THE SURVIVORS

by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
and Paul Edwin Zimmer
DAW Books, Inc.
Donald A. Wollheim, Publishe !"## Boad$a%, &e$ 'ok, &.'. !((!)
PUB*ISHED B'
THE NEW AMERICAN LIBRARY OF CANAA LIMITE
CBPYRI!HT , "#$#% BY MARION ZLMMER BRALEY AN PA&L EWAR ZIMMER'
All Ri()*+ Re+er,ed' Co,er ar* by Enri-)'
EICATION
To our mo*)er.
E,elyn C' Zimmer
wi*)ou* w)om% ob,iou+ly%
*)i+ -ollabora*ion would )a,e
been /ui*e im0o++ible'
FIR1T PRINTIN!% 2AN&ARY "#$#
3 4 $ 5 #
AW TRAEMAR6 RE!I1TERE &'1' PAT' OFF' MARCA RE!"1TRAA''
HEC&O EN WINNIPE!% CANAA
PRINTE IN CANAA CO7ER PRINTE IN &'1'A'
+HAPTER O&E
A whole Universe to wander around in, ane Mar+) (rumbled *o )im+el8' A Galaxy at
my feet. And where do I wind up? In the city of Dullsville, on the planet Tame
Around )im *)e li,in( uni* wa+ /uie*9 *oo /uie*% wi*) a -on*rolled 0urr o8
-ondi*ioned air% +moo*)ly ad:u+*ed *o *)e 0ro0er 8low% -lean+ed% re-y-led and +-en*ed
wi*) a 8ain* *an( o8 +al* +ea air w)i-) -ould )a,e been in+*an*ly ad:u+*ed *o
moun*ain 0ine% *)e deli-a*e 8ra(ran-e o8 a +-en*ed 8lower (arden in *)e +un% or *)e
0un(en-y o8 a bea-) a* low *ide' T)e only +ound% blo**in( ou* *)e ba-;(round )um
o8 ma-)inery% wa+ a 8ain*% almo+* +ubliminal -ra+) o8 di+*an* +ur8 ''' a+ ar*i8i-ial a+
*)e +ea air% bu* +oo*)in(' T)e li()* -ould ,ary% a* *)e 8ain*e+* *ou-) o8 a bu**on% 8rom
a moonli()*ed bea-) *o *)e brillian-e o8 a blue<w)i*e +un% or any*)in( in be*ween'
And none o8 i* wa+ real' I* wa+ all a mo-;ery' Com8or*able% e,en lu=uriou+' Bu* a
mo-;ery :u+* *)e +ame'
ane loo;ed u0 *o *)e wall di+0lay w)i-) domina*ed *)e main room w)ere )e +a*9
*)e 1amurai +word w)i-) )un( on *)e wall' 7a(uely% *)e +i()* o8 i* made )im
a+)amed o8 *)e lu=ury around )im'
That was real. Terri!le, !ut real. "asic, #ut$level, life$and$death reality. And now loo%
at me. '''
I* wa+n>* *)e 1amurai +word wi*) w)i-) )e )ad 8ou()* *)rou() *)o+e ele,en day+ on
*)e Hun*er>+ World% under *)e Red Moon% winnin( *)rou()% in *)e end% *o ri-)e+
and 8reedom' That +word +*ill )un( on *)e wall+ o8 *)e Wea0on+ Mu+eum on *)e
Hun*er>+ World' Bu* *)e 8ir+* *)in( ane )ad done wi*) *)e weal*) )e>d won on *)a*
world?well% almo+* *)e 8ir+* *)in(?wa+ *o -ommi++ion a re0li-a o8 *)e 1amurai
blade wi*) w)i-) )e )ad 8ou()* *)ere' A *ele0a*)% a -uriou+ li**le -rea*ure 8rom one
o8 *)e 0ro*o+aurian ra-e+% w)o loo;ed li;e a man<+i@ed !ila mon+*er ba-; on Ear*)%
)ad -ombed
ane>+ mind and memory 8or e,ery de*ail% no* only o8 a00earan-e% bu* *)e 8eel o8 i*
in )i+ )and% i*+ wei()*% *)e )i++ i* made in *)e air% *)e *en+ion o8 i*+ len(*) in *)e
mu+-le+ o8 )i+ arm+% all *)e de*ail+ w)i-) )ad re(i+*ered on ane only below *)e
le,el o8 )i+ -on+-iou+ne++' T)en a +;illed -ra8*+man )ad 8or(ed i*% and 8ini+)ed i*%
un*il no*)in( bu* lo(i- -ould remind ane *)a* *)e ori(inal Ma*a(u-)i blade +*ill
)un( in *)e Armory on *)e Hun*er>+ World' T)i+ wa+ )i+ +word''''
A +illy (e+*ure% really' 1en*imen*al?a+ +en*imen*al a+ *)e lon( 0ale braid o8 alli*)>+
)air *)a* )e ;e0* )idden away in )i+ mo+* +e-re* )idin( 0la-e in )i+ room' Roman*i-%
and 8a;e% a+ mu-) a 8a;e a+ *)e *an( o8 +ea air in )i+ room and *)e di+*an* -ra+) o8
me-)ani-al +ur8 in *)e +ound +y+*em' T)a* 0ar* o8 )i+ li8e wa+ o,er% and ra*ionally%
ane ;new )e did no* re(re* i*' A* 8ir+* *)e 0ea-e8ulne++ o8 *)i+ -i,ili@ed%
me-)ani@ed% &*o0ian world )ad been wel-ome% a8*er *)e lon( ni()*mare o8 *)e
Hun*% and *)e Red Moon' For a lon( *ime )e )ad wa;ened% +wea*in(% 8rom dream+
in w)i-) e,ery mul*i8ormed -rea*ure *)ron(in( *)i+ -en*rali@ed% -i,ili@ed world near
*)e -en*er o8 *)e &ni*y% be-ame a di+(ui+ed Hun*er% one o8 *)e +)a0e<-)an(er+ o8 *)e
Red Moon% on )i+ *rail on-e more' Many *ime+ )e )ad wa;ened +*ru((lin(% +)ou*in(%
-lu*-)in( 8or a +word no lon(er needed% wa;in( Rianna wi*) )i+ -rie+' No* *)a* +)e
)ad minded' 1)e )ad )er own ni()*mare+% and +ome*ime+ ane *)ou()* *)ey were
wor+e *)an )i+' Or wa+ *)a* :u+* a remnan* o8 -on+-iou+ne++ 8rom )i+ li8e on Ear*)%
be8ore *)e Me;)ar +)i0 )ad w)i+;ed )im 8rom )i+ lonely ya-)* in mid<Pa-i8i-% a
remnan* w)i-) *old )im% a(ain+* all *)e lo(i- o8 *)e &ni*y% *)a* Rianna wa+ a woman
and *)ere8ore wea;er *)an )im+el8 and *o be 0ro*e-*ed' T)e *ru*) )e ;new *o be
o*)erwi+e9 Rianna wa+ no wea; woman% bu* )ad 8ou()* a* )i+ +ide on *)e Hun*er>+
World% )i+ -om0anion% )i+ +word<ma*e% )i+ lo,e' And )e )ad -ome )ere willin(ly *o
be wi*) )er w)ile +)e 8iled *)e re0or*+ o8 *)eir lon( ordeal on *)e Hun*er>+ World 8or
*)e -en*ral in*elli(en-e a(en-y o8 *)e &ni*y' Willin(ly' A* 8ir+*'
Rianna ' '' +)e would be )ome +oon' In *)e &ni*y% )ere a* Cen*ral% *)ere wa+ no +u-)
*)in( a+ marria(e% bu* )e +u00o+ed in e,ery way *)a* ma**ered *)ey were mu*ually
-ommi**ed in a rela*ion+)i0 w)i-)% on Ear*)% would 0robably )a,e been -alled +o' A*
lea+* i* )ad ne,er o--urred *o ei*)er o8 *)em *)a* *)ey -ould or would +e0ara*e' T)ey
)ad been *)rou() *oo mu-)% *o(e*)er% *o 0ar* now'
ane wal;ed *o w)ere *)e window would )a,e been i8 a
-en*ral li,in( uni* )ad allowed any +u-) ana-)roni+*i- de,i-e+9 *ou-)ed a 0anel and
*)e wall be-ame *ran+0aren*' From a 0er+0e-*i,e w)i-) would% on Ear*)% )a,e been
*)a* o8 a +e-ond<+*ory window Aa-*ually )e wa+ abou* )al8 a ;ilome*er u0% bu* *)e
,iew wa+ an illu+ion w)i-) e,ery Li,in( &ni* in *)i+ +*ru-*ure +)aredB )e loo;ed ou*
on Fe+*i,al in *)e +*ree*+ o8 a Ci*y *)a* -o,ered )al8 a 0lane*% a -i*y *)a* wa+ no*%
e=-e0* by ane% -alled ull+,ille% on a world *)a* wa+ no* -alled Tame' Bu* wa+'
T)ere )ad been a *ime w)en ane *)ou()* )e would ne,er *ire o8 wa*-)in( *)e
-rowd+ *)a* *)ron(ed *)e+e +*ree*+% li@ard<men% -a*<men% bird<men?or% *o u+e *)e
*erminolo(y o8 *)e &ni*y% *)e enormou+ !ala-*i- -i,ili@a*ion% 0ro*o+aurian+%
0ro*o8eline+% 0ro*oa,ian+9 and o*)er+% 0eo0le o8 e,ery -on-ei,able +0e-ie+ o8 +a0ien*'
T)e 0)enomenon ;nown a+ &ni,er+al 1a0ien-e *oo; many 8orm+' T)ere were
+e,eral )undred 0lane*+ in *)e &ni*y?and nearly a+ many more ou*+ide i*?bearin(
+a0ien* li8e9 and o,er a )undred o8 *)em mu+* )a,e been re0re+en*ed in *)e -rowd+
below'
And a +i@able number o8 *)e+e -rowd+ were 0ro*o+imi<an+?+o<-alled9 ane would
)a,e -alled *)em human. 1ome loo;ed a+ )uman a+ )e did )im+el8 and -ould )a,e
wal;ed in any -i*y on Ear*) wi*)ou* e=-i*in( a +e-ond loo;' O*)er+ would )a,e
-rea*ed a rio* or a 0ani-% wi*) +lee; 8ur% wi*) lon( 0re)en+ile *ail+ A)e +*ill
remembered *)e *ime )e )ad +een a bi@arrely beau*i8ul 0ro*o+imian woman -ombin(
)er )air wi*) a 0re)en+ile *ail w)i-) )eld a :ewelled -ombB or by *)e abili*y *o -oun*
*o 8our*een on *)eir 8in(er+% or *oe+% or bo*)' 1-a**ered )ere and *)ere in *)e -rowd
were a 8ew?a ,ery 8ew?*ouri+*+ 8rom world+ +o di88eren* *)a* *)ey mu+* *rundle
alon( in 0ro*e-*i,e a*mo+0)ere +ui*+ or e,en en,ironmen*al *an;+' He )ad ne,er
*)ou()* )e -ould *ire o8 *)i+ in8ini*e ,arie*y' He )ad wa*-)ed i* ob+e++i,ely% e,en
*)ou() )e ;new *)a* *)e wa*-)in( *ri((ered ni()*mare+ in w)i-) *)e alien+ be-ame
0ro*ean Hun*er+% +)i8*in( +)a0e+ and 8lowin( li;e li/uid *o *a;e )im o88 (uard%
a++umin( 0ro*o+aurian% 0ro*o+imian% 0ro*our+ine +)a0e+% now and *)en mu*in( in*o
)i+ own 8a-e% or *)e 8a-e o8 lo+* lo,ely alli*)% and )e would wa;e +)rie;in(''' +
Bu* now )e dreamed )e wa+ in a 0added -ell' On Ear*) an a*a,i+*i- dri,e 8or
ad,en*ure )ad dri,en )im *o -limb moun*ain+% *o earn bla-; bel*+ in ;ara*e% :udo
and ,ariou+ o*)er mar*ial ar*+% *o ,i+i* e,ery )idden )ole and -orner o8 a world wi*)
dimini+)in( number+ o8 blan; unma00ed
+0a-e+% and 8inally brou()* )im ou* in *)e o-ean% alone in a +mall boa*% ea+y 0i-;in(+
8or *)e Me;)ar +la,e +)i0 w)i-) )ad +na*-)ed )im away' A* 8ir+* )e )ad )un*ed 8or
ad,en*ure )ere% *oo% *)in;in( *)a* in *)e ,a+* rea-)e+ o8 *)e &ni*y% *)ere mu+* be new
and +*ran(e ad,en*ure+'
Bu* i8 you -limbed a moun*ain )ere% *)ere wa+ a li**le robo* 8ollowin( you around%
wi*) a 8or-e8ield *)a* 8ollowed you u0 *)e +lo0e% *o -a*-) you i8 you 8ell% or e,en i8
you loo;ed a+ i8 you were (oin( *o 8all' He )ad learned *o 8ly one o8 *)e li**le airboa*+
w)i-) 0eo0le u+ed )ere% and )ad @i00ed around *)e 0lane* *)ree *ime+% re,ellin( in
*)e +0eed?un*il )e )ad reali@ed *)a* *)e damned *)in( )ad +o many +a8e*y de,i-e+
*)a* )e mi()* a+ well )a,e been in one o8 *)e en,ironmen*al *an;+ u+ed by me*)ane
brea*)er+9 )e -ouldn>* )a,e -ra+)ed i* i8 )e wan*ed *o% and i8% unima(inably% all *)ree
o8 *)e 8ail+a8e ba-;u0 +y+*em+ )ad (one wron(% an au*oma*i- moni*orin( ma-)ine
would )a,e brou()* a re+-ue *eam li*erally wi*)in +e-ond+% no ma**er w)ere )e wa+
on *)e +ur8a-e o8 *)e 0lane*'
He )ad e,en *a;en u0 *)eir e/ui,alen* o8 )an(<(lidin(% *)ou() 0ro*o+imian+ were
no* +u00o+ed *o )a,e *)e re8le=e+ 8or i* Ai* wa+ a 0ro*o8eline +0or*B% en:oyin( *)e
;nowled(e *)a* )e wa+ ridin( *)e *rea-)erou+ u00er<air -urren*+ bu88e*ed by air<
-ar+ and :e*+% ridin( *)e :e* +*ream% wi*) an o=y(en ma+;% )ad (i,en )im a brie8
+en+e o8 e=-i*emen*?un*il )e reali@ed *)a* e,ery (lider uni* )ad an ele-*roni- +a8e*y
ne* w)i-) made i* a+ +a8e a+ a ;iddie -ar9 and *)en )e )ad (i,en u0' I* *oo; *)e 8un
ou* o8 i*'
Rianna -ouldn>* under+*and'
Co you want *o brea; your )e-;DC +)e )ad a+;ed )im% and )e )ad *old )er%
em0)a*i-ally% no*'
CT)en w)a* di88eren-e doe+ i* ma;eD You +*ill )a,e *)e e=-i*emen* o8 *ra,elin( on
*)e :e* +*ream% ridin( *)e -urren*+% *)e ,iew i+ *)e +ame' I8 your re8le=e+ are really
(ood enou() *o be doin( i* a* all% you will ne,er need *o ;now *)a* *)e ele-*roni-
+a8e*y ne*+ are *)ere a* all' And i8 you do need *)em% a* lea+* you won>* (e* ;illed 8or
a minu*e>+ ina**en*ion'C
ane )ad de+0aired o8 ma;in( )er under+*and' 1)e wa+ ri()*% o8 -our+e' Fa-ed wi*)
in+*an* and immedia*e dea*)% )e )ad 8ou()* li;e a 8iend% *o +ur,i,e9 and )e )ad been
a+ *erri8ied% a+ de+0era*e% a+ +)e wa+ )er+el8' He didn>* wan* *o die'
CBu* i* +0oil+ i*% *o ;now *)ere>+ no 0enal*y i8 I 8ail' T)ere>+ no<?no 0remium 8or
+;ill or -oura(e9 I -ould do i*
2u+* a+ well i8 I were a 8a* -lum+y )umbler or a +i-;ly -)ild o8 *enEC
Cane%C +)e +aid (en*ly% under+*andin(ly% Cyou>,e already 0ro,ed your -oura(e' You
don>* )a,e *o ;ee0 on doin( i*' I ;now you>re bra,e' You don>* )a,e *o ;ee0 on
0ro,in( i*% e,en *o your+el8'C
ane )ad almo+* )i* )er' I* )ad been *)eir neare+* a00roa-) *o a +eriou+ /uarrel9
and a8*erward )e )ad reali@ed *)a* 8rom her 0oin* o8 ,iew +)e wa+ 0robably ri()*'
How -ould )e e=0lain *)a* i* wa+n>* )i+ -oura(e )e needed *o *e+*% bu* )i+ +;ill% )i+
re+our-e+% *)a* )e wa+ buil* in +u-) a way *)a* )e needed real% no* 0re*ended%
-)allen(e+' Now *)ey +im0ly didn>* *al; abou* i*'
A* Rianna>+ +u((e+*ion )e )ad )un*ed u0 *)e 8a+)ionable +*udio+ w)ere o88<world
ar*+ were *au()*% in-ludin( )al8 a do@en or +o e=o*i- -omba* 8orm+' He +am0led *)e
+word +;ill+ o8 )al8 a do@en barbarian 0lane*+% learnin( new *ri-;+ and re8inin( )i+
own +;ill+' Hi+ only rewardin( o--u0a*ion% a* *)e momen*% wa+ 8en-in( a(ain+* a
)u(e bird<li;e -rea*ure w)o u+ed a +word lon( enou() *o be -alled a +0ear% and wa+
+;illed enou() *o ma;e *)e -omba* e/ual?bu* ane wa+ winnin( wi*) more and
more re(ulari*y'
He )ad *)ou()*% now and *)en% o8 o0enin( a mar*ial<ar*+ +*udio o8 )i+ own. bu* *)en
)e would be -ommi**ed *o +*ay )ere9 and )e wan*ed *o be 8ree *o lea,e% w)en Rianna
8ini+)ed )eF< wor; o8 re-ordin( and re0or*in(' Wi*) *)e weal*) )e )ad won on *)e
Hun*er>+ World% i* would be 0o++ible *o )ire a +mall +0a-e+)i0 and an e=0erien-ed
0ilo*9 and *)ere were world+ in *)e !ala=y +*ill *o be e=0lored'
I8 *)ey were lu-;y% 8inder>+ 8ee+% or *)e re-ord+ Rianna -ould ma;e 8or *)e &ni*y>+
ar-)aeolo(i-al and an*)ro0olo(i-al re+ear-) +er,i-e+% would re-ou0 w)a* *)ey +0en*
on i*9 and 8or*una*ely% Rianna wa+ almo+* a+ ea(er 8or *)e 0ro:e-* a+ )e wa+' Bu* )er
wor; +eemed *o +*re*-) ou* endle++ly9 e,ery *ime +)e *)ou()* i* wa+ nearin(
-om0le*ion +ome new a(en-y or bureau or admini+*ra*i,e uni* wan*ed a new re0or*
or more in8orma*ion' He would )a,e *)ou()* +)e would )a,e been wrun( ou* a
do@en *ime+ o,er% bu* i* +eemed *)ere wa+ no end *o *)e in8orma*ion *)ey wan*ed
and +)e -ould (i,e'
And w)ile *)ey wai*ed% ane wa+ bored% bored% bored' T)e 1amurai +word on *)e
wall +eemed *o mo-; )im% in *)e bla-;<la-/uered ra-; )e )ad )ad made 8or i*'
A silly, useless #esture, a shrine for somethin# I am not sure & !elieve in. T)e way i*
wa+ +e* u0% i* loo;ed li;e a
1)in*o +)rine% and i* (a,e )im a 0oin* o8 re8eren-e' In a +en+e% a ,ery real +en+e% i*
wa+ a -en*er o8 )i+ li8e'
"ut for the rest of my life, am I #oin# to !e loo%in# !ac% to that time, instead of
loo%in# ahead to new challen#es? He *old )im+el8 *)i+ wa+ +illy and morbid' On-e
*)ey -ould (e* Rianna>+ wor; wound u0E
1)e wa+ *)e e/ui,alen* o8 w)a* would be% on )i+ world% an ad,an-ed 0ro8e++or o8 a
+-ien-e w)i-) *ran+la*ed ou*% *)rou() *)e *ran+la*or di+; w)i-) all -i,ili@ed +a0ien*+
wore embedded in *)eir *)roa*+ or o*)er ,o-al me-)ani+m+% a+ C1*udy o8 +a0ien*
-i,ili@a*ion+ 0a+* and 0re+en*'C I* re0re+en*ed a -ro++ be*ween an*)ro0olo(y and
ar-)aeolo(y% in ane>+ eye+' Bu* w)en +)e 8ini+)ed )er re0or*+% +)e would )a,e *)e
o00or*uni*y *o do ori(inal% individual re+ear-)'
Mo+* +-ien*i+*+ on )er le,el )ad *o +e**le 8or :oinin( +ome ;ind o8 Founda*ion% and
mo+* +u-) Founda*ion+ were 0ro*o<+aurian or 0ro*o-anine9 0ro*o+imian+% )uman+%
were no* belie,ed *o )a,e +u88i-ien* *ena-i*y or re8le-*i,e +;ill 8or +-ien-e+ o8 *)i+
;ind' 1o *)a* *)e weal*) won on *)e Hun*er>+ World 8ul8illed a dream and a
-)allen(e 8or Rianna *oo9 +u88i-ien* 8undin( 8or *)e ;ind o8 re+ear-) +)e really
wan*ed% wi*)ou* *)e endle++ :o-;eyin( 8or 8und+% in*ernal 0oli*i-+% *ryin( *o re*ain
in*e(ri*y w)ile (e**in( in*o *)e (ood (ra-e+ o8 *)e Im0or*an* Peo0le w)o -ould le*
you in% or ;ee0 you ou*% o8 your de+ired re+ear-)'
'ome thin#s must !e the same in all cultures and civili(ations. It sounds )ust li%e
University and Government pro#rams on *arth. ane +aid +o and +)a**ered ano*)er
o8 Rianna>+ illu+ion+?+)e )ad +ome)ow -)eri+)ed *)e idea o8 ane>+ world% o8
Ear*)% ou*+ide *)e &ni*y% a+ a ;ind o8 roman*i- 0rimi*i,e 0aradi+e'
He *urned away 8rom *)e endle++ 0anorama below% rea-)in( *oward *)e o0a/uin(
bu**on on *)e wall?*)en% +ome*)in( )e )ad +een re(i+*erin( a8*er )e )ad a-*ually
+een i*% +*ayed )i+ )and% +ear-)in( in *)e -rowd 8or w)a* )e )ad +een' A +li()*ly buil*
woman wi*) brillian* red )air% and be+ide )er?
He )ad +een *)e *wo *o(e*)er -oun*le++ *ime+ ' ' ' bu* no* 8or a lon( *ime now% no*
+in-e *)ey )ad -ome *o *)i+ world' Ne=* *o Rianna% mo,in( *)rou() *)e 8e+*i,al
-rowd *oward *)e en*ran-e o8 *)e enormou+ li,in( uni* +*ru-*ure% wa+ a )u(e 0ro*o<
+aurian (rayi+)<(reen% and al*)ou() many 0ro*o+aur+ loo;ed ali;e *o ane% *)i+ one
)e -ould ne,er mi+*a;e'
Ara*a;E Ara*a;% *)e (ian* li@ard<man w)o )ad 8ou()* a*
*)eir +ide *)rou() *)e Hun*% and wi*) *)em )ad +ur,i,ed i* *o 8reedom and weal*) '''
Ara*a;% here
Bu* Ara*a;% 0)ilo+o0)er% 8i()*er% wa+ a* *)e o*)er end o8 *)e &ni*yE A8*er *)ey )ad
(one *o(e*)er *o alli*)>+ world% *o in8orm *)e em0a*)+ o8 10i-a Four )ow +)e )ad
died% Ara*a; )ad le8* *)em% )ad re*urned *o )i+ own 0eo0le% and *)e 0ea-e8ul% /ua+i<
mona+*i- di+-i0line+ o8 a de,o*ee o8 *)e Co+mi- E(('
W)en )e *)ou()* o8 Ara*a;% )e )ad 0i-*ured )im li()*<year+ away% in one o8 *)e
+wam0+ )e *)ou()* deli()*8ul% buried *o )i+ no+*ril+ in *)e mud w)i-) )i+
in*e(umen* re/uired% and medi*a*in( /uie*ly u0on *)e 0)ilo+o0)i-al 0re-e0*+ o8 *)e
E(('
W)a* wa+ Ara*a; doin( here, in *)e +ybari*i- +urroundin(+ o8 Fe+*i,al% on *)i+
-en*ral world o8 *)e &ni*yD W)a* )ad 0rom0*ed Ara*a; *o lea,e )i+ 0ea-e8ul
medi*a*ion+D
1ome re/uiremen* o8 *)e !ala=y wide bureau-ra-y% 0robably' He )ad ne,er ;nown
/ui*e w)a* 0o+i*ion Ara*a; )eld in )i+ own +o-ie*y?*)ou() ane a++umed )e wa+ a
)i() o88i-ial o8 +ome +or*?bu* )e )ad a++umed *)a* wi*) )i+ Hun*er<won weal*)
Ara*a; would buy *)e 8reedom *o +0end )i+ li8e in 0lea+an*% 0ea-e8ul medi*a*ion' He
)ad no* e=0e-*ed *o +ee Ara*a; a(ain 8or year+ or de-ade+% i8 e,erE For w)a*e,er
rea+on% *)e *)ou()* o8 (ree*in( *)e )u(e 0ro*o+aur% )i+ 8riend and -om0anion on *)e
lon( Hun*% 8illed )im wi*) deli()*'
T)ey were ou* o8 +i()* now% e,iden*ly in+ide *)e +*ru-*ure Ai* wa+ *oo enormou+ *o be
-alled +im0ly a buildin(B and -omin( u0 *)e lon( +)a8*+ o8 ele,a*or+ and li8*+' T)en
*)e warnin( -)ime ran( 8rom *)e en*ran-e% a door +lid noi+ele++ly ba-;9 Rianna
+*e00ed in+ide% and be)ind )er% wri((lin( )i+ )u(e +-aly bul; *)rou() a door
de+i(ned only 8or ordinary<+i@ed )uman+% -ame 8ir+* *)e -law+% and *)en *)e
enormou+ 8an(ed mu@@le% and *)en *)e lea*)ery bul; o8 Ara*a;'
+HAPTER TWO
W)en Ara*a; )ad -om0le*ed *)e len(*)y% and di88i-ul* *a+; o8 +/uee@in( )i+ *en 8ee*
o8 (rayi+)% ru(o+e )ide *)rou() *)e +mall doorway?ane wa+ reminded o8 a man
-rawlin( in*o a do()ou+e?*)e +0a-iou+ room wa+ +uddenly +mall' ane%
embarra++ed% *)ou()* o8 a 0la-e )e -ould )a,e *a;en% near *)e +0a-e0or*% w)i-)
would )a,e )ad room 8or almo+* any -on-ei,able en*i*y' Bu* *)i+ )ad +eemed more
-om8or*able% be-au+e i* was +-aled 8or )uman+% or )uman<+i@ed -rea*ure+'
T)e 0ro(rammin( o8 *)e en*ran-e ;e0* wan*in( *o +)u* i*+el8 on Ara*a; and 8inally
ane and Rianna )ad *o )old i* ba-; wi*) *)eir )and+9 e,en +o% Ara*a; )ad a 8ew
+-ra0e+ on )i+ lea*)ery in*e(umen*' He 8inally drew *)e la+* +e(men* o8 )i+ *ail
in+ide% and ane *ried *o 8rame +ome -on,enien* a0olo(y% bu* all )e -ould 8ind *o +ay
wa+ Coe+ *)e i,ine E(( )a,e no*)in( *o +ay abou* *)e di88i-ul*ie+ o8 ,i+i*in(
8riend+ w)o li,e in mou+e)ole+DC
Ara*a; rolled u0 )i+ eye+% +aw *)a* )e -ould no* ri+e wi*)ou* ban(in( )i+ )ead on *)e
-eilin(% and +)i8*ed )im+el8 *o a -om8or*able ;neelin( 0o+i*ion on *)e 8loor' Hi+ dee0%
(en*le ,oi-e ,ibra*ed *)rou() *)e *ran+la*or di+; in ane>+ *)roa*'
CT)e i,ine E((% may )i+ wi+dom li,e *ill *)e la+* +un burn+ in*o dar;ne++% )a+ +aid
*)a* w)ere,er one mee*+ wi*) old 8riend+ i+ a !rea* Hou+e and ri-) wi*) :oy'C ane
wa+ u+ed *o *)e *ran+la*or di+; by now and would )a,e )ad *o li+*en ,ery -are8ully
*o )ear *)e a-*ual )i++in( +yllable+ o8 Ara*a;>+ na*i,e *on(ue' CI* (ladden+ my li,er
*o +ee you bo*)' I *ru+* your li8e )ere )a+ been )a00y and 8illed wi*) ri-) 8ul<
8illmen*DC
CWell enou()%C ane +aid% wi*)ou* en*)u+ia+m' > CO,erwor;ed%C Rianna lau()ed'
CYou are *)en well -on*en* wi*) your 0a**ern o8 li8e u0on *)i+ worldDC Ara*a;
a+;ed' Hi+ 8a-e )eld a +*ran(e e=0re++ion w)i-) ane )ad no* ye* learned *o
in*er0re*
CWell%C ane +aid +lowly% wan*in( *o be )one+* wi*) )i+ 8riend% bu* no* wan*in( *o
-om0lain?and a8*er all% wouldn>* -om0lain*+ +ound +illy and un(ra*e8ulD?CI *)in;
0er)a0+ I>,e been in one 0la-e *oo lon(' We>,e been *)in;in( abou* )irin( a +mall
+)i0% and +eein( a bi* more o8 *)e (ala=y9 *)ere are une=0lored world+% and
unre-orded world+ ' ' ' o)% *)i+ one i+ 0lea+an* enou()% bu*?C
CTo *ell *)e ab+olu*e *ru*)%C Rianna +aid% brea;in( in ,e)emen*ly% C)e>+ been bored
ou* o8 )i+ mindEC
CO)% -ome% Rianna?C
COu* o8 )i+ mind%C Rianna re0ea*ed% no* bud(in( an in-)% CHe *)in;+ I don>* ;now
i*% bu* I do' I>,e been +wam0ed wi*) re0or*+ and in8orma*ion<au*)ori*ie+ my+el8E I>,e
been doin( re0or*+ on *)e Hun*er+% and re0or*+ on *)e 0ro:e-* I )adn>* 8ini+)ed ye*
w)en *)e Me;)ar +la,e +)i0 -au()* me' I *)in; *)a* i8 I +ee ano*)er re-ord bo= or
,oi-e +-riber a(ain I>ll e=0lodeE I -an>* wai* *o (e* ba-; *o 8ield wor; a(ain'C
CI+ i* +o% *rulyDC
CI* i+%C -on8irmed Rianna% CAra*a;% may I o88er you +ome re8re+)men*DC
CA drin; would be wel-ome%C )e admi**ed' CT)i+ 0lane* i+ un0lea+an*ly dry% and my
me*aboli+m +u88er+'C
1)e wen* *o *)e 0anel w)ere 8ood+*u88+ were deli,ered by 0neuma*i- *ube+ *o ea-)
a0ar*men*% be(an *o 0un-) ou* in+*ru-*ion+ *o *)e -om0u*or *o deli,er re8re+)in(
drin;+ 8or 0ro*o+imian *a+*e+' CaneD Wine or *eaDC
He -ame and )el0ed )er -arry *)e drin;+9 Ara*a;>+ +i@e made i* im0o++ible 8or )im
*o mo,e in*o any o8 *)e +maller room+ in *)e a0ar*men* wi*)ou* o,er*urnin( *oo
mu-) 8urni*ure% +o *)ey ea-) dra((ed in a -u+)ion and +a* down in *)e lee o8 *)e
enormou+ 0ro*o+aur'
C1o you are lon(in( *o re*urn *o 8ield wor;% RiannaD Tell me% w)ere )ad you
in*ended *o be(inD Or )ad ane +ome 0ar*i-ular de+ireDC
Rianna +aid% CI wa+ )o0in( *o (e* u0 an e=0edi*ion *o *)e -om0anion 0lane* o8 *)e
Hun*er>+ World?*)e one we -alled *)e Red Moon?and in,e+*i(a*e *)e ruin+ we
8ound *)ere% and *)e?*)e bein(+ *)ere% w)a*e,er *)ey were'C
urin( *)e Hun*% Rianna )ad been mi++in( 8or a ni()* and a day% and *)ey )ad
belie,ed )er dead9 bu* +)e )ad rea00eared wi*) a +*ory o8 bein( -on-ealed
under(round% and a++i+*ed% by a ra-e o8 bein(+ w)o dwel* in *)e dar; and w)om +)e
)ad ne,er +een% remnan*+ o8 +ome an-ien* and un;nown% unre-orded -i,ili@a*ion'
CI>m dyin( o8 -urio+i*y?bu* I *)in;
*)i+ *ime I will lea,e i* *o +omeone el+e *o ma;e *)e re0or*+ a8*erwardEC
ane -)u-;led' Ara*a; a+;ed CHa,e you made +o many arran(emen*+ already 8or
*)i+ 0ro:e-* *)a* i* -anno* be al*ered or 0o+*0onedDC
CWe )a,en>* really e,en +*ar*ed ye*%C ane -on8e++ed% CI 8ound ou* w)ere *o )ire *)e
+0a-e+)i0 and w)ere I +)ould a00ly *o en(a(e an e=0erien-ed 0ilo*% bu* e,ery*)in(
el+e )a+ )ad *o wai* *ill Rianna )a+ 8ini+)ed )er wor;E on>* *ell me you wan* *o
-ome alon(EC
CI8 I were *o *ell you *)i+% would you be enra(edDC Ara*a; a+;ed% and ane lau()ed
?)e )ad 8or(o**en )ow li*eral *)e *ran+la*or di+; -ould be' Irony% +ar-a+m or
e=a((era*ion did no* re(i+*er'
He +aid CI8 you *old me *)a*% Ara*a;% belie,e me% we>d bo*) be o,er:oyed?wouldn>*
we% lo,eDC )e added% (lan-in( a88e-*iona*ely a* Rianna'
CWe would indeed%C +)e -on8irmed% Cand i* would be +im0le *o arran(e 8or a +)i0
wi*) room enou() 8or you% and 8or a00ro0ria*e 0ro*o+aurian 0ro,i+ionin(' Ara*a;%
are you a-*ually -on+iderin( -omin( wi*) u+DC
E,en *)rou() *)e 8la*ne++ o8 *)e *ran+la*or di+;% Ara*a; +ounded re(re*8ul' CI 8ear i*
i+ no* 0o++ible%C )e +aid% Cbu* i8 you )a,e no* ye* made +o many 0lan+ *)a* *)ey
-anno* be al*ered% 0er)a0+ you would 0o+*0one *)a* 0ro:e-* 8or a *ime% *o in*ere+*
your+el,e+ in a di88eren* 0ro0o+i*ion I )a,e been a+;ed *o -on,ey *o youDC
ane 8el* an almo+* 0)y+i-al 0ri-;lin( o8 in*ere+*% o8 -urio+i*y' In*ui*ionD He +)ould
)a,e (ue++ed *)a* Ara*a; would no* )a,e -ome )ere merely 8or a +o-ial -allE
Ara*a; +i00ed +lowly a* *)e CwineC w)i-) *)e -om0u*er )ad deli,ered9 a-*ually i*
+melled *o ane ra*)er li;e a 8ermen*ed roo* beer w)i-) )ad be(un *o +0oil% bu*
Ara*a; +a,ored i* wi*) a00aren* 0lea+ure'
CI wa+ re-en*ly -on*a-*ed by a member o8 *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+%C )e *old *)em%
CI* +eem+ *)a* *)ey )a,e a 0roblem% and *)ey belie,e *)a* we -an )el0 *)em'C
ane )ad ne,er )eard o8 *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+' T)a* didn>* +ur0ri+e )im9 *)e
&ni*y main*ained a *ruly ,a+* bureau-ra-y o8 or(ani@a*ion+% Federa*ion+ and
+0lin*er<(rou0 a++o-ia*ion+% enormou+ly o,erla00in( in *)e )u(e +*ar<Federa*ion' I*
wa+ en*irely *oo mu-) 8or one )uman mind *o *a;e in'
A* 8ir+* *)i+ )ad *roubled )im% un*il )e 8ound% ou* *)a* Rianna% *oo% ;new only *)e
name+ and 8un-*ion+ o8 *)o+e a(en-ie+ wi*) w)i-) +)e )ad bu+ine++' T)e &ni*y% o8
-our+e% wa+ no* a (o,ernmen* a* all% bu* a ;ind o8 0)ilo+o0)i-al -on+*ru-*% dedi-a*ed
*o main*ainin( 0ea-e and *rade amon( *)e +-a**ered +*ar +y+*em+'
Ara*a; +aid% CT)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+ )a,e been +*udyin( *)e -ul*ure on a Clo+ed
World% a re-en*ly di+-o,ered 0lane*?C ane under+*ood% o8 -our+e% *)a* )e mean*
re-en*ly di+-o,ered in &ni*y *erm+% w)i-) wa+ 0robably lon(er *)an all *)eir
-ombined li8e+0an+?CA 0lane* +*ill in a barbari- +*a*e o8 de,elo0men*' A+ u+ual% *)e
Coun-il i+ *ryin( *o (ain a *)orou() under+*andin( o8 i*+ +o-ie*y and -ul*ural
+*ru-*ure be8ore we re,eal our+el,e+ or a**em0* *o brin( *)i+ world in*o *)e &ni*y'
I*>+ ra*)er a -uriou+ 0la-e?0re+en*+ +ome 8ea*ure+ w)i-) ou()* *o in*ere+* you%
Rianna' For in+*an-e. *)ere are *wo di+*in-* +en*ien* +0e-ie+ a* a +imilar le,el o8
+a0ien-e% one a ra-e o8 0ro*o+aurian+ no* 0)y+i-ally di++imilar *o my own% *)e o*)er
-om0o+ed o8 0ro*o+imian +a0ien*+?C
CW)a*DC Rianna +aid% )er ,oi-e li8*in( in e=-i*emen*% CI+ *)i+ Bel+ar Four% Ara*a;DC
CI* i+ indeed' o you ;now o8 i*% RiannaD T)i+ +im0li8ie+ my *a+; -on+iderably'C
CI>,e been 8ollowin( *)e -on*ro,er+y o,er elm 7elo;>+ Lo+* 1*ar+)i0 T)eory'
Anadri(o>+ -ommen*+ +eem no* mu-) *o *)e 0oin*9 0arallel e,olu*ion -ould no*?C
CWai*% wai*%C ane +aid% CHold onE ?I mean% +*o0 8or a bi*% and 8ill in +ome
in8orma*ion be8ore I (e* -om0le*ely lo+*EC
Rianna lau()ed' CI>ll *ell you w)a* I ;now% and Ara*a; -an (o on 8rom *)ere% 8or u+
bo*)' Bel+ar Four i+ a 0u@@le *o +-ien*i+*+ in my 8ield' Normally% a +en*ien* ra-e 8i*+
in*o *)e lo-al e-olo(y' Mo+* 0ro*o+aurian ra-e+ )a,e e,ol,ed on 0lane*+ w)ere
mammal+ ne,er de,elo0ed a* all% or remained ,ery +mall and unim0or*an*' I8 *)e
0ro*o+aurian+ were +a0ien*% *)ey e=*ermina*ed any 0o++ible mammalian -om0e*i*or+
a* an early +*a(e in *)eir de,elo0men*9 w)ile in o*)er -ondi*ion+?I remember *)a*
you *old me% ane% *)a* your 0ro*o+aurian (ian*+ were no* +a0ien*% *)ey )ad +mall
brain+ and bein( unada0*able *o -)an(e+ in -lima*e and 0lane*ary e-olo(y% *)ey
be-ame e=*in-*' I+ *)a* *rueDC
CGui*e *rue' A dino+aur?er?a +aurian o8 Ara*a;>+ +i@e would )a,e )ad a brain
rou()ly *)e +i@e o8 my *)umbnail% and wi*)ou* any -erebral -or*e= *o +0ea; o8% *)u+
0re,en*in( *)e de,elo0men* o8 any*)in( li;e +a0ien-e' One o8 our +-ien*i+*+?2o)n
Lilly?*)eori@ed *)a* +a0ien-e wa+ an ine+-a0able a--om0animen* o8 a -er*ain
-ri*i-al +i@e o8 *)e -or*e='C
CElemen*ary%C Rianna +aid% CWe -all i* Me*)wy;>+ A=iom% and i*>+ *)e 8ir+* *)in( a
biolo(i+* in *)e 8ield o8 +a0ien*olo(y learn+' Anyway%C +)e wen* on% CBel+ar Four )a+
a )i()ly de,elo0ed 0ro*o+aurian ra-e% and al+o a 8ully de,elo0ed mammalian
e-olo(y% wi*) no O*)er -om0e*in( +aurian or re0*ilian 8orm+ a* all?in 8a-*% no o*)er
re0*ile+ o8 any +or*% a+ nearly a+ I remember% -er*ainly none o8 any +i@e% or
-om0le=i*y' elm 7elo;>+ )y0o*)e+i+ i+ *)a* *)e 0ro*o+aurian+ o8 Bel+ar Four are
de+-ended 8rom *)e -rew o8 a lo+*% wre-;ed +*ar<+)i0% 0robably 8rom *)e 1)>8e::
Con8edera-y?*)a*>+ one o8 *)e olde+* +0a-e<(oin( ra-e+ in *)e &ni*y% 0robably in
*)e en*ire (ala=y' T)e 0ro*o+aurian+ on Bel+ar Four are ,ery +imilar *o *)e ba+i-
1)>8e:: *y0e'C
CT)ere are 8ew di88eren-e+ amon( +a0ien* 0ro*o+aurian+%C Ara*a; rumbled% C8ar
8ewer *)an amon( ,aryin( +0e-ie+ or e*)ni- *y0e+ o8 0ro*o+imian+' T)e (ra,i*y o8 a
(i,en 0lane* de*ermine+ our +i@e?+ome o8 u+ are no* mu-) lar(er *)an
0ro*o+imian+% and *)ere are one or *wo +mall 0ro*o+aurian+% dwar8i+) ra-e+ w)o
-om0en+a*e by +ome 0ower+ +u-) a+ *ele0a*)y 8or *)eir la-; o8 +*ren(*)% bu* in
(eneral% my 0ro*o+aurian bro*)er+ are mo+*ly o8 ra-e+ indi+*in(ui+)able 8rom
my+el8' Wi*) -er*ain -o+me*i- mani0ula*ion+% I would -au+e li**le -ommen* on any
0lane* in)abi*ed by de+-endan*+ o8 *)e 1)>8e::% and *)eir 8emale+ would 8ind me
/ui*e a--e0*able a+ a ma*e'C
CBu* *)ere i+ ano*)er +-)olar% Anadri(o%C Rianna +aid% Cw)o drew u0 a lon( li+* o8
0)y+i-al di88eren-e+?*)ou() )e admi*+ *)o+e mi()* be -au+ed by mu*a*ion or
a--lima*i@a*ion?and did a lin(ui+*i- analy+i+ *o demon+*ra*e *)a* *)ere i+ no *ra-e
o8 any 1)>8e:: lan(ua(e% ei*)er in (rammar or ,o-abulary% in any o8 *)e Bel+arian
lan(ua(e+ +*udied +o 8ar' He al+o -i*e+ na*i,e annal+ and na*i,e e0i- 0oe*ry w)i-)
indi-a*e+ *)a* *)e 0ro*o+aurian ra-e )a+ been *)ere 8rom a *ime be8ore 1)>8e::
+*ar+)i0+ -ould 0o++ibly )a,e rea-)ed +o 8ar9 his *)eory i+ *)a* *)i+ ra-e de,elo0ed
in*elli(en-e in order *o a,oid w)a*e,er -a*a+*ro0)e ;illed o88 *)eir ori(inal
en,ironmen*' Bu* *)ere i+n>* enou() e,iden-e on ei*)er +ide' No* ye*' T)e 0lane* wa+
di+-o,ered only?well% no* wi*)in my li8e*ime% bu* -er*ainly wi*)in my
(rand0aren*+>' And only *)e mo+* ba+i- re+ear-) )a+ been done' 1o we )a,e only
*)eorie+% no +olid e,iden-e'C
CI* +eem+ li;ely% dau()*er% *)a* we may ne,er )a,e +u-)
e,iden-e%C Ara*a; +aid +omberly' CAbou* *en 1*andard &ni*+ a(o?C A*)e 1*andard
&ni* wa+ a 0eriod in u+e all o,er *)e &ni*y% i* a00eared *o be *a;en 8rom an a,era(e
mean *ime di,i+ion o8 all *)e ma:or 0lane*+9 ane didn>* under+*and -om0le*ely )ow
i* wa+ deri,ed% bu* )e u+ed i* anyway9 i* +eemed abou* 8i,e wee;+ in )i+ own
re-;onin(B?C*)e &ni*y ba+e on Bel+ar -ea+ed *o re0or*% and *)e la+* me++a(e wa+
0e-uliar and in-om0le*e% a+ i8?C )e 0ondered 8or a momen*% Ca+ i8 *)e +ender )ad
been in*erru0*ed?+uddenly% 0er)a0+ e,en by ,iolen-e' T)ere wa+ +ome*)in( in *)a*
me++a(e abou* abori(ine+ in+ide *)e 0erime*er'C
Rianna a+;ed% Coe+n>* anyone ;now w)a* )a00ened *o *)emDC
CAn e=0edi*ion wa+ di+0a*-)ed *o Bel+ar Four a* on-e% o8 -our+e% *o in,e+*i(a*e'
Me++a(e+ re-ei,ed 8rom *)eir 0er+onal -ommuni-a*or+ indi-a*ed *)a* *)ey 8ound *)e
ba+e -om0le*ely de+er*ed?wi*) *)e 8or-e8ield and +ome o8 *)e emer(en-y de8en+e+
*urned on 8ull' Bu* *)ere were no bodie+% and no ob,iou+ +i(n+ o8 ,iolen-e' Almo+*
*)eir la+* me++a(e *old *)a* *)ey were a**em0*in( a :ourney *o *)e neare+* -i*y<+*a*e%
*o +ee i8 *)ey -ould learn any*)in( *)ere'C He 0au+ed% and wen* on +adly% CT)e 8inal
me++a(e +*a*ed *)a* *)ey )ad been ambu+)ed by na*i,e+ in *)e )ill+9 *)ere wa+ only
one +ur,i,or% and no*)in( )a+ been )eard 8rom )im +in-e'C
He loo;ed around a* *)em% wi*) a lon(% dee0 +i()'
CA+ you bo*) )a,e rea+on *o ;now% ,ery 8ew o8 *)e &ni*y A(en*+ )a,e any +;ill in
0er+onal -omba*% or *)e u+e o8 0rimi*i,e wea0on+' One or *wo o8 *)o+e on *)e
Bel+arian ba+e% we *)ou()*% did )a,e +ome +u-) *rainin(9 bu* *)ey were all on *)e
Ba+e w)en w)a*e,er )a00ened *o *)em )a00ened' Or el+e *)ey were +omew)ere
ou*+ide *)e Ba+e?and are +*ill wanderin( around ou* *)ere% wi*) no way *o
-ommuni-a*e wi*) *)e &ni*y a* all'C
ane loo;ed a* *)e )u(e 0ro*o+aurian in wild +urmi+e' He wa+ be(innin( *o +ee *)e
dri8* o8 Ara*a;>+ remar;+' Wa+ i* wea0on+ e=0er*+ *)ey wan*ed% men *rained in
0er+onal -omba*D Ara*a;>+ ne=* remar;+ -on8irmed )i+ (ue++'
C1o *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+ i+ *ryin( *o 8ind +ome wea0on+ e=0er*+' A00aren*ly
*)ey belie,e *)a* anyone w)o -ould +ur,i,e *)e Hun*?C )i+ +-aly 8a-e wa+
unreadable% bu* +mall 8id(e*in( mo*ion+ *old ane *)a* )e wa+ un-om8or*able
?Cmu+* be +u-) an e=0er*' T)ey belie,e *)a* I% 8or in+*an-e% -an be di+(ui+ed%
wi*)ou* mu-) di88i-ul*y% *o 0a++ a+ one o8 *)e 0ro*o+aurian ra-e on Bel+ar% a na*i,e9
and *)e 0ro*o+imian ra-e i+ no* unli;e our own' Bu* i8 your li8e +a*i+8ie+ you +o ri-)ly
?C )e 0au+ed'
CT)ey wan* us *o (oDC I* wa+ almo+* a -ry o8 deli()*% *)e 8ir+* *ra-e o8 e=-i*emen*
+in-e )e )ad (i,en u0 )an(<(lidin( be(innin( *o build u0 in+ide )im' T)en )e
8rowned' CBu* wai* a minu*e?*)i+ +ound+ more li;e a :ob 8or *)e 10a-e Marine+% i8
you )a,e any% or 8or a 0+y-)i- in,e+*i(a*or' We don>* ;now *)e lan(ua(e+% or *)e
-u+*om+% and i8 *)e 0lane* i+ a barbarian one ou*+ide *)e &ni*y% *)e na*i,e+ don>*
wear *ran+la*or di+;+% do *)eyD And barbarian *ribe+?we )ad +ome o8 *)em e,en on
my 0lane*?<are ,ery -)oo+y abou* 0eo0le ob+er,in( lo-al -u+*om+ and manner+' I*>+
no* li;e *)e &ni*y% w)ere any*)in( (oe+% a+ lon( a+ you don>* do i* in *)e +*ree* and
8ri()*en *)e?C )e (ul0ed% under+*andin( *)a* *)e 0ro,erb would mean no*)in(%
and amended /ui-;ly% Cblo-; *)e *ra88i-'C
CT)e Coun-il +eem+ *o belie,e *)a* *)ey -an *ea-) u+ *o be)a,e a+ na*i,e+% and *o
+0ea; a* lea+* one o8 *)e lan(ua(e+%C Ara*a; +aid% Cand I +ee no rea+on *o doub*
*)em' T)ey do no* ;now% you +ee% w)e*)er *)e 0er+on+% or e,en*+% re+0on+ible 8or *)e
a**a-; on *)e Ba+e were al+o re+0on+ible 8or *)e a**a-; on *)e +-ou*in( 0ar*y' I* i+ a
dan(erou+ 0lane*% you +ee' Bandi*ry i+ -ommon0la-e9 *)ere are al+o +a,a(e wild
animal+9 w)a* *)ey need mo+* i+ +im0ly +omeone w)o -an +ur,i,e lon( enou() *o
(a*)er *)e in8orma*ion *)ey need' And *)ey do no* e,en ;now w)a* *)a* i+' We are
no* e,en +ure *)a* *)e na*i,e+ o8 Bel+ar were re+0on+ible'C
Rianna 0i-;ed u0 on *)a* immedia*ely' 1)e +aid% CI +u00o+e i*>+ 0o++ible *)a* *)e
0eo0le on *)e Ba+e -ould )a,e been raided by a Me;)ar +la,e +)i0DC
CEn*irely 0o++ible%C Ara*a; -on8irmed% C*)ere )a,e been Me;)ar +)i0+% and al+o
6ir;on% +i()*ed in *)a* +e-*or% *)ou() o8 -our+e we )a,e )ad no a-*ual re0or*+ o8
unau*)ori@ed landin(+'C
ane +aid% CI8 *)e 8or-e8ield on your Ba+e wa+ 8ull on% )ow -ould na*i,e+ (e* in+ideD
Wouldn>* i* *a;e +ome*)in( li;e a Me;)ar +)i0 *o (e* *)rou() a 8or-e8ield o8 *)a*
;indDC
CI*>+ 0o++ible%C Ara*a; +aid% Cbu* o8 -our+e% we don>* ;now' Na*i,e+ mi()* )a,e
(o**en in*o *)e +*a*ion w)en *)e 8or-e8ield wa+ *urned o88% or )a,e *a;en ;ey+ 8rom
Ba+e 0er+onnel w)o were waylaid ou*+ide' Bu* i* i+ al+o 0o++ible *)a* *)ere i+
+omeone on Bel+ar w)o +)ould no* be *)ere' T)a* i+ *)e 8un-*ion o8 *)e Coun-il o8
Pro*e-*or+?*o 0re,en* *)e e=0loi*a*ion o8 une,ol,ed world+ by *)e Me;)ar% or *)e
6ir(on'C
Par* o8 ane>+ mind wa+ +*ill -lamorin(% +hat an adventure I want to #o Bu* a
+aner 0ar* *em0ori@ed% e=amined *)e +*ory -are8ully' CI>d )a,e *)ou()*% wi*) a
w)ole !ala=y *o re-rui* *)em in% *)ere>d be any number o8 +word+men?er?
wea0on+ e=0er*+ 8or *)e Coun-il *o -)oo+e 8rom'C
CNo* many in this +e-*or%C Rianna +aid% addin( blun*ly% Cand mo+* o8 *)o+e w)o do
*a;e i* u0 are dile**an*e+% and would -url u0 *)eir *oe+ and die i8 *)ey were e=0e-*ed
*o u+e *)em +eriou+ly% in a li8e<and<dea*) 8i()*E Maybe +ome o8 *)em mi()* no*% bu*
*)e &ni*y wouldn>* li;e *)e idea o8 *e+*in( *)em *o 8ind ou*E T)ey %now we>re -a0able
o8 8i()*in( 8or our li,e+ i8 we )a,e *o'C
CAno*)er *)in(%C Ara*a; added% C*)e +0e-ie+ mu+* be ri()*' Pro*o8eline+ are
+ome*ime+ 8ier-e enou()?bu* *)e Me;)ar do no* belon( *o *)e &ni*y% and in any
-a+e% a 0ro*o<8eline on Bel+ar would be +u-) a -urio+i*y *)a* *)e na*i,e+ would ei*)er
;ill )im ou* o8 )and?or *rea* )im a+ a (od' Cer*ainly )e would no* be +ui*able 8or a
/uie* in,e+*i(a*ion' I* i+ ,ery im0or*an* *)a* *)ey 8ind a 0ro*o+aurian and *wo 0ro*o<
+imian+ w)o are a--u+*omed *o wor;in( *o(e*)er'C
Two? ane :er;ed )i+ )ead u0 +)ar0ly% in 0ro*e+*% bu* Rianna wa+ already +0ea;in('
CI* )ardly +ound+ li;e a 0lea+ure *ri0' Bu*% damn i*% i*>+ *em0*in(E T)ou() I +u00o+e
I>d (e* +*u-; wi*) ma;in( *)e re0or* a8*er *)i+ *ri0 *ooE T)ou() I>,e been wan*in( *o
)a,e a loo; a* Bel+ar Four% and I ;new I wouldn>* (e* 0ermi++ion% no* in my
li8e*imeEC
C1ound+ *oo dan(erou+%C ane +aid% 8eelin( +e-re*ly relie,ed *)a* +)e wa+ no* (oin(
*o ru+) o88 blindly% all en*)ralled by *)e 0ro+0e-* o8 di((in( u0 more ruin+ o8 *)e
an-ien* w)a*-)a-allum+' For )im+el8?*o )i+ own +ur0ri+e? )e di+-o,ered *)a* )e
wan*ed *o *)in; i* o,er a li**le more'
Rianna wa+ +*arin( a* )im in di+belie8' CToo dan(erou+D T)a* 8rom you, aneD And
all I )a,e )eard 8rom you% 8or day+% i+ *)a* you are +*i8lin( )ere on *)i+ +u0er-i,ili@ed
worldEC
CI am%C ane +aid wi*) di(ni*y% Cand I>m *)in;in( +eriou+ly abou* (oin(' Tryin( *o
*a;e all *)e 8a-*or+ in*o -on+idera*ion% w)i-) i+ more *)an you +eem *o )a,e done'
And i*>+ a dan(erou+ 0lane*?a--ordin( *o Ara*a;% i* wa+ a dan(erou+ world e,en
be8ore 0eo0le +*ar*ed di+a00earin( ou* o8 8or-e<8ield+ and +o on'C Too dan#erous for
a woman, wa+ w)a* )e )ad +*ar*ed *o +ay' Bu* )e didn>*9 )e ;new be**er' In+*ead )e
+aid% CI* doe+n>* +ound *)e ri()* 0la-e 8or a?a 0ea-e8ul ar-)aeolo(i+* and +-ien*i+*C
CMy dear ane% ,ir*ually e,ery world ,i+i*ed by any &ni*y +-ien*i+* i+ a dan(erou+
worldEC Rianna>+ eye+ were 8la+)in( dan(er +i(nal+9 Rianna )ad a real red<)eaded
*em0er?*)a*>+ w)a* *)ey would )a,e -alled i* w)ere ane -ame 8rom?bu* *o (i,e
)er -redi*% )e )adn>* +een any +i(n+ o8 i* in a lon(% lon( *ime' CE,en be8ore *)e Hun*%
I wa+ u+ed *o dan(erou+ world+?I didn>* )a,e *o 0lay wi*) +word+ and -rui+e
around on li**le boa*+ *o (e* a *a+*e o8 dan(erE Almo+* any wor*)w)ile world ,i+i*ed
by an an*)ro0olo(i+* )a+ dan(er+ you -an>* e,en ima(ineE Are you im0lyin( *)a* you
in*ended *o -)ar(e o88 wi*) Ara*a;% and lea,e me )ere% a* *)e *ender mer-ie+ o8 *)e
re-ordin( ma-)ine+DC 1)e +-rambled *o )er 8ee*% re(ardin( )im wi*) 8ury' CT)a*
+e**le+ i*% Ara*a;E I>m (oin( wi*) you w)e*)er *)i+ o,er(rown *ree<bad(er doe+ or
no*EC
Tree$!ad#er,- ane o0ened )i+ mou*) *o demand an e=0lana*ion% *)en reali@ed *)a*
)i+ *ran+la*or di+; wa+ 0layin( (ame+ a(ain' W)a* would Rianna (a*)er 8rom i* i8 )e
-alled )er a bunny rabbi*D E,iden*ly i* wa+ +ome -rea*ure 8rom Rianna>+ own
world% *o w)i-) +)e 8el* ane wa+ a* *)e momen* -om0arable' He wi+)ed )e ;new
)ow''''
CRianna%C )e +aid (en*ly% ma;in( u0 )i+ mind *o *ry one more *ime% C*)i+ may be
one *)in( 8or a barbarian 8rom a ba-;wood+ world% li;e me' Bu* you are -i,ili@ed
?C
CHow -i,ili@ed wa+ I on *)e Hun*er>+ WorldDC
A* *)e ba-; o8 )i+ mind *)e 0i-*ure 8ormed9 bla-;ne++% *)e Red Moon )an(in( li;e a
neon moun*ain in *)e +;y% *)e dar; +lumberin( 8orm+ o8 *)eir -om0anion+?Dallith,
the lost, the !eloved, Dallith, dead !ecause he, Dane, had #one !erser% and for#otten
his duty to his companions of the .unt, Dallith livin#, sleepin# while he and /ianna
%ept watch, Dallith, sleepin# the last peaceful sleep she was to %now in life0 and
/ianna1s voice in the dar%ness, sayin#, ,I1m less civili(ed than I ever !elieved. '''C
CYou>,e only +een *)ree% maybe 8our 0lane*+ in your en*ire li8eEC Rianna 8lared a*
)im% CI>d been on *)a* many dan(erou+ world+ be8ore I )i* 0uber*yEC Her ,oi-e% *)e
0re+en*% +eemed ,ery 8ar away9 le++ real +ome)ow *)an *)e bu+)<-lad +lo0e+ o8 *)e
Red Moon% *)e bri-;<red di+; o8 *)e Hun*er>+ World )an(in( abo,e *)em9 *)e
+0ider<man mo,ed *)rou() a -orner o8 ane>+ mind% *wirlin( )i+ deadly +0ear% Cli88<
-limber mo,ed -a*li;e a* )i+ ba-;% and alli*) ''' Dallith....
ane +)oo; )i+ )ead a+ i8 *o -lear i* o8 -obweb+' Hell% *)i+ 0lane*?w)a* wa+ i*%
Bel+arD?)owe,er dan(erou+ i* wa+% wa+ 0robably a 1unday<+-)ool 0i-ni- -om0ared
*o *)e Red Moon
and *)e lon( Hun*E In a +in(le 8lowin( mo*ion )e wa+ a-ro++ *)e room and down on
)i+ ;nee+ be8ore *)e +word<ra-;' Hi+ )and -lo+ed on *)e lon( -ur,ed +-abbard9 )e
bowed )i+ )ead 8or an in8ini*e+imal +0a-e% *)en ro+e +moo*)ly *o )i+ 8ee* and *urned
*o 8a-e *)em% *)e +-abbard +word )eld li;e a brie8-a+e in )i+ )and% )i+ *)umb
-roo;ed o,er *)e (uard a+ *)ou() *o ;ee0 *)e blade 8rom e+-a0in('
+e1re #oin#, to#ether, )e *)ou()*% bu* e,en in )i+ mind i* wa+ no* *o )i+ -om0anion+
)e +0o;e% bu* *o *)e +word' Aloud% *o *)em% )e only +aid% CO;ay% w)en do we lea,eDC
+HAPTER THREE
C!ood !od%C ane e=-laimed% C*)e 0lane*>+ (o* -)i-;en 0o=EC
E,en *)rou() *)e *ran+la*or di+; *)e word+ -ould no* )a,e -on,eyed mu-) *o
Ara*a;% bu* )e -)u-;led a* ane>+ *one and :oined )im a* *)e ,iew0or*'
CI*+ in*e(umen* doe+ indeed +u88er a+ i8 8rom *)e a**a-; o8 in+e-*+%C )e -ommen*ed'
CIndeed% i* 0re+en*+ more *)e a00earan-e o8 a dead +a*elli*e under bombardmen* by
me*eori*e+ *)an a li,in( world wi*) an a*mo+0)ere w)i-) would burn u0 +u-)
mi++ile+' I* i+ a riddle% my 8riend% w)i-) I -anno* read% bu* *)e i,ine E(( )a+ *ruly
remar;ed *)a* i8 we ;new all *)in(+% no -)allen(e would be le8* 8or +a0ien* bein(+
and we +)ould all die /ui-;ly o8 boredom% or +in; in*o +wam0+ wi*) only our no+*ril+
abo,e wa*er% wi*) no*)in( *o -on*em0la*e bu* *)e ;nown and *)e dull'C
CT)e i,ine E(( +eem+ *o )a,e )ad +ome*)in( *o +ay abou* almo+* e,ery*)in(%C
ane murmured% bu* Ara*a;>+ in,i+ible bu* +)ar0 ear+ )ad 0i-;ed u0 *)e murmur'
He +aid% wi*) *)e e=*reme 0oli*ene++ )e u+ed w)en )e wa+ ru88led% CI* i+ *)e bu+ine++
o8 a 0)ilo+o0)er *o ma;e -ommen* u0on *)e+e ma**er+ in li8e w)i-) *)o+e o8 u+ w)o
are en*an(led in worldly a88air+ )a,e no lei+ure *o -on*em0la*e'C
CI +0o;e -arele++ly%C ane a(reed% CI +)ould )a,e +aid *)a*
*)e wi+dom o8 *)e i,ine E(( i+ ra*)er 8i**ed *o an an-ien*% and ,enerable +a(e *)an
*o one in embryoni- 8orm'C
CT)e i,ine E((%C Ara*a; remar;ed% Cwa+ e*ernally 8a,ored in *)a* all durin( *)e
millennial +0an o8 )i+ wi+dom )e 0re+er,ed e,erla+*in(ly *)e wonder o8 *)e newly
)a*-)ed% a+ indeed all +a0ien* bein(+ mu+* do i8 *)ey are *o re:oi-e 8ully in *)e
endle++ di,er+i*y o8 Crea*ion' I* i+ +aid%C )e added% wi*) a ;ni8e<*)ru+* o8 )i+ rare
+ar-a+m% C*)a* )i+ wi+dom wa+ +o (rea* and all<embra-in( *)a* )e -ould e,en
ima(ine wi+dom H< re+idin( in *)e 0ro*o+imian -rea*ure+% +in-e *)e Crea*or o8 All
-ould no*% )e +aid% )a,e -rea*ed any*)in( w)i-) wa+ no*?8or +ome rea+on and 8or
+ome 0ur0o+e?wor*)y o8 I*+ own i,ini*y'C
CI>m +ure )e did u+ *oo mu-) )onor%C ane +aid wryly% bu* *)en ba-;ed o88?*)ere
wa+ no 0oin* in e=-)an(in( +ar-a+m wi*) *)e +aurian 0)ilo+o0)er% and a* *)a* (ame
ane ;new )e wa+ bea*en be8ore )e +*ar*ed' C1eriou+ly% Ara*a;% )ow -ould a 0lane*
wi*) o-ean+ and an a*mo+0)ere de,elo0 -ra*er+ li;e a dead moonDC
C1eriou+ly% I )a,e no* *)e 8ain*e+* no*ion%C Ara*a; +aid% Ci* i+ no* wi*)in *)e realm o8
my -om0e*en-e' If i* were no* a 0lane* in i*+ earlie+* +*a(e+ o8 li8e% wi*) a newly
e,ol,ed and barbari- -ul*ure ' ' ' bu* *)ere i+ no 0oin* in di+-u++in( none=i+*en*
-on*in(en-ie+' I* i+ barely 0o++ible% I +u00o+e% *)a* li8e may )a,e -ome la*e in *)i+
0lane*>+ -rea*ed e=i+*en-e% a8*er a +0an o8 *ime +0en* a+ a dead +a*elli*e *o +ome o*)er
+un?+un+ in 8orma*ion do +ome*ime+ -a0*ure +a*elli*e+ o8 o*)er +un+% e+0e-ially
)ere% +o dee0 in *)e Clu+*er?and li8e doe+ *)en e,ol,e u0on *)em% wi*) *)e new
bombardmen* o8 -o+mi- ray+' T)i+ i+ rare% bu* i* doe+ )a00en%C )e -on-luded%
loo;in( a* *)e oddly -ra*ered 0lane* *)a* wa+ Bel+ar Four% beyond *)e ,iew0or*'
From w)ere *)ey )un(% in an orbi* only a 8ew *)ou+and ;ilome*er+ abo,e *)e
(reeni+)<dar; world% ane -ould +ee blue o-ean+ +*ri0ed wi*) band+ o8 -loud% a
+in(le ma++y -on*inen* lo-a*ed in w)a* )e *)ou()* o8% au*oma*i-ally% a+ *)e
CNor*)ernC )emi+0)ere be-au+e i* wa+ a* *)e *o0 o8 )i+ ,i+ual 8ield% and ano*)er
+maller one w)i-) loo;ed% :u+* a li**le% li;e 1ou*) Ameri-a *il*ed im0robably on i*+
+ide'
Rianna -ame u0 *o *)em% -arryin( a -om0u*eri@ed 0rin*ou* o8 *)e +ur8a-e below
*)em' 1)e 0oin*ed *o a +0o* on i*'
CT)e +)u**le will dro0 u+ )ere' Ara*a;% your 8riend ra,a+) wan*+ a 8inal
-on8eren-e on *)e brid(e9 *)a* namele++
8riend o8 )i+ in+i+*ed'C 1)e +)uddered' C&()% *)a* -)a0 (i,e+ me *)e -ree0+EC
Cra,a+)DC Ara*a; +*ared in di+may' CAre you re0elled by *)e a+0e-* o8 *)e 1)>8e::D
I di+li;e *)e *)ou()* *)a* I *oo mi()* re0el you in *)i+ (ui+e% my dear one'C
CO)% no% no* ra,a+) )im+el8%C Rianna +aid% Cand now I>,e (o**en u+ed *o i*% you
loo; almo+* normal *o me' In 8a-*%C +)e added *ar*ly% CI>m *em0*ed *o +ay i*>+ an
im0ro,emen*EC
ane )ad *o -on-eal a (rin' He )ad ne,er +u+0e-*ed *)e bi( li@ard<man o8 ,ani*y9
bu* +in-e *)e *ran+8orma*ion in*o 1)>8e:: di+(ui+e 8or *)i+ 0lane*% Ara*a; )ad
indul(ed in w)a* mo+* )uman+ would )a,e -alled sul%in#.
