ater* Ka= c ntin-ed t (isten& b-t t"e nig"t <as n < si(ent sa)e 0 r t"e an?i -s m )ements 0 "is " rse* T"e si(ence in itse(0 <as min -s& 0 r e)en t"e s -nds ass ciated <it" t"e dark "ad ceased* Ka= !ened "is eyes a bit 0art"er* S met"ing "issed* His m -nt& tied t a tree be"ind "im& began t s"i0t in -nease* A(( n ti n 0 a "-man 0 e )anis"ed* N t"ing in Ka=+s e?!erience "ad e)er made a sibi(ant s -nd @-ite (ike t"at* He (ea!t t "is 0eet& a?e at t"e ready* T"e "iss "ad c me 0r m s c( se t"at "e <as certain t"at t"e*** t"ing*** < -(d instant(y be -! n "im* N t"ing* T"e nig"t <as si(ent again* Ka=& " <e)er& did n t re(a?* An -n<ary <arri r <as a dead <arri r* DT"is is <"at ' get 0 r seeking s (it-de& D t"e min ta-r m-ttered& sn rting* A !iece 0 t"e nig"t s"i0ted am ng t"e trees* Ka= "e0ted t"e a?e and snar(ed b-t did n t take a ste! t <ard t"e neb-( -s s"a!e* /et <"ate)er <as -t t"ere c me t "im* 't did* T"e min ta-r+s " rse <"innied as t"e t"ing materia(i=ed* DSargasED Ka= s" -ted& 0 rgettingCin "is ast nis"mentCand ca((ing n t"e dark g d "is <n !e !(e < rs"i!ed* Ka= "ad 0 rsaken Sargas 0 r t"e A-st g d 6a(adine& !atr n 0 t"e knig"t" d& b-t in times 0 great e?citement& "is "eritage ca-g"t -! <it" "im* T"e m nster <as "-ge* Standing& it < -(d "a)e been at (east as ta(( as Ka=* 'n t"e darkness& "e c -(d n t make -t s!eci0ic detai(s& b-t t"e creat-re "ad a tai( and ( ked (ike s me s rt 0 bi=arre re!ti(e !(aying at being "-man* M st im! rtant& t"e t"ing "ad ( ng& <icked ta( ns and Aa<s <ide en -g" t sna! a min ta-r+s "ead 00* T"e m nster stank* Ka= <rink(ed "is n se* Fig"ting back t"e -rge t t"r < -!& Ka= t"r-st t"e s"a0t 0 t"e batt(eCa?e int <"at "e " !ed <as t"e m nster+s st mac"* He mig"t "a)e been striking r ck& s arm red <as t"e beast* Ta( ns raked at "is arms* T"e min ta-r gr-nted in !ain& b-t 0 rt-nate(y "is attack "ad taken s me 0 t"e 0ig"t -t 0 t"e " rri0ic creat-re* Ka= 0 -g"t d <n t"e !ain and !-s"ed 0 r<ard& trying t )er! <er t"e beast be0 re it rec )ered* Once again& t" -g"& "itting it <as (ike "itting a <a(( 0

st ne* Ka= dr )e back t"e s(as"ing c(a<s 0 t"e t"ing& b-t n t"ing m re* E)en t"is c( se& Ka= c -(d n t see <"at it <as "e 0 -g"t* 't <as re!ti(ian& yes& b-t (ike n t"ing t"e min ta-r "ad e)er c me acr ss in t"e <ar* A(m st it resemb(ed*** b-t t"at <as im! ssib(e* 't came 0 r "im again* T<isting t"e a?e ar -nd& "e br -g"t t"e 0(at 0 t"e d -b(eC edged b(ade against t"e sn -t 0 "is ad)ersary* T"e beast "issed in !ain b-t did n t back a<ay* Ka= str-ck t"e sensiti)e sn -t again and again* H <(ing& t"e re!ti(ian m nster st-mb(ed back* Ka= s"i0ted t"e a?e t dri)e t"e dead(y b(ades int t"e m nster+s "ead& b-t t"e beast s-dden(y s!rang back<ard* 't st !!ed& ( ked ar -nd& as i0 it "ad "eard a ca((* T"en& <it" -t <arning& t"e creat-re t-rned and (ea!t 0 r t"e sa0ety 0 t"e < ds* T"e min ta-r started t !-rs-e& b-t t"e m nster+s tai( str-ck "im in t"e side (ike a <"i!* 't <as a(( Ka= c -(d d t maintain "is " (d n "is <ea! n* T"r -g" !ainCb(-rred eyes& "e <atc"ed t"e s"ad <y t"ing )anis" int t"e sa0ety 0 t"e nig"tC s"r -ded < ds* 't <as se)era( "eartbeats be0 re t"e !ain became bearab(e* Ka=+s < -nds c ntin-ed t sting& b-t a @-ick c"eck re)ea(ed t"at "e "ad been 0 rt-nate* T"e Aagged < -nds <ere s"a(( <* DW"at <as t"at a(( ab -tFD Ka= m-ttered* He "ad been sta(ked and assa-(ted& b-t t"en "is attacker 0(ed be0 re t"e batt(e "ad rea((y been A ined* A b( dy n se s" -(dn+t "a)e been en -g" t make t"at t"ing r-n 00**** W"at <as it a0terF T"e min ta-r sn rted in ann yance* 'n t"e ear(y days& be0 re H-ma "ad ta-g"t Ka= !atience& "e < -(d "a)e s -g"t -t s met"ing t batter <it" "is "ea)y 0ists* N < "e c -(d n(y c(enc" "is 0ists in 0r-strati n* He "ad ridden "ere in t"e " !es 0 0inding s (it-de& sanct-ary* He "ad s -g"t -t t"is 0 rest and t"e nearby m -ntains beca-se 0e< creat-res 0 t"e inte((igent races <ere said t d<e(( in t"is regi n* Ka= <as n t a "ermit& b-t it <as g d t be ab(e t rest and re0(ect n < and t"en& e)en <"en ne <as a <arri r b rn* T"e m nster "ad r-ined Ka=+s !eace* N < "e < -(d "a)e t s!end t"e ne?t se)era( days ! ndering its abr-!t a!!earance& <"i(e c nstant(y ( king )er "is s" -(der* Sn rting& "e t-rned t see t "is " rse* T"e " rse <as g ne& s! ked by t"e m nster* Ka= 0e(t ar -nd t"e tree and disc )ered t"e tattered remnants 0 t"e tet"er* DT"e g ds are -t t get meED t"e min ta-r snar(ed* T"ere <as n time t tend "is <n < -nds* He "ad t begin searc"ing 0 r "is " rse immediate(y* E)ery sec nd meant (ess c"ance 0 rec )ering t"e anima(& and <it" -t Tem!est& "e < -(d be 0aced

<it" a ( ng& "ard A -rney* His cam!0ire "ad g ne -t <"i(e "e s(-mbered& and t"ere <as n s<i0t <ay 0 starting a ne< ne* Ka= decided t 0 reg a t rc" and " !e t"at "is nig"t sig"t and "earing < -(d be -! t t"e task* As "e m )ed& Ka= made c(icking s -nds <it" "is m -t"* '0 t"e " rse <as near& it < -(d rec gni=e t"em* Knig"ts 0 S (amnia 0ten trained t"eir " rses t res! nd t a <"ist(e& b-t min ta-rs+ m -t"s <ere n t designed 0 r creating s-c" s -nds* He <as c(imbing a s@-at "i(( in t"e !reda<n (ig"t& <"en "e "eard s met"ing n t"e t"er side* Ka= ca-ti -s(y c m!(eted t"e c(imb and !eered d <n* S met"ing m )ed am ng t"e trees bey nd t"e "i((* Bnab(e t te(( <"et"er r n t it <as "is " rse& Ka= readied "is batt(eCa?e and started d <n t"e s( !e* His < -nds c ntin-ed t b-rn& b-t "e ign red t"em* He "ad ign red < rse nes d-ring t"e <ar* As "e reac"ed t"e b tt m& Ka= ca-g"t an t"er g(im!se 0 s met"ing& b-t it <as sti(( t 0ar a<ay and t bsc-red by 0 (iage t be identi0iab(e* 6icking -! "is !ace& "e darted am ng t"e trees* At (ast& Ka= ca-g"t a better g(im!se* He e?"a(ed in re(ie0* His m -nt* T"e anima( <as g(ad t see "im& seemed t < nder <"ere "e+d been* 6-tting "is ann yance aside& Ka= ca((ed -t* T"e " rse tr tted t <ard "im* Ka= re!(aced "is batt(eCa?e in t"e "arness "e < re n "is back* He <as !(eased t n te t"at "is !acks <ere sec-re and t"at t"e " rse <as -ninA-red* T"e " rse r-bbed its n se in Ka=+s s" -(der and sni00ed "im* Ka= t k t"e reins& <"ic" dang(ed ( se(y )er t"e " rse+s neck& and !atted t"e anima( n t"e side* D.ra)e <arC" rse& aren+t y n <F T"ey t (d me t"at y -+d 0ace -! t A-st ab -t anyt"ingE HaE Sti((& ' can+t b(ame y - 0 r r-nning 0r m t"at "e((is" creat-re& b-t t"e (east y - c -(d+)e d ne <as take me <it" y -ED A sense 0 dread s-dden(y <as"ed )er Ka=* He ( ked s<i0t(y ar -nd& b-t sa< n t"ing* 't <as t"e si(ence again* T"e same eerie si(ence t"at "ad 0a((en <"en "e <as attacked by t"e m nster* Sti(( scanning t"e area& Ka= m -nted "is " rse* He "ad a great desire t be 0ar a<ay 0r m "ere* D' m-st "a)e m nsters n t"e brain& D "e m-ttered* Was t"is <"at it <as g ing t be (ike n < t"at "e did n t "a)e t"e <ar t cc-!y "is e)ery m mentF :-m!ing at e)ery s -ndC r (ack 0 s -nd* 'magining 0 es be"ind e)ery tree and r ckF D/et+s g ED "e gr <(ed at "is " rse* T"e anima( tr tted a 0e< ste!s& t"en came t a "a(t* Ka= !r dded t"e anima( again* He tr-(y <anted t get a<ay 0r m t"is !(ace* DW"at+s t"e matter <it" y -& Tem!estF Get m )ingED

T"is time& t"e anima( began t !( d a( ngH t"e !ace it set <as s s( < t"at Ka= began t < nder i0 "e < -(d make better time carrying Tem!est instead 0 t"e " rse carrying "im* T"e <ind began t !ick -!& t ssing dead (ea)es ab -t* C( -ds <ere gat"ering in t"e sky in <"at mig"t be t"e !rec-rs r 0 a st rm* DSargas take y -& beastED Ka= kicked t"e " rse+s 0(anks* DM )e& ' saidED Bnbe(ie)ab(y& t"e " rse began t s( < its !ace* .(ack c( -ds s<ir(ed* T"e <ind <as a " <(ing 0iend t"at t ssed (ea)es and br ken 0 (iage ar -nd t"e " rse and rider* Ka= s"ie(ded "is eyes against t"e stinging d-st and began debating t"e ! ssibi(ity 0 st !!ing <"ere "e <as and seeking s"e(ter* As i0 reading "is t" -g"ts& Tem!est abr-!t(y "a(ted* Ka= tried t -rge t"e beast n again& b-t it st d 0ast* F-ri -s& Ka= started t dism -nt& t"inking !er"a!s "e c -(d (ead t"e anima(* T"e <ind b-00eted "im back nt t"e sadd(e* He tried again t dism -nt* Once m re& t"e " rrend -s <ind seemed t " (d "im 0i?ed in !(ace* D.y 6a(adine+s b(adeE '+(( n t be bested by airED T"e min ta-r (et g 0 t"e reins and tried t"r <ing "imse(0 00 "is m -nt* A <a(( 0 <ind t ssed "im back* T"en& it <as as i0 a t rnad "ad s!r-ng t mad (i0e* Wi(d(y t-mb(ing (ea)es and t<igs c-t )isibi(ity t a 0 t r t< bey nd t"e " rse+s n se* N matter <"ic" directi n "e ( ked& a(( Ka= sa< <ere (ea)es* N & n t a(( directi ns* Ga=ing -!& "e n ted t"at t"e air <as ine?!(icab(y c(ear a 0e< 0eet ab )e "is "ead* Wit" t"e e?ce!ti n 0 t"e c( -ds t"at "ad gat"ered direct(y )er"ead& t"e sky <as s-nny and brig"t* A(( ar -nd "im t"e 0 rest <as !eace0-(& yet Ka= "imse(0 <as ca-g"t -! in a )eritab(e mae(str m* 'nstincti)e(y& "e reac"ed 0 r "is <ea! n& t" -g" <"at "e < -(d d <it" it <as bey nd "im* Ka= <as a b rn <arri r and -nderst d n t"ing ab -t t"e < rkings 0 magic& b-t "e kne< its ma(e) (ent t -c" <"en "e sa< it* He a(s "ad t"e sinking 0ee(ing t"at 0inding Tem!est "ad n t been t"e g d 0 rt-ne "e "ad ass-med& b-t rat"er t"e (-re <it" <"ic" t"e -nkn <n mage "ad dra<n "im int a tra!* 6a(adine& Ka= !rayed& i0 y - sti(( <atc" )er meC ass-ming y - e)er "a)eC' c -(d -se y -r "e(! ab -t n <E T"e <"ir(<ind started t c( se in ar -nd t"e min ta-r* N <& n(y a 0e< inc"es se!arated " rse and rider 0r m t"e t"ickening <a(( 0 dead 0 (iage*

A (ea0 str-ck t"e side 0 t"e min ta-r+s sn -t and st-ck t"ere* Ka= reac"ed -! t tear t"e (ea0 a<ay& b-tCt "is be<i(dermentCit remained 0i?ed t "im* A sec nd (ea0 ca-g"t n "is "and& and <"en t"e min ta-r tried t s"ake it 0ree& t"at (ea0& t & c(-ng* Ka=+s (egs and t rs <ere a(ready d tted <it" (ea)es& n ne 0 <"ic" < -(d s"ake ( se* His " rse <as near(y "a(0 b-ried -nder a gr <ing skin 0 0 (iage& b-t& -n(ike Ka=& Tem!est s" <ed n c ncern* T"e anima( did n t m )e at a((& seeming t acce!t its 0ate* N t s t"e min ta-r* Snar(ing& "e tried t s"ie(d "imse(0 <it" "is (ea0Cencr-sted a?e& b-t t"e barrage <as t great* /ea)es b(e< )er& -nder& and ar -nd "im& sticking n "is 0ace and arms& c(inging (ike b( d (eec"es t "is skin* D.(ast y -& mageED "e r ared& c )ering "is m -t" in rder t !re)ent s-00 cati n* DC me and 0ace meE Fig"t me as a <arri r& n t a c <ard <" m-st "ide be"ind c-rsed tricksED N ne res! nded* He "ad n t tr-(y e?!ected any ne t d s * Mages <ere& in "is !ini n& c nni)ing mi(ks !s <" < rked 0r m s"ad <s r any<"ere 0ar 0r m danger* T"e ns(a-g"t c ntin-ed* /ea)es a(m st c m!(ete(y b-ried "im a(i)e* His sn -t <as a(ready c )ered& and (ea)es c m!(ete bsc-red )isi n in ne eye and !artia((y in t"e t"er* 't <as near(y im! ssib(e t m )e* He <as 0 rced t breat"e t"r -g" "is m -t"* R -nd and r -nd t"e <ind b(e<& adding (ea0 a0ter (ea0 t t"e !i(e* T"e min ta-r <as near t s-00 cating* He str-gg(ed des!erate(y t c(ear t"e (ea)es 0r m "is n se and m -t"& b-t "e c -(dn+t (i0t "is (ea0Cc ated arm m re t"an an inc" r t< * Ka= began t c" ke**** DKiriC: (it"& g d 0 A-st ca-se& is t"is any <ay 0 r a <arri r t dieFD Ka= demanded in "e(!(ess 0-ry* '0 t"ere <as an ans<er& "e did n t remain c nsci -s ( ng en -g" t "ear it* I I I I I DAma=ingCt"e t"ings ne 0inds in ne+s nets& D a ) ice said in t"e darkness* D' <as e?!ecting t catc" a knig"t& n t a min ta-r* W"en ' ca!t-red t"e " rse& ' ass-med its rider < -(d be "-man* Si((y 0 me* D Ka= stirred and s( <(y n ted t"at <"i(e "e c -(d neit"er see n r m )e& "e <as m st certain(y a(i)e* DA"* A<ake at (ast* Fee(ing betterFD T"e gr ggy min ta-r 0 rced "is eye(ids !en a s(ig"t crack* W"at (itt(e "e c -(d see <as b(-rry& b-t at (east it <as n t (ea)es* He "ad t"e )ag-e im!ressi n 0 a r bed 0ig-re

standing a(m st be( < "im* N t"ing e(se <as c(ear en -g" t e)en g-ess at* DW"at are y - d ing in t"ese !arts& s 0ar 0r m y -r kind& my s (itary min ta-rF Y -+d best ans<er me be0 re ' ( se my tem!er and 0eed y - t my t"er g-est* D Feed me t itF Ka= !ened "is eyes <ide* He <as in a magica( !ris n& a c(ear b-bb(e 0( ating se)era( 0eet ab )e t"e 0( r* A(t" -g" de(icate in a!!earance& t"e b-bb(e "e(d 0irm <"en "e !ressed "is "ands against it* Ka= sn rted and ga!ed* His <ea! ns <ere g ne* DRea((y a sim!(e s rt 0 s!e((& my b )ine 0riend* N t"ing s s!ectac-(ar& D said t"e ) ice* Yet& t"ere <as a t -c" 0 !ride in t"e t ne* Ka= g(ared d <n at "is ca!t r* He < re t"e 0ami(iar eb ny garments 0 t"e dark mages& r .(ack R bes as t"e e)i( magicC -sers <ere ca((ed* T"e mage <as ta(( 0 r a "-man& a(m st as ta(( as t"e min ta-r& b-t s gang(y as t make a scarecr < ( k 0at* His 0ace ( ked as i0 s me ne "ad <ra!!ed a bandage 0 skin ar -nd t"e sk-((* / ng& 0( <ing gray "air "-ng t "is <aist* Ka= searc"ed ner) -s(y 0 r t"e D"-ngryD g-est* He <as im!ris ned in a ca)ern c"amber& ne t"at "ad a!!arent(y been " (( <ed -t by s me 0 rce t"er t"an nat-re* T"e <a((s and cei(ing <ere sm t"* A c-ri -s b(-e s!"ere 0( ating ab )e "is ga-nt " st i((-minated t"e c"amber* S"e()es (ined t"e ca)e <a((s& s"e()es 0i((ed <it" scr ((s& b ks& and arti0acts t"at e)en Ka=& <" "ad n sense 0 magic& c -(d te(( <ere ! <er0-( ta(ismans* .e( < "is 0( ating ce((& a !attern "ad been etc"ed int t"e center 0 t"e 0( r* A series 0 triang(es and !entagrams <ere b -nd t get"er by an )er(a!!ing circ(e& near(y t<ice Ka=+s "eig"t in diameter* Direct(y be( < Ka=& a sma(( meta( stand <it" a t ! resemb(ing a " (( <edC -t g -rd st d in t"e circ(e+s center* Ka= breat"ed easier* N sign at a(( 0 t"e "-ngry Dg-est* D T"e mage "ad been si(ent d-ring "is ca!ti)e+s ins!ecti n& b-t n < "e s! ke again* DW"at is y -r name& min ta-rFD D' am Ka=* D DAnd ' am Master Mage .renn* D T"e s!ind(y 0ig-re b <ed sard nica((y* DY - are m-c" t 0ar s -t" and <est 0 r ne 0 y -r kind& my " rned 0riend* ' ask againC<"at are y - d ing "ereFD Ka= t" -g"t @-ick(y* .renn m-st n t "a)e b t"ered t ins!ect Ka=+s gear c( se(y* He "ad b)i -s(y missed t"e "idden c m!artment c ntaining t"e S (amnic d c-ments and meda((i n* G dCa .(ack R be < -(d n t be 0riend(y t <ard a 0riend 0 t"e Knig"ts 0 S (amnia*

D'+)e been n t"e r-n since t"e /ady 0e((& Master .renn* D Ka= ans<ered b (d(y* DT"e min ta-r army <as scattered& t"e 0 rces 0 6a(adine b( cked my <ay back* ' ki((ed a knig"t& st (e "is " rse& and 0(ed s -t"* D DW"y did y - n t 0ig"t t t"e deat" (ike a g d c <FD Ka= gr <(ed& bare(y s-cceeding in kee!ing "is tem!er in c"eck* S-c" an ins-(t < -(d "a)e "ad t"e mage+s "ead r ((ing 0r m "is s" -(ders i0 Ka= and "is a?e "ad been 0ree* DT"e ca-se <as ( st& D "e said* DT"e batt(e <as )er* ' t" -g"t it !re0erab(e t !reser)e myse(0 0 r t"e day <"en my ski((s can be !-t t better -se* D .renn smi(ed* DY - "a)e a 0iner "ead n y -r s" -(ders t"an m st 0 y -r kind* D T"e magicC-ser sna!!ed "is 0ingers* Ka= 0 -nd "imse(0 standing n t"e r cky 0( r* He g(anced -!* His magica( !ris n "ad )anis"ed* A(( t"at remained <as t"e !attern n t"e 0( r& t"e stand& and& 0 c -rse& t"e .(ack R be* DAs it "a!!ens& Ka= t"e Min ta-r& y - "a)e c me t t"e rig"t !(ace* ' <i(( "a)e need 0 y -r ski((s be0 re ( ng* D DW"ere is t"is rig"t !(ace& Master .rennFD Ka= demanded* DY - are in t"e m -ntains near <"ere ' 0 -nd y -& D .renn re!(ied* DY - are 0 rt-nate& my " rned 0riend* Had y - been a knig"tCas ' 0irst !res-medCy - < -(d be dead* ' am t c( se t s-ccess t a(( < my secrets t be disc )ered* D T"e ga-nt mage !a-sed* DTe(( me& min ta-r& did y - see anyt"ing*** -n-s-a(*** in t"e 0 restFD DW"at did y - "a)e in mind& Master .rennFD .renn 0r <ned& irritated* DY - < -(d kn < <"at ' meant i0 y "ad seen it* D Ka= <as certain t"at t"e .(ack R be meant t"e m nster& b-t "e e(ected n t t s"are t"e detai(s 0 "is enc -nter <it" "is " st* W"at .renn did n t kn < mig"t bene0it t"e min ta-r* Did t"e mage "a)e s met"ing t d <it" t"e m nsterF '0 s & <"atF And <"ere <as itF Ka= <as debating t"e danger 0 !r bing 0 r m re in0 rmati n <"en a m -rn0-( <ai( ec" ed t"r -g" -t t"e mage+s sanct-m* T"e s -nd reminded Ka= 0 a < man s bbing& b-t at t"e same time "e kne< t"at it <as n t "-man* 't <as -nner)ing& terrib(e& and e?tra rdinari(y sad* .renn& @-ite ca(m& n dded at t"e s -nd and cry!tica((y said& DS"e+s a<ake* S"e s" -(d be m re manageab(e& by n <* D DS"eFD t"e min ta-r r-mb(ed* DC me* ' <i(( s" < y -* D .renn started t <ard t"e ca)ern+s entrance* Abr-!t(y& "e t-rned* He st-died t"e min ta-r& t"en c mmanded& DH (d -t y -r "ands* D Ka= beyed* S-dden(y "e <as " (ding "is ( st a?e* DY - <i(( 0ee( m re c m0 rtab(e <it" t"at in y -r ! ssessi n*

D try t be care0-( <it" it* D T"e mage t-rned "is back n t"e min ta-r and res-med <a(king* Ka= "e0ted t"e <ea! n& t"inking brie0(y 0 !arting t"e mage+s ( ng gray "air* Ka= kne< better t"an t attack& " <e)er* '0 .renn "ad gi)en t"e a?e back& it c -(d n(y be beca-se "e "ad n 0ear 0 it* T"ings <ere n t ( king !r mising* T"e g( <ing s!"ere 0(e< a"ead 0 t"em& (ig"ting t"e <ay* Ka= 0 (( <ed t"e gang(y magicC-ser t"r -g" a ma=e 0 t-nne(s t"at (ed 0r m ne ca)ern c"amber t an t"er& -nti( t"ey came t ne (arger t"an a(( t"e rest* .renn !a-sed at t"e entrance& ne "and n t"e r cky <a((& and t-rned t t"e min ta-r* D' t"ink !er"a!s it < -(d be best i0 y - stayed in t"e backgr -nd* S"e bec mes distra-g"t at t"e s(ig"test t"ing* ' <i(( s!eak t "er in !ri)ate* D His eyes narr <ed a bit* DD n+t <ander 00* D Wit" t"at <arning& .renn entered t"e c"amber& t"e b(-e (ig"t 0 (( <ing "im* Ka= <as m re t"an satis0ied t be (e0t be"ind& b-t "e <as a(s interested in a g(im!se 0 t"e .(ack R be+s t"er Dg-est* D Standing t t"e side 0 t"e entrance& t"e b-r(y min ta-r !eered int t"e ca)ern* DT"ere& t"ere& my dearED .renn ca((ed -t* D' t"ink t"ings <i(( ( k brig"ter 0r m t"is ! int n& < -(d y - n t agreeFD A "-ge re!ti(ian "ead r se 0r m t"e ca)ern 0( r* T"e g(eaming eyes 0 a si()er drag n stared at .renn* Ka= "ad ne)er seen s-c" !en "atred and re)-(si n in a(( "is (i0e* D' <ant*** my c"i(dren& y - )i(e*** )i(e m nsterED t"e si()er drag n cried in a ( <& ang-is"ed ) ice* T"ere <ere n drag ns (e0t in Krynn* T"ey "ad a(( )anis"ed s n a0ter t"e de0eat in batt(e 0 dread Tak"isis by t"e knig"t H-ma* A(( drag ns& <"et"er 0 (( <ers 0 t"e Dark /ady r ser)ants 0 s"ining 6a(adineC"er )ict ri -s 0 eC"ad de!arted 0r m t"e < r(d* Ka= t"e min ta-r < ndered i0 s me ne "ad 0 rg tten t te(( t"is !artic-(ar drag n t"at s"e <as n t s-!! sed t be "ere* T"e si()er drag n <as en rm -sH Ka= "ad ne)er seen ne s (arge* .renn <as (itt(e m re t"an a m -t"0-( t s-c" a grand creat-re& yet t"e drag n made n " sti(e m )e t <ard t"e master mage* Ka= dared t ste! a bit c( ser& and sa< t"e drag n in a better (ig"t* T"e drag n <as bad(y inA-red* Dee!& 0etid scars sc red t"e massi)e b dy* Her <ings <ere t rn* One eye(id dr !ed and t"e rb t"at it "a(0C bsc-red did n t 0 c-s <e((* M st 0 t"e < -nds <ere (d& yet -ntreated* '0 n t cared 0 r s n& t"ey < -(d a(m st certain(y mean a s( <& !ain0-( deat"* T"e min ta-r+s res!ect 0 r t"e mage+s dark ! <ers gre< a "-ndred0 (d* .renn c -(d n t "a)e ! ssib(y in0(icted s-c"

damage*** at (east& Ka= t" -g"t n t*** b-t e)en t"is bad(y < -nded& t"e si()er drag n m-st be a terrib(e 0 rce t reck n <it"* DY -r c"i(dren are sa0e& as y - can !(ain(y see& madam& D .renn said& stretc"ing "is rig"t "and t t"e side t indicate s met"ing* Ka= tried t see& b-t c -(dn+t 0r m "is )antage ! int* Did t"e mage "a)e a cage 0-(( 0 y -ng drag ns as <e((F DM nsterED T"e si()er drag n m aned* .renn cr ssed "is arms* DY - can say t"at& madam& <"en ' s t" -g"t0-((y a(( < y - t ga=e -! n y -r !reci -s eggs <"ene)er y - desireF ' t" -g"t it rat"er a kindness n my !art* D DKindnessFD T"e drag n str-gg(ed* /ike Ka= ear(ier& s"e <as "e(d in !(ace by in)isib(e magica( b nds* A0ter a m ment 0 intense e00 rt& t"e g(ittering drag n+s "ead sank t t"e gr -nd* Ka= 0eared s"e <as dying* DKindness*** D t"e drag n <"is!ered* DT rt-re*** is*** is <"at y - mean& m rta(E 6(acing my eggs <"ere ' can see*** b-t n t*** t -c"E Eggs t"at*** t"at y - st (e 0r m *** my (airED DWe((& madam& n ne seemed t be taking care 0 t"em* ' t" -g"t t gi)e t"em a g d " me* D .renn c"-ck(ed* DAnd y kn < <e((& my dear& t"at ' "a)e made a )ery 0ine 00er t y t"at < -(d see y -r c"i(dren back in y -r care in !er"a!s t< r t"ree days at m stE :-st gi)e me <"at ' <ant& and ' !r mise y - t"at y -r eggs <i(( be ret-rned t y -* D DH <*** " < can ' be(ie)e y -FD T"e s!e((caster s"r-gged* D.e(ie)e <"at y - (ike& madam& b-t eit"er acce!t my 00er r*** D .renn m-st "a)e !er0 rmed s me s!e(( n t"e "idden eggs& 0 r s-dden(y t"e inA-red drag n rene<ed "er str-gg(e t esca!e* DN E D n+t "-rt t"emED DWe((FD DYesED S"e s!at& t-rned a b-rning ga=e n t"e b(ack r bed s!e((caster* DY - <in& 0iendE ' <i(( d as y - <is"& b-tDCt"e drag n <as r cked by s!asms 0 !ainCDi0 y - "arm my c"i(dren& ' <i(( 0ind s me means t destr y y -ED .renn (a-g"ed* D' < -(d make a ! r mea(& madam& 0 r y -r kind* A(( grist(e and n meat t s!eak 0* D DY -*** "a)e my < rd n <& "-man* W"at d y - <ant 0 meFD DT"at y - s"a(( (earn n t"e m rr <& madam* D .renn b <ed* DF r n <& t"er t"ings demand my attenti n* ' rec mmend y try t rest* Y - <i(( certain(y need y -r strengt"* D T"e si()er drag n <as n ( nger !aying any attenti n t "im* 'nstead "er ga=e ret-rned t t"e area t"at Ka= c -(d n t see& t "er eggs* Des!ite "er <eakened c nditi n& t"e g(eaming

drag n craned in t"at directi n* Ka= eyed t"e mage* T"e min ta-r+s gri! tig"tened n t"e a?e& yet "e 0 rced "imse(0 t " (d back& 0earing .renn+s magic* DAt s me ! int& t" -g"& t"ere <i(( c me a m ment <"en y - (et d <n y -r g-ard& Master .renn& D Ka= m-ttered* He sim!(y "ad t s-r)i)e -nti( t"en* Ret-rning t t"e !assage<ay& .renn sagged& (eaned <eari(y against t"e -ter <a((* His im!ris nment 0 t"e drag n <as a!!arent(y c sting "im a great dea( 0 e00 rt* A0ter a breat" r t< & t"e mage straig"tened and !r ceeded !ast Ka=* DC me& D .renn c mmanded* T"ey "ad taken a d =en ste!s r s be0 re Ka= decided t s!eak* DY -+)e ca!t-red a drag n* D DWeak as s"e <as& it <as easy* ' ca-g"t "er <"i(e "er attenti n <as n t"er t"ings* T"at is a(( ' "a)e t say n t"e s-bAect* D A0ter a m ment 0 si(ent c ntem!(ati n& .renn t-rned t a ne< t !ic* D' <i(( s" < y - <"ere y -r " rse is being stab(ed* 't <i(( ser)e as y -r @-arters& t * '0 y are "-ngry& ' <i(( a(s s" < y - <"ere y - may 0ind 0 d* ' t"ink ' am being @-ite gener -s* A(( ' ask in ret-rn is y -r bedience* Fair en -g"FD Ka= grimaced* T"ere <as n t"ing "e c -(d d b-t c ntin-e !(aying t"e grate0-( !ris ner* T"e min ta-r ate t"e !r )isi ns and cared 0 r "is " rse* His @-arters c nsisted 0 a sma(( ca)e accessib(e 0r m inside t"e m -ntain by means 0 a t-nne( b-t a(s !en t t"e -tside < r(d* Ka= c nsidered esca!e& b-t a tri! t t"e ca)e+s entrance re)ea(ed t"at t"e edge ended in a s"eer c(i00 se)era( "-ndred 0eet "ig"* N esca!e 0r m t"is e?it* He <as ! (is"ing "is a?e& "is t" -g"ts r-nning )er t"e !attern 0 t-nne(s "e "ad <a(ked t"r -g"& <"en t"e mage entered* .renn ( ked distracted* DC me <it" me* ' "a)e need 0 y -r !"ysica( !r <ess* .ring t"e a?e* D Acting t"e bedient s (dier& Ka= 0 (( <ed .renn back t"r -g" t"e ma=e 0 -ndergr -nd c rrid rs* As "e <a(ked& t"e min ta-r ke!t care0-( track 0 t"e ste!s and t-rns "e and "is " st t k* '0 "e <as t "a)e any c"ance 0 esca!e& it < -(d be essentia( t kn < "is <ay ar -nd t"e s rcerer+s d main* T"ey ret-rned t t"e cada)er -s mage+s sanct-m* Wit" distaste Ka= eyed t"e magica( !attern n t"e 0( r and t"e meta( de)ice t"at st d n it* He c -(d sti(( reca(( "is b-bb(e !ris n* .renn& t & st-died t"e !attern* His < rds <ere m re t "imse(0 t"an t t"e min ta-r* DN < t"at ' "a)e "er < rd& ' can <ait n ( nger* 't "as a) ided t"e tra!s '+)e set* T"ere+s n te((ing i0 it sti(( e)en e?ists* ' <i(( "a)e t -se m re e?treme meas-res and try t bring it "ere n <* D