Ara*a;>+ (reeni+)<(ray in*e(umen* )ad been dyed wi*) -)emi-al+ *o a +il;y blue<
bla-;9 *)e -olor o8 *)e dominan* 1)>8e::% *)e 0ro*o+aurian ra-e w)o )ad 8ir+* *a;en
*o +*ar *ra,el' T)ey were +*ill *)e mo+* wide+0read o8 *)e &ni*y>+ 0ro*o+aurian+'
Ara*a; wa+ lar(er *)an mo+* o8 *)e 1)>8e::?8ew o8 *)em were more *)an *wo me*er+
)i()% and Ara*a; a* 8ull )ei()* wa+ nearly *)ree?bu* )e would 0a++' T)e
*ran+8orma*ion )ad been ne-e++ary in order *)a* )e mi()* 0a++% on Bel+ar Four% 8or
one o8 *)a* 0lane*>+ dominan* ra-e% al*)ou() *)ey were no* *rue 1)>8e::' He )ad al+o
been in8ormed% by *)e +)i0>+ Medi-+% *)a* *)i+ *ran+8orma*ion would )el0 *o +o8*en
and moi+*en )i+ in*e(umen* +omew)a*% )el0in( *o re*ard *)e dama(e i* would
o*)erwi+e +u+*ain in *)e -lima*e o8 Bel+ar'
Ara*a; )ad a--e0*ed *)e need 8or *)e -)an(e?bu* )e di+*ru+*ed all 0ro*o8eline+% and
*)e +)i0>+ Medi-+ Ali;e mo+* o8 *)e Medi-+ in *)e &ni*yB were 0ro*o8eline+' And )e
)ad no* -ea+ed *o (rumble abou* *)e *ran+8orma*ion' Far wor+e wa+ *)e need *o
-on-eal )i+ (ill<+li*+9 *)ey were only ,e+*i(ial in *)e 1)>8e::% and *)e Medi-+ )ad
+u((e+*ed -o+me*i- +ur(ery on *)em% w)i-) Ara*a; )ad -ur*ly re8u+ed' W)en
Rianna *ried *o 0er+uade )im% )e )ad a+;ed )er +)ar0ly i8 +)e would -on+en* *o
)a,in( )er e=*ernal ear+ am0u*a*ed'
He wore a loo+e de-ora*i,e +-ar8 wi*) a )i() C-ollarC e88e-*% -on-ealin( *)em' ane
)o0ed i* would be enou()' I8 *)e -lima*e o8 Bel+ar wa+ really a+ )o* a+ )e )ad been
*old% i* mi()* +*and ou* li;e a down 0ar;a in *)e Ama@on rain 8ore+*E
Now Ara*a; +aid% *urnin( *)e *al; away 8rom )i+ own a00earan-e% CI8 *)e a+0e-* o8
*)e 1)>8e:: doe+ no* re0el you% or *)a* o8 ra,a+)% w)a* )a+ e=-i*ed your re,ul+ion%
RiannaDC
CT)a* namele++ -)a0 ra,a+)>+ in,ol,ed wi*)%C Rianna
+aid wi*) a (rima-e' CT)e Far+0ea;er% or w)a*e,er )e -all+ )im+el8'C
Ara*a; +)ru((ed' COn-e we )a,e le8* *)i+ +)i0% Rianna% *)e Far+0ea;er will be our
only mean+ o8 -ommuni-a*ion wi*) -i,ili@a*ion' T)e i,ine E(( )a+ wi+ely remar;ed
*)a* i* i+ ill *o aim in+ul* a* a brid(e *o +a8e*y% e,en *)ou() i* may be +0lin*ery *o *)e
8ee*' I *oo 8ind *)e Far+0ea;er unin,i*in(% in -)ara-*er and 0er+onali*y' Bu* )i+
8aul*+% and -andor -om0el+ me *o -on8e++ *)a* *)ey are many% a00ear *o be an
ine,i*able a--om0animen* o8 )i+ many *alen*+' Would you ra*)er 8eel we were
w)olly ou* o8 -on*a-*% a+ on *)e Hun*er>+ World% my dearDC
CI under+*and i*>+ really no* mu-) be**er *)an *)a*%C Rianna +aid +ullenly' CI*>+ no*
a+ i8 *)ey -ould +*e0 in and 0ull u+ ou* a(ain i8 we (o* in*o *rouble'C
CNo%C Ara*a; +aid% Cbu* +)ould -a*a+*ro0)e o,erw)elm u+% a* lea+* *)ey will ;now
*)rou() *)e Far+0ea;er w)a* )a+ be8allen our e=0edi*ion% and 0er)a0+ o*)er+ +en*
a8*er u+ -an a,oid our wor+* mi+*a;e+ and +u--eed w)ere we 8ailed'C
Rianna +)uddered' CYou>re a real -om8or* *o me% Ara*a;E Come on% le*>+ no* ;ee0
*)e Ca0*ain wai*in(% or *)ey>ll *)in; ane and I )a,e (one o88 8or +ome +*andard
0ro*o+imian )an;y<0an;yEC
1)e *urned irri*ably *oward *)e door o8 *)e -abin% and ane% 8ollowin( )er% (rinned
a* *)e wryne++ in )er ,oi-e' In *)e world+ o8 *)e &ni*y% 0ro*o+imian+?w)a* ane
)im+el8 would )a,e -alled humans?8ar 8rom bein( a dominan* +0e-ie+% were
re(arded a+ one o8 *)e mo+* un+*able and un*ru+*wor*)y% bein( a* *)e mer-y o8 w)a*
mo+* o8 *)e &ni*y>+ 0eo0le re(arded a+ a dan(erou+ly 0re,alen* +e= dri,e' Mo+* ra-e+
)a,e a +*ri-*ly +ea+onal -y-le o8 8er*ili*y% and a* all o*)er *ime+ -ould ;ee0 *)eir
a**en*ion +*ri-*ly on *)e wor; a* )and' Aboard &ni*y +)i0+% 8or in+*an-e% -rew+ were
0ro*o8eline% and *)e 8emale+ (i,en +ea+on<re*ardan* dru(+ *o ;ee0 *)em 8rom
di+ru0*in( +)i0>+ -rew+' T)ey be-ame 8er*ile 8emale+ only on *)eir )ome world+% and
*)ere wa+ +ome annoyin(ly in*en+e -urio+i*y abou* *)e 8a-* *)a* ane and Rianna
+)ared a -abin'
ane )ad% *o +ome de(ree% (o**en u+ed *o *)i+9 i* wa+ *)e one o88<-olor :o;e w)i-)
wa+ a00re-ia*ed by all *)e +0e-ie+ o8 +a0ien* bein(+ in *)e !ala=y% *)e -on+*an*
+e=uali*y o8 0ro*o+imian+% w)o )ad no de-en* +en+e o8 *ime and 0la-e' Bu* i* +*ill
in)ibi*ed )im% 8rom *ime *o *ime' He )ad *o re(ard i* a+ a :o;e or i* would )a,e
dri,en )im -ra@y'
Now )e 8ollowed Rianna alon( *)e lon(% -ur,in( -orridor o8 *)e &ni*y +)i0' I* wa+
+*a88ed mo+*ly by Prr@e*@% *)e 0ro*o<8eline -a*<0eo0le' Al*)ou() a )i()ly e*)i-al ra-e
o8 +-ien*i+*+% *)ey 0)y+i-ally re+embled *)e Me;)ar w)o )ad ;idna00ed ane 8rom
Ear*) +ome *ime a(o' ane )ad learned no* *o 8lin-) 8rom *)em% bu* +ome*)in(
in+ide )im?*)e 0rime,al mon;ey% )e *)ou()* wryly?+*ill -owered a li**le w)en a
Prr@e*@ (ood<na*uredly bared i*+ *ee*)'
In *)e +)i0>+ -en*ral -abin?al*)ou() in 8a-* *)ere were noC -)ar*+% only
-om0u*eri@ed 0rin*ou*+ be)ind *ran+lu-en* 0anel+ alon( *)e wall+% mo,in( and
8lowin( wi*) *)e +)i0>+ 0ro(re++ in +0a-e?*)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain wa+ wai*in( 8or *)em
wi*) ra,a+)'
ra,a+) wa+ a 1)>8e::% +il;y<bla-;% +mall only by -on*ra+* wi*) Ara*a;9 )e reminded
ane o8 no*)in( +o mu-) a+ a +mall i(uana w)i-) )ad +ome)ow (rown +e,en 8ee*
*all and learned *o *al;'
CI +ee you )a,e mana(ed *o indu-e your 0ro*o+imian -om0anion+ *o -ome )ere%
Ara*a;%C )e +aid' E,en *)rou() *)e *ran+la*or di+; )i+ ,oi-e +ounded ra+0in( and
)ar+)' CI +*ill 8eel *)i+ wa+ unwi+e' A -on*in(en* o8 1)>8e::% wi*) you *o (uide *)em%
would )a,e been more *ru+*wor*)y'C
Ara*a; rumbled% CI -an ,ou-) 8or ane and Rianna' T)ey 0ro,ed *)eir wor*) on
*)e Hun*er>+ World'C
CPer)a0+'C Bu* ra,a+) re(arded ane in no 8riendly 8a+)ion' CI +*ill 8eel *)a* a
*rue 8i()*er would )a,e been willin( *o -ome wi*)ou* )i+ ma*e' And 0ro*o+imian
8emale+% a+ i+ well ;nown?C
Rianna +narled +ome*)in( under )er brea*) *)a* -ame *)rou() ane>+ *ran+la*or a+
C1*u88 *)a* down your wind0i0eEC Aloud +)e +aid% wi*) +il;y 0er+ua+i,ene++%
CWould *)e wor*)y 1)>8e:: A(en* o8 *)e Pro*e-*or+ -are *o a**em0* *wo 8all+ ou* o8
*)ree wi*) my )umble +el8D I8 )e +*ill belie,e+ I +)ould be a* )ome )a*-)in( my e((+%
*)i+ mi()* )el0 *o 0er+uade )im *)a* I )a,e o*)er 8un-*ion+ on *)i+ :ourney'C
ane ;e0* )i+ mou*) +)u*' One o8 *)e 8ir+* *)in(+ )e )ad )ad *o learn in *)e &ni*y
wa+ *)a* Rianna wa+ more *)an -a0able o8 8i()*in( )er own ba**le+% and *)a* *)e one
*)in( )e ou()* no* *o do wa+ *o o0en )i+ mou*) in )er de8en+e'
Pro*o+aurian 8a-e+ were no* ea+y 8or )uman+ *o read9 bu* ane )ad been around
Ara*a; lon( enou() *o ;now *)a* Ara*a; wa+ amu+ed and ra,a+) wa+ no*'
Ne,er*)ele++ ra,a+) ba-;ed down' He +aid% C1a,e your 8ier-ene++ 8or our enemie+%
(ood<8emale<-ollea(ue'C T)rou() *)e *ran+la*or ane -ould
+*ill )ear *)e rumble o8 a +0e-ial mode o8 +0ee-) u+ed only wi*) re+0e-* *oward
member+ o8 ano*)er +a0ien* +0e-ie+' Rianna )eard i* *oo and wa+ molli8ied'
CAnd now *)a* we )a,e e=-)an(ed ade/ua*e -our*e+ie+ and -om0limen*+%C *)e
Prr@e*@ -a0*ain +aid +)ar0ly% Cwill my wor*)y 0a++en(er+ be 0lea+ed *o (e* down *o
*)e bu+ine++ a* )andD ra,a+)% you )a,e (i,en u+ *)e -o<ordina*e+ o8 *)e &ni*y ba+e
down *)ere9 do you wi+) *o be landed in 8ull dayli()*D I8 no*% we mu+* land you a+
+oon a+ 0o++ible'C
C7ery well%C ra,a+) +aid% Cbu* I be( you% wai* a 8ew momen*+ un*il *)e Far+0ea;er
:oin+ u+'C
ane *en+ed9 only on-e durin( *)i+ ,oya(e )ad )e +e* eye+ on ra,a+)>+ -om0anion%
*)e CFar+0ea;erC o8 w)om Rianna )ad +0o;en' Now% )earin( a *)i-; +wi+)in(
+)u88le in *)e -orridor ou*+ide *)e -)ar*room% )e ;new *)a* *)e Far+0ea;er% un<
+ummoned% )ad -ome *o :oin *)em'
W)y +)ould *)e -rea*ure e=-i*e +u-) re,ul+ionD An albino -ro-odile would no* )a,e
di+*re++ed )im unduly' T)e Far<+0ea;er wa+ o8 1)>8e:: ori(in% in (eneral% bu* )i+
lea*)ery )ide wa+ a dull o88<w)i*e% and *)e (ill<+li*+% no* ,e+*i(ial in *)i+ indi,idual%
were 0in;i+)% and 8rin(ed a* *)e ed(e wi*) -rim+on' ull -rim+on eye+ were dee0<+e*
in )i+ re0*ilian +;ull' He dra((ed )im+el8 0ain8ully alon( in a wal;er% *)e me-)ani-al
+u00or* )oldin( )im only 0ar*ially u0ri()*% )i+ u00er body )un-)ed o,er i* and )i+
+-aly dir*y<w)i*e dor+al a00enda(e *railin( alon( u+ele++ly be)ind' A+ )e -ame in*o
*)e -)ar*<room )e loo;ed nei*)er *o one +ide nor *)e o*)er% and e,en *)rou() *)e
*ran+la*or di+; )i+ ,oi-e +eemed 8la**er and more me-)ani-al *)an mo+*'
CMy -our*eou+ -om0limen*+ *o all )ere'C Bu* 8rom )i+ *one )e mi()* a+ well )a,e
been +neerin( ob+-eni*ie+ a* *)em all' Cra,a+)% )a,e your 0ar*y a++embledDC
CI belie,e +o% Con+e-ra*ed One'C
T)e albino Far+0ea;er )i*-)ed *)e me-)ani-al wal;er a li**le -lo+er +o *)a* )e -ould
bra-e )im+el8 in i*9 ne,er*)ele++ )e +eemed *o +way 8rom +ide *o +ide a li**le% +o *)a*
ane wa*-)ed )im in )orri8ied 8a+-ina*ion% +ure *)a* *)e re0ellen* -rea*ure would
*il* *oo 8ar *o one +ide or ano*)er and -omI -ra+)in( down'
CW)a* i* -an 0ro8i* *o ally your+el8 wi*) 0ro*o+imian+ I -anno* ima(ine%C *)e
Far+0ea;er>+ ,oi-e -li-;ed on wi*) di+*re++in( 0re-i+ion'
ra,a+) +aid de8en+i,ely% CT)e na*i,e+ o8 Bel+ar Four?C
CAre /ui*e 0ro0erly +ub:e-* *o our ;ind and need no* be -on+ul*ed''''C
CRe+0e-*% Con+e-ra*ed One% bu* no +u88i-ien* number o8 1)>8e:: ade/ua*ely *rained
in 0rimi*i,e +ur,i,al and -omba* *e-)ni/ue+ -ould be lo-a*ed in *)e limi*ed *ime?C
Far+0ea;er wa,ed *)a* a+ide' Hi+ dronin( ,oi-e mo,ed on% *onele++ and me-)ani-al'
CI )a,e in8ormed my +urro(a*e+ *)a* ' you will be dro00ed in a +)u**le +)i0 0re-i+ely
one 1*andard &ni* be8ore *)e +unri+e o8 *)i+ -om0le*ely re0ellen* 0lane*' T)i+ will
(i,e you ade/ua*e *ime *o *a;e +u-) +)el*er a+ i+ ne-e++ary *o 0re+er,e your u+ele++
li,e+' Ha,e your re,ol*in( -om0anion+ under(one +u-) *ran+8orma*ion+ a+ will ma;e
*)em a+ di+(u+*in( a+ *)e na*i,e+ o8 *)a* 8oul and loa*)+ome 0lane* benea*) u+DC
CA+ *)e Con+e-ra*ed One -an -learly +ee?C
CI do no* wa+*e +i()* on +u-) ma**er+%C *)e Far+0ea;er in*erru0*ed )im +)ar0ly%
C1in-e you *a;e 0er,er*ed 0lea+ure in -on*a-* wi*) *)e+e di+(u+*in( bein(+% 8ul8ill
your wor*)le++ o88i-e wi*)ou* 8ur*)er delay% i8 you are -a0able o8 +o in8ini*e+imal a
ri()* a-*ion 8or on-e in your u+ele++ e=i+*en-e'C
ane 8el* )i+J an(er +wellin( wi*)in )im'
That washed$out li(ard thin# acts li%e he had all 2reation in his hand and comes on as
if he1s lord of all he surveys. +here does anythin# that repulsive #et off with callin# us
names?
ra,a+)% )owe,er% +0o;e wi*) )umble de8eren-e?a de0ar*ure 8or *)e 0roud 1)>8e::
w)o wa+ *o lead *)eir e=0edi*ion' CAra*a;% Con+e-ra*ed One% )a+ been *ran+8ormed
*o a +ui*able -olor 8or a 1)>8e::' T)ere i+ no -on-ealmen* 8or )i+ e=*raordinary )ei()*
and bul;% bu* i8 need be )e -an be 0a++ed o88 a+ a (ian*<?a 8rea; or a mon+*ro+i*y%
e=)ibi*in( )i+ enormou+ +i@e and +*ren(*)'C
Ara*a; blin;ed an(rily +e,eral *ime+% *)en (a,e a 0)ilo+o0)i-al +)ru( and +ub+ided'
CA+ 8or *)e 0ro*o+imian+% *)ey *oo )a,e )ad *)e -olor+ o8 *)eir )ide and 8ur
*ran+8ormed *o -on8orm *o *)e a00earan-e o8 *)e na*i,e+ o8 Bel+ar Four'C
CI* render+ *)em e,en more re,ol*in(%C *)e Far+0ea;er droned% Cbu* may +er,e *o
0rolon( *)eir meanin(le++ li,e+ 8or a *ime% w)ile *)e &ni*y (a*)er+ *)e ;nowled(e 8or
w)i-) you were +en* )ere'C
That1s !i# of you, !uddy, ane *)ou()*% bu* )e did no* +0ea; aloud' He and Rianna
)ad bo*) )ad *)eir )air dyed *o a ru+*y brown% and *)eir +;in+ dar;ened +e,eral
+)ade+9 )e al<
ready ;new *)a* only *)e -ooler o8 *)e !<*y0e +*ar+ would 0ermi* 8air<+;inned *y0e+
li;e )im+el8 and Rianna *o +ur,i,e in8an-y' Red)ead+ li;e Rianna were a rari*y9
8air<+;inned blond *y0e+ li;e ane )im+el8 limi*ed *o a +-an* )al8<do@en 0lane*+
amon( )undred+% +o *)a* e,en on *)e -ro++road+ Admini+*ra*ion -i*y w)ere )e )ad
li,ed wi*) Rianna% ane a**ra-*ed +*are+?0oli*e% -on-ealed +*are+% bu* +*ill% +*are+%
and on a le++ -i,ili@ed world )e would )a,e -olle-*ed a -rowd'
CI my+el8 0re8er *)em *)i+ way%C *)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain +aid% loo;in( a* Rianna>+ dar;
+;in and du+;y )air% CT)ey no lon(er bear *)e +u0er8i-ial re+emblan-e *o *)e 6ir(on
w)i-) made me 8ear *)em' My a0olo(ie+% wor*)y bein(+%C )e added 0oli*ely *o ane
and Rianna% Cbu* al*)ou() I ;now you and your male -om0anion are not 6ir(on%
*)e 0alene++ o8 your 8ur -rea*ed a re8le= o8 in*ernal 8ear I -ould )ardly -on*rol9 i* i+ a
relie8 *o loo; a* you now wi*)ou* a 0urely ,i+-eral ur(e *o re(ur(i*a*e my 8ood 8rom
8ear'C
T)i+ -ame a+ a +)o-; *o ane?*)a* *)e 0ro*o8eline Prr@e*@ -a0*ain )ad 8eared
them He murmured *o Rianna% CW)a* *)e )ell are *)e 6ir(onDC and +)e
w)i+0ered% CRa-e o8 +la,e<*a;er+ ou*+ide *)e &ni*y9 hell i+ ri()*' T)ey ma;e *)e
Me;)ar loo; li;e )ou+e0e*+'C
T)a* (a,e ane a new ,iew o8 *)e *ran+8orma*ion' He )adn>* really re+en*ed i*9 )e
;new *)a* *)e medi-a*ion w)i-) added 0ro*e-*i,e melanin *o dar;en )i+ +;in and
)air would 0ro*e-* )im% *)a* wi*)ou* i*% )e>d be 8ried ali,e under *)e +un o8 Bel+ar
Four down *)ere9 and Rianna wouldn>* be mu-) be**er o88' Bu* )e 8el* odd w)en )e
loo;ed down a* *)e un8amiliar -olor o8 )i+ +;in% and i* wa+ e,en odder *o loo; a* *)e
normally red<)eaded% 0ale<+;inned Rianna% now du+;y a+ )im+el89 )er (reen eye+
loo;ed +*ran(e indeed% loo;in( ou* 8rom *)e dar;ne++ o8 )er dyed +;in'
ra,a+) +aid% CE,en i8 i* were no* 0)y+i-ally ne-e++ary 8or *)eir -om8or* on Bel+ar
Four% and 8or *)eir -on-ealmen* amon( *)e na*i,e+% *)e -olor w)i*e would be
re(arded wi*) +u0er+*i*iou+ *aboo down *)ere% a--ordin( *o *)e 8ew re0or*+ we )a,e
)ad9 i* i+ no* e,en allowable in -lo*)in(' Bu* our 0ro*o+imian -ollea(ue+ )a,e mo+*
(ra-iou+ly +ubmi**ed *o *)i+ al*era*ion% and now *)ey are ready *o a--om0any u+'C
T)e Far+0ea;er +aid% i(norin( *)a*% COur bond i+ made% ra,a+)' Bu* in *)e e,en*
*)a* you are ;illed or made 0ri+oner% we mu+* no* rely u0on *)i+ one bond alone' I
mu+* *ou-) ea-) o8 *)e+e in *urn +o *)a* I -an rea-) *)em i8 *)e need i+ (rea*C
ane +*i88ened' That )adn>* been in *)e bar(ain' He )ad ;nown o8 *)e *ele0a*)i-
bond be*ween ra,a+) and *)e Far+0ea;er% bu* *)e *)ou()* o8 in-urrin( +ome +u-)
bond )im+el8?and wi*) a -rea*ure a+ re0ul+i,e a+ *)e Far+0ea;er ?*urned )i+
+*oma-)' A (lan-e a* Rianna +)owed )im +)e wa+ e/ually unwillin('
CW)y i+ *)a* ne-e++aryDC +)e a00ealed *o *)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain' CWe )a,e *)e
Communi-a*or+% 8or ne-e++i*y?C +)e *ou-)ed *)e *iny% +u0er<minia*uri@ed
*ran+-ei,er around )er ne-;% di+(ui+ed a+ a 0ie-e o8 elabora*e :ewelry9 i* )ad been
-on+*ru-*ed *o 0a**ern+ +mu((led ou* o8 Bel+ar Four by earlier *eam+ o8 +-ien*i8i-
ob+er,er+'
T)e Far+0ea;er -la-;ed% CMe-)ani-al -ommuni-a*ion de,i-e+ are unreliable9 *)ey
-an be +*olen% you mi()* )a,e been de0ri,ed o8 your )and+% your +0ee-) or(an+ or
your wi*+' T)e *eam w)i-) di+a00eared wa+ e/ui00ed wi*) +u-) -ommuni-a*or+%
and no*)in( )a+ been )eard o8 *)em' T)i+ way I -an moni*or w)a* )a00en+ *o you%
and relay *)e re+ul*+ *o your be**er+' o you 0ro*e+*% w)en I )a,e a(reed *o endure a
-on*a-* +o di+(u+*in(DC T)e loa*)in( in )i+ ,oi-e wa+ *)e 8ir+* real emo*ion )e )ad
di+0layed'
CCon+e-ra*ed One% our wor*)y 8emale -ollea(ue in*ended no di+re+0e-*?Rianna%
a++ure )im *)a* you in*ended no di+re+0e-*?C
CI in*ended no di+re+0e-*%C Rianna +aid *onele++ly% 8or *)e *ran+la*or di+;' &nder )er
brea*)% in *)e -ommon lan(ua(e +)e and ane were be(innin( *o +)are% +)e
w)i+0ered% CNo* di+re+0e-*' e*e+*a*ion'C
ane w)i+0ered ba-;% ;nowin( *)a* *)e 0ro*o+aurian+ would *a;e no no*i-e o8 *)em%
CI*>+ 0robably mu*ual% a* *)a*% )oney'C
ra,a+)>+ yellow eye+ (lin*ed a* Rianna9 bu* )e +aid no*)in(% and +*ood /uie*ly
be8ore )i+ albino 0ar*ner% wai*in('
CAra*a;'C T)e Far+0ea;er 8o-u+ed )i+ dull -rim+on eye+ on *)e enormou+ li@ard<
man9 a8*er a momen* )e +aid in di+(u+*% CYour *)ou()*+ are a+ dull a+ *)o+e o8 an
in+e-* brow+in( in a +wam0% awai*in( *)e *oad *)a* +wallow+ )im'C
Ara*a;>+ ,oi-e wa+ -alm' CT)e i,ine E(( )a+ wi+ely *old u+ *)a* 0ea-e o8 mind i+ a
:ewel wor*)y o8 *)e -rown o8 all li8e'C
CI8 your i,ine E(( wa+ a+ (rea* a 8ool a+ you% )e would +*ill be *)e wi+e+* o8 )i+
ra-e%C *)e Far+0ea;er +aid wi*) +ome*)in( be*ween a +nor* and a +narl% and ane
+*ared?would Ara*a; le* *)i+ +lur u0on *)e (rea* 0)ilo+o0)er o8 )i+ ;ind
0a++ unremar;edD Bu* Ara*a;% *)ou() )i+ eye+ (lin*ed% merely remar;ed% CT)e
i,ine E(( i+ a+ )e i+% now and 8ore,ermore% Far+0ea;er%C and mo,ed away 8rom )i+
in*erro(a*or' CI *)an; you% Far+0ea;er% 8or an en*irely new e=0erien-e' No 0)ilo+o<
0)er would willin(ly 8ore(o +u-) a )a00enin('C
Far+0ea;er loo;ed a* ane and Rianna' A8*er a momen* ane 8el* +ome*)in(
+*ran(e' For a momen* )e -ould no* iden*i8y i*9 *)en a -on,i-*ion be(an *o +*eal o,er
)im *)a* *)e &ni,er+e wa+ a +i-;enin(% )o+*ile 0la-e% *)a* ea-) o8 i*+ ,aryin(
-rea*ure+ wa+ u(lier *)an *)e la+*% *)a* e,ery one o8 *)em in+0ired ,aryin( de(ree+ o8
loa*)in( and re,ul+ion and *)a* *)ey in *urn re(arded )im wi*) +imilar di+(u+*'
Cau()* in *)e wa,e+ o8 *)i+ +i-;enin( +el8<)a*red% ane 8ound )im+el8 loo;in( u0on
a ludi-rou+ a0eli;e -rea*ure% u0ri()*% o8 a re0ellen* (olden<brown -olor% i*+ )air
-rudely dyed dar;% and a* i*+ +ide a 8emale o8 *)e +ame 8oul +or*% i*+ body di+*or*ed
wi*) *)e re0u(nan* +e-ondary +e=ual -)ara-*eri+*i-+ o8 0ro*o<+imian 8emale+% +en+ed
*)e )a*e8ul loo; o8 )orror on i*+ 8a-e and i*+ own wa,e+ o8 emo*ion% re,ul+ion%
loa*)in(''''
T)e -on*a-* bro;e' 1wea*in(% ane wa+ aware *)a* 8or a momen* )e )ad been in
*o*al men*al -on*a-* wi*) *)e li**le albino *ele0a*)% )ad +een )im+el8 *)rou() *)e
0ro*o+aurian>+ eye+' A line 8rom a Terran 0oe* 8la+)ed *)rou() )i+ mind% 3 would
some power the #iftie #i1e us, to see ourselves as others see us. . . ' How many o8 u+% )e
wondered% -ould +*and i* more *)an on-eD I8 *)e world loo;+ li;e *)a* *o *)e 0oor
-rea*ure% no wonder )e )a*e+ e,ery*)in( and e,erybodyE
CYour 0i*y i+ a+ re0ul+i,e a+ your a00earan-e%C *)e Far<+0ea;er +aid )ar+)ly% Cbu*
now I -an di+-o,er w)a* )a+ )a00ened *o you in *)e e,en* your wre*-)edly
inade/ua*e -ommuni-a*or+ -ea+e en*irely *o 8un-*ion or your +*u0idi*y 8ail+ *o
in-lude ade/ua*e in8orma*ion in your re0or*+'C He +wayed in )i+ wal;er a+ i8
e=)au+*ed' CI mu+* +ee; +oli*ude *o -lean+e my+el8 o8 *)e -on*amina*ion o8 your
0re+en-e'C
None o8 *)em +0o;e w)ile *)e +)a;in( -rea*ure dra((ed )im+el8 +lowly and 0ain8ully
8rom *)e -abin' Bu* Rianna mo,ed -lo+er *o ane% +*re*-)ed )er )and *o )im% and )e
-lo+ed )i+ 8in(er+ around )er+' T)e *ou-)% )er /ui-; +ym0a*)e*i- +mile% +ome)ow
ea+ed *)e +el8<loa*)in( wa;ened in )im by *)e +)o-; o8 -on*a-* wi*) *)e Far+0ea;er'
ra,a+)K+ ,oi-e wa+ more (en*le *)an wa+ u+ual wi*) )im' CT)e 0oor 8ellow i+n>* a+
bad a+ )e +ound+% you ;now' He>+ really a ra*)er (ood -rea*ure a* )ear*9 )e wouldn>*
)arm an in+e-* *)a* +*un( )im% really'C
Ara*a; +aid eni(ma*i-ally% CI re:oi-e *)a* +a0ien-e )a+ many 8orm+' I* i+ (ood% no
doub*% bo*) 8or you and *)e Far+0ea;er% *)a* a bond be*ween you i+ 0o++ible9 I
e/ually re:oi-e *)a* *)e &ni*y re/uire+ no +u-) bond o8 me'C He +)oo; )im+el8?
ra*)er% ane *)ou()*% li;e a lar(e do( emer(in( 8rom a muddy +wam0?and +aid *o
*)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain% w)o )ad +a* durin( all *)i+ wi*) )i+ eye+ ri(idly 8i=ed on )i+
,iew+-reen+ and -om0u*er 0rin*ou*+% C1)ow u+% I be( o8 you% w)ere we are *o land'C
T)e -a*li;e Prr@e*@ *ou-)ed bu**on+ and *)e blurry 0i-*ure+ o8 *)e land below *)em
enlar(ed *en8old% a )undred8old% a *)ou+and8old% +eemin( *o lea0 *oward *)em 8rom
*)e ,iew+-reen a+ i8 *)ey were 8allin( ra0idly *oward *)e +ur8a-e o8 *)e 0lane*9 an
illu+ion% ane ;new% bu* +o -om0ellin( *)a* )e% and e,en Rianna% (a+0ed'
CHere%C )e +aid% Cnear *o *)e nor*)ea+*ern +)ore o8 *)e lar(e main -on*inen* *)ere'
I8 you are 8or*una*e% *)e +mall +)u**le will land you wi*)in a 8ew me*er+ o8 *)e +mall
+*a*ion buil* 8or *)e Ob+er,er -rew *)a* wa+ lo+*% and you will be +a8e *)ere% un+een%
be8ore *)e day brea;+'C
CAnd you belie,e we -an 0a++ *)ere unno*i-ed?C CI belie,e +o%C ra,a+) +aid% CWe
will a**em0* *o 0a++ our+el,e+ o88% i8 we mu+* *ra,el in *)a* area% a+ *ra,eler+ 8rom
Rai8e?w)i-)% a+ you will re-all% i+ 8ar di+*an*% on *)e we+*ern +)ore o8 *)e
-on*inen*'C
T)a* wa+ *rue% ane *)ou()*% a+ a *idal wa,e o8 Cmemorie+C 8rom *)e in*en+i,e
-our+e o8 edu-a*or *a0e+ and )y0nolearner+ 8loodin( *)rou() )im% *o *)e na*i,e+ o8
6a)ram down *)ere% *ra,eler+ -ome 8rom Rai8e will be a+ e=o*i- and +*ran(e a+?)i+
mind +ou()* +*ill 8or Ear*)>+ e/ui,alen*+?a+ a C)ine+e would )a,e +eemed in
Mar-o Polo>+ 7eni-e' Rai8e i+ +o 8ar away 8rom *)em?and% a+ I remember% di,ided
by *)e !rand !or(e w)i-) -u*+ *)e -on*inen* nearly in )al8?*)a* *)e di+*an-e will
-o,er any +mall la0+e+ any o8 u+ ma;e in +0ee-) and lo-al -u+*om'
Rianna wa+ *)in;in( alon( *)e +ame line+% bu* *)ey brou()* )er *o di88eren*
-on-lu+ion+' CWon>* *)i+ ma;e u+ e,en more -on+0i-uou+ *)an we>d be anyway% wi*)
Ara*a; wi*) u+DC
ra,a+) +aid +)ar0ly% CWe -ould no* 0o++ibly di+(ui+e our+el,e+ well enou()% or
+0ea; *)e lan(ua(e +u88i-ien*ly well% *o be any*)in( !ut +*ran(e' T)ere i+ no way we
-ould 0o++ibly a00ear a+ na*i,e+ o8 *)e 6a)ram rain 8ore+*' 1in-e we -anno* be
in-on+0i-uou+ and blend in*o *)e +-enery li;e a -amou8la(e<-a* ' ' 'C ane
+)uddered a* w)a* *)e *ran+la*or di+;
made o8 *)e na*i,e name o8 *)e 8ier-e+* o8 *)e 0reda*or+ o8 *)e 6a)ram rain 8ore+*
?Cwe mi()* a+ well be +o enormou+ly -on+0i-uou+ *)a* no one will belie,e we -ould
0o++ibly )a,e any*)in( *o )ide'C
ane +u00o+ed *)a* wa+ a ,alid 0oin* o8 0+y-)olo(y% bu* i* +*ill (a,e )im *)e +)i,er+'
Abru0*ly )e re-o(ni@ed *)e +en+a*ion9 i* wa+ mu-) *)e +ame )e )ad 8el* on *)e e,e o8
*)eir landin( on *)e Hun*er>+ World9 e=-i*emen*% and a +*ran(e% *oni- 8ear% bra-in(
)im% ma;in( )im ,ery mu-) aware o8 +mall *)in(+ (oin( on' I* wa+ no* un0lea+an*
a* all9 ra*)er *)e re,er+e'
He wondered% am I )ust an adrenalin )un%ie, then? Do I #et some %ind of emotional
hi#h from dan#er?
/ianna had accused me of that . . ' im0a*ien*ly% )e 0u* *)e *)ou()* a+ide% a+ ra,a+)
(e+*ured *)em in*o a +mall -om0ar*men* ad:a-en* *o *)e )an(ar<well o8 *)e +)u**le
w)i-) would dro0 *)em% and +aid% COur wea0on+ and ru-;+a-;+ are *)ere% ready 8or
landin('C
1ilen*ly% ane +*ra00ed )i+ on% wa*-)in( Rianna do *)e +ame' A +)or*% )ea,y ;ni8e
wa+ bel*ed in*o *)e +)ea*) a* )er wai+*' 1)e wore a +)or*% wra00ed lea*)er ;il* and
boo*+ )i() *o *)e ;nee% *)e u00er 0ar* o8 )er body -o,ered wi*) a -lo+e<8i**in( ;ni*
(armen*?no* unli;e a +;i +wea*er?and a wra00ed o,er<(armen* w)i-) wen*
around )er *wi-e bu* -ould be rearran(ed *o -o,er )er )ead 8or warm*) or lea,e i*
e=0o+ed *o *)e air% or *o 8all 8rom )er +)oulder+ li;e a -a0e i8 i* wa+ *oo )o*' Her
-urly )air% dyed bla-;?ane mi++ed *)e -)eer8ul 8ire o8 i*+ normal bri()* red?)ad
been -u* *o a -urly -a0 around )er )ead% and a brillian* blue ;er-)ie8 *ied around i*'
Around )er ne-; a ,arie*y o8 amule*+ and ne-;la-e+ :in(led (y0+y<8a+)ion%
-on-ealin( amon( *)em *)e +in(le +mall mi-ro-ommuni-a*or'
ane>+ -o+*ume wa+ +imilar% )i+ lea*)er ;il* +omew)a* lon(er% )i+ boo*+ no* /ui*e
;nee<)i()' T)e -lu**er o8 0endan*+% amule*+ and o*)er *rin;e*+ were a :in(lin(
nui+an-e a* )i+ ne-;?)e +u00o+ed )e would% +ooner or la*er% (e* u+ed *o *)em'
rawin( a dee0 brea*)% )e +*ra00ed *)e 1amurai +word a* )i+ )i0% ad:u+*in( *)e bel*
*o *)e 0re-i+e )ei()* )e li;ed% w)ere *)e )il* wa+ a* )i+ )and' He *ou-)ed i*
+urre0*i*iou+ly% no* loo;in( a* any o8 )i+ -omrade+'
Ara*a; wore a lon( *)in ;ni8e% +lid in*o *)e +ame narrow -a+e )e u+ed *o )old ea*in(
in+*rumen*+ and bru+)e+ 8or -leanin( )i+ lon( *ee*)' ra,a+) )ad a +)or*% u(ly<
loo;in( ;ni8e no* unli;e a ma-)e*e'
CT)i+ doe+ no* +eem *)e be+* o8 0lannin(%C +aid Ara*a; *)ou()*8ully% C*o +end in
only one *eam' I* would +eem *)a* +in-e one *eam )a+ ,ani+)ed wi*)ou* *ra-e
already% i* mi()* )a,e been wi+er *o )a,e *wo or *)ree *eam+ *o in,e+*i(a*e% *o 8ind
ou* w)a* i+ (oin( on?C
ra,a+) +aid irri*ably% CO8 -our+e *)a* would )a,e been wi+erE Bu* we -ould no*
8ind +u88i-ien* member+ 8or +u-) *eam+?a* lea+*% no* *eam+ ade/ua*ely *rained in
*)e ba+i-+ o8 +ur,i,al under 0rimi*i,e -ondi*ion+E Con+iderin( *)a* we were
re+*ri-*ed *o 0ro*o+imian+ and 0ro*o+aur+% and -ould no* re-rui* amon( *)e
ad,en*ure<lo,in( ra-e+?C )e added% wi*) a (lan-e a* *)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain' Co you
really *)in;?C
He bro;e o88% bu* ane wa+ +ure )e )ad been abou* *o ma;e +ome *a-*le++ remar;%
+u-) a+% o you really *)in; we would )a,e en*ru+*ed a mi++ion o8 *)i+ im0or*an-e *o
0ro*o+imian+D
ane wondered9 )ow -ould a !ala-*i- -i,ili@a*ion% li;e *)i+ one% )a,e lo+* all +en+e o8
ad,en*ureD
Ci,ili@a*ion% )e *)ou()*' Maybe *)a* wa+ *)e an+wer' Peo0le (row u0 a--u+*omed *o
-om8or* and -on,enien-e' Now *)a* e,eryone )a+ w)a* )e need+ *o ma;e li8e (ood
8or )im% *)ere i+ :u+* *oo mu-) *o ri+;' W)en li8e i+ all dan(er and )ard+)i0 any)ow%
*)e ri+; o8 dea*) i+ :u+* one more o8 *)e many way+ *o die% +in-e dea*) i+ alway+ :u+*
around *)e -orner' Bu* in a +o-ie*y li;e *)i+% *)ere i+ :u+* *oo mu-) (ood li8e *o ri+;''''
T)e *)ou()* +*ru-; ane a+ in8ini*ely de0re++in(' A+ li8e (rew be**er% )a00ier% +a8er%
did i* al+o lo+e +ome inde8inable ed(e w)i-) made i* wor*) li,in( a* allD
3r don1t most people even %now a!out that ed#e? Is it somethin# limited to primitive
throw!ac%s li%e me? 'ure, even on *arth, I had to #o farther and farther away from
civili(ation, to find anythin# excitin# enou#h to ma%e me feel I was livin#.'''
Well% any)ow% )e wa+ on *)e ed(e o8 an ad,en*ure now' A(ain )e *ou-)ed *)e +)ea*)
o8 *)e 1amurai +word wi*) +urre0*i*iou+ 8in(er+% wan*in( *o draw Rianna -lo+e *o
)im% +)oulder *o +)oulder% +)arin( *)i+ momen* wi*) )er' Bu* )e ;new *)a* i* would
annoy and embarra++ *)e 0ro*o+aurian+ i8 )e did% *)ey would +ee i* a+ :u+* one more
mani8e+*a*ion o8 0ro*o+imian ru* and ina00ro0ria*e +e=uali*y% +o )e only (rinned a*
)er and wai*ed'
One by one )e ran o,er in )i+ mind *)e ,ariou+ dan(er+ a)ead' T)e enormou+
*i(erli;e bea+* ra,a+) -alled
camoufla#e$cat, w)o mi()* -on-eal )im+el8 anyw)ere in *)e rain 8ore+*% 0lun(in(
u0on *)em wi*)ou* warnin(9 *)e e=i+*en-e o8 *)i+ dan(erou+% bu* no* ,ery in*elli(en*
0reda*or wa+ 0robably *)e rea+on 8or *)e la-; o8 +a0ien* 0ro*o8eline+ on Bel+ar Four'
I* li,ed on mon;ey+ and a0e+?o8 w)i-) 8or +ome rea+on *)ere were a -on+iderable
number?and wa+ no* a,er+e a* all *o dinin(% now and *)en% on an a--e++ible mem<
ber o8 *)e 0ro*o+imian dominan* ra-e o8 )umanli;e -rea*ure+'
A sword, ane *)ou()*% should ta%e care of the camoufla#e$cats 4uite nicely. Bu* )e
wi+)ed Rianna>+ ;ni8e wa+ lon(er'
Dravash said they have a nasty ha!it of )umpin# down on you from the trees.'''
T)en *)ere wa+ *)e o*)er 0reda*or *)ey )ad been warned abou* in *)e edu-a*or
*a0e+9 a +lin;in( +ilen* -rea*ure no* unli;e *)e *errible wol,erine+ o8 *)e ar-*i- -ir-le
on Ear*)9 *)i+ one 8ou()* wi*) de+0era*ion% and i*+ lea+* bi*e -ould be 0oi+onou+ a+
well' For*una*ely *)ey were rare''''
ra,a+) a+;ed *)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain% CHa,e your e=0er*+ 8ini+)ed analy@in( *)e me*al
8lo*+am w)i-) wa+ 8ound dri8*in( )ere *wo ro*a*ion+ a(oD I8 i* wa+ any 0ar* o8 a
6ir(on or Me;)ar +)i0''''C
T)e Prr@e*@ +)oo; )i+ )ead% -a*<w)i+;er+ 8li-;in( 8rom +ide *o +ide' CNo 8ear%
ra,a+)' Radia*ion da*a )a,e +)own u+ i* i+ old% old ' 0robably older *)an *)e
-i,ili@a*ion down *)ere on Bel+ar Four' I* mu+* )a,e been :e**i+oned 8rom +ome
&ni*y +)i0 a *)ou+and (enera*ion+ a(o and been 8loa*in( *)rou() in*er0lane*ary
+0a-e e,er +in-e' Po++ibly +ome )i+*orian+ will 8ind i* in*ere+*in(9 I )a,e
re-ommended i* be +en* *o *)e &ni*y mu+eum'C He made a -uriou+ 0urrin( +ound'
CI +u((e+*% 8riend+% *)a* you 0re0are *o board your +)u**le-ra8*% i8 you wi+) *o be
landed be8ore +unri+e a* *)e Ob+er,er +*a*ion% +in-e dawn a00roa-)e+ *)e ea+*ern
-oa+* o8 *)e -on*inen*'C He indi-a*ed% on *)e 8lowin( ,iew+-reen% +)i8*in( be)ind i*+
*ran+lu-en* 0anel% *)e -ree0in( line o8 li()* a-ro++ *)e 0lane*>+ 8a-e'
ane *oo; Rianna>+ )and a+ *)ey mo,ed *oward *)e +mall +)u**le +)i0' 1)e +aid%
CW)a* i8 we are +een landin(DC
CW)a* i8 we areDC Ara*a; +aid' COn a 0lane* a+ 0rimi*i,e a+ *)i+ one% i8 anyone
+)ould +ee u+ land% e,en in 8ull dayli()*% )e i+ li;ely *o belie,e )e )a+ +een a delu+ion
or a dream% or )a+ under(one a my+*i-al ,i+i*a*ion 8rom (od+ o8 +ome +or*'
Remember w)a* ane *old u+ o8 landin(+ on his worldDC
T)e landin( -ra8* wa+ +mall% no* o,er *en me*er+ in diame*er% and almo+* 0re-i+ely
di+;<+)a0ed9 *)i+% Rianna )ad *old ane on-e% bein( *)e mo+* e88i-ien* +)a0e 8or
ridin( *)e (ra,i*y -urren*+ o8 *)e 0lane*ary 8ield' Rianna and ane -limbed *)rou()
*)e )a*-)9 ra,a+) 8ollowed% and 8inally Ara*a; 8or-ed )i+ )u(e bul; *)rou() *)e
door+ w)i-) )ad ne,er been de+i(ned 8or anyone )i+ +i@e' He *oo wa+ dra0ed wi*)
;ni**ed +)awl+ and +-ar,e+% a -olle-*ion o8 amule*+ and :ewel+ around )i+ enormou+
ne-;9 -on-ealed amon( *)em% a+ well a+ *)e *win o8 *)e -ommuni-a*or+ )e and
Rianna -arried% wa+ a re+ona*or ;eyed *o *)e $ 8or-e8ield w)i-) +urrounded *)e
&ni*y>+ Ob+er,er ba+e% ma;in( i* in,i+ible *o ou*+ider+' T)ere wa+ no +ea* in+ide *)e
+)u**le w)i-) would )old Ara*a; wi*)ou* -rum0lin(?ane )ad +een )im *ry *o +i*
on ordinary 8urni*ure aboard *)e Prr@e*@ +)i0% )i+ 8ir+* day in )i+ -abin )ad bro;en
down *)e bun;?+o )e -urled u0 on *)e 8loor'
Rianna +aid% CI wi+) I -ould -arry a re-order or a +-riber' T)ere mu+* be 8a+-ina*in(
*)in(+ )ere ' ' 'C bu* +)e +i()ed% ;nowin( +)e -ould no* -arry any ,i+ible i*em o8
ob,iou+ o88world manu8a-*ure' CAnd *)ere are limi*+ *o mi-ro<minia*uri@a*ionE T)e
day *)ey 0er8e-* a re-order I -ould )ide in+ide a bra-ele*% I>ll be in )ea,enEC
ane +aid% CYou>ll :u+* )a,e *o ;ee0 a diary'C Bu* +)e loo;ed a* )im wi*)ou*
-om0re)en+ion% and i* +uddenly +*ru-; ane *)a* )e )ad ne,er +een Rianna wri*e'
Her no*e+ and memoranda were ;e0* on *iny +0ool+ o8 *)in 8ine wire% an enormou+ly
+o0)i+*i-a*ed re-order o8 Cmemory wireC w)i-) ;e0* i*+ own -oil and re8u+ed *o be
*an(led de+0i*e i*+ +u0er8ine +i@e9 i* wa+ -a0able o8 re-ordin( no* only )er ,oi-e% bu*%
by +ome 0ro-e++ ane didn>* under+*and a* all% re0rodu-in( 0i-*ure+ a+ well% w)en
8ed in*o *)e a00ro0ria*e 0layba-; ma-)ine' I* wa+ +mall?0o-;e*+i@e?bu* *)a* wa+%
a* 0re+en*% +ome ;ind o8 ul*ima*e limi*a*ion on *)e +i@e o8 *)e *)in(% and i* wa+
de8ini*ely *oo bul;y 8or *)i+ ;ind o8 *ri0E
I* would be +*ran(e% )e *)ou()*% i8 +)e really couldn1t wri*e' He>d )a,e *o a+; )er
abou* i* ''' *)en )e 8or(o* i* a(ain% a+ on *)e ,iew+-reen below *)em% *)e -loud+ and
+*ri0ed band+ o8 -on*inen*+ +lowly +e0ara*ed in*o 0a*-)e+ o8 land and wa*er% rollin(
)ill+ and *)i-; ,e(e*a*ion% a -anyon w)i-) +eemed a* a +wi8* (lim0+e abou* *wi-e *)e
+i@e o8 *)e !rand Canyon on Ear*)?bu* )e didn>* (e* more *)an a /ui-; loo; a* i*
?and *)e ,iew 8rom +0a-e (radually re+ol,ed i*+el8 in*o a land+-a0e' T)ey were
)o,erin( a 8ew *)ou+and me*er+ o,er a *)i-;ly 8ore+*ed area% *)rou() w)i-) *)ey
-ould 8ain*ly +ee *)e
-our+e% ou*lined in a *)i-;er (reen% o8 a (rea* and windin( ri,er'
T)e o0era*or o8 *)e landin( -ra8*% a youn( Prr@e*@ wi*) +*ri0ed )air (rowin( low
li;e 8ur on i*+ 8ore)ead% mani0ula*ed dial+ and -on*rol+ wi*) deli-a*e lon( -law+' CI
-an dro0 you a+ near a+ you wi+) *o *)e &ni*y ba+e%C i* +aid?ane )ad no idea
w)e*)er *)e Prr@e*@ wa+ male or 8emale% *)ere wa+ no way 8or a 0ro*o+imian *o *ell
a* a (lan-e?CT)e )omin( de,i-e i+ +*ill wor;in(' W)a* can )a,e )a00ened *o *)e
bein(+ wi*)in i*DC
CT)a*%C ra,a+) +aid (rimly% Ci+ w)a* we>re )ere *o 8ind ou*'C
T)e +)i0 *ou-)ed down% /uie*ly% (en*ly' ra,a+) +aid wi*) a /ui-; loo; *)a* *oo; in
all 8our o8 *)em% CW)en we land% we be(in a* on-e *o +0ea; *)e lo-al lan(ua(e o8
6a)ram9 all o8 you )a,e learned i* 0ro8i-ien*ly 8rom lan(ua(e *a0e+% and a* any
momen* i* i+ 0o++ible *)a* you will be o,er)eard' I do no* wi+) *o )ear a +in(le word
in any &ni*y lan(ua(e e,en w)en we are alone% le+* we (row -arele++' I+ *)a*
under+*ood% my -ollea(ue+DC
Ara*a; +aid% CA wi+e 0re-au*ion'C
CO;ay by me%C ane +aid' Only Rianna demurred'
CI +ee no rea+on 8or *)a*' I8 we +0ea; an un8amiliar lan(ua(e% will *)e na*i,e+ o8
6a)ram no* +im0ly a++ume i* i+ +ome *on(ue 8rom di+*an* Rai8eDC
CWe -anno* a++ume *)a* +ome by+*ander will no* under+*and *)e lan(ua(e+ o8 Rai8e
be**er *)an we do%C ra,a+) +aid +omberly' CFur*)ermore% (ood 8emale -ollea(ue%
one o8 my du*ie+ i+ *o di+-o,er w)e*)er *)ere are in,ader+ on *)i+ world% Me;)ar or
6ir(on or un;nown+% w)o +)ould no* be )ere' I need no* +ay *o you *)a* i8 we +0ea;
a word o8 any &ni*y lan(ua(e and *)ere are +u-) ille(al alien+ )ere% our li,e+ are no*
wor*) that., He +na00ed )i+ *ee*) a+ i8 +na00in( u0 a 8ly'
Rianna 8lin-)ed a* *)e -la+) o8 *)e enormou+ *ee*)'
CI under+*and' 7ery well% ra,a+)% you>re in -)ar(e'C
ane *ou-)ed *)e )il* o8 *)e 1amurai +word a(ain' I* 8el* 8irm% alive under )i+
8in(er*i0+'
It would !e easy to #et superstitious, to thin%, as lon# as this sword is !y my side, I1m
o%ay..' '
He )oi+*ed )i+ ru-;+a-;% +*ra00ed i* on' T)e o*)er+ were doin( li;ewi+e% Rianna>+
a-ro++ )er +)oulder+ li;e )i+ own% *)e *wo 0ro*o+aur+ wi*) 0a-;+ +lun( a-ro++ *)eir
)i0+?or w)ere *)eir )i0+ would be i8 *)ey were )uman'
5ot a lot, to face a stran#e and dan#erous planet with.'''
CLe* me (o 8ir+*%C Ara*a; +aid wryly a+ *)e )a*-) o0ened% wi*) a +o8* w)inin( +ound'
CT)en i8 I (e* +*u-; you -an all 0u+) 8rom be)ind'C
Hi+ bul; -om0le*ely blo-;ed *)e )a*-)9 ane% +*andin( be)ind a+ *)e 0ro*o+aur
+*ru((led *o 8or-e )i+ +-aly body *)rou()% 8el* im0a*ien*' A new world% wai*in( ''' )e
+u0< 0o+ed )e would ne,er be /ui*e 8ree o8 *)e +en+e o8 wonder and +*ran(ene++'
Rianna would ne,er /ui*e +)are i*' From (irl)ood +)e )ad (rown u0 wi*) a (ala-*i-
-i,ili@a*ion a+ )er bir*)ri()*% new world+ e,eryw)ere' Bu* ane )ad (rown u0 in a
world w)i-) did no* belie,e *)a* any o*)er+ )eld in*elli(en* li8e% and )e -ould ne,er
*a;e i* 8or (ran*ed% ne,er'
Wi*) a (run* o8 +a,a(e e88or*% Ara*a; 8or-ed )im+el8 8ree o8 *)e )a*-) and dro00ed
*o *)e (round' T)rou() *)e o0enin( -ame *)e *)i-; +wee*i+) +mell o8 )ea,y% dam0%
)al8<ro**ed ,e(e*a*ion' ane +-rambled *)rou() *)e )a*-)% le* )im+el8 dro0 8our or
8i,e 8ee* in*o *)e dar;ne++% landin( on +o8* we* *an(led *ur8'
I* wa+ dar;% *)e *)i-; dar;ne++ be8ore dawn' Around )im wa+ a +mall -learin(% no*
more *)an a )undred me*er+ or +o9 a* *)e ed(e o8 *)e -learin( *)i-; *ree+ ro+e% and in
*)em ane )eard +o8* ru+*le+ and ine=0li-able +ound+% +lee0y bird-all+% 8el* *)e moi+*
air on )i+ 8a-e' I* wa+ rainin( ,ery li()*ly% a +o8* warm dri@@le' He -ould :u+* mana(e
*o +ee *)e bla-;i+) loom o8 *)e *ree+% a dee0er dar;ne++ w)ere any*)in( mi()* be
lur;in( ''' a+ Rianna landed be+ide )im% )i+ )and 8ound *)e )il* o8 )i+ +word% and )e
+en+ed wi*)ou* +eein( *)a* )er )and wa+ on *)e )a8* o8 )er ;ni8e' ra,a+) wa+ a
dar;er 0a*-) in *)e mur; be+ide *)em and )e -ould +mell% ,ery 8ain*% *)e +*ran(e
dry li@ard<mu+; o8 *)e 1)>8e::' '
ra,a+) +aid in *)e lan(ua(e o8 6a)ram% CWe mu+* mo,e -lear% (i,e *)e landin(
-ra8* room *o *a;e o88'C Wi*) /uie* 0re-i+ion )e rea-)ed ou*% lin;in( *)e 8our o8
*)em% )i+ dry -law *ou-)in( Rianna>+ 8in(er+% ane>+ +)oulder9 0a+* *)em ane
+en+ed *)a* )i+ 8ree )and 8ound Ara*a; in *)e dar;'
CT)i+ way'C
,This way,, -ame a ()o+*ly e-)o'
CYou>re in -)ar(e%C Rianna +aid in *)e lan(ua(e o8 6a)ram bu* ane )eard *)e
()o+*<e-)o a(ain% It is you who have the ri#ht to #ive orders ' ' ' and ;new w)a* wa+
)a00enin(9 Rianna>+ *ran+la*or di+;% embedded in )er *)roa* mu+-le+ li;e ane>+
own% wa+ 0i-;in( u0 e,ery*)in( +)e +aid
and 0ro,idin( a runnin( *ran+la*ion w)i-) ane>+ own *ran+la*or 0i-;ed u0% *oo'
W)a* )e heard, wi*) )i+ ear+% wa+ ra,a+)% or Rianna% +0ea;in( *)e *er+e lan(ua(e
o8 6a)ram% w)i-) )e ;new *)rou() *)e edu-a*or *a0e+9 bu* w)a* )e +en+ed% *)rou()
*)e *ran+la*or?w)i-) wa+ +o mu-) a 0ar* o8 )i+ +en+e+ now *)a* )e )ad almo+*
8or(o**en w)a* i* wa+ *o be wi*)ou* i*?wa+ Rianna +ub,o-ali@in( in )er own
lan(ua(e% or 0er)a0+ *)e way *)e *ran+la*or di+; rendered i*'
Eerie' He +u00o+ed )e>d (e* u+ed *o i*% +ooner or la*er9 bu* i* wa+ *)e 8ir+* *ime +in-e
*)e early day+ a8*er )e>d been im0lan*ed wi*) *)e *ran+la*or *)a* )e )ad been really
conscious o8 *)e (ad(e* in )i+ *)roa*' T)e *ran+la*or di+; didn>* wor; by *ele0a*)y?
*)e *e-)nolo(y be)ind i* wa+ -om0le*ely beyond ane>+ -om0re)en+ion% *)ou()
Rianna )ad *ried *o e=0lain i* +e,eral *ime+ and been e=a+0era*ed w)en )e -ouldn>*
8ollow )er e=0lana*ion?CI*>+ perfectly +im0le%C +)e *old )im?bu* i* wa+n>*
*ele0a*)y% and ane wa+ :u+* a+ (lad' Hi+ one *a+*e o8 *ele0a*)y% wi*) *)e Far+0ea;er%
)ad made )im aware *)a* *ele0a*)y wa+ 0robably unendurable 8or ordinary +0e-ie+'
T)e 8ew ra-e+ *)a* )ad i* were +o alien *)a* 8ew o*)er ra-e+ -ould in*era-* wi*) *)em'
No% that1s not true, Dallith was a telepath, an empath from 'pica 6our?we interacted
with her, we loved her. . . ' ane -u* o88 *)e *)ou()*% an(ry a* )im+el8 8or (i,in( way
*o i*' He mu+* no* *)in; o8 alli*)% lo,ely lo+* alli*)% w)om )e )ad lo,ed and w)o
)ad died in *)e la+* ba**le under *)e Red MoonE'''
T)e 8our member+ o8 *)e landin( 0ar*y mo,ed +lowly *oward *)e ed(e o8 *)e
-learin(% under *)e lee o8 *)e dri00in( *ree+' I* wa+ +o dar; *)a* *)ey only )eard *)e
)um% did no* +ee *)e landin( -ra8* *a;e o88% bu* *)ey 8el* *)e bla+* o8 +earin( )ea* i*
le8* be)ind% and *)e ,ibra*ion made ane>+ *ee*) and eardrum+ a-)e'
Rianna +aid in an under*one% CI8 *)ere are 6ir(on on *)i+ 0lane*% or Me;)ar% *)ey>ll
)a,e in8rared +-anner+?C 1)e )ad *o +ay *)e word+ in *)e &ni*y lan(ua(e% and
ra,a+) 8rowned% bu* )eld )i+ 0ea-e% ;nowin( *)ere wa+ no Bel+arian e/ui,alen*
?CWe )a,e le8* a mar; *)ey -an read 8rom )ere *o *)e 0ole+'C
And a(ain *)e ()o+*ly e-)o o8 )er ,oi-e *)rou() ane>+ C *ran+la*or di+;'
Hi+ +;in 0ri-;led a+ *)ey mo,ed under *)e *ree+9 *)e edu-a*or *a0e+ )ad in8ormed
)im% no* only o8 *)e -amou8la(e<-a*+ and *)eir *enden-y *o lea0 down a*
un+u+0e-*in( 0rey% bu*
+na;e+% ,enomou+ or (i,en *o +*ran(lin( *)eir 0rey% -ould be )an(in( 8rom *)o+e
*ree+''''
CT)e &ni*y ba+e i+ in *)i+ dire-*ion%C ra,a+) +aid% in 6a)ram% and a(ain *)e
runnin( -ommen*ary 8rom )i+ *ran+la*or di+;% over this way. ' ' ' ane *ried *o *une i*
ou*9 i* wa+ a di+*ra-*ion' 1lowly% )and+ lin;ed% *)ey mo,ed *)rou() *)e *ree+' ane>+
)and -len-)ed on )i+ +word<)il*9 *)e +*ran(e +mell+ o8 *)e alien :un(le bombarded
no+*ril+ and brain% and )e 8el* a+ i8 e,ery +e0ara*e ner,e were /ui,erin('
Ara*a; 8umbled amon( *)e -)ain+ and 0enden*+ a* )i+ ne-; wi*) a +mall me*alli-
-la+)in(' He )eld u0 one o8 *)em and ane re-o(ni@ed% benea*) *)e ornamen*al
-ar,in( w)i-) made i* loo; li;e an amule* o8 +ome ;ind% *)e 8or-e8ield ;ey'
Cra,a+)% ob+er,e' T)e 8or-e8ield i+ +*ill on% 8ull +*ren(*) and undi+*urbed' No*)in(
-ould )a,e bro;en *)rou()9 *)ere i+ no ar*i8a-* on *)i+ 0lane* w)i-) -ould 0ene*ra*e
a Le,el One 8or-e8ield% le* alone *)e Le,el T)ree w)i-) -on8ron*+ u+' T)ere8ore *)ey
mu+* )a,e le8* *)i+ 0la-e o8 *)eir own 8ree will and been o,er*a;en ou*+ide by
di+a+*er% ra*)er *)an bein( a**a-;ed 8rom beyond *)e 8ield by +ome na*i,e
in*ruder+'C
,'upposedly *)ere i+ no +u-) ar*i8a-* on *)i+ 0lane*%C ra,a+) reminded *)em'
I* wa+ (rowin( li()* away *o *)e ea+*' Fla+)e+ and +*rea;+ o8 w)i*i+) brillian-e were
li()*enin( *)e +;y% and a bird -alled +*riden*ly 8rom a )i() bran-)' 1ome*)in(
8la00ed o88 )ea,ily in *)e di+*an-e' T)e rain -on*inued *o 8all% *)e )ea* +*eamin( u0
8rom *)e (round *o mee* i*' ane 8el* dam0 and +o((y% bu* Ara*a; +*re*-)ed
lu=uriou+ly% e,iden*ly en:oyin( *)e moi+*ure% *)e warm*)'
CT)ere i+ *)e Ob+er,er Ba+e%C ra,a+) +aid% )oldin( u0 *)e 8or-e8ield ;ey9 ane
-ould +ee no*)in( bu* mirrored :un(le% *)en% abru0*ly% a+ Ara*a; *wi+*ed a dial
w)i-) loo;ed li;e a -rude -ar,in( in di+(ui+e% i* ri00led% wa,ered% and *)e re8le-*ed
-ur*ain o8 :un(le li+*ed a li**le% (a,e o88 a 8li-;er w)i-) +)owed *)em a line o8
-are8ully 0lan*ed na*i,e ,e(e*a*ion% (reen and 0ur0le wi*) -)loro0)yll and
-yano0)yll% and be)ind i*% a (lim0+e o8 low )u*li;e buildin(+ w)i-) wa,ered and
were (one a(ain'
C&+e your ;ey%C ra,a+) reminded *)em' ane *wi+*ed *)e 8or-e8ield ;ey in )i+
)and and *)e wa,erin( :un(le wa+ (one' He wal;ed *oward *)e buildin(' Rianna
di+a00eared be)ind *)e wa,erin( -ur*ain o8 :un(le% *)en a+ +uddenly rea00eared a+
)er own ;ey lowered *)e 8ield o8 ,ibra*ion' Anyone wi*)ou* a ;ey% +i()* and +en+e o8
dire-*ion +ub*ly di+*or*ed by *)e
broad-a+* ,ibra*ion o8 *)e 8ield% would +im0ly wander around *)e -on-ealed ba+e
be)ind *)e 8or-e8ield% ne,er +eein( i* or ;nowin( i* wa+ *)ere% belie,in( *)ey )ad
mo,ed in a -om0le*ely +*rai()* line'
Now *)ey were all in+ide9 0a+* *)e 8or-e8ield lay blan;ne++% e,en *)e ,iew o8 *)e
:un(le blan;ed ou*% and ane )eard Rianna draw a lon( brea*)% +aw )er relea+e *)e
)il* o8 )er own ;ni8e' Her ;nu-;le+ were -len-)ed% w)i*e wi*) *en+ion' He laid a
)and on )er +)oulder% ;nowin( )ow +)e 8el*9 in )ere *)ey were +a8e' No ,i-iou+
animal or 0reda*or -ould (e* *)rou() *)e 8or-e8ield'
T)ey were +a8e'
6or a time. Until whatever had #otten in to ta%e away the ori#inal crew of this "ase
!ro%e throu#h to ta%e them too.'''
CT)ere i+ *)e main buildin(%C Ara*a; +aid' CLe*>+ (o in+ide and +ee i8 *)ere are any
-lue+ *o w)a* )a00ened?w)e*)er *)ey le8* o8 *)eir own 8ree will% :u+* wal;ed ou*
one day and ne,er -ame ba-;% or were *a;en away' I8 *)ey did% *)ere mu+* be +ome
+i(n o8 i*' Or w)e*)er *)ey>re +*ill lyin( dead in *)ere'C
CT)ey aren>*%C ra,a+) +aid% C*)e 8ir+* -rew 8ound *)a* ou*'C
ane )eard Rianna>+ brea*) -a*-) in *)e (rowin( li()*9 bu* +)e +aid no*)in(' He
rea-)ed 8or )er )and% rememberin(' T)e 8ir+* -rew% li;e *)e ori(inal +*a88 o8 *)e
Ba+e% )ad ,ani+)ed wi*)ou* lea,in( a *ra-e''''
Well% *)a*>+ w)a* we>re )ere *o 8ind ou*'
CBe8ore we (o in*o *)e buildin(+%C Ara*a; +aid% Cle* u+ in8orm *)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain
*)a* we )a,e +a8ely a-)ie,ed *)e in+ide o8 *)e Ba+e'C
CA (ood *)ou()*'C ra,a+) 0ulled ou* )i+ -ommuni-a*or% +0o;e in*o i*9 )i+ *)i-;
dar; 8ore)ead rid(ed and )i+ eye+ 8la+)ed wi*) annoyan-e'
CW)a* i+ *)i+DC He +)oo; i*% +0o;e a(ain% 8inally +aid% CW)a* i+ *)i+D Ara*a;% (i,e
me your -ommuni-a*or'C He *oo; i* 8rom *)e (ian*% re0ea*ed *)e 0ro-e++9 *)en%
8rownin(% )e *oo; Rianna>+ and 8inally ane>+' A* la+* )e +i()ed'
CPer)a0+ i* i+ *)e dam0ne++% or +ome ele-*ri-al -ondi*ion in *)e a*mo+0)ere' Bu* *)e
-ommuni-a*or+ a00ear *o )a,e been +*ri-;en wi*) a +imul*aneou+ mal8un-*ion' I
mu+* awai* *)e Far+0ea;er>+ wa;in(% and ma;e my re0or* *)rou() )i+ mind'C
CT)e i,ine E((% may )i+ wi+dom endure% )a+ ri()*ly +aid *)a* any*)in( buil* by *)e
-law+ o8 man;ind may 8ail% bu* *)e
+a0ien* mind alone i+ wor*)y o8 *ru+*'C Ara*a; added% (rima-in(% CI would a+ +oon
no* )a,e 0ro,ed *)e wi+dom o8 *)i+ 0ar*i-ular ma=im /ui*e +o +wi8*ly'C
1o mu-)% ane *)ou()*% 8or *)eir elabora*e ba-;u0 -ommuni-a*or+' T)ey were
alone on Bel+ar% and ou* o8 -on*a-* wi*) *)e &ni*y?e=-e0* 8or a *ele0a*) w)o )a*ed
*)eir (u*+E
CCome on%C )e +aid rou()ly% Cle*>+ (e* in+ide and +ee w)a* 8ur*)er 0lea+an* +ur0ri+e+
*)ey>,e ri((ed u0 8or u+ in+ide *)e Ba+e *)ereEC
+HAPTER ,OUR
T)e 8ron* o8 *)e main buildin( wa+ o0en% a ;ind o8 lon( 0or-) 8illed wi*) eni(ma*i-
+)a0e+' An o0en door% lar(e enou() 8or ra,a+)% bu* +mall 8or Ara*a;% led in*o a
dar;ened in*erior' Rianna wa+ already on *)e 0or-) and ra,a+) 8umblin( 8or +ome
;ind o8 li()* +wi*-)% bu* ane +aid% CWai*%C and wen* ba-; *oward *)e rim o8 *)e
en-lo+ed +0a-e% w)ere *)e 8or-e8ield a(ain rai+ed i*+ in,i+ible +)immer'
He )ad li+*ened a(ain and a(ain% on *)e +)i0 *)a* )ad brou()* *)em )ere% *o *)a*
eni(ma*i- 8inal me++a(e 8rom *)i+ +*a*ion' Mo+* o8 *)e *a0e )ad been *)e e/ui,alen*
o8 a +)i0>+ lo(% mono*onou+ no*e+ abou* wea*)er% a ;ind o8 Cei()* bell+ and all>+
well%C rou*ine re0or*+ o8 +un+0o*+ and +mall ,arian*+ o8 +olar radia*ion% wi*)ou* *)e
+li()*e+* in*ere+* 8or anyone e=-e0* 0ro8e++ional 0lane*ary ob+er,er+% and% ane
+u+0e-*ed% no* mu-) e,en *o *)em' And *)en *)ere )ad been *)e +udden in*erru0*ion
o8 a +e-ond ,oi-e% a+;in( a /ue+*ion' No* e,en a 8ri()*ened ,oi-e% :u+* -uriou+'
7oo%. Are those natives? .ow did they #et inside? Is somethin# wron# with the
forcefield?
5o. They can1t !e natives. They1re?
T)en +ilen-e' No +*a*i-' No +-ream+' No* e,en *)e -li-; o8 a +wi*-)' 2u+* *)e +ilen*
)i++in( o8 *)e me-)ani-al re-ordin( ma-)ine a+ i* 0layed i*+el8 ou* *o *)e end'
No*)in('
No* a -lue' ane +)i,ered% ;nowin( )e +*ood on *)e +0o*
w)ere *)e my+*eriou+ CT)eyC w)o were not na*i,e+% mu+* )a,e a**ra-*ed *)e
-urio+i*y o8 *)e &ni*y ob+er,er+ in+ide *)e +*a*ion' For an idio*i- +e-ond )e ben*
down *o loo; 8or *ra-;+% *)en -ommon +en+e wa+)ed *)a* away% :u+* a+ *)e rain?and
wea*)er 8or *)e la+* *)ree mon*)+ or +o?would )a,e wa+)ed away any *ra-e+ o8
w)a*e,er in*ruder+ *)ey )ad +een' He wen* ba-; u0 *oward *)e ou*+ide 0or-)?i*
wa+ really a ;ind o8 -o,ered wal;way a* (round le,el% bea*en +oil wi*) a 8ew )ea*<
wil*ed blade+ o8 (ra++% *)innin( a+ *)ey -ame nearer *o *)e -o,ered ma-)ine+ w)i-)
lined *)e ou*er wall o8 *)e buildin(' ane wondered w)y *)ey )adn>* 0u* *)em in+ide
w)ere *)ey -ould )a,e )ad *)e bene8i* o8 air<-ondi*ionin('
Bu* *)en% nei*)er ra,a+) nor Ara*a; a00eared *o be bo*)ered by *)e )ea*% and *)e
&ni*y ob+er,er+ )ad been% mo+* o8 *)em anyway% 1)>8e:: and +imilar 0ro*o+aurian
*y0e+'
I8 its this hot here ri#ht after dawn, )e wondered% how are we #oin# to stand it at
midday?
ra,a+) wa+ mo,in( alon( *)e row o8 ma-)ine+ now% warily loo;in( round% )i+ bi(
body *en+ed a+ i8 *o +0rin(' He made ane *)in; o8 a )un(ry Tyranno+auru+ Re='
Ara*a; in,e+*i(a*ed :u+* in+ide *)e dar;ened door and li()*+ +0ran( ou* abo,e ea-)
ma-)ine 0anel' CW)a*e,er )a00ened *o *)em%C )e +aid% C*)ey )ad *ime *o *urn ou*
*)eir li()*+'C
ra,a+) +aid im0a*ien*ly% CNo% no% our 8ir+* in,e+*i(a*in( *eam did *)a*'C Hi+ ,oi-e
e-)oed oddly in ane>+ *)roa* di+;' CYou remember *)eir re0or* +aid *)a* li()*+ and
-oolin( +y+*em?al*)ou() I 8ail *o +ee w)y -oolin( e/ui0men* +)ould be de+ired 8or
*)e deli()*8ul -lima*e o8 *)i+ 0lane*?were +*ill o0era*in( in one or *wo o8 *)e li,in(
uni*+'C
C1)ouldn>* we *ry *)eir -ommuni-a*orDC Rianna a+;ed% 0oin*in(' CT)e 8ir+*
in,e+*i(a*in( *eam -alled 8rom i*'C
ra,a+) made a +mall +*ar*led mo,emen*% +eemin( a+ +ur0ri+ed a+ ane would )a,e
been i8 a )ou+e-a* )ad +uddenly +0o;en u0 and reminded )im o8 +ome*)in( )e )ad
8or(o**en' CGui*e ri()*%C )e (run*ed% and +*e00ed o,er *o w)a* loo;ed li;e a -lo+ed
u0ri()* 0layer<0iano a(ain+* *)e ou*+ide wall o8 *)e buildin(' CI *)an; you%
6elishtara.,
8y than%s to my #ood$female$collea#ue, ane>+ *)roa* di+; e-)oed )i+ word+% and )e
+)oo; )i+ )ead% 0u@@led9 6elishtara wa+ a 6a)ram )onori8i- )e )ad belie,ed
e/ui,alen* *o 7ady.
ra,a+) *)ru+* u0 a 0anel a* *)e 8ron* o8 *)e ma-)ine% re,ealin( a re-e++ed% -on-a,e
+-reen% *)en li8*ed *)e -o,er 8rom w)ere *)e C;eyboardC would )a,e been% i8 i* )ad
really been
a 0iano' Below i* wa+ a ban; o8 bewilderin( -on*rol+% bu* e,en ane -ould re-o(ni@e
*)e +mall )and<)eld i*em )e 0ulled ou* a+ +ome ;ind o8 mi-ro0)one 0i-;u0'
CYou will re-all%C )e be(an 0onderou+ly% C*)a* in *)e 8inal me++a(e 8rom *)e 8ir+*
in,e+*i(a*in( *eam% +en* ou* a8*er?)aE W)a* )a,e we )ereDC
.ere wa+ a +mall -ube o8 bla-; -ry+*al 0er-)ed on *)e ;eyboard be*ween *wo row+
o8 -olored bu**on+' A*o0 i* wa+ a -ard on w)i-) a me-)ani-al +-riber )ad im0rin*ed
a 8ew o8 *)e )iero(ly0)+ w)i-) +er,ed a+ a uni,er+al wri**en +i(n lan(ua(e amon( all
*)e mul*i<-ul*ural -om0le=i*y o8 *)e &ni*y' Ea-) +ymbol +*ood 8or an idea, and wa+
-om0le*ely inde0enden* o8 any lin(ual +ound +y+*em' I* wa+% *o ane>+ way o8
*)in;in(% enormou+ly unwieldy% mu-) more +o *)an any 0o++ible uni,er+al 0)one*i-
lan(ua(e -ould )a,e been' He +*ar*ed *o 0u@@le i* ou*% ;nowin( only )al8 a do@en o8
*)e more elemen*ary +ymbol+?enou() *o )el0 )im 8ind ele,a*or+% +*air-a+e+% re+*
room+ or 0ro*o+imian 8ood<+er,in( area+ in *)e -i*y o8 *)e &ni*y?bu* ra,a+)
+a,ed )im *)e *rouble'
C&r(en*?+-ou* re0or*?+*udy -are8ully%C )e read aloud' CNow I wonder' I+ *)i+ :u+*
a *ran+-ri0*% or i+ i* *)eir ori(inalDC He 0re++ed a bu**on on *)e +ide o8 *)e -ube' No
audible +ound -ame 8rom i*% bu* ane>+ *)roa* di+; ,ibra*ed +uddenly% almo+* +ub<
,o-al% a -ra-;lin( w)i+0er'
'h1fe)) calendar ei#ht$four$oh$nine$seven$three, e##$hatchin# of the . . ' and an
in-om0re)en+ible +*rin( o8 numeral+' He a++umed *)i+ wa+ *)e da*e and *ime o8 *)eir
arri,al a* *)e Bel+ar Four ba+e9 an a++um0*ion ,eri8ied w)en *)e numeral+ -ea+ed'
C&0on arri,al a* Bel+ar &ni*y Ba+e 8ound -om0ound de+er*ed% 8or-e8ield a-*i,a*ed%
li()*+ burnin( in+ide buildin(+% bu* no re+0on+e *o any ;ind o8 +i(nal+' In,e+*i(a*ion
8ound no bodie+% nor any +i(n+ o8 ,iolen-e' One or *wo 0er+onal i*em+ in li,in(
/uar*er+ were in di+array bu* *)i+ a00eared *o indi-a*e ra0id abandonmen* ra*)er
*)an +*ru((le9 *)i+ and o*)er indi-a*ion+ -au+ed u+ *o ma;e a 0reliminary e,alua*ion
*)a* all 0er+onnel u0on *)e Ba+e )ad e,a-ua*ed ra0idly''''C
CWe )eard *)i+ be8ore%C Rianna w)i+0ered' I* wa+ *)e *ran+-ri0* o8 *)e ba88lin(ly
brie8 re0or* o8 *)e in,e+*i(a*in( *eam% bu* *)i+ mu+* )a,e been *)e ori(inal 8rom
w)i-) *)e +ound<*ran+-ri0* )ad been made' I* made ane>+ +;in -rawl% *)a*
me-)ani-al di+embodied ,oi-e w)i+0erin(% wi*)ou* +ound% dire-*ly in*o *)e di+;
embedded in )i+ *)roa*' *erie
CCommuni-a*or uni* 0anel o0en% +ound uni* on% mi-ro<
0)one )an(in( by i*+ -ord' 1e,eral o8 *)e de8en+e +y+*em+ were on'C T)e *one o8 *)e
re0or* +uddenly al*ered. CIn +)or*% i* loo;+ a+ i8 e,erybody +uddenly 0u* u0 w)a*
*)ey were doin( and wen* ou* 8or a wal;' Food wa+ bein( 0re0ared in one li,in(
uni*9 i* )ad (rown -old and +0oil*' I*em+ o8 -lo*)in( were abandoned on *)e 8loor' In
*)e labora*ory% e,ery e=0erimen*al animal )a+ been remo,ed and *)e -a(e door+ are
o0en% indi-a*in( *)a* *)e labora*ory animal+ were +e* 8ree be8ore *)e Ba+e 0er+onnel
abandoned *)e Ba+e% or were *a;en wi*) *)em'C
T)ere wa+ a lon( 0au+e% and *)e 8our -lu+*ered around *)e -ube *)ou()* *)a* *)e
me++a(e wa+ o,er% *)en *)e ,oi-e be(an *o ,ibra*e +ilen*ly in ane>+ *)roa*<di+;
a(ain'
CWe are *a;in( na*i,e di+(ui+e and will 0ro-eed *o *)e -i*y o8 Ra)nalor% in 6a)ram'
We will a**em0* *o ma;e a re0or* 8rom *)ere' E=0edi*ion<leader 7il;i+) F>T)an+a
re0or*in('C
T)e ,oi-e +*o00ed' ane>+ +;in 0ri-;led a+ *)e +ilen-e drew on9 a +e-ond -rew )ad
,ani+)ed wi*)ou* *ra-e% in*o a me-)ani-al +ilen-e% *)ere wa+ no*)in( more% *)ere
would ne,er be any*)in( more o8 ei*)er -rew' ' ' ' ra,a+) )ad rea-)ed ou* *o *urn
o88 *)e -ube w)en *)e w)i+0erin( ,oi-e be(an a(ain and ra,a+) 0)y+i-ally drew
ba-;% +*ar*led% )i+ 0ro*rudin( eye+ blin;in( ra0idly in +ur0ri+e9 8or *)i+ wa+ w)ere
*)e re0or* *)ey )ad )eard on *)e +)i0 )ad ended% ,ani+)ed in*o +ilen-e'
C7il;i+) F>T)an+a re0or*in(% 0robably 8or *)e la+* *ime' I ma;e *)i+ re-ord and
lea,e i* )ere 8or any in,e+*i(a*or+ w)o may be +en* *o 8ollow u+' I will lea,e *)e
,oi-e<-ube -on-ealed wi*)in *)i+ -ommuni-a*ion uni*% w)i-) wa+ in 0er8e-* wor;in(
order le++ *)an a +in(le di(e+*i,e 0eriod a(o and now will no* 8un-*ion e,en 8or a
momen*' My -)ie8 *e-)ni-al o88i-er% M>6a+) 7al+aa% )a+ e=amined *)e uni*
*)orou()ly and (i,e+ i* a+ )i+ o0inion *)a* i* i+ 8un-*ional% ye* we -an re-ei,e no
re+0on+e' I* i+ 0o++ible *)a* i* i+ +*ill *ran+mi**in( *o *)e +)i09 i8 +o% I be( *)a* Ca0*ain
2a,(a+) +)all +end +omeone down *o *a;e u+ o88 *)i+ 0lane*' Bu* I )a,e no +u-) )o0e9
my 0er+onal -ommuni-a*or% w)i-) I )a,e +e* *o moni*or *)i+ +i(nal% i+ no*
8un-*ionin(% i* i+ re-ei,in( no*)in(% and M>6a+) and I -anno* e,en re-ei,e one
ano*)er wi*) our -ommuni-a*or+' A more *)orou() in+0e-*ion o8 *)e li,in( /uar*er+
and labora*orie+ )a+ re,ealed +ome 0u@@lin( *)in(+' T)ere wa+ an o0en -ar*on o8
8ood on a *able wi*) ea*in( u*en+il+ nearby9 *)e mold+ u0on i* indi-a*e *)a* *)e ea*er
)ad been in*erru0*ed in *)e mid+* o8 )i+ meal and ne,er re*urned' I )a,e -)e-;ed
my in,en*ory o8 na*i,e di+(ui+e w)i-) indi-a*e+ *)a* no more *)an *)ree men -ould
)a,e le8* *)e Ba+e in na*i,e di+(ui+e 0rior *o our -omin(9 ye* *)ere are o,er *wen*y o8
*)e 8ir+* -rew mi++in(' I )a,e +en* my men ou* *o +-ou* *)e immedia*e area
*)orou()ly be8ore de0ar*in( 8or Ra)nalor9 ye* I )a,e re-ei,ed no re0or*' I -an only
a++ume *)a* *)eir -ommuni-a*or+ )a,e been o,er*a;en by *)e +ame my+*eriou+
mal8un-*ion w)i-) )a+ +ei@ed mine and *)a* o8 M>6a+)E I )a,e a**em0*ed *o re<
+ummon *)e men wi*)ou* +u--e++' E,iden*ly no -ommuni-a*or on *)i+ 0lane* i+
8un-*ionin( anyw)ere9 or i8 *)ey are% I -anno* re-ei,e *)eir +i(nal+'C
A brie8% )i++in( +ilen-e9 *)en on-e a(ain *)e ,oi-e o8 *)e ill<8a*ed 7il;i+) F>T)an+a?
w)y% ane wondered% did )e immedia*ely a++ume *)a* *)e leader o8 *)e in,e+*i(a*in(
0ar*y )ad been ill<8a*edD T)e me++a(e *)i+ *ime be(an in *)e middle o8 a +en*en-e
and ane wondered w)a* )ad been omi**ed? or era+edD
C?wi*)ou* +i(n o8 a +*ru((le% and mo+* im0or*an*% no re-ord o8 a +0a-e-ra8* landin(
on any o8 *)e moni*orin( or +;ywa*-) e/ui0men*' T)e ob,iou+ e=0lana*ion w)i-)
8ir+* o--urred *o me wa+ *)a* a Me;)ar +)i0 )ad landed and -a0*ured all Ba+e
0er+onnel' I )a,e% )owe,er% made a *)orou() e=amina*ion o8 *)e au*oma*i-
re-ordin( in+*rumen*+ and *)ey +)ow no +i(n o8 a +0a-e-ra8* landin( -lo+e enou() *o
endan(er *)e 0er+onnel o8 *)i+ Ba+e% and no +i(n o8 *am0erin(' Fur*)ermore% any
Me;)ar -rew +ei@in( *)e 0er+onnel o8 *)i+ +*a*ion would )ardly )a,e 8reed or *a;en
*)e labora*ory animal+9 *)ey would )a,e le8* *)em *o +*ar,e% )a,in( no u+e 8or *)em'
I )a,e de*ermined *o (o on *o Ra)nalor a+ 0lanned% alone9 0er)a0+ I +)all o,er*a;e
my -rew% 0er)a0+ no*9 0er)a0+ I +)all di+-o,er w)a* )a+ be8allen *)em% or +)are
*)eir 8a*e' I *a;e no -redi* 8or *)i+ de-i+ion. I would be e/ually a8raid *o remain )ere'
I +)all lea,e M>6a+)% w)o+e wound i+ no* ye* )ealed% *o re0or* i8 *)e -ommuni-a*or
+)ould be(in *o 8un-*ion a(ain% and *o add *o *)i+ re0or* i8 any*)in( +)ould )a00en
w)ile I am (one' May *)e Mo*)er+ o8 my -lan )a,e 0i*y on meE I8 I +)ould no*
re*urn% I re+0e-*8ully re0or* *)a* *)e new+ o8 my dea*) be re-orded wi*)in *)e wall+
o8 F>T)an+a''''C
Li;e an in*erru0*ion% ano*)er +0ea;er ' ' ' al*)ou() )ow ane ;new i* wa+ ano*)er
+0ea;er% and no* *)e +oundle++ +ub,o-al me-)ani-al w)i+0er o8 FKT)an+a% )e -ould
no* *ell9 wa+ *)ere% 0er)a0+% +ome +ub*ly di88eren* r)y*)m *o *)e +e-ond +0ea;erD
CCa0*ainE I+ *)a* a manDC
CI do no* ;now% M>6a+)' I* i+ a lar(e w)i*e -rea*ure% bu* lar(er *)an any man -ould
be unle++ )e li,ed *o a *ruly ,enerable a(eEC
ane (lan-ed a* ra,a+)% rememberin( *)a* F>T)an+a would )a,e mean*% by a man,
a 0ro*o+aurian 1)>Fe:: li;e )im+el89 and *)a* 0ro*o+aur+ did no* -ea+e *o (row a*
ma*uri*y bu* -on*inued *o (row *)rou()ou* *)eir li8e+0an+% +o *)a* +i@e wa+% wi*)in
limi*+% a reliable indi-a*or o8 e=*reme a(e'
CBu* white Ca0*ain% *)e in)abi*an*+ o8 *)i+ 0lane* are manli;e% bu* o8 our -olorE
Can i* be an illu+ion% an a00ari*ion% a de8ormed -rea*ure li;e one o8 *)e
Far+0ea;er+DC
CRemain )ere% M>6a+)' I +)all in,e+*i(a*e'C
And +ilen-e' 1ilen-e% 8or +o lon( *)a* ane 8el* *)e )air +)udder on )i+ +-al0' A* la+*.
CM>6a+) 7al+aa re0or*in(' One +*andard di(e+*i,e 0eriod )a+ 0a++ed' No*)in( *o
re0or*'C
A 8ain* bu@@in( +ound +i(ni8ied *)e end o8 *)e *ran+mi++ion'
CM>6a+) 7al+aa re0or*in(' Two +*andard di(e+*i,e 0eriod+ )a,e 0a++ed' No*)in( *o
re0or*'C
Bu@@'
T)a* wa+ all' T)a* wa+ really all% *)i+ *ime' T)e +ilen-e +*re*-)ed on and on% and
8inally *)ere wa+ no* e,en *)e 8ain* me-)ani-al )i++ o8 *)e -ube% and ra,a+)
*ou-)ed *)e bu**on' For(e**in( )i+ own rule% )e rumbled a 0)ra+e in 1)>8e::)i w)i-)
ane>+ *ran+la*or di+; rendered a+ CPoor lo+* e((+EC T)en )e +*rai()*ened and
+)oo; )im+el8% loo;in( more *)an e,er li;e an aler* Tyranno+auru+ Re='
CI wan* *o -)e-; *)o+e +0a-ewa*-) in+*rumen*+ my+el8E And *)en I wan* *o (e* a+ 8ar
away 8rom *)i+ 0la-e a+ I -anEC
ane a(reed +*ron(ly% bu* 8el* *)a* i8 )e were in -)ar(e o8 *)i+ 0ar*y )e wouldn>*
e,en )a,e wan*ed *o wai* *o -)e-; *)e in+*rumen*+E
CT)e i,ine E((?C Ara*a; be(an% bu* ra,a+) -)e-;ed )im wi*) an im0a*ien*
+nor*'
CNo 0ro,erb+ now% -ollea(ue% I be( youE I>m bu+yEC
He +*rode o,er *o one o8 *)e my+*eriou+ ma++i,e +)a0e+ a(ain+* *)e wall and be(an
e=aminin( i*'
ane 8or-ed )im+el8 *o rela=% loo;in( round )im' T)e rain )ad dimini+)ed *o *)e
mere+* dri@@le% ma;in( *)e 8ain*e+* o8 +ound+ on *)e -o,erin(' ane *urned )i+ ba-;
*oward *)e wall o8 *)e buildin(?well away 8rom *)e door?)o0in( *)a* *)i+ would
le++en *)e 8eelin( *)a* somethin# wa+ (oin( *o land be*ween )i+ +)oulder blade+ a*
any momen*' He )ad *)e
-ree0y 8eelin( o8 bein( wa*-)ed' A8*er )earin( *)a* re-ord -ube% )e )o0ed *)ey
wouldn>* )a,e *o (o in+ide *)e de+er*ed ba+e a* all' He ;e0* -lo+e *o Rianna% w)i-)
wa+n>* di88i-ul*' Clo+ene++ *o ano*)er )uman bein( (a,e )im a 8ain* 8eelin( o8
+e-uri*y w)i-) )e wi+)ed )i+ -ommon +en+e would +*o0 *ellin( )im wa+ illu+ion'
1ome in+*in-*+ were be+* 8ollowed''''
!ra++ (rew 0ar* way under *)e +)el*erin( roo8% 0aler and +0ar+er a+ i* ed(ed -lo+er
*o *)e in+e* blo-;+ o8 +ome*)in( li;e -on-re*e w)i-) +u00or*ed *)e )ea,y ma-)inery'
Clo+er in% *)e (round wa+ mo+*ly bare *ram0ed +oil' He +*rai()*ened +uddenly'
Tra-;+E T)ere wa+ no rain in )ere *o wa+) *)em away% and no*)in( -ould )a,e
(o**en in *o di+*urb *)e (round +in-e *)a* 8ir+* in,e+*i(a*in( *eam )ad 8ollowed *)e
Ba+e 0er+onnel in*o limbo'
C1*ay )ere%C )e +aid *o Rianna and% mo,in( *o *)e ed(e+ o8 *)e roo8ed +0a-e% ;nel* *o
e=amine *)e (round' Ara*a; rai+ed )i+ )ead% aler* and -uriou+% bu* w)en )e mo,ed
a+ i8 *o :oin )im% ane wa,ed )im ba-;' ane mo,ed all alon( *)e ed(e o8 *)e
-o,ered area% e=aminin( *)e *ram0led +oil -are8ully% (i,in( -are8ul a**en*ion *o *)eir
own 8re+) *ra-;+% 0ar*i-ularly *o *)o+e o8 *)e *wo 0ro*o+aurian+'
T)e dir* wa+ dry and -rumbled% and o8 -our+e wind )ad (o**en in% *)ou() rain )ad
no*% *o blur *)e ed(e+ o8 *)e mar;+' Finally ane +*rai()*ened% ;neelin( u0ri()* by
*)e ed(e'
CCa0*ain%C )e a+;ed ra,a+)% C*)e 0eo0le w)o +*a88ed *)i+ Ba+e?*)ey were all
+aurian+% 1)>8e::% were *)ey no*DC
CW)a* el+eDC a+;ed ra,a+) ab+en*ly% no* loo;in( u0 8rom *)e ma-)ine )e wa+
+*udyin('
CAnd *)e member+ o8 *)e in,e+*i(a*in( *eam% *ooDC
CYe+% *o be +ure'C T)i+ *ime *)e bla-; i(uana )ead li8*ed 8rom *)e blan; blui+)
+-reen o8 an un;nown in+*rumen*% w)ere ob+-ure (reen line+ *ra-ed *)em+el,e+ in
meanin(le++ -ur,e+?*o ane?o,er *)e +ur8a-e e,ery 8ew +e-ond+' CHa,e you
8ound +ome -lueDC
CI>m no* +ure'C ane 8rowned a* *)e dim mar;+ in *)e (round be8ore )im%
rememberin(% lon( a(o in Au+*ralia% w)en )e )ad +0o;en *o a ,ery old abori(ine
w)o -ould +*ill read *ra-;+ in *)e an-ien* way and )ad *au()* ane w)o )ad 0a++ed
in *)e de+er* ou*ba-; more *)an )al8 a year be8ore' ane )ad ne,er )ad any*)in(
li;e that ;ind o8 *ra-;in( +;ill' Bu* +*illJJJ
Co you ;now any*)in( abou* *)em 0er+onallyD For in<
+*an-e9 do you ;now i8 any o8 *)em were a+ bi( a+ you% or a+ Ara*a;DC
T)e Ca0*ain made a 0u@@led% in*erro(a*ory +ound%
CMo+*ly% I +)ould ima(ine% *)ey were a (rea* deal +maller9 *)i+ +or* o8 *)in( i+
u+ually a youn( man>+ wor;' W)y do you wan* *o ;nowDC
CI*>+ been *oo lon( *o be +ure% bu* *)e+e *ra-;+?)ere% a* *)e ed(e% in *)e mud% w)ere
i* mu+* )a,e rained in on-e and *)en dried ou*?indi-a*e *)ere wa+ a* lea+* one
+aurian )ere w)o mu+* )a,e been around Ara*a;>+ +i@e' Maybe e,en bi((er'C
CI don>* under+*and w)a* you are *al;in( abou*'C ra,a+) le8* *)e ma-)ine and
-ame o,er' ane 0oin*ed *o *)e ou*+i@e *ra-; )e )ad di+-o,ered' ra,a+) +*ared a*
*)e (round in 0u@@lemen*% *)en +uddenly :er;ed )i+ )ead' CWai* a minu*e%C )e +aid'
CAre you re8errin( *o *)e im0re++ion made by 8ee* in *)e (roundDC
CO8 -our+e%C ane +aid'
CA)EC e=-laimed ra,a+)% CNow I under+*and9 I wa+ on a :oin* e=0edi*ion wi*) a
(rou0 o8 Prr@e*@ on-e% and one o8 *)em wa+ alway+ able *o *ell you w)a* ;ind o8
animal+ )ad been around% )e wa+ alway+ +ni88in( a* *)e (round and +mellin( i*' I*
wa+ alway+ a my+*ery *o me% )ow )e ;new% bu* )e wa+ u+ually ri()*' He *ried *o
*ea-) me% bu* I -ouldn>* +eem *o 0i-; i* u0' 1o 0ro*o+imian+ -an do *)a* *ooDC T)ere
wa+ real wonder in )i+ ,oi-e'
Rianna +aid% CMo+* )un*in( +0e-ie+ de,elo0 *)e abili*y in *)eir 0rimi*i,e +*a(e+%
ra,a+)' A--ordin( *o old re-ord+% *)e 0eo0le o8 my world u+ed *o do i* *oo% *)ou()
i*>+ a lo+* ar* wi*) u+'C
ane under+*ood a* *)e ed(e+ o8 )i+ mind *)a* +)e wa+ +ayin( )e wa+ -lo+er *o *)e
0rimi*i,e *)an +)e9 bu* i* didn>* ma**er now' ra,a+) loo;ed down a* ane wi*) a
+udden re+0e-*'
C7ery wonder8ul% *)a*' W)a* -an you *ell u+ abou* *)e -rea*ureDC
C7ery li**le% Ca0*ain' Only *)a* i* mu+* )a,e been abou* Ara*a;>+ +i@e and wei()*'
T)a* 8oo*0rin*>+ 0re**y old% bu* +ee% you -an *ell )ow dee0 i* wen* w)en i* wa+ 8re+)'C
ra,a+) a-*ually ben* down and 0u* )i+ lon( li@ard +nou* a(ain+* *)e (round% *ryin(
*o +ee9 8inally )e +*rai()*ened% wi*) *)e li**le *wi*-) *)a* +eemed *)e e/ui,alen* o8 a
rue8ul )ead<+)a;e'
C1orry9 *o me% I 8ear% dir* i+ dir*' A+ I 8inally )ad *o *ell my
Prr@e*@ 8riend year+ a(o' Tell me% -ould you re-o(ni@e *)e -rea*ure i8 you +melled i*
a(ainD RR>+ai+ -ould'C
ane +)oo; )i+ )ead' COur 0eo0le only u+e our eye+% no* our no+e+'C
CAnd you -an a-*ually +ee' ' ' 'C T)e rid(e+ o,er ra,a+)K+ eye+ wrin;led u0'
CLoo;%C +aid ane% be-;onin( Ara*a; *oward *)em% C1ee *)e im0rin* *)ere% and
)ow lon( *)e 8oo* mu+* )a,e beenD Now loo; a* Ara*a;>+ 8oo*?*)e len(*)' oe+
anyone your +i@e% or +maller% )a,e a 8oo* *)a* len(*)DC
CI8 )e did% )e would belon( in a mu+eum o8 mon+*ro+i*ie+%C ra,a+) +aid'
Rianna a+;ed% CAre you /ui*e +ure Ara*a; didn>* ma;e *)a* 0rin*DC 1)e wa+
;neelin(% +*udyin( i*'
CI am +ure o8 *)a*%C Ara*a; +aid% loo+enin( *)e +-ar8 w)i-) -o,ered )i+ ma++i,e (ill<
+li*+% CI mo,ed 8rom *)e wal; *)ere% dire-*ly *o *)e ma-)ine+'C
CAnyway% i*>+ an old *ra-;%C ane +aid' CLoo; )ow *)e ed(e+ )a,e -rumbled'C
CYou>re ri()*%C +)e +aid' CAnd now I +ee *)ere are +ome di88eren-e+ in *)e *oe+?
-law+?w)a*e,er%C +)e 8ini+)ed im0a*ien*ly'
CW)i-) mean+%C ane +aid% C*)a* a +aurian o8 Ara*a;>+ +i@e% or bi((er?or el+e *)a*
mon+*ro+i*y ra,a+) wa+ *al;in( abou*?+*ood o,er )ere a* lea+* on-e +in-e *)i+
Ba+e wa+ e+*abli+)ed'C
ra,a+) mu**ered% CNow I wonder ' ' 'C and wen* ba-; *o )i+ ma-)ine+' Ara*a;
mo,ed ou* 8rom under *)e -o,erin( roo8 and +*ood in *)e warm dri@@lin( rain%
ob,iou+ly 8eelin( re8re+)ed by i*' Rianna wa+ +*ill ;neelin( by *)e bi( 8oo*0rin*'
CI -an +ee now w)a* you are *al;in( abou*%C +)e +aid% and ane nodded' CW)a* I
-an>* under+*and i+ w)y ra,a+) -ouldn>*EC
CHi+ +0e-ie+ )a,e ne,er been )un*er+%C Rianna +aid' CHe may )o* )a,e *)e ri()*
;ind o8 eye -oordina*ion *o 8o-u+ on *)em 0ro0erly' T)e 1)>8e:: ne,er needed?C
1)e wa+ in*erru0*ed by ra,a+) )im+el8% w)o )ad re*urned *o *)e ma-)ine wi*) *)e
0u@@lin( (reen *ra-erie+' He )ad o0ened i* u0 and wa+ 8umblin( around in+ide i*9
now )e :er;ed )i+ )ead u0% loo;in( +ome)ow more -)eer8ul% a+ i8 )e )ad 8ound
+ome*)in( *)a* 0lea+ed )im'
CI may no* be able *o ma;e any +en+e o8 mar;+ in *)e dir*%C )i+ dee0 ,oi-e boomed%
Cbu* I -an read a re-ord<*a0eE Poor FKT)an+a wa+ wron(' He may no* )a,e )ad
*ime 8or *)e
e=)au+*i,e *e+*+ )e +)ould )a,e made% or didn>* (o ba-; 8ar enou()' I* is 0o++ible 8or
an o88world +)i0 *o )a,e landed )ere' Abou* *en +*andard uni*+ be8ore *)e la+* re0or*
8rom *)i+ Ba+e% *)ere are 8lu-*ua*ion+ in *)e radia*ion readin(+ w)i-) -ould )a,e
been made by -o+mi- ray+% ye+?bu* *)ey could al+o indi-a*e *)e ener(y 8low+ o8 a
+*ar+)i0 landin( a 8ew *)ou+and mea+uremen*+ 8rom )ere' T)ere are *wo +imilar
8lu-*ua*ion+ earlier' And *)e +;y +ear-)er )a+ 0i-;ed u0 w)a* -ould )a,e been ion
de0o+i*+'C
Rianna a+;ed% CT)en *)ere wa+ a +0a-e-ra8*?C
ra,a+) *wi*-)ed )i+ eye<rid(e+ a(ain' CNo% )e wa+ ri()* abou* *)a*9 *)ere wa+ no
+0a-e-ra8*% air-ra8* or any +imilar 0owered ,e)i-le wi*)in mea+urable di+*an-e o8
*)i+ Ba+e% a* *)e *ime *)e +*a88 )ere wen*?w)ere,er *)ey wen*' Bu* *)a* only mean+
*)ey -ame o,erland'C
Ara*a; +aid% CI*>+ )ard *o ima(ine Me;)ar doin( *)a*?or e,en 6ir(on'C
A(ain *)e eye<rid(e+ *wi*-)ed' CW)a* I belie,e now i+ *)a* *)i+ 0lane* )a+ been
di+-o,ered by +ome new +0a-e(oin( ra-e?one we )a,en>* +een be8ore% abou* w)o+e
)abi*+ we ;now no*)in(' T)i+ +olar +y+*em i+ ri()* on *)e 8rin(e+ o8 e=0lored
*erri*ory% and *)ere are a lo* o8 +*ar+ ou* *)ere' T)ere -ould ea+ily be +ome*)in(
wor+e *)an *)e Me;)ar around )ere'C
ane -au()* Rianna>+ eye% and )e wondered i8 *)e +ame -rawl wa+ u0 )er +0ine *)a*
wa+ 0ri-;lin( wi*) )i+' I8 *)ere wa+ a +0a-e(oin( ra-e wor+e *)an *)e Me;)ar% *)e
in*er+*ellar +la,er+ w)o )ad -a0*ured )im and Rianna and de0o+i*ed *)em *o 8i()*
8or *)eir li,e+ on *)e Red Moon% )e ne,er wan*ed *o en-oun*er i*'
T)e Me;)ar )ad been 0ro*o8eline+' T)ey would +*and ou* on *)i+ world li;e ' ' ' li;e
a (ian* an*ea*er wearin( -lo*)e+% on *)e +*ree*+ o8 ane>+ own Terran -i*ie+E
Bu* *)ey mi()* no* be Me;)ar' A(ain )e +*ared a* *)e )u(e +aurian 8oo*0rin*%
-rumbled by mon*)+ o8 e=0o+ure *o wind and wea*)er9 and /ui*e +uddenly )e
+)uddered% )i+ )and (oin( un-ommanded *o *)e )il* o8 *)e 1amurai +word a* )i+
)i0'
CAll *)i+ mean+%C +aid ra,a+)% +*ridin( 0ur0o+e8ully *oward *)e 8ron* o8 *)e
buildin(% C*)a* *)e +ooner we>re all away 8rom *)i+ Ba+e% *)e )a00ier I>ll be abou* i*'
I*>+ ob,iou+ly bein( moni*ored in +ome way' Bu* i* *oo; *)em *wo or *)ree )our+ *o
-ome a8*er *)e man 7il;i+) F>T)an+a le8* )ere% and on-e we>re ou* in *)e :un(le%
we>ll be )arder *o 8ind' Are
you all ready *o lea,eD I+ *)ere any*)in( )ere you wi+) *o e=amineD Ara*a;DC
He did no* a+; ane or Rianna% and ane *en+ed% 8rownin( +li()*ly' T)a* -ould
be(in *o (e* on )i+ ner,e+' He wa+ ready *o -on-ede *)a* ra,a+) wa+ a* *)e )ead o8
*)i+ 0ar*y' Bu* i8 ra,a+) wa+ (oin( *o a-* a+ i8 ane and Rianna weren>* *)ere a*
all''''
Ara*a; +*e00ed in+ide *)e buildin( 8or a momen*% and mo,ed around in+ide' ane
)eard )im +*ri;e a 0ie-e o8 8urni*ure and (rowl 8ain*ly' T)en )e -alled'
CRiannaD aneDC
T)ey 8ollowed )im in+ide' He )ad )i+ )ead and 0ar* o8 )i+ enormou+ 8ore/uar*er+
in+ide a ;ind o8 -lo+e*9 )e wi*)drew a lon(% lea8<bladed +0ear'
C1in-e *)ere may be -amou8la(e<-a*+?C )e u+ed *)e na*i,e word% ra+)a+% bu* ane
8el* )i+ *)roa* di+; eerily e-)oin(% camoufla#e$cats, CI would 8eel +a8er i8 you were
-arryin( *)i+% Rianna' I* i+ no* /ui*e a+ lon( a+ *)e one you )ad on *)e Hun*er>+
World% bu* no doub* you -an mana(e i* e/ually well'C
Rianna *oo; *)e +0ear% )e8*in( i*% *e+*in( i*+ wei()* and balan-e' CFeel+ all ri()*%C
+)e +aid% and ane -ould +ee *)e *en+ion in )er :awline' CT)an;+% Ara*a;'C
Ara*a; rumma(ed a(ain in *)e lo-;er' He +aid wi*) *)e door mu88lin( )i+ ,oi-e%
CT)i+ -on*ain+?I re-alled 8rom one o8 *)e earlier re0or*+ w)i-) I +*udied?i*em+ o8
na*i,e manu8a-*ure' &n8or*una*ely *)ere i+ only a +in(le +0ear% bu* a+ I re-all% *)a*
wa+ Rianna>+ 0re8erred wea0on' And +ome o8 *)e o*)er i*em+ may be u+e8ul'C He
drew ou* one or *wo o8 *)e +)or*% ma-)e*e<li;e na*i,e +word+' CPer)a0+ we +)ould
ea-) *a;e one o8 *)e+e'C He +*ra00ed one a* )i+ wai+*' I* loo;ed +*ran(e *)ere'
Cra,a+)DC
T)e 1)>8e:: +)ru((ed' CI* mi()* be u+e8ul 8or )a-;in( our way *)rou() *)e
underbru+)% i8 we mu+*' And +in-e i* i+ o8 na*i,e manu8a-*ure% i* mi()* be +a8er i8
ane -arried one' You -ould lea,e *)a* alien wea0on o8 your+ )ere?C
CNo* a -)an-e%C ane +aid% )i+ )and -lo+in( around *)e )il* o8 *)e 1amurai +word'
CT)i+ one (oe+ w)ere I do'C He didn>* elabora*e' He>d already been o,er *)a* on-e
wi*) *)e 1)>8e::'
Ara*a; +aid% CT)ere al+o +eem+ *o be an o0*i-al in+*rumen* o8 na*i,e manu8a-*ure
?C He )anded Rianna a +mall -olla0+in( *ele+-o0e'
CT)a* mu+* be 8rom ala++ or 1)arna%C ra,a+) +aid%
namin( *wo o8 *)e Bel+ar -i*ie+ no* 8ar 8rom Ra)nalor' CT)e 0ro*o+aurian+ *)ere
(rind len+e+' I>ll admi* *)a* and *)e wea0on+ mi()* -ome in u+e8ul% bu* I )o0e you
aren>* (oin( *o load your+el8 down wi*) *oo mu-) :un;EC
Ara*a; wi*)drew )i+ ma++i,e 8ore/uar*er+ 8rom *)e -lo+e*% unru88led' CI do no*
belie,e *)ere i+ any*)in( el+e )ere w)i-) mi()* be u+e8ul' Clo*)in(% mo+*ly% and
:ewelry' Howe,er% *)e i,ine E(( +ay+ *)a* only a 8ool will under*a;e any a-*ion
wi*)ou* 0ro,idin( )im+el8 wi*) *)e 0ro0er *ool+'C
CI8 *)e +*ar+%C ra,a+) +aid% Cwere a+ -lo+e *o(e*)er a+ your 0ro,erb+% we wouldn>*
need +0a-e+)i0+' And i8 your 0ro,erb+ were a+ 8ar a0ar* a+ *)e +*ar+% I -ould
-on-en*ra*e in *ran/uili*y u0on *)e ne-e++i*ie+ o8 *)i+ :ourneyE Come on' Le*>+ (e*
away 8rom *)i+ 0la-eEC
+HAPTER ,IVE
T)e )ea,y ,e(e*a*ion around *)e Ba+e wa+ mo+*ly a +-reenin( )ed(e% +urroundin(
*)e 8or-e8ield% 0lan*ed by *)e ori(inal e=0edi*ion *o -on-eal *)e ,i+ual anomalie+
w)i-) mi()* )a,e drawn a**en*ion *o *)e 8or-e8ield in *)e o0en' ane +u00o+ed *)a*
on a :un(ly 0lane* li;e *)i+% 0lan*in( a *)i-; +-reenin( )ed(e wa+ a ma**er o8 +*i-;in(
a 8ew roo*+ in *)e (round and +*e00in( ba-; in a )urry be8ore *)e re+ul*an* :un(le
(row*) )i* you on *)e -)in'
ra,a+) bru+)ed a bran-) a+ide and +*e00ed in*o bri()* dayli()*% )i+ bla-; +-ale+
(li**erin(' ane -ould +ee beyond )im a low wall o8 na*ural +*one wi*) a (la++y
+ur8a-e9 *)ere wa+ a -le8* in *)e wall% and ra,a+) wen* *)rou()' T)e o*)er+
8ollowed' ane% (lan-in( ba-;% +aw a00aren*ly only a 0a*-) o8 undi+*urbed :un(le'
T)e 8or-e8ield wa+ a(ain -on-ealin( *)e Ba+e% and )e wondered i8 an ob+er,er?i8
*)ere )ad been any +a0ien* ob+er,er+ wi*)in +e,eral mile+% *)em a00aren*ly +*e00in(
ou* o8 now)ere' W)i-) )e 8er,en*ly )o0ed *)ere weren>*?would )a,e +een
A bla+* o8 )o* +0i-y air +*ru-; ane in *)e 8a-e% and )e
8ound )im+el8 +*arin( down a lon( +lo0e -o,ered wi*) +un<dried (ra++' ar; *wi+*ed
*ree+ *)a* reminded )im a li**le o8 a00le *ree+ +)oo; *)eir dee0 (reen lea,e+ wi*)
ea-) bur+* o8 *)e )o* wind 8rom below' From *)e bran-)e+ o8 one% +mall owl<li;e
brown bird+ blin;ed a* *)e *ra,eler+% and wi*) +*ran(ely mourn8ul -li-;in( +ound+%
bur+* 8rom *)e *ree in a w)irr o8 +)or* win(+% +ailin( o88 down *)e +lo0e' On *)e
bran-)e+ *)ey )ad loo;ed li;e owl+9 in 8li()* *)ey re+embled 0ar*rid(e+' He +*ared
a8*er *)em% +udden )ome+i-;ne++ li;e a 8i+* around )i+ )ear*'
Owl+ and 0ar*rid(e+' Bu* *)ey weren>*' A00le *ree+ and 0ine+% +un+e* beyond *)e
!olden !a*e brid(e% *)e -rim+on o8 *urnin( ma0le lea,e+ in au*umn% Adironda-;
8i+)in( +*ream+% Fu:iyama% Ta)i*i' T)e Rio !rande% *)e Hud+on ''' all (oneE Lo+* *o
)im 8ore,er% +omew)ere in in*er+*ellar +0a-eE Hi+ 8in(er+ *i()*ened around *)e li0 o8
*)e +-abbard% )i+ *)umb 0re++in( down *)e (uard' I* didn>* )i* )im li;e *)i+% ,ery o8<
*en' ' ' ' He wa*-)ed )i+ 8ee* 0i-; *)eir way a-ro++ *)e alien +oil'
A +mall animal *)a* wa+ no* /ui*e a rabbi* e=0loded 8rom (ra++ and bounded down
*)e +lo0e'
1wea* burned ane>+ eye+' E,ery +*e0 down *)e lon( +lo0e% *)e *em0era*ure ro+e'
T)e (ra++ wa+ (olden% +eared by *)e +un9 *)e )ea* )elli+)% wi*) a +*i-;y )umidi*y'
T)e +lo0e wa+ lon(er *)an i* loo;ed' Far below% a 8ain* wrin;le +)owed *)e -our+e o8
a *iny +*ream a* *)e bo**om o8 *)e ,alley?bu*% )e remembered 8rom *)e ma0% *)a*
*iny +*ream wa+ a +ub+*an*ial ri,er' T)ey be(an *)e lon( *rud(e down *)e +lo0e'
Beyond i*% *)e +wellin( ma++ o8 (reen% loo;in( almo+* li;e a bed o8 mo++ a* *)i+
di+*an-e% (rew u0 *)e 8ar*)er +lo0e'
By *)e *ime Bel+ar +*ood a* *)e @eni*)% ane>+ )ead a-)ed in *)e 8ier-e mol*en (low%
and *)e (lare o8 *)e +un +eemed *o 8ill *)e w)ole +;y' Hi+ eye+ burned and )e wi+)ed
*)a* *)e i*em+ o8 na*i,e manu8a-*ure )ad in-luded +un(la++e+' ried +wea* -a;ed )i+
body 9 )e wa+ (lad *)e o*)er+ were downwind'
5ow, if only it snowed here now and then, it would ma%e short wor% of this. T)ere wa+%
)e remembered% a li**le +now around *)e 0ole+ *)em+el,e+% and *)e ori(inal +ur,ey
)ad 8ound e,iden-e o8 (la-ia*ion w)i-)% a 8ew million year+ a(o% )ad -o,ered mo+* o8
*)e 0lane*' Well% *)ere )ad been )o* 0eriod+ durin( *)e Terran in*er(la-ial+ *oo% )e
remembered% wi*) )i00o0o*ami in En(land and ele0)an*+ in Nor*) Amer<
i-a' Plane*+ )ad )o* 0eriod+ and -old one+% and i* wa+ :u+* )i+ lu-; *o )a,e )i* *)i+
one in a )o* 0eriod'
And *)ey were +*ill )i() in *)e moun*ain+' A+ )e remembered *)e ma0+ )e )ad
+*udied on *)e +)i0% *)ey would )a,e *o de+-end +e,eral *)ou+and 8ee* be8ore *)ey
rea-)ed *)e -i*y' How )o* would i* be *)ereD
CW)en do we re+*DC Rianna a+;ed' ra,a+) *urned% +ur0ri+ed' Hi+ ra-e )a+ e,ol,ed
on a world )o**er *)an *)i+' Bu* Ara*a; +*o00ed and )un;ered down be+ide *)em'
CT)ey -ome 8rom -old world+% Ca0*ain%C )e e=0lained' CAre you well% RiannaD I
)ad *ruly no* reali@ed )ow +e,ere *)i+ -lima*e mi()* be 8or you'C
CI*>+ no* all *)a* bad% ye*%C +)e +aid% Cbu* I -an>* (o on 8ore,er in *)i+ )ea*% and
nei*)er -an ane'C
A bla-; +-aled -law (e+*ured down *)e +lo0e' CT)ere>+ wa*er down *)ere%C ra,a+)
+aid% CCan>* you ma;e i* *)a* 8arD I8 no*% I +u00o+e we -an re+* )ere?8or a w)ile%
anyway' Bu* i8 anyone i+ loo;in( 8or u+?C
+e1re a !urden to him, ane *)ou()*% +-owlin( down *)e +lo0e' I* wa+n>* *)a* bad% in
Ear*) *em0era*ure+?and i8 )e )ad been in -ondi*ion' W)i-)% )e de-ided rue8ully%
)e wa+n>*' Too mu-) +o8* li,in( in ull+,ille'
CI -an ma;e i*%C Rianna +aid' CBu* :u+* a minu*e'C 1)e rumbled in )er 0a-;% )eld
ou* )er )and *o ane% +mall w)i*e *able*+ -u00ed in )er 0alm'
C1al*' You>ll need i* in *)i+ )ea*'C
CRi()*'C He +)ould )a,e *)ou()* o8 i* )im+el89 )e>d wandered around in *)e *ro0i-+
enou() *o ;now *)e dan(er' 1un+*ro;e )ad no* been one o8 *)e ri+;+ w)i-) )ad
drawn )im *o *)i+ 0lane* A-ome *o *)in; o8 i*% w)y had )e -ome% )e wonderedB% bu* i8
*oday wa+ any +am0le% or wor+e% i8 *)i+ wa+ a cool day% i* mi()* 0ro,e one o8 *)e
wor+*'
Al*)ou()% +o 8ar% *)in(+ loo;ed -om0le*ely 0ea-e8ul''''
T)ey wen* on' One o8 *)e owl<*)in(+ +ailed o,er *)em% -li-;in( +adly' A -rea*ure wi*)
*)e (eneral ou*line+ o8 a +mall deer wa+ (ra@in( near *)e +*ream' I* loo;ed u0 a+ *)ey
a00roa-)ed% +aw *)em% and *oo; 8li()* in a +erie+ o8 lon(% (ra-e8ul bound+'
A-ro++ *)e ri,er *an(led (reenery +welled in*o a 8ore+*% +o *)i-; *)a* ane )ad *o
*)in; o8 i* a+ a :un(le' A+ *)ey -ro++ed *)e la+* le,el +0a-e *)i+ +ide o8 *)e ri,er%
o--a+ional di+/uie*in( +ound+ rea-)ed *)em9 )oo*+% an odd% 8araway% lon( moanin(
+-ream' T)e a00le<li;e *ree+ (rew *)i-;er a+ *)ey a00roa-)ed *)e ri,er% and a new
;ind o8 *ree a00eared%
wi*) 8ea*)ery lea,e+ and +o8*<loo;in( browni+) *run;+% li;e a (ian* ,arie*y o8 +uma-'
Wa,in( 8rom *)e 8ore+* )e +aw 0alm<li;e 8rond+ w)i-) brou()* )im a +udden
)ome+i-; lon(in( 8or a -o-onu*' Or a banana'
T)e (ra++ wa+ *)i-;er )ere% *oo% and made )im 0i-; )i+ +*e0 un-om8or*ably% a8raid
o8 +na;e+9 a8*er a *ime )e 0i-;ed u0 a 8allen bran-) *o 0robe wi*) be8ore ea-) +*e0%
and Rianna% a8*er wa*-)in( )im -uriou+ly 8or a w)ile% a+;ed% CW)a* are you loo;in(
8orDC
C1na;e+'C
,'na%es? W)a* e,er 8orD o *)ey in*ere+* youDC
CNo% o8 -our+e no*% bu* on *)i+ world we don>* ;now w)i-) are *)e 0oi+onou+ one+'C
CPoi+onou+D 1na;e+DC T)e idea +*ar*led )er' CYou mean *)a* +na;e+ are 0oi+onou+
on your worldD W)a* do *)ey do% (row +*in(+ on *)eir *ail+ li;e a 8i+);illerD How
,ery +*ran(eEC T)e ,ery idea +eemed *o amu+e )er% and a8*er a momen* ane
-)u-;led *oo'
CAl*)ou() you wouldn>* lau() i8 you>d +een anyone die o8 ra**le+na;e bi*e%C )e +aid%
+uddenly +obered'
CBi*eD A sna%e? You mean +na;e+ )a,e teeth on your world% and 0oi+onDC
CFan(+%C )e +aid% C)ollow *ee*) wi*) 0oi+on (land+'C
CO)' Li;e a dea*)bird%C +)e +aid' CI +ee'C
T)e idea o8 a 0oi+onou+ bird +)o-;ed )im% and ;e0* )im wa*-)in( *)e +;y
+u+0i-iou+ly 8or a lon( *ime a8*erward' Ye* w)y no*D On )i+ own world% +na;e+ and
bird+ )ad a -ommon an-e+*or% re0*ilian a* *)a*'
Bu* *)a* li**le in*er-)an(e )ad made )im *)in;' T)e Ear*)<li;e a00earan-e o8 *)i+
0lane* mi()* -on-eal deadly *ra0+' 1na;e+ mi()* no* be 0oi+onou+?bu* *)en%
any*)in( el+e mi()* be' T)e bird+' T)e deer' Anythin#...'
An in+e-* *)e +i@e o8 a )ummin(bird 8lew by' Ano*)er% e,en lar(er% )un( on (au@y
win(+ abo,e *)e +*ream' A 8lo-; o8 w)a* ane )ad be(un% in )i+ mind% *o -all -li-;<
owl+ li8*ed 8rom *)e *ree+ a+ *)ey a00roa-)ed *)e wa*er'
ra,a+) dran; +0arin(ly% w)ile ane and Rianna (ul0ed +wee* we*ne++ 8rom *)e
+wi8*<8lowin( -urren* and +0la+)ed wa*er o,er one ano*)er' Bu* Ara*a; )un*ed down
*)e +*ream un*il )e 8ound a wide dee0 0ool and +ubmer(ed )im+el8 u0 *o *)e
eyeball+' 1e,eral +mall roden*<li;e -rea*ure+ e=0loded 8rom *)e 0ool% )orri8ied% and
+-am0ered *o )ide *)em+el,e+ in *)e :un(le'
ra,a+) +nor*ed and +a* down on *)e ban;% wa*-)in( *)em
all di+dain8ully' ane would no* )a,e been +*ar*led i8 ra,a+) )ad 0ulled ou* a 0i0e
and li* i* Aal*)ou() *)e idea o8 a +e,en<8oo* bla-; dra(on 0u88in( a 0i0e made )im
lau() *o )im+el8B' T)e Ca0*ain reminded )im o8 an old Norwe(ian +;i00er )e )ad
me* on-e9 *)e +ame bu+ine++<li;e manner% (ru88 +0ee-)% and *)e +ame 0a*ien*
im0a*ien-e wi*) o*)er 0eo0le>+ /uir;+' T)e +ame bri+; -om0e*en-e% *oo' I* made )im
8eel be**er'
CPoor ra,a+)%C )e +aid *o Rianna% CHe doe+n>* li;e bein( +addled wi*)
0ro*o+imian+'C
He )ad u+ed *)e 6a)ram lan(ua(e *)ey )ad learned 8rom *)e *a0e+% and Rianna
loo;ed mildly 0u@@led9 +)e re0ea*ed i*% and )e )eard *)e *ran+la*ion 8rom )i+ own
*ran+la*or di+;%' and amended i*' CBurdened'C
CWell% you mu+* admi*% we>,e been mo+*ly a nui+an-e +o 8ar' From w)a* I>,e )eard
abou* *)e 1)>8e:: Homeworld% *)i+ would be a deli()*8ully -ool% 0lea+an* day' And% o8
-our+e% )e 0robably e=0e-*+ u+ *o (o in*o a ma*in( dan-e any momen*'C Her eye+
me* )i+ wi*) a 8li-;er o8 (lee' CI8 i* weren>* +o )o*% I>d be *em0*ed% :u+* *o be
annoyin(EC
CHow abou* a +wim in+*ead%C ane +aid% w)o )ad been eyein( *)e wa*er' CAra*a;
loo;+ 0re**y -om8or*able ou* *)ere'C
1)e nodded% and loo;ed a* )im wi*) a +mall (i((le a+ ra,a+) wa*-)ed *)em
+)eddin( *)eir -lo*)e+% )i+ *)i-; eye<rid(e+ *wi*-)in('
I %now what /ianna means. Ifs a temptation to put on a show for him. "ut /ianna1s
ri#ht, it1s )ust too hot. He )eaded *oward *)e 0ool w)ere Ara*a; 8loa*ed' 1)or*ly%
w)ile ra,a+) +*ared a* *)em in bewildermen* and mild di+may% *)e *)ree o8 *)em
were 8roli-;in( in *)e -ool wa*er% Ara*a; (lee8ully )urlin( (rea* wa,e+ o8 wa*er o,er
)i+ +maller 8riend+% dar*in( abou* *)em in *)e 0ool wi*) ama@in( +0eed' ane 8ound
*)i+ a li**le unner,in(% *)ou() )e didn>* +ay +o9 al*)ou() lon( a--u+*omed *o
Ara*a;>+ a00earan-e on land% +ome)ow *)e +li*)er o8 )i+ +wimmin( mo*ion+ *ou-)ed
o88 +ome +ub-on+-iou+% 0er)a0+ e,en in+*in-*i,e 8ear' He loo;ed :u+* *oo mu-) li;e a
-ro-odile9 ane )ad *o +*o0 and remind )im+el8 *)a* *)i+ wa+ Ara*a;% w)om )e
*ru+*ed -om0le*ely% and?ye+? lo,ed'
ra,a+) wa+ a-*ually +*am0in( wi*) im0a*ien-e w)en *)ey le8* *)e wa*er% and
al*)ou() i* wa+ benea*) )i+ di(ni*y *o remon+*ra*e wi*) ei*)er ane or Rianna% )e
wri((led )i+ eye<rid(e+ re0ro,in(ly a* Ara*a;'
CHa,e you di+0or*ed your+el8 lon( enou() wi*) your 0ro*o<+imian -om0anion+DC )e
demanded% a+ i8 re0ro,in( a -ollea(ue 8or wa+*in( *ime 0layin( wi*) a -ou0le o8
do(+'
A+ alway+% Ara*a; wa+ unru88led'
CT)e i,ine E(( )a+ ri()*ly remar;ed *)a* ba*)in(% li;e ea*in( and +lee0in(% i+
amon( *)e 8ew w)olly inno-en* 0lea+ure+ o8 man;ind% doin( no )arm *o any and
(i,in( 0lea+ure *o all'C
ra,a+) rolled u0 )i+ eye+ and wrin;led )i+ brow a+ i8 im0lorin(% C!od (i,e me
0a*ien-eEC
Bu* all )e a-*ually +aid wa+% CIn *)e ne=* ,alley% i8 I remember ri()*ly% *)ere i+ a
-am0in( 0la-e w)i-) +)ould be +a8e' In *ra,elin( *)rou() *)e 8ore+* wi*)
0ro*o+imian+% we +)ould wa*-) *)e *ree+ 8or ra+)a+'C
2amoufla#e$cats, the *ran+la*or (a,e an eerie e-)o'
ane wondered i8 *)e ra+)a wa+ really a+ dan(erou+ a+ *)e re0or*+ (a,e ou*' T)e
Ear*)ly leo0ard?and a+ nearly a+ )e -ould ma;e ou*% *)e ra+)a% or -amou8la(e<-a*%
wa+ abou* li;e a leo0ard% *)ou() lar(er and -on+iderably bolder?normally 8ed on
mon;ey+ and a0e+% in-ludin( man>+ -lo+e+* -ou+in *)e -)im0an@ee9 and would (o
a8*er a )uman -)ild /ui-;ly enou() i8 i* )ad *)e o00or*uni*y' Bu* more o8*en *)an
no*% *)ey le8* adul* able<bodied )uman+ +*ri-*ly alone% bein( +mar* enou() *o reali@e
)ow dan(erou+ *)i+ 0ar*i-ular mon;ey -ould be' Hadn>* *)e ra+)a+ o8 Bel+ar learned
*)a* le++on ye*D
T)e 1)>8e::% wi*)ou* any -om0arable 0reda*or on *)eir world% mi()* )a,e
e=a((era*ed *)e dan(er'
CI>ll lead *)e way%C ra,a+) wa+ +ayin(% CYou brin( u0 *)e rear% Ara*a;' I8 we ;ee0
*)e 0ro*o+imian+ be*ween u+% *)ey won>* be *oo e=0o+ed'C
I thou#ht we were supposed to !e ta%in# care of them, on this trip, not the other way
around ane +ilen*ly +ee*)ed a* *)i+% un*il a *ardy +en+e o8 )umor made )im (rin'
1u00o+e )e and Rianna )ad been a+;ed *o e+-or* a 0air o8% +ay% *)ree<8oo*<)i()
-rea*ure+ de+-ended 8rom -)i-;en+% *)rou() a wood 8illed wi*) +a,a(e and o,er+i@ed
8o=e+D T)e -rea*ure+ mi()* be ,ery bra,e and -om0le*ely +a0ien*?bu* )e>d +*ill
)a,e a 8ew men*al re+er,a*ion+E
T)ey were ou* o8 *)e dire-* +unli()* in *)e 8ore+*% +o i* wa+% in a way% -ooler9 bu* *)e
+*ill% dead air wa+ +u88o-a*in(' T)ey wal;ed +in(le 8ile% 8ollowin( w)a* ane *)ou()*
o8 a+ a deer *rail?e=-e0* *)a* +omeone 8rom *)e Ba+e )ad unob*ru+i,ely lo00ed o88
enou() o8 *)e low bran-)e+ *o allow ra,a+) and *)e *wo )uman+ *o wal; ere-*'
Ara*a; +*ill )ad *o du-; mu-)
o8 *)e *ime% bu* ra,a+) +*rode alon( un)am0ered9 *)e *rail )ad been buil* *o
1)>8e:: )ei()*'
O,er *)eir )ead *)e roo8 o8 lea,e+ (rew *)i-;er% and away 8rom *)e -learly mar;ed
*rail *)e *ree *run;+ were )idden by ,ine+ and *)i-; bru+)' ead lea,e+ w)i+0ered
under +-urryin( 8ee*9 un+een -rea*ure+ ,oi-ed my+*eriou+ -rie+% *)ou() on re8le-*ion
ane +u00o+ed *)e my+*ery wa+ mo+*ly a ,er+ion o8 +here, oh where is my dinner? A
lar(e bird 8la00ed )ea,ily o88 a bran-)% mul*i+)aded 8ea*)er+ drab in *)e (loom%
,ani+)in( amon( *)e lea,e+ wi*) an eerie )owl?a +ound w)i-) )ad +*ar*led ane
w)en )e )eard i* earlier'
La*er% a *roo0 o8 +mall mon;ey+ bur+* -)a**erin( *)rou() *)e bran-)e+ o,er)ead%
+-ree-)ed de8ian-e a* *)e *ra,eler+% and +warmed away in*o *)e dee0er +)adow+ o8
*)e 8ore+*' ane loo;ed a8*er *)em in +ur0ri+e' T)ey )ad loo;ed% and e,en more
+*ran(ely% !ehaved, :u+* li;e mon;ey+ in (ame 0re+er,e+ on Ear*)' He wa+ no e=0er*
on mon;ey+% and -ouldn>* *ell w)e*)er *)ey were a-*ually iden*i-al wi*) any
*erre+*rial +0e-ie+% bu* *)e o,erw)elmin( im0re++ion wa+ *)a* *)i+ band o8 mon;ey+
-ould )a,e been *ran+0or*ed *o a Borneo :un(le and nobody -ould )a,e *old *)e
di88eren-e?e=-e0*% 0er)a0+% an e=0er*'
1*ill% i8 )uman+ ba+i-ally iden*i-al *o )i+ own +0e-ie+ )ad e,ol,ed on di88eren*
world+% i* 0robably wa+n>* +ur0ri+in( *)a* lower +imian+ )ad done +o% *oo' And )e
and Rianna were enou() ali;e% *)ou() *)ey )ad e,ol,ed li()*<year+ a0ar*% *o be
lo,er+% ma*e+' He loo;ed a* Rianna% :u+* a)ead o8 )im on *)e 0a*)% *)in;in( *)a*
wi*) )er new -olorin( +)e +eemed almo+* a +*ran(er% a du+;y 0rin-e++% e=o*i- and
allurin(' My+*eriou+' He (rinned *o )im+el8% *)in;in( )ow i* would irri*a*e ra,a+)
*o ;now *)a* )i+ 0ro*o+imian -ollea(ue+ were !ehavin# li;e 0ro*o+imian+% wa+*in(
*ime on +u-) *)ou()*+' Abou* *)a* ma*in( dan-e% now'
Well% )e and Rianna were (oin( *o )a,e *o ri+; +)o-;in( *)e 0ro*o+aurian+
+ome*ime% )e *)ou()*' Maybe *oni()* w)en *)ey made -am0' A8*er all% bein(
0ro*o+imian+ *)ey were e=0e-*ed *o be)a,e *)a* way% and i8 *)ey were (oin( *o )a,e
*)e name% *)ey mi()* a+ well )a,e *)e (ame''''
A ,iolen* ra**le o8 lea,e+ and a +udden +a,a(e yowl brou()* )i+ )ead u0% *o +ee
+0read -law+ and (leamin( eye+ in *)e air abo,e )im'
He dro00ed *o one ;nee% )i+ +word 8lyin( 8rom i*+ +)ea*) and +wee0in( le8* *o ri()*
abo,e )i+ )ead' He 8el* *)e ed(e +li-e 8le+)% +*rainin( mu+-le+ in )i+ 8orearm'
1ome*)in( we*
and +*i-;y 0oured blindin( in*o )i+ eye+% and a )ea,y wei()* dro,e )im *o *)e
(round% (ra,el and *wi(+ di((in( in*o )i+ ba-;'
He wa+ drownin( in 8ur' Rianna wa+ +-reamin( )i+ name9 *)en *)e wei()* wa+
+uddenly li8*ed% and )e +aw dayli()* a(ain% and Rianna>+ 8a-e% 0ale wi*) )orror'
CHe>+ -o,ered in bloodE ane?Dane?