Wit" -t ( king at "is c m!ani n& .renn added& DStand t t"e side and d e?act(y <"at ' te(( y - t d * D T"e mage raised "is b ny "ands "ig"* A b-bb(eCidentica( in s"a!e t t"e ne t"at "ad "e(d Ka=C 0 rmed A-st ab )e t"e t ! 0 t"e meta( de)ice* At 0irst t"e b-bb(e <as n (arger t"an an egg& t"en it gre< t t"e si=e 0 a me( n& t"en (arger -nti( its diameter <as greater t"an t"e (engt" 0 Ka=+s arm* A ting(e ran t"r -g" Ka=& <" readied "is a?e& e)en t" -g" "e <as n t certain <"at g d t"e <ea! n < -(d d -nder t"e circ-mstances* T"e b-bb(e did n t cease its e?!ansi n* Ka= < ndered <"et"er it < -(d e)ent-a((y 0i(( t"e entire c"amber* T"en Ka= sa< s met"ing in t"e center 0 t"e b-bb(e* Ka= s@-inted t see better* 'nside t"e b-bb(e <as a < den c"estC a sim!(e < den c"est de) id 0 dec rati n* As t"e b-bb(e gre<& t"e c"est gre<* W"en t"e c"est <as a(m st as big as t"e min ta-r& .renn 0(icked a 0inger at t"e magica( b-bb(e* T"e trans!arent s!"ere 0( ated )er t "im& c ming t rest at t"e mage+s 0eet* As it t -c"ed t"e ca)ern 0( r& t" -g"& t"e b tt m 0 t"e b-bb(e diss ()ed* T"e b-bb(e c ntin-ed t sink& and as it did& it diss ()ed* .e0 re ( ng& t"ere <as n(y t"e c"est* An t"er 0(ick 0 .renn+s 0inger !ened t"e (id* .renn rem )ed se)era( (eat"eryC( king 0ragments 0 <"at mig"t "a)e been ! ttery 0r m t"e c"est* He eyed eac" !iece care0-((y& es!ecia((y t"e edges& t"enCe)ery 0ragment "e(d sec-re(y in "is armsCt"e mage ste!!ed a<ay* T"e (id c( sed and t"e c"est began t rise* T"e b-bb(e 0 rmed ar -nd it& and t"e entire !r cess t"at Ka= "ad A-st <itnessed re!eated itse(0& n(y in re)erse* T"e b-bb(e and c"est ret-rned t t"eir !(ace ab )e t"e !attern and t"e meta( de)ice* T"en t"e c"est and t"e b-bb(e grad-a((y s"rank -nti( at (ast b t" )anis"ed* .renn entered t"e !attern t"e m ment t"e b-bb(e disa!!eared& and "e began !iecing t get"er t"e 0ragments in t"e (arge b <( at t"e t ! 0 t"e ta(isman* S n t"e tr-e 0 rm 0 t"e bAect became a!!arent* 't <as n t ! ttery& as Ka= "ad 0irst s-rmised* An eggE He <as reb-i(ding a br ken eggE An egg s (arge and s !ec-(iar in a!!earance t"at it c -(d n(y c me 0r m*** DA drag nED On(y a0ter "e "ad said t"e < rds did Ka= rea(i=e t"at "e "ad s! ken -t ( -d* F rt-nate(y& .renn <as t engr ssed in "is < rk t n tice* T"e mage !-t t"e 0inis"ing t -c"es n t"e egg* He ste!!ed -t 0 t"e !attern and t-rned t t"e min ta-r* DN < y -r ski((s may be necessary& my 0riend* Ready y -rse(0*

D Ka= "ad n time t c nsider <"at .renn <as d ing <it" t"e eggs"e(( 0 a drag n* A(ready s met"ing <as "a!!ening in t"e center* An t"er b-bb(eCt"is ne reddis" in tintC 0 rmed ar -nd t"e s"e((& gr <ing (arger and (arger -nti( it c -(d "a)e easi(y c ntained Ka= and t"e mage* .renn stretc"ed a near(y 0(es"(ess arm t <ard t"e b-bb(e and m-ttered s met"ing* A 0ierce ( k g( <ed in "is eyes* T"e skin 0 "is 0ace& a(ready ta-t& !-((ed s tig"t Ka= t" -g"t it < -(d s n tear a<ay& re)ea(ing t"e sk-(( -nderneat"* T"e eggs"e(( <a)ered* .renn stretc"ed 0 rt" "is t"er arm* S<eat ! -red 0r m "is 0 re"eadH "is " (( < eyes 0(ared* DW"ere)er y - are& D "e s" -ted& Dy - m-st c me t meE T"e !-(( 0 y -r birt" <i(( n t be deniedED 'n t"e b-bb(e& t"e rec nstr-cted s"e(( sm ked* 6(-mes r se ab )e t"e egg& s<ir(ing and 0 rming a c( -d* Ka= b(inked* F r a m ment& "e < -(d "a)e s< rn "e sa< an arm in t"e c( -d* A s"a!e c a(esced s( <(y )er t"e s"e((& <"ic" seemed t be diss ()ing as t"e t"ing ab )e it s (idi0ied* T"e t"ing <as n t "-manH t"at <as b)i -s a0ter t"e 0irst 0e< sec nds* 't <as n t (ike any creat-re t"at Ka= "ad e)er seen* 't "ad <ings and a ( ng& ! <er0-( tai(* T"e t"ing in t"e b-bb(e <as bent )er and seemed -ndecided as t <"et"er it s" -(d stand n t< (egs r 0 -r* Standing& it < -(d "a)e been ta((er t"an .renn and ! ssib(y e)en Ka=* 't <as a(s (ike(y t<ice t"e min ta-r+s <eig"t* Ka= stared in s" ck and ama=ement at t"e creat-re* 't <as t"e m nster t"at "ad attacked "imE He rec gni=ed it by t"e br-ised and b( died sn -t* Yes& t"is <as <"at "e "ad 0 -g"t* .-t <"at <as itF T"e m nstr sity inside .renn+s b-bb(e !ened its b(-nted& re!ti(ian ma< and (et ( se <it" a r ar*** r tried t * N s -nd esca!ed t"e b-bb(e* T"e creat-re c(a<ed at t"e interi r 0 its ce(( <it" "ands t"at ( ked a(m st "-man* 't <as a drag n*** yet it <as n t* Ka= kne< 0 t"e si()er drag n+s abi(ity t s"a!ec"ange& b-t t"is t"ing ( ked as i0 it "ad c"anged its mind mid<ay t"r -g" t"e trans0 rmati n and "ad been -nab(e t s"i0t back t its nat-ra( state* .renn <a(ked t <"ere t"e m nster c -(d see "im* 'ts "atred 0 r t"e .(ack R be <as e)ident* F rt-nate(y 0 r t"e mage& t"e b-bb(e <as str nger t"an t"e m nster* DR ar a(( y - (ike& my drag nCman& D .renn remarked* DN t n(y <i(( t"is !ris n " (d y - better& b-t y -r m t"er <i(( ne)er "ear y - in t"ere* D M t"erF Ka= ( ked c( se(y at t"e m nster+s sca(y "ide* W"at

"e "ad taken 0 r gray <as act-a((y a m-ted si()erE T"e t"ing <as ne 0 t"e si()er drag n+s c"i(drenE T"ere c -(d be n t"er e?!(anati n& yet Ka= "ad ne)er seen a drag n t"at ( ked (ike t"is ne* 't <as& as .renn "ad !-t it& m re 0 a drag nCman**** W"at "a)e y - d ne& mageF Ka= < ndered* W"at )i(e s rcery "a)e y - !er0 rmedF DG d* T"e s"e(( " (ds& D .renn c mmented* He <a(ked ar -nd "is creati n& st-dying it as a c"i(d mig"t ins!ect a ne<(y ac@-ired !et* DS me 0-rt"er dist rti n& b-t t"e s!e(( "as n t c m!(ete(y br ken d <n yet* An t"er 0e< days& t" -g" *** Yes& ' t"ink ' <as c rrect a0ter a((& D .renn m-ttered* Ka= c -(d restrain "imse(0 n ( nger* DY - are res! nsib(e 0 r t"at creat-reFD D't is s met"ing 0 a disa!! intment& is it n tF 'nteresting& b-t n t @-ite <"at ' "ad in mind& and ' d "ate t (ea)e a t"ing "a(0 d ne* T"ere is a(s t"e !r b(em t"at my magic re0-ses t stay b -nd t it* Gi)en t"ree r 0 -r m re days& t"e s!e(( < -(d break d <n& and <e < -(d "a)e neit"er t"is creat-re n r a y -ng "atc"(ing& n t"ing b-t a nasty mess* Bnti( s"e ga)e in& ' <as ready t (et "im remain ( se -nti( t"e -nra)e(ing 0 t"e s!e(( t re "im a!art* N < t"at ' "a)e "er c !erati n& ' can remedy t"e sit-ati n* ' can start n t"e t"ers* D DS t"at <as ne 0 t"e drag n+s eggsFD .renn ceased "is ins!ecti n 0 t"e drag nCman and ga=ed t" -g"t0-((y at t"e min ta-r* DO0 c -rse* A(m st ne<(y (aid& in 0act* T"is <as my 0irst attem!t* 3ery str ng "e is* T re a!art t"e nice ir n ce(( ' "ad "im in and 0(ed t t"e < ds* ' <as e(se<"ere at t"e time* D DT"at is y -r reas n 0 r stea(ing t"e eggsF T"at t"ingFD Ka= asked* DT"e idea <as an t"er+sCan (d c m!ani n 0 mine <" "ad bec me a c(eric 0 t"e Dark G-een* He nce menti ned t me " < de(ig"t0-( it < -(d be i0 6a(adine+s greatest ser)ants c -(d be tricked int 0ig"ting 0 r Tak"isis* W"at better <ay t destr y t"eir m ra(e t"an by t-rning t"eir c"i(dren int creat-res dedicated t t"e darknessFD .renn+s e?!ressi n <as a(m st <ist0-(* DHis ! <er <as ins-00icient 0 r t"e task& " <e)er& and "e died in t"e !r cess**** T"e 0 (* D T"e mage s" k "is "ead* DC(ericsE T"ey are t (imited by t"eir 0anatica( de) ti n* A mage& n t"e t"er "and*** <e((& y - see <"at ' "a)e acc m!(is"edED DN t <"at y - intended& D Ka= gr <(ed* T"e bser)ati n did n t seem t b t"er t"e magicC-ser* DN & b-t -n(ike A-g-s& my ! r& -n(amented 0riend& ' -nderstand my (imitati ns*** and t"en de)ise <ays 0 )erc ming t"em* S"e

<i(( !r )ide t"e added strengt" ' need* D .renn ste!!ed ar -nd t"e !attern and reA ined Ka=* T"e mage <a(ked m-c" m re s( <(y t"an be0 re& a sign t"at "e <as e?"a-sted* DWe "a)e a b-sy day a"ead 0 -s t m rr <& min ta-r* ' need t c nser)e my strengt" 0 r t"e s!e(( ' !(an t cast* T"e !"ysica( e?erti n m-st 0a(( t y -* T"ere0 re& it < -(d be best i0 y - <ent t bed n <* ' s"a(( s-mm n y <"en t"e time c mes* D T"e min ta-r b <ed bedient(y* DYes& Master .renn* D DSince y - d n t yet kn < y -r <ay ar -nd t"is !(ace& ' s"a(( gi)e y - t"is t g-ide y - t y -r @-arters* D T"e ske(eta( 0ig-re 0(icked a 0inger at t"e b(-e (ig"t* T"e rb s"immered& t"en s!(it int t< identica( s!"eres* One 0 t"em 0(-ttered )er t t"e start(ed <arri r* D't <i(( remain in e?istence s ( ng as y - need it t reac" y -r @-arters* A0ter t"at& it <i(( 0ade a<ay& (ea)ing y - in c m!(ete darkness* D Warning me n t t <ander any<"ere a0ter<ard& Ka= t" -g"t& n dding "is -nderstanding* .renn ret-rned "is attenti n t "is m nstr -s creati n* DY may g * D Ka= started t (ea)e& b-t 0e(t s met"ing make t"e "air n "is neck stand n end* He ( ked back at .renn* T"e mage+s ga=e <as sti(( 0 c-sed n t"e t"ing in t"e magica( b-bb(e* T"e min ta-r+s br < 0-rr <ed& t"en "e c"anced t ( k -! at t"e drag nCman* 't <as <atc"ing Ka=* T"e min ta-r sta(ked @-ick(y t <ard t"e !assage<ay& n t nce ( king back* On(y <"en "e <as se)era( ste!s d <n t"e t-nne( and 0ar 0r m t"e -nner)ing eyes 0 t"e m nster did "e !a-se* 't "ad been years since anyt"ing "ad s dist-rbed "im& b-t t"e "-ngry& kn <ing ga=e 0 t"e drag nCman "ad b-rned int Ka=+s )ery s -(* .renn "ad created s met"ing insidi -s& s met"ing <" se inner darkness !er"a!s e)en t"e magicC-ser did n t 0-((y c m!re"end* Ka= did n t (ike magic* An a?e c -(d n t c(ea)e magic* Yet& Ka= kne< "e c -(d n t (ea)e -n(ess "e destr yed .renn+s creati n 0irst* Ka= added -! "is c"ances 0 s-cceeding in s-c" a mad @-est and sn rted in 0r-strati n* /itt(e c"ance& indeedE He < -(d "a)e t be a s-icida( 0 ( t seri -s(y c nsider d ing anyt"ing t"er t"an esca!ing at t"e 0irst !! rt-nityE D6a(adine !reser)e meED Ka= m-ttered -nder "is breat"* :-st as "e made t"at decisi n& "e rea(i=ed t"ere <as n decisi n t make* He c -(d n t !ermit .renn t c ntin-e "is -neart"(y e?!eriments* He "ad t act* T"e g ds& Ka= decided t"ere and t"en& rea((y are -t t get

me*** and t"is time t"ey+(( !r bab(y s-cceedE I I I I I His mem ry ser)ed "im <e((* Ka= <as !(eased t disc )er& s me " -rs (ater& t"at des!ite t"e -tter darkness& "e <as ab(e t retrace "is r -te* On(y nce s 0ar "ad "e made a <r ng t-rn& and "e "ad rea(i=ed t"at mistake a(m st at nce* Ka= "ad been tem!ted t -se a makes"i0t t rc"& b-t t"e (ig"t < -(d "a)e !-t "im at risk* He <as 0air(y certain t"at t"e <eary .renn <as n < as(ee!& b-t t"e min ta-r <as taking n c"ances* He <as c -nting n t"e darkness t "ide "im* Ka= "ad been tem!ted t attack .renn in t"e nig"t* .-t Ka= kne< n mage < -(d g t s(ee! <it" -t s me !r tecti)e s!e((* 'n .renn+s case& it < -(d be a ! <er0-( <ard* N & t"e min ta-r+s best " !e <as t remain n t"e c -rse "e "ad decided* On(y s"e c -(d aid "im* He t-rned a c rner and sa< a dim (ig"t a"ead* At 0irst& "e 0eared t"at "e "ad misca(c-(ated& t"at .renn <as sti(( a<ake* 't <as a m ment be0 re Ka= rec gni=ed t"e dim i((-minati n as c ming 0r m t"e c"amber <"ere t"e si()er drag n <as im!ris ned* Wit" m re c n0idence& "e a!!r ac"ed t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)ern and !eered inside* T"e si()er drag n (ay sti((& s sti((& in 0act& t"at t"e min ta-r 0eared t"at s"e "ad a(ready died in "er s(ee!* T"en& Ka= sa< "er stir in b)i -s ag ny* Bnderstanding t s me e?tent "er inA-ries and < -nds& "e c -(d n t "e(! b-t admire "er determinati n t (i)e* T"e t"er drag ns "ad a(( de!arted& b-t s"e stayed be"ind& -n<i((ing t take t"e time t "ea( "erse(0& and a(( beca-se 0 "er ( )e 0 r "er c"i(dren* Ka= <as -traged at t"e t" -g"t 0 <"at .renn "ad d ne t ne 0 t" se c"i(dren* T"e min ta-r "ad t te(( t"e si()er drag n t"e tr-t"*** !r )iding s"e < -(d be(ie)e anyt"ing a min ta-r said* T"e (ast <as t"e !art 0 t"e !(an "e "ad been -nab(e t res ()e t "is <n satis0acti n* Ka= started t <ard t"e drag n*** and ran int an in)isib(e <a((* C-rsing& "e s(ammed "is 0ist against it* DW"at n <FD "e m-ttered* Fr-strated& t"e min ta-r s"i0ted ! siti n in an attem!t t see i0 t"ere mig"t be an t"er entrance nearer t t"e drag n* As "e m )ed& "e !-t a "and against t"e r ck <a(( 0 t"e ca)ern* Air c-rrents s"i0ted* A ting(e ran t"r -g" t"e min ta-r+s "and* Start(ed& "e !-((ed "is "and 0r m t"e r ck* Ka=

reca((ed s met"ing .renn "ad d ne b t" <"en entering and de!arting t"e drag n+s !ris n* T<ice t"e s!e((caster+s "and "ad t -c"ed t"e <a((* 'n 0act& Ka= rea(i=ed& .renn "ad g ne -t 0 "is <ay t t -c" t"e r ck* Ka= tried t t -c" t"e in)isib(e <a((* 't <as g ne* Ka= @-ick(y entered t"e c"amber and& <it" s me "esitati n& a!!r ac"ed t"e massi)e !ris ner* DY - c me*** @-iet*** in t"e nig"t& D a s 0t ) ice <"is!ered s-dden(y* DT"e mage*** "as ac@-ired "imse(0 a ne< ser)ant* Y - s" -(d n t be "ere <it" -t y -r master& min ta-r* ' s" -(d tear y -*** tear y - a!art* D T"e "ead s"i0ted* Wit" "er g d eye& t"e si()er drag n stared bitter(y at t"e tiny 0ig-re t "er side* .eing de) -red by t"e )ery t"ing "e "ad c me t resc-e <as n t !art 0 Ka=+s !(an* D' am a !ris ner "ere a(s & Great One* .y my ancest rs& ' s<ear t"at <"at ' te(( y - n < is t"e tr-t"* Y - "a)e my < rd 0 " n r* D DMin ta-rs are*** are kn <n t (ie n < and t"en* F r a !ris ner& y - "a)e )ery*** )ery ( ng c"ains* D Ka= sn rted* D/ike y -& Master .renn made ass-m!ti ns* D DW"y*** "a)e y - tr-(y*** c me t *** t meFD T"e drag n mig"t n t be(ie)e "imCn t yetCb-t s"e e)ident(y kne< en -g" ab -t min ta-r " n r t at (east (isten t "im* DT get y - -t 0 t"is* D E)en as Ka= said it& "e rea(i=ed " < ridic-( -s "e s -nded* He <as trying t resc-e a drag n* D' need y -r ! <er t "e(! end t"is* D DE)en i0*** i0 ' be(ie)ed y -& ' cann t*** (ea)e <it" -t my c"i(dren& min ta-r* ' <i(( n t (ea)e*** <it"*** <it" -t t"em* D T"e si()er drag n 0(inc"ed se)era( times d-ring t"e c -rse 0 "er re!(y* S"e t-rned "er "ead and indicated t"e <a(( be0 re "er& t"e ne Ka= "ad been -nab(e t see 0r m t"e entrance* D/ k t"ere* :-st bey nd my*** my reac"* D Ka= 0 (( <ed "er directi n* His eyes <idened* T"ere in a n k in t"e r ck <a(( <ere si? (arge& (eat"ery eggs identica( t t"e 0ragmented egg .renn "ad !ieced t get"er* 't seemed strange t"at t"e mage < -(d !-t t"e eggs "ere& <"en "e < -(d be 0 rced t m )e t"em 0 r "is e?!eriments* H < did "e " !e t maintain t"e drag n+s c !erati n i0 s"e sa< t"em )anis"ing& ne by neF T"e drag n s<-ng "er "ead ar -nd* DT"ey <ere n(y 0res"(y (aid a 0e< days be0 re "e*** "e*** st (e t"em* A(t" -g" time "as !assed& "is acc-rsed s!e(( "as*** ke!t t"em as t"ey <ere* D Ka= sn rted* DH < <as it "e <as ab(e t sei=e t"emFD DA batt(e 0 rced -s t (ea)e t"em 0 r a time* A terrib(e batt(e as y - can see* ' came back& "e(!ed by my mate& t

disc )er t"em g neED S"e grimaced as !ain s" k "er* DMy mate and ' s< re t"at n(y deat" < -(d kee!*** kee! -s 0r m -r c"i(dren* D T"e drag n !a-sed 0 r breat"* D't seems ' <i(( be "e(d t *** t t"at ) <* ' am bey nd eit"er "e(! r "e(!ing* Yet& i0 y - < -(d d me any 0a) r& min ta-r& sa)e my c"i(dren* D Ka= 0 -g"t d <n "is disa!! intment at 0inding t"e drag n t <eak t aid "im* He st-died t"e eggs* He c -(d n t aband n t"em t t"e 0ate 0 t"e t"er* He c -(d n t a(( < .renn t create any m re s-c" m nstr sities*** e)en i0 t"at meant destr ying t"e eggs* 't <as n(y <"en "e dared reac" -! t t"e eggs t"emse()es t"at "e disc )ered s met"ing strange* He c -(dn+t reac" t"e n k* He 0e(t a r -g"& r cky s-r0ace beneat" "is "and* Had "is eyes been c( sed& "e < -(d "a)e been -nab(e t te(( <"ere t"e <a(( ended and t"e n k began* He ran "is "ands ar -nd t"e edge& trying t 0ind s me mec"anica( means t !en it& (ike t"e entrance* N t"ing* He c ntem!(ated trying "is a?e n t"e <a((& b-t t"e n ise < -(d certain(y <ake t"e s!e((caster and m st (ike(y acc m!(is" n t"ing b-t damaging t"e <ea! n* De0eated& "e t-rned back t t"e drag n* D's t"ere n t"ing t"at y - can d FD DW -(d ' be "ereFD S"e sig"ed* DMy n(y " !e is t"at "e <i(( kee! "is < rd and gi)e*** t"em back* D DHe <i(( d n t"ing 0 t"e kind* D Ka= snar(ed* DHe intends t take y -r eggs and dra< n y -r ! <er t t<ist y -r c"i(dren int ab minati ns bedient t "imED T"e drag n (i0ted "er "ead* DE)en "e c -(d n t d t"atH "e dares n tED DHa)en+t y - < ndered <"y t"e eggs aren+t a(( "ereFD Ka= asked "er* N < s"e a!!eared s-s!ici -s* DW"at s rt 0 trick is t"isF A(( 0 my eggs*** are t"ere* ' see t"em* D DW"atF T"ey can+t beED Ka= <as ast -nded* DT"ey are* D T"e drag n eyed "im* DW"ate)er y - <ere !( tting "as 0ai(ed* 6er"a!s y - s" -(d ret-rn t y -r master* D D.y 6a(adineE /isten t CD .e0 re "e c -(d 0inis"& an t"er ) ice c-t t"r -g"* DKa=& y kn < ' rdered y - n t t t rment -r g-estE Y - < -(d d better t (earn t beyED .renn st d near t"e entrance* Ka= c-rsed si(ent(yH "e "ad been a 0 ( n t t g-ess t"ere mig"t be s me s rt 0 magica( a(arm* Ka= tried t reac" 0 r "is a?e& disc )ered "e c -(dn+t m )e* T"e si()er drag n regarded t"e min ta-r <it" m-c" ( at"ing* S"e < -(d ne)er be(ie)e "im n <* DY - are g ing t "a)e t be !-nis"ed 0 r t"is dis bedience&

Ka=& D .renn c ntin-ed* A b-bb(e 0 rmed ar -nd Ka=& a 0( ating s!"ere identica( t t"e ne t"at im!ris ned t"e drag nCman* He 0 -nd "e c -(d m )e n <& b-t <"ere c -(d "e g F E)en as "e t" -g"t t"at& t"ere <as a s-dden& min -s c"ange in t"e b-bb(e* 't began t s"rinkE N < t"e t ! bare(y c(eared "is " rns& and t"e sides <ere s c( se "e c -(d t -c" t"em <it" "is 0ingers* .eing s( <(y cr-s"ed t deat" in a magica( b-bb(e <as n t an " n rab(e <ay t die* He tried breaking t"e b-bb(e <it" "is " rns& b-t rea(i=ed it <as m re (ike(y "is " rns < -(d break be0 re t"e s!"ere < -(d b-rst* Bnab(e t d anyt"ing e(se& Ka= c-rsed .renn in t"e name 0 e)ery g d "e c -(d t"ink 0& t"en began te((ing t"e ma(e) (ent magicC-ser <"at t"e min ta-r < -(d d <"en "e g t 0ree* 't didn+t matter t"at .renn !r bab(y c -(dn+t "ear "imH Ka= <as @-ite c n0ident t"at t"e mage < -(d -nderstand* .renn a!!arent(y did* As Ka= t k a breat"& t"e mage ! inted a 0inger at "im* T"e air ca-g"t in Ka=+s t"r at* A m ment (ater& "e c ((a!sed* I I I I I Ka= < ke -!& ( ked s<i0t(y ar -nd* He <as sti(( tra!!ed in .renn+s acc-rsed b-bb(e& b-t "is ( cati n "ad c"anged* N < "e 0( ated in ne c rner 0 t"e .(ack R be+s inner sanct-m& near t"e "-ge !attern and t"e t"er s!"ere t"at sti(( 0( ated ab )e it* T near* .renn+s drag nCman stared at t"e min ta-r as i0 n t"ing e(se in t"e < r(d mattered* N < and t"en& t"e creat-re < -(d b(ink r its 0 rked t ng-e < -(d dart -t& b-t t"er<ise t"e drag nCman did n t m )e* DSi=e me -! a(( y - (ike& (i=ard& D Ka= gr <(ed& n t caring <"et"er r n t t"e beast c -(d "ear r e)en -nderstand "im* DY -+(( 0ind me a mea( t"at bites backED T"e drag nCman t k n n tice 0 Ka=+s ra)ings and sim!(y c ntin-ed t stare at "im* Ka= <as n t certain " < ( ng it <as be0 re .renn entered* An " -r& maybe t< * DA"& b t" 0 y - are a<akeED .renn remarked* He t k s me time t ins!ect t"e drag nCman& <"ic" s-dden(y rec mmenced <it" its snar(ing and c(a<ing* .renn t-rned t Ka=* A 0(ick 0 t"e mage+s 0inger br -g"t t"e min ta-r+s s!"ere 0( ating t "im* DY - may n tice t"at y - can "ear me& b-t n t"ing e(se* D 't <as tr-e* Des!ite t"e many times t"e drag nCman !ened its m -t" in <"at <as b)i -s(y a r ar& t"e c"amber <as si(ent& sa)e <"ene)er t"e s!e((caster s! ke*

T"e cada)er -s mage ga)e Ka= a smi(e* D'n a <ay& y - make t"is m-c" easier* ' admit ' < -(d "a)e 0e(t g-i(ty ab -t sacri0icing a -se0-( s (dier (ike y -rse(0 i0 y - "ad n t re)ea(ed y -rse(0 t be t"e trait r y - are* 'magineE A min ta-r <it" a c nscienceED DY - act-a((y kn < t"e < rdFD Ka= snar(ed* DSti(( de0iant* G d* 't means y - <i(( !-t -! a str ng 0ig"t <"en t"e time c mes* T"e batt(e s" -(d be entertaining& e)en i0 t"e -tc me is ine)itab(e* D .att(eF Ka= did n t (ike t"e s -nd 0 t"at* DW"at batt(eFD .renn t-rned and str ((ed back t t"e !attern* As "e <a(ked& t"e min ta-r+s s!"ere 0 (( <ed* DW"en ' said y -r arri)a( <as time(y& ' meant it* ' <as trying t de)ise a <ay in <"ic" t test t"e strengt" 0 my creati nC nce ' reca!t-red itCand t"en y - 0e(( int my "ands* My rigina( intenti n <as t (et y - bec me c m0 rtab(e& !-t y -r mind at ease& s t"at <"en t"e time came t 0ig"t& y - < -(d be at y -r best* T"en& 0 c -rseCD DY - !(an t "a)e me 0ig"t t"at t"ingFD Ka= r ared& ! inting at t"e snar(ing drag nCman* D' < -(d "a)e t" -g"t t"at <as b)i -s& e)en t y -& D t"e mage c mmented& ( king at Ka= <it" mi(d s-r!rise* D' " !e y -r <its are s"ar!er d-ring batt(e& es!ecia((y since y <i(( be 0ig"ting c(a<Ct Cc(a<* D Ka= reac"ed back* His a?e <as g ne* He sc <(ed at .renn& <" ! inted t ne 0 t"e tab(es nearby* T"e batt(eCa?e n < (ay -! n it* T"e min ta-r ( ked 0r m .renn t t"e drag nCman& t"en t t"e s!e((caster again* DT"is is y -r idea 0 a 0air 0ig"tFD T"e mage st-died "is creati n& <" c ntin-ed t scra!e at t"e b-bb(e <it" ta( ns near(y t"e (engt" 0 t"e min ta-r+s "and* T"e drag nCman !ened <ide its Aa<s& re)ea(ing nce again its ra= rCs"ar! 0angs* A0ter s me de(iberati n& .renn t-rned t Ka=* DN & b-t it <i(( satis0y my c-ri sity* D D/et me ( se& and ' <i(( satis0y y -r c-ri sityED T"e mage smi(ed* D' t"ink it+s time <e begin* D T"e b-bb(e c ntaining Ka= retreated se)era( yards* T"e t"er s!"ere a(s m )ed a<ay 0r m t"e !attern* .renn eyed t"e magica( design and raised a narr < "and* A b-bb(e a!!eared& and inside <as t"e "-ge c"est 0r m <"ic" .renn "ad rem )ed t"e egg 0ragments* .renn directed t"e b-bb(e t "im* As be0 re& it diss ()ed <"en it t -c"ed t"e ca)ern 0( r& (ea)ing be"ind t"e c"est* T"e s!e((caster !ened t"e c"est and reac"ed in* Gi)ing a n d 0 satis0acti n& .renn !-((ed -t "is !ri=e* Ka= c -(d n t see <"at "e "e(d at 0irst& b-t <"en t"e ta(( mage (i0ted it "ig"& t"ere <as n mistaking*

An t"er si()er drag n egg* D'((-si nsED Ka= gas!ed* D' -nderstand it n <E T"e eggs s"e ( ngs a0ter are n(y i((-si nsE N < nder t"e barrier 0e(t as i0 it <ere made 0 r ckED .renn "e(d t"e egg 0 r Ka= t see* DO0 c -rse* ' needed a (-re& b-t ' <as n t ab -t t risk my !ri=es* Drag n eggs are @-ite di00ic-(t t c me by* D He ( <ered "is b-rden* D't is sim!(e& rea((y* Her <n bsessi n 0eeds t"e strengt" 0 t"e i((-si n as "er <n ! <er 0eeds t"e s!e(( t"at binds "er* W"y <aste my <n energy <"en ' can make -se 0 t"ersF Sti((& a0ter t"e inc m!(ete s-ccess 0 my 0irst attem!t& ' decided t st ! "iding 0r m "er and instead dra< "er int my d main* Y - see& i0 ne s rt 0 magic is n t en -g"& t"en maybe t< c mbined <i(( ac"ie)e s-ccess* W"en ' began t"is& ' t" -g"t t create an army& b-t <it" t"e t"er drag ns g ne& ' <i(( be satis0ied <it" my (itt(e band and t"e kn <(edge t"at ' "a)e nce m re tri-m!"ed <"ere t"ers "a)e 0ai(ed* D D' kne< a mage (ike y - nce& D Ka= gr <(ed* DGa(en Drac s* He+s dead n <& 6a(adine be !raisedED .renn (a-g"ed* T"en "e re!(aced t"e egg in t"e c"est and c( sed t"e (id* Reac"ing int t"e c ((ar 0 "is r be& "e !-((ed -t a beAe<e(ed !endant* Ka= ca-g"t t"e 0(as" 0 an emera(d crysta( embedded in t"e center* T"e mage directed "is attenti n t t"e drag nCman& <"ic" "ad rene<ed its attack n t"e im!ris ning b-bb(e* .renn br -g"t t"e s!"ere back t its rigina( resting !(ace ab )e t"e meta( de)ice in t"e center 0 t"e !attern* T"en& taking a dee! breat"& "e !-t b t" "ands n t"e ta(isman "anging 0r m "is neck and c( sed "is eyes* DT"e time "as c me& madam& D t"e mage said s 0t(y* DY - kn < <"at ' e?!ect 0r m y -ED Ka= sensed intense ! <er& b-t .renn a!!eared disa!! inted* He !ened "is eyes* DY -r c"i(dren& madamE Remember -r bargainED An intense <a)e 0 magic )er<"e(med Ka=* He s" k "is "ead and gr-nted in !ain* .renn+s 0(es"(ess 0ace (it -!* T"e emera(d crysta( g(eamed* 'nside t"e b-bb(e& t"e drag nCman c(-tc"ed at its t"r at in b)i -s ang-is"* 'ts skin began t ri!!(e* Ka= (eaned 0 r<ard -nti( "is sn -t r-bbed against t"e interi r 0 "is !ris n& ( king c( ser* T"e drag nCman+s skin <as me(tingE 6 <er c ntin-ed t 0( < 0r m t"e drag n t .renn* Drag ns <ere magica( creat-resH .renn "ad n(y s-cceeded in ca!t-ring t"e si()er ne beca-se 0 "er dead(y inA-ries* T a(ter a drag nCe)en ne n t yet "atc"edC <as t < rk against t"e nat-ra( magic 0 t"e (egendary race* A 0 rmidab(e task 0 r

any mage& n matter " < ! <er0-(* T"e drag nCman+s skin s( -g"ed 00 in " rrid g bbets& yet& instead 0 bec ming sma((er& t"e creat-re a!!eared t gr <* 't reminded Ka= 0 a y -ng snake s"edding its skin* T"e drag nCman <as in " rrib(e !ain& s m-c" s t"at Ka= a(m st !itied t"e t"ing* His !ity 0aded <"en "e reca((ed t"at "e < -(d s n be 0 rced t d batt(e <it" t"e m nster* Wit" eac" s"edding& t"e drag nCman became m re "-man id in a!!earance* 'ts sn -t s" rtened -nti( it <as (itt(e ( nger t"an t"at 0 t"e min ta-r* 'ts 0 re(egs c"anged int arms and ta( ned "ands* T"e tai( s" rtened& and t"e drag nCman+s <ings became )estigia(* Des!ite t"e a(terati ns& Ka= did n t t"ink "is c"ances 0 <inning any better* N t n(y <as t"e drag nC man n < (arger t"an be0 re& b-t t"ere <as a(s a ( k in t" se re!ti(ian eyes t"at s! ke 0 tr-e c-nning* 't <as t"e ( k 0 a <arri r* Warri r r m nster r b t"& '+(( gi)e y - t"e 0ig"t 0 y -r (i0eE Ka= !r mised* He <as 0air(y certain t"e batt(e < -(d take !(ace s n* T"e creat-re <as sti(( in a state 0 0(-?& b-t t"e c"anges <ere bec ming m re s-bt(e* F r t"e 0irst time& t"e drag nCman seemed t take n te 0 its <n s"a!e* 't st-died itse(0 care0-((y& t"en stared at t"e ne <" "ad made it* 6 <er c ntin-ed t 0( < int t"e ta(isman and 0r m t"ere -t t t"e creat-re in t"e b-bb(e* .renn <as n ( nger smi(ing* Strain s" <ed n "is 0ace as "e !-s"ed 0 r t"e c m!(eti n 0 "is s!e((* Drag n magic c ntin-ed t 0( < t "im t"r -g" t"e ta(isman* T"e 0 rce <as s )er<"e(ming t"at e)en Ka= 0e(t st-nned by its intensity* .renn gas!ed at ne ! int& b-t did n t 0a(ter* S-dden(y& t"e stream 0 magica( ! <er <a)ered* .renn g(ared int em!ty s!ace and r ared& DRemember y -r c"i(drenED His <arning did n t seem t "e(!* T"e ! <er 0a(tered m re and m re*** t"en d<ind(ed a<ay* Wit" a !ain0-( gr-nt& t"e mage br ke "is <n c nnecti n t t"e s!e((* DDamnab(e (i=ardED Ka= < ndered i0 t"e drag n+s tremend -s e?erti n "ad 0ina((y ki((ed "er* T"e mage t<itc"ed& t"en r-bbed "is !a(e 0ace* Ka= yearned t be 0ree 0 "is !ris n* '0 t"ere <as a time <"en t"e s!e((caster mig"t be <eak en -g" t be attacked& it <as n <* .renn ga=ed at "is creati n* DW nder0-(ED t"e mage breat"ed* DC m!(ete at (astED T"e drag nCman st d erect <it"in t"e c n0ines 0 its ce((* 'ts ga=e s"i0ted back and 0 rt" bet<een .renn and Ka=* Eac" time it stared at t"e min ta-r& t"e drag nCman c(enc"ed its ta( ned 0ists*

D6er0ectED t"e .(ack R be !r c(aimed* D6er0ectED He t-rned t Ka=& t"e n(y <itness t "is magni0icence* DD y - seeCD T"e drag nCman abr-!t(y bent )er and " <(ed* T"e m nster+s skin began t !ee( 00 in (arge !ieces* DW"at is <r ngFD T"e mage br -g"t t"e b-bb(e c( ser t "im* .renn <a(ked -! t t"e <a(( 0 t"e trans!arent ce(( and !eered d <n at t"e drag nCman& <"ic" <as n < n its knees* DW"at is t"e matter <it" y -F Y - m-st be stab(e n <ED T"e drag nCman& eyes <ide and red& g(ared -! at its creat r and& dri)en by !ain& reac"ed 0 r .renn* T"e s!e((caster 0(inc"ed b-t did n t m )e a<ay* T"e drag nCman+s c(a<s d-g int t"e b-bb(e and t re it !en as easi(y as i0 it "ad been 0 rmed 0r m t"in c( t"* T"e b-bb(e ! !!ed& dr !!ed its !ris ner t t"e gr -nd* .renn stared at "is creati n in disbe(ie0* T"e drag nCman (i0ted .renn by t"e c ((ar and& in a ) ice b t" sibi(ant and dee!& r-mb(ed& DY - "-rt meED D6-t me d <nE ' can make itCD T"e drag nCman ign red t"e c mmand* D' <i(( "-rt y -ED Raising .renn ab )e "im& t"e drag nCman t"re< t"e magicC-ser acr ss t"e ca)ern* Weakened by "is s!e((casting& .renn c -(d n t "e(! "imse(0* He cras"ed int a s"e(0& cr-s"ing arti0acts and c ntainers& 0ina((y bringing t"e entire set 0 s"e()es d <n n "imse(0* .renn tried t rise& b-t c -(d n t* 't <as c(ear t"at "e <as bad(y inA-red* T"e drag nCman started t <ard t"e mage* .renn ! inted <eak(y at Ka=& t"en s(-m!ed back& n t -nc nsci -s& b-t -nab(e& at t"e m ment& t d anyt"ing e(se t sa)e "imse(0* T"e b-bb(e in <"ic" t"e min ta-r <as im!ris ned 0aded* Wit" a gr-nt& Ka= str-ck t"e "ard ca)ern 0( r* T"e drag nCman t-rned t <ard t"e min ta-r& "issing* Ta( ns 0(as"ed as it started 0 r Ka=* T"e drag nCman (-nged 0 r Ka=+s t"r at* Ka= t"re< "imse(0 t t"e gr -nd and r ((ed t <ard t"e tab(e <"ere "is <ea! n (ay* He " !ed "e c -(d reac" "is a?e be0 re t"e creat-re str-ck again* T"e acti n ca-g"t t"e drag nCman by s-r!rise* F r a breat" r t< & t"e creat-re stared d <n at t"e s! t <"ere its intended )ictim "ad been* T"en& "issing again& t"e creat-re <"ir(ed* / cating Ka=& t"e drag nCman sta(ked t <ard t"e min ta-r& ta( ns e?tended and ma< !en <ide* Ka= rea(i=ed t"at "e < -(d ne)er make it t t"e tab(e be0 re t"e m nster <as n "im* T"en an t"er <a)e 0 !ain r cked t"e drag nCman* 't 0e(( t ne knee* 'ts 0 rm began t s"i0t again& a(m st as i0 (i@-e0ying* Making t"e m st 0 "is -ne?!ected !! rt-nity& Ka= das"ed

)er t t"e tab(e and !-t "is "and n t"e a?e* .e"ind "im& t"e " <( 0 !ain died* T"e drag nCman <as n its 0eet again* 't (-nged at Ka=& m )ing e)en m re s<i0t(y t"an be0 re* Raising t"e a?e <it" ne "and& Ka= s-cceeded in 0ending 00 t"e attack* T"e creat-re <as agi(e des!ite its gr tes@-e a!!earance* Ka= tried a sec nd s<ing* T"e drag nCman grabbed " (d 0 t"e a?e by t"e -!!er "a(0 0 t"e s"a0t& near(y <renc"ed it 0r m t"e min ta-r+s gras!* Ka= 0 -g"t t !-(( t"e <ea! n 0ree* He did n t (ike t t"ink ab -t "is c"ances in "andCt C"and 0ig"ting* Remembering t"eir str-gg(e in t"e < ds& Ka= s"i0ted "is <ea! n and tried t re!eat "is tactic 0r m t"at batt(e& tried t "it t"e creat-re n t"e sn -t* T"e m nster <as m-c" m re <ary t"is time& and nce m re Ka= a(m st ( st "is a?e* 'ntent n a) iding t"e Aa<s and ta( ns 0 "is ad)ersary& t"e min ta-r sa< t"e s(it"ering tai( t (ate* 't darted t <ard "is (eg* Ka= str-ck t"e tai( <it" "is a?e* One <e((C" ned b(ade ca-g"t t"e ti! and se)ered it* T"e drag nCman " <(ed <it" !ain& (as"ed -t <it" -t t"inking* T"e b( < ca-g"t Ka= as "e < rked t"e a?e 0ree& 0 r t"e edge "ad n t n(y c-t t"r -g" t"e tai( b-t g -ged a s(it se)era( inc"es dee! in t"e r ckC"ard gr -nd* 6ain c -rsed t"r -g" t"e min ta-r* T"e a?e came 0ree A-st as t"e drag nCman attacked again* T"e < -nded min ta-r st-mb(ed -t 0 reac"* His (e0t arm <as c )ered in b( d& ! -ring 0r m ragged ga!s near "is s" -(der* A red rage began t )er<"e(m t"e min ta-r* T"e creat-re "ad < -nded "imE D'*** "a)e*** "ad*** en -g"ED "e snar(ed* Ka= br -g"t t"e a?e ar -nd and 0 rced "is re!ti(ian ad)ersary back* Eac" s<ing sent s"i)ers 0 !ain t"r -g" t"e min ta-r& b-t Ka= kne< "e c -(d n t (et -!* '0 "e st !!ed e)en 0 r a m ment& t"e drag nCman < -(d "a)e "im* T"e -!!er edge 0 ne 0 t"e a?e+s b(ades c-t a streak 0 green s(ime acr ss t"e drag nCman+s c"est* 't "issed and st-mb(ed& b-t Ka= c -(d n t !-rs-e "is ad)antage s n en -g"* Rec )ering& t"e creat-re g(ared at t"e min ta-r& t"en s-dden(y (ea!t straig"t at "im* Had Ka= been -ninA-red& "e < -(d "a)e c-t "is !! nent d <n t"en& b-t t"e ac"e in "is s" -(der s( <ed "im* T"e a?e str-ck t"e drag nCman in t"e -!!er arm& b-t t"e < -nd <as s"a(( < and& e)en < rse& t"e m nster n < 0ina((y "ad a g d gri! n t"e s"a0t 0 t"e min ta-r+s <ea! n* Ka= tried t " (d n& b-t "e <as t <eak* T"e drag nCman !-((ed t"e a?e 0r m t"e min ta-r+s gri! and t ssed it aside* DN <& D it "issed& Dy - <i(( dieED Ka=& " <e)er& <as a(ready m )ing* E)en 0 r a creat-re as

str ng as t"e drag nCman& a 0-((Cgr <n min ta-r <as a )ery& )ery "ea)y b-rden* A c"arging min ta-r <as e)en m re s * Ka= ( <ered "is "ead& aimed "is " rns at t"e drag nCman* Wicked ta( ns c-t and t re int "is b dy& b-t Ka= did n t st !* T"e drag nCman gr-nted in ag ny as t"e min ta-r+s " rns ca-g"t it near t"e c"est < -nd* T"e " rns !ierced its "ard& arm red skin* 6r !e((ed back<ard by t"e min ta-r+s attack& t"e drag nCman st-mb(ed and 0e((* Ka= a(m st 0e((& t & b-t managed t 0ree "is " rns A-st in time* T"e < -nded m nster began t s"i0t again* /ess and (ess it ( ked (ike a man and m re (ike*** (ike n t"ing in t"e min ta-r+s e?!erience* T"e drag nCman r ared and str-gg(ed t its 0eet* Ka= < ndered <eari(y <"ere t"e ab minati n c ntin-ed t dra< its strengt"* T"e < -nded min ta-r <as )irt-a((y 0inis"ed* He bare(y "ad t"e ! <er t stand& m-c" (ess rene< t"e batt(e* T"e drag nCman "issed* O-t 0 t"e c rner 0 "is eye& t"e min ta-r tried t estimate "is c"ances 0 reac"ing "is batt(eCa?e* T" se dds <ere n t <"at "e < -(d "a)e " !ed& b-t i0 t"e c ntin-a( magica( trans0 rmati ns "ad s( <ed t"e drag nCman e)en a (itt(e bit*** T"e creat-re a(s g(anced in t"e directi n 0 t"e a?e* Ka= started 0 r t"e <ea! n* T"e drag nCman s -g"t t interce!t "im* T"e m nster m )ed <it" m re s!eed t"an Ka= c -(d m-ster* T"e batt(e "ad < rn d <n t"e min ta-r* His (egs and arms 0e(t (ike (-m!s 0 ir n& and <it" eac" ste! t"e r m seemed t <"ir(* T"en t"e drag nCman st-mb(ed again* N t m-c"& b-t en -g" t gi)e Ka= t< r t"ree !reci -s sec nds* :-st en -g" time t grab t"e a?e and bare(y r (( -t 0 reac"* Ka= t-rned back in time t see a "ide -s sig"t* T"e m nster+s 0(es" dribb(ed 00 as it m )ed* T"e creat-re c ntin-ed t " <( in 0-ry and in !ain* S-mm ning <"at remained 0 "is strengt"& Ka= s<-ng t"e batt(eCa?e )er Ms "ead and br -g"t it d <n* T"e b( < ca-g"t t"e m nster in t"e sk-((* T Ka=+s ast nis"ment& t"e a?e <ent c(ean t"r -g" t"e sk-(( int t"e b dy* /itera((y c(ea)ed in t< & t"e drag nCman c ((a!sed* T"en it disa!!eared* Ka= sa< n(y a tiny remnant 0 .renn+s creati n* T"e min ta-r st-died t"e "ead 0 "is a?e& b-t 0 -nd (itt(e trace t"ere& eit"er* As 0ar as "e c -(d gat"er& t"e drag nCman "ad diss ()ed t"e m ment Ka= "ad ki((ed it* A s"-00(ing n ise ca-g"t Ka=+s attenti n* He <"ir(ed& t"inking t"e drag nCman "ad s me" < ret-rned 0r m t"e dead* He sa< t"e battered 0 rm 0 .renn instead* T"e mage "ad

dragged "imse(0 t t"e center 0 t"e !atterned 0( r* His 0ace <as ta-t* One (eg dragged -se(ess(y* Seeing t"e min ta-r& .renn managed ne 0 "is g"ast(y smi(es* DMy gratit-de 0 r*** 0 r c(eaning -! t"at (itt(e mess* D T"e mage g(anced ar -nd an?i -s(y& as i0 searc"ing 0 r s met"ing n t"e 0( r* D' s"a(( endea) r t a) id s-c" an cc-rrence t"e ne?t time* D Ka= sn rted* DNe?t timeFD He "e0ted t"e a?e* .renn ! inted at Ka=* T"e <arri r+s m )ements s( <ed* He <as reminded 0 a(( t" se times d-ring t"e <ar <"en "e and t"e t"ers "ad been 0 rced t <ade t"r -g" "i!Cdee! m-d* He m )ed as i0 in a dream* .renn sa< t"at "is s!e(( "ad n(y "a(0 s-cceeded* F r t"e 0irst time& t"e mage+s eyes ( ked a bit 0rantic* Ka= s-dden(y kne< <"at .renn <as seeking* T"e mage <as ( king 0 r "is crysta( ta(isman* 't m-st "a)e been t rn 00 <"en t"e drag nCman tried t grab t"e ga-nt s rcerer by t"e t"r at* . t" .renn and Ka= sa< t"e crysta( at t"e same time* .renn <as c( serH "e < -(d "a)e t"e ta(isman be0 re Ka= c -(d reac" "im* Fig"ting against t"e s!e((& t"e min ta-r s<-ng t"e a?e t ne side* As "e did& "e sa< t"e mage+s "and " )ering )er t"e ta(isman* Ka= t"re< t"e a?e& aiming n t 0 r t"e mage b-t 0 r t"e meta( stand in t"e center 0 t"e r m* T"e 0(ying a?e str-ck t"e meta( de)ice* S!arks 0(e<* A b-bb(e 0 rmed )er t"e center 0 t"e !attern* Bn(ike t"e !re)i -s b-bb(es& it did n t 0( at 00 t"e gr -nd* 't <as sinking& a(m st e?act(y <"ere .renn <as trying t drag "imse(0 a<ay* His inA-ries s( <ed "im* T"e b-bb(e t -c"ed "im* S-dden(y .renn <as inside* T"e mage str-gg(ed& b-t "is e00 rts n(y br -g"t "im back t t"e center 0 t"e !attern and t"e bent mec"anism 0r m <"ic" t"e b-bb(e "ad been s-mm ned* Ka= sa< 0rantic 0ear n .renn+s 0ace as t"e b-bb(e dri0ted back t t"e magica( de)ice* T"e s!"ere 0r =e as it reac"ed t"e center* T"e b-bb(e began t c ntract* .renn screamed& b-t n s -nd c -(d be "eard* T"e s!"ere n < ga)e "im (itt(e r m t m )e* T"e mage ( cked eyes <it" Ka= and ! inted at t"e ta(isman* .renn <as !(eading* Ka= gr-nted& s" k "is " rned "ead* T"e b-bb(e s"rank& and <it" it s"rank .renn* A(( t"e <"i(e& t"e increasing(y tiny 0ig-re 0 t"e mage si(ent(y screamed* T"e b-bb(e )anis"ed* Ka= !icked -! t"e gem and t ssed t"e ta(isman am ng t"e rest 0 t"e <reckage* DCan+t say t"at '+m s rry& Master .renn* D

I I I I I T"e drag n <as dead* Ka= "ad gat"ered -! t"e remaining eggs and dragged t"em t "er ca)ern& n(y t disc )er t"e si()er drag n <as n ( nger a(i)e* He a(s n ted t"at t"e i((-si nary eggs <ere g ne* 6er"a!s s"e "ad rea(i=ed t"at Ka= "ad been te((ing t"e tr-t"> T"e mage "ad tricked "er and <as -sing "er <n ! <er t e?!eriment n "er c"i(dren* T"e s" ck m-st "a)e been t m-c" in "er inA-red state* He tried n t t t"ink ab -t t"at as "e made !(ans 0 r "is de!art-re* T"ere <ere many t"ings t be d ne* Ka= "ad "is <n inA-ries t dea( <it"& inA-ries t"at made dragging ar -nd 0i)e "ea)y eggs !ain0-(* He "ad t 0ind a !at" -t 0 t"ese ca)es* / cating t"e drag n+s mate < -(d be di00ic-(t& b-t Ka= "ad s me idea 0 <"ere t ( k* His time as a drag nCrider "ad gi)en "im insig"t int <"ere t"e drag ns nested* One <ay r t"e t"er& "e < -(d ( cate t"e ma(e and ret-rn t"e eggs* Ka= "ad t"e 0ee(ing t"atC(ike "is mateCt"e ma(e si()er drag n < -(d n t (ea)e Krynn -nti( certain t"e eggs <ere sa0e* Ka= a(s "ad t make s-re t"at n ne < -(d be ab(e t -se .renn+s sanct-m again* T"e min ta-r <as determined t <i!e a<ay a(( traces 0 t"e 0 -( mage* T"e deat" 0 t"e b(ackCr bed mage& a( ne& c"eered Ka=* .renn+s e?!eriments < -(d be ( st t t"e < r(d* T"ere <ere en -g" m nsters n Krynn <it" -t adding s-c" " rrib(e s!ecimens t t"e (ist* T"anks t Ka=& Krynn < -(d ne)er kn < t"ere "ad e)er been s-c" a t"ing as a drag nCman* Ka= en)isi ned an entire army 0 t"e creat-res* T"e image <as en -g" t make e)en a min ta-r b(anc"* Ka= sn rted* Dream armies <ere n t < rt" < rrying ab -t* Krynn "ad n t"ing t 0ear 0 drag nCmen* N t n <* N t e)er* 'nt t"e /ig"t /inda 6* .aker T"e screaming trick(ed int si(ence& t"e <ay a nig"tmare s(i!s a<ay <it" daybreak& and sti((ness sett(ed (ike sn <0(akes 0( ating de(icate(y t gr -nd* A creaking& aberrant <ind s<e!t )er T rin and disa!!eared& taking <it" it t"e darkness and t"e terr r& (ea)ing be"ind sme((s s 0iery and terrib(e "is mind did n t <ant t name t"em* T"e -nnat-ra( 0ear t"at "e(d "im !inned in t"e sand dissi!ated* T"e ir n gri! it "e(d n "is eye(ids (essened& and "e !ened "is eyes t t"e " t& c(ear b(-e 0 t"e desert

m rning* His ears rang <it" abr-!t si(ence& a @-iet t"at <as t"ick and menacing a0ter t"e r aring& tr-m!eting b(ackness* T"e <"ite ba(( 0 t"e s-n "ad n t m )ed 0r m <"ere it <as <"en t"e darkness )ercame "im* C -(d t"e !anic and t"e sme((s and t"e ) ices raised in !ain a(( be remnants 0 a dreamF A <aking nig"tmare in <"ic" "is s< rd (ay beside "im in t"e sand& t "ea)y 0 r "is !ara(y=ed m-sc(es t <ie(dF He <is"ed des!erate(y 0 r t"e (ast 0e< m ments t "a)e been a nig"tmare& b-t "is senses <ere n t s easi(y c n)inced* Fear sti(( (ay in "is st mac"& kn tted and rea( and s"ame0-(* His m -t" <as 0-(( 0 sand <"ere "e "ad !ened it t s" -t& and "is 0ingers <ere cram!ed& c(-tc"ing t"e "i(t 0 "is s< rd* He "ad 0a((en in t"e act 0 dra<ing it* He r ((ed t "is 0eet& !assing "is 0ingers d <n "is t"ig" t t"e dagger c ncea(ed beneat" "is s-mmer r be* T"e kni0e <as sti(( in its s"eat"& and t"e reass-ring ba(ance 0 t"e s< rd in "is "and br -g"t sanity as n t"ing e(se c -(d* He < -(d "a)e <e(c med t"e <eig"t 0 "is sta00 acr ss "is back& b-t it <as in "is tent n t"e t"er side 0 t"e cam!* He < -(d meet t"e enemy armed <it" n(y s< rd and dagger& and t"ey < -(d "a)e t be en -g"* He cra<(ed n "is st mac" -! t"e (itt(e s!ine 0 desert r ck t"at marked t"e n rt"ern edge 0 t"e asis* On(y "is eyes c(eared t"e ridge 0 st ne* N t"ing m )ed in t"e s-mmer cam! 0 t"e Kedasa n mads e?ce!t 0 r <is!s 0 sm ke <a0ting in t"e desert bree=e* Heat s"immers marked <"ere eac" sandCc ( red tent "ad st dH sm ke see!ed 0r m b(ackened& t<isted (-m!s t"at "ad nce been (i)ing beings* T rin (ea!t t "is 0eet& s< rd ready in "is "and& and s-r)eyed t"e cam! again* S-re(y m re !e !(e 0 "is tribe <ere "iding in sa0ety A-st )er t"e d-nes& A-st be"ind*** .e"ind <"atF T"e tents <ere 0(attened& t"e asis a sc rc"ed <aste(and* Acr ss t"e s!ring& t"e anima( !ens <ere dark s@-ares 0 as" c rra((ing c"arred s"a!es t"at b re )ag-e resemb(ance t g ats and " rses* T"e !a(ms <ere b-rned and b(ackened s!ires& rising -! -t 0 sand t"at "ad been 0-sed and me(ted (ike g(ass* T"e scent 0 b-rned 0(es" <as str ng& and it br -g"t t"e mem ry 0 t"e attack s -nds* Screams& r aring b(ackness& t"e cam!* T"e s si(ent cam!*** A s -ndCa rea( s -nd& n t ne rememberedCbr ke t"r -g" "is s rr <& and "e dr !!ed& r ((ing d <n t"e inc(ine* He came t "is 0eet& c i(ed& s< rd -! and ready& !-(se racing& ready 0 r batt(e* T"e 0ear "e n < 0e(tC-n(ike t"e 0ear d-ring t"e attackCmade "im a<ake and ready t 0ig"t* He <as g(ad t be

taken a<ay 0r m t"e rec ((ecti n 0 t"e sinister darkness& i0 n(y 0 r a m ment* .-t t"e s -nd& a c" ked intake 0 breat"& "ad n t c me 0r m an enemy* .iar& t"e mage+s a!!rentice& (ay n "is st mac"& a s"ad <+s (engt" a<ay& staring at t"e r-ined cam!* His 0ace <as t<isted <it" " rr r& making "im ( k (ike a <i=ened (d man& instead 0 a b y <" "ad seen n(y t"irteen s-mmers* T rin remembered darkness descending& 0ear s )er<"e(ming it de) -red a(( (ig"t and <i((* E)en <it" t"e "eat 0 t"e m rning s-n <arming "is s" -(ders& t"e rec ((ecti n made "im c (d* He t-rned a<ay t "ide "is s"ame* W"at "ad "a!!enedF ' am n 0(edg(ing b y (ike .iar& "e t" -g"t* ' "a)e seen t"irty s-mmers* ' am a seas ned <arri r 0 many batt(es& and in n ne 0 t"em "a)e ' @-ai(ed (ike a 0rig"tened c"i(d* W"at <itc"cra0t (e0t me c <ering in t"e sand <"i(e my tribe <as massacredF DE(imED .iar cried t"e name 0 "is master* On t"e gr -nd in 0r nt 0 "is tent& a b(ackened s"a!e 0 rmed an M& as i0 E(im "ad died <it" "is arms -tstretc"ed& ca((ing d <n a s!e(( n t" se <" m-rdered "im* T"e b y started t scramb(e n "is "ands and knees )er t"e ridge t <ard t"e b-rned tent t"at "ad been "is " me* DWaitED T rin (ea!t and ca-g"t t"e b y+s t"in arm* D't is n t sa0e* W" e)er attacked t"e cam! "as s-re(y n t aband ned it* D He !-((ed t"e b y back )er t"e ridge and !-s"ed "im d <n ( <* DD n t c me -nti( ' ca((* D T rin br-s"ed sand 0r m t"e 0 (ds 0 t"e Ae(aya& <"ic" "ad c me -n< -nd 0r m "is "ead& t"en "e <ra!!ed t"e t"ick c( t" back int !(ace& 0astening t"e (ast ( ng (engt" s t"at n(y "is c !!ery br <n eyes s" <ed t"r -g" t"e s(it* T" -g" .iar <as "a(0 cra=ed <it" s" ck and disbe(ie0& "is 0ingers mimicked T rin+s& !-((ing "is <n Ae(aya ar -nd "is "ead and acr ss "is 0ace -nti( n(y "is eyes& brimming <it" tears& s" <ed t"r -g"* T"e Kedasa < re t"e Ae(aya n t A-st 0 r !r tecti n 0r m t"e s-n& b-t a(s t a!!ear m re 0ierce t an enemy* And T rin "ad n d -bt "e < -(d 0ace an enemy t"is day* '0 "e s!ent "is (ast breat"& "e < -(d a)enge t"e attack* S me ne < -(d !ay 0 r t"e deat" and destr-cti n* S me ne < -(d !ay <it" b( d 0 r b( d* He sta(ked t"e decimated cam!& t"e c-r)ed b(ade 0 "is s< rd 0(as"ing in t"e s-n(ig"t* At e)ery t-rn& "e e?!ected an enemy <arri r& c(-tc"ing a s< rd a(ready b( ded and "-ngry 0 r m re& t rise -! t 0ace "im* 'nstead& a(( t"at greeted "im <ere t"e dead& a(( t"e m re " rri0ying beca-se "e rec gni=ed t"em n(y by t"eir

! ssessi nsCt"e red sas" Kaya+s m t"er "ad made "im <"en "e !assed "is <arri r+s test& t"e e(ab rate(y scr ((ed s< rd 0 :erim& t"e "and(e 0 t"e crad(eCbasket Sadaar "ad been making 0 r "er baby& s n t c me* His anger b-rned str ng and " t& <it" -t an -t(et* His s"ame <as a t"ing t "ein -s t bear* H < many 0 t"em c -(d ' "a)e sa)edF Warri r 0 t"e Kedasa& "e sn rted t "imse(0* W"at g d "a)e ' beenF F r t"e 0irst time in t"e ten seas ns since "is <i0e and !arents "ad been ki((ed in a raid& T rin <as g(ad t"at n ne "e ( )ed <as a(i)e t <itness "is s"ame& t see t"e r-ins 0 t"eir be( )ed cam!* .e"ind "im& .iar s" -ted& "is b yis" ) ice s"ri(( <it" e?citement and 0ear* T rin ran back acr ss t"e cam! t 0ind t"e b y tearing at a tent& <"ic" "ad been b( <n 00 its m ring and (ay "a(0 in& "a(0 -t 0 t"e s!ring* Fire "ad (icked at its edges& b-t t"e <ater "ad sa)ed it* At 0irst& T rin t" -g"t t"e b y mad& b-t t"en s met"ing m )ed beneat" t"e "ea)y& t<isted 0 (ds 0 can)as* T rin s" )ed .iar aside and raised "is s< rd& A-st as <" e)er <as inside 0 -nd t"e d r s(it and !-s"ed t"r -g"* A < man scramb(ed -t* Her r bes "-ng in disarrayH "er ( ng b(ack "air t-mb(ed ab -t "er s" -(ders* Seeing t"e s< rdC<ie(ding man& s"e <"im!ered and 0e(( t "er knees& ne "and raised in s-!!(icati n* Her eyes <ere stretc"ed <ide& !-!i(s s (arge and b(ack t"ey seemed b tt m(ess* Her 0air skin <as b( d(ess <it" terr r* F r a m ment& T rin remained sti((& s< rd ! ised "ig"* T"en "e t-rned a<ay in disg-st* T"e < man <as Herik+s cityCb rn c nc-bine* T rin s"eat"ed "is s< rd sa)age(y* T"e < man sa< t"e b-rnedC -t cam! and m aned* Herik+s b dy (ay nearby* A t"in !iece 0 b(-eCedged r be <as a(( t"at disting-is"ed it 0r m t"e t"er m -nds 0 as"* T"e < man m aned again& a s -nd as ( < and m -rn0-( as <inter <ind acr ss a d-ne* 'n -nis n <it" "er <"im!er& .iar sni00(ed* T rin kne<& in an t"er m ment& t"ey+d b t" be <ai(ing* DSt ! t"isED He <"ee(ed s abr-!t(y t"ey b t" ceased in mids -nd* DT"e time 0 r m -rning <i(( c me <"en <e "a)e a)enged t"is treac"ery* D S"ame0aced& .iar <i!ed at "is eyes* DW" did it& T rinF And <"yFD Bnder t"e Ae(aya& T rin+s m -t" "ardened int a grim& straig"t (ine& and "e needed n 0aceCc )ering t make "is eyes b-rn <it" 0er city* D' d n t kn <* .-t ' <i(( 0ind t"em* And ' <i(( b-ry t"eir "eads in t"ese as"es* D DY - <i(( n t 0ind t"e nes <" did t"is& D said Herik+s