CI*>+ no* my blood'C ane +a* u0% wi0in( *)i-; (oo ou* o8 )i+ eye+' Ara*a; wa+
)oldin( *)e -a*<*)in( a* arm>+ len(*)% li;e a (rown man )oldin( a ;i**en by *)e
+-ru88 o8 i*+ ne-;' Blood -a+-aded 8rom i*+ middle9 ane>+ +word )ad +li-ed i* nearly
in *wo% and *)e )ind/uar*er+ )un( lim0% bu* *)e 8ore</uar*er+ were +*ill +-rabblin(
wildly 8or 0ur-)a+e' T)en% wi*) a *iny mewin( +ound% *)e li8e wen* ou* o8 i*% and
Ara*a; dro00ed i*% wi*) a 8a+*idiou+ +)udder% a* one +ide o8 *)e 0a*)'
ane>+ )and+ were +)a;in( wi*) rea-*ion a+ )e -leaned and +)ea*)ed *)e blade' I*
)ad been -lo+e' He )ad dro00ed *o one ;nee :u+* in *ime9 *)e -lawed 8orele(+ )ad
mi++ed )im -leanly w)en *)e -amou8la(e<-a* +0ran(% -lawin( air o,er )i+ +)oulder+
:u+* a+ *)e ra+)a>+ -)e+* )ad +*ru-; )im in *)e 8a-e% ;no-;in( )im down' I8 )i+ 8ir+*
blow )adn>* ni-;ed *)e +0ine% *)e 0ower8ul )ind-law+ would )a,e *orn )im a0ar*'
A 8ew 8ee* abo,e *)e +0o* w)ere )i+ )ead )ad +*ru-; *)e (round% lea,e+ and ear*)
were +)redded w)ere *)e (rea* -law+ )ad *)ra+)ed in a(ony ' ' ' ane +)i,ered' I*
wa+ a (ood *)in( )e wa+n>* one o8 *)o+e 0eo0le w)o (e* +i-; a* *)e +i()* o8 blood9 )i+
8a-e and +)oulder+ were -oa*ed wi*) i*' To +ay no*)in( o8 )i+ )air' He (rima-ed wi*)
di+(u+* and )o0ed *)ere>d be enou() wa*er a* *)e -am0 *o wa+) o88 *)e blood<+*in;'
ead% *)e ra+)a loo;ed +mall and almo+* )armle++' T)e 8ur wa+ a mo**lin( o8 yellow
and brown% wi*) bla-; +*ri0e+ li;e a *i(er>+ *o 8ur*)er brea; *)e ou*line' No wonder
*)e damn *)in( )ad been nearly in,i+ible un*il i* :um0edE Camou8la(e<-a* wa+ a
(ood name 8or *)e *)in(E
And man% i* +eemed% wa+ +*ri-*ly a 8a,ored i*em on i*+ dinner menu' He wondered
w)a* *)e odd+ were a(ain+* bein( a**a-;ed by a leo0ard on your 8ir+* day in A8ri-aD
He loo;ed u0 *o 8ind ra,a+)>+ eye+ on )im% and *)e bla-; dra(on )ead nodded% a+
*)ou() in a00ro,al' ane *)ou()* +hat do you thin% of that for a protosimian,
friend? Bu* all )e +aid aloud wa+% CLe*>+ *ry *o 8ind wa*er +o I -an wa+) o8* *)i+ :un;'
Ba*)in( i+n>* e,en a lu=ury in a -a+e li;e *)i+?*)e
+mell o8 blood i+ (oin( *o )a,e e,ery +-a,en(er in *)e :un(le on our *rail% and I>d
ra*)er *)ey>d dine on *)e remain+ o8 our -a* 8riend *)ere'C
+HAPTER SI-
C Fi,e day+ *)ey *ra,eled *)rou() *)e moun*ain+% 8ollowin( *)e *rail a-ro++ rid(e
a8*er rid(e% ea-) lower *)an *)e la+*' A+ *)ey de+-ended% i* (rew )o**er% and *)e
:un(le *)i-;er' New ;ind+ o8 *ree+ a00eared% and an in8ini*e ,arie*y o8 bu+)e+% ,ine+
and *)orn+' E+0e-ially *)orn+' ane wa+ no lon(er +ur0ri+ed *)a* *)e -lo*)in( )e
and Rianna )ad been 0ro,ided wi*) wa+ lea*)er9 8abri- *rou+er+ or ;il* would )a,e
been in *a**er+ by *)e end o8 *)e 8ir+* day% and a* *)e end o8 *)ree *)ey>d )a,e been
na;ed' E,en *)e 0ro*o+aurian+% wi*) *)eir *)i-; )ide% bore a 8ew +-ra0e+ and
+-ra*-)e+'
Twi-e *)ey )ad been a**a-;ed a(ain by ra+)a+' One )ad im0aled i*+el8 nea*ly on
Rianna>+ +0ear un*il a +wi8* +la+) o8 ane>+ +word )ad *a;en o88 i*+ )ead' T)e o*)er
)ad been -au()* in mid<lea0 by Ara*a;>+ )u(e 0aw' For a momen* *)e (ian* li@ard<
man )ad re(arded *)e +*ru((lin(% +0i**in( -rea*ure wi*) de*a-)men*% *)en )urled i*
a--ura*ely in*o *)e ,ery -en*er o8 a nearby *)ornbu+)' T)e bea+* -lawed i*+el8
8ran*i-ally ou* and +-rambled o88 in*o *)e :un(le% loo;in( ,ery mu-)% ane *)ou()*%
li;e a -a* w)o )a+ been -au()* on *)e *able wi*) *)e T)an;+(i,in( *ur;eyE
On *)e 8our*) or 8i8*) day ane ob+er,ed *o Rianna *)a* *)e Ca0*ain +eemed
)a00ier abou* bein( +*u-; wi*) Ara*a;>+ 0e* mon;ey+% now *)a* )e>d +een *)em in
a-*ion'
And -er*ainly ra,a+) wa+ warmin( *oward *)e )uman+' A* ni()*% w)ile weird -rie+
re+ounded 8rom *)e :un(le around *)em% and do@en+ o8 eye+ re8le-*ed *)e +mall li()*
o8 *)eir 8ire% ra,a+) would *ell +*orie+ o8 *)e +*ran(e world+ )e )ad ,i+i*ed% *Hr *al;
wi*) *)em o8 *)e +*ran(e 0eo0le wi*) w)om *)ey would +oon be dealin(' For
ra,a+)% lon( a(o in )i+ you*)% )ad been wi*) *)e )idden Ob+er,er *eam+ on *)i+
0lane*'
Bu* )e +*ill win-ed a* ea-) new 0ro,erb 8rom Ara*a;'
And *)eir -ommuni-a*or+ were +ilen*' T)ey were well and *ruly ou* o8 -on*a-* wi*)
*)e &ni*y% e=-e0* 8or *)e ra00or* w)i-)% ane +u00o+ed% ra,a+) +*ill en*ered 8rom
*ime *o *ime wi*) Far+0ea;er'
A+ *)ey le8* *)e Ba+e 8ar*)er and 8ar*)er be)ind% more and more new (row*)
en-roa-)ed u0on *)e *rail% and in 0la-e+% *)ey )ad *o +*ru((le and -u* *)eir way
*)rou() wi*) *)e ma-)e*e<li;e ;ni,e+'
ane *)ou()* i* wa+ *)e +i=*) day w)en *)e o,er(rown *rail led *)em in*o a dee0
,alley% +uddenly o0enin( in*o a broad na*ural -learin(' eerli;e -rea*ure+ bounded
away a* *)eir a00roa-)% and ra,a+) 0oin*ed *o *)e 8ar end o8 *)e' -learin(% w)ere a
(ray<w)i*e +*ri0 o8 +*one ran alon( be+ide a dee0 ri,er'
COur 8ir+* ob:e-*i,e%C )e +aid% CI )a,e remembered -orre-*ly' I* i+ *)e old Cara,an
road'C
T)e ri,er wa+ broad and muddy% well below *)e le,el o8 i*+ ban;+' A +)eer wall o8
:un(le (rew 8rom *)e 8ar*)er +)ore' In+e-*+ *)e +i@e o8 bird+ 8lew by on 8ilmy win(+'
1ome*)in( lar(e wa+ +wimmin( alon( in *)e -en*er o8 *)e +*ream% a )u(e roden*li;e
)ead 8ollowed by a 7ee o8 ri00le+% bu* i* di,ed a+ *)ey neared *)e ban;% be8ore ane
-ould (e* a (ood loo; a* i*9 ane de-ided i* mu+* be an A0orra% a -rea*ure no* unli;e
a )i00o0o*amu+ in +i@e% wei()*% and e-olo(i-al 8un-*ion?i* 8ed on (ra++ and 8re+)<
wa*er weed+ a* *)e bo**om o8 ri,er+ and wa+ )i()ly 0ri@ed by *)e na*i,e+ 8or mea*'
ane wouldn>* )a,e minded +ome 8re+) mea*?bu* )e and Rianna -ould ne,er )a,e
ea*en any*)in( *)a* +i@e% and i* would )a,e been wa+*e8ul *o ;ill i* and lea,e *)e
-ar-a++ 8or *)e +-a,en(er+'
One o8 *)e lar(e in+e-*+ 8lew *oo near Ara*a;' Wi*) ama@in( +0eed% a )u(e )and +)o*
ou* and +na00ed *)e -rea*ure ou* o8 *)e air' ane a,er*ed )i+ eye+ and +)uddered
+li()*ly a+ *)e li@ard<man +*u88ed *)e bu( in )i+ mou*) and -)ewed' He>d nearly
*)rown u0 *)e 8ir+* *ime Ara*a; did *)a*'
Celi-iou+%C Ara*a; e=-laimed% CTruly% *)i+ 0lane* abound+ in ri-) 8ood+E>
T)a* +e**led i*% ane de-ided' Toni()* )e>d *ry *o ;no-; one o8 *)o+e -li-;<owl+ ou*
o8 *)e *ree+ and de-ide i8 *)ey *a+*ed a+ mu-) li;e 0ar*rid(e+ a+ *)ey loo;ed'
ra,a+)' w)o+e die*ary )abi*+ were no* unli;e Ara*a;>+% nodded in im0a*ien*
a(reemen*?*)ou()% ane no*i-ed% )i+ own bi( eye+ were loo;in( around 8or
ano*)er o8 *)e bi( in+e-*+?bu* *)e 1)>8e:: 8lin-)ed a+ Ara*a; added% CTruly did
*)e i,ine E(( remar; *)a* )e w)o i+ -on*en* wi*) +im0le 8are )a+ li**le *o 8ear 8rom
mi+8or*une% 8or all o8 na*ure -ombine+ *o 0ro,ide )im wi*) ri-) -on*en*men*% and a
8ull +*oma-) will +oon 0ro,ide *)e an+wer *o *)e o*)er *rouble+ w)i-) be+ie(e *)e
un/uie* mind+ o8 man;ind'C
ane -ould +ee ra,a+) medi*a*in( on a +ar-a+*i- re0ly' Bu* )e +aid no*)in(9
e,iden*ly )e )ad already learned *)a* i* would be a wa+*e o8 brea*)' W)ile Ara*a;
li,ed and brea*)ed% )e would -on*inue *o mu+e aloud on *)e wi+dom o8 *)e i,ine
E((% and i* wa+ :u+* a+ +im0le a+ *)a*' ra,a+) only +aid mildly% CI* i+ a 0i*y one
-anno* dine on 0)ilo+o0)y a+ on 8ood and drin;% Ara*a;% and *)en we +)ould ne,er
)un(er'C
Ara*a; 0i-;ed a -)i*inou+ 8ra(men* o8 win( 8rom )i+ lon( *ee*) and remar;ed%
CAla+% 0)ilo+o0)y alone% wi*)ou* mea* and drin;% i+ bu* *)in 8odder9 bu* mea* and
drin; alone% un+ea+oned wi*) 0)ilo+o0)y% will no* lon( nouri+) any +en*ien* bein('C
ane +u00o+ed i* wa+ a (ood *)in( *)a* *)e re0*ile+ )ad already be(un *)e
-)an(eo,er *o na*i,e 8ood+ w)i-) *)ey mu+* all ma;e% and w)i-) would be-ome *o*al
w)en *)ey a++umed *)eir role+ amon( *)e na*i,e 0o0ula*ion' 1o 8ar% *)ou()% ane
and Rianna )ad only +am0led?-au*iou+ly?a ,ery 8ew o8 *)e na*i,e 8rui*+ and
roo*+9 *)ey )ad )ad no *ime 8or )un*in(% and )ad relied on *)e emer(en-y ra*ion+ a*
*)e bo**om o8 *)eir ru-;+a-;+% Bu* on-e *)ey made -on*a-* wi*) a -ara,an% *)ey
would )a,e *o +wi*-) en*irely *o na*i,e -oo;in('
ane loo;ed a* *)e +wirlin( wa*er w)ere *)e A0orra )ad di,ed% and *)ou()* abou* a
bow and arrow' T)e na*i,e+% 8or +ome rea+on% )ad ne,er de,elo0ed or u+ed +u-)
wea0on+% % )un*in( only wi*) +0ear+' One ni()*% ba-; in *)e 8ore+*% )e )ad a-*ually
be(un wor; on a bow% bu* *)e +aurian )ad rea-*ed wi*) )orror9 a+ i8% ane *)ou()*%
ane )ad re-ommended en*erin( *)e na*i,e -i*y wearin( +0a-e+ui*+ and -arryin(
la+er 0i+*ol+'
.aven1t you learned anythin# from the tapes and educators? The protosimians here
don1t use !ows?or any missile weapons 5o!ody !ut an outlaw will even throw a
spear
ane )ad 0ro*e+*ed?)e *)ou()* *)ey +im0ly )adn>* de,elo0ed *)e bow?and
ra,a+) loo;ed a* )im in an(ry di+(u+*% a+ i8 ane were +im0ly ,eri8yin( )i+
0re-on-ei,ed idea+ abou* all 0ro*o+imian+ and *)eir +*u0idi*y'
They %now what !ows are. Didn1t you see the replica of the wall paintin#s of :ishlor?
ane )ad% bu* e,iden*ly )adn>* 0aid enou() a**en*ion% and ra,a+) )ad re0ea*ed i*%
(rowlin(
wi*) an(ry em0)a+i+' They don1t use any %ind of missile weapon It1s their stron#est
ta!oo . . . even children are tau#ht it1s dishonora!le and wic%ed to throw a stone
I* wa+ *)e 8ir+* *ime ane )ad e,er )eard o8 a +u--e++8ul *aboo en8or-ed a(ain+* an
e88e-*i,e wea0on' I* 0u@@led )im' Bu* )e +*ill )ad a lo* *o learn% and )e ;new i*'
T)ey *urned on *o *)e road' !rea* blo-;+ o8 w)i*i+) +*one )ad been 8i**ed *o(e*)er%
wi*)ou* any ;ind o8 mor*ar% bu* +o -lo+ely *)a* ane :ud(ed i* would be )ard *o +lide
*)e blade o8 a ;ni8e be*ween *)em' He remembered bein( *old *)a* a* +ome *ime in
*)eir )i+*ory% i* )ad been buil* by buildin( a wall in a di*-)9 *)e ear*)en ou*wail+ )ad
lon( +in-e worn away% and *)e -oun*le++ 8ee* o8 (enera*ion+ )ad )ollowed *)e +*one
in*o a (en*le -ur,e' T)e re-en* rain )ad le8* a li**le wa*er a* *)e bo**om o8 *)e
-)annel *)u+ 8ormed?no* enou() *o be -arried o88 by *)e ou*le*+ w)i-) )ad been
-u*% ,ery old bu* no* nearly +o old a+ *)e road% *o -arry o88 8loodin(' T)e *wo
0ro*o+aur+ +0la+)ed alon( in *)e wa*er% e,iden*ly en:oyin( *)e mud on *)eir )u(e
lea*)ery 8ee* in *)e +ame way a -i*y<dweller mi()* en:oy wal;in( on (ra++ a8*er
0a,ed +idewal;+9 bu* ane and Rianna mo,ed ou* *o *)e ed(e o8 *)e +*one% w)ere
*)ey )ad *o 0i-; *)eir way alon( widenin( -ra-;+ w)ere :un(le (row*) and -ree0er+
)ad 8or-ed *)eir way in*o *)e on-e<*i()*ly<8i**ed ri8*+ be*ween +*one+' Howe,er% *)e
:un(le (row*) )ad been *rimmed away /ui*e re-en*ly? ane +u00o+ed i* wa+ a
-oo0era*i,e ,en*ure amon( *)e *ribe+ and -i*ie+ w)o+e -ara,an+ u+ed *)e road% ea-)
-ara,an doin( i*+ 0ar* in dri,in( ba-; *)e en-roa-)in( :un(le'
Alon( *)e ban; o8 *)e ri,er *)e ,er(e )ad been ;e0* -lear% and ane% +*e00in( o88 *)e
road% +*udied *)e muddy (round 8or *ra-;+' 1in-e learnin( *)a* no one el+e in *)e
0ar*y )ad any awarene++ o8 *ra-;in(% )e )ad +e* )im+el8 *o learn *)e 0rin*+ le8* by
*)e na*i,e bea+*+ and di+-rimina*e be*ween *)e di88eren* 8ee* and *)e *ra-;+ *)ey le8*'
1imilari*ie+ *o Ear*)ly analo(ue+ )el0ed9 bu* e,en more% )i+ -on-ern wi*) lo-al e-ol<
o(y wa+ +*imula*in( )i+ memorie+ o8 *)e ,a+* +u00ly o8 re-ord+ w)i-) )ad been
)y0no*i-ally dri,en in*o )i+ )ead' T)a* made +en+e9 i8 you use a +;ill% )e ;new% i*
+)ar0en+'
T)ere were% )e ;new% men e,en on Ear*) w)o would )a,e lau()ed a* )i+ +mall +;ill
in *ra-;in(. men w)o -ould )a,e read a -lear *rail w)ere )e +aw only +)a0ele++
+-ra*-)in(+ in *)e dir*' Bu* +ome *ra-;+ in *)e mud o8 *)e ban; were -lear' Here wa+
a +e* o8 *)ree<*oed% webbed 0rin*+ )e belie,ed *o be *)a* o8 an A0orra% and )e )ad no
*rouble a* all re-o(ni@in(
*)e 0u(<mar;+ or a ra+)a and de-i0)erin( *)e +*ory *)ey *old' T)e bea+* )ad -ome
ou* o8 *)e :un(le% +*o00ed *o drin; a* *)e wa*er>+ ed(e% and -limbed brie8ly u0 on *)e
road9 ane -ould +ee *)e we* +0o*+ a* *)e ed(e o8 *)e +*one% w)ere )e?or +)e9 *)e
8emale ra+)a+ were e/ually lar(e and e,en deadlier?)ad +meared wa*er on *)e
+*one' T)e 8ain* *ra-e+ led a-ro++ *)e road and in*o *)e :un(le a)ead o8 *)em' He
wondered unea+ily i8 *)e -amou8la(e<-a* wa+ wai*in( 8or *)em u0 a)ead% and made
+ure )i+ +word wa+ loo+e' He o0ened )i+ mou*) *o warn *)e o*)er+?now *)ey were
a-*ually on a road -on+*ru-*ed by -i,ili@ed bein(+% *)ey mi()* *)in; *)ey were ou* o8
*)e :un(le% and *)ey weren>*?w)en Rianna +*o00ed% *urnin( *o )im'
CLi+*en%C +)e +aid% CW)a*>+ *)a* noi+eDC
ane li+*ened9 )eard a di+*an* mu+i-al -)imin(% li;e *)e +ound o8 +lei()<bell+' .ere
comes 'anta 2laus, here comes . ' ' *)e +ound wa+ ridi-ulou+% under *)e bra@en +un
wrin(in( +wea* 8rom )i+ 8ore)ead9 *)e re8le-*ed +un on ro-; wa+ ri+in( u0 under )i+
;il*% and )e 8el* a+ i8 )e +*ood in+ide a bla+* 8urna-e'
T)e +)elle++ )ole+ w)i-) +er,ed *)e 0ro*o+aurian+ 8or ear+ were le++ a-u*e a*
(a*)erin( di+*an* +ound+9 i* wa+ +ome minu*e+ be8ore ra,a+) rai+ed )i+ )ead%
)earin( *)e +*ren(*)enin( bell<+ound+'
C!an:ir bell+%C ra,a+) +aid' CT)ere mu+* be a -ara,an -omin(' You 0eo0le )ad
be**er le* me do *)e *al;in('C He )ad +wi*-)ed lan(ua(e+ on *)em% -)an(in( 8rom
*)e lo-al ar(o* o8 6a)ram% w)i-) *)ey>d all been *al;in(% *o *)e CHi() 10ee-)C?an
an-ien* 0ro*o+aurian lan(ua(e% +omew)a* modi8ied by dro00in( or al*erin( +ome
+ound+ 0ro*o+imian+ 8ound *oo di88i-ul*% w)i-)?a(ain ane remembered 8rom *)e
learnin(<*a0e+?)ad been% li;e La*in in *)e Middle A(e+% a *rade *on(ue be*ween
widely +e0ara*ed -ul*ure+'
T)e -)imin( (rew louder% and w)ere *)e road -ur,ed be8ore *)em% ane -ould +ee
*all% indi+*in-* 8orm+ *)rou() *)e *ree+' Ara*a; laid )i+ )u(e 0aw on Rianna>+
+)oulder and +aid +ome*)in( ane didn>* -a*-)' 1)e lau()ed'
T)e 8our o8 *)em +*ood *o(e*)er in *)e -en*er o8 *)e road' ane +*rained *o +ee
*)rou() *)e 8rin(in( *ree+% un-on+-iou+ly +*e00ed ba-;% -lo+er *o *)e :un(le% *)en
remembered and +)o* a /ui-; (lan-e ba-; o,er )i+ +)oulder' No*)in(9 *)e 8olia(e
wa+ +*ill and un+*irred'
.ell, that cat1s pro!a!ly miles away !y now. 2ats are nervous animals. Ifs not li%ely to
)ump out with a caravan comin# up, ma%in# that much noise. He wondered i8 *)a*
wa+
w)y *)ey wore bell+' Ma;e enou() noi+e% and *)ey>d 8ri()*en away mo+* o8 *)e
bea+*+ in *)e :un(le''''
Burnin( )ea*% +lei()bell+% +wea*<dren-)ed -lo*)e+ and C)ri+*ma+ -arol+ runnin( in
)i+ )ead o,er *)e +ound o8 bell+ ''' winter wonderland "ah, hum!u#
Ano*)er +*e0% and )e -ould +ee *all +)a0e+% bla-; and (ray and brown' T)e bell+
(rew louder' 1uddenly *)ey -ame around *)e -ur,e and )e -ould +ee *)em -learly%
(rea* bla-;<and<w)i*e mo**led bea+*+% lon(<le((ed li;e -amel+ bu* )um0le++%
+wayin( benea*) bale+ bound wi*) )ea,y -oar+e -lo*)' Tiny -)imin( bell+ +wayed on
*)eir lea*)er )arne++e+' Be+ide *)em men?0ro*o+imian+% anyway?in (rayi+) -oa*+%
8ea*)er )eaddre++e+ and lo*+ o8 :in(lin( ne-;<-)ain+ and amule*+ no* unli;e *)o+e
ane and Rianna wore% led *)e bea+*+ by ro0e+ lin;ed *o *)e )al*er+ on *)e
mourn8ully (en*le% ,a(uely bo,ine 8a-e+ o8 *)e (an:ir9 +wayin( lon( ne-;+% *)i-;ly
mu+-led% -o,ered wi*) a ma(ni8i-en* ru88' ane ,a(uely remembered *)a* *)e wild
(an:ir wa+ an*lered li;e a moo+e% bu* only +mall +*ubby ;nob+ remained *o *)e+e
dome+*i-a*ed bea+*+9 0robably *)ey were de)orned a+ -al,e+'
T)e man a* *)e )ead o8 *)e -ara,an +aw *)em% and +0o;e *o )i+ (an:ir% *u((in( *)e
bea+* around *o +*and +ideway+% blo-;in( *)e road' He +)ou*ed' ra,a+)% w)o wa+
wal;in( a)ead o8 *)e o*)er+% *urned *o +0ea; *o ane% annoyan-e on )i+ 8a-e'
+hat now? ane wondered' Does he want me to interpret? ra,a+)% rai+in( a )and
*o (e+*ure% +uddenly 8ro@e% and ane +aw )i+ eye+ 8a+*en on +ome*)in( in *)e 8ore+*
be)ind )im' 1ome*)in( ru+*led% )al8<drowned by *)e +ound o8 bell+ and lea,e+'
ane :um0ed% 0ullin( ou* )i+ +word wi*) w)a* +eemed a(oni@in( +lowne++' Be8ore )e
)eard ra,a+)>+ warnin( +)ou*% )e )eard *)e 8amiliar ru+*le o8 lea,e+9 )i+ +word
+eemed -lum+y a+ an iron bar in )i+ )and a+ )e 0i,o*ed% brin(in( *)e blade u0 o,er
)i+ )ead% +eein( *)e ra+)a -ome *o ear*) in a -rou-) and +0rin(' T)e blade +na00ed
down% -run-)in( *)rou() bone% a+ *)e (rea* *alon+ o0ened and -lo+ed le++ *)an a
)and<+0an 8rom )i+ 8a-e' T)e +word wa+ almo+* *orn 8rom )i+ )and a+ *)e (rea* -a*
-rum0led% *)e blade *ra00ed in i*+ +;ull'
1)ou*in( drowned *)e bell+'
He wren-)ed a* *)e blade% )i+ 8oo* on *)e )ead o8 *)e +*ill *wi*-)in( ra+)a' He )ad *o
u+e bo*) )and+ *o wre+*le i* 8ree' Moun*ed men -ame ridin( u0 on bea+*+ /ui*e
di88eren* 8rom *)e (an:ir% *)e+e wi*) ,a(uely )or+eli;e line+% bu* )orned and
bob<*ailed9 *)eir leader% on a wine<red bea+*% 0ulled u0 w)ere Ara*a; and ra,a+)
+*ood in *)e middle o8 *)e roadway' He +*ood u0 in )i+ +*irru0+ and w)i+*led% a +)rill
-om0le= +i(nal9 *wo o8 )i+ 8ellow ou*rider+ 0u* +0ur+ in*o *)e 8lan;+ o8 *)eir ridin(
bea+*+ and w)eeled *)eir moun*+ o,er *)e ed(e o8 *)e road and in*o *)e :un(le' ane%
(i,in( )i+ +word a -leanin( +wi0e on *)e 8ur o8 *)e dead ra+)a% blin;ed in
ama@emen* a* *)e way *)e moun*+ and *)eir rider+ wo,e *)eir way in*o w)a* )e
would )a,e -on+idered im0a++ible *an(le+ o8 bru+) and ,ine' Hal8 a do@en men
8ollowed on 8oo*% runnin( wi*) +0ear+ le,elled and ready'
T)e leader +e**led down in )i+ +addle% loo;in( down a* *)e 0ar*y o8 8our wi*) a 8a-e
no* a* all un8riendly' Hi+ +;in wa+ a dee0 ma)o(any red% under bla-; )air +*rea;ed
wi*) (ray' He )ad a +0ar+e (ray +*ubble o8 beard' A *all (reen 0lume ro+e 8rom )i+
)eaddre++'
ra,a+)% w)o )ad wai*ed in +ilen-e w)ile *)e leader di+0a*-)ed )i+ 0ar*y *o +ee i8
bandi*+% or more ra+)a+% were lur;in( ou* o8 +i()*% 8inally +0o;e% in *)e Hi() 10ee-).
CA +a8e road and a (ood *rade *o you% *rail<ma+*er9 may *)e 1ain*+ and *)e Ble++ed
One+ wa*-) o,er your road' We are *ra,eler+ 8rom Rai8e% *rader+ w)o )a,e -ome *o
*rade our 0oor :ewel+ 8or *)e ri-) (ood+ o8 *)e+e +*ran(e land+' We be-ame
+e0ara*ed 8rom our -ara,an durin( *)e -on8u+ion o8 an a**a-; by bandi*+ and )a,e
been wanderin( in *)e 8ore+* 8or day+% un*il we -ame *o *)e road' I am T)ra,a>a+)
E88iyim o8 Bor-)an% and *)i+ i+ my belo,ed Elder 6in+man% A>ara*a;)a% o8 *)e +ame
-i*y and -lan'C
ane li+*ened -are8ully% *ryin( *o memori@e *)e 0re-i+e +ound o8 ra,a+)>+ name
and Ara*a;>+ in *)e Hi() 10ee-)' T)i+% )e ;new% would be *)e real *e+* o8 *)eir
di+(ui+e+' T)e+e men were *rader+ and *ra,eler+ w)o )ad been 8ar*)er *o *)e we+*
*)an anyone el+e *)ey were li;ely *o mee* on *)i+ world9 i* wa+ no* unli;ely *)a*
+ome o8 *)em )ad been *o Rai8e' Or% a* lea+*% min(led wi*) men and 0ro*o+aurian+ o8
Rai8e in *)e mar;e*+ o8 we+*ern 0ro,in-e+' T)ey would ;now more o8 *)a* )al8<
le(endary land *)an any o8 *)e +eden*ary 8ol; o8 Ra)nalor i*+el8'
ane 8el* *en+ion *wi+*in( *)e mu+-le+ be*ween )i+ +)oulder+ a+ *)e leader loo;ed
down a* *)em'
CFrom Rai8e%C *)e leader +aid a* la+*% CYou are 8ar a+*ray% Noble One% bu* we +)all
8ind a 0la-e 8or you amon( u+% and 8or your +er,an*+' Indeed%C )e added% )i+ eye+
mo,in( *o ane% Cyour body(uard *)ere we will be (lad *o )a,e wi*) u+9
)e +lew yonder ra+)a wi*) a +wi8*ne++ I )a,e no* o8*en +een' Bu* we )a,e )eard no
word o8 a -ara,an a**a-; in *)i+ ,i-ini*y9 w)ere wa+ i* a**a-;edDC
CAla+?C ra,a+) (e+*ured ,a(uely in*o *)e *)i-; :un(le *)rou() w)i-) *)ey )ad
-ome% CI -anno* *ell% 8or all *)e+e land+ are ali;e *o me% and o8 one +*ran(ene++E
Ne,er be8ore )a,e I been ea+* o8 Ti,ili+)E T)e la+* *own we 0a++ed *)rou()% I *)in;%
wa+ -alled 7i+)?or' I -anno* +0ea; *)e name%C )e -on-luded wi*) a /ui*e au*)en*i-
*wi*-) o8 )i+ eye<rid(e+% Cbu* we )a,e been wanderin( in *)e+e 8ore+*+ now 8or ei()*
or nine +un+e*+9 I )a,e no idea w)ere we are nowEC
T)e Cara,an<ma+*er 8rowned' CWe are abou* +e,en or ei()* day+> mar-) we+* o8
7a+)ilor% and *wen*y day+ nor*) o8 6i+)lor%C )e +aid' CI* i+ 0o++ible?C
He bro;e o88 a+ a man -ame runnin( 8rom *)e :un(le' He wore a +)or* blue robe and
-arried a lon( +0ear' T)ree o*)er+ 8ollowed% dre++ed in *)e +)or* (ray -oa*% no*
unli;e?ane *)ou()*?a :udo #i, w)i-) wra00ed o,er *)eir lea*)er ;il*+'
CBandi*+ a)ead% Cara,an<ma+*er%C )e +aid% *)en added /ui-;ly% CNo -onne-*ion wi*)
*)e+e 8ol;' I don>* *)in; any o8 *)em +aw u+9 I )a,e Od)ai and 2and)ra wa*-)in(
*)eir -am0'C
Be)ind )im ane )eard )oo8bea*+% and *urned /ui-;ly% bra-ed *o +ee a ,illainou+
)orde o8 -u**)roa*+% bu* i* wa+ only one o8 *)e moun*ed ou*rider+% re*urnin( *o
re0or*'
CT)ere i+ 2and)ra%C +aid *)e Cara,an<ma+*er% and addre++ed )im+el8 on-e a(ain *o
ra,a+)' CYou and your 8ol; )ad be+* (e* ba-; wi*) *)e o*)er+% 1ir' I* loo;+ li;e
*)ere>+ *rouble a)ead' My +on will +)ow you?C )e li8*ed )im+el8 in )i+ +*irru0+%
(lared around% *)en bellowed.
C2odaE ;oda W)ere )a+ *)a* +*ar<-ur+ed bra* (one *o nowD I8 )e )ad?;oda? )e
roared a(ain% enra(ed% and *)e man in *)e blue *uni- +0o;e u0'
CI +)all be )onored *o *a;e -)ar(e o8 *)e *ra,eler+% Cara,an<ma+*er'C
CW)a*D W)a*DC T)e Cara,an<ma+*er blin;ed% )i+ ra(e +e**lin( in*o a +-owlin(
di+0lea+ure' CO)?I *)an; you% 10earman' You (o alon( wi*) Ma+*er R)omda% *)en%
Noble One+% and )e>ll +ee you +a8ely +e**led amon( your own 8ol;' And w)en I (e*
my )and+ on *)a* bra* ' ' 'C )e *urned away% wi*) an irri*able :er; o8 )i+ )ead% *o
+0ea; *o *)e ou*rider% and *)e blue<-lad man +)i8*ed )i+ +0ear *o re+* on )i+ +)oulder
wi*) an e=0er* mo,e *)a* made ane blin;' He wa+ dar;<+;inned and mu+-ular% in
*)e +)or* blue *uni- *)a* +e* )im o88 8rom
*)e ordinary (ray<-oa*ed men9 )e wore low boo*+ *)a* loo;ed li;e raw)ide% and le(<
wra00in(+ abo,e *)em *)a* 0ro*e-*ed )i+ bare le(+ 8rom :un(le (row*) and
,enomou+ +-ra*-)e+' He wa+ no* ,ery youn(?)e wa+ *oo -learly in -ommand o8
)im+el8 and e,ery*)in( around )im 8or *)a*?bu* )i+ )air wa+ an e,en bla-;
un*ou-)ed by (ray% and )e mo,ed li;e a you*) in 0er8e-* *rainin('
CI8 *)e Noble One+ will -ome wi*) me%C )e +aid% and led *)e 0ar*y ba-; *oward *)e
line o8 (an:ir' ane )ad +een Ma+*er R)omda>+ eye+ *a;e in )i+ +word% re+* 8or an
e,alua*in( momen* on Rianna>+ lon( +0ear' Bu* ou*wardly )i+ a**en*ion wa+ 8o-u+ed
-orre-*ly on ra,a+) and Ara*a;9 they were *)e leader+ o8 *)e 0ar*y'
/ianna and I are )ust servants. "ody#uards.
In *)e ba-; o8 ane>+ mind% +omew)ere amon( *)e ma++e+ o8 da*a )e )ad been
8or-ed *o ab+orb% +o /ui-;ly% +ome*)in( wa+ -lamorin( 8or a**en*ion9 +ome*)in(
aler*ed by *)a* blue *uni-' Bu* )e -ould no* /ui*e remember w)a* i* wa+'
Men w)o wore *)a* blue *uni- ' ' ' *)ere wa+ +ome*)in( ,ery im0or*an* abou* *)em'
Well% )e wa+ ready *o belie,e *)a* Ma+*er R)omda wa+ im0or*an*% o,er and abo,e
bein( in -)ar(e o8 *)e -ara,an>+ body(uard' He loo;ed li;e +omebody'
.e1s the one we1ve #ot to watch out for .e1s the one who will see throu#h our cover
story, if any!ody does
+HAPTER SEVE&
Clo+e u0 *)e (an:ir +melled li;e +)ee0% a )ea,y +mell o8 wool and lanolin' T)eir lon(
no+e+ were really +mall 0re)en+ile *run;+% li;e *)o+e o8 a *a0ir or an ele0)an* +eal9
*)e+e wri*)ed ou* 8or a 8ull 8our or 8i,e in-)e+ 8rom *)e mou*) a+ *)ey +ni88ed *)e air%
*wi*-)in(% ner,ou+ a+ *)e man w)o led *)em' T)e men -rowded around Ma+*er
R)omda% )urlin( /ue+*ion+'
C10earman% w)a*>+ )a00enin(DC
CW)a* i+ i*D Are we bein( a**a-;ed by bandi*+DC
CW)o are *)e +*ran(er+D Ha,e you -au()* *)e bandi*+DC
Con>* be a 8ool% i8 *)ey were bandi*+ Ma+*er R)omda wouldn>* lea,e *)em *)eir
wea0on+E Hey% one o8 *)em>+ a (irl% *)a* one wi*) *)e lon( +0earEC
CWa+n>* *)a* a ra+)a +-reamin(DC
CMa+*er 10earman% Ma+*er 10earman% *ell u+ w)a*>+ (oin( onEC
CWai*% wai*%C Ma+*er R)omda +aid% (e+*urin( *)e -rowdin( men ba-;% (ood<
na*uredly% CAll in (ood *ime'C
A youn( man?a boy% really% 8our*een or 8i8*een?-ame 0u+)in( *)rou() *)e -rowd'
Hi+ 8a-e wore a +ullen% ra*)er 8ri()*ened loo;' A(ain+* *)e dar; o8 )i+ 8a-e a *)i-;
w)i*e +-ar reared u0 8rom *)e eyebrow *)rou() )i+ +-al0% di,idin( *)e )air wi*) a
*)in bald line' T)e man in *)e blue *uni- mo*ioned *o )im'
CYour 8a*)er i+ loo;in( 8or you% 2oda' I m a8raid )e>+ an<
(ry'C
T)e boy +)ru((ed de8ian*ly' CT)a* i+ no*)in( new' Are we bein( a**a-;ed%
10earmanD W)o are *)e+e +*ran(er+DC
CTra,eler+ 8rom Rai8e%C *)e Ma+*er 10earman +aid% and ane )eard +*ar*led
e=-lama*ion+ 8rom *)e -rowd *)i-;enin( around *)em% CYour 8a*)er wan*ed you *o
loo; a8*er *)em' Ye+% *)ere are bandi*+ a)ead o8 u+%C )e wen* on in a ;indly ,oi-e%
Cbu* our ou*rider+ ;now w)ere *)ey are% and *)ey may no* a**a-; +u-) a lar(e
(rou09 in any -a+e% *)ey won>* be able *o +ur0ri+e u+'C
&nder )i+ -alm rea++uran-e% mo+* o8 *)e men -lu+*ered around *)e 10earman )ad
(one ba-; *o *)e (an:ir *)ey *ended' Bu* no* all'
CCome on% 0re**y *)in(% +*ay and *al; *o me a w)ile%C ane )eard a w)eedlin( ,oi-e
be)ind )im% w)ere Rianna wa+' CI>,e (o* +ome*)in( ni-e 8or you?C *)e ,oi-e bro;e
o88 in a (a+0 *)a* wa+ almo+* a +-ream' ane w)irled% :u+* in *ime *o )ear *)e man
wi*) *)e w)eedlin( ,oi-e )i* *)e (round' Rianna +*ill )ad )old o8 )i+ arm' 1)e
wren-)ed *)e wri+* and 8in(er+ ba-; wi*) a +ub*le *wi+*% and a+ *)e man be(an *o
ri+e )e (a,e a -)o;ed +-ream9 *)e mo,emen* brou()* 0re++ure a(ain+* )i+ wri+*'
CI will not be 0awed%C +aid Rianna' 1)e 0re++ed% ,ery li()*ly% on *)e 8in(er+%
(rindin( *)e wri+*bone+ a(ain+* ea-) o*)er% +*rainin( *)e *endon+ *o +-reamin( 0oin*'
CI wan* *)i+?,ery -learly?under+*ood' Now'C
CI didn>* mean any*)in(EC He (a+0ed wi*) *)e 0ain% wri*)in(' CLe* me (oE I won>*
do i* a(ainEC
1e,eral men )ad le8* *)eir (an:ir a(ain and mo,ed in *o
wa*-)' 1ome lau()ed' Bu* one% no* 8ar 8rom ane% mu**ered% C1)e need+ *amin(%
*)a* one' How abou* i*% +)ould we *ea-) )er a le++onDC
C&mm%C +aid )i+ -om0anion% CMi()* be 8un% a* *)a*% 8our or 8i,e o8 u+ -ould
-er*ainly )andle )er'C
ane>+ )and 8ound )i+ +word<)il*% bu* )e )eard Ma+*er R)omda>+ /uie* ,oi-e'
CFour or 8i,e dead 8ool+' Ha,e you +een )er 8riend in a-*ion% andoD T)e one wi*)
*)e +wordDC
One o8 *)e dri,er+% a ma++i,ely mu+-led man wi*) a bro;en no+e and -auli8lower
ear+% *wi+*ed )i+ ruined 8a-e in a di+-ordan* (rin' CYou>ll 0ro*e-* u+% won>* you%
10earmanDC
CIDC R)omda +)oo; )i+ )ead% +milin(' CI )a,e more re(ard 8or my )eal*) *)an *o
0ro*e-* a 8ool w)o meddle+ wi*) ano*)er>+ woman' T)ere are -am0<8ollower+ enou()
wi*) *)e -ara,an9 w)y +*ri,e wi*) one w)o wi+)e+ *o 0ro*e-* )er+el8DC
Rianna )ad relea+ed *)e unwi+e (an:ir dro,er9 )e wa+ +i**in( 8la* on *)e (round%
)oldin( )i+ abu+ed wri+*' 1)e 0i-;ed u0 *)e +0ear +)e )ad *)rown down% and -ame
*o :oin *)e re+*' ra,a+) wa+ wa*-)in( in eyerid(e wri((lin( di+(u+*% and ane -ould
almo+* read )i+ *)ou()*+% these protosimians, at it a#ain Ara*a; wa+ wa*-)in( *)em
in 0u@@led -on-ern' T)e boy 2oda )ad no* *a;en )i+ eye+ 8rom Rianna +in-e *)e
w)ole a88air be(an'
CFollow me%C R)omda +aid% -ur*ly9 *)e e0i+ode wa+ o,er'
ane +*rode alon( be)ind *)e Ma+*er 10earman% )i+ mind worryin( a* *)e -on8u+ed
ma++ o8 8a-*+ +*ored in )i+ brain' 'pearman. Ye* *)ey all -arried +0ear+% e,en a+
Rianna did9 e,en +ome o8 *)e dro,er+ )ad +0ear+ *u-;ed in*o *)e )arne++e+ o8 *)eir
animal+' W)y +)ould *)e +0e-ial *i*le a00ly only *o *)e man in *)e blue *uni-D
Rianna -au()* )i+ eye% and )e a+;ed in an under*one% CAll ri()*% lo,eDC
1)e nodded% wi*) a (rin' CI -ould )a,e mana(ed *)a* one be8ore I wa+ *en year+
old'C 1)e mo*ioned )im *o +ilen-e' CGuie*' I *)in; *)i+ i+ *)e real leader o8 *)e
-ara,an9 *)e Cara,an<ma+*er i+ :u+* *)e )ead o8 *)e (uard'C
T)ey were a00roa-)in( 8our (an:ir w)o bore no load+% bu* were yo;ed *o a lar(e%
wooden<w)eeled -ar*% bri()*ly 0ain*ed in -olor8ul ab+*ra-* de+i(n+% +)ell<+)a0ed and
)u(e' ane +*ared a* *)e +er,an*+ w)o -lu+*ered abou* *)e -arria(e' Human+%
-er*ainly?bu* no* o8 *)e +ame ra-e a+ Rianna and )im+el8% no* li;e any
0ro*o+imian+ )e )ad +een' Cer*ainly no* *)e +ame ra-e a+ *)e dro,er+% a+ R)omda
and *)e boy 2oda'
C)inle++% wi*) +mall )ead+ and )ea,y brow rid(e+% *)ey reminded ane o8
re-on+*ru-*ion+ )e )ad +een o8 *)e 0i*)e-an*)ro0oid+ o8 2a,a and Pe;in(' !rea*
mane+ o8 dee0 reddi+) )air -o,ered *)eir )ead+ and (rew in a ;ind o8 -re+* down
*)eir +)oulder+ and ba-;+'
On Ear*)% e,ol,in( man )ad ;illed o88 all )i+ 0oor rela*ion+9 )ere *)e dominan*
0ro*o+aurian ra-e )ad 0re+er,ed a* lea+* *wo di88eren* +0e-ie+ o8 +imian+'
Per-)ed in+ide *)e -arria(e% a +il;y<bla-;% ri-)ly robed 0ro*o+aurian?ane ;new
by *)e -re+* o8 webbed +0ine+ on *)e )ead *)a* i* wa+ a 8emale% and by R)omda>+
de8eren-e *)a* +)e wa+ +omeone e=*remely im0or*an*?*)e Ma+*er 10earman bowed
almo+* *o *)e (round'
CNoble One% I brin( you *ra,eler+ 8rom Rai8e%C )e +aid% and *urned *o ra,a+)'
CBe)old *)e -arria(e o8 *)e Noble Mo*)er OOa<ni+)a o8 *)e Hou+e o8 T)e8ra++)a% o8
Ra)nilor'C Wi*) ano*)er dee0 bow% )e 8ell ba-;% allowin( ra,a+) and Ara*a; *o
a00roa-) *)e (rea* -ar*'
CWell me*% Honored Mo*)er%C ra,a+) +aid% in*rodu-in( )im+el8' T)e +aurian lady
bowed% addre++in( Ara*a; a+ C7enerable%C a *i*le *o w)i-) )i+ (rea* +i@e en*i*led
)im% and a* )er in,i*a*ion% *)e *wo (rea* +aurian+ -limbed in*o *)e -ar*% indi-a*in(
*)eir C+er,an*+C wi*) *)e mere+* ni-;er o8 a (e+*ure' T)e Honored Mo*)er made a
8ain* (e+*ure o8 re-o(ni*ion% w)i-) ane in*er0re*ed a+ (i,in( *)em 0ermi++ion *o
e=i+* in )er orbi*% and ane 8el* a *ou-) on )i+ arm'
CHun(ryDC Ma+*er R)omda a+;ed' CYour owner+ +)ouldn>* need you 8or a w)ile'
Come alon(% I -an 8ind you +ome?C
A* *)a* momen* *)e +)ar0 *)uddin( o8 )oo,e+ bro;e *)rou() *)e o*)er +ound+% and a
+)ar0 +e* o8 w)i+*le+ *rilled ou*% +ummonin('
CT)ere (oe+ dinner%C R)omda +aid% -)u-;lin(% a+ *)e )or+e<li;e )orned bea+*+
a00eared% )urryin( alon( *)e road' CLoo;+ li;e *)e Old Man>+ made u0 )i+ mind *o
a**a-; *)e bandi* -am0% and $< (ood *)in( *oo% *)ere are *oo many o8 *)em *)i+ -lo+e
*o -i,ili@ed -oun*ry' Come alon(' You *oo% 2oda%C )e added *o *)e boy' CI8 you aren>*
)ere *)i+ *ime w)en your 8a*)er wan*+ you% you ;now w)a* )e>ll +ay% and *)ere>+ only
+o mu-) I -an do abou* i*'C
R)omda made ano*)er o8 *)o+e -)illin(ly 8luid +0ear<mo*ion+ a+ )e *urned% and
ane>+ mind +uddenly di+lod(ed *)e 8a-* )e )ad been *ryin( *o remember all *)e
*ime9 *)e blue robe% and w)a* i* mean*' I* wa+ *)e bad(e o8 *)e An;a>an Order% an
a+-e*i- bro*)er)ood o8 eli*e +0earmen w)o+e 0)ilo+o<
0)y and di+-i0line )ad reminded ane% a* *ine *ime% o8 *)e 1amurai o8 )i+ own
world'
All around *)em *)e dar; men were runnin(% +0ear+ in )and and *)eir +)or*
ma-)e*e<li;e +word+ a* *)eir wai+*+9 )e 8el* in+ide )im+el8 *)e *en+ion *)a* made
*)em run' He (lan-ed a* Rianna% bu* +)e did no* +ee )im% )er 8a-e +e* in a )ard line
)e )ad 8ir+* ;nown on *)e Hun*er>+ World' I* wa+ -omin( now' He -ould 8eel *)e
*in(lin( 8lu**er in e,ery ner,e% a +*ran(e )ollow wobble a* *)e 0i* o8 )i+ +*oma-)'
T)e -ara,an<ma+*er +lid down 8rom )i+ maroon +*eed' ane>+ mind irrele,an*ly
0ro,ided )im wi*) *)e na*i,e name 8or *)e bea+*9 %hostli. He wa*-)ed *)e -ara,an<
ma+*er>+ eye+ /ui-;ly *a;in( +*o-; o8 *)e men (a*)ered around )im% +aw *)em
narrow a+ *)ey 8a+*ened on 2oda% an an(ry 8lu+) di+-olorin( *)e dar; 8a-e' E,iden*ly
*)e ;id )ad done +ome*)in( *o ma;e )i+ 8a*)er an(ry?and worried% *oo9 bu* *)e
-ara,an<ma+*er )ad no *ime 8or an errin( +on now'
CLi+*en men%C +aid *)e -ara,an<ma+*er% Cwe>,e lo-a*ed *)e bandi* -am0 a)ead o8 u+'
We -ould a**a-; i* and *a;e *)em by +ur0ri+e?*)ey don>* ;now ye* *)a* we>re
-omin(% and *)e -am0 i*+el8 i+ *oo +*ron( *o a**a-;' Bu* *)ey>ll )a,e +-ou*+ ou*%
wa*-)in( *)e road' And w)en *)ey +ee *)e -ara,an -omin(% *)ey>ll lea,e *)e -am0%
and -ome *o a**a-;' And """ be in *)e :un(le be)ind *)em'C
He 0au+ed% le**in( *)e 0lan +in; in' ane +aw ,ariou+ e=0re++ion+ on *)e 8a-e+
around )im% 8ear% admira*ion% e=-i*emen*' Here and *)ere in *)e (rou0 bul;ed *)e
enormou+ 8i(ure+ o8 0ro*o+aurian+% *)eir bla-; +-ale+ (li**erin( in *)e +un wi*)
blui+) li()*+% *)eir re0*ilian -oun*enan-e+ all bu* unreadable'
C1o all you )a,e *o do i+ wal; in*o *)e *ra0% 0re*endin( you don>* ;now i*>+ *)ere'
T)ey>ll be de0endin( on +ur0ri+e% and e=0e-*in( a lo* o8 -on8u+ion and runnin(
around' T)e one *)in( *)ey won>* e=0e-* i+ a +olid de8en+e' And w)en we )i* *)em
8rom be)ind% *)ey>ll brea; and +-a**er'C He 8la+)ed a /ui-; loo; around *)e (rou0'
CMa+*er R)omda% you *a;e -)ar(e o8 *)e de8en+e o8 *)e -ara,an' !e* *)e (an:ir
mo,in(% and be ready 8or *)em w)en *)ey -ome' 1end a 8ew o8 your men ba-; *o
(uard *)e Honorable Mo*)er>+ -arria(e' May *)e Ble++ed One+ +end u+ (ood
8or*uneEC He ,aul*ed ba-; in*o *)e +addle o8 )i+ %hostli, and wal;ed i* o,er *o w)ere
ane and Rianna +*ood be+ide Ma+*er R)omda and 2oda' He leaned 8rom *)e +addle
and )i+ ,oi-e wa+ a low )i++'
C1*ay by Ma+*er R)omda% boy?and *)i+ *ime% *ry *o 8i()*
li;e a manE I8 you +)ame me 8ur*)er% you )ad be**er be lyin( dead w)en I mee* you
a(ainEC
He +*rai()*ened% 8a-in( R)omda wi*) a loo; o8 (rim de8ian-e' CI lea,e *)e de8en+e in
your )and+% 10earman' And I -)ar(e you% *a;e -are o8?C )e bro;e o88% +wallowed
w)a*e,er )e )ad +*ar*ed *o +ay% bu* 8or an in+*an* ane +aw a *errible 0leadin(
+o8*en *)e (rim old 8a-e' T)en i* wa+ wa+)ed away by an(er' An(er% and +*ubborn
0ride' CTa;e -are o8 *)e Honorable Mo*)er and )er ,alued (ue+*+% and +ee *)a* *)e
men don>* 0ani-EC T)e eye+ +0a* ,enom a* )i+ +on and )e w)eeled *)e ;)o+*li and
-alled a -ommand *o )i+ men' Hoo,e+ )ammered on *)e +*one road'
2oda>+ )ead wa+ ben*% +*arin( +*ubbornly a* *)e road' Ma+*er R)omda *ou-)ed )i+
arm (en*ly'
C2oda% your 8a*)er?C )e +*ar*ed% *)en +)ru((ed' CNo *ime 8or *)a* now' Come
alon(EC T)e *er+e -ommand in-luded ane a+ well% and Rianna' At least he ta%es her
for #ranted, thou#h I don1t see any other women fi#htin# with the men in this caravan
R)omda +0o;e *o *)e men alon( *)e lon( line% and +en* 2oda *o +0ea; *o *)e o*)er+9
in a 8ew momen*+ *)e (an:ir bell+ were -)imin( +moo*)ly a+ *)e lon( line o8 *all
bea+*+ 0lodded alon(% +wayin( under *)eir )ea,y load+ and bale+'
+al% into the trap and pretend you don1t %now it1s there. ane *ried *o w)i+*le% 8ound
)i+ mou*) *oo dry' He we* )i+ li0+ and *ried a(ain9 a 8ew momen*+ la*er )e lau()ed%
reali@in( )e wa+ w)i+*lin( C2in(le Bell+'C
He wri((led )i+ +)oulder+% *ryin( *o ea+e *)e *en+ion *)ere' He *)ou()* abou* *)e
+)or*% wi-;edly -ur,ed blade+ *)e+e 0eo0le -arried% and wondered )ow *)ey u+ed
*)em' ra,a+) )ad +)own ane w)a* )e remembered% bu* *)e 0ro*o+aurian )ad
ne,er been a 8i()*er% and w)a* )e )ad +)own ane (a,e )im no )in* o8 *)e +ub*le*ie+
o8 a w)ole world o8 di88eren* +*yle+ and +-)ool+ o8 wea0onry )e wa+ abou* *o *e+*E
He remembred )earin(% 8rom 8riend+ w)o )ad +e**led in Cen*ral Ameri-a% *)a* *)e
Maya+ )ad ne,er bo*)ered +wa**in( 8lie+' 2u+* -u* *)em ou* o8 *)e air wi*) *)eir
ma-)e*e+'
Well% *)ere are 0len*y o8 8lie+ around% and )e didn>* no*i-e any o8 *)e+e 8ellow+
-u**in( a* *)em'
T)rou() *)e :in(le o8 (an:ir bell+ )e )eard Rianna>+ ,oi-e% /ui-; and low% a* )i+ +ide'
Co you *)in; *)e 0lan will wor;DC
COu()* *o%C )e +aid brie8ly% irri*ably% no* wan*in( *o *al;9 +)e +en+ed i* and (rinned
*i()*ly a* )im% *urned away'
A lon( +)adow +*re*-)ed a-ro++ *)e (round be+ide M+ own' He loo;ed u0 *o +ee
Ara*a; +*ridin( be+ide )im' Nei*)er o8 *)em +0o;e% bu* a -om8or*in( +*ren(*)
+eemed *o 8low *)rou() *)e *)ree o8 *)em' T)ey were *o(e*)er a(ain''''
CBe readyEC R)omda>+ warnin( wa+ 0a++ed down *)e line' T)e (an:ir 0i-;ed u0 *)e
0ri-;lin( unea+e o8 *)eir ma+*er+% and *)e bell+ :an(led more 8uriou+ly a+ *)e
-rea*ure+ +)oo; *)em+el,e+% or +*ru((led a(ain+* *)eir lead ro0e+'
2oda>+ 8in(er+ were runnin( ner,ou+ly u0 and down *)e 0allid +-ar *)a* +*ood ou*% a
w)i*e +la+)% a(ain+* )i+ dar; +;in' Hi+ *ee*) were +e*'
CHow did you (e* *)a* +-arDC Rianna a+;ed +uddenly'
T)e boy +)o* )er a loo; o8 0ure 8ury'
CHow do you *)in; I (o* i*DC )e +narled a* )er% CI wa+ -ombin( my )air and *)e
-omb bi* meEC
Touchy !rat, ane *)ou()*% *urnin( away )i+ eye+' "ut he isn1t proud of that scar.
'ome %ids his a#e would !e, in a culture li%e this one. & wonder how he did #et it?
T)en a wild -)oru+ o8 +)ou*+ 8rom *)e :un(le *ore *)e *)ou()* away% ra;in( alon(
)i+ ner,e+' Bru+) -ra-;led a+ men +warmed ou* o8 *)e *)i-; under(row*)% wa,in(
+0ear+ and ma-)e*e+ and yellin( )orribly'
R)omda yelled +ome*)in(% *urnin( *o run *oward *)e bandi*+' 2oda% )i+ 8a-e +e* and
8uriou+% ran a8*er )im'
Ma-)e*e+ )i++ed 8ree o8 *)eir +)ea*)+' 10ear0oin*+ (li**ered in *)e +un a+ *)e (an:ir
dro,er+ le8* *)eir bea+*+ and (a*)ered +wi8*ly in*o an e88e-*i,e 8i()*in( line'
ane wa+ runnin( *oo% )i+ +word +*ill +)ea*)ed' He +aw )al8 a do@en men -on,er(e
on *)e blue<robed Ma+*er 10earman% +aw R)omda>+ lan-e 8li-;er ou* *o -a*-) *)e
neare+* bandi* in *)e *)roa*% *)en +wee0 *o *)e +ide% ;no-;in( away o*)er +0ear+ *)a*
+*abbed a* )im% *)en dar* ou* a(ain'
A +word+man wa+ runnin( a* 2oda% *)e +)or* blade w)irlin( in )i+ )and' T)e boy
)e+i*a*ed% *)ru+*in( )i+ +0ear ou* in 8ron* o8 )im% *ryin( *o )old *)e a**a-;er ba-;'
T)e blade +)one bri()*ly% a blur o8 +il,er' T)e +0ear *)ru+* in% bu* *)e +)or* blade
+)eared *)e +)a8* below *)e )ead% and *)e boy 8ell ba-;% *ryin( *o blo-; wi*) *)e
0oin*le++ +0ear'
And R)omda% +0innin( e88or*le++ly away 8rom )i+ own a**a-;er+% ;no-;ed *)e blade
away wi*) *)e bu** o8 )i+ +0ear and wi*) ano*)er dan-in( +*e0 dro,e )i+ 0oin* in*o
8le+)% 0ulled i* 8ree a(ain% and wa+ *urnin(% +wee0in( *)e air *o ba* a+ide *)e *)ru+*
*)a* -ame a* )im 8rom be)ind'
A +0ear wa+ dri,in( *oward ane>+ *)roa*' He :um0ed
a+ide% and a+ *)e +0ear0oin* 0a++ed )im% *)e 1amurai blade w)i+*led 8ree 8rom i*+
+)ea*)% i*+ 0oin* *earin( a red line under *)e bandi*>+ ear' A 8oun*ain o8 blood lea0ed
8rom *)e ar*ery a+ *)e -or0+e 8ell 0a+*% buryin( *)e +0ear in *)e (round'
ane>+ le8* )and :oined *)e ri()* on )i+ +word<)il*% a+ )e +aw% 0a+* )im% Rianna>+
+0ear dri,e in*o *)e belly o8 a man w)o +-reamed and -rum0led o,er i*9 +aw% o,er
)er )ead a+ +)e ben* *o re*rie,e *)e +0ear% Ara*a; la+)in( ou* wi*) a (rea* +-y*)in(
+*ro;e *)a* laid *)ree )eadle++ bodie+ a* )i+ 8ee*' All around *)em men yelled and
died'
He -au()* a 8ra(men*ary (lim0+e o8 R)omda>+ blue robe% o8 2oda +*umblin( ba-;%
blo-;in( a lan-e *)ru+* aw;wardly% bu* e88e-*i,ely enou()% wi*) )i+ ma-)e*e blade'
T)en )e wa+ 8i()*in( 8or )i+ own li8e a+ a ;een ed(e w)ined *oward )i+ 8a-e' Hi+
blade -ame u0% +-ra0in( i* a+ide% and 8ell a(ain *o -run-) *)rou() bone and brain'
T)en )e wren-)ed i* 8ree% +lammed i* wi*) all )i+ 8or-e a(ain+* a +0ear<+)a8*
0un-)in( *oward )i+ -)e+*' He +*e00ed in% 0a+* *)e +0ear<0oin*% wi*) a +)or* 8li-;in(
-)o0 *)a* +)eared *)rou() *)e wri+* and a +e-ond +*e0 buried )i+ 0oin* in *)e
bandi*>+ wind0i0e% -)an(in( *)e +-ream in*o a -)o;ed (ar(le'
A+ )e +*e00ed ba-;% :er;in( )i+ blade down and ou* o8 *)e a**a-;er>+ *)roa*% )e +aw
2oda +*umblin( ba-; *oward )im% )eard *)e boy -ry ou* and +aw blood bur+*
*)rou() a +udden )ole in *)e ba-; o8 *)e w)i*e -oa* a+ +ome*)in( red and +)ar0
0o;ed *)rou()' T)e boy 8ell% +-reamin(% )i+ +word +0innin( away end<o,er<end' T)e
bandi* rai+ed )i+ +0ear 8or *)e dea*)<+*ro;e% and Rianna% *)e bri()* blue +-ar8 8allen
8rom )er )air% lea0ed in% )er lan-e dri,in( in*o *)e man>+ -)e+*' Hi+ eye+ (o((led a*
)er a-ro++ *)e +0ear9 blood dribbled ou* o8 )i+ mou*) and )e 8ell a-ro++ 2oda>+ body'
ane wa+ a* Rianna>+ +ide by *)en% and )i+ +word +wa**ed a+ide a lan-e *)a* dro,e
*oward )er' T)en +)e )ad )er own +0ear 8ree% and ;illed *)e a**a-;er' A +mall (rou0
o8 bandi*+ dro00ed ba-; be8ore Ara*a;>+ ,a+* -)ar(in( 8orm?*)en )e+i*a*ed a+
)oo8bea*+ -u* *)rou() *)e +ound o8 ba**le'
6)o+*li rider+ lea0ed *)eir moun*+ *)rou() *)e bu+)e+% +)ou*in(' T)e bandi*+
wa,ered% 0ani-;ed% ran'
6)o+*li+ brown% bla-;% blue 0ur+ued *)em9 wi*) w)oo0+ o8 *rium0) *)e (an:ir
dri,er+ ran *o :oin *)e 0ur+ui*' Rianna% dro00in( )er +0ear% *urned and be(an *o *u(
*)e bandi* o88 2oda>+ body' Ara*a; ben*% )ea,ed% and *o++ed *)e -or0+e bodily in*o
*)e bu+)e+'
A wine<red ;)o+*li 0ounded u09 *)e (ri@@led -ara,an<ma+<
*er lea0ed down and ran *oward *)em' 2oda (roaned and +a* u0% -lu*-)in( a* )i+
bleedin( +)oulder' Rianna 0ulled *)e +-ar8?w)i-) )ad only 8allen around )er ne-;
?8rom i*+ 0la-e% and wadded i* u0% *)ru+*in( *)e *)i-; 0ad )ard a(ain+* 2oda>+ ba-;
w)ere *)e blood +*ill dribbled *)rou()'
T)e old man>+ 8a-e% *au* wi*) -on-ern and )orror% -)an(ed% *wi+*ed wi*) 8ury and
+-orn'
CWe>,e )ealer+ enou()% 6elishtara,, )e mo-;ed' CNo need *o *rouble your+el8 wi*)
*)a* -a*>+ mea*EC He (lared an(rily a* )i+ +on' CWounded a(ain% I +eeE In *)e ba-;
*)i+ *ime% no' doub*DC
CHe +*ood )i+ (round and 8ou()*% -ara,an<ma+*er%C I* wa+ R)omda>+ dee0 ,oi-e'
T)e An;a>an +0earman loo;ed and +ounded a+ -alm a+ i8 )e )ad been a* a 0i-ni-
in+*ead o8 a ba**le% *)ou() *)e blue +)ir* wa+ -ru+*ed wi*) blood' CHe wa+ no* *)e
only one *o +u88er a wound in *)i+ 8i()*' And you )a,e *)e +0earwoman 8rom Rai8e *o
*)an; *)a* you )a,e a li,in( +on *o rebu;e in+*ead o8 a -or0+e *o bury'C
T)e old man>+ eye+ narrowed' C1oE E,en a woman 8i()*+ be**er *)an you% my +onEC
T)e mo-;ery in )i+ ,oi-e du( dee09 )e )al8<*urned% bowin( *o Rianna% +0ea;in( in
*)e 8ormal +in(<+on( o8 ri*ual +0ee-)'
CNoble Warrior<lady% will you )onor my )ou+e and *a;e my wor*)le++ +on in*o
8o+*era(e 8or )i+ *rainin( in *)e ar*+ o8 wea0on+ and war% *)a* )e may -ome *o
)onorable man)ood under your (uidan-eDC
ane -ould +ee *)a* i* wa+ mean* a+ a :e+*9 a 8inal *ou-) o8 +al* 8or *)e boy>+ wound'
T)e e=0e-*ed re8u+al?8or +urely a woman would be e,en more -on*em0*uou+ o8
+u-) a wea;lin( *)an any man -ould be?would be ano*)er la+) *o bea* *)e boy
wi*)% 8or *)e re+* o8 )i+ li8e'
C7ery (ood%C +aid Rianna -almly' CI a--e0*'C
T)a* ro-;ed )im' ane +aw *)e +-orn mel* 8rom *)e old 8a-e% *)e +neer (o +la-; wi*)
+)o-; a+ Rianna>+ word+ +an; in' ane +uddenly 8el* +orry 8or *)e old 8ellow% *)ou()
*)e -ara,an<ma+*er didn>* de+er,e i*' 1urely *)i+ o88er% and i*+ a--e0*an-e or re8u+al%
wa+ a +eriou+ ma**er in *)i+ -ul*ure% 0er)a0+ *)e mo+* +eriou+ *)in( *)a* e,er
)a00ened be*ween a boy and )i+ 8a*)er9 and an ill<*imed :e+* -ould (ra,ely a88e-*
*)e 8or*une+ o8 )i+ )ou+e'
,6elishtara??, *)e old man>+ ,oi-e wa+ +uddenly +)a;y% 0leadin(9 bu* Rianna
+0o;e 8irmly'
CI a--e0* your +on in*o my ;ee0in( in 8o+*era(e% *o be *rained in *)e ar*+ o8 a
warrior' I am a +*ran(er 8rom Rai8e9 I
am ill<*au()* in your lan(ua(e9 i+ *)ere +ome 8ormal 0)ra+e o8 a--e0*an-e I )a,e no*
been *au()*% *)a* I +)ould +ay be8ore you ;now my a--e0*an-eDC
T)e old man +wallowed )ard% +eemed *o +)rin; ,i+ibly w)ere )e +*ood' Lon(
minu*e+ 0a++ed w)ile Rianna% i(norin( )im% ;nel* *o *end *)e boy>+ wound'
C7ery well%C *)e -ara,an<ma+*er +aid a* la+*% 8or-in( )im+el8 *o +*and ere-*% CI wi+)
you be**er lu-; wi*) )im *)an I )a,e )ad% 6elishtara., He loo;ed down a* 2oda% w)o
lay wi*) )i+ eye+ +)u*% *ee*) -len-)ed a+ Rianna wor;ed on *)e ra((ed Wound in )i+
+)oulder' All *)e old man>+ +*i8led an(er burned in )i+ word+'
CYou )eard *)a*% boyD 'he i+ your ma+*er nowE You will learn 8rom her w)a* I -ould
no* *ea-) you abou* man)oodEC He +*rode an(rily away9 bu* a+ )e drew 8ar*)er
8rom *)em )i+ 8i(ure +a((ed on-e more% and )e wal;ed a+ *)ou() a (rea* wei()*
)un( round )i+ ne-;'
CWell done%C Ma+*er R)omda +aid wi*) a brie8 nod o8 a-;nowled(men*% and wal;ed
away'
C7ery +*ran(e%C +aid Ara*a;% w)o )ad been li+*enin( in +ilen-e% CAm I -orre-* in
my belie8 *)a* *)e -ara,an<ma+*er i+ *)i+ -)ild>+?C )e )e+i*a*ed o,er *)e +ound o8
*)e 6a)ram word% mi+0ronoun-in( i* +li()*ly?CFa*)erDC
In ane>+ *)roa*% *)e *ran+la*or di+; e-)oed% +o8* and eerie9 8ate mother?