< man* S"e str-gg(ed t "er 0eet and st-mb(ed c(ear 0 t"e <recked tent* T rin 0r <ned& a scat"ing ret rt ready& b-t t"e < rds died in "is t"r at* N t a seas n "ad !assed since t"e merc"ant ret-rned 0r m a tri! t Tarsis <it" t"e < man astride "is " rse instead 0 t"e -s-a( b (t 0 0ine si(k r "ea)y can)as* And eac" time T rin sa< "er& "e <as as s-r!rised& as da==(ed by "er bea-ty as "e "ad been t"e day Herik br -g"t "er t t"e cam!* T" -g" T rin "ad ne)er seen an e(0& "e+d "eard t"em described* He kne< t"ere m-st be e()en b( d mi?ed in t"e < man+s )eins* Seen 0r m a distance& s"e a!!eared sma((& 0ragi(e& and s"ar!C 0eat-redCbreakab(e (ike a(( cityCmade t"ings* Herik "ad certain(y treated "er s & kee!ing "er a!art 0r m t"e rest 0 t"e cam! (ike s me Ae<e( t !reci -s t s"are* .-t -! c( se& a(( t" se im!ressi ns <ere s"attered& b( <n a!art (ike t"e !eta(s 0 a sisc 0( <er in "ig" <ind* S"e <as as ta(( as T rin& <" <as ta(( am ng t"e Kedasa& s grace0-( and ! ised s"e seemed m re (ike(y t bend t"an break* T"e s"ar!ness in "er 0eat-res and t"e strange ti(t t "er b(ack eyes b(ended int a bea-ty t"at <as dist-rbing(y a(ien* And strange(y s t"ing* DC )er y -r 0ace& < manED T rin sna!!ed and m ti ned 0 r .iar t c me a<ay* He <as )ag-e(y a<are t"at t"e < man "ad said s met"ing t"at angered "im& and "e "ad t str-gg(e t remember t"e < rdsCs met"ing ab -t n t 0inding "is enemies* T"e < man b(-s"ed and r-mb(ed <it" t"e 0 (ds 0 "er Ae(aya& <ra!!ing it -nti( n(y "er e? tic b(ack eyes <ere )isib(e t"r -g" t"e s(it* DMy name is Ma(i& D s"e t (d "im* Her ) ice <as (ig"t(y accented and s-r!rising(y <it" -t re!r ac" 0 r T rin+s c"-r(is"ness* T"is& t & <as irritating& and T rin t-rned "is back n "er* DSearc" Herik+s tent 0 r t"ings ' can -se& D "e t (d .iar* D' m-st be n t"e trai( be0 re t"e enemy+s 0 t!rints "a)e gr <n c (d* D Hesitant(y& <it" a @-ick g(ance )er "is s" -(der at t"e < man& t"e b y did as "e <as t (d& sc-00(ing "is b ts in t"e sand t s" < "is re(-ctance* T rin ca-g"t " (d 0 t"e < man by t"e arm* DW"at y - said be0 re* Te(( me <"at y - kn < 0 t"is* D He <a)ed "is 0ree "and t indicate t"e destr yed cam!* Ma(i !-((ed "erse(0 -!& str ng and straig"t& 0 r a m ment s ta(( s"e seemed t t <er )er "im* Her eyes <ere 0i((ed <it" distaste and "a-g"ty disdain* He sn rted* A c nc-bine <" did n t (ike t be t -c"edE .-t "e re(eased "er*

DW"at did y - mean& ' +<i(( n t 0ind t"e nes <" did t"is+FD T rin insisted* T"e < man re0-sed t meet "is ga=e& tried t t-rn back t Herik+s tent* He !(aced "imse(0 in 0r nt 0 "er* D' m-st kn < <"at y - kn <ED D' kn < n t"ing* D T rin t k a menacing ste! t <ard "er* DDrag ns& D s"e <"is!ered* DDrag ns did t"is* D T rin <as s ast nis"ed& "e st d !enm -t"ed* DAre y - s-nC madFD "e asked at (ast* DT"ere is n s-c" t"ing* D He g(ared& daring "er t re!eat t"e ridic-( -s statement* .iar interr-!ted* DE(im t (d me "e "eard r-m rs t"at drag ns "ad ret-rned t Krynn* D DW"at are y - ta(king ab -tFD T rin demanded& t-rning "is g(are 0r m t"e < man t t"e b y* .iar g(anced at Ma(i 0 r s-!! rt& t"en c ntin-ed* D't <as in t"e s!ring& <"en "e A -rneyed t Tarsis* E(im said "e "eard strange st ries& t"at t"e drag ns "ad c me back* .-tDC.iar s"r-gged a! ( getica((y at Ma(iCD"e didn+t be(ie)e t"em* D T rin gr <(ed in < rd(ess anger* Drag nsE Was "e e?!ected t be(ie)e in myt"s (d e)en be0 re t"e !(ains <ere 0 rmedF .-t <" & r <"at& "ad t"e ! <er 0 s-c" destr-cti nF W" & r <"at& "ad t"e ! <er t make "im s a0raid "e+d c <ered <"i(e "is !e !(e diedF A <i=ard& !er"a!sF He s-r)eyed t"e destr yed cam!& and rage kn tted t"e m-sc(es ( < in "is be((y* DOn(y a s rcerer c -(d "a)e d ne t"is& D T rin said sc rn0-((y* .iar 0(-s"ed& "is sma(( "ands ba((ing int 0ists* DOn(y a s rcerer& a )ery str ng ne& D T rin re!eated* He "ad (itt(e -se 0 r <i=ards& <it" t"eir disdain 0 t"e s< rd and t"eir m ti)es "idden a(<ays in s"ad <* D't t k great ! <er* D Ma(i+s eyes narr <ed )er t"e rim 0 "er Ae(aya* D't t k t"e ! <er 0 a drag n* / k ab -t y -E W"at <i=ard c -(d b-rn a man s t"at n t e)en "is b nes remainF W"at <i=ard c -(d make sand me(t int g(ass (ike s-gar int candyF A drag n+s breat" did t"isE A drag n+s ! <er made me s a0raid ' c -(d d n t"ing b-t (ie in t"e darkness 0 my tent and !ray 0 r deat"* D At t"is& T rin+s anger s!-ttered and died* DW"at d y meanFD T"e < man ga=ed at "im <it" "er e?tra rdinary eyes* DDid y n t 0ee( t"e drag n0earF Did y - n t c <er <"ere y - st dFD T rin 0r <ned* He <anted t deny "er c"arge* He <anted t say "e+d st d str ng and ta(( be0 re t"e enemy* .-t "e c -(d n t* D'0 <"at y - say is tr-e& and <e <ere attacked by a drag n& <"y did it d t"isF W"at did it <ant "ere <it" -sFD

D' t"ink ' kn <& D .iar said* Ma(i gre< )ery !a(e& ( <ered "er eyes* T"e b y !atted t"e ! ckets "idden am ng t"e 0 (ds 0 "is r be and <it"dre< a (eat"er bag < rn s 0t <it" age and "and(ing* DT"e A@-ara* :-st be0 re*** D He c" ked& c -(dn+t g n* T rin made an irritated gest-re* .iar dre< a dee! breat"* DE(im said ' c -(d st-dy t"e crysta(* ' <as sitting at t"e edge 0 t"e asis& and A-st as t"e darkness came& t"e crysta( g( <ed <it" "eat and c ( rs s-c" as ' "a)e ne)er seen* ' s" -ted -t t E(im**** D T rin narr <ed "is eyes& remembering* D' "eard y -**** D And t"en t"e b(ack 0ear "ad c me -! n "im& s ! <er0-((y& s s-dden(y it "ad been a !"ysica( !ain* And t"e screaming* T"e Kedasa being massacred <"i(e "e (ay "e(!(ess and 0rig"tened* D.-t t"at !r )es it* T"e attack <as s rcery* D .iar s"r-gged& b)i -s(y re(-ctant t agree* DT"e crysta( is si(ent n <* D He rem )ed a si(kC<ra!!ed bAect as ( ng as "is "and& 0 (ded t"e edges 0 t"e c( t" back t e?! se t"e A@-ara 0 t"e Kedasa* T"e Ae<e( g(eamed in t"e s-n(ig"t& s"immering <it" t"e c ( rs 0 " ney and ne< grass and 0res" <ater* /ig"t re0racted 00 t"e strange symb (s etc"ed int t"e 0acets 0 t"e crysta(& casting rainb <ed crescents nt .iar+s 0ace* Ma(i made a s 0t (itt(e s -ndCs-r!rise& a!!reciati n& a!!re"ensi n* Her "and darted -t& reac"ing 0 r t"e A@-ara& and n(y at t"e (ast m ment did s"e !-(( back* .iar grinned& t"e smi(e 0 a c"i(d s"aring a ne< t y* DWatc"& Ma(i* D .iar ran "is 0ingerti!s a( ng ne 0 t"e 0aces& t -c"ing t"e etc"ed markings* T"e crysta( t<ink(ed <eak(y in res! nse& its c ( rs dee!ening* T"e Ae<e( <as as (d as t"e Kedasa& a tribe t"at c(aimed ancest rs 0r m be0 re t"e Catac(ysm* S me said t"e A@-ara <as 0 t"e ancient g ds& t"e nes <" "ad br -g"t destr-cti n t Krynn& T"e crysta( s-!! sed(y "ad < ndr -s ! <ers& b-t n ne "ad seen it d anyt"ing t"er t"an g(immer <"en t -c"ed* .-t t"e mages ke!t it and st-died it& " !ing t regain t"e signi0icance it "ad nce "e(d 0 r t"eir 0 rebears* .iar "e(d t"e A@-ara -t t Ma(i& si(ent(y gi)ing !ermissi n 0 r "er t t -c"* Hesitant(y& s"e (aid a 0ingerti! n ne edge* T"e crysta( res! nded m re str ng(y t "er t"an it "ad t t"e b y& g(immering a=-re and dark si()er in its de!t"s& t"e c ( rs s<ir(ing (ike c( -ds be0 re <ind* Start(ed& s"e !-((ed "er "and a<ay& t"en ( ked at "er 0ingers& r-bbing t"e ti!s t get"er as i0 s"e "ad ne)er seen t"em be0 re* T"e b y ga!ed at "er <it" a<ed a!!r )a(* DE(im said t"e A@-ara c ((ects t"e energy 0 e)ery !ers n in t"e tribe and sa)es it 0 r a time <"en it <i(( be needed* D DAnd <"at <i(( it d <it" t"e (i0e energy 0 a city d<e((erFD

T rin asked c (d(y* He "ad t -c"ed t"e A@-ara <"en "e <as n (der t"an .iar* T"e crysta( "ad g(ittered red* He c -(d <e(( remember t"e sensati n& (ike t"e c (d 0 <inter nig"t& t"at "ad snaked a(( t"e <ay t "is e(b < be0 re "e c -(d !-(( a<ay* .-t Ma(i did n t seem t be in !ain* S"e ste!!ed back& !-tting distance bet<een t"e A@-ara and "erse(0* .-t s"e sti(( (eaned as i0 it t-gged at "er* T rin c -(d remember 0ee(ing t"e same re!-(sed 0ascinati n* DE(im said t"e day < -(d c me <"en t"e Ae<e( < -(d nce again be a t"ing 0 great ! <er t t"e Kedasa& D .iar said& straig"tening t"e edges 0 t"e si(k <ra!!ing* DT"ere are s 0e< 0 t"e Kedasa (e0t& ' < -(d say it matters n t& D T rin m-ttered* T"at kn <(edge "-rt m re t"an "e < -(d e)er admit* T"e Kedasa& an ancient !e !(e& < -(d tra)e( t"e 6(ains 0 D-st n m re* He and t"e b y <ere t"e (ast* T rin (e0t t"e t< "-dd(ed )er t"e crysta( and <ent in searc" 0 t"e t"ings "e "ad marked as sa()ageab(e d-ring "is ear(ier t -r 0 t"e cam!* He gat"ered t"em @-ick(y> a <aterskin& a stee( kni0e <it" t"e "and(e b-rned 00& "a(0 a b(anket* T rin started t !ick -! :erim+s s< rd* /ike t"e kni0e& t"e s< rd c -(d be re!aired& b-t T rin 0 -nd "e c -(d n t bring "imse(0 t !art it 0r m t"e <arri r+s c"arred "and* :erim "ad died in t"e manner T rin <is"ed 0 r "imse(0& s< rd in "and& meeting t"e enemy* He deser)ed t remain s 0 r t"e a0ter< r(d t"at a<aited "im* T rin circ(ed t"e cam! nce again& !assing t"e r-bb(e 0 "is <n tent <it" -t a g(ance* He <a(ked m re s( <(y t"is time& ( king 0 r t"e ne t"ing "e m-st "a)e t carry -t "is )engeanceCt"e trai( 0 t"e enemy* He 0 -nd n t"ing "e c -(d mark as a !at"& t"er t"an a <ide s<at" 0 sand t"at ( ked m re as i0 it "ad been s<e!t by t"e <ind t"an dist-rbed by 0eet* Se)era( !aces n rt"& at t"e ridge 0 a d-ne& t"e trai( disa!!eared* .y t"e time "e ret-rned& .iar "ad s rted t"e c ntents 0 Herik+s tent int !i(es 0 -sab(e and -n-sab(e items> a b(anket& <aterskins& (eat"er bags* T rin " !ed t" se c ntained trai( 0 d* T"ere <ere a(s si(k g <ns& s(as"ed at t"e arms& cityCsty(e& and a r be s s 0t and 0ine it ! -red t"r -g" "is 0ingers (ike sand* Herik "ad !r )ided <e(( 0 r "is c nc-bine* .iar "ad a(s 0 -nd a satin bag& <"ic" !r bab(y c ntained Herik+s cac"e 0 Ae<e(s and c ins* .iar "ad a!!arent(y taken t"e time t si0t t"r -g" t"e as"es 0 E(im+s tent& a(s * T"e b y sat cr ssC(egged n t"e st ne ridge <it" E(im+s s!e((b k and t"e bag c ntaining t"e A@-ara c(as!ed bet<een "is "ands* T"e 0 restCgreen binding 0 t"e

s!e((b k <it" its -n0at" mab(e markings <as stained gray <it" as"& b-t a!!eared <" (e* Herik+s < man sat beside t"e b y& "er (egs dra<n -! -nder "er ) (-min -s r bes& "er c"eek resting n "er knees& "er eyes c( sed* T rin dr !!ed "is b-nd(e and began t 0 rm a tra)e( !ack* T"e kni0e& a bag 0 dried meat& a bag 0 "ard& dried c"eese& an t"er 0 -n(ea)ened tra)e( bread <ent int t"e 0 (ds 0 t"e b(anket* He added t"e t< !artia((y 0-(( <aterskins 0r m Herik+s tent t t"e ne "e+d 0 -nd* T rin <eig"ed t"e satin bag in "is !a(m& ga-ging t"e c(ink 0 c ins& t"en t"re< it t t"e 0eet 0 t"e < man* DS! i(s 0 t"e (i)ing* '+m s-re y -+)e earned it* D He sneered& n t b t"ering t c ncea( t"e disdain in "is ) ice* Ma(i stirred and straig"tened& b-t said n t"ing* Her eyes& s" <ing t"r -g" t"e s(it in t"e Ae(aya& <ere b t" g-i(e(ess as a c"i(d+s and <iser t"an "er years* S t"erC< r(d(y& s em ti n(ess& s"e betrayed n anger at T rin+s < rds* .iar& " <e)er& ( ked at T rin <it" re!r ac"* He !icked -! t"e bag and "anded it t Ma(i* DW"at <as Herik+s is y -rs n <& A-st as <"at <as E(im+s is mine* D S"e t k t"e ! -c" and c-!!ed it in "er "ands* D't is mine& b-t n t by rig"t 0 deat"& D s"e said @-iet(y* D' br -g"t it <it" me <"en ' came 0r m Tarsis* D T rin c -(d n t bear t"e @-iet sadness in "er eyes& t" -g" t"e re)e(ati n made "im res!ect t"e < man n m re and tr-st "er e)en (ess* W"y < -(d any ne be a s(a)e <"en s"e "ad t"e m ney t b-y 0reed mF .iar !atted a "idden ! cket* DT rin& s" -(dn+t <e take t"e A@-ara t s me ne and te(( t"em <"at "as "a!!enedF C"ire& maybeFD W"at t"e b y s-ggested <as akin t b(as!"emy* N ne -tside 0 t"e Kedasa "ad set eyes n t"e A@-ara 0 r se)era( (i0etimes* And C"ire& t" -g" ackn <(edged a m st ! <er0-( mage& <as 0 a tribe t"at "ad ne)er kn <n kins"i! <it" t"e Kedasa* .-t T rin n(y s"r-gged* He didn+t care <"at .iar did* H n r demanded t"at T rin be n "is <ay& sta(king& seeking a directi n 0 r "is anger& )engeance t ass-age t"e s!irits 0 "is tribes!e !(e* N t <etCn-rsing a b yCc"i(d n a 0 ("ardy missi n* W"en "e didn+t res! nd& .iar asked in a sma(( ) ice& DAre y g ing t (ea)e -s "ereF A( neFD DT"ere are n ne (e0t "ere t "arm y -& b y* D D.-t <"at i0 t"e drag ns c me back 0 r t"e A@-araFD T rin s" k "is "ead and gat"ered t"e <aterskins* He <as n t t" r -g"(y c n)inced t"ere <as s-c" a t"ing as a drag n& r

i0 t"ere <as& t"at it ki((ed 0 r a !iece 0 anti@-e g(ass* Knee(ing& "e !ened ne 0 t"e (eat"er bags t di! it int t"e <ater* T"e <ater& n rma((y c(ean and c(ear& <as m-rky* He bent c( ser and sni00ed* H < "ad "e missed it be0 reF T"e rank& i(y& ma(ignant scent <as -nmistakab(e* D6 is ned& D .iar said in a ) ice d-(( and 0(at <it" " rr r* T rin n dded& disg-st a t"ick s(ime in "is t"r at* On(y a madman < -(d d s-c" a t"ingE Water <as as !reci -s as (i0e* Water <as (i0e* N ri)a(& n t e)en a mage& < -(d d s-c"E Ma(i sank grace0-((y t "er knees beside "im and stared at "er re0(ecti n in t"e tainted ! (* T"e skin ar -nd "er eyes <as b( d(ess& as <"ite as b ne b(eac"ed by t"e desert s-n* S"e reac"ed -t& as i0 t di! "er 0ingers int t"e <ater* T rin grabbed "er <rist r -g"(y* DD n t t -c" itED S"e ( ked at "im ca(m(y& n t attem!ting t e?tricate "erse(0 0r m "is gri! as s"e "ad be0 re* Her skin <as c ( beneat" "is 0ingers& s 0t and sm t" and !a(e* T"e scent 0 t"e < man <as"ed )er "im& n t 0 !er0-me& n t (ike t"e Kedasa& <" sme((ed 0 s-nC<armed skin and desert air* Ma(i sme((ed 0 s met"ing dark and s"ad <y& s met"ing*** c (* A0ter a m ment& s"e asked& DW"at <i(( <e d n <FD He re(eased "er and edged back s(ig"t(y& !-tting a s!ace bet<een t"em& b-t t"e scent !-rs-ed "im& -nidenti0iab(e& magica(& and ric" <it" a s (ace "e did n t <ant* DDid y e?!ect t stay "ereF Y -+(( "a)e t 0 (( < a r -te t an t"er cam!* D D.-t& T rinED .iar c(-tc"ed "is s" -(der* DWe d n+t "a)e en -g" <aterED T rin c(enc"ed "is 0ists and stared at t"e " ri= n* He c -(dn+t track an enemy <"i(e dragging <it" "im a b yC<i=ard and a desertCign rant < man* D' cann t take y - <it" me& D T rin gr <(ed* Ma(i "issed <it" s-r!rise* DY - cann t be t"inking 0 g ing a0ter t"emFD D' <i(( a)enge t"e deat"s 0 my !e !(e* D T"e < man s"i)ered at t"e s -nd 0 b( d in "is ) ice* D'0 y - c -(d 0ind t"emC<"ic" y - <i(( n tCy - < -(d n t (i)e t dra< y -r s< rd* D Ma(i (eaned 0 r<ard -rgent(y& t -c"ing "im t"is time& (aying "er s 0t& c ( 0ingers n "is <rist& <ra!!ing "er dist-rbing scent ab -t "im* D't is certain deat"ED DT"en it is deat"ED "e ret rted* DW"at matter <"en my " n r (ies c <ering in a sand!it& and ' "a)e n " me t ret-rn t FD He st d and t-rned s abr-!t(y& s angri(y& "e a(m st ste!!ed n "er* T"ey <ere ( king at "im& <aiting 0 r "is decisi n& making

"im res! nsib(e* A(( 0 t"e Kedasa massacred in t"eir s-mmer " mes& and "e <as b-rdened <it" a stri!(ing b y bare(y -t 0 "is m t"er+s tent and a cityCraised <" reE He c -(d n t (ea)e t"em a( ne in a t mb 0 an asis <it" -t <ater& and t"e b y <as n t trai(C<ise en -g" t 0 (( < a direct r -te t sa0ety* A nig"t and a m rning& maybe m re& be0 re "e c -(d be rid 0 t"em* T"e trai( 0 t"e enemy < -(d be m re t"an c (d* 't < -(d be g ne* T rin kicked t"e "a(0Cem!ty <aterCskins* D.-nd(e -! anyt"ing <e can -se* ' <i(( g-ide y - t Ge(en Oasis* Fr m t"ere y - can g n a( ne* T"e s-mmer cam! 0 t"e Farae=i is s -t" 0 Tarsis* My m t"er+s !e !(e <i(( take y in* D I I I I I T rin (ed t"em a( ng t"e <adi& <"ic" c-r)ed -! and -t 0 t"e )ast de!ressi n encirc(ing t"e asis* 'n mids-mmer t"e <inding c"anne( <as dry& a streambed <aiting 0 r t"e me(ting sn <s 0 <inter& a !at" 0 r t"e n mads 0 t"e !(ains* 't <as a re(ie0 t be a<ay 0r m t"e stenc" 0 t"e asis& -t int t"e " t& d-sty air 0 t"e sands* M-sc(es strained as "e c(imbed t"e s"i0ting sand* T rin !a-sed at t"e ridge 0 a d-ne and ( ked -t )er t"e s!ra<(ing (and* T"e !(ains s!read -t be0 re "im& si(ent& c"angeab(e as t"e <ind& c ( rs s"immering 0r m dee!est br n=e t b(a=ing <"ite* D't is said& +T"e g ds created t"e desert t gi)e !e !(e a !(ace !(easant t <a(k* + D .iar A ined "im and 0aced t"e s-n& n dding in agreement* T"e city < man came -! be"ind and st d in t"e meager s"ade cast by "er c m!ani ns& !r tecting "er eyes <it" t"e 0 (ds 0 c( t" < -nd ar -nd "er "ead* S"e st d !eering 0ear0-((y 0r m t"e c rners 0 "er eyes at t"e s<ee!ing !an rama be0 re "er* T rin s" k "is "ead in disg-st and started d <n t"e 0ace 0 t"e d-ne a<ay 0r m t"e trai(* .iar 0 (( <ed& tri!!ing n "is r be in "is r-s" t kee! -!* DWe+re n t g ing t 0 (( < t"e cara)an r -teFD DN * 't <i(( add a day and a "a(0 0 r <"ic" <e d n t "a)e <ater* We+(( g straig"t int t"e s-n* T"en 0 (( < t"e stars t Ge(en* D T"e tem!erat-re r se steadi(y as t"e s-n c(imbed* T"e (and gre< <"iter& ( sing its rainb < s"adings 0 g (d& re0(ecting "eat in s"immering <a)es* S<eat dried be0 re it "ad time t s(i! d <n T rin+s skin* T"e 0ine sand 0 r <"ic" t"e 6(ains 0 D-st "ad been named r se <it" eac" 0 tste!& !-00ed -! ar -nd t"em as t"ey <a(ked& and sett(ed n t"eir c( t"es and skin -nti(& "ead t 0 t& t"e t"ree <ere t"e same d-sty c ( r as t"e desert 0( r*

T"ey !assed midday in t"e (ee 0 a d-ne& s"e(tered -nder a b(anket stretc"ed 0r m s( !e t gr -nd* 't 00ered scant re(ie0 0r m t"e b(a=ing s-n& kee!ing back t"e < rst 0 t"e "eat b-t a(s b(-nting any "int 0 bree=e t"at mig"t "a)e 0res"ened t"e !!ressi)e air* .iar c-r(ed -! bet<een t"e t< ad-(ts and s(e!t immediate(y& a b ne(ess rest !-nct-ated <it" t"e <"im!ers 0 dist-rbing dreams* Herik+s < man sat as s"e "ad n t"e ridge be0 re t"e decimated cam!& ( ng (egs dra<n -! -nder "er r be& "er c"in resting n "er knees* DY - said*** D s"e !a-sed "esitant(y* DY - ca((ed t"e Farae=i y -r m t"er+s !e !(eFD DYes& D T rin ans<ered s" rt(y* DWas s"e*** Was y -r m t"er in t"e cam! t"is m rningFD He < rked a stri! 0 (eat"er& making a <ra!!ing 0 r t"e "and(e 0 t"e kni0e "e+d sa()aged* He did n t <ant t s"are "imse(0 <it" a stranger& n t e)en ne <" "ad (i)ed am ng "is tribe* .-t in a (and <"ere t"e names 0 0ami(y <ere c"eris"ed& t kn < s met"ing 0 a 0e(( < tra)e(er <as a re@-est "e c -(d n t reas nab(y re0-se* DMy <i0e and !arents are dead many years* D His ) ice <as s gr-00 t"at .iar stirred* Ma(i s t"ed t"e b y& !atting "is s" -(der and making n nsensica( n ises* S 0t(y& s"e said& D'+m s rry* D T rin gr-nted and ! ked sa)age(y at t"e stri! 0 (eat"er& and t"e kni0e ! int s(iced t"r -g"& s!(itting t"e materia( instead 0 making a " (e* Ma(i <as si(ent 0 r a m ment& t"en s! ke as "esitant(y as be0 re* DT"e Farae=i& did y - say t"eir s-mmer cam! is near TarsisFD DYes& < man* D Wit" -t 00ering m re& T rin 0inis"ed t"e intricate <ra!!ing 0 r t"e kni0e "and(e* DY - d n+t (ike t <ns* Or city d<e((ers* D T rin gr-nted again& t"is time <it" disdain* D.arbarians* W"ere <ater is !(enti0-(& !e !(e bec me s(a)es* D T"e < man+s e? tic eyes narr <ed )er t"e rim 0 d-sty c( t"& b-t s"e said n m re* He m )ed n as s n as t"e "eat 0 (( <ed t"e s-n int t"e e)ening sky& !-s"ing t"e < man and t"e b y "arder t"an "e < -(d "a)e !-s"ed seas ned tra)e(ers& t"e t" -g"t 0 t"e enemy disa!!earing int t"e !(ains gi)ing "im s!eed and energy* T"e 0aster "e c -(d get t"e t< t <ater& t"e 0aster "e c -(d be rid 0 t"em* T"e 0aster "e c -(d be n t"e trai(* T"e s-n set& 0a((ing be( < t"e " ri= n <it" a s!ectac-(ar s" < 0 !-r!(e and red* Wit" t"e nig"t came t"e <ind& racing acr ss t"e sands as i0 it <ere c"asing t"e <aning s-n* T rin ca((ed a rest* He < -(d <ait 0 r t"e (ig"t 0 t"e

rising m n* T"ey sat in t"e s"e(ter 0 a crescent d-ne and s"ared bread and c"eese and !reci -s si!s 0 <ater* Ma(i and t"e b y (eaned against eac" t"er& a(m st t tired t eat* On(y red /-nitari r se t s"ed its (ig"t n t"e desert& (imning t"e r cks and t"e d-nes in a r sy g( <* Des!ite being t (d a(( "is (i0e t"at t"e red m n <as t"e ! <er 0 t"e ne-tra( <i=ards& T rin 0 -nd its (ig"t ba(e0-(* T"e c-r)es and " (( <s 0 sand became !(aces 0 s-s!ici -s s"ad <& bat"ed <it" a b( dCred g( < t"at made "im c (d* .-t it <as (ig"t ne)ert"e(ess& and it (it t"eir <ay east* 6er"a!s t"ree " -rs 0 g d tra)e(ing time remained <"en T rin st !!ed t"em 0 r an t"er rest* T"e c"i(( in t"e nig"t air made "im <ant t kee! m )ing& t <arm "is m-sc(es <it" e00 rt* .-t .iar <as n ( nger <a(king a straig"t (ine& and e?"a-sti n "ad r bbed Ma(i 0 "er grace0-( stride* T rin c"a0ed at t"e (imits t"ey set -! n "im* A( ne& "e < -(d "a)e c ntin-ed <e(( int t"e m rning& t"en s(e!t a<ay t"e < rst 0 t"e c ming day+s "eat& b-t t"e < man and t"e b y did n t "a)e "is stamina* .iar <as near(y as(ee! n "is 0eet be0 re "e c -(d "e(! -nr (( t"e b(anket* Ma(i st d nearby& (eaning n t"e s"e(tering r cks* DWe <i(( rest s ner i0 ' "a)e "e(!& D T rin said& g(aring -! at Ma(i* He rea(i=ed t"e < man <as n t resting* S"e <as staring -! int t"e nig"t sky& "er eyes re0(ecting red in t"e (ig"t 0 t"e m n* T rin dr !!ed t"e b(anket* DW"atCFD Ma(i made an abr-!t c-tting m ti n* T"e <"ites 0 "er eyes st d -t against "er d-sty skin as s"e searc"ed t"e sky* DT"ey+re -! t"ere& D s"e <"is!ered* DT"ey+re near* ' can 0ee( t"emED DW"atFD T rin re!eated& dra<ing "is s< rd* T"e b(ade 0(as"ed in t"e (ig"t 0 t"e m n& and "e s(a!!ed it against "is t"ig" t "ide t"e re)ea(ing re0(ecti n* DW"ereFD He c -(d see n t"ing b-t stars against t"e b(ackness 0 sky* .e"ind t"em& .iar gas!ed* DT"e crysta(E 't+s <armED D6-t it a<ayED Ma(i cried* Grabbing t"e b y& s"e dragged "im back int t"e t"in s"ad < at t"e base 0 t"e r ck* D.-tCD S"e c(a!!ed "er "and )er .iar+s m -t" and s" )ed "im t t"e gr -nd& yanking at T rin as s"e d )e 0 r c )er* T rin resisted t"e strengt" in t"e arm t"at t-gged at "im* T"e s -nds <ere c( ser t"is time& c(earer <it" -t t"e ) ices 0 t"e dying& and m re 0rig"tening <it" -t t"e s<ir(ing b(ackness 0 r distracti n* Creaking& 0(a!!ing& stirring t"e <ind 0r m ab )e* W"at <as it t"at sent t"e desert sand s<ir(ing ab -t "is (egs& t"at b( tted -t t"e (ig"t 0 /-nitariF He didn+t "a)e t"e c -rage t ( k -!*

He !ressed back int t"e scant !r tecti n 0 t"e s"ad <s and <aited 0 r t"e b(ackness t"at "ad c me <it" t"e s -nds& 0 r t"e debi(itating terr r* .-t t"e -nnat-ra( 0ear didn+t c me* He gri!!ed "is s< rd tig"ter and s"i0ted t a cr -c"* He < -(d n t c <er in t"e dirt t"is timeE He < -(d be str nger t"an t"e darkness* Ma(i+s gri! tig"tened n "is arm& si(ent(y -rging "im t sti((ness* T rin c -(d 0ee( t"e < man+s b dy s"i)ering against "is s" -(der& c -(d sme(( t"e s<eetness 0 0res" s<eat* .-t Ma(i <as n t @-aking <it" 0ear* S"e <as s"aking "er "ead& <arning "im n t t m )e* T"e m ment+s "esitati n <as en -g" 0 r T rin t rea(i=e t"e s -nds and t"e b(ackness <ere !assing t"em by& <ere gr <ing 0ainter as t"e sand sett(ed ar -nd "is 0eet& as t"e m n(ig"t and stars ret-rned* T"e t"ree stayed si(ent& "-dd(ed t get"er 0 r ( ng min-tes a0ter t"e sky <as c(ear* 't <as .iar <" 0ina((y m )ed& !r testing t"e <eig"t 0 t"e < man n t ! 0 "im* T rin st d s( <(y and s-r)eyed t"e m n(it (andsca!e in a(( directi ns* He sa< n t"ing b-t t"e scar(et -t(ine 0 d-nes& t"e !in! int t<ink(e 0 stars* DW"at <as itFD "e demanded& angry beca-se "e a(ready kne< "er re!(y& beca-se be(ie0 <as m re c n0-sing t"an n t kn <ing t"e ans<er* Ma(i s" k "er "ead and t-rned a<ay t < rry <it" t"e b(anket* DH < c me y - kn < s m-c" 0 t"ese myt"ica( beastsFD T rin ca-g"t t"e < man+s arm and s!-n "er s t"e m n(ig"t i((-minated "er 0ace* Ma(i e?tricated "erse(0 0r m T rin+s gri!* D' <as t (d*** ' "eard as E(im did& t"at t"e drag ns "ad ret-rned t Krynn* D D'n TarsisF 's t"is t"e same city r-m r E(im did n t be(ie)eFD S"e "esitated& ( king at "im si(ent(y& eyes !(eading ab )e t"e edge 0 "er Ae(aya* T"e c( t" dr !ed acr ss "er 0ace& be( < t"e (ine 0 d-st ar -nd "er eyes& and t"e c(ean skin s" ne !a(e and b( d(ess& e)en in t"e red (ig"t 0 t"e <aning m n* S"e t k a dee! breat" and said& D' <as t (d in Si()anesti* D DY -+re e()enFD .iar breat"ed& "is ) ice a<ed* DYes& D Ma(i admitted& sti(( <atc"ing T rin* He ga=ed back at "er t"r -g" s(itted eyes& s-r!rised* T"is <as n "-man <it" e? tic b( d mi?ed in "er )eins* N t i0 s"e+d been in Si()anesti* W"at <as a Si()anesti e(0 d ing (i)ing am ng t"e tribesF He !ened "is m -t" t ask& sa< t"at s"e 0(inc"ed be0 re t"e < rds e)en 0 rmed n "is (i!s* DW"atCFD DW"at+s y -r e(0 nameFD .iar interr-!ted*

Wit" a @-ick g(ance at T rin& Ma(i smi(ed and ans<ered* DAma(ie* Ama(ie Canarad n* D D't s -nds (ike m-sic& D .iar said* D'+)e ne)er met an e(0* D T rin sn rted& t-rned "is back n t"em b t"& and <a(ked a 0e< ste!s a<ay* T"e desert 0( r <as inky b(ack n t"ingness* Ab )e& t"e matc"ing darkness 0 t"e sky <as !e!!ered <it" bri((iant stars* 'n a(( t"e darkness& n t"ing dist-rbed t"e si(ent (and& n t"ing 0(e<& b( tting -t t"e !in! ints 0 diam nd (ig"t* Sand s(it"ered against sand& interr-!ting "is re)erie& and .iar sid(ed -! beside "im* DT rin& <"y d n+t y - t"ink t"e drag ns are searc"ing 0 r t"e crysta(F '0 it <arns 0 t"eir !resence& t"ey+d <ant t destr y it* D DT"en <"y didn+t t"ey destr y it in t"e cam!& mageFD T rin asked bitter(y* DWe < -(d n t "a)e been m-c" "indrance* D D6er"a!s t"ey can+t sense it as it senses t"em* D Ma(i+s ) ice& c ming 0r m A-st be"ind "im& start(ed T rin* S"e "ad m )ed s si(ent(y "e "adn+t "eard "er* Ob(i)i -s t "is g(are& Ma(i c ntin-ed& D6er"a!s t"ey c -(dn+t 0ind it* D DT"en <"y are t"ey seeking it n <F '0 t"ey can+t 0ind it& " < d t"ey kn < it <asn+t destr yedF W"yCD T rin st !!ed* G-esti ns <ere a <aste 0 time* DT"ere is n time t disc-ss t"is n <* We m-st tra)e( <"i(e <e can* D T rin !-s"ed n& e)en t" -g" "e kne< t"e t"er t< <ere near t"e (imits 0 t"eir end-rance& e)en a0ter /-nitari "ad set& and "e c -(d g-ide n(y by instinct and t"e dim (ig"t 0 t"e stars* T"ey <a(ked as 0ar int m rning as ! ssib(e& s(e!t t"r -g" t"e "eat 0 t"e day& t"en m )ed n again* T"e < man and b y st-mb(ed as t"ey <a(ked& s metimes g ing t t"eir knees as t"ey tr d d-nes t"at seemed t gr < in stee!ness as t"e s-n c(imbed acr ss t"e sky* .iar "ad s(i!!ed again& sinking t "is knees near t"e t ! 0 a d-ne& <"en T rin sa< t"e t"ing 0 <"ic" "e+d dreamed* Ge(en Oasis* Sti(( " -rs a<ay& b-t s c( se "e c -(d sme(( m ist-re in t"e air* 't s"immered n t"e " ri= n& a green s(as" m re bea-ti0-( t"an any Ae<e(& an is(and 0 green in a sea 0 d-st* Re)ita(i=ed by s sim!(e a t"ing as a stri! 0 )egetati n in t"e sand& T rin set "is <n !ace& ra!id(y (ea)ing "is 0e(( < tra)e(ers be"ind* W"en .iar ca((ed -t 0 r "im t <ait& T rin ign red t"e b y* T"e t< c -(d 0ind t"e asis <it" -t "im n <& and "e c -(d n t bear t " (d back& t m )e s( <(y <"en "e c -(d r-n* T"e !r mise 0 <ater dre< "im& made t"e disc m0 rt 0 t"irst a bearab(e t"ing* T"e ac"es and !ains in "is (egs disa!!eared& and "e c -(d "a)e 0( <n acr ss t"e " t sands&

b- yed by t"e scent 0 <ater* Ge(en Oasis <as n(y a sma(( <atering !(ace a( ng t"e cara)an trai(& a green s! t n t (arge en -g" t s-!! rt a seas na( encam!ment& b-t it <as as !(easing t T rin as a r aring ri)er* He st-mb(ed acr ss t"e r cky b rder& 0e(( t "is knees <it" <eariness& and stayed t"ere 0 r t"e !-re !(eas-re 0 0ee(ing grass beneat" "is !a(ms* T"e scent 0 (i0e <as a ba(m a0ter t"e mem ry 0 sc rc"ed (and* He sank d <n beside t"e ! ( t drink and t <ait 0 r .iar and t"e < man* T"ey st-mb(ed int Ge(en A-st as /-nitari c(eared t"e " ri= n* Wit" a <" !& .iar r-s"ed a"ead and t"re< "imse(0 d <n beside t"e c(ear ! (* Wit" -t b t"ering t rem )e "is Ae(aya& "e t"r-st "is <" (e "ead int t"e <ater* Ma(i 0 (( <ed m re s( <(y& !a-sing be0 re s"e di!!ed "er "ands de(icate(y int t"e ! (* D' 0eared y - < -(d n t <ait& D s"e t (d T rin* D' t" -g"t y - mig"t (ea)e -s "ere* D 'rritated& "e ign red "er* He ca-g"t .iar by t"e back 0 "is r be and "a-(ed "im b di(y -t 0 t"e <ater* DD n+t drink t m-c"* Y -+(( get sick* D T"e b y !-((ed a<ay* D' kn < t"at* D T"en "e !(-nged "is 0ace back int t"e ! ( and s!(as"ed <ater nt "is "ead and s" -(ders& s!(attering T rin* Ma(i -n< -nd "er Ae(aya and dra!ed it ar -nd "er s" -(ders* S"e di!!ed t"e end 0 it in t"e <ater and -sed t"e dam!ened c( t" t <i!e "er 0ace and neck& t !at m ist-re nt "er dry (i!s* T"e ! inted ti!s 0 "er ears !eeked t"r -g" t"e "ea)y& d-sty mass 0 "er "air* W" <as t"is st-nning& e? tic creat-re c ( red 0 t"e nig"t& s -n(ike t"e < men 0 t"e !(ainsF S"e <as s )ery a(ien in "er bea-ty* S )ery a(ien in "er serenity* 't <as n t s < ndr -s a0ter a(( t"at Herik "ad !assed -! si(k 0 r t"e rig"t t t -c" "er !a(e skin& t r-n "is 0ingers t"r -g" "er dark "air* / king at "er made T rin 0ee( a(i)e* T rin t-gged .iar 0r m t"e ! ( nce m re and sent "im t 0i(( t"eir <aterskins n t"e t"er side& a<ay 0r m t"e c( -dy <ater t"e b y "ad stirred -! <it" "is t"ras"ings* .iar gr-mb(ed "is <ay ar -nd t"e s"a(( < ! (& dragging t"e <aterskins in t"e sand* W"en "e <as -t 0 "earing range& T rin asked& DH < d y c me t be "ereFD His t ne made "er ( k -!& and s met"ing in "is ga=e made "er ( k a<ay e)en m re @-ick(y* DW"at d y - meanFD s"e asked* DW"y d es a Si()anesti e(0 (i)e am ng t"e Kedasa as a s(a)eFD W"en s"e didn+t res! nd& T rin c ntin-ed& D' "a)e a(<ays been t (d 0 t"e !ride 0 t"e Si()anesti& 0 t"eir be(ie0 in t"eir s-!eri rity* H < c -(d y - (i)e am ng -s as a*** as a c nc-bineFD He 0inis"ed "-rried(y& be0 re Ma(i c -(d rea(i=e

"e+d been t"inking 0 a (ess kind < rd* .-t s"e -nderst d any<ay* D' <as ne)er "ar(n* D Wit" -t b(-s"ing& s"e -sed an e)en r-der < rd t"an t"e ne T rin "ad c nsidered& a < rd t"at meant D(ess t"an s(a)eD r D<" reD r b t"& de!ending n t"e c nte?t and t"e -ser* DHerik <as kind t me* He ga)e me a " me <"en ' "ad n ne* He !r tected me in Tarsis <"en*** D S"e st !!ed s-dden(y* D6r tected y - 0r m <"atFD T rin !ersisted* S"e s" k "er "ead& "er m -t" a "ard& straig"t (ine* D' am*** e?i(ed* D S"e said t"e (ast < rd s s 0t(y T rin a(m st didn+t "ear it& and s"e sat <it" "er "ead b <ed& <aiting 0 r "is reacti n* D' d n+t -nderstand* D Ma(i sti00ened and <inced& 0ine (ines a!!earing in t"e 0(a<(ess skin at t"e c rners 0 "er eyes* S"e "ad n t re!(aced "er Ae(aya& b-t T rin made n c mment n it* D' am in e?i(e* D S"e s! ke t"e < rds t"is time <it" a !(ea in "er ) ice& as i0 s"e 0eared "is reacti n* DS y - said* D T rin didn+t -nderstand* Ma(i "-ng "er "ead& s" -(ders s(-m!ed ( <* S"e 0-mb(ed <it" t"e skirt 0 "er Ae(aya& trying t 0asten it& b-t "er 0ingers <ere tremb(ing s bad(y s"e c -(dn+t !-s" t"e c( t" int !(ace* D't is di00ic-(t t be(ie)e*** ' t" -g"t y - < -(d rec i( 0r m me in " rr r* My !e !(e < -(d* D S"e a(( <ed t"e d-sty c( t" t 0a(( a<ay 0r m "er tremb(ing 0ingers* D't is*** ' am*** T my !e !(e& ' am a t"ing re)i(ed* ' am <"at t"ey ca(( a dark e(0* '0 ' ret-rned t my " me(and& my !e !(e < -(d ki(( me* DT"at is <"y& <"en Herik <anted me& ' <ent <it" "im* ' <as*** D S"e !a-sed and "-ng "er "ead nce m re* D' <as a( ne in a (and ' did n t -nderstand& <it" n " !e* D S"e raised "er "ead nce m re& and "er eyes g(ittered (ike a ! ( 0 c(ear <ater in S (inari+s (ig"t* D' <as a0raid* D .iar ret-rned& dragging skins n < 0-((& sa)ing T rin t"e need t res! nd* T rin t k a !iece 0 bread and c"eese and <andered a<ay t t"e edge 0 t"e asis* He sett(ed in a nest 0 sand& "is back against a r ck sti(( s-nC<arm* T"e m re "e (earned 0 t"e < man& t"e (ess "e -nderst d* Yet <"en asked t"e m st !rying @-esti ns& s"e bared "er s -(* And "er " nesty s!a<ned e)en m re @-esti ns* Ke!t a!art and !r tected by Herik& s"e "ad been an enigma t t"e Kedasa& and s"e remained s * And s"e < -(d c ntin-e t remain s * Wit" 0irst (ig"t& "e < -(d (ea)e "er and t"e b y t make t"eir <ay a( ne* T rin !-t aside "is s!ec-(ati ns t !(an "is trek acr ss t"e desert* 'nstead 0 taking a straig"t !at" back t t"e r-ins 0 Kedasa& "e < -(d c-t "ig"er <est* 6er"a!s "e c -(d intersect t"e !at" 0 t"e enemy*

S (inari r se& a mere s(i)er 0 si()er tinged red by /-nitari& and t get"er t"e t< m ns cast t"eir (ig"t )er t"e desert& creating a < rk 0 art -t 0 "ea!s 0 sand& a sc-(!t-re in b(ack and <"ite and crims n* A bird )ent-red -t 0 its "iding !(ace in t"e r cks and ca((ed t its mate& a s -nd as s 0t and si()er as t"e nig"t* T"en a(( <as si(ent* DT"e (and re<ards sti((ness* D 't <as an (d Kedasan !r )erb& and T rin remembered it <"en "e sa< s met"ing stirring at t"e edge 0 "is )isi n* S met"ing <as be"ind t"e nearby d-ne& <"ere n t"ing s" -(d be m )ing* He r se t a cr -c"& s(iding "is s< rd 0ree 0 t"e scabbard* A <"is!er 0 s -nd s(it"ered t"r -g" t"e si(enceCt"e g-rg(e 0 s!ring r-n 00 in t"e <adis& 0 <ater <"ere n ne s" -(d be* N t @-ite "idden be"ind t"e s( !e& a s"ad < s<e((ed& -t(ined in m n(ig"t and icy g(immers* He ca-g"t a g(im!se 0 "ard& g(istening sca(es and -!s<e!t <ings and g(eaming ta( ns* T"e s"ad < s"i0ted& r-st(ing its "-ge <ings& t-rning its "ead* 'n t"e center 0 t"e dark b( t t"at <as its "ead& eyes g( <ed redCb(ack (ike t"e "eart 0 a s( <Cb-rning 0ire* T rin+s breat" 0r =e in "is (-ngsH t"e b( d t"r-mmed in "is ears* He s-dden(y !ercei)ed& as "e ne)er "ad in batt(e& t"e !r ?imity 0 deat"* T"is creat-re e?-ded e)i( t"e <ay Ma(i radiated serenity* Ma(iE S"e and t"e b y <ere beside t"e ! (& b(i)i -s t t"e m nster* T rin "ad t <arn t"em& "ide t"em* Get t"em a<ay s me" <E He ste!!ed back<ard t !-t t"e d-ne bet<een "imse(0 and t"e beast* He e?!ected at any m ment t be disc )ered& str-ck d <n by darkness and 0ear& t be incinerated <"ere "e st d* He s"eat"ed "is s< rd& t k a ste!**** Sand c( sed )er "is b ts* He (ea!t back& and t"e d-ne s"i0ted* T"e ridge at its t ! crested and br ke* Sand r i(ed d <n t"e s( !e t <ard "im in a gr <ing <a)e* T rin s" -ted a < rd(ess <arning& t"en t"e r-s"ing sand kn cked "im 00 "is 0eet and <as"ed )er "im* He str-gg(ed t regain "is 0 ting& b-t t"e m )ement 0 t"e sand t<isted "im& <renc"ed "im t t"e side* T"e m-sc(es in "is rig"t knee stretc"ed and !-((ed* 6ain s" t -! "is (eg* He screamed and grit ! -red int "is m -t"& sm t"ering t"e s -nd* T"e sand ran int "is c( t"es& "is eyes& int "is ears& m )ing as <ater < -(d m )e* 't s!i((ed (ike (i@-id t"r -g" "is 0ingers as "e c(a<ed 0 r a "and" (d& g-s"ed int "is t"r at as "e gagged and gas!ed 0 r air* He t"ras"ed beneat" t"e <eig"t 0 t"e gran-(es& 0rantic t"at "e <as g ing t dr <n in t"e de!t"s 0 a d-ne* His "ands t -c"ed s met"ing s (idCa "andE He 0 -g"t t " (d n as t"e sand c"-rned ar -nd "im& t re at "im& t"reatening

t break "is ten- -s gri!* T"e s 0t and 0ragi(eC0ee(ing "and c(as!ed ar -nd "is 0ingers& "a-(ing T rin a( ng* His "ead br ke t"e s-r0ace 0 t"e d-ne* . bbing in <a)es 0 s-rging d-st& T rin t"re< back "is "ead and greedi(y s-cked in air* T" -g" 0i((ed <it" grit& t"e breat"s <ere as <e(c me and s<eet as t"e cris!& c(ean air 0r m <inter+s 0irst sn <* T rin b(inked en -g" sand 0r m "is eyes t see t"at "e <as gri!!ing Ma(i+s arm* T"e < man g-ided "im t <ard s (id gr -nd* Wit" "is g d (eg& "e kicked as i0 "e <ere s<imming in a stream* Ma(i dragged "im& gas!ing and c -g"ing& -nti( "is 0eet <ere -t 0 t"e m )ing sand* T rin r ((ed t "is knees& !eering t"r -g" a "a=e 0 grit and tears& and <atc"ed Ma(i st-mb(e back t t"e edge 0 t"e r i(ing ! ( and disa!!ear int t"e c( -d 0 d-st and sand* O)er t"e r ar 0 t"e st rm& "e c -(d "ear t"e e()en < man screaming .iar+s name* 't seemed an eternity be0 re s"e rea!!eared& dragging t"e b y be"ind "er as s"e+d dragged T rin* S"e d-m!ed .iar n 0irm gr -nd and 0e(( t "er knees beside "im& c(a<ing at t"e Ae(aya < -nd tig"t(y ar -nd "is t"r at* F r ( ng sec nds& .iar (ay sti((& t"en "e gas!edCa ( ng indra<n <"ee=eCand began t c -g"* Ma(i ! -nded "im n t"e back <it" ne "and and c(a<ed t"e skirt 0 "er Ae(aya 0r m "er 0ace <it" t"e t"er* S"e breat"ed dee!(y 0 t"e d-stC0i((ed air& t"en snee=ed* T rin cra<(ed t"e t< !aces t t"em* .iar ga=ed -! at "im <it" eyes s red and s" t t"r -g" <it" b( d t"at t"ey made T rin+s tear in sym!at"y* Ma(i added an t"er snee=e t .iar+s <"ee=ing* T T rin& t"e s -nds <ere ( -d and danger -s* He !ant mimed 0 r si(ence& t -c"ing "is Ae(aya* His 0ingers ( sened t"e sand caked in its 0 (ds& and "e& t & 0 -g"t a snee=e* DG-ietED He 0 rced t"e < rd -t !ast a t"r at scr-bbed ra< by in"a(ed sand* Obedient(y& Ma(i ca-g"t t"e skirt 0 "er Ae(aya and "e(d it against "er n se and m -t"* .iar r ((ed nt "is side and "id "is 0ace against Ma(i+s knee& trying t sm t"er t"e s -nds 0 "is c -g"ing* T rin s" k "im t get "is attenti n* DT"e crysta(FD W"ee=ing and n dding& t"e b y c(-tc"ed at a 0 (d in "is r be* DHere* Sa0e* D T rin c(imbed t "is 0eet& ign ring t"e s"ar! !ain in "is knee& and dre< "is s< rd* T"e b(ade grated against t"e scabbard as it s(id 0ree& -nnat-ra((y ( -d in a (and s-dden(y -nnat-ra((y @-iet* His eyes <ere s c( -ded <it" tears and dirt t"at n(y b(-rred s"ades 0 green and tan 0i((ed "is )isi n* 'm!atient(y& "e <aited 0 r "is )isi n t c(ear& t" -g" "e

kne< "e < -(d 0ind n t"ing* '0 t"e creat-re <ere sti(( ab -t& "e and t"e t"ers < -(d n t be a(i)e* T"e )ie< t"at s( <(y s<am int 0 c-s <as s c"anged it <as n t rec gni=ab(e as Ge(en Oasis* T rin st d n a crescent 0 ye(( <Cgreen& a(( t"at <as (e0t 0 t"e s-nb-rned grass* T"e 0e< !a(ms t"at Ge(en s-!! rted <ere a(m st b-ried by t"e sand* T"e d-ne itse(0 <as g ne& 0(attened& its mass ! -red int t"e b <( t"at "ad "e(d t"e (i0eb( d 0 t"e asis* T"ere <as n <ater (e0t in t"e ! (& t" -g" t"e sand t"at 0i((ed it sti(( m )ed s(-ggis"(y& (a!!ing t"e sandy s" re as i0 it <ere <ater& as i0 s met"ing stirred its si(ent de!t"s* Ma(i c(imbed t "er 0eet and t-rned s( <(y& searc"ing t"e sky* T rin a(s ga=ed -!<ard& b-t t"e nig"t <as as c(ear and em!ty as t"e desert* He (im!ed t t"e edge 0 t"e r cks and gat"ered "is !ack& a(( t"at <as (e0t 0 t"eir gear* E)eryt"ing Ma(i and .iar "ad been carryingC0 d& b(ankets& <aterskinsC<as n < beneat" an cean 0 sand* Ma(i A ined "im* DW"at d <e d n <FD s"e asked @-iet(y* T rin s"r-gged t s" < t"at "e didn+t kn <* He <as nce again res! nsib(e 0 r t"e t< 0 t"em* Once again sidetracked* He "ad a(ready t"r <n a<ay "is best c"ance t 0ace t"e enemy* He e?!ected t be 0-ri -s& <it" "imse(0 and <it" t"em* He <anted t be 0-ri -s* .-t "e <asn+t* T"e (ack 0 anger (e0t an em!tiness "e <asn+t ready t 0ace* Wit" -t "is 0-ry& <it" -t t"e cryingC -t 0 "is " n r 0 r re)enge& <"at <as t"e !-r! se in "is (i0eF Ma(i t -c"ed "im& and "er 0ingers n "is <ere s 0t and dry* Her nearness br -g"t a strange& s<eet& eart"y scent t "is n stri(s* T"e ac"e in "is knee receded int t"e backgr -nd& 0 rg tten as "e breat"ed in t"e sme(( 0 0( <ers and treeC s"aded g(ades* Des!ite t"e "eat 0 t"e s-n& "e s"i)ered* DY - sa)ed -s b t"& D "e said "ars"(y& t c )er "is 0ee(ings* D' <e a debt e)en taking y - t sa0ety <i(( n t re!ay* D DY - <e me n t"ing& D s"e ans<ered s 0t(y* He t-rned t 0ace "er& s c( se "e c -(d 0ee( "er breat" n "is 0ace& t"e c (ness 0 "er b dy a(( a( ng t"e (engt" 0 "is <n* S"e radiated an energy& a ! <er& t"at made t"e "air at t"e na!e 0 "is neck stand -!* DMy (i0e is n t n t"ing& D "e said "-ski(y* Ma(i 0(-s"ed& a ( )e(y "ig" !ink t"at ri)a(ed t"e s-nrise* S"e ste!!ed back& 0-mb(ing t c )er "er 0ace* D' did <"at any ne < -(d "a)e d ne* Wit" -t t"inking* 't <as n t an act 0 r <"ic" ' e?!ect !ayment* D Wit" -t t"e distracting t -c" 0 "er s(im 0ingers& T rin+s tiredness ret-rned& and <it" it& t"e need t make decisi ns* He <is"ed 0 r "er "and -! n "is again* DWe "a)e t g n rt"&

D "e said* Ma(i 0r =e& "er eyes gr <ing (arge <it" s me em ti n T rin c -(dn+t read* Fear*** r " !e* DT <ard Si()anestiFD s"e <"is!ered* D' cann t g back t"ere* T"ey < -(d ki(( me* D DS-re(y y - e?aggerate* D S"e s" k "er "ead& and a dee! sadness c( -ded "er eyes* S"e t-rned t <a(k a<ay 0r m "im* He ca-g"t "er arm and st !!ed "er* D6er"a!s y - s" -(d te(( me m re* D DY - <i(( n t be(ie)e me* As my !e !(e did n t be(ie)e me* D He t k a sma(( s<a(( < 0 <ater 0r m "is <aterskin* He ac"ed t rinse "is m -t" 0 t"e sand t"at grated bet<een "is teet"& b-t t"eir <ater <as nce again t !reci -s 0 r s-c" c m0 rts* D6er"a!s ' <i((* D S"e ( ked at "im& meas-ring* D6er"a!s ' <i((& D "e re!eated& m re s 0t(y* S 0t(y s t"at s"e < -(d n t be 0rig"tened* S"e t k a dee! breat" and (et it -t s( <(y* D'n t"e de!t"s 0 t"e Ri)er T" n T"a(as& ' died* D T rin+s s-r!rise <as t in) (-ntary t "ide* Ma(i t-rned "er "ead a<ay* DY - seeF Y - d n t be(ie)e me* D He <as s s" cked "e c -(d t"ink 0 n t"ing t say* T"e < rds <ere t ta((y bey nd "is imaginati n& b-t as s"e "ad s! ken t" se 0e< < rds& "e "ad seen m re animati n in "er stark 0ace t"an in a(( t"e days 0 t"eir A -rney* D' <i(( be(ie)e& r disbe(ie)e& a0ter ' "a)e "eard y -r ta(e& D "e said stern(y* Taking an t"er dee! breat"& s"e c ntin-ed in a sma((& 0ara<ay ) ice* D' 0e(( int t"e <ater and "it my "ead* D Her 0ingers <ent t "er sk-((& t -c"ing a !(ace be"ind "er ear in remembered !ain* DT"e <ater <as dark* And "ea)y* ' sa<*** 0aces 0 t" se <" "ad died be0 re me* ' "eard t"eir ) ices <e(c ming me* T"en*** t"en t"e (ig"t came* D DT"e (ig"tF W"at (ig"tFD T rin+s t ne c mm-nicated "is disbe(ie0& and t"e s!e(( <as br ken* T"e (-min -s (i0e "e "ad seen in Ma(i+s eyes 0aded* T rin 0e(t s-dden(y g-i(ty* DY - "a)e t admit it is a 0antastic ta(e& D "e said& trying t e?!(ain* D.-t*** g n*D Ma(i+s 0ace "ardened& and 0 r A-st a m ment& "e sa< <"at "e < -(d "a)e e?!ected 0 an e(0Ct"e "a-g"ty demean r& t"e arr gant sc rn in t"e (ines ab )e "er si(ky br <s* T"en t"e e?!ressi n 0aded& re!(aced <it" n e?!ressi n at a((* 'n a d-((& 0(at ) ice& s"e t (d t"e rest 0 "er st ry* DA ) ice bea-ti0-( bey nd imagining* M-sic*** (ike n t"ing 0 t"is < r(d* S -nds*** T"e <ater& <"ic" "ad seemed s "ea)y& <as (ike 0( ating n c( -ds* A ) ice& t"e bea-ti0-(& m-sica( ) ice 0 a g ddess t (d me t"at ' m-st carry "er message 0

"ea(ing back t my !e !(e* S"e t (d me 0 t"e ret-rn 0 drag ns t Krynn& and 0 t"e ret-rn 0 t"e (d g ds* S"e t (d me ' m-st <arn my !e !(e 0 t"e danger& and s!read < rds 0 " !e* S"e said ' m-st sa)e my !e !(e* D Ma(i+s 0ace <as as <"ite as t"e m rning 0 t"e attack& as b(eak as <inter* DT"e g ddess said& +.ring -t t"e s -(s t"at are in darkness* + And ' "a)e 0ai(ed& y - see* My !e !(e did n t be(ie)e me* / racCt"e kingCca((ed me b(as!"em -s* He sent me a<ay in e?i(e* N < ' cann t d t"e g ddess+s bidding* D Ma(i sig"ed dee!(y* T"e intake 0 air seemed t reac" t t"e de!t"s 0 "er s -(* D' cann t bring t"eir s -(s int t"e (ig"t* D D' t" -g"t t"e e()es "ad n t t-rned a<ay 0r m t"e (d g ds* D DT"ey "a)e n t* .-t a!!arent(y n(y t"e e(ders& r t" se < rt"y& may ta(k t t"e g ds* W" <as 'Ca ( <Ccaste < manC t"at t"e g ddess < -(d ta(k t meF My !e !(e be(ie)e& b-t t"ey d n t be(ie)e* And s metimes& D s"e added s 0t(y& D' begin t d -bt myse(0* D T rin s"r-gged& -n<i((ing t admit in t"e 0ace 0 s-c" s rr < t"at "is <n 0irst instinct <as disbe(ie0* .-t "e "ad seen t"e drag n& 0e(t t"e ! <er in Ma(i+s t -c"* He t -c"ed "er c"eek& and t"e caress c(imbed -!& acr ss "er 0ace& )er t"e si(ky br <s& int t"e t"ickness 0 "er b(ack "air* T"e "ea)y strands 0e(( 0 r<ard& "iding "er 0ace& e?! sing "er de(icate ears* As "e traced t"e ! inted ti!& s"e c )ered "is 0ingers <it" "ers* He c( sed "is eyes& seeing t"e desert s!read -t be"ind "is eye(ids as c(ear(y as i0 "e+d "e(d a ma! in "is "ands* T"e 0 t"i((s 0 t"e K"ar (is < -(d be !er"a!s a "a(0 day c( ser t"an ne 0 t"e ases s!a<ned by t"e T rat" Ri)er* T"e trai( < -(d be m re di00ic-(t& es!ecia((y <it" "is inA-red knee* .-t Ma(i and .iar < -(d be sa0e* D'+(( take y - east* T t"e 0 t"i((s 0 t"e K"ar (is M -ntains* D I I I I I 'n b(a=ing " t mida0tern n (ig"t& t"ey entered t"e 0 t"i((s 0 t"e K"ar (is M -ntains& " me t t"e d<ar)es 0 T" rbardin* T"ey tra)e(ed 0aster t"an T rin "ad " !ed& Ma(i and .iar !-s"ing s "ard& at times "e <as t"e ne <" "ad tr -b(e kee!ing -!* W"en "e <a)ered& <"en t"e c(imbing !-t t great a strain n "is inA-red knee& Ma(i "ad dr !!ed back& 00ering "er s" -(der 0 r s-!! rt* E)en (im!ing& T rin "ad n tr -b(e kee!ing !ace n <& 0 r .iar <as <ideCeyed and reck(ess& st !!ing t t -c" t"e (-s" grass& s -n(ike t"e ye(( <ed asis st-bb(e* He t-rned "is "ead t"is

<ay and t"at& ( king e)ery<"ere b-t <"ere "e <as g ing* Ma(i st d 0 r a ( ng time n t"e trai(& "er 0ingers m )ing )er a tree as a b(ind man+s < -(d* T"e tree <as a !iti0-( sig"t& scragg(y and st-nted& t<isted as i0 ca-g"t bet<een stretc"ing t t"e sky and trying t "ide 0r m t"e -n0 rgi)ing s-n* .-t s"e t -c"ed it re)erent(y and smi(ed at T rin as i0 gi)en a great gi0t* Warmed& T rin ret-rned t"e smi(e and "e(d "is t ng-e* F r "imse(0& "e c -(d 0ind n t"ing enA yab(e in t"e scenery* A(ready "e <as c (d& "is (-ngs n t satis0ied <it" t"e dam!& "ea)y air 0 t"e m -ntains* His !-(se A-m!ed <it" e)ery crack(e in t"e )egetati n& at t"e t"ings s(it"ering -nseen in t"e -nderbr-s"& at t"e r-st(e 0 (ea)es )er"ead& at t"e "ard !atter 0 "is <n 0 tste!s n !acked gr -nd* He "ad ne)er enA yed t"e < d(and c(imb t <ater* DT"is is t"e <ay int t"e )a((ey& D T rin said* He !-t ne 0 t n t"e trai( t"at (ed d <n and st d braced* T"e c (ness beneat" "is b t (eec"ed t"e <armt" 0r m "is 0 t& aggra)ated t"e s reness in "is knee* D't+(( be A-st as Ma(i said* A r-nning streamDC.iar (a-g"edCD<it" <ater r-s"ing !ast& and great m ssy b -(ders standing in dee! !atc"es 0 s"ade* D O)er "is s" -(der& T rin sa< Ma(i+s dark eyes (i0t at t"e c rners* .eneat" t"e Ae(aya& s"e <as smi(ing* He smi(ed back* T rin c -(d "ear "er me( di -s ) ice in .iar+s descri!ti n and < ndered <"en s"e "ad !ainted t"e scene 0 r "im* He tried t catc" t"e b y+s ent"-siasm* C(ean& c(ear <ater* M re t"an en -g" t <as" a<ay t"e grit t"at sti(( grated bet<een "is teet"* .iar br-s"ed !ast "im& r-nning d <n t"e trai( at a @-ick& eager !ace* D.iarED T rin ca((ed and started d <n t"e trai(& t * His (im! "am!ered "im& " <e)er* T"e b y s( <ed and <aited 0 r t"em t catc" -!& a(m st dancing <it" im!atience and e?citement* D' <ant t see t"e r-nning <ater* D D'+(( g a"ead <it" "im& D Ma(i 00ered* .iar <aited 0 r "er t catc" -!& t"en t"ey disa!!eared ar -nd a c-r)e in t"e trai(* T rin s<itc"ed t a s( <er& sid(ing gait t"at didn+t Aar "is knee <it" e)ery d <n<ard ste!* He "ad a(m st reac"ed t"e 0 rk in t"e trai( <"en "e "eard a screamC Ma(i+s ) ice& "ig"C !itc"ed and terri0ied* Dra<ing "is s< rd& T rin ran& n t s-re t"at "e c -(d c ntr ( "is <n (egs* His knee 0ina((y s-cc-mbing t t"e !-nis"ment& "e st-mb(ed and a(m st 0e((* T"e !at" 0 rked be0 re "im& t-rning back n itse(0& c ntin-ing d <n<ard an t"er t<enty