Rianna nodded' A )u(e 0ro*o+aurian% ob,iou+ly +ome ;ind o8 medi-% -ame u0 and
*oo; o,er 8rom )er *)e *a+; o8 -lean+in( and *rea*in( 2oda>+ wound'
C7ery% ,ery +*ran(e%C Ara*a; re0ea*ed% CI mu+* medi*a*e on *)i+' Are you +ure *)a*
your a-*ion wa+ wi+e% dear oneDC
CYe+%C ane demanded% CW)y did you *a;e )im onDC He loo;ed a* 2oda% w)o
+eemed *o )a,e lo+* -on+-iou+ne++' CI admi* I wa+ +orry 8or *)e ;id *oo% bu* *)i+
+eem+ *o be a li**le e=*reme'C
Rianna +miled 8ain*ly' CT)a* )ad no*)in( *o do wi*) i*%C +)e +aid% dro00in( )er ,oi-e
*o a 0i*-) *)a* -ould no* be )eard an arm>+ len(*) away' CNow we )a,e a na*i,e
(uide w)o i+ )onor bound *o a++i+* me in all ma**er+% and ;ee0 +e-re* all my doin(+%
)owe,er +*ran(e *)ey may +eem *o )im' on>* you remember 8rom *)e?C +)e
+*o00ed and (lan-ed around9 no one wa+ near *)em% bu* +)e +*ill did no* u+e *)e
&ni*y word% re0)ra+in(' Con>* you remember% *)i+ i+ -on+idered a more +a-red and
bindin( rela*ion+)i0 *)an *)e u+ual -lan and 8amily *ie+' E,en i8 )e +)ould 8ind ou*
*)e *ru*)
abou* u+?w)i-) I am no* 0lannin( *o *ell )im?)e will be )onor bound *o remain
loyal *o u+' And I>m +ure )e will be u+e8ul'C
ane +)ru((ed' T)e ;id mi()*% a8*er all% )a,e a--e++ *o u+e8ul in8orma*ion% i8 *)ey
-ould mana(e *o a+; )im *)e ri()* /ue+*ion+' Bu* )e -er*ainly would be no*)in(
more *)an a burden i8 *)ey )ad *o do any more 8i()*in(' And )e wa+n>* a
0ar*i-ularly li;able ;id'
T)e old -ara,an<ma+*er +*ayed away 8rom *)em 8or /ui*e a w)ile' O8 -our+e )e wa+
bu+y?*)ere were bodie+ *o be buried% and a8*er *)ey )ad mo,ed on% *)ere wa+
doub*le++ mu-) *o demand )i+ a**en*ion'
I* wa+ no*% in 8a-*% un*il a8*er *)e -ara,an )ad -am0ed 8or *)e ni()* *)a* )e +0o;e *o
*)em a(ain'
Bel+ar wa+ +e**in( be)ind *)e wall o8 ,ine+' T)ey )ad :u+* 8ini+)ed )el0in( *)e
+er,an*+ o8 *)e Noble Mo*)er OOa<ni+)a +e* u0 )er 0a,ilion?w)i-) wa+ *)e +i@e o8
a +mall -ir-u+ *en*' T)e 8our *ra,eler+ and 2oda )ad been in,i*ed *o +)are i* wi*) )er
)ou+e)old' ane wondered w)a* ra,a+) )ad 8ound *o +ay *o )er9 all *)rou() *)e
ba**le% )er +er,an*+ )ad la*er re0or*ed% +)e and *)e 1)>8e:: +*ran(er C8rom Rai8eC
)ad been -lo+e*ed in )er -arria(e% *al;in( endle++ly'
ane wa+ medi*a*in( o,er )i+ own a**em0*+ *o +*ri;e u0 a -on,er+a*ion wi*) *)e a0e<
men9 *)e -rea*ure+ were a li**le +mar*er *)an a -)im0an@ee% ane de-ided% bu* no*
mu-)' And a* *)a* )e mi()* be wron(in( *)e mon;ey *ribe'
ane )im+el8 would )a,e 0re8erred *o +lee0 in *)e o0en? bu* *)a*% )e ;new% would
)a,e been +*ran(e be)a,ior indeed' T)e na*i,e+ o8 *)i+ 0lane*% a--ordin( *o one o8
*)e *a0e+ ane )ad +*udied% )eld a 8irm belie8 *)a* *)e ni()* +;y wa+ *)e abode o8
million+ o8 demon+% all )un(ry and male,olen*' ane +u00o+ed i* wa+ ine,i*able on a
0lane* a+ *)i-;ly 8ore+*ed a+ *)i+ one% w)ere *)e ni()* +;y wa+ rarely ,i+ible *)rou()
*)e *ree+% *)a* *)e na*i,e+ +)ould re(ard *)e +*ar+ in *)e +ame way *)ey re(arded *)e
eye+ *)a* -lu+*ered in+ide *)e 8ore+* a* ni()*% re(ardin( *)eir 8ire'
Be+ide+% *)e *en* ;e0* ou* ra+)a+'
T)e e,enin( meal wa+ -oo;in(% +e0ara*e meal+ 8or )uman+ and 0ro*o+aurian+' ane
+*ood a* *)e door o8 *)e *en*% be+ide Rianna% +ni88in( )un(rily a* *)e deli-iou+ odor o8
a roa+* )aun-) o8 (an:ir *urnin( o,er a 8ire% and *ryin( )ard not *o +mell w)a*e,er
in-redible me++ wa+ bein( -oo;ed 8or *)e Honorable Mo*)er and *)e *wo *ra,eler+
+)e )ad in,i*ed *o be )er (ue+*+' ane wa+ +ure *)ey )adn>* really 0re+er,ed *)e
-am0>+ (arba(e 8or a 8ew wee;+ *o le* i* ri0en% and were -oo;in( i* all u0 now a+ a
-)oi-e in+e-*i,ore *idbi*9 i* only +melled *)a* way' W)en *)e +mell )ad rea-)ed
Ara*a;% )i+ eye+ )ad a-*ually (li+*ened in an*i-i0a*ion9 +o )e wi+)ed Ara*a; and
ra,a+) a (ood a00e*i*e?i* -ould )ardly be wor+e *)an raw bu(?bu* )e wan*ed
no*)in( more *)an *o mo,e ou* o8 ran(e o8 *)e +mell'
He )eard a -ou()% and *urned *o +ee *)e -ara,an<ma+*er a00roa-)in(' ane wa+
+ur0ri+ed9 )e )ad e=0e-*ed *)e old man *o (o on a,oidin( *)em'
CYour 0ardon%C *)e old man mu**ered% )i+ eye+ dro00in( away 8rom Rianna% Cbu*?
you are *ra,eler+9 )a+ ei*)er o8 you% 0er-)an-e% e,er +een a blade +u-) a+ *)i+D I* i+ a
w)olly new wea0on *o me9 I *)ou()*% 0er)a0+% in your *ra,el+JJJC
He )eld ou* a lon(<bladed ;ni8e' T)e wea0on wa+ di88eren* 8rom any ane )ad e,er
+een9 a+ )e *oo; i* in )i+ )and+% *ryin( *o en,i+ion *)e ;ind o8 wound i* would ma;e%
ane 8el* a +udden di+li;e and re,ul+ion 8or anyone w)o would u+e +u-) a blade
e,en in )un*in(% le* alone in -omba*% a(ain+* any li,in( bein('
I* +eemed more li;e a +)o,el *)an a ;ni8e% li;e a 7 in -ro++<+e-*ion% an o0en
e/uila*eral *rian(le *)a* (a,e i* three +)ar0 ed(e+' T)ey all drew *o(e*)er% a* *)e
0oin*% in :a((ed% almo+* mi-ro+-o0i- +aw<*ee*)' Wor+e +*ill% *)e +ur8a-e+ were
0ebbled% li;e a ra+0'
I* wa+ no* *)e -lean e88i-ien-y o8 a ;illin( wea0on' I* wa+ a *or*urer>+ blade% de+i(ned
8or *earin( li,in( 8le+) a+under in li**le bi*+' O)% i* would ;ill?<bu* *)e barb+% *)e
0ebblin(% *)e di+)ed -en*er o8 *)e 7?*)e+e were redundan* in a ;illin( wea0on'
T)ey were mean* only 8or -au+in( 0ain'
CLe* me +ee *)a*%C Rianna +aid +)ar0ly% and ane )anded i* *o )er% )i+ 8a-e *wi+*in(
in loa*)in(' Hi+ eye+ 8ell on *)e )andle' I* wa+ nei*)er wood nor bone% and -er*ainly
no* any me*al ane ;new' I* -ould )a,e been +ome ;ind o8 0la+*i-% or -erami-
me*al ' ' ' no*)in( you>d e=0e-* *o +ee on a barbarian worldE
C6ir(onEC Rianna w)i+0ered% )al8 aloud' Cane% ra,a+) )a+ *o +ee *)i+% ri()*
away'C 1)e -alled in*o *)e *en*% and *)e Ca0*ain and Ara*a; -ame ou*% a+ +)e *urned
*o *)e -ara,an<ma+*er a(ain'
CW)ere did you (e* *)i+DC +)e demanded' Her ,oi-e wa+ +)ar0% an(ry% and )e
rea-*ed *o i*% almo+* de8en+i,e'
CO88 a bandi*>+ -or0+e% w)ere el+eD o *)ey ma;e +u-) blade+ in Rai8e% *)enD I8 +o% I
do no* admire *)emEC
Rianna +)oo; )er )ead% no' CNo* in Rai8e' Far*)er away *)an *)a*?o)% mu-)
8ar*)er' Bu* on-e I +aw +u-) a blade a+ *)i+% only on-e'C
Fireli()* (leamed on ra,a+)>+ needle 8an(+ a+ )e loo;ed u0'
C6ir(on wor;% wi*)ou* a doub*'C
Rianna demanded% CBu* w)a* i+ i* doin( )ereD How did i* -ome in*o *)e )and+ o8 a
-ommon bandi*DC
T)e -ara,an<ma+*er demanded% Co you ;now *)e land 8rom w)i-) *)i+ blade
-ome+DC
ra,a+) wei()ed )i+ an+wer 8or a lon( *ime% be8ore )e +0o;e'
CNo one -an *ell you *)a*% ,enerable +ir' Ye* I )a,e ;nown o8 raider+ w)o -ome 8rom
,ery 8ar away% bearin( +u-) blade+' I -anno* *ell you *)e name o8 *)e land 8rom
w)i-) *)ey -ome% nor 0oin* i* ou* *o you u0on any ma0' I -an only *ell you *)a* *)ey
are +aid *o be e,il beyond all ima(inin('C
CLoo;in( u0on *)eir blade+% I -an well belie,e i*%C +aid *)e -ara,an<ma+*er% CAnd
w)en I loo; u0on i*% I wonder *)a* *)e Ble++ed One+ would allow +u-) -rea*ure+ *o
e=i+*'C
CT)e way+ o8 *)e Ble++ed One+ are beyond my 8a*)omin(%C Ara*a; +aid% and *)e
Cara,an<ma+*er nodded'
CT)a* i+ -er*ain% w)a*e,er el+e i+ in doub*% bu* *)eir way+ are no* 8or u+ *o
/ue+*ion'C He +)oo; )i+ )ead a+ ra,a+) would )a,e (i,en ba-; *)e +*ran(e
wea0on' CT)e 1ain*+ 8orbid I +)ould +*ain my )onor by )a,in( +u-) a *)in( in my
0o++e++ionE 6ee0 i* +a8e% Noble 1ir% and brin( i* *o *)e a**en*ion o8 *)o+e w)o+e
bu+ine++ i* i+ *o be aware w)a* e,il+ are abroad in *)e land' Wor*)y 1ir% 6elishtara
?C )e bowed *o ane and Rianna?CI bid you a +a8e and 0lea+an* ni()*'C He
0au+ed and loo;ed u0 a* *)e +;y% +*ill li()*% bu* ra0idly dar;enin(' CI +)all be (lad *o
be in+ide my *en* *oni()*' T)ey do +ay *)e 0ower o8 *)e 1*ar emon+ )a+ (rown in
*)e+e land+ la*ely'C
CW)a* do you meanDC ra,a+) a+;ed +)ar0ly% and *)e old man blin;ed'
CI*>+ 0robably non+en+e% 8ool+ :um0in( a* +)adow+9 bu* I>,e )eard (arbled +*orie+ o8
mon+*er+ 0rowlin( abou*% li;e no animal *)a* -ould be ;illed wi*) an )one+* +0ear'
Probably +ome )y+*eri-al 8ool +aw a *ree *run; in *)e moonli()* and belie,ed i* wa+
a8*er )im% or wa+ a8raid *o admi* )e ran away 8rom a ra+)a )e wa+ no* bra,e enou()
*o ;ill% and in,en*ed a mon+*er *o :u+*i8y )i+ own -owardi-e' Bu* you -an ne,er *ell
w)a* may )a00en w)en 1*ar emon+ are abou*'C
T)ey wa*-)ed *)e Cara,an<ma+*er 0loddin( away in *)e du+;% *)e 0lume abo,e )i+
)ead noddin( a+ i8 wi*) di+-oura(ed a(reemen*'
CWell%C +aid ane a* la+*% C*)ere>+ one /ue+*ion we -an a+; 2oda'C
T)e boy>+ 0alle* wa+ +e* u0 near ane>+ and Rianna>+9 and w)a* a nui+an-e that wa+
(oin( *o be% ane *)ou()*' Bu* *)en% -ul*ure+ o8 *)i+ +or* -ould 0robably no* a88ord
*o 0u* a )i() ,alue on 0ri,a-y' I* wa+n>* *oo li;ely *)a* 2oda would 0ay *)e +li()*e+*
a**en*ion *o w)a*e,er *)ey did?all ane )ad *o do wa+ +*o0 mindin(' And *al;
Rianna ou* o8 mindin(<<<<<
T)e +)oulder wound wa+ )ealin( ni-ely' Barbari- *)i+ 0lane* mi()* be% bu* *)ere wa+
no*)in( ba-;ward abou* *)eir medi-al *e-)nolo(y' I* mi()* )a,e a 8ew *)in(+ *o
*ea-) *)e &ni*y' ane wa+ no e=0er*% bu* )e remembered *)a* *)i+ )ad been -i*ed a+
one o8 *)e 0rime bi*+ o8 e,iden-e 8or a lo+* 1)>8e:: +*ar+)i0% *)ou() Anadri(o )ad
0oin*ed ou* *)a* medi-al *e-)nolo(y wa+ no* ne-e++arily de0enden* on o*)er ad<
,an-e+' Len+<(rindin( )ad been an early ar* on *)i+ world% and *)a* )ad led
na*urally *o *)e di+-o,ery o8 (erm+% and *)a* in *urn *o a+e0+i+ and ba-*eri-ide+'
2oda wa+ a+lee0 and *)ere wa+ no /ue+*ion o8 a+;in( )im any*)in( 8or a w)ile' ane
-rawled in*o )i+ 0alle* and reali@ed *)a* ri()* now i* didn>* ma**er w)e*)er *)ey )ad
0ri,a-y or no*% )e wa+n>* (oin( *o be)a,e li;e a 0ro*o+imian *oni()*' He wa+ *oo
damned *ired% )e -ould 8eel +lee0 -ree0in( down )i+ 8ore)ead a+ +oon a+ )i+ )ead
*ou-)ed *)e rolled blan;e* )e )ad 8olded 8or a 0illow' He would +lee0% and +lee0% and
+lee0% and )e wondered i8 any*)in( would wa;e )im u0'
And ye* )e did wa;e u0% )earin( *)e +ound+ o8 na;ed 8ee* mo,in( on *)e (ra++ :u+*
ou*+ide *)e *en*' He (ri00ed *)e )andle o8 )i+ +word in *)e dar;ne++% and lay
li+*enin('
1omeone mo,ed in *)e dar;ne++ o8 *)e *en*' Rianna +*ill lay -urled a(ain+* )i+ body%
brea*)in( dee0ly% )ea,ily a+lee0' T)en +omeone wa+ +il)oue**ed a(ain+* *)e *en* 8la0%
be*ween *)em and *)e dyin( 8ire'
2oda a00eared brie8ly a+ *)e -ur*ain drew ba-;% +il)oue**ed 8or an in+*an* a(ain+*
*)e 8ireli()*% and ,ani+)ed a(ain in*o *)e ni()*'
ane rolled +o8*ly away 8rom Rianna9 +)e made a +o8* +ound bu* did no* wa;e'
1word (ri00ed in )i+ )and% )e 8ollowed'
Ou*+ide *)e +*ar+ bla@ed +uddenly down% an army o8
*or-)e+ a(ain+* *)e ,el,e* +;y' T)ere wa+ no moon )ere and no need o8 one' Bel+ar
wa+ dee0 in *)e !ala=y and *)e +*ar+ were +o *)i-; and -lo+e *)ey made *)e +;y
bla@e wi*) mul*i-olored li()*' ane +*ared a* *)e +;y in awe 8or a 8ew momen*+% *)en
remembered 2oda and )i+ my+*eriou+ errand' He +e* )i+ *ee*)% bra-ed 8or +ome ;ind
o8 *rea-)ery?)e -ouldn>* ima(ine w)a* or w)y?and loo;ed around *)e -learin('
2oda +*ood a li**le way 8rom )im% in *)e -learin(' He wa+n>* doin( any*)in(' He wa+
:u+* +*andin( *)ere% one )and re+*in( on )i+ wounded +)oulder a+ i8 i* )ur* )im% and
+*arin( u0 in*o *)e +;y' 2u+* +*andin(% and loo;in( u0'
ane +)oo; )i+ )ead% +mo*)erin( a yawn' He +uddenly 8el* ,ery +*u0id' W)a* *)e
)ell wa+ )e doin( ou* )ere +0yin( on *)e ;id any)owD W)y wa+n>* )e in bed%
+lee0in( o88 *)e e=er*ion+ o8 *)e day% and *)e new e=er*ion+ *omorrowD 1o 2oda (o*
)i+ ;i-;+ -oun*in( +*ar+% w)y *)e )ell shouldn1t )eD In *)e old 0)ra+e 8rom a
,ani+)ed Ear*)% i* wa+ nei*)er ille(al% immoral nor 8a**enin(' He *urned and )i+ bare
8oo* +-ra0ed on a +*one9 2oda *urned and +aw )im'
CAren>* you a8raid% *ra,eler 8rom Rai8eDC )e a+;ed% and )i+ ,oi-e% )i+ 8a-e% )i+ w)ole
body were one bi( +neer' CT)e 1*ar emon+ u0 *)ere will +*eal away your -oura(e
and de+*roy your -ommon +en+eE I8 *)ey>re 8eelin( na+*y *)ey :u+* mi()* +woo0 down
8rom *)e +;y +ome ni()* and -arry you o88 in*o *)e +;y *o ea*E W)y% don>* you ;now
*)e 1*ar emon+ will -)ill your bone+ and ma;e your )air 8all ou* and your *ee*)
a-)e and *urn *)e mil; +our 8rom your 8a,ori*e ;)o+*liD I8 i* weren>* 8or *)e
,i(ilan-e o8 *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+% *)ey>d 0robably burn *)e world u0E Be**er (e* ba-;
+a8e in+ide your *en* be8ore *)ey -)ew you u0 in*o li**le *iny 0ie-e+EC
ane +*ared a* )im' Finally )e +aid% Co you belie,e all *)a*% 2odaDC
In *)e +*arli()*% )e -ould +ee *)a* *)e +neer )ad 8aded 8rom *)e boy>+ 8a-e% lea,in(
only 0u@@lemen*'
CNo%C 2oda +aid% Cbu* don>* youD E,erybody el+e doe+'C
ane +)ru((ed and +miled a* )im' CI ne,er worried *oo mu-) abou* w)a* o*)er
0eo0le belie,ed'C
CAnd you really aren>* a8raid o8 *)e +*ar+DC 2oda demanded' He +ounded almo+*
an(ry'
ane +)oo; )i+ )ead' CNo' I ne,er me* any 1*ar emon+% and i8 I were (oin( *o be
a8raid o8 +ome*)in(% I>d 0i-; +ome*)in( I>d me*% +ome*)in( I ;new -ould )ur* me'C
CI*>+ ,ery +*ran(e%C 2oda +aid in a /uie* ,oi-e% CI>m a ,ery (rea* -oward% *ra,eler
8rom Rai8e' My 8a*)er +ay+ I am only
8i* *o end my day+ in *)e belly o8 a ra+)a% and )e i+ 0robably ri()*' I>m +*u0id and
-lum+y% and your +0earwoman i+ +o mu-) be**er a* 8i()*in(% *)a* I am a8raid o8 )er%
*oo' W)en I 8a-e a ba**le I alway+ *)in; I will die o8 8ear be8ore any 8oe )a+ a -)an-e
*o -ome a* me' I am e,en a8raid o8 *)e (an:ir% /uie* a+ *)ey are% and *)a* i+ 8olly% I
(rew u0 wor;in( -lo+e *o *)em% my li**le +i+*er -an lead *)em ou* *o *)e 8ield+
wi*)ou* )al8 a+ mu-) 8ear a+ I' And ye* I )a,e ne,er been a8raid o8 *)e +*ar+' I am
+u-) a -oward I ;now I am no* 8i* *o li,e *o man)ood% and ye* 8or +ome rea+on I do
no* 8ear *)e +*ar+' And you are *)e only 0er+on I )a,e e,er me* w)o i+ li;e me% no*
a8raid o8 *)em'C
He 0au+ed9 in *)e brillian* +*arli()* ane +aw an(er ;no**in( )i+ 8a-e'
CT)ey *ell u+% in *)e ,illa(e% *)a* demon+ li,e in *)e +*ar+% and *)a* (od+ and +ain*+
and *)e Ble++ed One+ li,e under *)e (round *o 0ro*e-* u+' Bu* I don>* belie,e any o8
*)a*E I*>+ non+en+e% i*>+ li;e *)e *ale+ *)e old (randmo*)er+ *ell% abou* a (nome w)o
+*eal+ *)e -)ildren>+ +)ed mil; *ee*) and 0lan*+ *)em under *)e (round *o (row new
ro-;+E Fairy *ale+E I don>* belie,e *)a* *)ere are any (od+% or 1ain*+% or Ble++ed One+%
or demon+ 8rom *)e +*ar+ ei*)erE And i8 I did?C )e loo;ed u0 a* *)e bla@in( +;y
a(ain% and +aid% )i+ ,oi-e ,ery +eriou+% CI8 I did% I *)in; I would belie,e *)a* i* wa+
*)e o*)er way round% and *)a* *)e +;y *)ere wa+ *)e abode o8 *)e 1ain*+ and Ble++ed
One+' Loo;% *ra,eler 8rom Rai8eE How -an any*)in( +o beau*i8ul a+ *)a* 0o++ibly be
e,ilDC
ane +aid CYou>re ri()*% you ;now' T)ere>+ no*)in( *o be a8raid o8'C And *)en )e
be(an% *o wonder i8 )e )ad done ri()*% 0u**in( *)i+ ;id a* odd+ wi*) *)e *aboo+ o8 )i+
own -ul*ure'
CI+ *)i+ be-au+e you -ome 8rom Rai8eD o *)ey no* belie,e in *)e 1*ar emon+% in
Rai8e% *ra,elerDC
CMy name>+ ane%C )e +aid% Cand I ne,er )eard o8 1*ar emon+ *ill I -ame )ere'C
Well% *)a* wa+ *rue enou()' CBu* la*ely I )eard *)a* *)ere are +*orie+ (oin( around
abou* 1*ar emon+ a-*ually a00earin( )ere?8ri()*enin( 0eo0le% -arryin( *)em o88
?I>m a lon( way 8rom my own -oun*ry% and I>m alway+ in*ere+*ed in +*ran(e *)in(+'
1*ran(e o--urren-e+'C
C1u0er+*i*iou+ rubbi+)%C 2oda +na00ed% CTale+ *o 8ri()*en -)ildrenE Peo0le -arried
o88 by 1*ar emon+ and 8or-ed *o wor; 8or *)em% my+*eriou+ wea0on+ no )uman
)and -ould 8or(e% emon+ 0rowlin( *)e wood+ a+ mon+*rou+ animal+% *)e
1ain*+ a00earin( *o dri,e *)e 1*ar emon+ away?all rubbi+)% all -on*radi-*in( ea-)
o*)erEC
8ay!e, ane *)ou()*% rememberin( *)e 6ir(on blade% the %ind of creatures who
used that %ind of weapon would ma%e any ordinary demon loo% tame. 8eet up with
one of those, %id, and you won1t need a demon
And w)a*% )e wondered% would *)e+e 0eo0le e,er do *o u+?e,en *)e boy 2oda?i8
*)ey )ad a )in* o8 w)ere we really -ame 8romD I8 *)e +*ar+ are e,il% and we -ame
8rom *)e +*ar+?w)a* would we be in 8or% i8 *)ey 8ound u+ ou*D
CT)ere>+ no rea+on *o be a8raid o8 *)e +*ar+%C )e +aid% Cbu* *)e dam0 o8 ni()* i+n>*
(ood 8or an un)ealed wound% ei*)er' !o in+ide *)e *en* and (e* +ome +lee0% w)y
don>* youDC
CYou>re no* my ma+*er%C *)e boy +0a* a* )im% ,she i+EC
ane>+ +o8*enin( *oward 2oda abru0*ly ,ani+)ed a(ain' /otten, spoiled !rat 5o
wonder even his own father can1t stand the si#ht of him If he was my %id, I1d drown
him
CO)% )ell%C )e +aid' C1*ay )ere% *)en% -a*-) your dea*)% +ee i8 I -areEC He wen* o88
in+ide *)e *en*% 8umin(' 'tar Demons, indeed
+HAPTER EI.HT
CBu* i* wa+ w)i*e% I *ell youE I +wear i*EC
ane +e* down *)e wooden bowl o8 +wee*i+) na*i,e beer )e )ad been drin;in(% a -)ill
runnin( down )i+ +0ine' T)e ,oi-e )ad -ome 8rom +omew)ere near *)e ba-; o8 *)e
(rea* +)adowy room *)a* +er,ed *)e 0ur0o+e o8 a *a,ern'
CW)i*eD You>,e been ou* in *)e midday +un *oo lon(%C ano*)er ,oi-e derided% CHow
-ould a demon 8rom *)e +*ar+ be w)i*eD Maybe you +aw a ,i+ion o8 *)e Ble++ed One+%
or one o8 *)e 1ain*+?C
CI* wa+n>* no +ain*% and no*)in( 8rom *)e Ble++ed Realm%C *)e ,oi-e in+i+*ed% CI +aw
*)e *)in(% I *ell you% and i* wa+ white.,
A -)oru+ o8 deri+ion (ree*ed *)e ,oi-e' CYou saw i*D Ha)% you +ee a 1*ar emon% you
won>* be around *o *ell *ale+ abou* )ow w)i*e i* wa+EC One ,oi-e ro+e abo,e *)e
o*)er+% and ane ro+e +ilen*ly and made )i+ way ba-; alon( *)e wall% )oldin( *)e
wooden bowl -are8ully% and *)readin( )i+ way be*ween *able+' He wa+ )earin( in )i+
mind *)e ,oi-e on *)e +-ou* re0or*<-ube *)a* 7il;i+) F>T)an+a )ad made :u+* be8ore
)i+ my+*eriou+ dea*)?or di+a00earan-e' A stran#e white form. For on-e i* +eemed
*)a* )i+ re-en* 0ra-*i-e o8 )aun*in( *)e *a,ern a* *)e midday )our% w)en almo+* all
o8 Ra)nilor +ou()* +)ade and re0o+e% wa+ be(innin( *o 0ay o88' For wee;+ now )e
and )i+ 0ar*y )ad li,ed in Ra)nilor% -are8ully 8ollowin( down *)e +li()*e+* lead+
abou* w)a* -ould )a,e )a00ened *o *)e ,ani+)ed 0ar*y o8 1)>8e:: 8rom *)e &ni*y
ba+e' Bu* +o 8ar% *)ere )ad no* e,en been a rumor' T)e ear*) mi()* )a,e o0ened and
+wallowed *)em u0 w)ole'
And any lead wa+ wor*) 8ollowin( u0% now' E,en one +o nebulou+ a+ a drun; a*
midday% *al;in( abou* +ome une=0lained w)i*e 8orm' He 0au+ed% li+*enin( 8or *)e
,oi-e w)i-) )ad +0o;en% or *)e one+ w)i-) )ad in*erru0*ed )im9 *)en )e +aw *)e
+0ea;er% a /uerulou+ old man% w)i*e )air abo,e a -rin;led brown nu* o8 a 8a-e'
CHow did you -ome *o +ee *)i+ mar,el?and were you +ober w)en you )eard i*DC
C1ober and *)ir+*y and )ard a* wor;%C +aid *)e 8ir+* +0ea;er' He wa+ a *all burly
man wi*) wor;<)ardened mu+-le+ and a +*ubborn 8a-e% dre++ed li;e a ;)o+*li dro,er'
CI wa+ )a-;in( away *)e bru+) *o -lear my 8ield 8or *)e la*e 0lan*in(% and *)i+?*)i+
thin# -ome+ o,er *)e 8en-e% (rab+ a -al8 and wa+ (one be8ore I -ould +)ou*' I* wa+
*errible' 5othin# mo,e+ *)a* 8a+*' No* a ra+)a' No* a (ran*)' No* a birdE And i* wa+
white- W)i*e a+ your )air% w)i*er *)an an eyeballEC He *il*ed )i+ )ead ba-;% *oo; a
lon( drin; 8rom )i+ bowl% wi0ed *)e 8oam 8rom )i+ li0% and +*ared a* *)em belli(<
eren*ly'
T)e old man +aid% CHow do you ;now i* wa+ a 1*ar emonDC
CW)a* el+e -ould i* )a,e beenD You *ell me *)a*EC
CW)i*e i+ *)e -olor o8 0uri*y% *)e -olor o8 *)e Ble++ed Realm+%C +aid *)e *)ird man a*
*)e *able' He wa+ +mall and da00er% wi*) an embroidered :a-;e* and a 8ea*)ered
)eadband o8 (reen and +-arle* 0lume+' CI* -ould no* )a,e been a 1*ar emon'
Animal+ are born w)i*e% +ome*ime+' W)a* made you *)in; i* wa+ a demonDC
CT)e way i* mo,ed%C *)e 8ir+* man in+i+*ed +*ubbornly' CNo animal% no* e,en a
8rea;% mo,e+ *)a* 8a+*' I +0en* enou() year+ ;ee0in( ra+)a+ away 8rom my -a**le% I
;now all abou* )ow *)ey mo,e' And i8 i* wa+n>* a 1*ar emon% w)a* wa+ i*D I* )ad
+i= le(+EC
T)ey +*ared a* )im% )al8 di+mayed% )al8 deri+i,e'
CA)% *)a*>+ *oo mu-)%C +aid *)e old man' CNow you>re ma;in( i* u0' You +aw
somethin#, and be-au+e you -an>* admi* you -ouldn>* ;ill i*% you -all i* a 1*ar emon'
Animal+ born w)i*e are e=*ra 8ier-e% *)ey )a,e *o be or *)ey -ouldn>* li,e9 +in-e
e,erybody -an +ee >em in *)e :un(le' You +aw a 8rea; ra+)a'C
CYou +)ow me a ra+)a wi*) +i= le(+E Or a (ran*)E I *ell you% i* wa+n>* a ra+)a9 mo,ed
more li;e a (ran*)' ' ' 'C ane remembered *)i+ wa+ *)e 8ier-e% )i()ly in*elli(en*
wea+el<li;e 0reda*or% C?only 8a+*er% e,en% *)an a (ran*)' And it had six le#s, He
+*ared% de8ian*'
CI8 i* wa+ mo,in( all *)a* 8a+*% )ow>d you -oun* *)e le(+DC demanded *)e old man%
bu* *)e *)ird man +aid /uie*ly% CNo% li+*en' T)a*>+ w)a* *)e 10earman *old me' He
+aid )e 8ollowed i*+ *rail 8or mile+% and *)ere were more 8ee* *)an 8our -ould ma;e9
and *)ey were all wron( +ome)ow' Maybe )e +aw *)e *)in( *)e 10earman wa+
*ra-;in(' Bu* *)a* wa+ away down near *)e !rea* !or(e' You +ay *)i+ *)in( )ad +i=
le(+D And bi( enou() *o -arry o88 a -al8D Only *)in( I e,er +aw )ad +i= le(+ wa+ a
bu( *)i+ +i@e?C )e mea+ured wi*) )i+ )and on *)e *able' C1ome ;ind o8 bi( 8rea;
bu( ou* o8 *)e !rea* !or(e% maybeD Could be anythin#, down *)a* wayEC
CI* wa+n>* any*)in( li;e a bu('C *)e 8armer +aid' CMore li;e a (ran*)% only i* )ad a
lon(% low body% abou* +o )i()?C )e mea+ured o88 *)e 8loor% Cand a lon( *ail' And i*
mo,ed in 8a+* and +*rai()*' You ;now )ow a (ran*) -ome+ in% in a ru+) +idewi+e%
ni00in( wi*) i*+ )ead downD Well% *)i+ one -ame in -)ar(in( +*rai()*% (rabbed *)e
-al8 u0 w)ole and made o88 wi*) i* 8a+*er *)an e,er' =ou ;now )ow a (ran*) ;ill+
8ir+*% )ead down% ni00in( and bi*in(% ;no-;in( you o,er wi*) a bi( 0aw and *)en
bi*in( a* *)e *)roa*D Well% *)i+ one didn>* mo,e li;e *)a*% :u+* -ame in )ead on li;e
(an:ir -)ar(in(% reared u0% (rabbed *)e -al8 and )auled i* o88 +*ill bawlin(' Bi( -al8%
*oo% and i* didn>* e,en +low i* downEC He +)oo; )i+ )ead% mar,elin(% and +i(naled 8or
more beer' CI8 *)a* doe+n>* +ound li;e a demon% I don>* ;now w)a* you1d -all i*EC
C1ound+ li;e you>d been ou* in *)e +un *oo lon(%C *)e old
man +aid% +-o88in(9 bu* *)e +lender man in *)e 8ea*)ered )eaddre++ +)oo; )i+ )ead%
*)e 0lume+ bobbin('
CMaybe no*% !ran>8er' Ou* beyond *)e !rea* !or(e% I )eard *)ey )ad an ou*brea;
o8 1*ar emon+% -arryin( o88 8ol; in broad dayli()*% and +u-) li;e9 *)ou() *)a*
ne,er made mu-) +en+e *o me% I *)ou()* 1*ar emon+ only -ame ou* a* ni()*% or
w)a*>+ *)e world -omin( *oDC
CYour 0ardon% (ood 8ol;%C +aid ane% ed(in( -lo+er *o *)e *able and +i(nalin( *)e
wai*er% mo,in( *)rou() *)e +-a**ered *able+% *o brin( 8re+) bowl+ o8 beer% CI -ould
no* )el0 bu* o,er)ear your *al;' I am a *ra,eler 8rom ,ery 8ar away?C elibera*ely%
)e +0o;e 6a)ram a li**le le++ well *)an )e -ould )a,e done% C?bu* on *)e road )ere
I )eard o8 +ome?+ome 0eo0le w)o ,ani+)ed -om0le*ely a8*er +eein( a +*ran(e w)i*e
8orm *)ey *)ou()* a demon' I+ i* *rue *)a*?*)a* o*)er+ o8 *)i+ ;ind )a,e been
+eenDC
T)ree 0air+ o8 eye+ +wi,elled *oward )im a+ *)e +lender man in *)e 8ea*)er+ +aid%
CYou' You>re one o8 *)e body(uard+ -ame wi*) *)o+e :ewel +eller+ 8rom Rai8e?*)e
(ian* and )i+ 0ar*ner' No% you>d no* )a,e )eard o8 +u-) *)in(+ in Rai8e% I e=0e-*' Bu*
down below *)e !rea* !or(e% near Pe+)ilor% *)ey )ad an ou*brea; o8 1*ar emon+%
-arryin( o88 men in broad dayli()*% and -a**le' T)ey +en* 8or *)e An;a>an Order% and
by *)e )el0 o8 *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+% mana(ed *o ;ill +ome o8 *)em% and *)e o*)er+ wen*
away' Bu* *)ere mu+* )a,e been one le8* *o 8ri()*en our 8armer 8riend )ere% and
-arry o88 )i+ -al8' T)ey were )un*in( *)em 8or *wo moon+% down *)ere9 *errible
+*orie+ *)ere were% o8 men bein( burned u0 by 8ire *)e demon+ *)rew on *)em% w)ole
,illa(e+ bein( -arried away in *)e bellie+ o8 (rea* me*al -ar*+'C
CT)a*>+ w)a* *)e 10earman *old me%C *)e 8armer +aid' C1aid I wa+ lu-;y *)e *)in(
*oo; only a -al8 and no* one o8 my -)ildren'C He +)uddered' CI )o0e *)ey *ra-; i*
down and ;ill i*E Ma+*er Pri*),ai -an +ay all )e li;e+% bu* we 8ol; in *)e ,illa(e+ )a,e
enou() *o 8i()*% wi*) ra+)a+ and (ran*)+% and *)e 8odder burnin( u0 in *)e 8ield+ in
a dry year% wi*)ou* bein( 0la(ued by 1*ar emon+ *ooE W)ere are *)e 0rie+*+% i8 *)ey
-an>* ;ee0 demon+ awayDC
Cemon+% demon+% I don>* wan* *o )ear any *al; abou* demon+%C +aid *)e old man%
)i+ +)rill ,oi-e *remblin(% CI *ell you% *)e *)in( wa+ a w)i*e ra+)a% a 8rea; born *)a*
way% and Ma+*er Pri*),ai *al;+ abou* demon+ *o :u+*i8y w)a* *)e An;a>an Order
*a;e+ 8rom u+ 8or (uardin(E W)y don>* *)ey 0u* *)a* mu-) *ime and ener(y in*o
)un*in( down ra+)a+ li;e
*)e one w)o *oo; my +on *en year+ a(oD T)ey didn>* -all ou* *)e w)ole An;a>an
Order *)en% *)ey wouldn>* e,en +end a +in(le +0earmanE 6ill one ra+)a% *)ey +aid%
and *)ere>ll only be moreEC
CHe>+ ri()*% *)ou()%C *)e +lender man +aid' CRa+)a+ are *oo many *o ;ill *)em all'
You -anno* blame *)e An;a>an Order be-au+e *)ere are ra+)a+ in *)e world'C
CHaEC +aid *)e old man an(rily' CMaybe *)ey -ouldn>* ;ill *)em all% bu* i8 you 0u*
*)e w)ole Order *o wor;% *o(e*)er wi*) e,ery man w)o>+ e,er lo+* a -)ild *o a ra+)a%
you -ould ;ill *)em o88 *o w)ere i* would be +a8e *o li,e in +i()* o8 *)e -i*y% a* lea+*E I8
we really wor;ed a* i*% we -ould ;ill e,ery ra+)a in *)e ,alley% dri,e *)em all ba-;
in*o *)e )ill+ or in*o *)e !rea* !or(eE T)e An;a>an Order% wi*) all *)eir 8an-y *al;
abou* )ow *)e 1ain*+ )a,e (i,en *)e ra+)a+ *)e ri()* *o li,e?;ill *)em all% I +ay% *o
*)e la+* -lawE We -ould do i*% i8 we *riedEC
CAnd *)en w)o would ;ee0 *)e wild (an:ir and *)e deer ou* o8 our 8ield+DC a+;ed
*)e +lender man% wi*) maddenin( lo(i-' CT)e ra+)a+ ;ill *)em% and we ;ill *)e
ra+)a+% and i* all -ome+ ou* e,en in *)e end% a+ Ma+*er Pri*),ai +ay+'C
CYou -i*y 8ol;%C *)e old man +narled' CYou li,e in+ide wall+% and i8 a ra+)a *a;e+ a
8armer>+ -)ild% you +)ru( and :abber abou* bearin( *)e ill+ o8 *)e world% bu* you
don>* lo+e your -)ildren *o *)e ra+)a+E And *)e Fir+* Peo0le are :u+* a+ bad%
0rea-)in( abou* *)e !rea* C)ain o8 Li8e?w)en e,erybody ;now+ *)e ra+)a+ won>*
ea* them, or e,en *)eir e((+EC
ane le8* *)em *o *)eir ar(umen*9 )e ;new )e>d (e* now)ere by in*erru0*in(' He
;new 8rom *)e ma0 *)a* *)e -i*y o8 Pe+)ilor wa+ downri,er 8rom Ra)nilor% beyond
*)e !rea* !or(e% w)ere T)under+mi*) Fall+ 8lowed in*o w)a* )e )ad )eard -alled
*)e Eye o8 *)e World ''' *)e lar(e landlo-;ed +ea rin(ed by moun*ain+% one o8 *)e
enormou+ -ra*er+ w)i-) )ad +o +*ar*led ane w)en )e 8ir+* +aw *)e 0lane* 8rom
+0a-e'
He wen* in*o *)e +*ree*% 8eelin( *)e +un +ear a* )i+ eyeball+ and *)e )ea* +*ri;e li;e an
o0ened 8urna-e door' !au@y w)i*e awnin( +*re*-)ed be*ween *)e buildin(+ *o ;ee0
ou* *)e wor+* o8 *)e +unli()* by day% and +)el*er men 8rom *)e bale8ul in8luen-e o8
*)e +*ar+ a* ni()*' 1ome o8 *)e narrower +*ree*+ were roo8ed o,er -om0le*ely% 8or *)e
+ame rea+on9 ane )ad -ea+ed *o wonder *)a* men )ere 8eared *)e +;y' A+ )e
-ro++ed a brie8 o0en +0a-e be*ween *wo o8 *)e awnin(+% )e ;new )e Wa+ -rin(in(
8rom *)e o0en +;y :u+* a+ *)e na*i,e+ did'
I* wa+n>* :u+* *)e +udden *errible bla@e o8 )ea* burnin( a*
)i+ +-al0 and +)oulder+% *)ou() *)a* wa+ bad enou()% me )ea* +ur(ed u0 e,en
*)rou() *)e +ole+ o8 )i+ +andal+' T)e 0a-;ed ear*) under )i+ 8ee* 8el* a+ i8 )e were
wal;in( a-ro++ *)e +ur8a-e o8 a ,ery )o* (riddle'
Ra)nilor wa+ *wo -i*ie+% really' T)e inn wa+ in *)e )uman +e-*or9 abo,e )im% on *)e
)ei()*+% *)e -i*y o8 *)e Fir+* Peo0le ro+e% 8la*<roo8ed +*ru-*ure+ in*ended *o
-on-en*ra*e *)e ,ery )ea* *)a* *)e )uman in)abi*an*+ 8ound +o di88i-ul* *o endure%
and )ad buil* their -i*y *o minimi@e' ane du-;ed )i+ )ead be*ween )i+ +)oulder+
and )urried under *)e ne=* awnin('
T)e 0ro*o+aurian -i*y o8 *)e Fir+* Peo0le )ad been *)ere 8ir+*% )e remembered%
+urrounded by *)e rude ,illa(e+ o8 *)o+e w)o labored 8or *)em% and by broad 8ield+
o8 0lan*+ inedible *o *)em' La*er *)e lower -i*y o8 Ra)nilor )ad (rown u0 in *)e
,alley% *)e )ome o8 a 0ea-e8ul a(ri-ul*ural *ribe w)o )ad *raded 8ur and 0rodu-e 8or
*)e iron and 8inely wor;ed +*eel *)a* wa+ +*ill a +aurian mono0oly' T)en )ad -ome
*)e Barbarian In,a+ion?and 1ain* A>a++ioo'
A* *)e end o8 *)e +)aded +*ree*% ane -ame ou* in*o *)e o0en mar;e* +/uare' Hea*
re8le-*ed 8rom *)e +*one +-or-)ed )i+ le(+% and )e 0ulled u0 *)e )ood o8 *)e :a-;e* )e
wore *o +)ield )i+ )ead 8rom *)e +un% *)ou() )e )a*ed *)e way i* -u* o88 )i+ +ide
,i+ion' A -on+*an* noi+e o8 (an:ir bell+ :an(led a+ *)e (rea* bea+*+ +*irred in *)e )ea*'
Haw;er+ +an( ou* *)eir ware+% and *)e ,oi-e+ o8 a *)ou+and mer-)an*+ w)ined%
droned% ar(ued o,er 0ri-e+'
ane +li**ed )i+ eye+ a(ain+* *)e li()* *)a* bla+*ed u0 8rom *)e 0a,emen*% wi+)in(
*)e 0ro*o+imian+ )ere )ad *)ou()* o8 in,en*in( +un(la++e+' He be(an *o ma;e )i+
way *)rou() *)e bri()*ly -olored boo*)+ and -ar0e*+ w)ere *)e mer-)an*+ +0read
*)eir ware+' Farmer+ )aw;ed *)eir 0rodu-e% :eweler+ *)eir -ra8*+?0a++in( a
:eweler>+ +*all% ane +aw +ome 0ie-e+ di+0layed% made 8rom *)e e=o*i- C:ewel+ 8rom
Rai8eC w)i-) )ad been *)eir o+*en+ible rea+on 8or -omin( )ere *o *rade' T)ey>d
-ome )ere 8ir+* +e,eral day+ a(o% )e and Ara*a;9 ane +*andin( be)ind )im in *)e
+*an-e o8 a 0aid body(uard% o+*en*a*iou+ly (larin( a* *)e 0a++in( -rowd% w)ile
Ara*a; )a((led wi*) *)e lo-al :eweler+9 *)en Ara*a; )ad 0a-;ed u0 *)e remainin(
+u00ly o8 *)e :ewel+?and a -on+iderable +u00ly o8 *)e lo-al money?and di+mi++ed
ane% o0en<)andedly *o++in( )im a 8ew e=*ra -oin+% +o *)a* ane -ould (o abou*
*)eir reed bu+ine++?loo;in( 8or rumor+ in *)e )uman ()e**o'
ane mo,ed 0a+* +word+mi*)+% wea,er+% +andalma;er+% )un*er+ wi*) 8ur+ o8 all
-olor+?e,en a rare w)i*e (ran*) +;in%
w)i-) made ane *)in; o8 *)e belli(eren* 8armer w)o+e -al8 )ad been *a;en?
-ar,er+ in +*one and wood% mu+i-ian+ and +*ory*eller+ (a*)erin( +mall -rowd+ *o
li+*en under *)e -ool 8la0+ o8 *)eir *en*+% *ra,eler+ wi*) +0i-e+% )erb+ and 0er8ume+%
8or*une *eller+ +ellin( amule*+ and *rin;e*+% lu-;<-)arm+ and lo,e<-)arm+% and
do@en+ o8 o*)er mer-)an*+ w)o+e ware+ ane -ould no* e,en be(in *o re-o(ni@e'
And abo,e all *)e noi+e and a-*i,i*y o8 *)e mar;e*% *)e (leamin( w)i*e +*a*ue o8
1ain* A>a++ioo brooded% wi*) ou*+*re*-)ed 8orelimb+ and blind marble eye+9 a +/ua*
0ro*o+aurian mu@@le 0ro*ruded 8rom *)e )ood o8 *)e lon( (armen* *)a* +)ielded *)e
re+* o8 )i+ 8orm% -on-ealin( e,ery*)in( bu* *)e ou*+*re*-)ed% ble++in( 8orelimb+ and
)and+'
T)e +*one wa+ old' Old a+ *)e 8ounda*ion+ o8 *)e -i*y' A *)ou+and year+ a(o or more%
a nomadi- )orde )ad +we0* downri,er and )urled *)em+el,e+ u0on *)e 0ea-e8ul
)uman ,illa(e' I* )ad been *)en *)a* 1ain* A>a++ioo )ad a00eared% 0rea-)in( 0ea-e
*o *)e warli;e *ribe+men and a,er*in( +lau()*er' T)e *ribe+men )ad +e**led in *)e
,alley and rai+ed *)e ,a+* )uman -i*y w)i-) )ad (rown a+ *)e -ara,an road+ *)a*
-ro++ed *)e 8ord o8 *)e ri,er% )ere% )ad brou()* -i,ili@a*ion and *rade' T)e Fir+*
Peo0le o8 *)e Ci*y on *)e )ill al+o re,ered 1ain* A>a++ioo9 *)e my*)olo(y o8 Bel+ar
Four wa+ 8ull o8 +u-) 0ro*o+aurian C1ain*+%C *ea-)er+ and 0ea-ema;er+ w)o )ad
-ome 8rom +ome un;nown realm *o li,e amon( men and brin( *)em wi+dom and
-i,ili@a*ion' Ra)nilor wa+ no* *)e only -i*y 8ounded by +u-) a 1ain*'
ane re-alled one o8 *)e *a0e+ )e )ad +*udied.
The protosaurian influence upon the protosimian culture of "elsar has !een profound
and !eni#n. The le#end of 'aint A1assioo disarmin# the !ar!arian hordes durin# the
invasion of /ahnilor, and 'aint loayaho1s disarmin# of the archers of the con4ueror
Ashra%hu, were fundamental to the development of civili(ations in their respective
re#ions. 'ermons attri!uted to these and other ,'aints,, their lives of patient example
and their pitiful deaths are the %eystones of moral and philosophical culture
throu#hout "elsar0 althou#h much of their early lives have !een o!viously
mytholo#i(ed in order to connect them with the under#round ,"lessed /ealm, of all
"elsarian peoples, !oth are clearly historical fi#ures. It is noteworthy that even amon#
the protosimian cultures of "elsar, there has never !een a sin#le protosimian 'aint.
Ara*a;% o8 -our+e% )ad been e+0e-ially in*ri(ued by *)e Bel+arian 0)ilo+o0)er<1ain*+%
and )ad memori@ed many o8 *)e +ayin(+ o8 A>a++ioo and o*)er 1ain*+% 0ar*i-ularly
1ain* Ziya<moay o8 di+*an* Rai8e9 *)e+e +ayin(+?a* lea+* in 0ubli-?)ad now
re0la-ed )i+ -on+*an* /uo*a*ion+ o8 *)e i,ine E((' CAll wi+dom i+ One%C Ara*a;
)ad remar;ed% w)en ra,a+) *wi**ed )im abou* *)i+% Cand *)i+ i+ 0ro,en by *)e 8a-*
*)a* no* *)e i,ine E(( alone% bu* al+o 1ain* Ziyamoay and 1ain* Ioaya)o +aid +o'C
A+ alway+% ane 0au+ed 8or a momen*% de+0i*e *)e burnin( )ea*% *o loo; u0 a* *)e
im0o+in(% marble<-owled 8i(ure'
In *)e )ea* and (lare and noi+e% *)ere wa+ +ome*)in( -om8or*in(% +*ron( and
rea++urin( in *)a* -alm and bene,olen* 8i(ure' He *)ou()*% +ur0ri+ed a* )im+el8% *)a*
e,en i8 )e did no* ;now i* wa+ a +*a*ue o8 1ain* A>a++ioo )e would )a,e ;nown i* 8or
a 1ain* o8 +ome +or*9 i* reminded )im% i8 )e didn>* loo; *oo )ard a* *)e +aurian
mu@@le% o8 a )y0er<moderni+*i- +*a*ue o8 1ain* Fran-i+ )e )ad +een on-e in 1an
Fran-i+-o% arm+ +*re*-)ed ou*% benea*) )i+ mon;>+ robe% *o ble++ *)e )arbor' A line o8
Bel+arian 0oe*ry Ara*a; )ad /uo*ed ran brie8ly *)rou() )i+ mind9 6or us the 'aints
come to suffer in the sun, thou#h the "lessed /ealm is dar% and cool.
Well% *)e 1ain*+ )ad *)eir mi++ion% and )e )ad )i+' 1)a;in( o88 )i+ mood o8 *)e
momen*% ane mo,ed *)rou() *)e noi+y% )ead<+wimmin( (lare o8 *)e mar;e*%
*)in;in( o8 *)e *a,ern and *)e rumor+ )e )ad )eard'
W)i*e' Fa+*er *)an a (ran*)' 1i= le(+?and *)a* wa+ rare% e,en in *)e world+ o8
&ni*y' Cer*ainly no na*i,e bea+*' emon+ 8rom *)e +*ar+% w)o *)rew 8ire and -arried
0eo0le away in *)e bellie+ o8 *)eir me*al -ar*+' ra,a+) )ad be**er )ear abou* *)i+%
ri()* away'
He +aw *)e 8la+) o8 a 8amiliar blue *uni-% *)rew u0 an arm in (ree*in(% *)en +aw i*
wa+ no* Ma+*er R)omda% bu* ano*)er o8 *)e An;a>an Order% a leaner man% an(ular%
a +-are-row mo,in( wi*) a dan-er>+ (ra-e' Hi+ 8a-e wa+ *)in and )oo;no+ed' He
re*urned ane>+ (ree*in( wi*) an indi88eren*% -our*eou+ (e+*ure% +)i8*ed *)e deadly
+0ear 8rom one -arryin( 0o+i*ion *o ano*)er wi*) *)e +ame ele(an* 0re-i+ion w)i-)
wa+ be-omin( 8amiliar *o ane% and +*rode away a-ro++ *)e +/uare' ane )e+i*a*ed%
)al8 in-lined *o )urry a8*er )im and a+; abou* *)e C1*ar emon+C a(ain+* w)om% i*
+eemed% *)e An;a>an Order )ad been +ummoned' Bu* *)e +*ran(e 10earman wa+
already ou* o8 +i()*% and i* would be ea+ier *o )un*
u0 Ma+*er R)omda?w)o )ad a 8riendly in*ere+* in *)e boy 2oda and )ad dro00ed
in% on-e or *wi-e% a* *)e )ou+e w)ere Ara*a; and ra,a+) were +*ayin('
He rea-)ed *)e o00o+i*e +ide o8 *)e mar;e* and 0lun(ed in*o *)e (ra*e8ul du+;ine++
o8 *)e 1*ree* o8 1*ran(er+?an area w)ere )ou+e+ were alway+ a,ailable on an
arran(emen* ane would )a,e -alled +)or*<*erm lea+e+% 8or *ra,eler+ and *rader+'
ra,a+) and Ara*a; )ad *a;en +u-) a )ou+e 8or *)em+el,e+ and *)eir C+er,an*+C?
ane% Rianna% and youn( 2oda?and no one )ad *)ou()* *o /ue+*ion *)a* *)ey were%
indeed% :ewel *rader+ 8rom di+*an* Rai8e' I8 *)ey )ad% indeed% been mer-)an*+% *)i+
would )a,e been a )i()ly +u--e++8ul *ri09 *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+% ba-; a* &ni*y
Cen*ral% )ad a++embled 8or *)eir u+e an enormou+ -olle-*ion o8 :ewel+% lar(e and
+mall% w)i-) were -ommon and -)ea0 o,er mu-) o8 *)e &ni*y% bu* on Bel+ar% rare
and e=0en+i,e% *)ou() no* un;nown' T)ey -ould )a,e li,ed in mode+* lu=ury 8or *)e
re+* o8 *)eir li,e+ on *)e 0ro-eed+ o8 *)e +ale' ane )o0ed *)ey wouldn>* )a,e *o'
T)e )ou+e ra,a+) )ad 8ound 8or *)em wa+ a lar(e% 8la*<roo8ed% +0rawlin( a88air o8
wood and bri-;% buil* around a -en*ral -our*yard9 *)ere wa+ a +e-*ion +e* a+ide 8or
)uman+% and 8or *)e +ub)uman+ ra,a+) )ad )ired *o do menial wor; 8or *)em'
ane% Rianna and 2oda +)ared one +e-*ion o8 *)i+% a 8la* reed roo8 +e* on 0ole+% w)i-)
wa+ ;e0* -on*inuou+ly we* wi*) a +0rin;ler arran(emen*% 8or -oolne++ in+ide%
-ur*ained by 8la0+ o8 *)in -oar+e -lo*) w)i-) ;e0* ou* in+e-*+ a* ni()*' ane 8ound
*)e 0la-e dam0% and *)e +ub)uman+ w)o )ad in)abi*ed i* be8ore )im )ad no* been
o8 *)e -leane+* )abi*+% bu* i* wa+ 0lea+an*ly -ool and /uie*'
T)e +un )ad lowered enou() *)a* a 0ar* o8 *)e -our*yard wa+ in +)adow% and
Rianna and 2oda were wor;in( ou* *)ere% in *)e +)adow o8 *)e lon( wall' Rianna
wa+ *a;in( )er 0o+i*ion +eriou+ly9 +)e )ad +0en* lon( )our+ *ea-)in( *)e boy *)e
rudimen*+ o8 *)e -uriou+ almo+*<:udo o8 )er own world% w)i-) +)e -alled by a name
meanin(% C*)e ar* o8 ma;in( an a**a-;er de8ea* )im+el8'C In addi*ion% +)e )ad made
ane *ea-) )im *)e rudimen*+ o8 ;ara*e% and% 8inally% e=er-i+e wi*) )im in
+word0lay'
.e1s improvin#, ane *)ou()* a+ )e wa*-)ed 2oda and Rianna% re)ear+in( *)e mo,e+
o8 *)e de8en+i,e ar*' Per)a0+ i* wa+ only *)a* )e wa+ no*?/ui*e?a+ a8raid o8
Rianna a+ )e )ad been o8 )i+ 8a*)er% and *)a* +)e )ad ne,er bea*en or ridi-uled )im9
)i+ +*an-e no lon(er )ad *)e mi=*ure o8 -rin(in(
+ullenne++ and in+olen-e w)i-) )ad *urned ane a(ain+* )im 8rom *)e 8ir+*'
In*en+i,e *rainin( wa+ be(innin( *o wa+) *)e aw;wardne++ ou* o8 )i+ limb+'
CNo% no%C Rianna +aid% wa*-)in( )im +)ar0ly% CYou +*ill ba-; away a* *)e ,ery
minu*e you +)ould -)ar(eE Li;e *)i+?C +)e made a +wi8* mo,emen* *oward )im
and% una,oidably% )e 8lin-)ed'
.e must have !een !eaten within an inch of his life. It would ma%e some %ids defiant.
It only made him more timid than ever. "eatin#s are no cure for cowardice, !ut that
must have !een exactly how the %id1s father went a!out it.
Rianna +*o00ed in mid<+*ride' 1)e +aid% wi*) a (en*lene++ *)a* ane 8ound
+ur0ri+in(% C2oda% don>* you ;now ye* *)a* I>m no* really (oin( *o )ur* youD My
de8en+e+ were wide o0en?loo;' All you )ad *o do wa+ -a*-) me li;e *)i+?C and +)e
rea-)ed ou* *o *a;e )i+ arm in *)e )old +)e in*ended% bu* a(ain% )e -rin(ed and drew
ou* o8 rea-)'
CYou did )ur* me% *)e o*)er day%C )e de8ended )im+el8' CLoo;% I>,e +*ill (o* *)e
brui+eEC
Rianna>+ *em0er 8lared9 +)e o0ened )er mou*) 8or a +)ar0 re*or*'
C1omeday you will mee* +omeone w)o really intends *o )ur* you% and i8 you aren>*
ready?C +)e be(an% *)en% ,i+ibly ma+*erin( )er irri*a*ion% +aid /uie*ly% CT)en you
)ad be**er (o o,er *)ere on *)e +and% and 0ra-*i-e 8allin( +ome more% un*il you ;now
*)a* 8allin( won>* )ur* you a+ mu-) a+ you *)in;' Your wor+* enemy i+n>* *)e brui+e+
you (e*% i*>+ your 8ear o8 *)em'C
Crin(in(% +ullen% *)e boy wen* o88 *o *)e o00o+i*e +ide o8 *)e -our*% and Rianna%
mo00in( )er 8ore)ead wi*) one o8 )er (y0+y +-ar8+% -ame *oward ane'
ane% loo;in( a8*er 2oda% +aid% CHe>+ 0re**y )o0ele++% i+n>* )eDC
CNo* really%C Rianna demurred% Cbu* o8 -our+e )e doe+n>* 8i* in*o *)i+ -ul*ure a* all'C
CI *)in;%C ane +aid% lowerin( )i+ ,oi-e +o *)a* *)e youn(+*er wouldn>* )ear?)e
wa+ du*i8ully 0ra-*i-in( *)e elemen*ary e=er-i+e+ o8 rela=in( and *ryin( *o 8all
-om0le*ely lim0 in *)e 0i* o8 +o8* +and?C*)a* )e>d be a mi+8i* on any world'C
CW)y don>* you li;e )im% aneDC
CI don>* ;now' He>+?C ane +ear-)ed 8or *)e ri()* word C?)e>+ na+*y' Mean'
1ar-a+*i-' Cowardly' I :u+* -an>* +*and *)e +i()* o8 )im% and *)a*>+ a 8a-*'C
Rianna +)ru((ed' CT)i+ world i+ 0re**y )o+*ile *o anybody
w)o doe+n>* )a,e *)e -oura(e or 8i()*in( +;ill+ *o 8a-e i*' How would you 8eel i8
you>d )ad *o 8a-e no*)in( bu* )o+*ili*y all your li8eD You>d 0robably be a((re++i,e in
mean% na+*y li**le way+% *oo'C
ane doub*ed i8 any*)in( -ould )a,e made )im that obno=iou+% and +aid +o'
CT)e *rouble wi*) you i+%C Rianna +aid% +)ar0ly% Cyou )a,e no ima(ina*ion'
Ba+i-ally you>re a lo* li;e *)e 0oor -)ild>+ 8a*)er9 you de+0i+e )im be-au+e )e i+n>* a+
bra,e a+ you areE I8 )e>d (rown u0 on a -i,ili@ed world% )e>d be in a &ni,er+i*y
+omew)ere% learnin( *o be a +-ien*i+* or an a+*ronomer or +ome*)in( +ui*ed *o )i+
*alen*+ and in*ere+*+E And )e>d be a di88eren* youn(+*erE I>m :u+* *ryin( *o )el0 )im
survive- W)y -an>* you help me% in+*ead o8 bein( +o )o+*ileD He wa+ doin( 8ine% un*il
you -ame in% and *)en )e 8ro@e u0 a(ain be-au+e )e ;now+ *)a* you de+0i+e )im and
you>re )o+*ileEC
ane +aid% +-owlin(% CMaybe I>d :u+* be**er ;ee0 ou* o8 )i+ wayEC W)y in *)e world
)ad Rianna be-ome +o inde-en*ly 0ro*e-*i,e o8 *)e boyD He )ad ne,er +u+0e-*ed )er
o8 a ma*ernal in+*in-*% and i* didn>* +ui* )erE He +aid% CWe +eem *o +0end all our
*ime *)e+e day+ /uarrelin( abou* *)a* damn ;idEC
Her 8a-e +o8*ened' CWe do% don>* weD I>m +orry% ane'C 1)e +li00ed )er arm
*)rou() )i+' CYou>re no* :ealou+% are youD !oodne++% )e>+ only a -)ildEC
2ealou+D ane wondered No% no* in *)a* way% e=a-*ly% *)ou() i* wa+ *rue *)a* )e
re+en*ed *)e amoun* o8 *ime and ener(y Rianna +0en* on *)e youn(+*er9 and o8
-our+e +)e )ad le++ *ime 8or him. He +aid% +/uee@in( )er arm -lo+e *o )i+ +ide%
*urnin( *o 0re++ )i+ -)ee; a(ain+* )er+% CWell% you>,e (o* *o admi* *)a* )a,in( )im
around all *)e *ime doe+ in)ibi* u+ a li**le?doe+n>* i*% lo,eDC
1)e +miled u0 in*o )i+ 8a-e% in *)e old in*ima*e way% and murmured% CWe>ll )a,e *o
8i(ure ou* +ome*)in( we -an do abou* *)a*'C
Bu* 2oda )ad e,iden*ly been wa*-)in( *)em ou* o8 *)e -orner o8 )i+ eye% and +eein(
*)a* Rianna>+ a**en*ion )ad *urned *o ane% )e -ame *oward *)em a(ain'
CWill you +)ow me *)a* a**a-; a(ainD I>ll *ry *o do i*% *)i+ *ime% wi*)ou* ba-;in(
away'C
Rianna *ou-)ed ane>+ li0+ li()*ly wi*) )er 8in(er*i0+ and )er mou*) 8ormed *)e
w)i+0er% CLa*er%C w)i-) )e )eard a+ an eerie w)i+0er 8rom *)e *ran+la*or in )i+
*)roa*' He *ended *o 8or(e* abou* i* 8or day+ a* a *ime' T)en +)e +miled re+i(nedly
a* 2oda and *oo; *)e -ar,en board% re+emblin( one o8 *)e +)or* na*i,e blade+% w)i-)
*)ey u+ed 8or 0ra-*i-e% mo,in( in*o *)e +)aded% +moo*)ly *ram0led area *)ey u+ed'
A+ )e 8ell in*o a de8en+i,e +*an-e% +)e mo,ed *o -orre-* )im'
CNo%C +)e +aid% CYou>,e (o* *o )a,e your 8ee* 8ar*)er a0ar*' Remember w)a* I +aid
abou* 8indin( your own -en*er o8 balan-e9 imi*a*in( my +*an-e won>* wor; be-au+e
I>m a woman and my wei()* 8all+ di88eren*ly' Find w)ere your own body i+ -en*ered'
Now a+ I -ome a* you?C +)e ad,an-ed on )im% mo,in( *)e blade down in +low
mo*ion% C:u+* bend% and le* my own mo,emen* -arry me on% and o,er?C 1)e
allowed )er+el8 *o *ri0 o,er )im% -a*-)in( )er+el8 in midair' CNow le*>+ *ry i* a*
+ome*)in( li;e normal +0eed% +)all weDC
Her wooden +word blurred *oward )i+ )ead' He wri((led a+ide a+ +)e )ad +)own
)im% rea-)in( u0 8or *)e wri+*% bu* +eemed *o 8ree@e in mid<mo,emen*9 *)e wooden
+word w)a-;ed )i+ arm 0ain8ully% and *)e boy yel0ed and -lu*-)ed a* *)e brui+ed
+0o*'
CI -an>* do i*%C )e w)ined% CI>m *oo -lum+yE I>ll ne,er learnEC
CNon+en+e%C Rianna +na00ed% *)en added% wi*) a +mile o8 0a*ien* en-oura(emen*%
CI* )i* your arm *)i+ *ime in+*ead o8 your )ead% didn>* i*D T)a*>+ an im0ro,emen*'C
T)e boy 8in(ered *)e +-ar on )i+ )ead% ner,ou+ly% loo;in( +idewi+e a* ane wi*) *)a*
8ur*i,e loo; ane loa*)ed?+hy In hell can1t he loo% me strai#ht in the eye? .e acts
)ust as if he expects me to %ic% him, and that ma%es me feel )ust li%e doin# it.
CI*>+ (e**in( la*e%C Rianna +aid% Cand I>m (e**in( )un(ry' !o and wa+) u0% w)y
don>* youDC
ane a+;ed% CW)ere are ra,a+) and Ara*a;DC T)e boy>+ le++on )ad di,er*ed )im
a(ain 8rom (i,in( ra,a+) *)e im0or*an* new+ )e )ad )eard in *)e mar;e*?on-e
a(ain% )e *)ou()* re+en*8ully% *)e ;id wa+ (e**in( in *)e way o8 *)e :ob )e>d been
brou()* )ere *o do% and )e (lowered a* Rianna'
Cra,a+) i+ +unnin( )im+el8 on *o0 o8 *)e o,en%C Rianna +aid% re8errin( *o *)e
-en*ral 0ar* o8 *)e )ou+e w)i-) *)e )uman+ 8ound im0o++ibly )o*% Cand Ara*a; i+
ba*)in( a(ain'C
2oda +ni-;ered' Ba*)in( )ad be-ome Ara*a;>+ +e-re* ,i-e9 de+0i*e *)e rain on *)e
8ir+* day o8 *)eir landin(% w)i-) )ad (i,en ane a -om0le*ely 8al+e im0re++ion o8 *)e
-lima*e% *)i+ 0lane* wa+ 8ar more arid *)an Ara*a;>+ own% and de+0i*e *)e
*ran+8orma*ion o8 )i+ +;in% Ara*a; 8ound i* un-om8or*able'
T)ere were none o8 *)e moi+* 0ool+ o8 ri-)% +ul0)urou+ mud w)i-) abounded on
Ara*a;>+ na*i,e world% +o )e )ad *a;en *o ba*)in( in *)e ornamen*al 0ool wi*) w)i-)
*)e )ou+e wa+ e/ui00ed9 i* /ui-;ly be-ame a00aren* *)a* *)i+ wa+ a no*able
e--en*ri-i*y% almo+* a +-andal% +o *)ey *ried *o ;ee0 *)e e=*en* o8 )i+ ba*)in( +e-re*'
ane +u00o+ed *)e +ub)uman+ (o++i0ed abou* i* amon( *)em+el,e+% bu* )e didn>*
ima(ine anyone li+*ened e=-e0* o*)er +ub)uman+% +o i* 0robably didn>* ma**er' 1*ill%
)e wi+)ed Ara*a; would do )i+ +wimmin( a* ni()*'
CBe**er -ome alon( and 8ind *)em%C ane +aid% CI>,e learned?+ome*)in('C 1)e
nodded *o +)ow +)e>d under+*ood and *urned *o 2oda'
CTa;e your blade% and 0ra-*i-e -u**in( on *)o+e lo(+% a+ I +)owed you% un*il *ime 8or
ni()*meal'C
T)e boy wen* o88% and ane and Rianna wen* ba-; *oward *)e main 0ar* o8 *)e
)ou+e' Rianna% 8or *)e+e le++on+% )ad ada0*ed *)e lo-al men>+ dre++?wra00ed ;il*
and +)or* )ooded :a-;e* di+-arded indoor+9 bu* +)e )ad added a *i()* band around
)er brea+*+ w)en +)e wa+ doin( any*)in( a-*i,e' W)en +)e wen* ou* in*o *)e -i*y?
w)i-) wa+ +eldom?+)e )ad *o wear *)e lo-al woman>+ dre++% bare *o *)e wai+* o,er
a lon( *i()* wra00ed +;ir*% w)i-) in)ibi*ed )er mo,emen*+% and no*)in( abo,e i*
e=-e0* a )ead<,eil and many :in(lin( amule*+' 1)e wa+ +wea*in( 8reely wi*) *)e )ea*
and e=er-i+e% and )er )air -urled in *i()* 8ri@@y li**le rin(le*+ all o,er )er )ead' ane
wa*-)ed )er +*ridin( alon( *)e -our*yard wi*) )er 8ree wal;9 dear and 8amiliar% *)e
dar;ne++ o8 )er +;in and )air addin( an almo+* e=-i*in( no*e o8 alienne++ and
my+*ery' In +0i*e o8 *)eir year *o(e*)er% +)e wa+ +*ill +*ran(e *o )im and +)e mi()*
alway+ be' He *)ou()* abru0*ly *)a* *)i+ wa+ *)e 8ir+* *ime *)ey )ad been alone% e,en
8or a li**le w)ile% +in-e Rianna )ad ado0*ed *)e boy' He laid a )and on )er arm% *o
)old )er ba-; a momen*% *)en +i()ed' T)i+ wa+ im0or*an*9 *)ey>d be**er (e* *o
Ara*a; and ra,a+) wi*) i*' Pro*o+aurian+ already *)ou()* *)a* 0ro*o+imian+% wi*)
*)eir a0eli;e in+*in-*+% were all *oo ready *o delay *)e im0or*an* wor; o8 *)e world
*o 0ay a**en*ion *o *)eir o,erridin( and un-on*rollable +e=ual dri,e+% and )e wa+n>*
(oin( *o add 8ur*)er 8uel *o *)a* 8lame'
1)e +miled% e,iden*ly 8ollowin( )i+ *)ou()*+% bu* nodded% (e+*urin( )im *oward *)e
door o8 *)e Co,enC9 *)ey ne,er wen* in+ide' I* wa+ li;e a bla+* 8urna-e% and i* wa+
ra,a+)>+ 8a,ori*e +0o*'
T)e enormou+ bla-; 1)>8e:: wa+ lyin( in+ide% ,ery /uie*ly% *)e *ran+0aren* inner
membrane+ o8 )i+ 0ro*rudin( eye+ low<
ered *o 0ro*e-* *)em9 )e wa+ a+lee0% or -ommunin( wi*) Far<+0ea;er'
CI>,e )eard +ome*)in( in *)e mar;e*%C ane be(an% and ra,a+) ro+e% immedia*ely
aler*' CTell me' Bu* o8 -our+e% you are no* -om8or*able in *)i+ room% 0er)a0+ we
+)ould :oin Ara*a;' I belie,e%C )e added wi*) an air o8 +-orn8ul de*a-)men*% C*)a*
)e i+ indul(in( in )i+ in-om0re)en+ible )abi* o8 +ubmer(in( )i+ body in -old wa*er'
1ome day% I am +ure% I +)all 8ind )im /ui*e mel*ed away'C
T)ey wen* *oward *)e ornamen*al (arden o8 +u--ulen*+ and -a-*u+<li;e 0lan*+ a* *)e
-en*er o8 *)e lar(e -our*yard -om0le=9 a* *)e ,ery -en*er wa+ a lar(e ornamen*al
0ool% marble<mo+ai-;ed% wi*) )u(e 8loa*in( wa*er<8lower+ +*arrin( *)e +ur8a-e wi*)
0ale ,iole* and blue% and amon( *)e 8lower+ ane made ou* *)e )u(e bul(in(
eyeball+ o8 Ara*a;% lyin( mo+*ly +ubmer(ed' ra,a+) im0a*ien*ly mo*ioned )im ou*%
and Ara*a; relu-*an*ly )auled )i+ )u(e bul; u0 on *)e marble ,er(e'
CI8 you )a,e /ui*e 8ini+)ed *)i+ +ybari*i- a**en*ion *o *)e -ondi*ion o8 your
in*e(umen*?C ra,a+) be(an' Ara*a; +aid mildly% CYou wron( me% -ollea(ue' I wa+
medi*a*in( u0on *)e wi+dom?C
CO8 your )oly un)a*-)ed one% I +u00o+e%C ra,a+) +aid% and Ara*a;>+ eye+ mo,ed
u0ward in re+i(na*ion' CNo% a-*ually% u0on *)e wi+dom o8 *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+ in
-)oo+in( *)e -ool under(round realm+ 8or *)eir 0ermanen* abode' Well doe+ *)e
di,ine wi+dom +ay *)a* i* i+ well *o +ee; ea+e o8 body 8or *)e mo+* 0er8e-* o8
medi*a*ion% and *)a* i* i+ *)e (rea*e+* o8 wi+dom *o ;ee0 one>+ mind *urned 8ore,er
u0on *)e )oly 0er8e-*ion o8 *)e di,ine re(ion+' And *)ere8ore% in +ee;in( 0er8e-*
-om8or*% I wa+ a-*ually -rea*in( wi*)in my mind a me*a0)y+i-al re+0on+e *o *)e
+*a*e o8 )oly bli++?C
C1ain*+ 0re+er,e u+EC ra,a+)>+ brow<rid(e+ were *wi*-)in( +o ,iolen*ly *)a* ane
wondered in brie8 alarm i8 0ro*o+aurian+ e,er )ad e0ile0*i- 8i*+' CI +)ould )a,e
;nown you would 8ind +ome reli(iou+ 0re-eden* 8or your abominable indul(en-e+E
Bu* w)ile you )a,e been lyin( )ere in?C )e -)o;ed a* Ara*a;>+ brie8 *)rea*enin(
(a@e% amended% Cin )oly and bli++8ul medi*a*ion+% our 0ro*o+imian -ollea(ue )a+
(one% li;e a 1ain*% *o +u88er in *)e +un o8 *)e mar;e*0la-e% and )a+ no* re*urned wi*)
em0*y -law+' 1)all we )ear )imDC
ane re0ea*ed *)e -on,er+a*ion )e )ad )eard in *)e *a,ern% w)ile *)e *wo
0ro*o+aurian+ li+*ened wi*)ou* -ommen*'
CI* +ound+%C Rianna +aid% Cli;e a 6ir(on +la,e<)ound'C
ra,a+) rumbled a(reemen*' CT)ey -ome 8rom ano*)er o8 *)e 0lane*+ in *)e 6ir(on
+y+*em' I )a,e ne,er under+*ood *)eir allian-e wi*) *)e 6ir(on?C
CI -an%C Rianna +aid% C*)ey are e/ually ,i-iou+% amoral and -ruelEC
ra,a+) +)ru((ed *)a* a+ide a+ *oo ob,iou+ *o need -ommen*' CHowe,er% your +*ory
ma;e+ li**le +en+e% ane' I -anno* belie,e *)a* a 8ew na*i,e+% e,en a++i+*ed by *)e
An;a>an +0earma+*er+% -ould )a,e dri,en o88 *)e 6ir(on and ;illed enou() o8 *)em
*)a* no*)in( wa+ le8* bu* a +in(le +la,e<)ound' T)e 6ir(on mi()* indeed be *)e
an+wer *o w)a* )ad )a00ened *o *)e 0er+onnel o8 *)e &ni*y Ba+e?bu* w)a* )a0<
0ened% *)en% *o *)e 6ir(onDC
CMaybe%C Rianna +u((e+*ed% C*)ey 8ell *o *)e +ame my+*eriou+ 8a*e *)a* +na*-)ed u0
your 1)>8e:: a* *)e Ba+e'C
CT)e albino 0ro*o+aur+DC
Ara*a; nodded' He +aid CI ;now o8 no +u-) ra-e' Bu* in *)e uni,er+e *)ere are many
*)in(+% bo*) in+ide *)e &ni*y and ou*% w)i-) I )a,e no* ye* en-oun*ered' A+ *)e
i,ine?er? A>a++ioo remar;ed% *)e di,er+i*y o8 Crea*ion i+ *ruly limi*le++'C
ra,a+) +aid% CI 8ind i* di88i-ul* *o ima(ine a 0ro*o+aurian ra-e bo*) albino and
warli;e?warli;e enou() *o ,an/ui+) an in,adin( 8or-e o8 6ir(onEC
CI 8ind i* 0o++ible *o ima(ine +u-) a ra-e%C Ara*a; +aid% Cbu* I 8ind *)a* I would
mu-)% mu-) ra*)er no*'C
CO)% -ome%C ane 0ro*e+*ed% CI* +*re*-)e+ *)e ima(ina*ion enou() *o *)in; o8 two
ou*+ide -i,ili@a*ion+ *ryin( *o in,ade Bel+ar a* on-e?*)e &ni*y and *)e% w)a*<do<
you<-allem+% 6ir<(on+E Now you>re 0o+*ula*in( a *)irdD W)y would anyone bo*)erD
Bel+ar :u+* i+n>* *)a* im0or*an*EC
CI do no* 8ind i* +o%C ra,a+) +aid' CPer+onally I 8ind i* e,en *oo unin*ere+*in( 8or
mu-) +*udy% and in +0i*e o8 *)e deli()*8ul -lima*e% in*elle-*ually un+*imula*in(' And I
be( *o remind you% -ollea(ue%C )e added 0oin*edly *o ane% C*)a* i* i+ bo*)
ina--ura*e and o88en+i,e *o +0ea; o8 *)e &ni*y Ba+e a+ an invasion0 i* wa+ a +-ien*i8i-
e=0edi*ion% in*ended *o +*udy wi*)ou* di+*urbin( *)e na*i,e -i,ili@a*ion in *)e
+li()*e+*% and *o (o away a(ain a8*erward wi*)ou* a88e-*in( *)em in any manner'C
C1orry%C ane +aid% CNo o88en+e in*ended' Bu* I :u+* -an>* +*re*-) my ima(ina*ion
8ar enou() *o ima(ine *)ree alien ra-e+ -on,er(in( on one +mall 0lane* a* *)e ed(e o8
now)ere9 i* +ound+ li;e?C )e +*o00ed )im+el8% ;nowin( *)a* i8 )e +aid%
it sounds li%e a science fiction space opera, *)ey wouldn>* )a,e *)e 8ain*e+* idea w)a*
)e mean*' CI* +ound+ *oo 8an*a+*i- 8or belie8' And i8 *)ere )a+ been a ;ind o8 war
)ere be*ween?amon(?*)ree alien ra-e+% w)y )a,en>* *)e na*i,e+ no*i-ed any*)in(D
I would *)in;% in *)a* -a+e% *)a* e,ery -i*y on *)e 0lane* would be -rawlin( wi*)
rumor+ and +*ran(e *ale+?and i* *oo; me *)ree wee;+ *o )ear *)i+ oneEC
CBarbarian+ a* *)i+ le,el )a,e no -on-e0* o8 *)eir 0lane* a+ % a w)ole%C ra,a+) +aid%
Cand new+ *ra,el+ +lowly' T)eore*i-ally% *)ere -ould be 6ir(on )ere% Me;)ari on *)e
o*)er -on*inen*% and your un;nown albino 0ro*o+aurian+ +omew)ere el+e% and we
would )a,e )eard no*)in( o8 i*' A8*er all% you mu+* remember *)a* a +o-ie*y a* *)i+
le,el'' ' 'C
T)e mellow boomin( o8 *)e (on( by *)e (a*e bro;e in and a momen* la*er 2oda
a00eared% e+-or*in( a me++en(er% a +el8<im0or*an* )uman w)o+e +)or* :a-;e*%
elabora*ely embroidered wi*) +ymbol+% +)owed )im *o be a +er,an* in *)e em0loy o8
one o8 *)e (rea* Hou+e+ on *)e )ill% 8rom *)e ori(inal 0ro*o<+aurian -i*y'
CI -ome%C +aid *)e man% Cbearin( a me++a(e 8or *)e )onorable +*ran(er+ T)ra,a>a+)
E88iyim and )i+ Mo+* 7enerable Elder 6in+man A>ara*a;)a9 i+ i* *)o+e )onorable+ *o
w)om I addre++ my in+i(ni8i-an* +el8DC
CI* i+%C +aid ra,a+)% (e+*urin( im0a*ien*ly% and *)e me++en(er 0ro88ered a +ealed
en,elo0e' ra,a+) *ore i* o0en% im0a*ien*ly% and a +*ran(e% *)i-;% mu+;y odor% no*
al*o(e*)er un0lea+an*% wa8*ed )ea,ily *)rou() *)e room9 ane 8el* a -uriou+
0ri-;lin( o8 )i+ +0ine% )al8 di+(u+*% )al8 an in+*in-*i,e% nearly ra-ial 8ear' Bu*
ra,a+) +*rai()*ened wi*) a low% moanin( +ound% )i+ mou*) o0enin( in w)a* wa+
,ir*ually a bellow' Ara*a; )ea,ed )im+el8 u0ri()*% )i+ no+*ril+ /ui,erin(% +ni88in( *)e
air a+ i8 a 8oe wa+ u0on *)em9 and ye* ane -ould )a,e +worn *)a* )i+ e=0re++ion
wa+ one o8 ra0*urou+ deli()*'
COu* o8 *)e way% /ui-;%C Rianna )i++ed% yan;in( a* )i+ arm% and ra,a+)% wi*) a
)owl o8 8ren@y% -)ar(ed *oward *)e (a*e% 8ollowed +wi8*ly by Ara*a; lumberin( a8*er
)im wi*) enormou+ +0eed' T)e me++en(er )ad +*e00ed a+ide% *oo% 8rom *)e ru+) o8
*)e re0*ile+% bu* )e 8ollowed *)em )urriedly ou* o8 *)e (a*e and ane )eard *)em
-)ar(e down *)e +*ree*% roarin( and bellowin( in ,oi-e+ *)a* made *)e (round +)a;e'
He +*ared a8*er *)em% in +*u0e8ied ama@emen*'
CW)a*?C )e mu**ered% reali@in( *)a* *)ey were boundin( away li;e +-)oolboy+ on
)oliday' He )eard Rianna (i((lin(%
and *urned *o )er% demandin(% CW)a* i+ *)i+ all abou*D Ha,e *)ey bo*) (one ou* o8
*)eir mind+DC
CYou -ould +ay *)a*'C Rianna -)u-;led% doublin( o,er wi*) (i((le+' CAnd a8*er all
ra,a+) )ad *o +ay abou* 0ro*o+imi<an+EC 1)e -lu*-)ed a* )er middle% -olla0+in(
in*o near<)y+*eri-al lau()*er' Finally +)e +obered enou() *o +ay% CI 8or(o* you don>*
;now all *)a* mu-) abou* 0ro*o+aurian +e=ual -u+*om+% do youD E,iden*ly *)e+e
0eo0le )ere )a,e -u+*om+ li;e *)o+e o8 *)e 1)>8e::% w)i-)% w)en you -ome *o *)in; o8
i*% -ould be an ar(umen* 8or Anadri(o?C
CW)a* in *)e hell are you *al;in( abou*DC ane demanded% and Rianna e=0lained'
CT)ey>re -y-li-' W)en a 8emale -ome+ in*o )ea*?wi*) *)e 1)>8e:: i*>+ abou* e,ery
*)ree 1*andard year+?+)e +end+ ou* in,i*a*ion+ *o all *)e no*able male+ in *)e
nei()bor)ood' I +u00o+e Lady Ooa>)a++a% I re-o(ni@ed *)e +ymbol+ on )er
me++en(er>+ li,ery% mu+* )a,e a li;in( 8or +*ran(er+ and no*able *ra,eler+' And o,er
*)e ne=* +e,eral day+% +)e )old+ a +mall% +ele-* and -on*inuou+ or(y in )er 0ri,a*e
room+' I*>+ ,ery +en+ible% really?+in-e e,ery e(( mu+* be 8er*ili@ed +e0ara*ely% i*
0ro,ide+ ma=imal (ene*i- ,aria*ion% and you -an +ee *)a* i* would a-* a+ a 0ower8ul
+*imulu+ *o *)e male+% *o be-ome no*able or +u--e++8ul enou() *o be in,i*ed by *)e 8e<
male+ o8 )i()e+* +*a*u+' T)i+ -u+*om )a+ been -redi*ed wi*) -au+in( mu-) o8 *)e
0ro(re++ made by *)e 0ro*o+aurian ra-e+'C
CBu* w)y?bu* w)a*?C
CO)% *)eir be)a,iorD Well% now you ;now w)y *)ey worry abou* 0ro*o+imian+' T)ey
;now *)a* we )a,e )o +0e-ial +e=ual +ea+on+?+o *)ey *)in; we>re really li;e that, all
*)e *ime?-)ar(ed u0% ram0a(in(% and -om0le*ely unable *o *)in; abou* any*)in(
el+eE Wi*) *)em% i*>+ all or no*)in(' On-e a male )a+ -au()* *)e +-en*?C
CYe+%C +aid ane% C2 wondered abou* *)a*'C
Rianna -au()* u0 *)e di+-arded en,elo0e and drew ou* an elabora*ely embroidered
+il;en ;er-)ie8 or ,eil' CI*>+ a?a)? a (landular +e-re*ion' W)en a 8emale -ome+
in*o )ea*% +)e? well?*o be blun* abou* i*% +)e wi0e+ )er+el8 wi*) )er ,eil+ and +end+
*)em ou* 8or in,i*a*ion+'C
ane -)u-;led )ear*ily' CAnd *)ey )a,e *)e ner,e *o ma;e remar;+ abou*
0ro*o+imian+EC
Rianna nodded' CA+ I +ay% on-e a male )a+ -au()* *)e +-en*% you won>* in*ere+* )im
in any*)in( el+e un*il *)e +ea+on>+ o,er' T)ey won>* ea*% won>* +lee0% and +o 8or*)% 8or
a
-on+iderable *ime'C 1)e *)ru+* )er arm *)rou() )i+' CI*>+ a (ood *)in( *)e +*ory you
brou()* u+ wa+n>* a ma:or emer(en-y9 ra,a+) and Ara*a; -er*ainly won>* be (ood
8or any*)in( el+e 8or a* lea+* *en day+EC
1)e +*ared a* *)e 0ool Ara*a; )ad ,a-a*ed' 1uddenly ane lau()ed' Now *)ey were
really alone?8or 2oda )ad ,ani+)ed% 0robably in +ear-) o8 *)e ni()*meal )e -ould
+mell -oo;in(?wi*)ou* e,en *)e di+a00ro,in( 0ro*o+aurian+ around' He 0u* )i+
arm+ around Rianna and ;i++ed )er% lon( and *)orou()ly'
CLe*>+ )a,e a +wim%C )e +aid% Cand *)en le*>+ *ry an or(y o8 our own' I -an>* 0romi+e
*o ;ee0 i* u0 8or *en day+?a8*er all I>m only a 0ro*o+imian?bu* I>ll do my be+*'C
Her mou*) me* )i+' CW)y no*DC
+HAPTER &I&E
I* wa+ a-*ually ele,en day+% and *)ere wa+ no*)in( 8or ane and Rianna *o do in *)e
in*er,al bu* (uard *)e )ou+e% in *)e *radi*ional 8a+)ion 8or 0ro*o+imian body(uard+
le8* in -)ar(e o8 *)e )ome+ o8 Fir+* Peo0le a* +u-) *ime+' ane +0en* *ime in *)e
mar;e*0la-e e,ery day% loo;in( 8or Ma+*er R)omda9 )i+ idea wa+ *o *ry and
0er+uade *)e Ma+*er 10earman *o )a,e a drin; wi*) )im and (e* )im *al;in( abou*
*)e An;a>an Order>+ mi++ion *o *ra-; down *)e +*ran(e C1*ar emon'C He wa+ +ure
*)e 10earman wa+ +*ill in *)e -i*y9 be8ore *)i+% )e )ad en-oun*ered )im by a--iden* a
do@en *ime+' Bu* now *)a* )e wa+ a-*i,ely loo;in( 8or )im% R)omda wa+ only one o8
many )undred+ o8 0eo0le in *)e -i*y% and o8 -our+e )e wa+ *)e one ane ne,er -ame
a-ro++'
T)ere wa+ no*)in( *o do bu* )el0 Rianna wi*) 2oda>+ *rainin(% an abra+i,e bu+ine++
8or ea-) of *)em' He *au()* *)e boy ba+i- ;ara*e mo,emen*+% +lowly wor;in( )im
in*o *)e +im0ler %atas. A(ain and a(ain )e drilled *)e youn(+*er in *)e (ra-e8ul
dan-in( mo*ion+% 0a*ien*ly (oin( o,er *)e mo,e+ a(ain
and a(ain% *ryin( *o re+*rain )i+ own annoyan-e a* *)e 0er+i+*en* -om0lain*+ and
+0i*e8ul -ommen*+' He wa+ +ure )e -ould )a,e done a be**er :ob i8 )e>d a-*ually been
able *o li%e *)e ;id'
Bu* )e did *)e be+* )e -ould% and already )e wa+ be(innin( *o +ee im0ro,emen*% +ee
*)e re0ea*ed mo,emen*+ +lowly -)an(in( 8rom aw;wardne++ *o (ra-e' I* wa+ a
mira-le )e )ad +een many *ime+ on Ear*)% in *)e do)o0 *)e di+-i0line +lowly +ee0in(
*)rou() *)e mu+-le+ in*o *)e mind% -rea*in( )armony ou* o8 di+order% +)a0in( mind
and body in*o a uni8ied w)ole'
He 0ra-*i-ed +word0lay wi*) *)e boy *oo% bu* *)a* wa+ ano*)er 0roblem' T)e
*e-)ni/ue u+ed wi*) *)e +)or* na*i,e blade wa+ dra+*i-ally di88eren* 8rom *)e *wo<
)anded 1amurai +*yle ane )ad +*udied% and learned *o u+e' He re(re**ed *)a* )e
)ad ne,er +*udied *)e 8orm *)e 1amurai )ad e,ol,ed 8or *)e u+e o8 *)e +)or*er
wa%a(ashi, bu* )e remembered% 8rom *)e 8ew *ime+ in )i+ old li8e *)a* )e )ad +een i*
demon+*ra*ed% *)a* i* wa+ no* *oo unli;e *)e Euro0ean +aber +*yle'
He )ad on-e?be8ore )e *oo; u0 2a0ane+e mar*ial ar*+? been rea+onably e=0er*
wi*) bo*) 8oil and +aber% and now )e *ried *o ada0* *)a* *o 2oda>+ in+*ru-*ion'
O8 -our+e *)e modern CHun(arianC +*yle o8 +aber 8en-in(% w)i-) de0ended on bein(
able *o 8li-; a 0ie-e o8 -ur,ed wire around wi*) your 8in(er+% wa+ u+ele++ wi*) a
blade *)a* )ad any wei()* *o i*9 *)a* )ad be-ome a +*yle 8or e=)ibi*ion ma*-)e+ or%
0er)a0+% duellin(% bu* 8or +eriou+% li8e<and<dea*) +wordwor;% ane wouldn>* )a,e
*ru+*ed i*'
Bu* ane )ad on-e been 8or*una*e enou() *o +0end *)e be**er 0ar* o8 a year wor;in(
wi*) a Ma+*er o8 *)e old I*alian +-)ool?an ama@in( li**le (nome o8 a man w)o+e
re8le=e+ were +*ill li()*nin(<8a+* a8*er *ea-)in( 8en-in( 8or 8i8*y year+' Old Ale++andro
)ad *au()* )im *)e older +*yle% wi*) (rea* loo0in( -u*+ )e )ad -alled moulinets, le8*
o,er 8rom *)e day+ w)en *)e -a,alry +aber wa+ +*ill an im0or*an* wea0on o8 war'
And +o ea-) a8*ernoon )e and 2oda *oo; *)e -ar,ed wooden blade+ ou* in *)e
-our*yard and w)a-;ed away a* ea-) o*)er wi*) *)em' On-e or *wi-e% *o )i+ mild
-)a(rin% w)ile *)e old re8le=e+ were :u+* be(innin( *o -ome ba-;% 2oda )ad +ur0ri+ed
)im% *oo' For 2oda>+ 8a*)er )ad (i,en )im in*en+i,e *ea-)in( wi*) *)e +word% and
*au()* )im a -on+iderable amoun*' I* )ad ne,er been *)a* *)e boy didn>* ;now w)a*
*o do wi*) a +word'' Bu* )i+ 8a*)er>+ im0a*ien* and ,iolen* a**em0*+ *o bully a boy
na*urally *imid in*o 8a+*er learn<
in( )ad only in-rea+ed 2oda>+ 8ear and )e+i*an-y% (i,in( )im *)e e/ui,alen* o8 a
manual +*u**er'
E,en now% ea-) *ime 2oda made *)e +li()*e+* 8al+e mo,e )e 8ro@e% -rin(in(% a+ i8 )e
e=0e-*ed ane *o +*ri;e )im?and w)en ane% in+*ead% rebu;ed )im in a +o8* ,oi-e
and 0a*ien-e% )e would an+wer wi*) a +neer and a +ar-a+*i- -ommen*' 1ome*ime+% in
de+0era*ion% ane wondered i8 *)e boy wa+ invitin# a ;i-; or a blow9 )e e,en
wondered i8 i* mi()* no* be a (ood idea *o (i,e *)e ;id a (ood drubbin(% :u+* on-e% *o
ma;e *)e boy a-;nowled(e ane>+ 8ormal au*)ori*y o,er )im' I8 *)a* wa+ 0ar* o8 *)e
;id>+ -ul*ural e=0e-*a*ion+?*)a* )e -ould only re+0e-* *)e +*ron(e+* do( in *)e 0a-;
?ane 8el* *)a* )e :u+* mi()* )a,e *o 0ro,e *o 2oda *)a* )e was *o0 do(' I8 2oda 8el*
i* wa+ wea;ne++ *)a* ;e0* ane 8rom brea;in( )i+ ne-;''''
In *)e end i* wa+ only *)e awarene++ *)a* i8 )e on-e re+or*ed *o ,iolen-e% )e would
only -on8irm 2oda>+ li8elon( e=0e-*a*ion+ o8 -ruel*y% *)a* ;e0* )im% do((edly% 0a*ien*
and +o8*<+0o;en' T)a*?and *)e +)amed ;nowled(e o8 *)e 0lea+ure )e would
0er+onally *a;e in bea*in( *)e ;id bla-; and blue9 i8 )e (a,e *)e ;id *)e (ood li-;in(
2oda wa+ *ryin( *o 0ro,o;e% )e>d be doin( i*% no* *o *ea-) *)e boy a le++on% bu* *o
re+*ore )i+ own wounded e(o' And +o )e ;e0* )i+ )and+ o88 and )i+ ,oi-e di+-i0lined%
/uie*% re8u+in( *o ma*-) +ar-a+m wi*) +ar-a+m' I* wa+ one o8 *)e )arde+* *)in(+ )e>d
e,er )ad *o do in )i+ li8e'
Bu* )e ;e0* )i+ *em0er% and reali@ed *)a* i* wa+ )a,in( a* lea+* one (ood +ide e88e-*9
)e wa+ a-*ually learnin( +ome*)in(% 8rom *)e ;id% o8 *)e na*i,e Bel+arian +*yle% and
i* would 0robably -ome in )andy'
I8% *)a* wa+% *)ey e,er )ad any*)in( *o do e=-e0* )an( around )ere (uardin( a )ou+e
*)a* didn>* need (uardin(% w)ile Ara*a; and ra,a+) a**ended *o *)eir lo,e li,e+E I8%
)e *)ou()*% ei*)er one o8 *)em e,er a(ain made any ;ind o8 wi+e-ra-; abou*
0ro*o+imian+% )e>d brea; a re0*ile ne-; or *woE Tal; abou* bein( *oo wound u0 in
+e= *o 0ay a**en*ion *o bu+ine++E
And% now and *)en% an o--a+ional word or loo; 8rom 2oda +)owed *)e be(innin(+ o8
a )eal*)y re+0e-*' 1mall wonder9 8or ane di+-o,ered% *)rou() brie8 o,er)eard
-ommen*+ in *)e )uman +e-*or and *)e mar;e*0la-e% *)a* )e>d a-/uired w)a* *)ey>d
)a,e -alled% on Ear*)% /ui*e a re0u*a*ion' T)e number o8 bandi*+ )e wa+ +u00o+ed *o
)a,e ;illed in *)a* a**a-; now ou*numbered *)e ori(inal band% and *)e +*ory o8 )i+
+udden a00earan-e in 8ron* o8 *)e Cara,an )ad been *)e only ;nown in+*an-e o8
ra+)a+ )un*in( in 0a-;+'
ane wa+ amu+ed by all *)i+% ;nowin( *)a* 2oda% w)o de8ied )im a* )ome% and
w)o+e main a**i*ude wa+ one o8 +ullen di+li;e% *)orou()ly en:oyed *)e +*a*u+ )e )ad
(ained 8rom li,in( in *)e )ou+e o8 *)e 8i()*in( *ra,eler 8rom Rai8e and )i+'
+0earwoman -om0anion?Rianna )ad a +mall bu* +olid re0u*a*ion o8 )er own%
w)i-) 2oda )ad been a* +ome 0ain+ *o re< % 0ea* and en-oura(e amon( )i+ 0eer+' T)e
bru*al :o;e o8 2oda>+ 8a*)er )ad ba-;8ired9 8ar 8rom bein( ridi-uled 8or bein( *)e
8o+*erlin( o8 a woman% )e wa+ re(arded wi*) 8ain* awe 8or )a,in( *)e (ood 8or*une
*o be a00ren*i-ed *o *)e CLady 10earwoman o8 Rai8e'C And *)e boy made *)e mo+*
o8 i*'
A* ni()*% 2oda would (o ou* in*o *)e -our*yard *o loo; a* *)e +*ar+?o0enly now%
wi*)ou* *)e -on-ealmen* )e )ad )ad *o u+e amon( )i+ own 0eo0le?and +ome*ime+
now Rianna wen* wi*) )im' 1)e )ad *)e +mall 8oldin( *ele+-o0e Ara*a; )ad *a;en
8rom *)e &ni*y ba+e% and wa+ *ea-)in( *)e boy *o loo; *)rou() i*' On *)e nin*) ni()*
o8 Ara*a;>+ and ra,a+)>+ ab+en-e% +)e wa+ ou*+ide wi*) 2oda% +)owin( )im )ow *o
+e* i* u0 and 8o-u+ i*' T)i+ wa+ *)e 8ir+* *ime in )i+ li8e 2oda )ad mo,ed amon(
0eo0le w)o did no* re(ard +*ar<wa*-)in( a+ an e,il% dan(erou+ and 0robably
immoral 0er,er+ion9 )e )ad do@en+ o8 +*orie+ )e )ad in,en*ed abou* *)e -rowdin(
+*ar+ in *)e -lu+*er'
CT)a* one%C )e *old Rianna% 0oin*in( a* an enormou+ blue<w)i*e +*ar% bri()*er *)an
7enu+ a* *)e 8ull% CI -all i* Fire<)older% be-au+e i* i+ w)ere *)ey +*ore *)e li()*nin(
be*ween +*orm+' A* ni()* a8*er a +*orm Fire)older )ide+ )er+el8 in -loud+ +o *)a* )er
+;ir* 8ull o8 li()*nin(+ -an be re0aired9 *)en w)en a +*orm -ome+ +)e +)a;e+ ou* )er
a0ron o,er *)e +;y and li()*nin(+ 8all 8rom )er ne-;la-e+'C
ane me* Rianna>+ eye+' Wi*) an ima(ina*ion li;e *)i+% i* wa+ a (rea* 0i*y *)e boy
wa+ lo-;ed in*o a -ul*ure w)ere *)e only 0o++ible -areer 8or a man wa+ a+ a 8i()*er'
CHere% (adav,, +aid Rianna% )oldin( *)e *ele+-o0e 8or )im% u+in( *)e word *)a*
mean* 8o+*erlin(% a00ren*i-e% 8o+*er +on' CTwi+* *)e rin( below your eye+ +o *)a* i*
-ome+ -om0le*ely -lear ''' no% more +lowly% :u+* a 8ra-*ion a* a *ime' 1ee )ow i* -lear+'
'' 'C
He drew a brea*) o8 ama@emen*'
CO)E T)ere are one% *wo ''' no% *)ree *iny li()*+ li;e -oal+?C )e brea*)ed in
e=-i*emen*' CI* i+ *rue *)en *)a* Fire<
)older i+ a woman% 8or +)e )a+ )er babe+ abou* )er +;ir*+?C
CI8 you will loo; a* *)i+ one% *)e -olor o8 a -oal 8rom *)e 8ire%C Rianna +aid% 0oin*in(
a* a low red +*ar on *)e +ou*)ern )ori@on% lar(e and un8li-;erin(% w)i-) ane
+urmi+ed wa+ no* a +*ar bu* a 0lane*% Cyou will +ee *)a* )e% *oo% )a+ -om0anion+'C
And w)en 2oda )ad *a;en *)e *ele+-o0e and wa+ ea(erly 8o-u+in( i*% Rianna
be-;oned ane o,er and +aid% CT)a* will ;ee0 )im bu+y 8or a w)ile9 *)a*>+ *)e
lar(e+* 0lane* in *)i+ +y+*em and )a+ ele,en moon+' I +aw i* on *)e way in% in *)e
+)u**le' I wan*ed you *o +ee +ome*)in('C 1)e 0oin*ed *o *)e enormou+ blue<w)i*e
+*ar 2oda )ad -alled Fire)older'
CI belie,e *)a* mu+* be Berilon%C +)e +aid% low<,oi-ed% in ane>+ ear% CI*>+ only a
li()*<year or +o 8rom Bel+ar% and *)ere>+ +ome e,iden-e *)a* one o8 i*+ ma:or 0lane*+
e=0loded% a w)ile a(o% in*o an a+*eroid bel*' 2oda may ma;e u0 )armle++ -le,er *ale+
abou* Fire)older and )er li()*nin(+% bu* *)e na*i,e+ -all i* World<de+*royer% and
in+i+* *)a* i* i+ *)e )ome o8 *)e mo+* dan(erou+ o8 all *)e +*ar demon+' T)ere i+ a
*radi*ion *)a* on-e demon+ -ame 8rom World<de+*royer *o en+la,e *)e +oul+ o8 men%
and *)a* *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+ )ad a (rea* deal o8 wor; in ,an/ui+)in( *)em' Now I
wonderJJJJC
CI>m +ur0ri+ed *o )ear you -olle-*in( na*i,e +u0er+*i*ion+%C ane +aid' CYou>re
wor+e *)an 2oda'C
CNo% bu* ane% *radi*ion+ li;e *)a* don>* :u+* -ome 8rom now)ere' A name li;e *)a*
?C
CA+ 8ar a+ I -an *ell%C ane +aid% C*)o+e o8 *)e +*ar+ w)i-) )a,e any name+ a* all?
and *)a*>+ no* many o8 *)em?)a,e name+ o8 8ear' I don>* *)in; i* mean+ any*)in('C
CI* may no*% o8 -our+e' 2u+* *)e +ame?C
2oda ru+)ed u0 *o *)em% e=-i*edly brandi+)in( *)e *ele+-o0e' CI +aw i*E I +aw i*%
Lady Mi+*re++% I -oun*ed ei()*?no% nine o8 )i+ -om0anion+% *)ou() one o8 *)em i+
,ery +mall' I *)in; I will -all )im 10ar; an-er% *ea-)in( )i+ band o8 -om0anion+ *o
dan-e in *)e +;y' T)e +malle+* o8 )i+ -om0anion+% Youn(e+* 10ar;% i+ a ,ery (rea*
-oward and -an only be +een now and *)en be-au+e )e i+ a8raid *o burn''''C
CI*>+ +u-) a wa+*e%C Rianna +aid' COn any o*)er 0lane* )e would be in *rainin( 8or
an a+*ronomer% no* ma;in( u0 *ale+ abou* +*ar+ and demon+EC
2oda +aid% CW)ere did you (e* *)e 8ar<+eein( (la++% 6elishtara? I+ i* made by *)e
Fir+* Peo0leD o *)ey )a,e many +u-) *)in(+ in Rai8eD Will I (o wi*) you *)ere%
+ome dayD Per)a0+ *)e Fir+* Peo0le would *ell me )ow +u-) *)in(+ are
made' o you ;now now i* ma;e+ +ome o8 *)e +*ar+ +o mu-) -learer% 6elishtara, +o
*)a* *)ey are -lear li**le -ir-le+ in *)e +;y% w)ile o*)er+ are only a li**le bri()*erD
W)y -an i* ma;e +ome o8 *)em in*o li**le )orn+% and o*)er+ +*ay only -lear li()*+DC
C!en*ly% (en*ly% (adav, I )a,e only one 0air o8 ear+% and only one *on(ue *o an+wer a
+in(le /ue+*ion a* a *ime%C Rianna re0ro,ed% +milin(' CLe* me *)in; 8or a momen*'C
&nder )er brea*) +)e murmured *o ane% Co I dare *ell )im *)a* +*ar+ are really
+un+DC
ane didn>* ;now' I* mi()* bum0 in*o *)e (eneral &ni*y 0ro)ibi*ion abou*
di+*urbin( *)e -ul*ural le,el o8 any indi(enou+ 0o0ula*ion' He +)ru((ed and +aid%
Co w)a* you *)in; be+*% lo,e' He>+ your a00ren*i-e'C I* wa+ a -o0ou*% maybe' Bu*
Rianna ;new *)e &ni*y law+ be**er *)an )e did'
Rianna +aid 8ier-ely% CI )a*e i(noran-eEC 1)e *oo; *)e +0y(la++ 8rom 2oda% and +aid%
CIn Rai8e% 2oda% +ome o8 our be+* 0)ilo+o0)er+ )a,e a new *)eory abou* *)e
+*ru-*ure o8 *)e world' T)ey belie,e *)a* your +un% u0 *)ere in *)e day% i+ a (rea*
-en*ral ball o8 8ire +0readin( )ea* and li()* *o all *)e +maller ball+% and *)a* *)e+e
ball+ are +mall world+ w)i-) re,ol,e around *)e -en*ral 8ire' And *)a* i+ w)y i* i+
warm durin( *)e day w)en *)e +un i+ loo;in( a* u+% and -old w)en we -anno* +ee i*+
8a-e' T)e red li()* you -all 10ar; an-er i+ +u-) a world *oo% wi*) )i+ -om0anion+
+maller worldle*+% w)i-) *urn around )im a+ we *urn around *)e +un'C
1)e wen* on% 0u**in( *)e C0)ilo+o0)y o8 Rai8eC in*o an elemen*ary le++on in *)e
*)eory o8 ba+i- a+*ronomy' 2oda -urled u0 a* )er 8ee*% li+*enin( wi*) ab+or0*ion'
W)en +)e )ad -ome *o a )al*% )e +aid% CI+ *)a* w)y you do no* 8ear *)e +*ar+% Lady
Mi+*re++DC
CYe+% 2oda' Be-au+e *)e 0)ilo+o0)er+ w)o )a,e *au()* me *)i+% )a,e *au()* me *)a*
*)e +*ar+ are +un+ li;e our own% and *)a* many o8 *)em )a,e world+ li;e Bel+ar% and
on *)e+e world+ are 0eo0le li;e you% and me% and *)e Fir+* Peo0le% and?and
o*)er+'C
He +a* wi*) )i+ -)in re+*in( on )i+ (rubby )and+% *)in;in( *)a* o,er' He *urned u0
*)e *ele+-o0e *o *)e +;y a(ain and +aid in a w)i+0er% CBu* *)ere are +o many o8 *)em'
And i8 0eo0le li;e you and me -ould li,e on world+ u0 *)ere% demon+ -ould li,e *)ere
*oo' And demon+ -ould -ome 8rom *)o+e o*)er world+'C
CT)e world+ are *oo 8ar away 8or *)a*% 2oda' Mu-) *oo 8ar'C
CBu* *)ey -an>* be *)at, far%C )e ar(ued% CI8 our +un i+ 8ire% i* i+ -lo+e enou() *)a* we
-an' 8eel *)e )ea*9 my 8a*)er>+ -am08ire will ;ee0 away ra+)a+% bu* only *o a li**le
di+*an-e% a+ 8ar a+ one -ould wal; away 8rom *)e -am0 *o 0a++ wa*er' And i8 *)e +un
i+ -lo+e enou() *o 8eel *)e )ea* o8 *)e +un<8ire% 0er)a0+ *)e o*)er+ are -lo+e enou()
8or demon+ *o -ome% and *)a* i+ w)y my 8a*)er and *)e Fir+* Peo0le belie,e in
demon+ 8rom *)e +*ar+'C He loo;ed a* *)e (rea* +*ar )e )ad -alled Fire)older% and
+aid% 8rownin( in *)e dar;ne++% CPer)a0+ demon+ do li,e *)ere% and *)a* i+ w)y +ome
learned Elder+ 8ear i*'C
ane *)ou()*% the %id has a mind li%e a steel trap. It didn1t ta%e him lon# to follow that
up
CI *)in; 0er)a0+ *)e +un8ire i+ a di88eren* 8ire 8rom your 8a*)er>+ -am08ire% 2oda%C
Rianna +aid% bu* +)e le8* i* a* *)a*' I* wa+ *oo mu-) *o e=0e-*% *)a* *)e boy -ould
ab+orb -on-e0*+ li;e a+*ronomi-al di+*an-e+ and +olar radian-e all in one le++on' CI
*)in; we +)ould 0u* away *)e +eein(<(la++ and (o in+ide *o +lee0'C
Relu-*an*ly% 2oda 0u* *)e (la++ a+ide' Bu* ane )ad +een )im di88eren*ly9 8or a
momen*% a+ )e mi()* )a,e been in a +o-ie*y w)ere )e )ad no* been born /ui*e +o
de+0era*ely a mi+8i*'
A 8ew day+ la*er% ane% ma;in( )i+ early<mornin( -)e-; o8 *)e lea+ed )ou+e and
(round+% +*andard 8or a body(uard% +aw (rea* bul(in( eye+ 8loa*in( in *)e lily 0ool9
and a8*er a momen*% *)e )u(e bul; o8 Ara*a; )ea,ed i*+el8 ou* o8 *)e 0ool'
C1o you>re ba-;DC ane (ree*ed )im% +ourly% CI*>+ abou* *imeEC
Ara*a; loo;ed a* )im wi*) a ,a(uely 0u@@led air' CI* i+ *)e *ime i* i+%C )e
-ommen*ed% Cand *)e i,ine E(( )a+ wi+ely remar;ed *)a* all *)in(+ -ome in *)eir
a00oin*ed *ime+' I+ +ome*)in( di+*urbin( you% dear 8riendDC
CO)% noEC ane +aid wi*) )ea,y +ar-a+m% CI*>+ :u+* 8ine *o be le8* )ere wonderin(
w)a* *)e )ell *o do abou* all *)e+e rumor+ o8 1*ar emon+% and w)a*e,er i* wa+ *)a*
)a00ened o,er on *)e o*)er +ide o8 *)e !rea* !or(e% w)ile you and ra,a+) run o88
*o a**end *o your lo,e li,e+ and lea,e u+ 0ro*o+imian+ *o do *)e real wor;EC
CI am (lad no*)in( i+ *roublin( you%C Ara*a; remar;ed +erenely% +ubmer(in(
)im+el8 *o *)e eyeball+ a(ain' CA+ I +aid% all *)in(+ -ome in *)e a00oin*ed *ime+% lo,e
and wor; and dan(er% and a* *)i+ momen* i* i+ *)e )our 8or my ba*)' W)en
ra,a+) wa;e+% we +)all% di+-u++ *)e a00ro0ria*e a-*ion *o in,e+*i(a*e *)e
)a00enin(+ o8 *)e !rea* !or(e'C
CT)a*>+ fine,, ane e=0loded% CYou :u+* (o ri()* a)ead wi*) your ba*)E T)a*>+ more
im0or*an* *)an w)a*>+ been )a00enin( w)ile you were (oneEC
CI am (lad *o )ear i*%C Ara*a; murmured% e,en )i+ eyeball+ +in;in( ou* o8 +i()*% and
ane reali@ed abru0*ly *)a* be-au+e o8 *)e li*eralne++ o8 *)e *ran+la*or<di+;% Ara*a;
)ad *a;en )i+ word+ a* *)eir e=a-* 8a-e ,alue% and all )i+ +ar-a+m )ad been wa+*ed'
In a ra(e% )e 8el* li;e dra((in( *)e bi( 0ro*o+aur ou* o8 *)e 0ool and 8or-in( )im *o
-on8ron* )i+ own% ane>+ +en+e% *)a* *)e 0ro*o+aurian+ )ad been (oo8in( o88% on )oli<
day?*)en% *ardily% )e be(an *o (rin' Ara*a; 0robably )adn>* )ad mu-) *ime 8or
ba*)in( in *)e la+* *en?no% ele,en?day+% and no*)in( had )a00ened *o +0ea; o8
w)ile *)ey were (one' La*er% re*ailin( )i+ 8ru+*ra*ion+ *o Rianna o,er *)eir brea;8a+*
?be-au+e% +in-e Ara*a; wa+ de*ermined *o en:oy a lei+urely ba*)% *)ere wa+ no
rea+on *o (o wi*)ou* 8ood?)e 8ound )er +ym0a*)e*i-% bu* +*ill% +)e +)ru((ed'
Cane% *)ey +im0ly don>* +ee i* *)e +ame way we do' Wi*) *)em% w)en i*>+ *)ere% i*>+
*)ere and *)ere i+ li*erally no*)in( el+e o8 im0or*an-e' W)en i*>+ o,er% i*>+ o,er and
*)a*>+ *)a*% i* -ouldn>* ma**er le++% and *)ey li*erally -ouldn>* under+*and w)y you
are ma;in( a 8u++ abou* i* now% w)en i*>+ (one and done wi*) ' ' ' e=-e0* *)ey>d +ay
*)a* wa+ :u+* li;e a 0ro*o<+imian% *)in;in( abou* +e= in and ou* o8 +ea+on% in+*ead o8
a**endin( *o i* w)en *)e *ime -ome+ and 8or(e**in( abou* i* a8*erward li;e a ra*ional
bein(%C
CT)ey -all *)a* rational A* lea+* we -an 0u* i* a+ide 8or +ome*)in( *)a*>+ really
im0or*an*?C ane (rumbled'
CT)an; you%C Rianna +aid 0oin*edly% and ane% mee*in( )er ironi- (reen (lan-e%
lowered )i+ eye+% 8eelin( )ea* in )i+ 8a-e'
1)e relen*ed' Cane% I ;now w)a* you mean' I ;ee0 8or(e**in(% *oo?C +)e lowered
)er ,oi-e% *)ou() 2oda wa+ no* wi*) *)em% C*)a* you didn>* (row u0 around
0ro*o+aurian+ and 0ro*o8eline+ and *)e li;e' T)ere>+ a 0ro,erb a* &ni*y Cen*ral9 I>,e
)eard Ara*a; /uo*e i*% bu* you )a,e *o remember i*% or lo+e your +ani*y9 7eave
others their otherness. All we -an do i+ (o on 8rom )ere'C
And ane (radually reali@ed *)a* Rianna wa+ ri()*' T)e a**i*ude o8 *)e
0ro*o+aurian+ wa+ +im0ly *oo alien' T)ey were (ood<na*ured% e=uberan*% li;e
+-)oolboy+> :u+* re*urned 8rom a )oliday% bu* wi*)in minu*e+ a8*er ra,a+) wo;e%
w)en *)ey
+ummoned ane and Rianna 8or a -on8eren-e% i* wa+ in+*an*ly a00aren* *)a* *)e
)oliday wa+ over, i* wa+ *ime *o (e* ba-; *o wor;' ane +)ru((ed 0)ilo+o0)i-ally%
re8le-*ed *)a* )e and Rianna )ad en:oyed a ;ind o8 )oliday *oo% and le8* i* a* *)a*'
CI* i+ ob,iou+%C +aid ra,a+) in )i+ *)ou()*8ul way% C*)a* +ome)ow we mu+*
in,e+*i(a*e *)e )a00enin(+ on *)e 8ar +ide o8 *)e !rea* !or(e' Bu* *)a* i+ no* a+ ea+y
a+ i* +ound+' T)ere i+ no *ra,el on a re(ular ba+i+ be*ween )ere and Pe+)ilor% w)i-)
i+ w)y *rader+ 8rom Rai8e are +o unu+ual' Anyone )earin( abou* u+ a++ume+% o8
-our+e% *)a* we mu+* )a,e *ra,er+ed *)e !rea* !or(e already on our :ourney 8rom
Rai8e% +o *)a* we -anno* e,en )ire e=0erien-ed (uide+ wi*)ou* -ommen*' T)e only
way *o *ra,er+e *)e !or(e i+ on 8oo*% o8 -our+e% and mo+* 0eo0le +im0ly a,oid i*9
normally we would 8ind a -ara,an *ra,ellin( +ou*) *o *)e Eye o8 *)e World?C ane
re-alled *)e +ea<8illed me*eor -ra*er )e )ad +een 8rom +0a-e?C-ro++ *)e Ma)an(a
near i*+ mou*)% *)en 8ind ano*)er -ara,an runnin( nor*)?w)i-) u+ually would no*
bo*)er *o re*ra-e i*+ +*e0+ and en*er Pe+)ilor% al*)ou() *)ere i+% o8 -our+e% +ome
*rade' Bu* Pe+)ilor i+ no* a ma:or *rade -en*er and we would need +ome rea+on *o
di,er(e +o mu-) 8rom *)e ordinary *rade rou*e+% or 8or (oin( *)ere a* all'C
CWould i* no* be +im0ler%C a+;ed Ara*a;% C*o )ead ou* in*o *)e wilderne++% and 8ind
a way a-ro++ *)e !rea* !or(eD I am no* w)olly una-/uain*ed wi*) moun*ain
-oun*ry' And we would be unli;ely *o be 8ollowed9 *)e boy 2oda *ell+ me *)a* *)e
wilderne++ i+ belie,ed *o be *)e )ome o8 *)e mo+* ,i-iou+ 1*ar emon+' And i8 *)e
rumor+ ane )a+ )eard in *)e mar;e* are a+ -urren* a+ *)i+% *)a* wilderne++ i+
a,oided by mo+* *ra,eler+' We would no* be o,er+een'C
CHow lon( would i* *a;eDC ane a+;ed% loo;in( a* ra,a+)K+ ma0% CTen?*wel,e
day+ a* mo+*' We -ould a88ord *)a* mu-) *ime'C
ra,a+) +aid% CI* would -au+e *oo mu-) a**en*ion' I* i+ no* in ;ee0in( wi*) our role
a+ weal*)y mer-)an*+ 8rom Rai8e' Cer*ainly i8 we all le8* *)e -i*y *o (o in*o *)e
wilderne++% i* would e=-i*e a**en*ion' Bu* 0er)a0+ one or *wo o8 u+ -ould +li0 ou*?C
ane +aid% CI>,e done a lo* o8 *ra,elin( in moun*ain -oun*ry :u+* a+ rou() a+ *)a*%C
and ra,a+) nodded'
CYou and I% *)en'C Hi+ eye+ wen* *o Ara*a;>+ bul;9 Ara*a;% *oo% -ame 8rom a
+wam0y world% and de+0i*e )i+ di+-laimer+% wa+ li;ely *o )a,e *rouble in
moun*ainou+ *errain' CAra*a;
will +)ow )im+el8 in *)e mar;e*0la-e be*ween ba*)+% and Rianna -an -on*inue *o
in+*ru-* )er 8o+*erlin(' Allow u+?C )e 8rowned% )i+ brow<rid(e+ *wi*-)in(% C0er)a0+
*)ir*y day+9 i8 we are no* ba-;% *ry *o -ommuni-a*e a(ain wi*) *)e +)i09 i8 your
-ommuni-a*or+ are no* wor;in(% Far+0ea;er will ma;e -on*a-* wi*) you' He will% o8
-our+e% ;now i8 any*)in( )a+ be8allen any o8 u+% w)i-) i+ w)y I in+i+*ed u0on +u-) a
lin; bein( made be8ore I de+-ended *o *)i+ world' W)en *wo e=0edi*ion+ )a,e
,ani+)ed in de8ian-e o8 -ommuni-a*ion+% +ome e=*raordinary 0re-au*ion +)ould be
*a;en'C
Rianna (rima-ed% and ane ;new +)e wa+ *)in;in( o8 *)a* 0o++ibili*y9 *)a*
Far+0ea;er would need *o e+*abli+) -on*a-* a(ain' '''
CI8 we do no* -ommuni-a*e% in one way or ano*)er% in 8or*y day+% (e* ba-; *o *)e
&ni*y Ba+e +ome)ow% and I>ll be +ure +ome ;ind o8 -ra8* i+ *)ere *o *a;e you o88'C
T)e (on( boomed a* *)e (a*e' ane +aid +ourly% Con>* an+wer' T)ey mi()* 8ind a
(ood e=-u+e *o *a;e o88 a(ain% and I don>* *)in; we -an wai* any lon(er'C
CI* +eem+ no* li;ely%C ra,a+) +aid blandly% bu* in a momen* 2oda -ame in% (uidin(
*wo ,i+i*or+9 one a bla-;<+-aled +aurian% +e,en 8ee* *all% wearin( *)e di+*in-*i,e w)i*e
-loa; w)i-) )ad been 0oin*ed ou* *o ane a+ iden*i8yin( *)e 0re+*i(iou+ Order o8
Healer+ in *)i+ -i*y9 *)e o*)er wa+ *)e +-arred% an(ular Ma+*er 10earman% in *)e
blue o8 *)e An;a>an order% w)om ane )ad +een *)a* day in *)e mar;e*0la-e' He
+eemed more *)an e,er% wi*) )i+ )airy bare le(+ and )oo; no+e% *o re+emble a (aun*
+-are-row'
CT)e noble lord Hai*)iyo>a+)a *)e Healer%C *)e 1)>8e:: announ-ed )im+el8% and *)e
Ma+*er 10earman% +0innin( )i+ lan-e 0oin* *o *)e 8loor in *o;en o8 0ea-e8ul en*ry
and re+0e-*% +aid brie8ly% CPri*),ai% 10earman o8 *)e An;a>an Bre*)ren'C Only )i+
bla-; eye+ mo,ed% +wee0in( *)e room wall *o wall and 8loor *o -eilin(% e=aminin(
e,ery mo*e o8 du+* 8or )idden dan(er+' T)a* done% w)i*e *ee*) +uddenly 8la+)ed a
+mile in *)e *)in% +war*)y 8a-e' T)e (ian* +aurian% dwar8ed by Ara*a;% lowered )i+
)ead in (ree*in('
CT)ra,a>a+)%C )e +aid% CA>ara*a;)a% 7enerable Elder+' You will remember meD We
me* a* *)e )ome o8 *)e Lady O>o)a++a'C
CWell me* and well remembered%C Ara*a; +aid 0lea+an*ly% bu* ra,a+) only nodded%
)i+ eye+ wa*-)8ul and )i+ brow<rid(e+ *wi*-)in('
Ma+*er Pri*),ai% 8ormali*ie+ o,er% rela=ed?or +eemed *o9
ane would )a,e be* a +ub+*an*ial +um *)a* )e ;new *o a )air>+ bread*) e,ery*)in(
*)a* wa+ (oin( on in *)e room' Hi+ )and+ +lid down *)e )a8* o8 )i+ +0ear a+ )i+ body
dro00ed in*o a -om8or*able +/ua* on *)e 8loor' ane wa*-)ed% 8eelin( +uddenly
aw;ward and alien% li;e a +*a(e Iri+)man on )i+ 8ir+* ,i+i* *o ublin% or a bla-;8a-e
min+*rel +uddenly dro00ed o88 in Harlem' Wa*-)in( *)e +ub*le in*era-*ion+ be*ween
man and +aurian% )e reali@ed *)a* Ha*)iyo>a+)a and Ma+*er Pri*),ai +)ared a
-ul*ure% a -ommon ba-;(round% in a way *)a* )e and Ara*a;?or e,en )e and
Rianna?did no*% ne,er -ould'
CYou are bo*) well% I *ru+*DC +aid Hai*)iyo>a+)a in a (enial *one% CI -ould no* )el0
no*i-in(% A>ara*a)a;)a?e,en *)ou() e,ery*)in( wa+ ,ery -on8u+ed% a+ u+ual?*)e
wound on your ne-;'C He li8*ed )i+ own -lawed )and au*oma*i-ally *o *)e +ide o8 )i+
own ne-;% and ane *)ou()*% wi*) +udden warine++9 Arata%1s #ill$slits They1re
vesti#ial in the ordinary 'h1fe))
CI *ru+* *)e wound i+ )ealin( wellD Would you -are *o )a,e me e=amine i*% w)ile I
am )ereDC
Con+*erna*ion 8la+)ed a-ro++ Ara*a;>+ 8a-e9 ,ery brie8ly% re0la-ed by bland
inno-en-e' ane and ra,a+) me* ea-) o*)er>+ eye+% and ane )o0ed )i+ 8a-e wa+ a+
unre,ealin( a+ *)a* o8 *)e 1)>8e:: Ca0*ain'
CT)ere i+ no need% Healer%C Ara*a; +aid -almly% C*)e wound i+ )ealin( ni-ely and
)a+ no need o8 a**en*ion'C
C1*ill% i* mi()* be well 8or me *o )a,e a loo; a* i*%C +aid Hai*)iyo>a+)a% +*e00in(
8orward% Ci* i+ a lon( :ourney *o Rai8e% and *)e -lima*e mi()* well a((ra,a*e any
di88i-ul*ie+' Tell me% will you 0a++ *)rou() Bor-)anDC
T)e /ue+*ion wa+ dire-*ed a* ra,a+)% and i* wa+ )e w)o an+wered% CYe+% I 0re+ume
+o% al*)ou() our rou*e i+ no* ye* e+*abli+)ed'C
T)e Healer wa+ +*arin( a* )i+ )and' He *ou-)ed *)e *i0+ o8 around Ara*a;>+ ne-;?
and +*o00ed% 8ro@en' ane +aw *)e +mile ,ani+) 8rom Ma+*er Pri*),ai>+ 8a-e% *)e
dar; eye+ +uddenly aler*'
T)e Healer wa+ +*arin( a* )i+ )and' He *ou-)ed *)e *i0 o8 *)e lon( -law+ deli-a*ely
a(ain+* ea-) o*)er% *)en )e rai+ed )i+ eye+'
CI )a,e no* been wi*)in *)e -on8ine+ o8 Bor-)an in many e((<)a*-)in(+%C )e mu+ed'
CTell me% i+ all well wi*)in *)e )ou+e)old o8 old Eeo88e++awayDC
Ma+*er Pri*),ai>+ eye+ +wi,elled /ui-;ly round% *)ou() )e did no* mo,e a mu+-le%
and ane ;new by *)e *en+ion in *)o+e )and+ *)a* *)e /ue+*ion wa+ a *ra0'
ra,a+)>+ brow<rid(e+
:er;ed' Ara*a; )e+i*a*ed% :u+* a +e-ond *oo lon(% *)en% reali@in( *)a* i* wa+ ur(en* *o
+ay +ome*)in(% any*)in(% /ui-;ly% and -are8ul no* *o 8all in*o *)e *ra0% +aid -oldly% CI
)a,e no* *)e )onor o8 )i+ 0er+onal a-/uain*an-e% Healer'C
ane% wa*-)in( Ma+*er Pri*),ai>+ 8a-e% *)ou()*% wron# answer The man1s dead?or
never existed T)e +0ear<0oin* +*ill re+*ed be*ween Ma+*er Pri*),ai>+ 8ee*% bu* ane%
rememberin( Ma+*er R)omda in a-*ion% ;new )ow *)a* +0ear -ould ri+e *o a
+*ri;in( 0o+i*ion a* any +0li* +e-ondE
The oldest tric% in the !oo%?and Arata% wal%ed into it Ara*a; +aid i-ily% *ryin( *o
blu+*er i* *)rou()% CA+ a ma**er o8 8a-*% Healer% *)e ,ery e=i+*en-e o8 *)e 0er+on you
men*ion i+ un;nown *o me' Are you -er*ain you )a,e no* -on8u+ed *)e -i*y o8
Bor-)an wi*) +ome o*)er?C )e )e+i*a*ed 8or a wei()*ed momen*% bu* -on-luded
blamele++ly% Clo-a*ionDC
ane wa+ a-u*ely aware o8 *)e +word a* )i+ +ide% )i+ le8* )and -u00in( *)e u00er
mou*) o8 )i+ +-abbard% o8 *)e *en+ion in )i+ ri()* )and w)ere 8in(er+ +*rained a* *)e
ready% *o lea0 a-ro++ )i+ la0 and lo-; around *)e +word% o8 *)e +)oulder mu+-le+
ready *o w)i0 *)e blade a-ro++' ' ' ' bu* )e ;new% *oo% *)a* *)e Ma+*er 10earman>+
eye+ +aw all *)e+e *)in(+' He 8or-ed )i+ 8in(er+ *o rela=% bu* ;new )i+ 0ul+e ra**led
li;e a 8a+* *rain'
T)e Healer +aid +lowly% )i+ 8a-e unreadable% C1in-e you )a,e no need o8 our +er,i-e+%
7enerable Elder% we +)all *a;e our lea,e'C He nodded *o Pri*),ai' T)e +0earman>+
+-are-row 8i(ure +*rai()*ened +lowly% wi*) deadly (ra-e% )and+ +lidin( u0 *)e
mo*ionle++ +0ear+)a8* wi*) *)e delibera*ion o8 a man de*ermined *o ma;e no +udden
mo,e+' W)en )e wa+ 8ully on )i+ 8ee* ane>+ )ear* lur-)ed and )i+ +word<)and
*en+ed a+ *)e +0ear re,er+ed i*+el8 in a 0re-i+e maneu,er% *o *)um0 i*+ bu** on *)e
8loor'
Healer and +0earman bowed *o(e*)er% a 8ormal bow9 *)en *)e Healer +*rode 8rom
*)e room% and a+ )e rea-)ed *)e door% Pri*),ai *oo *urned *o 8ollow% *urnin( )i+ ba-;
on *)em all' Bu* ane -ould +ee *)e *errible *en+ion in )i+ le(+% *)e +e* o8 )i+
+)oulder+% and ;new *)a* *)e +li()*e+* +ound o8 any o8 *)em 8ollowin( would brin(
*)e +0ear around''''
Bu* *)e door -lo+ed be)ind *)em% and ane le* ou* )i+ brea*)% and audible +ound'
Rianna a+;ed% CW)a* wa+ all that abou*DC
CEi*)er *)e Healer )e named i+ dead% or +omeone w)om Ara*a; -ouldn>* )el0
;nowin(%C ra,a+) an+wered )er%
C+omeone% 0er)a0+% w)o+e 0ubli- dea*) or di+(ra-e -rea*ed new+ e,en 8rom
Bor-)an all *)e way )ere'C
That would have done it, ane *)ou()*' Ima#ine as%in# an American a!out the
current health of >resident :ennedy, or 8artin 7uther :in#? 3r for that matter
2harlie 8anson or ;ames *arl /ay?