!aces t t"e stream* T t"e (e0t& at a diag na(& t"e !at" s( !ed gent(y -!<ard& c ntin-ing 0art"er int t"e m -ntains* Fear and r-nning "ad r bbed "im 0 breat"& and "e "ad t !a-se& t g-(! in air& t steady "imse(0* W -(d "e 0ind t"em at t"e end 0 t"e !at"& me(ted int (-m!s 0 c"arred& -nrec gni=ab(e 0(es"F M )ing care0-((y& 0a) ring "is knee& "e eased d <n t"e trai( t <ard t"e stream* .iar <as t"ere& n t b-rned& b-t dying A-st t"e same* He (ay n "is back& "a(0 in and "a(0 -t 0 t"e r-nning stream "e "ad s ( nged t see* A dagger !r tr-ded 0r m "is c"est& and "is b( d ming(ed <it" t"e c(ear <ater* T rin kne(t beside "im and 0e(t 0 r a !-(se& kn <ing as "e did t"at t"e act <as -se(ess* T"e b y+s 0ace <as -nc )ered& "is Ae(aya -n< -nd 0r m "is c-r(y br <n "air* His c"i(dis" m -t" <as dra<n back in a 0era( grimace* Tears streamed 0r m "is eyes as b( d ! -red 0r m t"e < -nd in "is c"est* T"e b y c(-tc"ed t"e bag t"at "e(d t"e A@-ara* DT"ey t k Ma(i& D "e <"ee=ed* T rin s(id .iar -! nt t"e gr -nd& -t 0 t"e <ater& and !ressed t"e b y+s Ae(aya against t"e < -nd& trying t stanc" t"e ra!id 0( < 0 b( d* T"e b y gr aned s 0t(y& b-t <"is!ered& DD n+t (et t"em "-rt Ma(i* D T"e gr -nd <as sc-00(ed 0r m a str-gg(e& t"e <aterCskins scattered& b-t t"ere <as n sign 0 "er* DMa(iED T rin "issed& a0raid t ca(( t ( -d(y* T"e n(y res! nses <ere t"e a(ien s -nds 0 t"e 0 rest> a g-rg(e 0 <ater )er st nes& t"e s 0t r-st(e 0 <ind in t"e trees& t"e an?i -s <arning cry 0 a bird in t"e -nderbr-s"* E)ery<"ere "e ( ked& "e sa< darkness and (ig"t& "iding !(aces 0 r t"e enemy* T rin !(aced .iar+s "and against t"e Ae(aya and <"is!ered& D6ress "ard& "ere* '+(( be back* D Ma(i c -(d n t be 0ar& i0 s"e sti(( (i)ed& <"ic" T rin d -bted* .-t a(i)e r dead& T rin < -(d 0ind "er& and t" se <" "ad attacked .iar* He <as a(m st back t t"e 0 rk <"en "e "eard Ma(i cry -t* T"e s -nd <as strang(ed& a scream se)ered abr-!t(y* A "-ndred !aces -! t"e diag na( trai(& T rin 0 -nd "er& kicking and str-gg(ing& being dragged a( ng t"e !at" by a )isi n 0r m a nig"tmare* T"e creat-re <as at (east 0 -r "ands ta((er t"an Ma(i& and ( ked 0 r a(( t"e < r(d (ike a desert (i=ard gr <n t "-ge si=e* E?ce!t n desert (i=ard <a(ked -!rig"t& r "ad <ings& r t"e t<isted 0ace 0 a man* One (arge& c(a<ed "and <as c(am!ed )er t"e ( <er "a(0 0 Ma(i+s 0ace& t"e t"er " ked in t"e 0 (ds 0 "er r be* 't

"issed as it tried t s-bd-e "er* Ma(i t<isted in its gri! and yanked its "and 0r m "er m -t"* DG back& T rinED s"e screamed* A(erted t T rin+s !resence& t"e creat-re g-rg(ed <it" dis!(eas-re* 't dre< a "-ge& d -b(eCedged s< rd and c ntin-ed its 0(ig"t -! t"e trai(& dragging Ma(i <it" it* T rin (ea!t& A-m!ing s @-ick(y 0r m start(ed trance t attack t"at "e t k t"e creat-re by s-r!rise* He s(as"ed at t"e (i=ardCman& t"e s< rd biting dee!(y int t"e (eat"ery neck* Green ic" r s!-rted 0r m t"e gas"* T"e creat-re s"rieked and dr !!ed Ma(i* 6(anting ne "ea)y 0 t n "er r be t kee! "er 0r m getting a<ay& t"e (i=ardC man s<-ng t"e "-ge s< rd in a "ig" arc t <ard T rin+s "ead* T rin d-cked be( < t"e "ig" s<ing and s(as"ed @-ick(y <it" "is s< rd& a m s@-it attacking a " rse* His c-r)ed b(ade& <"ic" "ad a(<ays seemed s str ng& bare(y marked t"e sca(y "ide* T"e )ici -s c-ts "ad n t e)en scratc"ed its c"est& b-t t"e 0er city 0 T rin+s attack dr )e t"e creat-re back a ste!& t"en an t"er& a<ay 0r m Ma(i* T rin !ressed& s(as"ing <i(d(y <it" n " !e 0 d ing damage& b-t gaining en -g" s!ace t !-t "imse(0 bet<een Ma(i and t"e creat-re* DR-nED T rin s" -ted t Ma(i <it" -t ( king back* DR-nED He "e(d "is s< rd at ready& <aiting 0 r t"e (i=ardCman t c"arge* 't m )ed t <ard "im& treading "ea)i(y& c(-msi(y* 'ts <eig"ty s< rd <as ! inted at "is c"est& t"e ti! -n<a)ering* .-t t"e creat-re+s ga=e ke!t s"i0ting t Ma(i* T rin risked a @-ick g(ance back* Ma(i "ad n(y g ne a 0e< !aces d <n t"e trai(* DG ED T rin ye((ed* DR-nED He didn+t "a)e t g(ance back t see i0 t"e < man "ad beyed "im* He c -(d te(( s"e "adn+t 0r m t"e <ay t"e creat-re+s ga=e <a)ered back and 0 rt" bet<een t"e t< 0 t"em* Taking ad)antage 0 t"e (i=ardCman+s distracti n& T rin danced in c( se& str-ck a @-ick& s(as"ing b( <& and s(i!!ed -t 0 range A-st as t"e creat-re s<-ng at "im* T"e creat-re str-ck (e0t& t"en rig"t& t"en <"i!!ed t"e s< rd ar -nd in a <"ist(ing arc* T rin d dged t"e b( <s& instincti)e(y dr !!ing beneat" t"e (ast s<ing as "e "ad be0 re* T"e ! <er be"ind t"e s< rd <as en -g" t c-t "im in "a(0& b-t t"e creat-re <as s<inging "ig"* Hig" en -g" t a(( < T rin t m )e beneat" t"e 0(as"ing b(ade* He 0e(( back -t 0 range and re!eated t"e attack& s(i!!ing in A-st c( se en -g" t sting <it" "is s< rd& t"en ski!!ing back 0r m reta(iati n*

W"en t"e (i=ardCman+s "ig"& arcing s<ing came again& T rin <as ready* He r ((ed& came -! beneat" t"e s<at" 0 t"e b(ade& and stabbed* His c-r)ed b(ade& intended 0 r s(as"ing attacks& s(id " ri= nta((y int t"e creat-re+s abd men& bet<een its sca(y c"est and t"e sca(y arm r& tearing a ga!ing < -nd* T"e (i=ardCman g-rg(ed and dr !!ed its <ea! n* T"e "a0t "it t"e gr -nd& c(anging (ike t"e be(( n a city gate* Green b( d s!(as"ed acr ss T rin+s "ands* His s< rd <as snatc"ed 0r m "is 0ingers* T"e creat-re g-rg(ed and t !!(ed back<ard& T rin+s s< rd sti(( b-ried in its st mac"* 't (anded <it" a "ea)y& dead t"-d* T rin <"ee(ed ab -t t 0ind t"at Ma(i sti(( st d n(y a 0e< !aces a<ay* DAre t"ere t"ersFD "e started t ask& b-t at t"at m ment& "e reac"ed t rem )e "is s< rd 0r m t"e m nster+s b dy and a(m st <renc"ed "is arms 0r m t"eir s ckets* T"e b(ade <as st-ck in t"e < -nd* T"e b dy 0 t"e (i=ardCman seemed t "a)e !etri0iedE 't <as as s (id as st ne* T rin+s s< rd <as "e(d s tig"t(y& t"e b(ade < -(d break be0 re c ming 0ree* He grabbed t"e dead creat-re+s "-ge s< rd instead* /i0ting <it" b t" "ands& "e managed t raise t"e ti! 00 t"e gr -nd* DAre t"ere t"ersFD "e demanded again* Her 0ace <"ite and b( d(ess <it" terr r& Ma(i s" k "er "ead& b-t s"e <as tremb(ing s bad(y T rin <asn+t s-re i0 s"e meant Dn D r Dyes* D T rin (im!ed back t <"ere s"e st d& @-aking <it" 0ear* He s" k "er gent(y* DAre t"ere any t"ers& Ma(iFD DT< * D Ma(i s"-ddered* DT"ere <ere t< * D DW"ere+s t"e t"er neFD Ma(i s" k "er "ead* D' d n+t kn <* 't didn+tCD S"e gas!ed& "er <"ite 0ace g ing e)en <"iter* DW"atFD T rin cried* He0ting t"e s< rd t readiness& "e <"ee(ed& e?!ecting t 0ind t"e t"er creat-re* .-t t"ere <as n t"ing t"ere* N t e)en t"e b dy 0 t"e (i=ardCman "e+d A-st ki((ed* 't <as g neE He b(inked& b(inked again& and s<i!ed at "is eyes be0 re "e be(ie)ed <"at "e sa<* One m ment& t"e b dy "ad been as "e "ad (e0t it* N < "is s< rd (ay <" (e and c(ean in an irreg-(ar(y s"a!ed (ayer 0 0ine d-st* D't disa!!eared& D Ma(i <"is!ered* D't A-st*** disintegrated* D T rin dr !!ed t"e creat-re+s s< rd and !icked -! "is <n* 't "ad n t e)en a dr ! 0 green b( d n it* .eside "im& Ma(i began t s b& "er breat" c ming in @-ick ragged gas!s* D.iar*** FD

T rin s" k "is "ead* DN ED Ma(i screamed* S"e ran back d <n t"e !at" t <ard t"e stream* T rin 0 (( <ed m re s( <(y* He kne< t"e b y <as dead by n <* He 0 -nd Ma(i knee(ing beside .iar+s b dy& ta(king t "im in s" rt gas!ing < rds t"at made n sense and <ere ra< <it" !ain* S"e <as " (ding t"e b( dy Ae(aya T rin "ad <ra!!ed ar -nd t"e s"a0t 0 t"e kni0e& !ressing n a < -nd t"at n ( nger b(ed* T"e b y+s sma(( "ands "ad s(i!!ed t t"e gr -nd& (im! and (i0e(ess* T"e A@-ara& t"e bAect 0 r <"ic" .iar "ad died& "ad 0a((en 0r m "is gras!* T rin retrie)ed t"e ! -c"& c(ammy and <et <it" .iar+s b( d* He c -(d 0ee( t"e crysta(& "ard and c (d inside* D't+s sti(( "ereED T rin said in ama=ement* He !-((ed t"e si(kC<ra!!ed crysta( 0r m t"e ! -c" and 0(i!!ed t"e c( t" back t e?! se it* T"e A@-ara g(ittered in t"e da!!(ed s-n(ig"t& and a ting(ing sensati n <igg(ed its <ay -! T rin+s 0ingers int "is <rist* DT"at t"ing ki((ed .iar& and it didn+t e)en b t"er t take t"e A@-ara* D He 0(-ng t"e crysta( t t"e gr -nd* DW"at <as it rea((y a0terFD His @-esti n @-ieted Ma(i+s s bs& t" -g" (arge tears c ntin-ed t r (( d <n "er c"eeks* S"e "ad ( st "er Ae(aya in t"e str-gg(e& and "er "air "-ng in tang(ed strands ar -nd "er s" -(ders* T"ere <as b( d n "er r be& b-t T rin didn+t kn < i0 it <as "ers r t"e b y+s* T rin (im!ed !ain0-((y t <ard "er* DT"e crysta( is sti(( "ere* D He grabbed "er and t<isted "er -! and ar -nd* Ma(i cried -t& !-s"ing -t at "is "ands* DN E D n+tED DT"at m nster <asn+t a0ter t"e A@-ara* 't (e0t t"e crysta( "ere& n a dying b y* 't t k y -* D DN ED Ma(i dr !!ed t "er knees beside .iar+s b dy and "e(d -t a "and in s-!!(icati n* D't <as y -& 0r m t"e beginning* D T rin said& staring at "er& st-nned <it" rea(i=ati n* DT"ey <ere ( king 0 r y <"en t"ey destr yed t"e cam!* W"at "a)e y - d neFD Anger 0(ickered and ca-g"t* His !e !(e <ere dead* T"e b y <as dead* And <"yF F r <"atF W" <as t"is < man <" <armed "im as t"e s-n& and <as as dead(y as its "eatF DY - d n+t kn < t"at* D Ma(i s bbed& !atting at t"e <added Ae(aya n .iar+s c"est as i0 s"e c -(d 0 rce t"e (i0e back int "im* D't can+t beE 't can+t beE N t a(( 0 t"is& beca-se 0 me* D T rin needed ans<ers& b-t t"e t"er creat-re <as !r bab(y sti(( nearby* He ca-g"t " (d 0 t"e < man+s s" -(der* DWe "a)e t g * N <ED DT rin& !(ease*** D

D.iar+s dead* T"ere+s n t"ing y - can d * D DN ED Ma(i cried* S"e "-gged "erse(0& c(-tc"ing at "er <n arms and s" -(ders as i0 s"e c -(d "ide& as i0 s"e c -(d 0 (d in -! n "erse(0 -nti( t"ere <as n t"ing (e0t* DN t tr-e& D s"e <"is!ered* DN t my 0a-(t* D S"e cr -c"ed ( <er& <"im!ering& "er 0 re"ead a(m st t -c"ing t"e gr -nd* DMa(i*** D T rin g(anced ar -nd ner) -s(y& t"inking "e "eard s met"ing* T"is time "e " ked a "and beneat" "er arm and t-gged& n t gent(y* S"e (i0ted "er "eadH "er eyes <idened* S"rieking a <arning& s"e str-ck at "im& s" )ing "im s "ard "e st-mb(ed* A s< rd <"ist(ed t"r -g" t"e air <"ere "e "ad been standing n(y m ments be0 re* T rin <"ee(ed and 0aced an t"er (i=ardC man* T"e creat-re str-ck again& @-ick(y& s<inging its s< rd in a "a(0 circ(e* T"e dead(y b(ade s(iced c(ean(y t"r -g" T rin+s r be and t"e 0(es" beneat"* A streak 0 0ire 0(as"ed -! T rin+s ribs int "is s" -(der* He 0e(t t"e <arm s(ickness 0 b( d g-s" d <n "is rig"t side* His e(b < !ressed against t"e < -nd& T rin staggered side<ays& a<ay 0r m Ma(i& " !ing t"e t"ing < -(d !-rs-e "im* DR-nED "e gas!ed* C(-msi(y& trying t stanc" t"e 0( < 0 b( d 0r m "is side& T rin dre< "is s< rd& b-t t"ere <as n c"ance 0 striking* T"is (i=ardCman& t" -g" as (-mbering and c(-msy as its br t"er& <as @-icker* And a better s< rdsman* T"e creat-re s<-ng its "-ge s< rd )ici -s(y& side t side& -! and d <n as it ad)anced n T rin* T rin s"i0ted "is s< rd t "is (e0t "and* He bare(y d dged t"e b( <s* His b(ade 0e(t -nbe(ie)ab(y "ea)y& and "is 0eet seemed t "a)e ( st a(( 0ee(ing* T"e creat-re (-nged& t"r-sting& and t"e s"ar! edge 0 t"e <ea! n gra=ed T rin+s "and* He gr-nted in !ain& bare(y " (ding n t "is s< rd& bare(y " (ding n t c nsci -sness* S m-c" b( d* He c -(d 0ee( it ! -ring d <n "is (eg& dri!!ing nt t"e gr -nd& "is (i0e r-nning -t ra!id(y* T"e ne?t b( <& "e kne<& < -(d be t"e (ast* T"e (i=ardCman raised its s< rd "ig" 0 r t"e ki((ing str ke* T"en T rin+s )isi n began t !(ay tricks n "im* 't seemed t"at t"e creat-re+s s< rd s( <ed as it began its descent* Ma(i scramb(ed& a(s in s( < m ti n& n "ands and knees& n t a<ay t sa0ety& b-t t <ard T rin& t <ard t"e creat-re* T rin+s scream came 0r m s me<"ere 0ar a<ay& <ar!ed and t<isted* He t"re< "imse(0 0 r<ard t s"ie(d "er& and t"e m )ement <as (ike s<imming t"r -g" dee! sand* T s( <* T (ate*

Her "and came -!& s( <(y& s( <(y& rising -! int t"e air* T"e A@-ara 0 t"e Kedasa <as c(-tc"ed in "er 0ist* 't s" ne in t"e s-n (ike a Ae<e( in 0ire(ig"t& a(( b(-e 0ire and g (den rainb <* T"e (i=ardCman+s s< rd cras"ed int t"e A@-ara& stee( c(anging against crysta(* Meta( s"rieked and crysta( rang <it" earCs!(itting c(arity* .(inding (ig"tning er-!ted* M )ing at n rma( s!eed again& t"e creat-re ye(!ed and 0e(( back<ard& its b dy crack(ing <it" a deat"(y (ig"t* 'ts s< rd& s!(it as-nder& s" <ered d <n in !ieces* T"e crysta(+s b(-e g( < 0aded& and Ma(i c ((a!sed int T rin+s arms* S"e <as s (im! t"at "is breat" ca-g"t 0ear0-((y in "is t"r at* Care0-((y& "e t-rned "er )er* A !-(se beat str ng(y beneat" t"e 0air skin 0 "er neck& and "e gr aned <it" re(ie0* A m ment (ater& "er eye(ids 0(-ttered !en* S"e Aerked -!& "er eyes darting <i(d(y& searc"ing 0 r t"e creat-re* 'ts b dy (ay sti((& ne 0 its (eat"ery <ings crack(ed int !ieces (ike st ne* 6ieces 0 t"e s< rd (ittered t"e b dy* Ma(i stared at t"e crysta( (ying in "er !a(m* 't n ( nger g(ittered <it" t"e rainb < c ( rs 0 t"e desert* 't g(eamed a trans!arent si()erCb(-eCa mi?t-re 0 sky and c(ear <ater and sisc 0( <er* T"e symb (s etc"ed int t"e crysta( s" <ed c(ear(y n < against t"e backgr -ndCt< teardr ! s"a!es scribed in -nending (ines* D' d n+t -nderstand* W"at "a!!enedFD Ma(i <"is!ered* Her s 0t& c n0-sed < rds trai(ed 00 as s"e ( ked 0r m t"e crysta( t t"e b dy 0 t"e creat-re and its s"attered s< rd* T rin t -c"ed t"e A@-ara <ari(y* 't 0e(t sm t" des!ite t"e etc"ed symb (s& and "is 0ingers <armed s(ig"t(y& !(easant(y* G ne <as t"e irritating& disc m0iting ting(e* DY - d -nderstand& D T rin t (d "er* Wit" -t a < rd& "e t k Ma(i+s 0ree "and and g-ided it t"r -g" t"e t rn edges 0 "is r be t t"e b(eeding < -nd ab )e "is ribs* DY - "a)e n(y t be(ie)e* D Ma(i stared at "im& <ideCeyed& -ns-re* He !ressed "er "and tig"ter against "is < -nd& and t" -g" "is eye(ids 0e(t as i0 t"ey <ere t "ea)y t remain !en& "e tried t meet "er ga=e <it" "is <n -n<a)ering be(ie0* D.e(ie)e& Ma(i* .e(ie)e <"at t"e g ddess t (d y -* D H (ding t"e crysta( t "er breast& Ma(i n dded* S"e c( sed "er eyes and t k a dee!& dee! breat" and e?"a(ed s( <(y* T rin t<itc"ed as t"e energy ! -red int "im& g-s"ed as i0 it <ere s!i((ed& as i0 t"e s -(s 0 "-ndreds <ere 0( <ing int "is )eins* Energy and "eat and s!irit& tinged b(-e& c"ased a<ay s"ad < and deat"* /i0e 0( <ed& !-(sing* He c -(d 0ee( "is <n b( d g(iding beneat" "is skin& t"e air in "is (-ngs

caressing "im inside* Ma(i gas!ed and sank back<ard& <it"dra<ing "er t -c" and t"e in0(-ence 0 t"e crysta(* E?"i(arated <it" t"e s!irit c -rsing t"r -g" "im& T rin !-((ed a!art t"e c-t edges 0 "is r be and !eered at t"e < -nd* 't <as c( sed& n ( nger b(eeding& b-t it "ad n t "ea(ed& n t c m!(ete(y* 't sti(( t"r bbed& b-t it <as c( sed* 't <as en -g" 0 r n <* DT rinFD Ma(i <"is!ered* Her "and c-!!ed "is c"eek* Her ! <er 0( <ed int "im& t"e "ea(ing t -c"& t"e ( )ing <armt"* He c )ered "er "and <it" "is& 0 -nd it sticky <it" b( d b-t sti(( s <arm& s s t"ing* He kissed "er !a(m& and <"en s"e didn+t !r test& "e kissed "er 0-(( (i!s& t & (ig"t(y& @-ick(y& t"en !-((ed back* D.iar& D "e said& sti(( " (ding "er "and* S"e sti00ened* D.-t " < can 'F He+s dead* D T rin c )ered t"e "and " (ding t"e crysta(* DY - "a)e been c" sen by t"e g ddess* H < can y - n tFD Ma(i s"i)ered* S"e s" k "er "ead in assent& and T rin "e(!ed "er t "er 0eet* T get"er t"ey <ent t .iar+s b dy* H (ding t"e crysta( bet<een "er !a(ms& Ma(i g(anced at T rin 0 r reass-rance* T"en s"e t-rned "er bea-ti0-( 0ace -!<ard& t t"e can !y 0 trees and t"e sky !eeking t"r -g"* D6(ease& .(essed Mis"aka(* He(! me* D Ma(i c( sed "er eyes and "e(d t"e crysta( t "er "eart as s"e "ad be0 re* N t"ing "a!!ened* S"e (aid t"e crysta( n .iar+s c"est and c-!!ed "er "ands ar -nd t"e b(ade embedded in "is c"est* T"e b(-e <it"in t"e crysta( began t g( <& brig"ter and brig"ter -nti( it enc m!assed .iar+s b dy and Ma(i* T"en T rin& t & <as enc( sed <it"in t"e s 0t& "ea(ing (ig"t* T"e remainder 0 "is e?"a-sti n s(i!!ed a<ay* He 0e(t t"e skin acr ss "is < -nd and t"e m-sc(e beneat" ri!!(e and s"i0t as it "ea(ed* He kne< i0 "e ( ked n <& t"e skin < -(d be 0(a<(ess& as -nb(emis"ed as <"en "e <as a c"i(d* .-t t"e !"ysica( c m0 rt <as n t"ing c m!ared t t"e !eace& t"e A y& in "is "eart* T"e (ig"t intensi0ied& became a b(-e as bri((iant as a s-mmer+s sky& as s!ark(ing as t"e s-r0ace 0 a ! (* Wit" tears 0( <ing si(ent(y d <n "er 0ace& Ma(i <ra!!ed "er 0ingers ar -nd t"e b(ade 0 t"e kni0e <"ere it "ad entered .iar+s 0(es"* T"e crysta((ine g( < cascaded a( ng "er 0ingers& d <n nt t"e b dy& <ra!!ing brig"t streamers ar -nd t"e kni0e* S( <(y Ma(i !-((ed t"e b(ade 0r m t"e < -nd* N 0( < 0 b( d 0 (( <ed t"e rem )a(* T"e < -nd c( sed& and a sec nd (ater& t"ere <as n t e)en a scar (e0t* Ma(i+s "ands 0e(( a<ay& and s"e dr !ed back n "er "ee(s*

T rin "e(d "is breat" as t"e b(-e g( < dimmed* T"en& <it" a Aerk& .iar+s t"in c"est "ea)ed* He gas!ed in a (-ng0-( 0 air& and "is eyes 0(-ttered !en& <ide and s-r!rised* He t -c"ed "is c"est <"ere t"e kni0e "ad been* DMa(i& D "e <"is!ered& smi(ing -! at "er* D' dreamed t"e s -(s 0 t"e Kedasa came t sa)e me* D Ma(i stared at t"e b y& disbe(ie0 and de(ig"t ming(ed n "er 0ace* W"en s"e t-rned t T rin& " (ding -! t"e crysta( 0 r "im t see& t"e A y in "er eyes b-rned (ike 0ire& brig"ter t"an t"e s-n at n n* D +.ring -t t"e s -(s t"at are in darkness& + D s"e said& m-sing& a<ed* DN < King / rac <i(( "a)e t be(ie)e meED T rin t -c"ed t"e A@-ara* 't <as b(-e n <& t"e c(ean& c(ear b(-e 0 sky and !-re <ater* 'nstead 0 t"e c (d& Aittering sensati n 0 ants !rick(ing "is skin& "e 0e(t t"e !(eas-re 0 Ma(i+s ! <er& 0 Ma(i+s !-r! se* And "is <n* D'0 y -r king d es n t acce!t y -r < rd& Ma(i& ' <i(( te(( "im myse(0* D T"e .est Margaret Weis A st ry 0r m t"e ancient times*** ' kne< t"e 0 -r < -(d c me* My -rgent !(ea "ad br -g"t t"em* W"ate)er t"eir m ti)esCand& am ng t"is di)erse gr -!& ' kne< t" se m ti)es <ere mi?edC t"ey <ere "ere* T"e best* T"e )ery best* ' st d in t"e d r 0 t"e .itter A(e 'nn and& s-r)eying t"em& my "eart <as easier t"an it "ad been in many& many days* T"e 0 -r did n t sit t get"er* O0 c -rse& t"ey didn+t kn < eac" t"er& e?ce!t !er"a!s by re!-tati n* Eac" sat at "is r "er <n tab(e& eating& drinking @-iet(y* N t making a s" < 0 t"emse()es* T"ey didn+t need t * T"ey <ere t"e best* .-t t" -g" t"ey said n t"ing <it" t"eir m -t"sC-sing t"em 0 r t"e bitter a(e s 0am -s in t"ese !artsCt"ey <ere !-tting t"eir eyes t < rk> si=ing eac" t"er -!& taking eac" t"er+s meas-re* ' <as t"ank0-( t see t"at eac" seemed t (ike <"at "e r s"e sa<* ' <anted n bad b( d bet<een members 0 t"is gr -!* Sitting at t"e )ery 0r nt 0 t"e inn& s" rt in stat-re& b-t (arge in c -rageC<as Orin* T"e d<ar0 <as ren <ned t"r -g" t"ese !arts 0 r "is ski(( <it" "is a?e& b-t t"en s <ere m st d<ar)es* His b(adeCS!(it"airC(ay n t"e tab(e be0 re "im& <"ere "e c -(d kee! b t" an eye and a ( )ing "and n it*

Orin+s tr-e ta(ent (ay beneat" a m -ntain& as t"e saying <ent He "ad tra)ersed m re drag n ca)es t"an any t"er d<ar0 <" "ad e)er (i)ed* And "e "ad ne)er nce ( st "is <ay& eit"er t"ere r Km re im! rtantL back -t again* Many a treas-reC "-nter <ed "is (i0eCand ab -t a t"ird 0 t"e treas-reCt "is g-ide& Orin DarkCseer* Seated near t"e d<ar0& at t"e best tab(e t"e .itter A(e "ad t 00er& <as a < man 0 incredib(e bea-ty* Her "air <as ( ng and b(ack as a m n(ess nig"tH "er eyes drank in men+s s -(s t"e <ay t"e d<ar0 drank a(e* T"e ta)ern+s reg-(arsCa s rry ( t 0 ne+erCd C<e((sC< -(d "a)e been n sing ar -nd "er& t"eir t ng-es "anging -t& b-t 0 r t"e marks n "er c( t"es* S"e <as <e(( dressed& d n+t mistake me* T"e c( t" s"e < re <as t"e 0inest& m st e?!ensi)e )e()et in a(( t"e (and* 'ts b(-e c ( r g(eamed in t"e 0ire(ig"t* 't <as t"e si()er embr idery n t"e c-00s 0 "er r bes and ar -nd t"e "em(ine t"at <arned 00 t"e c"eekC!inc"ers and kissCsnatc"ers* 6entagrams and stars and intert<ined circ(es and s-c"(ike* Caba(istic marks* Her bea-ti0-( eyes met mine& and ' b <ed t B(anda t"e s rceress& c me a(( t"e <ay 0r m "er 0ab(ed cast(e "idden in t"e .(-e Mist F rest* Seated near t"e d rCas near t"e d r as "e c -(d get and sti(( remain in t"e innC<as t"e ne member 0 t"e 0 -r ' kne< <e((* ' kne< "im beca-se ' <as t"e ne <" "ad t-rned t"e key in "is !ris n ce(( and set "im 0ree* He <as t"in and @-ick& <it" a m ! 0 red "air and green r g-is" eyes t"at c -(d c"arm a <id < -t 0 "er (i0e sa)ings and (ea)e "er ( )ing "im 0 r it* T" se s(ender 0ingers 0 "is c -(d s(ide in and -t 0 a ! cket as 0ast as "is kni0e c -(d c-t a !-rse 0r m a be(t* He <as g d& s g d "e <asn+t 0ten ca-g"t* Reynard De0tC"and "ad made ne sma(( mistake* He+d try t (i0t a !-rse 0r m me* Direct(y acr ss t"e r m 0r m ReynardCdark ba(ancing (ig"t in t"e sca(es 0 creati nC<as a man 0 n b(e bearing and stern c -ntenance* T"e reg-(ars (e0t "im a( ne& t & -t 0 res!ect 0 r "is ( ng and s"ining s< rd and t"e <"ite s-rc at "e < re& marked <it" t"e si()er r se* Eric 0 Tr-est ne& Knig"t 0 t"e R se& a " (y !a(adin* ' <as as ama=ed t see "im as ' <as !(eased* ' "ad sent my messengers t t"e Hig" C(erist+s T <er& begging t"e knig"ts 0 r aid* ' kne< t"ey < -(d res! ndCt"ey <ere " n rCb -nd* .-t t"ey "ad res! nded by sending me t"eir best* A(( 0 -r t"e best& t"e )ery best* ' ( ked at t"em and ' 0e(t a<ed& "-mb(ed* DY - s" -(d be c( sing d <n 0 r t"e nig"t& Marian& D ' said& t-rning t t"e !retty (ass <" tended bar* T"e 0 -r drag nC"-nters ( ked at me& and n t ne 0 t"em

m )ed* T"e reg-(ars& n t"e t"er "and& t k t"e "int* T"ey @-a00ed t"eir a(e and (e0t <it" -t a m-rm-r* ' "adn+t been in t"ese !arts ( ngCne<(y c me t my A bC and& 0 c -rse& t"ey+d !-t me t t"e test* '+d been 0 rced t teac" t"em t res!ect me* T"at "ad been a <eek ag and ne& s ' "eard& <as sti(( (aid -!* Se)era( 0 t"e t"ers <inced and r-bbed t"eir cracked "eads as t"ey "-rried !ast me& a(( ! (ite(y <is"ing me g dCnig"t* D'+(( ( ck t"e d r& D ' said t Marian* S"e& t & (e0t& a(s <is"ing meC<it" a sa-cy smi(eCa g d nig"t* ' kne< <e(( s"e+d (ike t make my g d nig"t a better ne& b-t ' "ad b-siness* W"en s"e <as g ne& ' s"-t and b (ted t"e d r* T"is c(ear(y made Reynard ner) -s K"e <as a(ready ( king 0 r an t"er esca!e r -teL& s ' came @-ick(y t t"e ! int* DN need t ask <"y y -+re "ere* Y -+)e eac" c me in res! nse t my !(ea 0 r "e(!* ' am G ndar& King Frederick+s senesc"a(* ' am t"e ne <" sent y - t"e message* ' t"ank y - 0 r y -r @-ick res! nse& and ' <e(c me y -& <e((& m st 0 y -DC' cast a stern g(ance at Reynard& <" grinnedCDt Fredericksb r -g"* D Sir Eric r se and made me a c -rte -s b <* B(anda ( ked me )er <it" "er < nder0-( eyes* Orin gr-nted* Reynard <as Aing(ing c ins in "is ! cket* T"e reg-(ars < -(d 0ind t"emse()es <it" -t a(e m ney t m rr <& ' g-essed* DY - a(( kn < <"y ' sent 0 r y -& D ' c ntin-ed* DAt (east& y - kn < !art 0 t"e reas n* T"e !art ' c -(d make !-b(ic* D D6(ease be seated& Senesc"a(& D said B(anda& <it" a grace0-( gest-re* DAnd te(( -s t"e !art y - c -(dn+t make !-b(ic* D T"e knig"t A ined -s& as did t"e d<ar0* Reynard <as g ing t & b-t B(anda <arned "im 00 <it" a ( k* N t t"e (east bit 00ended& "e grinned again and (eaned against t"e bar* T"e 0 -r <aited ! (ite(y 0 r me t c ntin-e* D' te(( y - t"is in abs (-te c n0identia(ity& D ' said& ( <ering my ) ice* DAs y - kn <& -r g d king& Frederick& "as A -rneyed t t"e n rt" n in)itati n 0r m "is "a(0 br t"er& t"e D-ke 0 N r"am!t n* T"ere <ere many in t"e c -rt <" ad)ised His MaAesty n t t g * N ne 0 -s tr-st t"e t<isted& c )et -s d-ke* .-t His MaAesty <as e)er a ( )ing sib(ing and n rt" "e <ent* N <& -r < rst 0ears "a)e been rea(i=ed* T"e d-ke is " (ding t"e king " stage& demanding in rans m se)en c 00ers 0i((ed <it" g (d& nine c 00ers 0i((ed <it" si()er& and t<e()e c 00ers 0i((ed <it" !reci -s Ae<e(s* D D.y t"e eye 0 6a(adine& <e s" -(d b-rn t"is d-ke+s cast(e t t"e gr -nd& D said Eric 0 t"e R se* His "and c(enc"ed )er "is s< rd+s "i(t*