CIn ei*)er -a+e%C Ara*a; +aid% CWe )ad be**er ma;e our 0lan+ ,ery +wi8*ly' T)ey
now ;now we are no* w)a* we 0ro8e++ our+el,e+ *o be' I am +orry I (a,e *)e wron(
an+wer9 *)e /ue+*ion *oo; me by +ur0ri+e' I )ad belie,ed *)a* no one 8rom *)i+ area
would )a,e )ad enou() -on*a-* wi*) Rai8e *o ;now *)e name o8 any 0ar*i-ular
indi,idual% and I *)ou()* i* +u88i-ien* *o re8u+e any -laim *o )i+ 0er+onal
a-/uain*an-e? that wa+ an ob,iou+ *ra0% o8 -our+e' Bu* in a,oidin( i*% I 8ear% " 8ell
in*o a wor+e' Well doe+ *)e i,ine E(( warn a(ain+* de-e0*ion+ and un*ru*)EC
ra,a+) +aid wryly% CI>d *)in; more o8 *)e wi+dom o8 *)a* i,ine E(( o8 your+ i8 )e
)ad warned u+ all in ad,an-eEC
CWi+dom -anno* be 0u* *o *em0orary )uman u+e+?C Ara*a; be(an% bu* ra,a+)
+aid im0a*ien*ly% CIn *)e name o8 all *)e 1ain*+% i+ *)i+ *)e )our 8or a le-*ure on
0)ilo+o0)yD on>* you reali@eD We>,e (o* *o (e* ou* o8 )ereE T)ere u+ed *o be +ome
+0e-ula*ion in 1ur,ey% w)en I wa+ a *ad0ole% *)a* *)e Healer+ and *)e An;a>an
Order main*ained +ome +e-re* in8orma*ion ne*wor; no* a,ailable *o *)e (eneral
0o0ula-e' I>,e al+o wondered w)e*)er *)e Healer+ )a,e +ome de(ree o8 0+i 0ower
*)ey u+e in *)eir wor;?did you no*i-e )ow )e rea-*ed w)en )e *ou-)ed Ara*a;>+
+-ar8DC He +i()ed' CToo la*e *o worry abou* i* now' We )ad be**er +*ar* -olle-*in(
our belon(in(+9 we will lea,e a+ +oon a+ i* (e*+ dar;?all o8 u+EC
In )i+ ,oi-e wa+ *)e au*)ori*y o8 a man w)o )ad -ommanded +*ar+)i0+% and nobody
ar(ued' Bu* ane and Rianna were +*ra00in( on *)eir 0a-;+ w)en *)ey )eard *)e
-lamor in *)e +*ree*+% *)e +udden +ound o8 *)e (a*e -ra+)in( o0en and *)e +)ou*+'
2oda -ame runnin( in*o *)eir /uar*er+% w)i*e<8a-ed% and ane *)ou()*% Good God,
I1d for#otten the %id +e can1t ta%e him with us 5o, damn it, we1re committed to do
)ust that?/ianna is, anyway, which means I am too He ne,er /ue+*ioned *)a*'
He +aid *er+ely% CCome alon(EC T)e *)ree o8 *)em be(an runnin( *oward *)e main
)ou+e% Rianna -a*-)in( u0 )er +0ear% and 2oda% +eein( i*% aw;wardly *u((ed a* )i+
own +word' ra,a+) and Ara*a;% in+ide *)e )ou+e% )ad re*rea*ed
8rom *)e bro;en (a*e+9 a+ ane and Rianna :oined *)em% ane +aid% CGui-;E Ou*
*)rou() *)e ba-; -our*+EC
Bu* i* wa+ *oo la*e9 already *)e mob wa+ +wirlin( all o,er *)e (round+% yellin(% and
now ane (o* *)e (i+* o8 w)a* *)ey were yellin('
,'tar Demons,
Men and 0ro*o+aurian+ 8rom *)e mar;e* and +*ree*+ o8 *)e -i*y were +warmin(
a-ro++ *)e -our*% +word+ rai+ed% +0ear<0oin*+ bri+*lin(% 8illin( ane>+ ,i+ual 8ield'
T)en ra,a+)?ane remembered )e )ad -a0*ained e=0lorer +)i0+?lea0ed *o one
o8 *)e wooden 0illar+ *)a* )eld u0 *)e roo8% ri00ed *)e beam 8ree% and +wun( i* li;e a
ba+eball ba*' Men 8ell% and e,en *all +aurian+ )e+i*a*ed' Ara*a; +ei@ed a +e-ond
beam% and ane ran *o :oin *)em% bo*) )and+ )oldin( *)e blade 0oi+ed o,er )i+
)ead' Ou* o8 *)e -orner o8 )i+ eye )e +aw Rianna>+ +0ear9 )e -ould 8eel )er :u+*
be+ide )im% a* )i+ le8*' T)e -rowd )e+i*a*ed9 ane% in *)a* in+*an* o8 /uie*% reali@ed
*)ere were no* nearly +o many o8 *)em a+ )e )ad *)ou()*'
Ou* o8 *)e -orner o8 )i+ eye ane +aw 2oda -rou-)in( ne=* *o Rianna% +word drawn%
8a-e w)i*e% and +0ared a momen*ary 0i*y 8or *)e youn(+*er a+ )e loo;ed 8rom *)em
*o *)e mob in *errible -on8u+ion'
CT)i+ way%C +aid ra,a+)% a+ *)e -rowd drew ba-; be8ore *)em' T)en Ma+*er
Pri*),ai +*rode *)rou() *)e -rowd *)a* 0ar*ed be8ore )im% dar*in( under *)e (rea*
beam Ara*a; +wun( down% runnin( +*rai()* 8or ane' A 0oin* o8 li()* on *)e end o8
a 0ole wa+ dri,in( *oward ane>+ *)roa*' He +wa**ed i* down wi*) )i+ +word and
+*e00ed 8orward% )i+ own 0oin* *)ru+*in( ou* and u0' Pri*),ai>+ )and +we0* *)e air
be8ore )i+ *)roa* wi*) *)e +0ear bu**% ;no-;in( ane>+ blade away% and *)e +0ear
0oin* mo,ed in an ar- :u+* abo,e *)e 8loor% dar*ed ou* li;e a +na;e 8or ane>+ *)i()'
ane :um0ed ba-;% brin(in( *)e blade down' T)e mo,emen* +0un )im )al8way
round% and )e +aw 2oda% +*ill -owerin( a(ain+* *)e wall% 8or(o**en?.ow in hell does
anyone find the time to !e scared??and )e w)i00ed )i+ +word u0 a+ *)e +0ear drew
ba-; and e=*ended a(ain% )i() *)i+ *ime' He ;no-;ed *)e 0oin* away% +*e00in( *o *)e
+ide' '''
And *)e +0ear bu** -ame +win(in( around *o -a*-) )im in *)e ba-; o8 )i+ )ead'
He )ad a +udden )eada-)e9 +0ar;+ burned in 8ron* o8 )i+ eye+' T)e )ea,y wood )ad
only (ra@ed )im9 )e +aw *)e 0oin* 8li00in( u0 8or )i+ belly% and mana(ed *o 0u+) *)e
+word
down *oward i*' He -au()* i*% no* wi*) *)e blade% bu* +/uarely wi*) *)e len(*) o8 )il*
be*ween )i+ *wo )and+' T)e +-are-row 8i(ure lea0ed ba-;% a loo; o8 re+0e-* 8la+)in(
a-ro++ )i+ 8a-e'
.e expected that one to %ill me, didn1t he. .''
ra,a+) )ad lea0ed li;e a ra(in( *yranno+aur amon( *)e men% and *)ey were
+-a**erin(' Ara*a; )ad -lo+ed wi*) *wo o8 *)e +aurian+% *owerin( o,er *)em li;e a
(ian* amon( +-)ool -)ildren% -ra-;ed *)eir )ead+ *o(e*)er and 8lun( *)em +en+ele++
in*o *)e -rowd'
Rianna )ad )er +0ear buried in a man>+ -)e+*' A+ +)e +*ru((led *o 8ree i*% a +e-ond
-lo+ed in and ane +aw )er +*a((er a+ a +0ear<bu** -ra-;ed on )er )ead'
Pri*),ai>+ +0ear wa+ dri,in( a* ane>+ -)e+* a(ain' He ba**ed i* a+ide% du-;ed
*oward Rianna% bu* *)e lean +0earman bounded in*o ane>+ 0a*)' T)e +0ear<+)a8*
w)i00ed be*ween ane>+ le(+' He mana(ed *o ro-; )i+ wei()* *o one +ide% +)i8*in(
)i+ balan-e% bu* *)e +0ear<bu** -lubbed in*o *)e *)i-; mu+-le o8 ane>+ *)i()'
Rianna wa+ down now% a +0ear 0oi+ed o,er )er% e,en a+ ane>+ +word )i++ed *oward
Pri*),ai>+ 8a-e'
And 2oda -ame 8lyin( ou* o8 )i+ -orner% +0read<ea(led9 )i+ wei()* 8loored *)e man
w)o )ad ;no-;ed Rianna down' ' ' ' Pri*),ai>+ 8a-e di+a00eared be)ind a -ur*ain o8
blood9 *)rou() i* ane +aw 2oda>+ 8oo* -ome ou* in one o8 *)o+e al<mo+*<:udo ;i-;+%
and +omebody% ane -ouldn>* +ee -learly w)o i* wa+% wen* down' He wa+ wren-)in(
)i+ own +word 8ree 8rom Pri*),ai>+ +0li* +;ull% lea0in( o,er *)e +0rawled +-are-row
8orm' Rianna (roaned and +a* u0% da@ed9 2oda )auled )er *o )er 8ee* a+ men
+-a**ered be8ore ane>+ +word' Ara*a; a* )i+ +ide% *)ey ad,an-ed *oward *)e
-orridor% w)ere ra,a+) wa+ +*ill -ra-;in( )ead+ wi*) *)e roo8<beam9 bu* *)e )ear*
)ad (one ou* o8 *)e a**a-;' T)en *)ey were *)rou() in*o *)e -orridor9 ou*+ide in *)e
)o*% mu((y air' ane 8el* (ro((y% )i+ )ead +0li**in( o0en wi*) 0ain'
They were !ac% on the /ed 8oon, .unters followin# them. . . . The 'pider$man had
!ro%en /ianna1s spear and Arata% had snatched up one from somewhere for her. . . .
He loo;ed u0% da@ed% in*o *)e *)i-; bla-; ,el,e*% :ewel<+*arred% o8 *)e ni()* +;y%
*ryin( *o (e* i* -lear' A 8ra(men* o8 )i+ mind ;new *)ey were on Bel+ar% bu* )e +*ill
mo,ed )i+ )ead% a-)in(% 8rom +ide *o +ide% aler* 8or *)e Hun*er+ in any +)a0e *)ey
mi()* a++ume''''
Ara*a; li8*ed Rianna in )i+ arm+' =es, the 'pider$man had
wounded her in the le# . . . *)en *)ey were o88 and runnin(' "ut it1s dar%, the .unt
ends at dar%, )e *)ou()*% -on8u+ed a(ain% )a,in( *o 8or-e )im+el8 *o remember *)a*
*)ey were no*% now% 8a-in( Hun*er+'
3nly people. Good people, mostly, !ut afraid of 'tar Demons. . . . He ran% *ryin( *o
brin( )i+ mind ba-; *o *)e 0re+en*% away 8rom *)e Red Moon' T)e ima(e o8
Pri*),ai>+ +0li* +;ull wa+ be8ore )i+ eye+% and )e *)ou()* wi*) a-)in( re(re*% .ell, I
didn1t want to %ill him T)ere )ad been no -)oi-e' Anyway% *)eir e=i* le8* no*)in( *o
be de+ired' And 0er)a0+ *)e dar;ne++% w)i-) na*i,e +u0er+*i*ion 0eo0led wi*) 1*ar
emon+ anyway% would ;ee0 0ur+ui* away'
Any)ow% *)ey were on *)eir way'
+HAPTER TE&
1omew)ere a ni()*<)un*in( bird -ou()ed in *)e dar; roo8 o8 lea,e+ *)a* +)u* away
*)e +*ar+' Ru+*le+ o8 (ra++% *)e 8ain* 0a**erin( o8 0aw+% *old o8 bea+*+ ou* in *)e
dar;ne++% (oin( abou* *)eir ni()*ly bu+ine++ o8 breedin( and 8eedin(% )un*in( and
bein( )un*ed% li,in( and dyin('
7i%e us. . . .
Rianna +*irred re+*i,ely in Ara*a;>+ arm+'
CPu* me down% I -an wal; now'C
CWe -an>* (o blunderin( around in *)e dar; any)ow%C ra,a+) +aid% CWe>ll )a,e *o
ma;e -am0' Nobody will 8ollow u+% no* wi*) 1*ar emon+ abou* in *)e ni()*?+o *)e
+u0er+*i*ion i+ u+e8ul *o u+% a* lea+*'C
Here and *)ere +il,er 0illar+ o8 +*arli()* +*abbed *)rou() *)e :un(le dar;' Toward
one o8 *)e+e -learin(+ ra,a+) led *)em' A bur+* o8 wind made *)e lea,e+ )i++% and
ane reali@ed )e wa+ +)i,erin(9 *)e )ea* ru+)ed u0 in*o *)e +;y a* ni()*8all% and
+wea* wa+ -lammy -old on )i+ -)illed body' Hi+ le(+ a-)ed wi*) runnin( and )i+
)ead wa+ +*ill +ore and -on8u+ed 8rom Ma+*er Pri*),ai>+ +0ear bu**'
+ell, >rithvai1s head is in worse shape than mine....
He -ould remember li**le o8 )ow *)ey (o* ou* o8 *)e -i*y9 8o((ed memorie+ o8
runnin( *)rou() an endle++ ma@e o8 -lo*)<roo8ed +*ree*+% o8 )idin( 8or w)a* +eemed
)our+% and 0robably wa+% in a *)i-; (arden o8 bad<+mellin( 0lan*+% o8 a ni()*mari+)
8i()* w)ile Ara*a; unbarred a (a*e +omew)ere% o8 (uard+ 8ran*i-ally +lammin( a
(a*e be)ind *)em ra*)er *)an 0ur+ue *)em in*o *)e ni()*% )aun*ed by ra+)a+ and
1*ar emon+ beyond *)e +a8e -i*y wall+' '''
Flin* +*ru-; +*eel in *)e dar;ne++% and ra,a+)>+ 8a-e 8lared in *)e *iny 8lame' He 8ed
*)e 8ire lea,e+ and +mall *wi(+% w)ile ane wondered i8 ma;in( *)e 8ire wa+ +u-) a
(ood idea9 i* would only draw 0ur+ui*% or a* wor+*% +)ow 0ur+uer+ in *)e mornin(
w)ere *)ey )ad -am0ed' T)en +omew)ere a ra+)a )owled% and )e de-ided *)e 8ire
wa+ a (ood idea a8*er all'
Hun*er+' He )al8 e=0e-*ed *o +ee *)e -rim+on o8 *)e Hun*er>+ Moon ri+e red abo,e
*)e *ree+ ''' )e +*ru((led *o (e* )im+el8 under -on*rol a(ain' T)a* wa+ *)en' T)i+ wa+
now' All *)ey )ad in -ommon wa+ dan#er.
T)e 8lame+ lea0ed u0% li()*in( *)e -learin(' 2oda )ad )i+ )and+ -la+0ed o,er )i+
8a-e9 Rianna wen* *o )i+ +ide% laid a )and on )i+ +)oulder% bu* )e 8lin-)ed away in
*error'
CW)a*>+ wron(% (adav?,
CI ;new i* wa+ *oo (ood *o la+*EC *)e boy +aid wildly' CW)a* i+ i*% w)a* )a,e you
done% *)a* *)e An;a>an Order -an order you ;illedD And you ;illed Ma+*er Pri*),ai
in 8i()*? w)o are youD W)a* are youD I )a,e ne,er been +o?C )e +*o00ed%
+wallowed% and w)en )e +0o;e a(ain )i+ ,oi-e wa+ +*eady% and )e demanded% COne
o8 you *ell me w)a* *)i+ i+ all abou*EC
CTomorrow%C ra,a+) +aid 8irmly' CFor now% +lee0 i+ w)a* we all need% more *)an
any*)in( el+e'C
Per)a0+ i* wa+ only *)e )abi* o8 obeyin( *)e Fir+* Peo0le9 2oda +0read ou* )i+
blan;e*+% bu* )e wa+ +*ill wa*-)in( Rianna 8ear8ully' +hat will we tell him? ane
wondered% +0readin( ou* )i+ own' .ow does Dravash expect us to sleep, after all this?
He ;new *)a* )e% a* lea+*% wa+ 8ar *oo ;eyed u0 *o +lee0 a* all' He would :u+* -lo+e )i+
eye+''''
And wa+ wa;ened 8rom +ound +lee0 by *)e +-ream o8 a ra+)a' Hi+ eye+ o0ened *o +ee
*)e -rea*ure +*ru((lin( in ra,a+)>+ (ra+09 *)e +aurian>+ )ea,y ;ni8e blade 8la+)ed
down% and ra,a+) )urled *)e )eadle++ -or0+e in*o *)e underbru+)%
0i-;ed u0 *)e )ead and )ea,ed i* in *)e o*)er dire-*ion' ane )eard weird -ooin(
-rie+ and *)e +ound o8 0a**erin( 8ee*' T)e lo-al +-a,en(er+% -omin( in 8or lun-)' He
wondered w)a* *)ey were li;e% *)en de-ided )e didn>* wan* *o ;now'
Rianna wa+ 0re++ed *i()* a(ain+* )im' On *)e o*)er +ide o8 )er% )e )eard 2oda>+
*ee*) -)a**erin(' 1)e rolled away 8rom ane% *urned *oward *)e boy% and )e )eard
)er murmurin( in *)e dar;% +oo*)in(ly% ;new *)a* +)e )ad drawn )im a(ain+* )er%
)er +)oulder -radlin( )i+ )ead' He 8el* a momen*ary annoyan-e' !ood !od% wa+ )e
:ealou+ o8 *)e ;idD T)a* wa+ +illy% *)e boy mu+* be +-ared ou* o8 )i+ wi*+ a8*er all
*)i+E Anyway% )e wa+ *oo +lee0y *o -are' He -lo+ed )i+ eye+ a(ain'
W)en )e o0ened *)em a(ain% *)e +;y wa+ dim wi*) *)e -omin( dawn% and *)e +*ar+
)ad (one ou*' Ara*a; wa+ )un;ered down by *)e dyin( -oal+ o8 *)e 8ire% ra,a+) a
lon(% dar;% blan;e*ed 8orm a+ -lo+e *o i* a+ )e -ould 0o++ibly be wi*)ou* +e**in( *)e
blan;e* on 8ire'
CI wan*ed *o le* )im +lee0 a+ lon( a+ 0o++ible%C Ara*a; +aid in a w)i+0er *o ane?+o
low% in 8a-*% *)a* ane )eard )im only *)rou() *)e *ran+la*or di+;%?CHe 8ou()* 8ar
)arder *)an I% and )e i+ no* a--u+*omed *o i*'C
Around *)em% *)e 8ore+* wa+ /uie*9 ane ;new *)ere wa+ li**le li;eli)ood o8 a ra+)a>+
a**a-; a* dawn% bu* e,en +o% )e ;e0* a )and on )i+ +word w)ile )e relie,ed )im+el8'
W)en )e (o* ba-; *o *)e -am0 2oda and Rianna were awa;e' Ara*a; )ad -au()*
)im+el8 a brea;8a+* o8 raw bu(% and wa+ ea*in( i* wi*) *)e +ame en:oymen*% ane
*)ou()*% a+ a -i*y man mi()* en:oy a brea;8a+* o8 *rou* 8re+) 8rom a moun*ain
+*ream' Bu* 2oda +*ared% wide<eyed% a+ )o* 8ood a00eared mira-ulou+ly 8rom *)e
bo**om o8 *)e 0a-;+ ane and Rianna -arried9 and ane +aw +u0er+*i*iou+ 8ear
+*ru((lin( in *)e boy>+ eye+ wi*) )i+ lo,e and re+0e-* 8or Rianna' Well% +)e>d :u+*
)a,e *o 8i(ure ou* )ow *o e=0lain )ea*<0a;+ *o )im% +in-e *)e al*erna*i,e wa+
brea;8a+*in( li;e Ara*a; on li,e in+e-*+'
CYou mu+* *ell me w)a* *)i+ mean+EC 2oda +aid% +*arin( a* *)e 8ood wi*)ou* *ou-)in(
i*' CT)ey -alled you 1*ar emon+E And now 8ood *)a* (row+ )o* o8 i*+el8?and loo;+
+*ran(e% unli;e any 8ood I e,er +aw?i+ i* demon<8oodDC
Rianna *u((ed un-on+-iou+ly ,a* )er )air% and +miled a* )im' CNo% o8 -our+e no*%C
+)e +aid% Co I loo; li;e a demon *o you% 2odaDC
CI don>* ;now w)a* a demon<woman would loo; li;eEC T)e
)y+*eri-al no*e in )i+ ,oi-e wa+ a )i()% +)ar0<ed(ed w)ine now' CYou 8i()* li;e a
man?you ;ee0 your brea+*+ )idden a+ i8 *)ey were de8ormed% bu* *)ey>re no*%
*)ey>re no*?and your eye+% *)ey are +*ran(e?C
Hi+ ,oi-e *railed in*o +ilen-e% 8ri()*ened' Rianna bi* )er li0'
CPer)a0+%C +)e +aid (en*ly% C+in-e you are +o un+ure o8 u+% I +)ould +im0ly +ay% ye+%
we are 1*ar emon+% and le* you run ba-; *o *ell *)e 8ol; o8 *)e -i*y w)ere we )a,e
(one'C
He +*ared a* )er9 *)en dro00ed *)e 8ood<0a; and 8lun( )i+ arm+ round )er% )idin(
)i+ )ead a(ain+* )er brea+*
CI -ouldn>* do *)a*EC )e -ried ou*% CYou>re no demonE I>ll ne,er belie,e you are a
demonE I8 you are 8rom *)e +*ar+% *)en i*>+ a+ I alway+ belie,ed% and *)e +*ar+ are *)e
)ome o8 (ood% no* e,ilE You are (oodE I don>* -are w)a* *)ey +ay% I ;now you are
(ood% all o8 youEC
For a momen* Rianna *i()*ened )er arm+ around )im9 *)en 0u+)ed )im (en*ly
away' 1)e +aid% CYou>re ri()*9 I am no demon% (a!av, and I )o0e ne,er *o be
any*)in( bu* (ood in your eye+' Pi-; u0 your 8ood and ea* i*9 we )a,e no* *oo many
+u00lie+% bu* we +)ould ea* w)ile we -an' And w)ile you ea* I>ll e=0lain *o you a+
mu-) a+ I -an'C
He re*rie,ed *)e 8ood<0a; and be(an *o ea* wi*) )i+ 8in(er+% a+ +)e did% wa*-)in( )er
and ane wi*) 8ri()*ened eye+'
COb,iou+ly%C Rianna be(an% Cwe>re no* *ra,eler+ 8rom Rai8e' We>re 8rom
+omew)ere a lo* 8ar*)er *)an *)a*'C 1)e loo;ed a* )im% *)ou()*8ully% and ane
8ollowed )er -on-ern'
2oda didn>* *)in; )e belie,ed in 1*ar emon+' Bu* *)ey were% a8*er all% 0ar* o8 )i+
men*al ma;eu0% and w)en i* -ame *o *)e -run-) ' ' ' well% anyway *)e boy )ad
rea88irmed )i+ 8ai*) in Rianna' T)a* wa+ +ome*)in('
C2oda%C +)e +aid% Cdo you +ee *)a* dar; bird% +i**in( on *)e )i() *reeDC 1)e 0oin*ed'
CT)e di,in(<-rane% on *)e red8lower *reeD Ye+% I +ee )im'C
CHow bi( i+ )eD Abou* *)e +i@e o8 your *)umbnail% 0er)a0+DC
He loo;ed a* )er% wonderin( i8 +)e )ad +uddenly (one mad'
CNo% 6elishtara, *)e di,in(<-rane i+ a !i# bird?C )e +0read ou* )i+ arm+ *o indi-a*e
)ow bi('
CAnd ye*%C +)e +aid% Cw)en I )old u0 my *)umbnail% I -an )ide )im -om0le*ely 8rom
+i()*'C
A+ i8 e=0lainin( +ome*)in( ,ery +im0le% 2oda +aid% CT)a* i+ be-au+e )e i+ +o 8ar
away% *)a* i+ all'C
C7ery well' T)en I +u00o+e you -an under+*and *)a* *)e +un?C +)e 0oin*ed *o *)e
bla@e o8 Bel+ar on *)e )ori@on% Ci+ a ball o8 8ire lar(er *)an *)e w)ole world we +*and
on'C
1)e +aw )im +lowly *a;in( *)i+ in' CT)en w)a* you +aid abou* 0)ilo+o0)er+ 8rom
Rai8e?C
CI+ *)e ;nowled(e o8 ano*)er world% 2oda' I ;now *)e world )ere (oe+ around your
+un% w)i-) we -all Bel+ar% be-au+e I )a,e been in a?a ;ind o8 me*al -ar* or +)i0 in
*)e +;y and +een your world (oin( round i*% wi*) your o*)er 0lane*+?*)e one you
named 10ar; an-er and )i+ -om0anion+' And *)e +*ar+ in *)e +;y a* ni()* are
o*)er +un+% li;e Bel+ar% only mu-)% mu-) 8ar*)er% +o 8ar you would 8ind i* ,ery )ard
*o ima(ine or dream )ow 8ar' And +ome o8 *)o+e +*ar+% or +un+% )a,e world+ li;e *)i+
one% and on one o8 *)o+e world+ I wa+ born' And ane on ano*)er% and ra,a+) and
Ara*a; on o*)er+ ye*' o you under+*andDC
CI?I *)in; +o'C Bu* )i+ *one wa+ doub*8ul' I* wa+ a lon( and 0a*ien* e=0lana*ion%
and many *ime+ wonder +*ru((led wi*) *error in *)e boy>+ eye+ w)ile )i+ 8or(o**en
8ood (rew -old9 Rianna 8inally +*o00ed and made )im ea* i*% remindin( )im *)a*
+u00lie+ were limi*ed' Finally% a+ ane )ad ;nown )e mu+*% )e 0u* *)e /ue+*ion'
CBu* w)a* are you doin( )ere% on our worldD T)ey +ay *)e 1*ar emon+?C /ui-;ly
)e amended% C*)e +*ar 0eo0le )a,e -ome *o en+la,e u+% -arry u+ o88 in *)eir me*al
-ar*+% *ormen* u+?C
CPer)a0+ *)a* i+ w)y%C Rianna +aid% Cin our world beyond *)o+e +*ar+ you -an +ee%
we )eard rumor+ *)a* +ome e,il 8ol; )ad -ome )ere *o *ormen* and en+la,e Bel+ar'
We belon(? Ara*a; and ra,a+) belon(% *)a* i+?*o an?order o8 Pro*e-*or+?C
CLi;e *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+DC
1)e +miled and +)oo; )er )ead' CMore% 0er)a0+% li;e *)e An;a>an Order% 0led(ed *o
(uard *)e wea;er 8ol; a(ain+* +a,a(e+ and 0reda*or+' ane and I were -)o+en
be-au+e we were able *o 8i()* and +ur,i,e on?C +)e -)o;ed ba-; *)e ,ery word+ on
)er li0+9 ane )eard *)em already *)rou() *)e *ran+la*or% *)ou() Rianna mana(ed
no* *o +0ea; *)em aloud' ?on a !ar!arian or primitive world. 1)e would no* +ay *)a*
*o 2oda'
COn a world w)i-) 0re+en*+ many dan(er+'C
CAnd%C +aid ra,a+)% w)o )ad wa;ened durin( Rianna>+ e=0lana*ion and wa+
li+*enin( wi*) an im0a++i,e in*ere+*% Cwe
mu+* mo,e on be8ore *)e dan(er+ +urround u+ a(ain' Come9 *)i+ way'C
2oda a+;ed CW)ere are we (oin(DC
ra,a+) +aid% CToward *)e !rea* !or(e?e,en*ually' 2u+* now% we are a**em0*in(
*o e,ade 0ur+ui*'C
T)e 8ore+* a)ead (lowed wi*) mornin( +un9 ane loo;ed a* *)eir ba-; *rail% 0lain *o
)i+ eye+' And *)ere mu+* be *ra-;er+ on *)i+ world be**er *)an he wa+E A8*er
-on8errin( wi*) ra,a+)% *)ey *oo; *)e 0ar*y u0 in*o *)e )ill+% +ee;in( ro-;ier
(round *)a* would lea,e 8ewer *ra-e+ o8 *)eir 0a++in('
On-e% -lo+e *o Rianna% ane +aid% CI li;ed *)e way you H )andled *)a* e=0lana*ion' I
-ouldn>* )a,e done i*'C
Her eye+ (lin*ed 8ain*ly (reen a* )im' CI>,e )ad *o do i* be8ore%C +)e +aid% and ane
8el* a(ain *)e +*in( o8 in8eriori*y'
'he pro!a!ly thin%s of me as a primitive, not much !etter than ;oda And a(ain *)e
an(er% *)a* )ad ran;led in )im +in-e *)e ni()* be8ore% w)en Rianna )ad *urned 8rom
)im *o +)el*er 2oda in )er arm+% +ur(ed u0'
Does she really care a!out me at all? 3r is it )ust ha!it, after what we went throu#h on
the .unter1s +orld? Or e,en more de(radin(% )e wondered% wa+ i* +im0ly *)a* )e
)ad +eemed e=o*i-% 0rimi*i,e% +*ran(e% a -)an(e 8rom *)e o,er<+o0)i+*i-a*ed men o8
)er own worldD E,en on ane>+ own world% *)ere were women wi*) w)a* )e -alled a
Tar@an -om0le=9 +ee;in( edu-a*ed men o8 *)eir own le,el 8or -om0anion+)i0% bu*
8or +e=ual e=-i*emen* +ee;in( ou* men w)o were no*)in( more *)an ma(ni8i-en*
0)y+i-al animal+% wi*)ou* o88erin( any*)in(% really% in -ommon bu* +e=' ane
-len-)ed )i+ +word% wi+)in( )e -ould 8ind a ra+)a *o u+e i* on and ,en* )i+ an(er on
+omebody9 wi+)in( 8or a momen* *)a* )e wa+ no* *oo -i,ili@ed *o (i,e Rianna a (ood
)ard +wa* a-ro++ )er +neerin( 8a-e' Or )ad )e :u+* ima(ined *)e +neerD Or wa+ i*
2oda )e wan*ed *o ;i-; (ood and )ard in *)e bri*-)e+D
T)i+ wa+ no *ime *o be worryin( abou* *)a*' T)ey were -limbin( now% and i* *oo; all
)i+ brea*) and ener(y' !la++y +*one% )urled u0 mol*en by w)a*e,er -a*a-ly+m )ad
+-arred *)e 0lane* wi*) -ra*er+% reared u0 in (rea* -ur,in( rid(e+ ou* o8 erodin(
bed+ o8 +o8*er ro-;% (y0+um% +and+*one' Here *)e ,ora-iou+ :un(le ,e(e*a*ion -ould
*a;e no roo*% and ane led *)em% /ui-;<8oo*% o,er *)e )ard +*one 8or +e,eral )our+'
T)en% a+ *)ey -ame o,er *)e *o0 o8 an ou*-ro0% )e +aw di+*an* mo,emen* ou* o8 *)e
-orner o8 )i+ eye' He wa,ed *)e o*)er+ ba-;% and -rawled *o *)e *o0% 8la**enin(
)im+el8 a(ain+* (la++y (reen +*one' Barely a /uar*er o8 a mile away% a +mall
(rou0 o8 men were mo,in( +lowly *)rou() *)e bru+)% +0read ou* li;e a )un*in(
0ar*y% +0ear 0oin*+ bla@in( in *)e +unli()* w)i-) now -ame 8rom dire-*ly o,er)ead'
Amon( *)em were +e,eral 8i(ure+ in blue *uni-+ o8 *)e An;a>an Order'
ane rea-)ed be)ind )im% w)i+0erin( *o Rianna *o 0a++ u0 *)e *ele+-o0e *)ey )ad
8ound a* *)e de+er*ed &ni*y Ba+e' For a momen* )e worried?)ad +)e *a;en i* ou*
8or 2oda>+ damned +*ar<(a@in( le++on+ and 8or(o**en *o 0u* i* ba-; in*o )er 0a-;D
T)en +)e 0u* i* in*o )i+ )and' He +i()*ed *)e in+*rumen* and 0eered a-ro++ *)e
in*er,enin( ma++e+ o8 lea,e+'
1uddenly a 8a-e lea0ed a* )im in +)ar0 8o-u+'
Ma+*er R)omdaE
ane 8el* a +udden im0ul+e *o -rou-) down and )ide9 *)rou() *)e *ele+-o0e i*
+eemed *)a* *)e -alm dar; eye+ mu+* +ee )im% bu* *)e +0earman *urned -almly away'
ane (lan-ed a* *)e 0ar*y' T)ere were a* lea+* 8i,e o8 *)e blue *uni-+% and 0er)a0+
8i8*y o*)er+% and *)ey were mo,in( *)rou() *)e under(row*) ,ery me*)odi-ally%
+ear-)in( *)e bu+)e+ wi*) *)eir +0ear+'
Had *)ey been )a+*ily +ummoned *o 0ur+ue *)e 8u(i*i,e 1*ar emon+D Or were *)ey
merely )un*in( *)e my+*eriou+ w)i*e 1*ar Bea+*% *)e one ane )ad )eard abou* in
*)e *a,ernD ane did no* wan* *o 8ind ou*'
ane +-anned *)e area /ui-;ly wi*) *)e (la++% -on-en*ra*in( on *)e -our+e o8 a +mall
+*ream *)a* ran down 8rom *)e )ill+ a li**le a)ead o8 *)em% *o :oin wi*) *)e ri,er
below' T)ere wa+ a 8ine -lear 0a*) o8 bare ro-; *o i*+ ed(e% bu* i* would be in 0lain
+i()* o8 *)e men below *)em'
Bu* a li**le way down+*ream% *)e wa*er ,eered +)ar0ly ba-; *oward *)em in a wide
meander% alon( a :umble o8 boulder+ and +-rub' A +*and o8 *all *ree+ +)rouded in
,ine+ +)ielded i* 8rom +i()*' ane remembered a +0ur o8 e=0o+ed ro-; *)a* ran in
*)a* dire-*ion'
T)i+ area wa+ be-omin( de8ini*ely un)eal*)y' ane wri((led ba-; down *)e +lo0e%
)anded *)e *ele+-o0e *o Rianna% and e=0lained *)e +i*ua*ion in w)i+0er+ *o ra,a+)'
Gui-;ly mo,in( ba-; *o *)e earlier ro-; +0ur% )e led *)em a-ro++ ro-; *o *)e +*ream'
In one 0la-e )e made *)em lea0 8rom boulder *o boulder a-ro++ +o8*% be*rayin( *ur8%
(lad *)a* *)ey )ad all% e=-e0* 2oda% -ome 8rom +omew)a* )ea,ier world+% and *)e
boy wa+ youn( and limber' T)ey rea-)ed *)e +*ream wi*)ou* lea,in( a *ra-; or a
bro;en *wi(' ane 0lun(ed in and *)ey 8ollowed )im% alon( *)e ed(e w)ere *)e
wa*er wa+ +)allow9 al*)ou() Ara*a; and ra,a+) mo,ed ou*
in*o *)e -en*er o8 *)e +*ream w)ere *)e wa*er wa+ o,er *)e )ead+ o8 *)e )uman+'
ra,a+) waded +*olidly% du-;in( *)e bran-)e+ *)a* di00ed o,er *)e wa*er% bu*
Ara*a; +li00ed down and +wam +ilen*ly a)ead% +-ou*in( ou* *)e +*ream'
ane wa+ *)ou()*8ul' I8 *)eir 0ur+uer+ were no* already 8ollowin( *)eir *rail in*o *)e
)ill+% *)ey would be8ore lon(9 i8 Ma+*er R)omda>+ 0ar*y )ad no* ye* )eard o8 *)eir
e+-a0e 8rom *)e -i*y% and were )un*in( *)e 1*ar<Bea+* wi*) +i= le(+% *)ey would
-er*ainly +oon *urn *)eir a**en*ion *o *)e more ea+ily iden*i8iable 0ar*y o8 C1*ar
emon+'C I8 *)e +ear-)er+ were bea*in( *)e )ill+ 8or *)em% *)e ,alley wa+ ob,iou+ly
*)e 0la-e *o be9 bu* *)e ,alley wa+ *)i-;ly :un(led and *)ey -ould no* )ide *)eir *rail'
Bu* would *)e 0ur+uer+ *)in; *o loo; 8or *)em on *)e 8ar +ide o8 *)e ri,erD
T)a* ni()* *)ey +wam *)e ri,er% Rianna and 2oda )oldin( on *o Ara*a; a+ *)ey dro,e
*)rou() *)e )ea,y -urren*' ra,a+) in+i+*ed on )el0in( ane% and a8*er 8eelin( *)e
+*ren(*) o8 *)e ri,er% ane wa+ (ra*e8ul 8or *)e bi( Ca0*ain>+ )el0' ane wa+ +ure
*)ey would be +a8e on *)e 8ar +ide9 )e doub*ed any )uman -ould +wim i* unaided%
and +o 8ar *)eir 0ur+uer+ were all )uman+'
For +e,eral day+ *)ey mo,ed -au*iou+ly *)rou() *)e :un(le beyond *)e ri,er9 bu*
+ooner or la*er% *)ey ;new% *)ey would )a,e *o 0a++ *)rou() *)i-;ly +e**led area+%
)o0in( *o 0a++ unno*i-ed *)rou() *)e -ommon 0eo0le o8 *)e ,illa(e+'
CI8%C +aid 2oda *o Rianna% Cyou will 0u* on a +;ir*% (i,e *)e +0ear *o ane *o -arry%
and bare your brea+*+ li;e any de-en* woman% we will all be a lo* +a8er'C T)a* made
+en+e% *)ou() Rianna )a*ed *)e lon( wra00ed +;ir* and *)e way i* +)or*ened )er
+*ride9 8or *)ey mu+* mo,e be*ween +-a**ered 0a*-)e+ o8 woodland be*ween *)e 8ield+
o8 ,ariou+ +mall ,illa(e+' Bu* *)ere wa+ no di+(ui+in( *)e -olor o8 Rianna>+ eye+%
*)ou() +)e +meared around *)em wi*) a+)e+ *o +imula*e *)e -rude -o+me*i-+ o8 *)e
,illa(e women9 or Ara*a;>+ enormou+ bul;' 1ooner or la*er% no doub*% +ome rumor
o8 *)em would rea-) *)e -i*y% and *)ey -ould only )o0e *)e rumor would be la*e% and
(ro++ly di+*or*ed' And *o ;ee0 a -on+i+*en* rumor 8rom ri+in(% o8 a woman and a
man wi*) +*ran(ely -olored eye+% and an o,er+i@e +aurian% *)ey +ome*ime+ +0li* u09
ane would wander *)rou() *)e ri+in( du+* o8 0lou()ed 8ield+% be*ween ,illa(e+%
wi*) Rianna and 2oda alone% li;e a -ommon0la-e 8amily (rou0% +ome*ime+ +*al;in(
li;e a body(uard be)ind one o8 *)e +aurian+% *o rende@,ou+ a* *)e ne=* ,illa(e% w)ile
*)e dar;<+;inned *)ron(+ )urried by in*en* on *)eir own a88air+'
A mu+i-ian 0layed on a +mall )ar0 wi*) an e=*ra +*rin( 8a+*ened only a* one end%
*)a* wa+ u+ed li;e *)e bow o8 a ,iolin% and 0eo0le dan-ed :oy8ully in *)e du+*y
mar;e*0la-e' An o--a+ional :u((ler or wanderin( mime drew +mall -rowd+ a* a
-ro++road+' Bu* mo+* o8 *)e 0eo0le were 8armer+ and *)eir wi,e+% -arryin( 0rodu-e
*o mar;e*+% laborin( in 8ield+ wre+*ed 0ain8ully 8rom *)e :un(le% and 0er0e*ually a*
war wi*) *)e en-roa-)in( *endril+ and ,ine+ *)a* ;e0* *ryin( *o -ree0 ou* in*o *)e
0lou()ed land+'
On-e in a mar;e*0la-e ra,a+) brou()* ou* +ome -oin+? *)e C:ewel+ 8rom Rai8eC
were *oo dan(erou+ )ere% *)ey would -au+e *oo mu-) -ommen*9 *)a* mu+* wai* 8or
ano*)er bi( -i*y' He bou()* a +mall drum and +/ua**ed in *)e mar;e*% +*ar*in( u0 a
/ui-; mu+i-al *a**oo *)a* brou()* -rowd+ runnin(' 2oda wa+ +)o-;ed?mo+*
mu+i-ian+ were )uman% 8or i* wa+ benea*) *)e di(ni*y o8 mo+* o8 *)e Fir+* Peo0le?
bu* ane ;new w)a* *)e 1)>8e:: wa+ *)in;in(' Fu(i*i,e+% 0eo0le wi*) any*)in( *o
)ide% would be *ryin( no* *o a**ra-* a**en*ion' &nder ra,a+)>+ w)i+0ered order+%
w)ile ane and Ri<anna )id in *)e -rowd% 2oda wen* round *)e -rowd% )oldin( ou*
)i+ *urbanli;e )ead(ear 8or *)e li+*ener+ *o *o++ li**le -oin+ in*o'
Bu* a+ *)ey *ra,eled% *)e 0a*-)e+ o8 :un(le be*ween *)e 8ield+ *)i-;ened% *)e ,illa(e+
(rew 8ar*)er a0ar* and 0oorer' Wooden 0ali+ade+ +urrounded *)e -lu+*er+ o8 domed
)u*+% wi*) *)e -leared 8ield+ around *)em ;ee0in( ba-; *)e :un(le% and )o0e8ully
di+-oura(in( *)e ra+)a+'
T)e ra+)a+' I* mi()* )a,e been a 0lea+an* *ri0% wi*)ou* *)e ra+)a+' T)e bi( -a*+
be-ame a more and more -on+*an* mena-e a+ *)e *ra,eler+ 8inally *oo; al*o(e*)er *o
*)e :un(le' ra,a+) and Ara*a;% wi*) *)eir (rea*er )ei()* and *)e ad,an*a(e *)a*
*)e ra+)a+ did no* 8ind *)em edible or a**ra-*i,e% *oo; on *)e *a+; o8 (uardin( *)eir
0ro*o+imian 8ellow<*ra,eler+% and be-ame ade0* a* +0o**in( *)e (rea* -a*+ roo+*in( in
*)e lower bran-)e+' E,en +o% only Rianna>+ /ui-;ne++ wi*) *)e +0ear ;e0* *)eir
*alon+ 8rom 2oda on *wo o--a+ion+% and on-e ane *oo; a lon( +-ra*-) on one arm
*)a* 8e+*ered and )ur* 8or day+' ane lo+* *ra-; o8 )ow many *)ey )ad ;illed' He
*)ou()* +ourly% I8 the people alon# here %new, they1d #ive us a medal as pu!lic
!enefactors. Bu* w)en )e e=0re++ed *)i+ *)ou()* *o ra,a+) *)e 1)>8e:: 8rowned and
+)oo; )i+ )ead' CNo* a* all' T)e ra+)a+ are *)e only -on*rol a(ain+* 0ro*o<
+imian o,erbreedin( and ou*+*ri00in( *)eir 8ood +u00ly?or de+*royin( *)e :un(le
wi*) *)eir ,illa(e+ and di+*urbin( *)e e-olo(i-al balan-e'C
ane didn>* -are' He +*ill ;illed a+ many a+ )e -ould' A+ *)e -oun*ry (rew wilder% a
+ound be(an *o (row a)ead o8 *)em' Fir+* i* wa+ only a ba-;(round )um% un)eard
a* noon by *)e bu@@ o8 in+e-*+9 bu* day by day i* (rew% drownin( ou* all o*)er 8ore+*
+ound+% a dee0 mu**er *)a* ne,er +*o00ed' T)under+mi*) Fall+'
Cli-;<owl+ 8lu**ered away a+ *)e *ra,eler+ a00roa-)ed% *)eir mourn8ul -rie+
inaudible in *)e roar o8 *)e 8all+' Fain*ly o,er *)e (rowin( +ound+ -ame a +erie+< o8
+)rie;+9 Rianna 0oin*ed u0 in*o *)e *ree+ and loo;in( u0% *)ey +aw a lar(e baboon<
li;e mon;ey )url i*+el8 8ran*i-ally be*ween *wo *ree+' I* +ei@ed *)e end o8 a lea8y
bran-)% +wun( in*o more bran-)e+% +eemed *o boun-e u0ward a+ i*+ 8ee* *ou-)ed a
lower limb% -ra+)in( 8rom one wildly<+wayin( bran-) *o ano*)er'
T)e 8olia(e +)oo; in *)e *ree i* )ad le8*' Bran-)e+ +)oo; benea*) *)e wei()* o8 a
ra+)a% lea0in( be)ind *)e a0e *)rou() *)e *ree+' ane 8ollowed *)e 8leein( a0e and
*)e 0ur+uin( -a* wi*) )i+ eye+ a+ *)ey )ur*led *)rou() *)e bran-)e+% *)en low<red )i+
eye+ and be(an *o wal; 8orward a(ain'
"etter him than me.
T)e ear*) o0ened ou* be8ore )im' A)ead% a 8ew )undred 8ee*% *)e world ended%
:un(le and (round ali;e9 *)e +;y wa+ barred by a blurred +*rea; o8 (reen and 0ur0le
mo**lin(% below w)i-) )un( a wall o8 +un+e* -loud' He )eard?barely% o,er *)e
*)underin( roar?Rianna>+ (a+0'
Hi+ eye+ ad:u+*ed% *o 0i-; ou* red<oran(e -li88+ )al8<)idden in *)e )a@e% and mile+ o8
8la* :un(le a* *)eir *o0% all *)e way ba-; *o *)e )ori@on9 all di+*an*% 0ain*ed in 8la*
0a+*el+' Li;e a mira(e 0ain*ed on *)e +;y'
The Divine *## tells us. . . . Ara*a;>+ ,oi-e rumbled *)rou() ane>+ *)roa*<di+;9 in
)i+ e=-i*emen* )e 8or(o* *o +0ea; 6a)ram% and ane wa+ *oo awe+*ru-; *o -orre-*
)im9 anyway% *)e +ound o8 *)e 8all+ drowned )im ou*% C*)a* -on*em0la*ion o8 *)e
wonder+ o8 *)e &ni,er+e will ma;e a mind (row *o 8i* *)em' Con*em0la*ion o8 a
wonder +u-) a+ *)i+ mu+* +urely )a,e (i,en +ome (rea* wi+dom *o +ome o8 *)e mind+
u0on *)i+ world' '''C
Hi+ ,oi-e in *)e di+; *railed in*o a ra0* +ilen-e'
T)under+mi*) Fall+ a00eared abru0*ly *)rou() *)e lea,e+ *o *)eir le8*% a (rea* +il,er
-ur*ain o8 roarin( wa*er'
5ia#ara pourin# into the Grand 2anyon, ane *)ou()*'
5o. Too !i# for 5ia#ara. +hat1s that enormous one in Africa?
T)e :un(le *)inned' T)ey +*ood a* *)e ed(e o8 ,a+* em0*ine++' Fier-e wind+ lea0ed u0
8rom *)e (ul8% -)ill wi*) mi+* 8rom *)e 8all+' Here *)e mou*) o8 *)e ri,er )ad *a;en a
)u(e bi*e ou* o8 *)e -anyon wall' T)e wind -arried *)em *)e *errible )ammerin( o8
*)e 8all+' 1and+*one +lo0ed away a* *)eir 8ee*9 )al8way down *)e (la++y ro-; +*ood
ou* in :a((ed +0ur+% and below *)a* *)ey -ould +ee dar;er ro-; dro00in( *o *)e
-anyon 8loor'
Hal8way down *)e 8a-e o8 *)e 8all+ *)e wa*er 8oun*ained wildly% reboundin( 8rom
:a((ed +0lin*er+ o8 -ry+*al% ma;in( mul*i0le rainbow+9 *)en 0lun(ed in*o *)e dee0
boilin( 0ool a* *)e bo**om' Ou* o8 *)e 8uriou+ +0ray a +*ream 8lowed *oward *)e
-en*er o8 *)e ,alley% w)ere mi+* +)rouded *)e in,i+ible ri,er'
ane>+ *)roa* di+; ,ibra*ed *o ra,a+)>+ ,oi-e'
CT)a* loo;+ li;e a way down o,er *)ere'C T)e 1)>8e:: 0oin*ed' CPer)a0+ we -an all
(e* down'C Hi+ eye+ lin(ered% -on-erned% on Ara*a;' He +-anned *)e +lo0e+ below%
-alled *o Rianna *o brin( *)e *ele+-o0e% *)en +*udied *)e lower +lo0e+' He *urned
ba-; *o ane% +ayin(% CI -an (e* )im down' T)ere are led(e+ and ou*-ro00in(+ down
*)ere *)a* one -ould almo+* dri,e a -rawler down% i8 *)e ed(e+ were +moo*)ed +ome<
w)a*'C
Ara*a; loo;ed down in*o *)e +*ee0 (ully% (loomily'
CT)e i,ine E(( )a+ wi+ely *old u+ *)a* i* i+ ea+ier *o +in; *)an *o +wim%C )e
remar;ed% Cbu* I do no* ;now i8 *)e +ame a00lie+ *o -limbin( u0 or down )ill+' Hi+
wi+dom )a+ no* ye* a00lied i*+el8 *o *)e ma**er o8 +0eed and -on*rol% ala+'C
2oda wa+ *u((in( a* Rianna>+ arm and +)ou*in(% bu* ane -ould no* ma;e ou* a
word )e +aid o,er *)e -ra+) o8 *)e 8all+' Probably )e wa+ more -on8u+ed *)an e,er%
+eein( *)em a00aren*ly -on,er+in( wi*)ou* worryin( abou* *)e noi+e% bu* ane
wa+n>* abou* *o +*o0 and e=0lain *)e *ran+la*or di+;+ ri()* now' 2oda 0oin*ed and
Rianna *urned *o loo;9 +)e +*i88ened% be-;oned *o ane and 0oin*ed'
ane loo;ed a-ro++ *)e ar- o8 *)e bi**en<ou* ed(e o8 *)e -anyon rim% *o *)e ro-;+ a*
*)e ed(e o8 *)e 8all+' A8*er a momen* )e +na*-)ed *)e *ele+-o0e% 8o-u+ed i* )a+*ily' A
+mall 8i(ure in blue +*ood *)ere?an An;a>an +0earmanE O*)er+ were -omin( ou* o8
*)e :un(le% and *)e +0earman wa+ 0oin*in(?
ane w)irled *o *)e o*)er+'
Cown% /ui-;E T)ey>,e +een u+EC
Ara*a; 8o-u+ed )i+ bul(in( eye+ on *)e 8ollower+' T)en )e 0ulled ane>+ )ead -lo+e
*o )im' CT)e re+* o8 you +)ould (o?ma;e your e+-a0e down *)i+ +lo0e' Lea,e me
)ere *o delay *)em'C He added% wi*) a *win(e o8 )umor% CBe**er I +)ould delay them,
*)an delay you in your de+-en*% a+ I am +ure *o doEC
ra,a+) bared needle 8an(+' CNo' We>ll ma;e a +*and and -)an-e dri,in( *)em o88'C
CT)ere are *oo many%C Ara*a; +aid% C!o% +ir' W)a* o8 our mi++ionD Be**er *)ey *a;e
only one o8 u+' And only you -an -ommuni-a*e wi*) Far+0ea;er i8 we are all ;illed' I
wa+ 8or-ed by no one *o under*a;e *)i+ mi++ion% and I wa+ 8ully aware o8 *)e ri+;+'
HurryE I will delay a+ many a+ I -an% bu* I -anno* delay *)em 8ore,erEC
Bel+ar wa+ +in;in( be)ind *)e *ree+ *o *)e we+*9 *)e 8ar wall o8 *)e -anyon wa+ a
)a@y 0in; abo,e a +*rea; o8 +il,er9 below *)em *)e rou()% *umbled 8loor o8 *)e
-anyon would (i,e *)em lo*+ o8 -o,er% i8 *)ey -ould only rea-) i*'
CNo%C )e +aid' CAra*a;% you and ra,a+) +*ar* down now9 you>re *)e +lowe+*% bu* i8
you +*ar* now% you -an ma;e i* *o *)e bo**om be8ore *)ey>re on u+% and *a;e -o,er
down *)ere' We mon;ey+ -an )old *)em 8or a w)ile% a* lea+*% and *)en w)en *)ey
+*ar* (e**in( +-ared o8 *)e +*ar+% ma;e i* down 8a+*EC
ra,a+) )e+i*a*ed% *)en +aid% CHe>+ ri()*% Ara*a;' I )a*e *o lea,e *)em% *oo% bu* *)ey
do )a,e a na*ural ad,an*a(eEC
Ara*a; bal;ed% and ane ;new )e wa+ rememberin( )ow *)e *)ree o8 *)em% ane
and Rianna and Ara*a;% la+* +ur,i,or+ o8 *)e Hun*% )ad +*ood +ide by +ide in *)e la+*
ba**le under *)e Red Moon' Bu* 8inally ane (a,e )im a 0u+)% +aid% C!e* (oin(%C
and% relu-*an*ly% *)e )u(e +aurian +*ar*ed down *)e (ully a* ra,a+)>+ +ide'
ane wa*-)ed *)e +mall 8i(ure+ runnin( alon( *)e rim *oward *)em' T)ere were
more *)an )e 8el* li;e -oun*in(% and )e *)ou()*% (rimly9 we 8ou()* a(ain+* wor+e
odd+ under *)e Red Moon' He 0oin*ed *o 2oda' C!o a8*er *)em% /ui-;%C )e +aid%
*)en reali@ed *)a* *)e boy -ould no* )ear )im o,er *)e roar o8 *)e 8all+' Bu* *)e boy
+aw *)e (e+*ure and +)oo; )i+ )ead +*ubbornly% +)ou*in( +ome*)in( ane -ouldn>*
)ear' ane *)ou()*% :u+* a+ well9 8rom *)e bra*>+ e=0re++ion% i* wa+ +ome*)in( rude'
Rianna )ad )er +0ear a* *)e ready' 1)e and 2oda +*ood +)oulder *o +)oulder% and
ane% :oinin( *)em% *urned *o 8a-e
*)e a00roa-)in( 8i(ure+' T)ey )ad +een *)e +aurian+ de+-end in*o *)e (ully% o8
-our+e% and ;new *)ey 8a-ed only *)e )uman+' Bu* 0er)a0+ )e -ould *ri-; *)em?
ma;e *)em *)in; *)ey were runnin( in*o an ambu+)'
CRianna?C He (e+*ured' C!o% )ide be)ind *)a* ro-; o,er *)ere9 *a;e 2oda wi*)
you' T)en% w)en *)ey all (e* 0a+* *)a* -lum0 o8 *ree+% )i()*ail i* ba-;?er% (e* ba-;
)ere a+ 8a+* a+ you -anEC T)ey>d +ee )er mo,in( be)ind *)e ro-;9 wi*) lu-;% *)ey
wouldn>* +ee )er -omin( ba-;% and *)ey mi()* *)in; *)ere were o*)er+% )idin(
be)ind *)e ro-;' I* mi()* +low *)em down :u+* enou() ' ' ' *oo bad *)e noi+e o8 *)e
8all+ drowned ou* noi+e% or )e>d +e* 2oda *o *)ra+)in( around in *)e bru+)% ma;in( a
noi+e li;e a do@en men ba-; *)ere and yellin( *o ima(inary allie+' Bu* *)a* old *ri-;
wouldn>* wor; *)i+ *ime'
He +*e00ed o+*en*a*iou+ly be)ind a *ree and 8rom i*+ +)el*er loo;ed down in*o *)e
(ully' Far below *)em% *)e +aurian+ were ma;in( *)eir way% *oo +lowly% o,er *)e ro-;%
ra,a+) )el0in( Ara*a; on *)e rou() *errain' T)ey mi()* )a,e *o )old *)e ambu+)
)ere% i8 *)e +aurian+ -ouldn>* ma;e i*'
Time -rawled' Pur+uer+ ran' Bel+ar +*ill )un( +*ubbornly abo,e *)e 8ar rim o8 *)e
-anyon% 8ier-ely a+ ane willed i* *o +in;' Would *)e +u0er+*i*iou+ 0rimi*i,e+ dare *o
-)a+e *)em in *)e dar;D Would *)e An;a>an Order +)are *)e +u0er+*i*iou+ 8earD
Would 2oda brea; and run away be8ore *)e 8i()*D
Rianna and 2oda -ame runnin( ba-;' ra,a+) and Ara*a; )ad ,ani+)ed in*o *)e
dee0enin( +)adow+ a* *)e bo**om o8 *)e ,alley'
CIn*o *)e )ollow% *)ere% /ui-;%C )e ur(ed% in a )a+*y w)i+0er% CCrou-) down ou* o8
+i()*% and wai* 8or my +i(nal?and w)en I (i,e i*% be ready *o -ome ou* 8i()*in(% or
*o runE W)en ra,a+) and Ara*a; are +a8ely on *)a* led(e down *)ere% and ou* o8
+i()*% I wan* you *wo *o (o down a+ 8a+* a+ you -an% and wai* 8or me on *)e led(eEC
Rianna o0ened )er mou*) *o 0ro*e+*9 +*o00ed% drew a dee0 brea*)% and nodded' A
8li()* o8 -li-;<owl+ +oared u0 ou* o8 *)e 8ore+*% -rie+ and win(bea*+ lo+* benea*) *)e
(rowlin( o8 *)e 8all+' ane *en+ed' T)e bird+ )ad been +*ar*led?0robably by *)e
men w)o 8ollowed *)em' Bu* *)ey )ad been dee0er in *)e wood+' Or were *)eir
0ur+uer+ -ir-lin(% *o -ome in 8rom *)e ba-;D Or wa+ *)ere a +e-ond 0ar*y on *)eir
*railD
He ;nel*% 0eerin( *)rou() *)e *)i-; lea,e+' !reen lea,e+% and 0ur0le' ead brown
lea,e+ On *)e 8ore+* 8loor' Tree<*run;+ +)rouded in oran(e ,ine+' In*erwea,in(
bu+)e+'
Wa+ *)a* a 8la+) o8 w)i*eD 1unli()* 8la+)ed on +ome*)in(9 a
+0ear)eadD A bel* bu-;leD A dro0 o8 le8*o,er dewD An animal>+ eyeD
Cane?C I* wa+ Rianna>+ ,oi-e in )i+ *)roa* di+;% Cra,a+) and Ara*a; are down
on *)e led(e'C
C!e* (oin(%C )e +aid% reali@in( *)a* *o +)ou* would do no (ood9 +)e would )ear i*
*)rou() )er *ran+la*or di+; or no* a* all' CWai* 8or me a* *)e bo**om o8 *)e lon(
(ully'C He *urned *o wa*-) *)em +*ar* down% *)en *urned *o *)e ed(e o8 *)e 8ore+*
on-e more' T)an; !od 8or *)e *ran+la*or di+;+E T)ou() nei*)er )e nor *)eir ma;er+
)ad e,er e=0e-*ed *)em *o be u+ed this way'
T)en% *)rou() *)e lea,e+% )e +aw *)e 8ee* o8 *wo men' He wa*-)ed -are8ully% 0ar*in(
lea,e+ *o +ee be**er' Ye+% *)ere *)ey were% mo,in( in ,ery -au*iou+ly% +0ear+ drawn
ba-; a(ain+* *)eir -)e+*+% *)e lon( ;ni,e+ o8 *)e 0oin*+ :u**in( u0 beyond *)eir
+)oulder+' Be)ind *)em )e +aw *)e bu+)e+ +)a;en by *)e -omin( o8 o*)er+'
T)under+mi*) Fall+ drowned all +ound'
Hi+ +word wa+ ou* o8 )i+ +-abbard' He 8ound )im+el8 )oldin( )i+ brea*)% and 8or-ed
)im+el8 *o brea*)e% +low and dee0' He wa+ *imin( *)e r)y*)m o8 *)eir +*e0+ in )i+
)ead' T)e blade ro+e% )i+ le8* )and -ame a-ro++ )i+ -)e+*' One more +*e0% ano*)er?
now
He bur+* *)rou() *)e +-reen o8 lea,e+'
T)e arm+ o8 *)e neare+* man +)o* *oward )im% +0ear+)a8* +lidin( *)rou() *)e
leadin( )and li;e a 0ool -ue% wi*) ane>+ *)roa* *)e ball' ane ran +*rai()* in' Hi+
blade +na00ed a-ro++ )i+ body% ba**in( *)e +0ear *o )i+ le8*9 *)en )e wa+ rai+in(
)im+el8 on )i+ *oe+% *)e +word 8lyin( u0 o,er )i+ )ead? and *)en all *)a* +*re*-)ed
0ower wa+ -on*ra-*in( a(ain% ri00in( *)e +word down and throu#h....
He wren-)ed )i+ blade 8ree 8rom *)e bloody me++ *)a* )ad been a man% and +0un
wildly *oward *)e o*)er +0ear dri,in( a* )im% le**in( *)e 0oin* droo0 *oward *)e
(round% :er;in( *)e )il* +)ar0ly u0ward' Ed(e me* +0ear+)a8*% *)rowin( *)e +0ear<
man ou* o8 balan-e9 a +*e0 wi*) )i+ o*)er 8oo* brou()* body and +word around and a
dar; round ma++?a )ead?8ell% rolled'
T)under+mi*) Fall+ 0ounded on% un)eedin('
Men were 0oin*in(% o0enin( and +)u**in( *)eir mou*)+ in +)ou*+ *)a* -ould no* be
)eard' A+ ane>+ blade li8*ed ''a(ain *)ey -owered ba-; and mo,ed *oward one
ano*)er' Wi*)ou* (oin( o88 (uard )e dan-ed ba-; *)rou() *)e lea,e+'
T)e in+*an* )e :ud(ed )im+el8 ou* o8 +i()* )e w)irled and
ran li;e )ell% Hi+ 8ee* mu+* )a,e made a *remendou+ -ra+)in( *)rou() underbru+)%
bu* *)e 8all+ *oo; -are o8 *)a*' He dar*ed *o *)e -li88 ed(e and )urled )im+el8 down
*)e +*ee0 ra,ine' Hal8<runnin(% )al8<+lidin(% )e wen* down in a +)ower o8 +mall
+*one+'
Hal8way down )e rea-)ed ou* wi*) )i+ 8ree )and% and +na((ed a +a0lin(' He )ad
+;inned )i+ le(+ +mar*ly in )i+ ra0id de+-en*' He wi0ed )i+ +word and +)ea*)ed i*%
loo;in( u0 *o *)e *o0 o8 *)e ra,ine' Had )e been +0o**edD Or were *)ey +*ill +lin;in(
ba-; *)rou() *)e wood+% e=0e-*in( )im% and *)e o*)er+% *o :um0 *)em 8rom -o,er a*
any momen*D
Time' T)a* wa+ *)e im0or*an* *)in(' Time 8or Ara*a; and ra,a+) *o ma;e i* in*o
*)e ,alley'
He wen* on down' A* *)e bo**om o8 *)e (ully )e +)ou*ed *o Rianna% and )i+ di+;
-ra-;led a re0ly% *)e word+ indi+*in-*' He :um0ed ou* on *)e led(e and 8rowned' T)e
(la++y +*one wa+ le,el% bu* +li00ery' He would )a,e *o ;ee0 -lo+e *o *)e wall''''
Cane?C *)e di+; +aid in )i+ *)roa*% and Rianna>+ arm+ were around )im% 8a+* and
)ard% *)en +)e le* )im (o' CYou>re all blood?C
CT)eir+%C )e +aid' C1;inned my le(+ +lidin( down'C He loo;ed o,er *)e ed(e% barely
able *o +ee *)e dim 8orm+ o8 Ara*a; and ra,a+)% *oilin( down 8ar below'
CWe>re 0robably (oin( *o )a,e *o delay *)em )ere%C )e +aid% loo;in( /ui-;ly around
*)e led(e' I* wa+ nearly 8our 8ee* a-ro++ a* *)i+ 0oin*% and a li**le broader w)ere )e
+*ood% a* *)e o0enin( 8rom *)e ra,ine' Be)ind )im i* widened *o +i= 8ee*% (i,in( )im a
-lear ad,an*a(e in 8i()*in( room?i8 )e -ould ;ee0 *)em bo**led u0% on *o0 o8 one
ano*)er% in *)e mou*) o8 *)e ra,ine'
A-ro++ *)e !rea* !or(e *)e +)adow+ ro+e% -limbin( *)e -li88+ li;e a *ide% a+ Bel+ar
+an; lower in *)e +;y' T)e ma++i,e wall+ below were dull maroon abo,e9 :e*<bla-;
below% ra,a+) and Ara*a; were lo+* in *)e +)adow+ now' T)e +un mu+* +*ri;e *)e
*ree*o0+ +oon% )e wa+ +ure' 7a+* 8lo-;+ o8 bird+ were 8lu**erin( and w)irlin( in *)e
-loudle++ +;y% )ome *o *)eir roo+*+ in :un(le and ,alley'
T)e -lamor o8 *)e 8all+ would )ide any +ound )i+ 0ur+uer+ made% -omin( down *)e
ra,ine' He loo;ed u0% bu* +aw no*)in( be*ween )im+el8 and *)e +;y'
T)e *)ree o8 *)em -ould ea+ily )old *)i+ narrow led(e? *)ou() )e wa+ no* +ure
2oda would be any u+e *o *)em' T)e
boy>+ eye+ ;e0* +)yin( *o *)e aw8ul dro0 8rom *)e led(e' A-*ually% )e *)ou()*% i*
would only *a;e one *o )old *)i+ led(e?