DWe < -(d ne)er see His MaAesty a(i)e again* D ' s" k my "ead* DT"is is n t <"y y - br -g"t -s "ere& D gr <(ed Orin* DN t t resc-e y -r king* He may be a g d king& 0 r a(( ' kn <& b-t*** D T"e d<ar0 s"r-gged* DYes& b-t y - d n+t care <"et"er a "-man king (i)es r dies& d y -& OrinFD ' said <it" a smi(e* DN reas n y - s" -(d* T"e d<ar)es "a)e t"eir <n king* D DAnd t"ere are s me 0 -s& D said B(anda s 0t(y& D<" "a)e n king at a((* D ' < ndered i0 t"e r-m rs '+d "eard ab -t "er <ere tr-e& t"at s"e (-red y -ng men t "er cast(e and ke!t t"em -nti( s"e tired 0 t"em& t"en c"anged t"em int < ()es& 0 rced t g-ard "er d<e((ing !(ace* At nig"t& it <as said& y - c -(d "ear t"eir " <(s 0 ang-is"* / king int t" se ( )e(y eyes& ' 0 -nd myse(0 t"inking it mig"t A-st be < rt" itE ' <renc"ed myse(0 back t t"e b-siness at "and* D' "a)e n t t (d y - t"e < rst& D ' said* D' c ((ected t"e rans m* T"is is a <ea(t"y kingd m* T"e n b(es di!!ed int t"eir treas-ries* T"eir (ady <i)es sacri0iced t"eir Ae<e(s* T"e treas-re <as ( aded int a <ag n& ready t be sent n rt" <"en*** D ' c(eared my t"r at& <is"ed ' "ad dra<n myse(0 a m-g 0 a(e* DA "-ge red drag n s<e!t -t 0 t"e sky& attacked t"e treas-re cara)an* ' tried t stand and 0ig"t& b-tDCmy 0ace b-rned in s"ameCD'+)e ne)er kn <n s-c" !ara(y=ing 0ear* T"e ne?t t"ing ' kne<& ' <as 0ace0irst n t"e gr -nd& s"i)ering in terr r* T"e g-ard 0(ed in !anic* DT"e great drag n sett(ed d <n n t"e King+s Hig"<ay* 't (eis-re(y de) -red t"e " rses& t"en& (i0ting t"e <ag n c ntaining t"e treas-re in its c(a<s& t"e c-rsed beast 0(e< a<ay* D DDrag n0ear& D said Orin& as ne ( ng e?!erienced in s-c" t"ings* DT" -g" it "as ne)er "a!!ened t me& '+)e "eard t"e drag n0ear can be de)astating* D Sir Eric rested "is "and !itying(y n mine* D't <as 0 -( magic t"at -nmanned y -& Senesc"a(* N need 0 r s"ame* D DF -( magic& D re!eated B(anda& casting t"e knig"t a dark ( k* ' c -(d see s"e <as t"inking <"at an e?ce((ent < (0 "e < -(d make* D' sa< t"e treas-re* D Reynard "ea)ed a g-sty sig"* D't <as a bea-ti0-( sig"t* And t"ere m-st be m re& ( ts m re& in t"at drag n+s (air* D DT"ere is& D said Orin* DD y - t"ink y -rs is t"e n(y kingd m t"is drag n "as r bbed& Senesc"a(F My !e !(e <ere "a-(ing a s"i!ment 0 g (den n-ggets 0r m -r mines in t"e

s -t" <"en a red drag nC!-(( -t my beard i0 it+s n t t"e same neCs< !ed -t 0 t"e skies and made 00 <it" itED DG (den n-ggetsED Reynard (icked "is (i!s* DH < m-c" <ere t"ey < rt"& a(( t (dFD Orin cast "im a ba(e0-( g(ance* DNe)er y - mind& /ig"tC 0inger* D DT"e name is De0tC"and& D Reynard said& b-t t"e rest ign red "im* D' "a)e recei)ed < rd 0r m my sisters in t"e east& D B(anda <as saying& Dt"at t"is same drag n is res! nsib(e 0 r t"e t"e0t 0 se)era( 0 -r c )en+s m st ! <er0-( arcane arti0acts* ' < -(d describe t"em t y -& b-t t"ey are )ery secret* And )ery danger -s& t t"e ine?!erienced& D s"e added ! inted(y& 0 r Reynard+s sake* DWe& t & "a)e s-00ered by t"is <yrm& D said Eric grim(y* DO-r bret"ren t t"e <est sent -s as a gi0t a " (y re(icCa 0inger b ne 0 3in-s S (amn-s* T"e drag n attacked t"e esc rt& s(a-g"tered t"em t a man& carried a<ay -r arti0act* D B(anda (a-g"ed& made a 0ace* D' d n+t be(ie)e itE W"at < -(d t"e drag n <ant <it" a m (dy (d 0inger b neFD T"e knig"t+s 0ace "ardened* DT"e 0inger b ne <as encased in a diam nd& big ar -nd as an a!!(e* T"e diam nd <as carried in a c"a(ice made 0 g (d& encr-sted <it" r-bies and emera(ds* T"e c"a(ice <as carried n a !(atter made 0 si()er& set <it" a "-ndred sa!!"ires* D D' t" -g"t y - " (y knig"ts t k ) <s 0 ! )erty& D Reynard insin-ated s(y(y* DMaybe ' s" -(d start g ing t c"-rc" again* D Eric r se maAestica((y t "is 0eet* G(aring at t"e t"ie0& t"e knig"t dre< "is s< rd* Reynard sid(ed )er be"ind me* DH (d& Sir Knig"t& D ' said& standing* DT"e r -te t t"e drag n+s (air (eads -! a s"eer c(i00 <it" nary a "andC r 0 t" (d in sig"t* D T"e knig"t eyed Reynard+s s(ender 0ingers and <iry b dy* S"eat"ing "is s< rd& t"e knig"t sat back d <n* DY -+)e disc )ered t"e (airED Reynard cried* He <as tremb(ing& s e?cited& ' 0eared "e mig"t "-g me* D's t"is tr-e& Senesc"a(FD B(anda (eaned near me* ' c -(d sme(( m-sk and s!ice* Her 0ingerti!s <ere c ( n my "and* DHa)e y - 0 -nd t"e drag n+s (airFD D' !ray t 6a(adine y - "a)eE G(ad(y < -(d ' (ea)e t"is (i0e& s!end eternity in t"e b(essed rea(m 0 6a(adine& i0 ' c -(d "a)e a c"ance t 0ig"t t"is <yrmED Eric ) <ed* /i0ting a sacred meda((i n "e < re ar -nd "is neck t "is (i!s& "e kissed it t sea( "is " (y at"* D' ( st my king+s rans m& D ' said* D' t k a ) < neit"er t

eat n r s(ee! -nti( ' "ad tracked t"e beast t its (air* Many <eary days and nig"ts ' 0 (( <ed t"e trai(Ca s"ining c in 0a((en t t"e gr -nd& a Ae<e( s!i((ed 0r m t"e <ag n* T"e trai( (ed straig"t t a !eak kn <n as .(ack M -ntain* A day ' <aited& !atient& <atc"ing* ' <as re<arded* ' sa< t"e drag n (ea)e its (air* ' kn < " < t get inside* D Reynard began t dance ar -nd t"e ta)ern& singing and sna!!ing "is ( ng 0ingers* Eric 0 t"e R se act-a((y smi(ed* Orin DarkCseer ran "is t"-mb ( )ing(y )er "is a?eCb(ade* B(anda kissed my c"eek* DY - m-st c me )isit me s me nig"t& Senesc"a(& <"en t"is ad)ent-re is ended& D s"e <"is!ered* T"e 0 -r 0 t"em and ' s!ent t"e nig"t in t"e inn& <ere -! <e(( be0 re da<n t begin -r A -rney* I I I I I T"e .(ack M -ntain ( med be0 re -s& its !eak "idden by a !er!et-a( c( -d 0 gray sm ke* T"e m -ntain is named 0 r its s"ining b(ack r ck& be(c"ed -! 0r m t"e )ery b <e(s 0 t"e < r(d* S metimes t"e m -ntain sti(( r-mb(es& A-st t remind -s t"at it is a(i)e& b-t n ne (i)ing c -(d remember t"e (ast time it s!e<ed 0(ame* We reac"ed it by (ate a0tern n* T"e s-n+s rays s" ne red n t"e c(i00 0ace <e < -(d "a)e t c(imb* .y craning my neck& ' c -(d see t"e ga!ing dark " (e t"at <as t"e entrance t t"e drag n+s (air* DN t a "and" (d in sig"t* .y 6a(adine& y - <eren+t e?aggerating& Senesc"a(& D said Eric& 0r <ning as "e ran "is "and )er t"e sm t" b(ack r ck* Reynard (a-g"ed* D.a"E '+)e c(imbed cast(e <a((s t"at <ere as sm t" as mi(ady+sC We((& (et+s A-st say t"ey <ere sm t"* D T"e t"ie0 ( !ed a ( ng (engt" 0 r !e )er "is s" -(der* He started t add a bag 0-(( 0 s!ikes and a "ammer& b-t ' st !!ed "im* DT"e drag n mig"t "a)e ret-rned* '0 s & t"e beast < -(d "ear y - dri)ing t"e s!ikes int t"e r ck* D ' g(anced -!<ard* DT"e <ay is n t 0ar& A-st di00ic-(t* Once y - make it& ( <er t"e r !e d <n t -s* We can c(imb it* D Reynard agreed* He st-died t"e c(i00 0ace a m ment& a(( seri -sness n <& n sign 0 a grin* T"en& t t"e ama=ement 0 a(( 0 -s <atc"ing& "e attac"ed "imse(0 t t"e r ck (ike a s!ider and began t c(imb* ' "ad kn <n Reynard <as g d& b-t ' m-st admit& ' "ad n t kn <n " < g d* ' <atc"ed "im cra<( -! t"at s"eer c(i00 0ace& digging "is 0ingers int min-te cracks& "is 0eet scrabb(ing 0 r !-rc"ase& "anging n& s metimes& by e00 rt 0 <i(( a( ne*

' <as im!ressed* He <as t"e best* N t"er man (i)ing c -(d "a)e made it -! t"at c(i00* DT"e g ds are <it" -s in -r " (y ca-se& D said Eric re)erent(y& <atc"ing Reynard cra<( -! t"e b(ack r ck (ike a (i=ard* B(anda sti0(ed a ya<n& c )ered "er m -t" <it" a dainty "and* Orin st m!ed ar -nd t"e 0 t 0 t"e c(i00 in im!atience* ' c ntin-ed t <atc" Reynard& admiring "is < rk* He "ad reac"ed t"e entrance t t"e ca)ern& disa!!eared inside* 'n a m ment& "e came back -t& indicated <it" a <a)e 0 "is "and t"at a(( <as sa0e* Reynard ( <ered t"e r !e d <n t -s* Bn0 rt-nate(y& t"e r !e "e+d br -g"t <as 0ar t s" rt* We c -(dn+t reac" it* Orin began t c-rse ( -d(y* B(anda (a-g"ed& sna!!ed "er 0ingers& s! ke a < rd* T"e r !e @-i)ered& and s-dden(y it <as e?act(y t"e rig"t (engt"* Eric eyed t"e magiced r !e d-bi -s(y& b-t it <as "is n(y <ay -!* He grabbed " (d 0 it& t"enCa!!earing t t"ink 0 s met"ingC"e t-rned t t"e s rceress* DMy (ady& ' 0ear y -r de(icate "ands are n t meant 0 r c(imbing r !es& n r are y - dressed 0 r sca(ing m -ntains* '0 y - <i(( 0 rgi)e me t"e (iberty& ' <i(( carry y - -! t"e c(i00* D DCarry meED B(anda stared at "im& t"en s"e (a-g"ed again* Eric sti00enedH "is 0ace <ent rigid and c (d* DY -r !ard n& my (adyCD DF rgi)e me& Sir Knig"t& D B(anda said sm t"(y* D.-t ' am n t a <eak and "e(!(ess damse(* And it < -(d be best i0 y remembered t"at* A(( 0 y -* D S saying& B(anda dre< a (acy& si(ken "andkerc"ie0 0r m "er ! cket and s!read it -! n t"e gr -nd* 6(acing "er 0eet -! n t"e "andkerc"ie0& s"e s! ke < rds t"at <ere (ike t"e s -nd 0 tink(ing c"imes* T"e "andkerc"ie0 became "ard as stee(* 't began t rise s( <(y int t"e air& bearing t"e s rceress <it" it* Sir Eric+s eyes <idened* He made t"e sign against e)i(* B(anda 0( ated ca(m(y -! t"e c(i00 0ace* Reynard <as n "and t assist "er <it" t"e (anding at t"e m -t" 0 t"e ca)e* T"e t"ie0+s eyes near(y b-gged -t 0 "is "ead* He <as !ractica((y dr (ing* We c -(d a(( "ear "is < rds* DW"at a sec ndCst ry man y -+d makeE /ady& '+(( gi)e y "a(0C<e((& a 0 -rt" 0 my treas-re 0 r t"at scra! 0 c( t"* D B(anda !icked -! t"e stee( !(at0 rm& sna!!ed it nce in t"e air* Once again& t"e "andkerc"ie0 <as si(k and (ace* S"e !(aced it care0-((y in a ! cket 0 "er r bes* T"e t"ie0+s eyes 0 (( <ed it a(( t"e <ay* D't is n t 0 r sa(e& D B(anda said& and s"e s"r-gged* DY -

< -(dn+t 0ind it 0 m-c" )a(-e any<ay* '0 any ne t -c"es it& t"er t"an myse(0& t"e "andkerc"ie0 <i(( <ra! itse(0 ar -nd t"e -n0 rt-nate !ers n+s n se and m -t"* 't <i(( sm t"er "im t deat"* D S"e smi(ed at Reynard s<eet(y* He eyed "er& decided s"e <as te((ing t"e tr-t"& g-(!ed& and t-rned "asti(y a<ay* DMay 6a(adine !reser)e me& D Eric said d -r(y* /aying "is "and -! n t"e r !e& "e started t c(imb* He <as str ng& t"at knig"t* Encased in "ea)y !(ate arm r and c"ain mai(& "is s< rd "anging 0r m "is side& "e !-((ed "imse(0 -! t"e c(i00 <it" ease* T"e d<ar0 <as @-ick t 0 (( <& r-nning -! t"e r !e nimb(y* ' t k my time* 't <as near(y e)ening n <& b-t t"e a0tern n s-n "ad <armed t"e r ck* Ha-(ing myse(0 -! t"at r !e <as " t < rk* ' s(i!!ed nce& gi)ing myse(0 t"e scare 0 a (i0etime* .-t ' managed t "ang n& "ea)ed a sign 0 re(ie0 <"en Eric !-((ed me -! )er t"e (edge and int t"e c ( s"ad <s 0 t"e ca)ern* DW"ere+s t"e d<ar0FD ' asked& n ticing n(y t"ree 0 my c m!ani ns <ere ar -nd* DHe <ent a"ead t sc -t t"e <ay& D said Eric* ' n dded& g(ad 0 r t"e c"ance t rest* Reynard dre< -! t"e r !e& "id it beneat" a r ck 0 r -se n t"e <ay back* ' g(anced ar -nd* A(( a( ng t"e sides 0 t"e ca)ern& ' c -(d see marks (e0t by t"e drag n+s massi)e b dy scra!ing against t"e r ck* We <ere e?amining t"ese <"en Orin ret-rned& "is bearded 0ace s!(it in a <ide smi(e* DY - are rig"t& Senesc"a(* T"is is t"e <ay t t"e drag n+s (air* And t"is !r )es it* D Orin "e(d "is 0ind -! t t"e (ig"t* 't <as a g (den n-gget* Reynard eyed it c )et -s(y& and ' kne< t"en and t"ere it <as g ing t ca-se tr -b(e* DT"is !r )es itED Orin re!eated& "is eyes s"ining brig"t as t"e g (d* DT"is is t"e beast+s " (e* We+)e g t "imE G t "im n <ED Eric 0 t"e R se& a grim ( k n "is 0ace& dre< "is s< rd and started 0 r a "-ge t-nne( (eading 00 t"e ca)ern+s entrance* S" cked& Orin ca-g"t " (d 0 t"e knig"t& !-((ed "im back* DAre y - da0t& manFD t"e d<ar0 demanded* DWi(( y - g <a(king in t"e drag n+s 0r nt d rF W"y d n+t y - A-st ring t"e be((& (et "im kn < <e+re "ereFD DW"at t"er <ay is t"ereFD Eric asked& nett(ed at Orin+s s-!eri r t ne* DT"e back <ay& D said t"e d<ar0 c-nning(y* DT"e secret <ay* A(( drag ns kee! a back e?it& A-st in case* We+(( -se t"at* D DY -+re saying <e "a)e t c(imb r -nd t t"e t"er side 0 t"is b( dy m -ntainFD Reynard !r tested* DA0ter a(( t"e < rk it t k t get "ereFD

DNa<& /ig"tC0ingerED Orin sc 00ed* DWe+(( g t"r -g" t"e m -ntain* Sa0er& easier* F (( < me* D He "eaded 0 r <"at ( ked t me (ike n t"ing m re t"an a crack in t"e <a((* .-t& nce <e "ad a(( s@-ee=ed inside& <e disc )ered a t-nne( t"at (ed e)en dee!er int t"e m -ntain* DT"is !(ace is b(acker t"an t"e Dark G-een+s "eart& D m-ttered Eric& as <e t k -r 0irst 0e< tentati)e ste!s inside* A(t" -g" "e "ad s! ken in a ( < ) ice& "is < rds ec" ed a(arming(y* DH-s"ED t"e d<ar0 gr <(ed* DW"at d y - mean darkF ' can see !er0ect(y* D D.-t <e "-mans can+tE D <e dare risk a (ig"tFD ' <"is!ered* DWe < n+t get 0ar <it" -t ne& D Eric gr-mb(ed* He+d a(ready near(y brained "imse(0 n a ( <C"anging r ck* DW"at ab -t a t rc"FD DT rc"es sm ke* And it+s r-m red t"ere+re t"er t"ings (i)ing in t"is m -ntain besides t"e drag nED Reynard said min -s(y* DWi(( t"is d FD asked B(anda* Rem )ing a Ae<e(ed <and 0r m "er be(t& s"e "e(d it -!* S"e s! ke n < rd& b-tCas i0 00ended by t"e darknessC t"e <and began t s"ine <it" a s 0t <"ite (ig"t* Orin s" k "is "ead )er t"e 0rai(ty 0 "-mans and st-m!ed 00 d <n t"e t-nne(* We 0 (( <ed a0ter* T"e !at" (ed d <n and ar -nd and )er and -nder and int and -t 0 and -! and side<ays and acr ss*** a )eritab(e ma=e* H < Orin ke!t 0r m getting ( st r mi?ed -! <as bey nd me* A(( 0 -s "ad d -bts KReynard e?!ressed "is ( -d(yL& b-t Orin ne)er <a)ered* We s n ( st track 0 time& <andering in t"e darkness beneat" t"e m -ntain& b-t ' < -(d g-ess t"at <e ended -! <a(king m st 0 t"e nig"t* '0 <e "ad n t 0 -nd t"e c in& <e sti(( < -(d "a)e g-essed t"e drag n+s !resence& A-st by t"e sme((* 't <asn+t "ea)y r rank& didn+t set -s gagging r c" king* 't <as a scent& a breat"& a "int 0 b( d and s-(!"-r& g (d and ir n* 't <asn+t !er)asi)e& b-t dri0ted t"r -g" t"e narr < c rrid rs (ike t"e d-st& teasing& ta-nting* B(anda <rink(ed "er n se in disg-st* S"e+d A-st c m!(ained breat"(ess(y t"at s"e c -(dn+t stand an t"er m ment in t"is Dst-00y " (eD <"en Orin br -g"t -s t a "a(t* Grinning s(y(y& "e ( ked r -nd at -s* DT"is is it& D "e said* DT"is is <"atFD Eric asked d-bi -s(y& staring at yet an t"er crack in t"e <a((* KWe+d seen a ( t 0 cracksEL D't (eads t t"e drag n+s t"er entrance& D said t"e d<ar0* S@-ee=ing t"r -g" t"e crack& <e 0 -nd -rse()es in an t"er t-nne(& t"is ne 0ar (arger t"an any <e+d 0 -nd yet* We c -(dn+t see day(ig"t& b-t <e c -(d sme(( 0res" air& s <e

kne< t"e t-nne( c nnected <it" t"e -tside* B(anda "e(d "er <and -! t t"e <a((& and t"ere again <ere t"e marks made by t"e drag n+s b dy* T c(inc" t"e matter& a 0e< red sca(es g(ittered n t"e gr -nd* Orin DarkCseer "ad d ne t"e im! ssib(e* He+d taken -s c(ean t"r -g" t"e m -ntain* T"e d<ar0 <as !retty !(eased <it" "imse(0& b-t "is !(eas-re <as s" rtC(i)ed* We st !!ed 0 r a rest& t drink s me <ater and eat a bite 0 0 d t kee! -! -r energy* B(anda <as sitting beside me& te((ing me in a ( < ) ice 0 t"e < nders 0 "er cast(e& <"en s-dden(y Orin s!rang t "is 0eet* DT"ie0ED T"e d<ar0 " <(ed* He (ea!t at Reynard* DGi)e it backED ' <as standingH s <as Reynard& <" managed t !-t me in bet<een "imse(0 and t"e enraged d<ar0* DMy g (d n-ggetED Orin s"rieked* DS"are and s"are a(ike& D Reynard said& b bbing t"is <ay and t"at t a) id t"e d<ar0* DFinders kee!ers* D Orin began s<inging t"at damn a?e 0 "is a bit t near my knees 0 r c m0 rt* DS"-t t"em -!& Senesc"a(ED Eric rdered me& as i0 ' <ere ne 0 "is 0 t s (diers* DT"ey+(( bring t"e drag n d <n n -sED DF (sE '+(( !-t an end t t"isED B(anda reac"ed "er "and int a si(ken ! -c" s"e < re n "er be(t* ' t"ink <e may <e(( "a)e ( st b t" t"ie0 and g-ide at t"at m ment& b-t <e s-dden(y "ad 0ar greater !r b(ems* DOrinE .e"ind y -ED ' s" -ted* Seeing by t"e e?!ressi n 0 s"eer terr r n my 0ace t"at t"is <as n trick& Orin <"ir(ed ar -nd* A knig"tC r <"at "ad nce been a knig"tC<as <a(king t <ard -s* His arm r c )ered b ne& n t 0(es"* His "e(m ratt(ed n a bare and b( dstained sk-((* He "e(d a s< rd in "is ske(eta( "and* .e"ind "im& ' sa< <"at seemed an army 0 t"ese " rr rs& t" -g" t"ere <ereCin rea(ityC n(y si? r se)en* D'+)e "eard te(( 0 t"isED Eric said& a<ed* DT"ese <ere nce (i)ing men& <" dared attack t"is drag n* T"e <yrm ki((ed t"em and n < 0 rces t"eir r tting c r!ses t ser)e "imED D'+(( !-t it -t 0 its misery& D Orin cried* . -nding 0 r<ard& t"e d<ar0 str-ck at t"e -ndead <arri r <it" "is a?e* T"e b(ade se)ered t"e knig"t+s knees at t"e A int* T"e ske(et n t !!(ed* T"e d<ar0 (a-g"ed* DN need t tr -b(e y -rse()es )er t"is ( t& D "e t (d -s* DStand back* D T"e d<ar0 <ent a0ter t"e sec nd* .-t at t"at m ment& t"e 0irst ske(et n !icked -! its b nes& began !-tting itse(0 back t get"erE Wit"in m ments& it <as <" (e again* T"e ske(et n br -g"t its s< rd d <n n t"e d<ar0+s "ead* F rt-nate(y 0 r

Orin& "e <as <earing a "ea)y stee( "e(m* T"e s< rd did n damage& b-t t"e b( < sent t"e d<ar0 ree(ing* B(anda a(ready "ad "er "and in "er ! -c"* S"e dre< -t a n ?i -s ! <der& t ssed it nt t"e -ndead <arri r nearest "er* T"e ske(et n <ent -! in a <" s" 0 0(ame t"at near(y incinerated t"e t"ie0& <" "ad been attem!ting t (i0t a Ae<e(ed dagger 0r m t"e -ndead <arri r+s be(t* A0ter t"at& Reynard )ery <ise(y t k "imse(0 -t 0 t"e <ay& <atc"ed t"e 0ig"t 0r m a c rner* Eric 0 t"e R se dre< "is s< rd& b-t "e did n t attack* H (ding "is b(ade by t"e "i(t& "e raised it in 0r nt 0 ne 0 t"e <a(king ske(et ns* D' ca(( n 6a(adine t 0ree t"ese n b(e knig"ts 0 t"e c-rse t"at binds t"em t t"is <retc"ed (i0e* D T"e -ndead <arri r ke!t c ming& its b ny "and c(-tc"ing a r-sting s< rd* Eric "e(d "is gr -nd& st d 0ast& re!eating "is !rayer in s n r -s S (amnic* T"e ske(eta( <arri r raised its s< rd 0 r t"e deat"b( <* Eric ga=ed at it stead0ast(y& ne)er <a)ering in "is 0ait"* ' <atc"ed <it" t"at terrib(e 0ascinati n t"at 0ree=es a man in "is tracks -nti( t"e end* D6a(adineED Eric ga)e a great s" -t& raised "is s< rd t t"e "ea)ens* T"e ske(eta( knig"t dr !!ed d <n in a !i(e 0 d-st at t"e knig"t+s 0eet* Orin& <" "ad been e?c"anging b( <s <it" t< c r!ses 0 r s me time and <as n < getting t"e < rst 0 t"e batt(e& beat a strategic retreat* B(anda <it" "er magic and Eric <it" "is 0ait" t k care 0 t"e remainder 0 t"e ske(eta( <arri rs* ' "ad dra<n my s< rd& b-t& seeing t"at my "e(! <asn+t needed& ' <atc"ed in admirati n* W"en t"e <arri rs <ere eit"er red-ced t d-st r sm (dering as"& t"e t< ret-rned* B(anda+s "air <asn+t e)en m-ssed* Eric "adn+t br ken int a s<eat* DT"ere are n t t< in t"is (and <" c -(d "a)e d ne <"at y did& D ' said t t"em& and ' meant it* D' am g d at anyt"ing ' -ndertake& D B(anda said* S"e <i!ed d-st 0r m "er "ands* D3ery g d& D s"e added <it" a c"arming smi(e and a g(ance at me 0r m beneat" "er ( ng eye(as"es* DMy g d 6a(adine <as <it" me& D Eric said "-mb(y* T"e battered d<ar0 g( <ered* DMeaning t say my g d Re r? <asn+tFD DT"e g d knig"t means n t"ing 0 t"e s rt* D ' <as @-ick t end t"e arg-ment* DWit" -t y -& Orin DarkCseer& <e < -(d be 0 d 0 r t"e drag n rig"t n <* W"y d y - t"ink t"e ske(et n men attacked -sF .eca-se <e are dra<ing t near t"e drag n+s (air& and t"at is d-e entire(y t y -r e?!ertise* N ne e(se in t"is (and c -(d "a)e br -g"t -s t"is 0ar sa0e(y& and <e

a(( kn < it* D At t"is& ' g(anced ! inted(y at Eric& <" t k t"e "int and b <ed c -rte -s(y& i0 a bit sti00(y& t t"e d<ar0* B(anda r ((ed "er ( )e(y eyes& b-t m-ttered s met"ing graci -s* ' ga)e Reynard a s<i0t kick in t"e !ants& and t"e t"ie0 re(-ctant(y "anded )er t"e g (den n-gget& <"ic" seemed t mean m re t t"e d<ar0 t"an -r < rds 0 !raise* Orin t"anked -s a((& 0 c -rse& b-t "is attenti n <as n t"e g (d* He e?amined it s-s!ici -s(y& as i0 < rried t"at Reynard mig"t "a)e tried t s<itc" t"e rea( n-gget <it" a 0ake* T"e d<ar0 bit d <n it& ! (is"ed it n "is d -b(et* Fina((y certain t"e g (d <as rea(& Orin t"r-st it beneat" "is (eat"er arm r 0 r sa0ekee!ing* S abs rbed <as t"e d<ar0 in "is g (d t"at "e didn+t n tice Reynard (i0ting "is !-rse 0r m be"ind* ' did& b-t ' t k care n t t menti n it* As ' said& <e <ere c( se t t"e drag n+s (air* We m )ed a"ead& d -b(y ca-ti -s& kee!ing s"ar! <atc" 0 r any 0 e* We <ere dee!& dee! inside t"e m -ntain n <* 't <as si(ent* T si(ent* DY -+d t"ink <e+d "ear s met"ing& D Eric <"is!ered t me* DT"e drag n breat"ing& i0 n t"ing e(se* A beast t"at (arge < -(d s -nd (ike a be(( <s d <n "ere* D D6er"a!s t"is means "e+s n t " me& D Reynard said* DOr !er"a!s it means <e+)e c me t a dead end& D said B(anda id(y* R -nding a c rner 0 t"e t-nne(& <e a(( st !!ed and stared* T"e s rceress <as rig"t* A"ead 0 -s& b( cking -r !at"& <as a s (id r ck <a((* T"e darkness gre< darker at t"at m ment* A(( "int 0 -tside air "ad ( ng since been (e0t be"ind* T"e scent 0 b( d and s-(!"-r& n < en"anced by a dank& c"i((& m-sty sme((& <as str ng* And s <as t"e scent 0 g (d* ' c -(d sme(( it and s & ' kne<& c -(d my c m!ani ns* O-r imaginati ns& ' s-!! se& r !er"a!s <is"0-( t"inking* .-t maybe n t* G (d "as a sme((C its <n meta( sme(( and& added t t"at& t"e stink 0 t"e s<eat 0r m a(( t"e "ands t"at "a)e t -c"ed it and c )eted it and gras!ed it and ( st it* T"at <as t"e sme((& and it <as s<eet !er0-me t e)ery ne in t"at ca)e* S<eet and 0r-strating& 0 rCseeming(yC <e "ad n <ay t reac" it* Orin+s c"eeks 0(-s"ed* He t-gged n "is beard& cast -s a(( a side( ng g(ance* DT"is m-st be t"e <ay& D "e m-ttered& kicking disc ns (ate(y at t"e r ck* DWe+(( "a)e t g back& D Eric said grim(y* D6a(adine is teac"ing me a (ess n* ' s" -(d "a)e 0aced t"e <yrm in " n rab(e batt(e* N ne 0 t"is sk-(king ab -t (ike aCD DT"ie0FD Reynard said brig"t(y* D3ery <e((& Sir Knig"t& y -

can g back t t"e 0r nt d r& i0 y - <ant* ' <i(( sneak in by t"e <ind <* D Wit" t"is& Reynard c( sed "is eyes and& 0(attening "imse(0 against t"e r ck <a((& "e seemedCt a(( a!!earancesCt be making ( )e t it* His "ands cra<(ed )er it& "is 0ingers ! king and !r dding* He e)en <"is!ered <"at s -nded (ike c ing and c a?ing < rds* S-dden(y& <it" a tri-m!"ant grin& "e !(aced "is 0eet in t< indentati ns in t"e b tt m 0 t"e <a((& !-t "is "ands in t< cracks at t"e t !& and !ressed* T"e r ck <a(( s"i)ered& t"en it began t s(ide t ne sideE A s"a0t 0 reddis" (ig"t beamed -t* T"e t"ie0 A-m!ed 00 t"e <a((& <a)ed "is "and at t"e !ening "e+d created* DA secret d r& D Orin said* D' kne< it a(( a( ng* D DY - <ant t g ar -nd t t"e 0r nt n <FD Reynard asked t"e knig"t s(y(y* Eric g(ared at t"e t"ie0& b-t "e a!!eared t be "a)ing sec nd t" -g"ts ab -t meeting t"e drag n 0aceCt C0ace in an " n rab(e 0ig"t* He dre< "is s< rd& <aited 0 r t"e <a(( t !en c m!(ete(y s t"at <e c -(d see inside* T"e (ig"t ! -ring -t 0r m t"e d r<ay <as e?treme(y brig"t* A(( 0 -s b(inked and r-bbed -r eyes& trying t adA-st t"em t t"e s-dden bri((iance a0ter t"e darkness 0 t"e t-nne(s* We <aited& (istening 0 r t"e drag n* N ne 0 -s "ad a d -bt b-t t"at <e "ad disc )ered t"e beast+s d<e((ing !(ace* We "eard n t"ing* A(( <as deat"(y @-iet* DT"e drag n+s n t " meED Reynard r-bbed "is "ands* DHidd-ke( t"e Trickster is <it" me t dayED He made a das" 0 r t"e entrance& b-t Sir Eric+s "and 0e((& (ike d m& n "is s" -(der* D' <i(( (ead& D "e said* D't is my rig"t* D S< rd in "and& a !rayer n "is (i!s& t"e " (y !a(adin <a(ked int t"e drag n+s (air* Reynard cre!t rig"t be"ind "im* Orin& m )ing m re ca-ti -s(y& 0 (( <ed t"e t"ie0* B(anda "ad taken a c-ri -sC( king scr (( 0r m "er be(t* H (ding it 0ast& s"e entered t"e (air a0ter t"e d<ar0* ' dre< my dagger* Kee!ing <atc" be"ind me& ' entered (ast* T"e d r began t r-mb(e s"-t* ' "a(ted* DWe+re g ing t be tra!!ed in "ereED ' ca((ed -t as ( -d(y as ' dared* T"e t"ers !aid n attenti n t me* T"ey "ad disc )ered t"e drag n+s treas-re r m* T"e brig"t (ig"t+s s -rce <as a !it 0 m (ten r ck b-bb(ing in a c rner 0 t"e gigantic -ndergr -nd c"amber* T"e 0( r 0 t"e ca)ern "ad been < rn sm t"& !r bab(y by t"e r-bbing 0 t"e drag n+s en rm -s b dy* A great& g(ittering "ea!& ta(( as His MaAesty+s cast(e& <as !i(ed t get"er n t"e ca)ern 0( r*

Gat"ered "ere <as e)ery bea-ti0-(& )a(-ab(e& and !reci -s bAect in t"e kingd m* G (d s" ne red in t"e 0ireC(ig"t& Ae<e(s 0 e)ery c ( r 0 t"e rainb < <inked and s!ark(ed* T"e si()er re0(ected t"e smi(es 0 t"e drag nC"-nters* And& best 0 a((& t"e ca)ern <as -nin"abited* Sir Eric 0e(( n "is knees and began t !ray* B(anda stared& !enm -t"ed* Orin <as <ee!ing int "is beard <it" A y* .-t by n <& t"e secret d r "ad s(ammed s"-t* N t ne 0 t"em n ticed* DT"e drag n+s n t " meED Reynard s"rieked& and "e made a di)e 0 r t"e treas-re !i(e* My treas-re !i(e* T"e t"ie0 began !a<ing t"r -g" t"e g (d* My g (d* ' <a(ked -! be"ind "im* DNe)er A-m! t c nc(-si ns& D ' said* Wit" my dagger& ' ga)e "im t"e deat" a t"ie0 deser)es* ' stabbed "im in t"e back* D' t" -g"t y - s" -(d at (east "a)e a ( k& D ' said t "im kind(y& gest-ring t my " ard* DSince y -+re t"e best* D Reynard died t"enCt"e m st ast nis"ed ( king c r!se '+d e)er seen* ' sti(( d n+t t"ink "e+d @-ite 0ig-red t"ings -t* .-t B(anda "ad* S"e <as smart& t"at s rceress* S"e g-essed t"e tr-t" immediate(y& i0 a bit (ateCe)en be0 re ' t k 00 my ring 0 s"a!ec"anging* N <& at (ast& a0ter <eeks 0 being cram!ed int t"at tiny 0 rm& ' c -(d stretc" -t* My b dy gre<& s( <(y taking n its rigina(& immense s"a!e& a(m st 0i((ing t"e ca)ern* ' "e(d t"e ring -! in 0r nt 0 "er eyes* DY - <ere rig"t& D ' t (d "er& t"e Ae<e( s!ark(ing in <"at <as n < a c(a<* DY -r c )en did ! ssess many ! <er0-( arcane bAects* T"is is A-st ne 0 t"em* D B(anda stared at me in terr r* S"e tried t -se "er scr ((& b-t t"e drag n0ear <as t m-c" 0 r "er* T"e < rds 0 magic < -(dn+t c me t "er !arc"ed& !a(e (i!s* S"e+d been s<eet en -g" t in)ite me t s!end t"e nig"t& and s ' did "er a 0a) r* ' (et "er see& be0 re s"e died& a dem nstrati n 0 t"e magic n < in my ! ssessi n* A!!r !riate(y& it <as ne 0 my m st !ri=ed arti0actsCa neck(ace made -t 0 magica( < ()es+ teet"Ct"at encirc(ed "er ( )e(y neck and t re -t "er t"r at* A(( t"is time& Orin DarkCseer "ad been "acking at my "ind (eg <it" "is a?e* ' (et "im get in a 0e< (icks* T"e d<ar0 "adn+t been a bad s rt& a0ter a((& and "e+d d ne me a 0a) r by s" <ing me t"e <eakness in my de0enses* W"en "e seemed (ike(y t dra< b( d& " <e)er& ' tired 0 t"e c ntest* 6icking "im

-!& ' t ssed "im in t"e ! ( 0 m (ten (a)a* E)ent-a((y& "e+d bec me !art 0 t"e m -ntainCa 0itting end 0 r a d<ar0* ' tr-st "e a!!reciated it* T"at (e0t Sir Eric& <" "ad <anted& a(( a( ng& t meet me in " n rab(e batt(e* ' granted "im "is <is"* He 0aced me bra)e(y& ca((ing n 6a(adine t 0ig"t at "is side* 6a(adine m-st "a)e b-sy <it" s met"ing e(se A-st t"en& 0 r "e didn+t make an a!!earance* Eric died in a b(a=e 0 g( ry* We((& "e died in a b(a=e* ' tr-st "is s -( <ent straig"t t t"e D me 0 Creati n& <"ere it+s my g-ess "is g d m-st "a)e "ad s me !retty 0ancy e?!(aining t d * T"ey <ere dead n <* A(( 0 -r* ' !-t -t t"e 0ire& s<e!t -! t"e knig"t+s as"es* T"en ' s" )ed t"e t"er t< c r!ses -t t"e secret d r* T"e t"ie0 and t"e s rceress < -(d take t"e !(ace 0 t"e ske(eta( <arri rs '+d been 0 rced t sacri0ice t kee! -! a!!earances* Cra<(ing back t my treas-re !i(e& ' tidied -! t"e g (d a bit& <"ere t"e t"ie0 "ad dist-rbed it* T"en ' c(imbed n t !& s!read myse(0 -t& and b-rr <ed dee!(y and (-?-ri -s(y int t"e g (d and si()er and Ae<e(s* ' s!read my <ings !r tecti)e(y )er t"e treas-re& e)en !a-sed t admire t"e e00ect 0 t"e 0ire(ig"t s"ining n my red sca(es* ' <ra!!ed my ( ng tai( ar -nd t"e g (den n-ggets 0 t"e d<ar)es& stretc"ed my b dy c m0 rtab(y -t )er t"e Ae<e(s 0 t"e knig"ts& (aid my "ead d <n n t"e magica( treas-re 0 t"e s rceress+s c )en* ' <as tired& b-t satis0ied* My !(an "ad < rked -t < nder0-((y <e((* ' "ad rid myse(0 0 t"em* T"ey+d been t"e best* T"e )ery best* S ner r (ater& se!arate(y r t get"er& t"ey < -(d "a)e c me a0ter me* And t"ey mig"t "a)e ca-g"t me na!!ing* ' sett(ed myse(0 nt t"e treas-re m re c m0 rtab(y& c( sed my eyes* '+d earned my rest* And ' c -(d s(ee! !eace0-((y*** n <* T"e "-nt Ke)in Stein Ga(an r se 0r m "is c (d bed in t"e m-ck* He "ad 0a((en as(ee! s me time ag & e?"a-sted 0r m "is A -rney* He 0e(t "is (egs a(m st c ((a!se beneat" "im in t"e dam! darkness as& <it" an e00 rt 0 <i((& "e 0 rced "imse(0 t stand* T"e s<am! 00ered n ne 0 t"e c m0 rts Ga(an "ad kn <n be0 re "e began "is "-nt 0 r t"e b(ack drag n& . rac* He "ad 0ina((y

0 -nd a s! t t"at t"e m-s"r ms "ad n t @-ite started t de) -r& t"e m-rky <aters "ad n t yet embraced* He c -(d n t remember " < ( ng "e "ad (ain s(ee!ing in t"is !(ace* Wit" a gr an& "e straig"tened& 0(e?ing "is m-sc(es beneat" "is arm r* He <i!ed a<ay m st 0 t"e m-d t"at c )ered "is mai(& care0-((y rem )ing t"e (ast traces 0 s<am!y 0i(t" 0r m t"e engra)ed S (amnic r ses* T"e (ig"t 0r m t"e t<in m ns trick(ed s( <(y t"r -g" t"e c-rtain 0 mists "anging in t"e air* Eerie s"ad <s 0 red and si()er danced n t"e dark (ea)es& setting Ga(an n edge m re t"an "e < -(d "a)e (iked t admit* A bree=e t"at "e c -(d bare(y 0ee( t"r -g" "is !(ate arm r s"i0ted t"e reeds and r-s"es* Yet "e s"i)ered* T"e t" -g"t 0 t"e b(ack drag n made t"e knig"t s"i)er again& b-t <it" 0-ry* T"at 0-ry "ad ke!t "im g ing& m )ing -nt (d mi(es d-ring "is "-nt* He "ad seen t"e < r(d c"ange <"i(e t"e "-nt c ntin-ed& b-t "e !aid (itt(e "eed* T"e War 0 t"e /ance mig"t be )er& b-t t"at did n t mean e)i( "ad been dri)en 0r m Krynn* As a Knig"t 0 S (amnia& it <as Ga(an+s d-ty t !-rge t"e (and 0 )i(e creat-res* He <as t"e s!irit 0 )engeance s-mm ned by t"e drag n+s ram!age* S"aking "is "ead& "e m-ttered t"r -g" gritted teet"& DS n& . rac* S n* D Ga(an sni00ed at t"e midnig"t )a! rs& sme((ing n t"ing b-t c rr-!ti n and t"e t 0ami(iar scent 0 "is enemy* He "ad c"ased . rac 0 r many seas ns& tracking& "-nting& and 0ina((y& c rnering* He < -(d make "is (ast stand in t"is s<am! be0 re t"e ra)ages 0 age t k t great a t (( n "is b dy* DS n& . racED "e "issed& "is anger s brig"t <it"in "is s -( t"at "e kne< "e c -(d tra)e( by its (ig"t 0 re)er in searc" 0 "is !rey* He sme((ed t"e drag n+s b(ack acid breat"* His drag n(ance c-t t"e air in a da==(ing series 0 mane-)ers& neC"anded& t< C"anded& t"r-sting and !arrying* DS n& . rac& ' <i(( send y - t y -r gra)e* D I I I I I Ga(an c"ecked "is ma!& n t beca-se "e <as ( st& b-t beca-se "e <anted t kn < t"e e?act !(ace 0 . rac+s deat"* N rdmaar <as 0ar n rt" 0 t"e K"a(kist M -ntains* Acc rding t "is ma!& <"ic" <as s( <(y disintegrating d-e t t"e dam! and r t 0 t"e s<am!& t"e city 0 3a(kinard <as t t"e <est* T"e scent 0 "is !rey (ed t"e knig"t 0 r<ard* Ga(an c(enc"ed "is Aa< tig"t(y* T"e need 0 r t"e "-nt <as t"e )ery t"ing t"at set "im n "is c -rse* T"e "-nt <as a(( "e "ad in t"e < r(d* T"e "-nt s-stained "im and < -(d c ntin-e t d s

rig"t t"r -g" "is (ast& dire enc -nter* Ga(an st !!ed a m ment and ( <ered "is !ack nt a s! t 0 s 0t eart"* /i0ting "is arm red (eg 0r m t"e <aters& "e s" k 00 t"e (eec"es t"at c(-ng "-ngri(y t <"at 0(es" t"ey c -(d 0ind* T"e c (d mists 0r m t"e s<am! c ntin-ed t !enetrate t"e !added arm r beneat" "is mai(& and "e 0e(t s-re "e < -(d ne)er be dry again* G(ancing d <n at t"e eart"& t"e knig"t sa< s met"ing -n-s-a( in t"e <ay t"e m-d sett(ed against t"e b(ack <aters 0 t"e s<am!* He stared a m ment ( nger and < ndered <"y t"e <ater b-bb(ed <it" strange reg-(arity* T"ere <as n sign 0 any (i)ing t"ing t"at mig"t ca-se -nd-e c"-rning 0 t"e si(t* Ga(an bent "is (egs and reac"ed d <n <it" "is "ands* T"e 0 -(ness 0 t"e b g sickened "im& b-t "e 0 rced "is "ands t !r be t"r -g" t"e darkness* He 0e(t t"e c nt -r 0 t"e m-d c"ange& di!!ing e)en(y in se)era( !(aces* At t"e end 0 eac" s"a(( < t"ere <as an t"er de!ressi n in t"e s"a!e 0 a r -g" triang(e* T"e knig"t r se 0r m t"e <ater* His (i!s !-((ed back in a 0era( grin* T"e mark <as t"at 0 a drag n+s c(a<& "eading in t"e directi n Ga(an <as !-rs-ing* He s!it& r-nning "is "ands )er "is 0ace* T"e drag n < -(d s n be dead* Ga(an "e(d sti(( and (istened& brandis"ing t"e drag n(anceH its barbed ti! ca-g"t rays 0 b( d and si()er* S met"ing screamed* T"e 0ear0-( s -nd ec" ed 0r m t"e de!t"s 0 t"e s<am!* Ga(an+s "eart beat "ard in "is c"est& b( tting -t t"er s -nds* Wit" great disci!(ine& "e ca(med "imse(0* T"e air s"i)ered ar -nd "im& t"e reeds r-st(ed& and t"e <ater c ntin-ed t b-bb(e* N t"ing stirred* /etting g t"e breat" "e "e(d& Ga(an !(anted t"e drag n(ance in t"e gr -nd& sinking t"e endCs!ike in t"e dee! m-d* An immense <eig"t str-ck "im 0r m be"ind& !-mme(ed "is back& dented "is arm r* He !itc"ed 0 r<ard int t"e <ater& attem!ted t str-gg(e -! 0r m -nder t"e stagnati n* He c -(d n t t"r < t"e attacker 00 "is back* He "eard tra!!ed gases b-bb(e as decay b-rned "is eyes* He t"ras"ed in !anic as "is breat" ran -t* Ga(an br -g"t "is (egs -! 0r m -nderneat" "im and r ((ed 0 r<ard& -sing t"e attacker+s <eig"t as a c -nter* His "ead b-rst -t 0 t"e ! is n -s <aters& and "e s<a(( <ed air& gas!ing* T"e t"ing n "is back s(id 00 "im* Ga(an grabbed t"e drag n(ance and brandis"ed its great (engt"& " (ding it <it" b t" "ands& set <ide a!art near t"e endCs!ike* He c -(d see n t"ing* T"ere <as si(ence* Ga(an tried t see t"r -g" t"e )ei( 0 mists t"at "-ng (a=i(y ab -t t"e s<am!& b-t t"e (ig"t 0r m t"e m ns c -(d n ( nger !enetrate* T"e drag n(ance dri!!ed

m ist-re int t"e <ater* T"e dr !s s -nded t ( -d in "is ears* 'nstinct and training b(ended t get"er in Ga(an+s stance* He 0irm(y !(anted "is rig"t 0 t 0 r<ard and s<-ng t"e (ance <ide t t"e (e0t* T"e "a0t str-ck s met"ing s (id& and t"e knig"t t-rned& backing t< ste!s and (-nging* He t"r-st t"e s!ear* T"e t"ing screamed& and it seemed t"at t"e mists !arted <it" its cry* Ga(an (et t"e 0-ry 0 batt(e g-ide "im& and "e !ressed 0 r<ard& cr-e((y r-nning t"e s"a0t 0art"er t"r -g" t"e t"ing+s b dy* 't screamed again& and Ga(an g t a g(im!se 0 its 0ace& deat"(y !a(e& <it" ( ng (anks 0 ragged "air* T"e knig"t stared int t"e s"immering green rbs t"at <ere t"e t"ing+s eyes& and "e sa< t rt-re and "atred& t"e desire t ki((& t"e taint 0 c-rses* He sa< "is <n re0(ecti n staring -t 0r m t" se dying rbs* T"e s!ecter <rit"ed !ain0-((y n t"e ti! 0 t"e drag n(ance& t"e <ea! n 0 "er es* T"e knig"t+s (i!s !-((ed back in a snar(* He s!at as "e breat"ed* He (i0ted t"e (ance& "is enemy c(inging t it* R-s"ing 0 r<ard as @-ick(y as t"e c(-tc"ing m-d < -(d a(( <& Ga(an !ierced t"e center 0 a dying tree& !inning "is 0 e* DDieED "e m-ttered* DDie and c-rse t"is !(ace n ( ngerED T"e s!ecter+s sk-(( Aerked as t"e creat-re attem!ted t yank t"e (ance "ead 0r m its b dy* Ga(an t"r-st 0 r<ard again& cracking t"e tree <it" "is strengt"* He cr-e((y t<isted t"e <ea! n* T"e knig"t <it"dre< t"e s!earti! <it" a de0t !-(( and stabbed 0 r<ard again& taking t"e creat-re in t"e t"r at* T"e t"ing t"re< its "ead back <it" a 0ina(& terri0ying <ai(* Knig"t(y !(ate arm r 0e(( int t"e <ater* Ga(an kicked t"e mai( in 0-ry* .e0 re it sank 0 re)er beneat" t"e <aters& "e ca-g"t sig"t 0 a sc-(!ted r se* Ga(an+s 0ace < rked <it" near(y -nc ntr ((ab(e rage* He "ad dis!atc"ed a creat-re s )i(e t"at "is s -( @-a)ered <it" re)-(si n* T"e knig"t <it"dre< "is <ea! n 0r m t"e tree& s( <(y gaining c ntr ( )er "imse(0* Ga(an d-g "is (ance int t"e s 0t m-d a sec nd time* T"e 0ig"t <it" t"e s!ecter c ntin-ed t make "is (imbs s"ake <it" batt(e 0-ry& b-t "e ign red t"e sensati n* He c"ecked "is ma! again and sa< t"at t"e mars" ended near(y si?ty mi(es t t"e n rt"* He "ad (ess t"an si?ty mi(es t g be0 re "e <as a)enged* I I I I I Ga(an did n t t"ink t"e s-n e)er s" ne n t"e s<am!* He "ad

<andered 0 r many " -rs since t"e attack 0 t"e s!ecter* A(( "e "ad t s" < 0 r it <as t"e m-d in "is b ts and t"e creak in "is (imbs* T"e s<am!+s )a! rs s"i0ted c nstant(y& making tra)e( di00ic-(t* He "ad a )ag-e sense 0 directi n b-t did n t c ns-(t "is c m!ass* Fr m a(( t"e time "e "ad s!ent n t"e drag n+s trai(& "e kne< t"at "e c -(d tr-st "is instincts& e)en in t"e Great M rs* T"e knig"t 0e(t "imse(0 begin t tire* T"e A -rney t"r -g" t"e s<am! "ad been a c nstant str-gg(e* T"e m-d seemed t take n a ma(e) (ent "-nger& c(inging t "is e)ery ste!H t"e air sti(( "ad t"e taint 0 t"e drag n& b-t it "ad a(s t-rned 0r m 0 -( t r t* T"e ma! s" <ed t"at t"e s<am! <as n(y si?ty mi(es at its 0art"est reac"es* Ga(an kne< t"at it mig"t g n 0 re)er* T"e mists <ere t"ick& and Ga(an did n t see t"e r tted 0 rest -nti( "e "ad st-mb(ed )er a dead st-m!* T"e <ater <as <aistC "ig"& and as "e <aded t"r -g" it& "e <as 0 rced t " (d t"e (ance ab )e "is "ead* T"e (ig"t 0r m S (inari and /-nitari 0ina((y b-rst t"r -g" t"e mists and i((-minated t"e area& gi)ing t"e knig"t a c(earer )ie<* M-s"r ms gre< e)ery<"ere& c(inging <it" ! is n -s (i0e t t"e r tting < d* T"e knig"t 0e(t m re (eec"es !enetrate t"e cracks in "is arm r and a00i? t"emse()es t "is 0(es"* T"e <ater itse(0 <as brackis" and b(ack& des!ite t"e si()er and red (ig"t 0r m t"e "ea)ens* T"ere <as n s -nd t"er t"an "is !assage t"r -g" t"e b g* His breat" (ab red as "is (egs c"-rned t"e si(t& re(easing t"er tenaci -s (i0e* A strange scent s-dden(y 0i((ed t"e air* He !eered t"r -g" t"e g( m* Ga(an "ad t"e s-dden -rge t drink& t gi)e "is (i0e s met"ing c(ear and <" (es me t <"ic" t c(ing& b-t "e remembered t"at "e "ad dr-nk t"e (ast 0 t"e 0res" <ater s me time ag * T"e gr -nd r se s(ig"t(y* Ga(an+s knees c(eared t"e <ater* He grad-a((y entered an ancient& dead 0 rest* T"e knig"t s-dden(y rea(i=ed <"at t"e mysteri -s scent m-st be> t"e scent 0 age and decay 0 t"e 0(es"& decay 0 t"e s!irit* 't <as a scent <it" <"ic" "e <as )ery 0ami(iar 0r m distant batt(e0ie(ds* Ga(an str-gg(ed t kee! "is 0 ting as t"e m-d and banks 0 0estering r t r se "ig"er* He -sed t"e end 0 t"e drag n(ance 0 r s-!! rt and a(m st t !!(ed )er int t"e dark <aters <"en t"e endCs!ike s!(it a (arge tree in "a(0& re(easing myriad )en m -s insects* He 0 -nd "imse(0 dra<n 0 r<ard by t"e )er! <ering scent 0 decay* Ga(an st !!ed at t"e t ! 0 a ridge* 'n a circ(e 0 dee! m-d (ay s(ee!ing t"e bAect 0 "is "atred* . rac+s great (engt"

<as c-r(ed ar -nd itse(0& b(ack sca(es b(ending <it" t"e s-rr -nding deat" 0 t"e 0 rest* Ga(an "ad a(<ays been certain 0 "is c -rse 0 acti n* He < -(d catc" -! <it" t"e "-ge drag n and !ierce it <it" "is (ance& dri)ing t"e e)i( 0r m t"e < r(d 0 re)er* Krynn < -(d be 0reed& and !ast <r ngs < -(d be a)enged* .-t t"e sme(( 0 age& n < mi?ed <it" sickness& ga)e "im !a-se* T"e knig"t+s "ands s" k as t"e <eak m ment !assed* His m -t" s( <(y !-((ed back int a snar(& and t"e m-sc(es in "is (egs tig"tened& ready 0 r acti n* Wit" a dea0ening r ar& Ga(an t"re< "imse(0 0r m t"e ta(( ridge(ine d <n int t"e !it* T"e "atred and anger "e "ad c ntained& t"at <"ic" "e n < !ers ni0ied& r-(ed "is m )ements* He raised t"e <ea! n "ig" ab )e "is "ead* Ga(an c"arged d <n t"e remaining (engt" 0 t"e s( !e& kicking -! m-d and <et s!(inters* . rac s( <(y !ened "is (e0t eye* T"e knig"t <as n t ab -t t gi)e t"e e)i( drag n t"e c"ance t cast a c-rsed s!e(( r -se t"e acid t"at "ad destr yed s many y -ng (i)es* He <as -! n t"e m nster in a m ment& "is s"ining (ance casting mi?ed si()er and red re0(ecti ns int t"e !it* . rac c( sed "is eye and d-g "is "ead dee!er int t"e decay* Ga(an st !!ed abr-!t(y& t" -g" "is sine<s demanded )engeance and "is m -t" s!at b( d* He <anted t @-enc" "is (-st 0 r )engeance in t"e b( d 0 "is 0 e* . rac s" -(d be n t"e 00ensi)e& n t c <ering in t"e m-d* T"is <as n t t"e c n0r ntati n Ga(an desired* He < ndered i0 t"is <ere s me trick and 0 r a m ment !anicked& raising t"e drag n(ance "ig"er t strike an e)en dead(ier b( <* . rac did n t m )e* DKi(( me& Ga(an* Ki(( me n < and end t"is str-gg(e* D T"e knig"t ( <ered "is <ea! n& b-t maintained "is g-ard* . rac !ened "is (e0t eye again& (i0ting "is "ead t get a better )ie< 0 Ga(an* DW"y d y - <ait& knig"tF T"is is t"e end 0 y -r "-nt* Y - "a)e me* . rac* . rac t"e Rea)er* . rac t"e Destr yer* D .e0 re "e "ad 0inis"ed t"e (ast < rd& t"e drag n (aid "is "ead d <n again* 'n si(ence& Ga(an stared at t"e beast and c -(d n t -nderstand <"y "e did n t ki(( t"e creat-re "e "ad "-nted s ( ng* He stared at t"e beast and < ndered <"y it did n t ki(( "im* T"e scent 0 age <as a(m st )er<"e(ming& b-t t"e knig"t c ncentrated n t" se t< @-esti ns* DW"at is "a!!ening "ereFD "e asked t"e "ea)ens r"et rica((y* He re(a?ed "is g-ard* DW"at d es it matter& knig"tFD . rac ans<ered& "is ) ice <eary* T"e drag n+s m -t" <as 0i((ed <it" teet"& b-t m st 0 t"em <ere br ken& and t"e t"ing+s ) ice "ad t"e ras! 0 an

(d man+s* DS(ay me n < and 0inis" t"is "-nt* D Ga(an+s "ead dr !!ed* T"ere seemed t be n t"ing (e0t in t"e < r(d b-t "imse(0 and t"e drag n* T"e "-nt seemed t "a)e ne)er e?isted& <as n t"ing m re t"an a creati n 0 "is "atred* D' <i(( ki(( y -& D t"e knig"t m-ttered* D't s" -(d be easy& D . rac re!(ied& s"i0ting "is <eig"t* D/ k at me& Ga(an* ' am eig"tC"-ndredC0 rtyCt"ree ages !ast* My <ings are tattered* ' am b(ind in ne eye* T" se sca(es t"at nce ke!t me sa0e 0r m "arm are n < r tted <it" m re disease t"an t"e <" (e 0 t"ese m rs can carry* S(ay me n < and end my !ain* D Ga(an s-dden(y (i0ted "is "ead& "is eyes b(a=ing nce again* DY -r !ainF Y -r !ainE W"at 0 my !ainFD T"e knig"t brandis"ed t"e drag n(ance t"reatening(y* He <a(ked ar -nd t"e b-(k 0 t"e dying drag n* DW"y s" -(d ' grant y - y -r deat" as a b nFD . rac (a-g"ed* DW"at did ' d t "-rt y -& Ga(anF Did ' s(ay y -r kinF ' d n t remember s(aying y -r kin* A(( ' remember is t"e "-nt* D Ga(an+s arms s" k <it" 0-ry* T"e beast <anted t die& b-t t"e knig"t did n t <ant t grant t"e 0a) r 0 eterna( rest* He "ad seen t"is s"ining m ment as tri-m!"& n t "esitati n* Ga(an raised t"e (ance "ig"& aiming 0 r t"e drag n+s t"r at* Many sca(es <ere missing t"ere& and t"e <ea! n < -(d easi(y !enetrate t"e beast+s t -g" "ide* He ( <ered t"e (ance& "is arms ( sing t"eir strengt"* . rac 0i?ed t"e knig"t <it" its sing(e eye* DW" are y -& Ga(anF W"en did y - start t"is "-ntF W"at are t"e mem ries y - " (dF T" se 0 y -r <i0e& y -r c"i(dren& y -r estateFD T"e drag n raised its "ead s(ig"t(y as it c ntin-ed* +Te(( me s met"ing 0 y -r (i0e& Ga(an* D Ga(an st d& st-nned* He tried t remember <"at "ad dri)en "im t it& tried t see t"e !ast& tried t see t"e 0aces 0 a <i0e*** a c"i(d*** 0riends*** c m!atri ts**** N t"ing* He c -(d see n t"ing b-t t"e drag n* He reca((ed n(y "atred* DY - are a <rait"& Ga(an* A s!ecter* Y - rise 0r m t"e s<am!s t "a-nt me* Y - "a)e been dead as ( ng as ' am (d* S n& ' <i(( rest* Wi(( y -FD . rac (aid "is "ead d <n again and c( sed "is eye& m-rm-ring& D6-t me t t"e b(ade& knig"t* 6er"a!s my deat" <i(( 0ree y -* D DN & D Ga(an m-ttered* DN E T"is cann t beE ' (i)eE ' am 0(es" and b( d (ike any t"er man* D DY - are dead& Ga(an* Y - cann t e)en remember <"en y - died* D Ga(an dr !!ed t "is knees* He stared at "is ga-nt(eted

"ands* T"e b( d and si()er 0 t"e m ns ran t"r -g" "is 0(es" and mai( (ike (ig"t t"r -g" a c-rtain* T"e drag n <as rig"t* He "adn+t ki((ed t"e s!ecter* He <as t"e s!ecter* T"e knig"t "e+d ki((ed "ad been rea(& a(i)e& "-nting "im* T"e arm r "e "ad 0 rced beneat" t"e b(ack <aters "ad been s (id* Ga(an c )ered "is 0ace <it" "is "ands* T"e s<am! ar -nd "im teemed <it" (i0e* D' remember n(y )engeance& D Ga(an disc ns (ate(y m-ttered t "imse(0* D. rac (i)es* T"ere is n(y "ate*D Ga(an s(-m!ed d <n against t"e drag n+s "ide& c(inging t t"e drag n(ance* He ( ked at its s"ar!& cr-e((y barbed ti!* T"e <ea! n 0 "er es* T"e <ea! n 0 "is c-rse* DT"is <i(( be my gra)e& 0 ( knig"t* W"ere did y -r kin b-ry y -FD . rac asked* Ga(an t k a breat"& -ns-re i0 "e tr-(y needed t breat"e* T"e scent 0 age <as str ng in t"e air& b-t it didn+t be( ng t "im* Had "e agedF H < "ad "e diedF He c -(d n t ans<er t"e drag n+s @-esti ns* T"e great (engt" 0 t"e b(ack beast s"-ddered& and Ga(an t" -g"t "e "eard a (a-g" esca!e 0r m its ma<* Ga(an r se 0r m "is !(ace and "e(d t"e drag n(ance a( 0t in t"e m ns+ (ig"t* His !rey <as dead& and "e <as (e0t be"ind as testament t its (i0e* He !(-nged t"e <ea! n int . rac+s 0(es"* He !(-nged again and again <it" -t e00ect* His anger b-rned <it"in "im& <arming "is 0(es" and gi)ing "im c-rsed (i0e* He raised -! t"e (ance and c ntin-ed t attack*