In *)e ba-; o8 )i+ mind )e +aw alli*)>+ eye+% o0en% em0*y% +*arin(% dead% a+ )e )ad
la+* +een *)em' He +aw Rianna lyin( dead on *)e 8loor% *)e +0ear 0oi+ed'' ''
CYou *wo +*ar* on down%C )e )eard )im+el8 +ay% CI -an )old *)em9 you>d only be in
*)e way'C
CYou>re in+ane%C Rianna +na00ed% CYou +ound li;e *)a* ?*)a* idio* Cli88<ClimberE
T)a* wa+ )ow he (o* ;illedE W)a* are you *ryin( *o 0ro,eDC 1)e mo,ed *o )i+ +ide%
)er :aw<mu+-le+ *i()*% and )er ,oi-e in )i+ ear wa+ a+ de*ermined a+ )e )ad e,er
)eard i*'
CI>m +*ayin(% ane' on>* *ry *o ar(ue'C
CNow loo;%C ane +aid% rea+onably% CI>,e )ad more -limbin( e=0erien-e *)an ei*)er
o8 you% and )ei()*+ don>* bo*)er me' And I -an ma;e i* down *)e -li88 8a+*er' I8?C
He +*o00ed9 a *iny mo,emen* )ad -au()* )i+ eye'
A 0ebble rolled ou* o8 *)e ra,ine9 +*ru-; *)e led(e and boun-ed in*o *)e aby++ below'
O*)er 0ebble+ rolled ou* a+ )e wa*-)ed% and a (ood<+i@ed +*one or *wo'
CToo la*e now%C ane +aid' CHere *)ey -omeE Loo; ou*EC
1*one+ 8allin(% *)e ear +o numbed now by *)e +ound o8 *)e 8all+ *)a* *)e 0ebble+
boun-ed in a +urreali+*i- +ilen-e' Wai*in(% 8in(er+ +/uee@in( *)e +word<)il*9 Rianna>+
)and+ +lidin( alon( )er +0ear' ' ' '
Ma+*er R)omda lea0ed ou* on *)e led(e% +0ear 0oi+ed a* *)e ready'
Be)ind ane>+ eye+ Ma+*er Pri*),ai>+ 8a-e 0oured blood' 8aster /homda And *)e
+0ear already in deadly mo*ion a* )im% rea-)in( deadly +*eel'''
It was all some sort of hideous mista%e . . (an:ir bell+ :in(led in )i+ memory% and a
;indly ,oi-e a+;in(% .un#ry? =our employers shouldn1t need you . . ' bu* )i+ blade
wa+ already +wee0in( a-ro++ )i+ ,i+ion li;e a wind+)ield wi0er% +wee0in( *)e
+0ear0oin* *o one +ide% and *)en )e wa+ +*e00in( in% arm+ +win(in( u0 8or *)e -u*''''
T)e +0ear<bu** -au()* )i+ arm :u+* abo,e *)e elbow% and )i+ bi-e0 +lammed in*o )i+
-)ee; wi*) *)e 8or-e o8 a 0un-)' Hi+ -u*% de8le-*ed% +;i00ed )armle++ly alon( *)e
+0ear<+)a8* and )e :um0ed ba-; a+ *)e bu** dro,e 8or )i+ +olar 0le=u+'
I1m #oin# to have to %ill him. '''
R)omda +na00ed *)e +0ear u0 o,er )i+ )ead a+ ane -u*
a(ain% and +*e00ed in% *)e +0ear<+)a8* 0re++in( a(ain+* ane>+ blade% )oldin( )im 8or
a momen* mo*ionle++'
...if I cant
T)e *ou() wooden +)a8* +*u-; *o ane>+ blade a+ i8 (lued *)ere' ane *ried *o :um0
8ree% almo+* lo+* )i+ 8oo*in( on +li00ery +*one% bu* R)omda -lo+ed *)e di+*an-e be8ore
ane -ould -u*'
In de+0era*ion ane *wi+*ed away% )urlin( )i+ +)oulder a(ain+* *)e +0ear<+)a8*%
drawin( *)e blade ba-; and +*abbin( o,er )i+ +)oulder a* *)e +0earman>+ *)roa*'
R)omda lea0ed away and ane +wi,elled on *)e ball+ o8 )i+ 8ee*% +*e00in( ba-;'
Rianna>+ +0ear dar*ed +uddenly 0a+* )i+ +)oulder% +*abbin( a* *)e +0earman% bu*
R)omda>+ wea0on w)i00ed round *o 8li-; )er 0oin* a+ide% wi*)ou* o88erin( ane
any real o0enin( 8or an a**a-;'
+e1re not wor%in# out in a do)o This is serious, damn it, he1ll %ill /ianna and ;oda
too. ''' I* +eemed *)a* *)e ()o+*+ o8 Cli88<Climber and alli*) were (a*)ered -lo+e%
wa*-)in( o,er )i+ +)oulder ' ' ' warnin# him 7oo% for me in the mornin#, you shall
find me a #rave man. . . ' Madne++ 8li-;ed *)rou() )i+ mind' Hi+ arm +mar*ed 8rom
R)omda>+ blow' T)e +)adow+ were *)i-;enin(' +hen the sun #oes down the .unters
stop fi#htin# ''' bu* *)ey were no* Hun*er+E T)e 8ar -li88 no lon(er (lowed'
T)e +0ear 8li-;ered a(ain a* )im'
CRiannaEC )e +)ou*ed% de+0era*ely% CTa;e 2oda and (e* ou* o8 )ereEC Hi+ mind wen*
on +)ou*in( lon( a8*er )e +)u* )i+ mou*) down'
R)omda dod(ed away 8rom ane>+ re*urn -u* and a(ain *)e +0ear dar*ed%
+na;eli;e' ane bru+)ed i* a+ide and )urled u0 )i+ blade 8or ano*)er +*ro;e% a
;illin( +*ro;e *)i+ *ime ' ' ' *)e +0ear +0un in R)omda>+ )and+' T)e +0ear<bu**
-ra+)ed +olidly a(ain+* ane>+ )ead and )e 8el* )i+ ;nee+ (i,e way'
Hard +*one -ra+)ed in*o )i+ body' He *ried *o 0u+) )im+el8 u0 8rom *)e +)ee* o8 (la++
w)ere )e lay% )i+ +word +*ill (ri00ed in )i+ ri()* )and% bu* *)en *)e world wen* ou*
and )urled )im in*o an endle++ *wili()* w)ere *)ere wa+ no*)in( bu* *)e eye+ o8
()o+*+% *)e eye+ o8 alli*)% -old and dead and wai*in( 8or )im *o :oin )er''' '
T)under+mi*) Fall+ wa+ +ilen* *oo'
+HAPTER E*EVE&
I* wa+ all a bi( lie% li;e e,ery*)in( el+e' T)ey +aid i* didn>* )ur* *o die% *)a* a8*er you
were dead *)e 0ain wen* away and you didn>* -are any more' Bu* *)e 0ain )adn>*
(one away' I* -ame ba-; wor+e *)an e,er' And )e -ouldn>* +ee' And *)e man w)o
)ad ;illed )im wa+ wi*) )im in *)e blind and a-)in( dar;ne++9 Ma+*er R)omda>+
,oi-e'
CT)ere will be none o8 *)a*E Remember *)e word+ o8 *)e Ble++ed One+E ?en#eance
!elon#s to Us, *)ey )a,e +aid ' ' ' :u+*i-e will be doneE Hand+ o88% *)ereEC
CT)e Ble++ed One+ were no* +o +/ueami+) w)en we were -leanin( ou* *)e w)i*e
de,il+%C a +e-ond ,oi-e (rumbled'
CT)a* wa+ di88eren*%C R)omda +aid in *)e dar;% Co you really *)in; *)i+ i+ a 1*ar
emon% you 8oolDC
T)under+mi*) Fall+ wa+ +*ill *)ere in dea*)% *oo% only more /uie*ly% +o *)a* ane
-ould )ear w)a* *)ey were +ayin(' And )e reali@ed *)a* )e wa+n>* blind% )i+ eye+
were -lo+ed9 bu* *)ere wa+ a reddi+) li()* +ee0in( in under )i+ eyelid+% +o *)e old
+*orie+ abou* *)e 8ire+ o8 )ell were *rue% a8*er all' 1omew)ere a ra+)a +-reamed% +o
*)ere were ra+)a+ in )ell% *oo' Well% *)a* 8i(ured' Bu* *)e +-en* o8 8lower+ didn>* 8i*
in% +ome)ow'
CMy +i+*er and )er +on+ were in *)a* ,illa(e *)ey burned wi*) *)eir de,il<8ire%C *)e
+e-ond ,oi-e +narled% CT)ey>re demon+% all o8 >emE W)o>+ *o +ay a demon -an>* loo;
li;e a manD I +ay ;ill )im now and )un* down *)e o*)er+ a+ 8a+* a+ we -an and ;ill
*)em *ooEC
C1ain* A>a++ioo +aid *)a* )a*red i+ a +i-;ne++%C R)omda +aid% CT)ere i+ mu-) o8 *)a*
+i-;ne++ in our land+% and mu-) )ealin( i+ needed% bu* ;illin( will no* )eal i*'C Hi+
,oi-e )ardened' CI will )ear no ar(umen*9 I +0ea; wi*) *)e ,oi-e o8 *)e Order%
-arryin( *)e -ommand+ o8 *)e Ble++ed One+% and I my+el8 am under *)eir di+-i0line%
e,en a+ wi*) all o8 you' Obey meEC
ane>+ )ead -lubbed *o bur+*in(9 )e blin;ed' Wood +mo;e 8illed )i+ no+*ril+' A new
di+-om8or* 8or-ed i*+el8 *)rou() *)e (eneral a-)e o8 )i+ w)ole body9 +ome*)in( )ard
wa+ di((in( in*o )i+ ba-;' He *ried *o wri((le o88 i*?
Hi+ eye+ +na00ed o0en' Hi+ )and+ were *ied *o(e*)er' Fireli()* *)rew ,a(ue mo,in(
+)adow+ on *)e w)i*e (au@e w)i-) )ad been +0read abo,e *)em *o +)ield men>+ +oul+
8rom *)e +*ar+' uller +)adow+ 8li-;ered on *)e wall o8 +*one a* )i+ le8*' Beyond )i+
8ee*% well under *)e -lo*)% Ma+*er R)omda +*ood% bra-ed% )and+ on )i0+% 8a-in( a
number o8 men w)o+e *ee*) were (leamin( and w)o+e eye+ were red in *)e 8ireli()*'
CI (o *o ma;e my re0or*%C R)omda +aid% -almly% CI +)all re*urn a+ +oon a+ 0o++ible9
(uard *)em well'C Hi+ ,oi-e )ardened' CI8 I do no* 8ind *)em +a8e and +ound?bo*)
o8 *)em?you will all an+wer *o *)e Ble++ed One+9 I 0romi+e you *)a* in *)e name o8
*)e An;a>an'C
He *urned and +*rode o88 -almly in*o *)e bla-;ne++ o8 *)e :un(le ni()*% ,ani+)in(
8rom ane>+ +i()* be*ween one blin; o8 *)e 8ireli()* and *)e ne=*' I* ;e0* 8li-;in( in
and ou*% li()* and dar;% li;e )i+ Wa,erin( ,i+ion' A ra+)a +-reamed ou* *)ere in *)e
dar;ne++9 *)e 8ire -ra-;led% ma;in( *)e +)adow 8la0 a(ain+* *)e (au@e o,er)ead li;e
bla-; ba* win(+'
Rollin( )i+ )ead% i(norin( *)e *)under o8 0ain *)a* roared *)rou() i*% ane +aw
2oda% ro0ed and *ied% )i+ 8a-e +meared wi*) blood and mud' Bu* )e mu+* be ali,e'
T)ey wouldn>* )a,e bo*)ered *yin( u0 a dead 0ri+oner' 2oda>+ 8ee* were 8ree% i8 )e
wan*ed *o run' Bu* ra+)a+ were )un*in(% ou* *)ere% in *)a* )aun*ed dar;ne++ beyond
*)e *en*' E,en i8 you weren>* a8raid o8 1*ar emon+% *)ere were ra+)a+% and (ran*)+%
and !od ;now+ w)a* el+e '''
ane>+ )ead 8el* a+ i8 i* )ad been +li* li;e Ma+*er Pri*),ai>+% )e -ould 8eel *)e +0li*
line down *)e middle% +urely i8 )e mo,ed i*% *)e le8* )al8 would 8all in*o *)e 8ire and
*)e ri()* )al8 would roll ou* *)ere in*o *)e :un(le% 8or *)e ra+)a+ ' ' ' no, that was
cra(y ' ' ' ane (o* *)e ro0e *yin( )i+ )and+ in*o 8o-u+% +aw *)a* *)e ro0e +*re*-)ed
8rom )i+ )and+% wa+ *ied *o a +*a;e dri,en in*o *)e (round' I* )ur* li;e )ell *o mo,e
)i+ eye+% ma;in( *)e dar; wa,er and 8li-;er and de+-end?or wa+ *)a* *)e un-er*ain
li()* o8 *)e -am08ireD More ur(en* *)an 0ain wa+ +ome*)in( el+e9 )e *wi+*ed% i(nor<
in( *)e +)a**erin( 0ain% i(norin( *)e way in w)i-) )i+ ,i+ion blurred and dar;ne++
-ame down% +ear-)in( 8ran*i-ally wi*) )i+ a-)in( eye+ 8or a *)ird ro0ed and *ied
8orm% +omew)ere in+ide *)e -ano0y' /ianna +here $was /ianna?
Bu* *)ere wa+ no +i(n o8 )er' T)ere were *)e men% -lu+*ered in *)e im0ro,i+ed Bel+ar
,er+ion o8 a *en*% under *)e (au@e w)i-) +)u* ou* *)e demon<)aun*ed +*ar+' T)ere
wa+ R)omda% ou* *)ere in *)e :un(le?and why wasn1t he afraid of the stars, and
their demons? And *)ere wa+ 2oda% *ied u0% dead or un-on+-iou+ or a+lee0'
Bu* Rianna wa+n>* *)ere' Now)ere% in *)e 8li-;erin( dar;ne++ *)a* -ame and
wen* wi*) *)e +mall un-er*ain 8ire% wa+ *)ere any +i(n o8 Rianna% or o8 )er
un-on+-iou+ body' T)ey wouldn>* bo*)er *yin( u0 *)e dead' 1o *)a* mean* +)e wa+
dead' T)ey>d ;illed )er'
Dallith, 2liff$2lim!er. 5ow /iannaJJJ
1a,a(e men were lau()in( around *)eir 8ire% *)e '8ire *)ey )ad buil* *o ward o88 1*ar
emon+ and )un*in( bea+*<eye+ and *)e ()o+*+ o8 *)eir dead' And Rianna wa+ dead
ou* *)ere 8or *)e ra+)a+ and *)e 0rowlin( +-a,en(er+ o8 *)e ni()*'
Had *)ey ;illed )er -leanly% a* lea+*D Or )ad +)e been le8* wounded% 0rey o8 *)e 8ir+*
)un*in(<-a*D Or )ad *)o+e ,i-iou+ +a,a(e+ *a;en 0lea+ure in ,iola*in( a wounded%
dyin( +0ear<woman% deli()*in( in *)e ;nowled(e *)a* +)e wa+ -on/uered a* la+*% and
a* *)eir mer-yD ane>+ arm+ *en+ed% mu+-le+ ;no**in( a* )i+ wri+*+% and *)e -ord+ -u*
in*o )i+ +;in%
/ianna ' ' ' dead under the demon$stars of "elsar, her !ody thrown to the prowlin#
scaven#ers of the ni#ht . ' ' )e>d *ea-) *)em *o lau()E He>d *ea-) *)em *o 8ear 1*ar
emon+E
A* )i+ 8ee* )e -ould +ee% now% wa,erin( bla-; 8orm+ 8li-;erin( in and ou* o8
dar;ne++9 *)e men o8 *)e raidin( 0ar*y% -omin( and (oin( a-ro++ )i+ 8ield o8 ,i+ion a+
*)ey +0read *)eir blan;e*+ 8or *)e ni()*9 )uddlin( *o(e*)er in *)e 8la00in( win(+ o8
*)e 8ireli()*% )idin( 8rom *)e +*ar+' A +in(le man +*ood (uard% +0ear a* *)e ready% no*
*oo 8ar 8rom *)e 8ire' 1omew)ere ou* in *)e ni()*% a ra+)a +-reamed a* *)e ;ill'
ane>+ arm+ +welled and +*rained% *ryin( *o 8or-e )i+ wri+*+ a0ar*' Hi+ *ee*)
-len-)ed wi*) e88or*% and )i+ )ead wa+ +0li**in(% )i+ eye+ 8li-;erin( in and ou* o8
8o-u+?or wa+ i* *)e 8li-;er o8 *)e 8ireD He reali@ed dimly *)a* 0ar* o8 i*% a* lea+*% wa+
*)e way )i+ eye+ were be)a,in(' He mu+* )a,e -on-u++ion9 8ir+* *)e blow )e )ad
*a;en e+-a0in( 8rom *)e -i*y% *)en R)omda>+ +0ear% ;no-;in( )im ou*'
He>d )ad -on-u++ion on-e be8ore% *)e day be8ore a ;ara*e *ournamen*9 )e>d 8el* li;e
*)i+ *)en% +i-;% di@@y% a-)in(9 )e>d (one in and 8ou()* anyway' He )adn>* won% bu*
)e>d made a (ood +)owin(' He -ould do i* a(ain' /homda1s spear had
%illed him, !ut he wasn1t #oin# to let a little thin# li%e !ein# dead stop him, was he?
Bla-;ne++ )o,ered beyond *)e +)i8*in( 8ireli()*% ma;in( *)e mo*ionle++ 8orm o8 *)e
+0earman dan-e a(ain+* *)e (au@e' Par* o8 ane>+ brain ;new )e wa+ no* ra*ional%
and )e +*ru((led *o 8o-u+ eye+ and mind'
Hi+ nail+ were -u**in( in*o )i+ 0alm' T)e ro0e+ bi* a* )i+ wri+*+ wi*) li**le *wi+*ed
*ee*)' T)e ()o+*+ o8 all *)o+e )e )ad 8ailed *o 0ro*e-* were wa*-)in( )im
re0roa-)8ully 8rom *)e +)adow+% Cli88<Climber>+ yellow eye+ mo-;in( )im% alli*)>+
brown eye+ li;e *)o+e o8 a wounded 8awn% *)e -ool% 0ra-*i-al (reen eye+ o8 Rianna
+omew)ere in *)e dar;ne++% )er 8a-e dyed *o an e,en du+;ine++% ma;in( all o8 )er
bu* )er eye+ a 0ar* o8 *)e +)adow' Wai*in( 8or )im% ou* *)ere wi*) alli*) and Cli88<
Climber' 6illed 0ro*e-*in( *)a* damn ;id' Ano*)er +-ore a(ain+* 2oda' He would (e*
loo+e% and ;ill a 8ew o8 *)e+e barbarian+ *o a,en(e )er% and *)en )e would (o in*o
*)a* dar;ne++ *o :oin )er% and alli*)' '''
ane blin;ed 8ier-ely% *)e ,i+ion o8 Rianna>+ -ool (reen eye+ 8adin( ba-; in*o *)e
dar;ne++ wi*) )i+ 8li-;erin( +i()*' 2ome on, 8arsh, thin% Use your !rain, not your
muscles =our muscles aren1t in such #ood shape ri#ht now A li**le% -om0lainin(
,oi-e in+ide )i+ )ead +aid% 5either is your !rain. Bu* )e i(nored *)a*'
He 8or-ed )i+ arm+ *o rela=% and wri((led )i+ elbow+ down *)e +ide o8 )i+ body% *o
wed(e *)em 8irmly a(ain+* )i+ rib -a(e' 7evera#e, that was the tric% Hi+ 8i+*+
-len-)ed a(ain% and )e *wi+*ed )i+ arm+ ou*ward% *)e ro0e+ *earin( in*o *)e ri(id%
+*rainin( mu+-le+% i(norin( *)e 0oundin( )ell in )i+ )ead and *)e way *)e 8ireli()*
made )i+ ,i+ion blur and 8li-;er% (oin( in and ou* o8 8o-u+ wi*) *)e blin; o8 *)e 8ire
and *)e 0oundin( o8 *)e blood in )i+ *em0le+'
T)en )e 8el* a +in(le +*rand brea; and 0o0' Ano*)er' He +*ared a* *)e ro0e be*ween
)i+ 8i+*+% wa*-)in( i* +*re*-) and *)in ou*% wa*-)in( +*rand+ brea; and unra,el' Hi+
)ead 0ounded un*il )e 8el* *)e blood mu+* brea; ou* and +0la**er *)e -am08ire% 0u*
ou* i*+ 8li-;erin( li()*'' ''
T)ere wa+ a loud crac% and )i+ )and+ 8lew a0ar*' T)e ro0e+ around )i+ -)e+* -ame
loo+e wi*) a ru+)' T)e +en*ry% leanin( on )i+ +0ear% +na00ed )i+ )ead u0% ru+)in( a*
ane wi*) li8*ed +0ear9 bu* )e )ad *o *urn a+ide in )i+ ru+) *o a,oid +*e00in( on *)e
+lee0in( bodie+ o8 *)e o*)er men% and *)a* (a,e ane a momen* *o roll away 8rom
*)e 0oi+ed +0ear'
T)en *)e +en*ry wa+ loomin( o,er )im in *)e 8li-;erin( li()*% +0ear drawn ba-; *o
+*ab'
1*ill 8umblin( wi*) *)e ro0e% )e rolled )i+ )i0+% )i+ ri()* 8oo* +wee0in( ou* *o ;no-;
*)e +0ear a+ide' !ra,el du( in*o )i+ ri()* +)oulder a+ )e -urled on )i+ +ide% body and
arm+ *en+in( li;e a *i()*ened +0rin(' T)en% un-oilin(% )i+ elbow di((in( in*o *)e
(round% )urlin( )i+ )i0+ u0ward% )e 8el* *)e :ol* o8 im0a-* all *)e way down )i+
+uddenly +*rai()*ened le8* le(% all *)e way in*o )i+ )ead' Wi*) a new :ol* o8 0ain% )e
+aw *)e (uard )an(in( doubled and (a+0in( o,er )i+ 8oo*'
/ianna 3ne for you
He ;i-;ed *)e man>+ 8ee* ou* 8rom under )im% )urlin( )im *o *)e (round% reali@in(
*)a* i* wa+ 0robably wa+*ed mo*ion' He 0ulled )im+el8 8ree 8rom *)e loo0+ o8 ro0e
and rolled *o )i+ 8ee*' T)e +lee0er+ were +*irrin(% blin;in( in *)e wa,erin( li()*%
8allin( o,er one ano*)er a+ *)ey 8umbled 8or wea0on+'
T)e *wo neare+* le,eled *)eir +0ear+ a* ane% bu* )e 0i,o*ed and +wayed *o *)e ri()*%
+la00in( *)e neare+* +0ear a+ide' .is sword +here was his sword? T)e +0earman
wa+ be*ween ane and *)e o*)er% and o,er )i+ +)oulder ane +aw *)e o*)er man>+
8a-e% win;in( in and ou* o8 8o-u+ a+ *)e +wayin( dar;ne++ +)oo; 8ireli()* around
)im?or wa+ i* )i+ own eye+D ane>+ arm +)o* o,er *)e nearer man>+ +)oulder li;e a
+*ri;in( -obra% *oward *)e man>+ eye+' Hi+ 8in(er+ +an; in*o we*ne++% and )e )eard
*)e man +-ream% +aw )im lur-) away +omew)ere in*o *)e dar;ne++% )and+ *o )i+
eye+'
ane w)irled% *)rowin( ano*)er na;ed man )e ne,er +aw -learly% in*o *)e 8ire% wi*)
an e=*ra% bone<brea;in( *wi+*9 *)ere wa+ a )owl o8 0ain% and *)e 8ireli()* bla-;ed
ou*% dar;ne++ -ame u0 and boun-ed' Another one he could for#et a!out. He (rabbed
a loo+e +0ear and bro;e i* a-ro++ +omebody>+ <<8a-e' He *)rew away *)e 0ie-e+ and
+*e00ed a-ro++ *)e body% *oward *)e o*)er+ *)a* were wa*-)in( *)em% 8a-e+ in *)e
+)adow+ o8 *)e -li88 be)ind% ()o+*<8a-e+% Cli88<Climber% alli*)% Raima>+ -lear (reen
eye+ +omew)ere% wa*-)in( )im' T)e men were +0readin( ou*% *ryin( *o +urround
)im% bu* +omew)ere ou*+ide *)a* -ir-le wa+ Rianna% and +)e wa+ dead% dead and
wai*in( 8or )im in *)a* dar;ne++ ''' )i+ 8i+*+ were )ammer+ and )i+ le(+ ba**erin(
ram+% and *)e men -omin( a* )im were na;ed% wea0on+ +na*-)ed u0 aw;wardly'
T)ey were ea+y *o di+arm% *o 8lin( a+ide% )el0le++' He ne,er ;new )ow many o8 *)em
)e ;illed% )ow many lay moanin(% unable *o ri+e' A +0ear *)ru+* a* )im% a ma-)e*e
)i++ed *oward )i+ )ead' He -au()* *)e )and wi*) *)e ma-)e*e% )urled *)e
+word+man
a-ro++ *)e +0ear+)a8*' He 0un-)ed% wi*) a 0ra-*i-ed +na0 o8 )i+ +)oulder+% a +a,a(e
*wi+*in( 0un-) a-ro++ *)e )ear*' He )eard bone+ -ra-;' ' ' ' T)e +0ear<bu**
)ammered ane>+ rib+' Bone brui+ed on *ou() wood a+ )i+ arm blo-;ed ano*)er
+0ear% *)ru+* i* a+ide' He :um0ed o,er *)e body *o 8a-e *)e men w)o )ad ;illed
Rianna% *o -ru+) *)em and +)a**er *)em and lea,e *)em 8or *)e +-a,en(er+ o8 *)e
ni()* a+ *)ey )ad le8* )er' ''' In *)e 8lare o8 *)e 8ireli()* )e +aw *)eir )ead+ +wi,el%
8o-u+ on +ome*)in( be)ind and *o *)e le8* o8 *)em'
CT)e 1)e<emon%C +omeone yelled% and *)en *)ey were all Lone% runnin( in 0ani-%
+*am0edin(' He (a0ed a8*er *)em% *urned *o loo;' Rianna>+ ()o+* +*ood *)ere% a
8li-;erin( wrai*) 8adin( in and ou* o8 +i()* wi*) *)e 8li-;er o8 *)e 8ire' 1)e )ad -ome
8or )im' No wonder *)ey )ad run away' No doub* a* any momen*% alli*) would
a00ear be+ide )er% and Cli88<Climber ''' )e wai*ed 8or *)em *o a00ear% bu* *)ere wa+
only *)e blade o8 )er ;ni8e% 8li-;erin( in *)e 8ireli()*' 1)e wa+ -u**in( 2oda loo+e'
Con>* bo*)er%C ane )eard )im+el8 +ay +*u0idly% CHe>+ +*ill ali,e% )e -an>* -ome
wi*) u+ ''' w)ere i+ alli*)DC Rianna +eemed no* *o )ear' O8 -our+e +)e -ouldn>*
)ear% +)e wa+n>* *)ere' Or wa+ i* be-au+e )e )adn>* +0o;en ou* loud a* allD Cane%
(e* your +wordE HurryE T)ey>ll be ba-; +oonEC T)a* made +en+e' The sword of the
'amurai is the soul of the 'amurai ' ' ' life or death, it went where he did . . . w)ere
wa+ alli*)D Hi+ )ead )ur*% and +ome*)in( +eemed *o )a,e (o**en in*o )i+ eye+'
CYour sword,, +)e +aid ur(en*ly% and 0oin*ed' CO,er *)ere% by *)e 8ireEC
ane +aw *)e +)ea*)ed blade% lyin( w)ere Ma+*er R)omda )ad 0la-ed i*' He
+*a((ered *oward i*9 +*umbled9 wen* down' Cane% w)a*>+ *)e ma**er wi*) youD
.urry I, 2oda>+ bond+ 8ell away% and )e +a* u0% )u((in( Rianna -lo+e'
+hy did she run to ;oda instead of me? ane )auled )im+el8 u0 *o )i+ ;nee+%
(ro((ily% be+ide *)e +word' T)ere wa+ blood on )i+ 8in(er+' He dro00ed )i+ 8ore)ead
*o *)e (round in *)e 8ull -eremonial bow *o *)e +word and *)en li8*ed i* and *u-;ed
*)e +-abbard *)rou() )i+ +a+)' T)e *ou-)% *)e ri*ual% +*eadied )im'
The sword of the 'amurai is the soul of the 'amurai, even in death . ' ' snap out of it,
8arsh, this is no time to #o nuts
CaneEC He 8el* )er )and on )i+ arm' Warm% li,in( 8le+)E Ali,e% no* a ()o+*E CAre
you all ri()*DC
CCon8u+ed' R)omda>+ +0ear ;no-;ed me ou*%C )e )eard )im+el8 +ayin(% and *)e
world +0un a+ )e +)oo; )i+ )ead' He 0ulled )im+el8 +*i88ly *o )i+ 8ee*% aware o8
brui+e+ in )i+ arm+% )and+% e,eryw)ere' He wa+ one ma++ o8 a-)in( mu+-le'
CCome on' T)ey>ll be ba-;' T)ey>ll be more a8raid *o *ell Ma+*er R)omda *)ey ran%
*)an *)ey are o8 ()o+*+?or ra+)a+%C +)e +aid 0ra-*i-ally' He 8ollowed )er in*o
dar;ne++% )earin( weird -ooin( -rie+ in *)e :un(le% li;e *)o+e )e )ad )eard a8*er
ra,a+) )ad ;illed *)e ra+)a' Paw+ mo,ed in *)e bu+)e+9 )e +aw 8ain* +;ele*al 8orm+
li;e +)adow )ound+'
T)e +;y widened a+ *)ey mo,ed away 8rom *)e -li88% and *)e (round around *)em
(rew 0lainer' Bla-; -lum0+ o8 *ree+ were +-a**ered )ere and *)ere% bu* Rianna ;e0*
well away 8rom *)e+e% *)e na*ural )un*in(<(round o8 *)e ra+)a+' 1*arli()* (li**ered
i-ily 8rom (la++y ou*-ro0+ o8 ro-;% bu* mo+* o8 *)e land wa+ 8urred wi*) dar;
,e(e*a*ion% underbru+) and *all (ra++'
Hi+ )ead wa+ +0li**in(% and *)e (round did no* +eem *o +*ay w)ere i* belon(ed9 )e
;e0* +*umblin(% and )i+ )and+ were +)a;in(' How many men )ad )e ;illedD Were
*)o+e -ooin( *)in(+ :a-;al+D
CW)ere are Ara*a; and?C )e almo+* +aid alli*)% and +*o00ed )im+el8' CAnd
ra,a+)DC
CI don>* ;now%C +)e +aid% CT)ey mu+* )a,e rea-)ed *)e bo**om +a8ely% bu* do you
;now )ow bi( *)i+ ,alley is? T)ey -ould be anyw)ere down )ere'C
Cid *)ey?C ane reali@ed w)a* )e )ad been abou* *o a+;' Bu* *)a* wa+ only a
ni()*mare% +eein( )er ;illed% ,iola*ed?)e amended. CHow did you (e* away 8rom
*)emDC
CI didn>*%C +)e +aid% CI wen* o,er *)e ed(e o8 *)e led(eE I ended u0 in *)e *o0 o8 a
*ree9 and w)en I 8ound ou* w)ere I wa+% I +aw *)em -arryin( you and 2oda down *)e
*rail' 1o I )un( around ou*+ide *)e -am0 in *)e dar;% )o0in( I -ould +nea; in w)en
*)ey were all a+lee0 and -u* you loo+e'C He -ould :u+* +ee )er mou*) /uir; in *)e
dar;ne++' CT)en you bro;e your ro0e+ and +*ar*ed all )ell brea;in( loo+e'C
T)ey lay u0 8or *)e ni()* be*ween *wo *il*ed% :a((ed +lab+ o8 (la++% +urrounded by
*)i-; +-rub' Rianna +*ill )ad )er 0a-;9 +)e du( in and (o* emer(en-y ra*ion+%
+)arin( a 0a-;e* wi*) 2oda% 8or-in( ane *o ea*'
CI8 *)ey )a,e your 0a-;+%C ane +aid (rimly% C*)e 8a*>+ really in *)e 8ire' And *)ey>,e
(o* mine anyway' R)omda
mu+* )a,e *a;en i* o88 me w)en I wa+?in +)o-;'C He reali@ed )e )ad +*ar*ed *o +ay%
when I was %illed.
Her 8in(er+ mo,ed o,er )i+ )ead e=0lorin(ly' 1)e +aid% and )e )eard )er ,oi-e
*remblin(% CT)a* mu+* )a,e been +ome -ra-; on *)e )ead you *oo;' For*una*ely
your )ead i+ *oo )ard *o brea;'C
CYea)%C )e +aid% le**in( )im+el8 (o lim0 in )er arm+% Cbu* *)ey +ure ben* i* ou* o8
+)a0e'C
CLie down'C 1)e 8or-ed )im ba-;% laid )er wadded +0are +;ir* under )i+ )ead' 2oda
wed(ed )im+el8 *i()* a(ain+* *)em' ane lay in Rianna>+ arm+ and +)i,ered% and
8inally +le0*'
A* dawn *)e +;y o,er)ead *urned 0ale9 a wa+) o8 ro+e<0in; -re0* +lowly down *)e
we+*ern -li88% w)ile *)e bo**om o8 *)e (or(e w)ere *)ey lay wa+ +*ill in +)adow' ane
wa*-)ed *)e li()*% mo*ionle++% wonderin( w)ere in all *)i+ enormou+ ,alley Ara*a;
and ra,a+) )ad 8ound +)el*er' 2oda +le0* *)e lim0 un-on+-iou+ +lee0 o8 *)e ,ery
youn(% ne+*led +nu(ly in Rianna>+ arm+% and ane>+ mou*) )ardened a+ )e wa*-)ed
)er% +*ill +lee0in(% +)i8* )er body *o a--ommoda*e *)e boy>+ wei()* a(ain+* )er +ide'
2oda wa+n>* all that youn(' Finally Bel+ar 0eered o,er *)e ea+*ern rim o8 *)e !or(e%
+0lin*erin( +)ard+ o8 -rim+on li()* 8rom *)e (la++y layer in *)e -li88'
ane rea-)ed ou* and *ou-)ed Rianna>+ +)oulder'
CWe>d be**er (o on'C
T)e bo**om o8 *)e !or(e wa+ rou() and bro;en% wi*) (rea* +lab+ o8 (la++y ro-;
+lan*in( ou* o8 *)e ri-) allu,ial +oil *)a* wa+ *)i-;ly o,er(rown wi*) reedli;e (ra++e+
or *all% )ea,y bu+)e+ *)i-; wi*) +)ar0 *)orn+' In *)e mornin( i* wa+ -)illy% and *)ey
)uddled *)eir *)in -lo*)e+ abou* *)em% un*il% near noon% *)e +un be(an *o +wee0
a-ro++ *)e -anyon 8loor9 *)en *)ey 0ulled +0are -lo*)e+ o,er *)eir )ead+% ba;in( and
+wel*erin('
ane 8el* wea; and di@@y a+ *)ey mo,ed *)rou() *)e bla@in( )ea*' Hi+ )ead )ur*%
and )e ;new )e +)ould be *a;in( i* ea+y% bu* *)a* wa+ :u+* *oo bad' Hi+ -on-u++ion
would +im0ly )a,e *o loo; a8*er i*+el8' He wan*ed )i+ )ead *o +*ay on )i+ +)oulder+%
addled or no*'
Eroded i+land+ o8 ro-; :u**ed 8rom *)e -anyon 8loor9 8la*<roo8ed +0ire+% in,er*ed
-one+% 0yramid+% 8la* *ableland+ roo8ed wi*) *)e (li**erin( (la++% re+*in( on dar;
wall+ o8 +)ale ro-; and +la*e' Rianna wa+ 8a+-ina*ed by *)e +i(n+ o8 *)e by<(one
-a*a-ly+m% 0oin*ed ou* *)e *)i-; layer+ o8 +edimen*ary ro-; under *)e layer+ o8 8u+ed
+*one' 1)e would )a,e en:oyed i*% ane ;new% i8 *)ey )ad no* been )un*ed'
THE 1&R7I7OR1 "M"
A+ i* wa+% *)ree *ime+ *)ey )ad *o )ide in *)e *)i-; underbru+)% wa*-)in(% w)ile
0ar*ie+ o8 men wen* by% +ear-)in( 8or *)em' Now)ere% in *)a* lon( a8*ernoon% did
*)ey +ee any *ra-e indi-a*in( *)a* Ara*a; or ra,a+) )ad 0a++ed'
1unli()* -ro++ed *)e -anyon and -rawled u0 *)e ea+*ern -li88+' Bel+ar ,ani+)ed
be)ind *)e *owerin( wall+% and *)ey loo;ed 8or a 0la-e *o -am0' A 8ire would mar;
*)eir 0o+i*ion all *oo -learly 8or any 0ur+uer+9 Rianna +aid +o'
CYe* i8 we -am0 wi*)ou* a 8ire% i* i+ all *oo mu-) li;e o0enin( u0 a?a *a,ern 8or
ra+)a+%C 2oda ar(ued' CAnd i8 *)ey belie,e we are all 1*ar emon+?C )e +aid i*
de8ian*ly% C?*)ey will ;ee0 away 8rom our 8ireEC
CAnd a 8ire mi()* draw Ara*a; and ra,a+) *o u+%C ane +aid% *)in;in( aloud% *)en
+)oo; )i+ )ead% and wi+)ed a(ain *)a* )e )adn>*' !od% )ow )e wi+)ed *)e+e 0eo0le
)ad de,elo0ed a+0irinE
CToo ri+;y' I don>* *)in; Ma+*er R)omda belie,e+ in 1*ar emon+ a* all' Any)ow% )e
+aid )e didn>* belie,e I wa+ one' And )e wal;ed ri()* ou* in*o *)e ni()*% +*ar+ and
all' I don>* wan* *)a* man on my *rail a(ain'C
Ye* 0arado=i-ally )e wa+ (lad )e )ad no* )ad *o ;ill R)omda''''
Rianna 0oin*ed' CWe may no* need a 8ire%C +)e +aid' CLoo;'C A(ain+* *)e 0ale 8a-e
o8 *)e -li88 *)ere wa+ a +)allow -a,e<mou*)% )i() u0 alon( a +*ee0 ou*-ro00ed +0ire'
CI doub* li;e )ell i8 a ra+)a -ould (e* u0 *)ere%C ane +aid% CLe*>+ (o'C
T)e -li88 wa+ wea*)ered enou() *)a* ane -ould +-ramble u0 ea+ily% and 2oda%
-lawin( )i+ way nimbly u0 be)ind )im% )auled Rianna u0 a8*er *)em'
T)e -a,e roo8% w)a* *)ey -ould +ee o8 i* in *)e la+* dim *wili()*% wa+ a +olid -a0 o8
(la++y +*one% *)e 8loor o8 *)e 8ine +and+*one *)a* 8ormed% +o Rianna +aid% in *)e
bo**om o8 +)allow la;e+' T)e bo**om o8 *)e -a0 wa+% +ur0ri+in(ly% )un( wi*) w)a*
loo;ed li;e +mall +*ala-*i*e+ bu* Rianna *old *)em% la*er% *)a* *)ey )ad been 8ormed
by (ob+ o8 *)e (la++y +*u88 w)i-) )ad 8lowed% +*ill mol*en% in*o 0o-;e*+ and -re,i-e+
o8 *)e +o8*er +urroundin( +*one w)i-) )ad lon( +in-e eroded away'
ane loo;ed down *)e -li88% +a*i+8ied' A ra+)a mi()*% -on-ei,ably% +-ramble u0 i8 )e
wa+ +*ar,in( or de+0era*e?bu* *)ey>d )ear i* -omin(' T)ey a*e in *)e -a,e mou*)
wa*-)in( *)e ,alley below *)em' Bel+ar )ad lon( ,ani+)ed% bu* abo,e *)em *)e li()*
lin(ered' T)e +;y +lowly dar;ened% and *)e (rea* eye+ o8 *)e +*ar+ 8la+)ed ou* abo,e
*)em' own )ere in
*)e (or(e *)ere wa+ no :un(le *o +)el*er *)em9 i8 R)omda brou()* )i+ men down
)ere% )e>d really )a,e *o 8i()* a(ain+* *)eir 8ear o8 1*ar emon+E
A lon( 0urrin( +narl announ-ed *)a* *)e ni()*>+ )un*in( wa+ abou* *o be(in' A
8ra(men* 8rom a 0oem )eard in a world lon( lo+* )aun*ed ane>+ memory?=e hear
the call0 #ood huntin# all, that %eep the ;un#le 7aw . . . bu* )e )ad been 0rey )im+el89
*)e old au*oma*i- e=-i*emen* o8 *)e )un*er wa+ no lon(er in *)e word+'
A ra+)a +-reamed in *)e :un(le' He wa+ +*ill 0rey'
1omew)ere in *)e ,alley 8loor a red +*ar 8la+)ed' 1o R)omda )ad mana(ed *o (e* )i+
men down *)ere a8*er all'
2oda% e=)au+*ed wi*) *)e% lon( day>+ *rud(e and *)e 8inal -limb% )ad -urled u0 near
*)e ba-; o8 *)e -a,e and 8allen a+lee0' Rianna -ame and +a* be+ide ane in *)e -a,e
mou*)' T)an; (oodne++% *)ey were alone 8or on-e' No* *)a* i* would do *)em mu-)
(ood% in *)e +)a0e )i+ )ead wa+ in'
1)e a+;ed% CCould *)a* be ra,a+) and Ara*a;DC
CW)y +)ould *)ey ;indle a 8ireD T)ey wouldn>* a**ra-* )un*in( ra+)a+' More li;ely%
i*>+ Ma+*er R)omda and )i+ wi*-)<)un*er+' No way *o *ell 8rom )ere% *)ou()'C
CW)y no*DC 1)e brou()* ou* )er *ele+-o0e% and )e re-alled *)a* +)e )ad +al,a(ed
)er 0a-;' I* made )im worry abou* )i+ own 0a-;% in R)omda>+ )and+' 1)e 0oin*ed
i*% *wi+*ed i* *o 8o-u+' CI don>* ;now% i* doe+n>* loo; li;e?C
Her body +*i88ened9 +)e dro00ed *)e *ele+-o0e% wi*) a (a+0' ane -au()* i* be8ore i*
-ould roll o,er *)e ed(e'
CW)a*?C
CI*>+ one o8?o8 them, +)e (a+0ed% almo+* babblin(% Cone o8 *)e w)i*e *)in(+% *)e
*)in(+ 7il;i+) F>T)an+a +aw be8ore *)ey di+a00eared?one o8 *)em% a w)i*e +aurian%
and men dre++ed li;e *)e na*i,e+ o8 *)i+ 0lane*?ane% w)a* is i*D I* wa+ white,
ane already )ad *)e *ele+-o0e *rained on *)e di+*an* -am08ire' W)ile )e +*ru((led
wi*) *)e 8o-u+ )e *)ou()* )e +aw +ome*)in(% a 8u@@y 0a*-) o8 w)i*ene++% a ()o+*ly
mo,in( 8orm?bu* w)en )e (o* i* 8o-u+ed% i* wa+ (one' He -ould +ee% -learly% *)e
8lame+ and e,en *)e bla-; lo(+ o8 *)e -am08ire% *iny irre(ular bur+*+ o8 li()* *)a*
-on8u+ed *)e len+?*)e +mall +-o0e wa+ only a *oy% )e wi+)ed 8or a really (ood 0air o8
ni()* (la++e+E And around i* *)e *iny +)a0e+ o8 men in 0ale<-olored :a-;e*+%
+0readin( *)eir blan;e*+ 8or +lee0' T)a* wa+ all'
Cid you +ee i*% aneDC
He +)oo; )i+ )ead' CNo*)in( bu* na*i,e+ (e**in( ready 8or bed' I don>* *)in; *)ere
wa+ any*)in( *)ere' T)a* li()*>+ 0re**y *ri-;y% and i*>+ no* mu-) o8 a len+'C
Camn i*%C Rianna +na00ed a* )im?or +ome in,e-*i,e *)a* )er *ran+la*or di+;
made in*o Damn it?CI ;now w)a* I +aw% aneE I* wa+ a 0ro*o+aur abou* Ara*a;>+
+i@e?bu*% I *ell you% i* wa+ w)i*e% 0ure w)i*eE I* wa+ +*andin( in 8ron* o8 a (rou0 o8
men and (e+*urin(% a+ i8 i* were le-*urin(?C
oub*8ully% ane rai+ed *)e (la++ and +-anned *)e 8araway -am0 a(ain% wi*)ou*
re+ul*' One man +*ood (uard' T)e o*)er+ were rolled in *)eir blan;e*+% under a
+*re*-)ed -an,a+ +*re*-)ed on 0ole+'
CI* )ad i*+ arm+ ou*%C +)e in+i+*ed% Ca+ i8 i* were le-*urin(' Or +ome*)in('C
He +nor*ed lau()*er% no* amu+ed' CI* +ound+ li;e *)e ()o+* o8 1ain* A>a++ioo%C )e
+aid' Rianna wa+ a +;illed ob+er,er and no* li;ely *o allow )er ima(ina*ion *o ma;e
a blur in*o a (ian* +aurian' elibera*ely )e un8o-u+ed *)e (la++' Cer*ainly *)ere wa+
no w)i*e blur *)ere now% no*)in( re+emblin( *)e ()o+*ly blob )e )ad +een' Bu* on
*)e o*)er )and% a +olid +aurian Ara*a;>+ +i@e% e,en a w)i*e one% -ouldn>* )a,e
,ani+)ed in*o *)in air' And *)ere wa+ no :un(le around *)e -am0? *)ey% *oo% )ad
been wary o8 *ree<)aun*in( ra+)a+?and no*)in( bu* low (ra++ and bu+) *o ob+-ure
any +u-) 8i(ure'
CWell% i8 i* wa+ *)ere% i*>+ -er*ainly lyin( 0re**y low%C )e +aid% Cbu* we>ll )a,e a loo;
*omorrow a* *)a* -am0+i*e' Le*>+ (e* +ome +lee0'C
He wa+ (lad 8or 2oda% +norin( +o8*ly a* *)e ba-; o8 *)e -a,e' He wan*ed *o be -lo+e *o
Rianna% rea++ure )im+el8 a(ain% a8*er *)e re-urrin( ni()*mare+% *)a* +)e wa+ warm%
ali,e% +*ill wi*) )im' He drew )er -lo+e *o )im% rememberin( wi*) an ironi- 8li-;er?
)ust$ li%e a protosimian, !asic instinct in the face of dan#er and death?Well% w)y no*D
And )e re+ol,ed *)a* i8 2oda di+*urbed *)em ri()* now )e really would ;i-; *)e ;id>+
rib+ in *)i+ *imeE
+HAPTER TWE*VE
ane wo;e wi*) 2oda>+ )and *ou-)in( )im in *)e dar;' Hi+ )ead )ur*% bu* no*
nearly +o mu-)% and )i+ mind wa+ -lear9 )e wa+ in+*an*ly awa;e% )earin( below )im%
on *)e -li88% *)e +-ra*-)in( o8 -law+ on ro-; and a -on+*an* +ni88<+ni8i<+ni88in( +ound'
He rolled ou*% +word in )and% w)ile 2oda wa;ed Ri<anna% and +*e00ed *o *)e -li88
ed(e'
T)e +)eer dro0 below *)em wa+ +)adowed by *)e )u(e -a0+*one w)i-) 0ro:e-*ed
well beyond *)e eroded +and+*one o8 *)e 8loor% +o *)a* only a 0ar* o8 *)e ma++ o8 +*ar+
-ould li()* i*% dimly% -om0ared *o *)e (li**er o8 *)e ro-;+ around'
In *)a* dimne++ +ome*)in( mo,ed' A +)adow% lon(er *)an a man% *)a* writhed. T)e
*)in(>+ -law+ +-rabbled on *)e ro-;+% blended wi*) *)e )ar+) +nu88lin( +ound a+ i*
+melled ou* *)eir )and)old+ on *)e +*one' Now i*+ +-en* ro+e% a +)ar0 na+*ine++9 and
*)en *)a* im0o++ibly +u00le body *wi+*ed ou* 8rom *)e -li88' A +)ar0% +*reamlined
)ead% *iny )un(ry eye+ *)a* (lowed in *)e +*arli()*% 8or a momen*% be8ore *)e )ead
w)i00ed ba-; in*o *)e dimne++% dar; 8ur blendin( wi*) ro-;<+)adow+'
CA (ran*)%C 2oda +aid% in a w)i+0er'
Wi*) in-redible +0eed *)e *)in( w)i00ed i*+ lon( body u0 *)e la+* 8ew 8ee*% -urlin(
i*+el8 away 8rom *)e +0o* w)ere *)ey wai*ed% dod(in( 2oda>+ aw;ward +0ear<*)ru+*
a+ i* )oo;ed ' 0re0o+*erou+ly *iny 8orele(+ o,er *)e -li88 and% wi*) a li()*nin( ar-) o8
i*+ ba-;% wa+ on *)em'
ane )ad on-e +een a wea+el loo+e in a )en)ou+e' In +0eed and 8ero-i*y *)i+ *)in(
wa+ *)eir e/ual9 bu* i* wa+ ei()* 8ee* lon(E I* )urled i*+el8 a* 2oda wi*) a )i++in(
+narl% only *o dar* i*+ )ead a+ide a* *)e la+* momen* *o a,oid im0alin( i*+el8 on *)e
boy>+ +0ear' Tiny bi*in( *ee*) -li-;ed in *)e air near 2oda>+ +lee,e9 i* drew ba-; on
i*+ )aun-)e+% li;e a +na;e -oilin( *o +*ri;e% and +uddenly *)a* en*ire len(*) o8 8urred
-able wa+ +)oo*in( a* ane>+ *)roa*'
Hi+ blade +na00ed down' T)e *)in( 8le=ed ba-; and ane
+uddenly ;new )ow a -obra 8eel+ w)en a mon(oo+e dod(e+ i*+ +*ro;e' Rianna>+ +0ear
(ra*ed on +and+*one a+ *)e *)in( wo,e 8rom +ide *o +ide% and *)en *)e lean )ead
dar*ed in% li**le ra* eye+ (leamin(' ane lun(ed 8or an eye9 mana(ed *o ra;e )i+
0oin* alon( *)e *)in(>+ )ead' I* re-oiled wi*) a )i++in( +)rie;% and 2oda>+ +0ear +an;
in*o i*+ +)oulder' ane lea0ed in% )ewin( wi*) )i+ +word' T)e (ran*) :er;ed i*+el8 o88
*)e +0ear0oin*% wea,in( *o one +ide% and *)e blow *)a* wa+ mean* *o +)ear o88 i*+
)ead only *ore a lon( 8la0 o8 +;in and > mea* 8rom i*+ +ide' ane )ad *o :um0 ba-; *o
;ee0 *)o+e *ee*) 8rom )i+ an;le'
Bu* *)e *)ree o8 *)em were wor;in( *o(e*)er now% 2oda and Rianna dri,in( wi*)
*)eir +0ear+ 8rom ei*)er +ide w)ile ane ;e0* *o *)e -en*er' T)e *)in( (a,e (round
and wri*)ed away a+ 2oda *)ru+* in and ran on *o Rianna>+ +0ear0oin*' I*+ )ead
la+)ed a* )er% and ane>+ blade +we0* down9 i* *wi+*ed +o *)e +word (lan-ed 8rom i*+
+;ull and +)eared o88 an ear'
God 2an that thin# !e %illed at all?
T)en 2oda>+ +0ear dro,e -leanly in*o i*+ +ide' Wi*) a )i++in( +)rie; i* *ore 8ree 8rom
bo*) +0ear+% and ane% wa*-)in( in in-redulou+ )orror% *)ou()* i* would -)ar(e
*)em a(ain9 in+*ead i* :er;ed% )owled and 8ell in*o *)e dar;ne++ below% almo+*
0ullin( Rianna wi*) i*' ane -au()* )er arm a+ +)e +wayed on *)e ed(e% )aulin( )er
ba-; *o +a8e*y9 +)e -olla0+ed and lay e=)au+*ed% -lu*-)in( *)e +and+*one 8loor'
In *)e brillian* +*arli()* below *)e *)in( :er;ed and wri*)ed li;e a )u(e +na;e% *)en%
wi*) a 8inal 0aro=y+m% lay +*ill'
CWe ;illed i*%C 2oda w)i+0ered% Cwe ;illed a (ran*)EC
CA-*ually%C ane +aid% ,you ;illed i*%C and 2oda +*ared% )i+ :aw dro00in('
CBu*% bu*% you don>* under+*and' 6illin( a (ran*) ' ' ' and *)ere were only *)ree o8
u+E And none o8 u+ are e,en wounded' '''C
CI>m 0roud o8 you% 2oda%C Rianna +aid% ri+in( *o )er ;nee+% )u((in( *)e boy' .ow
a!out me, ane wondered% wi*) an odd *i()*ne++ in )i+ -)e+*% *)en wa+ an(ry a*
)im+el8' Hell% +)e wa+ :u+* en-oura(in( *)e ;id% and )e need+ i*' =es, )e reminded
)im+el8% and he deserves it, too. He remembered 2oda +ayin(% *)e ni()* )e )ad 8ir+*
+*olen ou* *o wa*-) *)e +*ar+9 I1m a coward, a very #reat coward . . . my father says I
am only fit to end my life in a rasha1s !elly, and no dou!t he is ri#ht...
CNo one -ould )a,e done be**er% 2oda' I -ouldnK* )a,e ;illed i* alone'C
From *)e bru+) below -ame a lon(<drawn<ou* -ooin( +ound' O*)er+ an+wered i*
8rom 8ar away and drew -lo+er'
Rianna (lan-ed a* *)e +;y' CMy wa*-)' You *wo (e* +ome +lee0'C
ane -rawled ba-; in*o )i+ blan;e*+' T)e -a,e +*an; o8 blood and *)e oddly
di+*urbin( +mell o8 *)e (ran*)' I* reminded )im% ,ery remo*ely% o8 +;un;' !ran*)+%
)e remembered% were +u00o+ed *o be 8airly rare' T)ey>d )a,e *o be% )e *)ou()*% or
0ro*o+imian+ would be extremely rare?or e=*in-*E No wonder 2oda wa+ +*unned a*
*)e *)ou()* *)a* )e )ad ;illed one'
T)e *)in( wa+ +o damned 8a+*E And i* )ad dod(ed *)eir wea0on+ wi*) in*elli(en-e% )e
would +wear ' ' ' and +uddenly )e remembered *)e word+ o8 *)e men in *)e *a,ern%
+0ea;in( o8 *)e my+*eriou+ w)i*e bea+*'
Fa+*er *)an a ra+)a' Fa+*er *)an a (ran*)'''
And +uddenly% )e +)i,ered and mo,ed -lo+er *o 2oda in *)e dar;ne++'
awn% and *)e +*ar+ 8adin( in*o *)e +;y' ane loo;ed o,er *)e ed(e% and +aw% below%
*)e -lean<0i-;ed bone+ o8 *)e (ran*)' 1ome*)in( *)a* loo;ed li;e a +*ar,ed 8o= on
+*il*+ wa+ 1*ill worryin( a bone be*ween +ur0ri+in(ly 0ower8ul *ee*)' I*+ 8ur wa+
(rayi+) bla-;' ane>+ 8oo* *urned a 0ebble on *)e led(e% and *)e *)in(>+ )ead
+wi,elled almo+* all *)e way around on i*+ +)oulder+9 *)en% wi*) a +*ar*led 2eo i*
+-am0ered in*o *)e bu+)e+ and ,ani+)ed' Well% now )e ;new w)a* made *)o+e
-ooin( noi+e+ a* ni()*E
A *)in *)read o8 +mo;e mar;ed *)e 8ire *)ey )ad +een *)e ni()* be8ore' ane and
Rianna +-anned *)e +i*e wi*) *)e *ele+-o0e% loo;in( 8or +ome +i(n o8 *)e im0robable
a00ari*ion o8 *)e ni()* be8ore9 bu* *)ey +aw only men% ,ery ordinary loo;in( men
wi*) dar; +;in and (ray :a-;e*+% and one in *)e blue *uni- o8 *)e An;a>an Order'
T)a* +ur0ri+ed )im a li**le% un*il )e *)ou()* abou* i*' He and Rianna were di+(ui+ed
a+ na*i,e+% *)eir +;in+ and )air dar;ened *o 0a++ wi*)ou* -ommen*' I* wa+ *)e lo(i-al
way *o 0ro-eed' Bu* *)en% w)y were *)e w)i*e +aurian+ no* dar;ened% a+ Ara*a;
wa+D
And +urely *)e di+(ui+e o8 an An;a>an +0earman mu+* be one o8 *)e mo+* di88i-ul* *o
main*ain' 1urely *)ey )ad *)eir own +e-re* +i(n+ and 0a++word+ o8 re-o(ni*ionE
Could Cdemon+ 8rom *)e +*ar+C -orru0* or +uborn a real An;a>an +0earman% )e
wonderedD Or?)e +)uddered% re-allin( *)e
Hun*er+% w)o were +)a0e<-)an(er+?;ill one% and (o around in+ide )i+ body and
brainD
T)ey wa*-)ed *)e men brea; -am0 and mar-) o88 a-ro++ *)e (or(e *oward *)e ri,er'
Care8ully mar;in( *)e rou*e o8 *)e o*)er 0ar*y% Rianna and 2oda de+-ended 8rom
*)e -a,e *o *)e *)i-; bru+) below' 2oda wen* *o *)e -lean bone+ o8 *)e (ran*) and
wren-)ed ou* a lon(% +)ar0 *oo*)% 0ryin( i* loo+e wi*) )i+ ;ni8e and +ur,eyin( i*
0roudly' I* wa+ blui+)<w)i*e and 8ain*ly luminou+'
He ur(ed ane and Rianna ea-) *o *a;e one% *oo'
CI* i+ 0roo8 you are a wor*)y )un*er%C )e ur(ed% CNo one would e,er belie,e I )ad
been a* *)e ;ill o8 a (ran*) unle++ I )ad *)e *oo*) *o +)owEC
Rianna +miled' CI*>+ your (ran*)% 2oda' You *a;e *)e *oo*)%C bu* )e +aid% CE,ery
+0ear w)o i+ in a* *)e ;ill i+ en*i*led *o a *oo*)?C and 8inally% indul(in( )im% Rianna
*oo; *)e *oo*) )e wren-)ed loo+e 8or )er% and *u-;ed i* in*o )er 0a-;' ane reali@ed
*)a* *)e ;id wa+ en*i*led *o +*ru* a li**le% i* would be (ood 8or )im% bu* )e bru+/uely
re8u+ed *o *a;e a *oo*) )im+el8% un*il i* +uddenly o--urred *o )im *)a* no one mi()*
e,er belie,e *)ere )ad been +u-) an animal% *)a* )e mi()*% +ome day% -ome *o 8or(e*
*)e *)in(>+ +i@e and 8ero-i*y )im+el8' A (ran*) wa+ a )ard animal *o belie,e in'
Rianna loo;ed a* *)e -li88 abo,e *)em' CI wi+) *)ere wa+ +ome way we -ould lea,e a
me++a(e 8or Ara*a; and ra,a+)% i8 *)ey +)ould -ome *)a* way?C
CW)y don>* we lea,e *)em a no*eDC ane a+;ed% and Rianna +*ared' CYou don>*
)a00en *o )a,e a +-riber or ,oi-e<wri*er *u-;ed in*o your 0a-;% in de8ian-e o8
re(ula*ion+DC +)e a+;ed% +ar-a+m )ea,y in )er ,oi-e'
Now i* wa+ )i+ *urn *o +*are' CHellE I don>* e,en )a,e a 0a-;E Bu* we -ould +-ra*-) a
8ew word+ in +and+*one%C )e +aid' CI*>+ +o8* enou() *)a* *)e 0oin* o8 2oda>+ ;ni8e
*)ere would lea,e mar;+'C
1)e +aid% CYou mean your 0eo0le are that 0rimi*i,eD I *)ou()* *)a* wa+ an ar*
-on*em0orary wi*) 8lin*<-)i00in(EC
CI*>+ a u+e8ul ar*%C ane +aid% Con>* your 0eo0le wri*e at all,
CNo%C +)e +aid% CA +-riber or ,oi-e<wri*er i+ mu-) )andier% and e,en i8 I )ad one% a
0or*able model wouldn>* im0rin* a +ymbol in *)e +and+*one *)ereEC
ane +nor*ed' CT)en% I +u00o+e% i*>+ u0 *o *)e 0rimi*i,eE !i,e me your ;ni8e' I -an
:u+* abou* remember *)e ideo(ram 8or >1a0ien* bein('> T)a* ou()* *o draw *)eir
a**en*ion' I -an
wri*e my name in my own +-ri0* and ma;e +ome ;ind o8 +-ra*-) 8i(ure 8or my
+word'C
By *)e *ime )e )ad +-ra*-)ed *)e emblem 8or C1a0ien* bein(C on *)e ro-;% +)e (o*
*)e idea and be(an *o *ra-e a -ou0le o8 &ni,er+al ideo(ram+ on *)e ro-; wi*) )er
8in(er 8or )im *o -o0y' T)e 8inal me++a(e read% CMar+)% Rianna% 8riend +a8e' O88<
0lane* w)i*e +aurian +i()*ed% in,e+*i(a*in(' Rende@,ou+'C
CLe*>+ )o0e *)e w)i*e -ri**er+ don>* read &ni,er+al%C +)e +aid% Cw)i-) i+ w)y I didn>*
0u* in any dire-*ion+ 8or 8indin( u+' W)e*)er *)ey do or no*% *)ere are 0robably
6ir(on on *)i+ 0lane*?and they do'C
T)en *)ey +e* o88 *)rou() *)e *)i-; bu+)e+9 *iny% blue<8urred mon;ey+ 0layed amon(
*)e 0ur0le lea,e+% and *iny bird+% e,en +maller *)an )ummin(bird+% +;immed abo,e
*)e bu+)e+' A )u(e in+e-*% *)e +i@e o8 a +wallow% di,ed ou* o8 *)e +;y% (ra00led wi*) a
*iny bird and 8ell wi*) i* in*o *)e underbru+)'
A* a di+*an-e *)ey +aw a )erd o8 +ome*)in( li;e wild -ow+' ane ;new no*)in( abou*
*)em9 bu*% rememberin( *)e re0u*a*ion o8 *)e Ca0e Bu88alo% ;e0* well away' And
on-e )e>d been *reed by a Hol+*ein bull and ;new e,en *ame -a**le -ould be
dan(erou+'
T)ey )ad no *rouble 8indin( *)e abandoned -am0+i*e' T)e ri-) allu,ial +oil *oo;
8oo*0rin*+ 0er8e-*ly% and *)e *rail o8 a do@en na*i,e +andal+ wa+ +o -lear *)a* e,en
Rianna -ould ma;e i* ou*9 a mound o8 moi+* ear*) )ad been *am0ed o,er *)e 8ire%
and lon( de0re++ion+ in *)e (ra++ +)owed w)ere *)e men )ad +le0*' ane +*o00ed
Rianna and 2oda ou*+ide *)e -am0 and mo,ed in *o +*udy *)e 0rin*+'
He +ear-)ed -are8ully amon( *)e muddled 0rin*+ o8 men?*)en% o88 *o one +ide and
0er8e-*ly -lear in *)e dam0 +oil% 0ur0le (ra++ -ru+)ed benea*) *)em% a -lear +e* o8
dee0ly<embedded +aurian 8ee*'
He )un;ered down and +*ared' T)e *ra-;+ were in +o8* *ur89 *)ey wal;ed in% rou()
-re+-en*+ *)a* be(an and ended abru0*ly' T)ey did no* (o anyw)ere' T)ey did no*
come from anyw)ere'
ane 8el* *)e )air on )i+ ne-; ri+e and 0ri-;le' T)e *oe+ +)owed dire-*ion -learly
enou()' T)o+e *wo 0rin*+% +ide by +ide% -learly +)owed *)e +*ar* o8 *)e *rail% unle++
*)e *)in( )ad wal;ed ba-;ward% and )e didn>* *)in; any ordinary +aurian -ould
balan-e doin( *)a*' Ara*a; -ouldnK*' I* )ad *a;en *wo% *)ree% 8i,e 0a-e+ 8orward%
*urned *o *)e le8* ''' 'no% *o i*+
own ri()* ' ' ' +*ood *)ere% 8a-in( a ma++ o8 +maller +andalled 8ee* ' ' ' *)e 0rin*+ *)ere
were more dee0ly embedded% and +omew)a* +mud(ed a* *)e ed(e+ a+ i8 *)e -rea*ure
)ad +)i8*ed i*+ wei()* more *)an on-e' T)en ano*)er +*ride% a *urn *o *)e ri()*% and
*)en' '' '
And *)en *)e *ra-;+ +*o00ed' Ri()* *)ere% i* )ad vanished. Or )ad +0rou*ed win(+
and +uddenly 8lown away' Or )ad *urned on an an*i<(ra,i*y bel*?*)a* wa+n>* any
+illier *)an any o8 *)e o*)er a++um0*ion+?and +*o00ed wei()in( down enou() *o
lea,e 8oo*0rin*+'
Could i* )a,e +*e00ed in*o a ,e)i-leD No' Any*)in( bi( enou() *o )old a +aurian
Ara*a;>+ +i@e% or lar(er% would )a,e )ad *o lea,e +ome ;ind o8 mar;+?w)eel+% or
*ire+% or roller+% or dra(<mar;+' Could i* )a,e +*e00ed u0 in*o +ome ;ind o8 )o,erin(
-ra8*% wi*)ou* mo,in( i*+ 8ee*% or lea,in( a mar; w)ere i* )ad +*e00ed aboardD E,en
a )o,er-ra8* would )a,e 8la**ened *)e (ra++ undernea*)'
A 8lyin( -ar0e*% maybeD ane 8el* *ired and )i+ )ead +*ar*ed *o a-)e a(ain'
He -alled Rianna o,er and +)owed *)e 0rin*+' 1)e wa+ a+ 0u@@led a+ )e wa+'
CI* loo;+ li;e *)e ma(i- o8 *)e Ble++ed One+% *)a* *)ey *ell abou*%C 2oda +aid' CBu*
*)ey>re only a my*)EC
CLoo;+ li;e w)a*e,er made *)o+e 0rin*+ i+ a my*)%C ane +aid (rimly% Cbu* i* ei*)er
,ani+)ed in*o air% or el+e i*>+ +*ill +*andin( *)ere in i*+ *ra-;+% in,i+ible% wa*-)in( u+'C
Rianna +)i,ered' ,Don1t,
Bu* ane wal;ed o,er *o *)e 0rin*+ and mo,ed )i+ )and+ *)rou() *)e em0*y +0a-e
o,er *)em' He ;new i* wa+ ridi-ulou+% bu* +o wa+ e,ery*)in( el+e -onne-*ed wi*) *)a*
none=i+*en* w)i*e +aurian'
*very!ody who1s seen it, li%e those poor devils at the Unity "ase, has vanished into
thin air, and never !een heard of a#ain
CT)ere mu+* )a,e been +ome 8orm o8 air-ra8*%C Rianna +aid% bu* ane +)oo; )i+
)ead' CIm0o++ible' We>d )a,e +een i*'C
CNo* i8 i* wa+ runnin( wi*)ou* li()*+' I* -ould )a,e le8* *)e -am0 w)en I dro00ed *)e
*ele+-o0e and been well away by *)e *ime you (o* i* 8o-u+ed a(ain'C
T)a* made +en+e% bu* ane% rememberin( *)e w)i*e blur )e )ad +een durin( *)e
8o-u+in( 0ro-e++% wa+ no* -om8or*ed' T)e &ni*y 0er+onnel )ad all ,ani+)ed' E,ery
one o8 *)em'
Ta;en by +ome*)in( *)a* -ould (e* *)rou() a T)ird Le,el 8or-e8ield'
1uddenly a 8ain* bu@@in( +ound re,erbera*ed ' ' ' ane +wi*-)ed )i+ )ead round
im0a*ien*ly% *ryin( *o 8ind ou* w)ere i* wa+ -omin( 8rom' A +*ran(e% -ra-;lin(%
bu@@in( +ound *)a* +eemed *o be in+ide )i+ )ead''''
CT)e -ommuni-a*orEC Rianna +aid% and 8umbled amon( *)e *an(le o8 amule*+ and
*rin;e*+ +)e +*ill wore% in a *)i-; ma++% a* )er *)roa*' Wi*) a +i() o8 relie8 and a
+)ee0i+) (rin% ane +or*ed *)rou() )i+ own layer+ o8 :un; :ewelry un*il )e 8ound *)e
+mall di+; and +na00ed i* on9 )eard i* bu@@in( in )i+ *)roa* di+;9
/ianna? Dane? Arata%. I am here, where you left your messa#e. ' ' ' +ell is it written
that in the diversity of 2reation we may find endless resources which would never have
occurred to us ' ' ' for which sayin# & apolo#i(e to Dravash, who & suppose, has
already re)oined you ...
Cra,a+)D No%C +aid Rianna% *roubled% Cwe *)ou()* )e wa+ wi*) you ' ' 'C and ane
-ould )ear )er ,oi-e re,erbera*in( *)rou() *)e di+; in )i+ *)roa*% *oo% eerie mul*i0le
layer+ o8 -ommuni-a*ion' Ara*a;>+ ,oi-e -ame a(ain.
I8 he survives, which now I fear is unli%ely, he would !e trou!led at the thou#ht of
usin# our communicators0 he for!ade me twice to attempt it while we were to#ether. &
fear we must maintain radio silence as he demanded. 6urther, he would demand we
chan#e our position at once, so you should not wait for me there. +ill you re)oin me at
the cave?
CHal8way%C ane +aid wi*) a /ui-; +/uin* a* *)e +un% CWal; +*rai()* alon( *)e line
8ormed by your +)adow and we>ll mee* you in an )our or *wo' Radio ou*% *)en' !ood
lu-;% Ara*a;'C
,The DivineJJJJC
And *)e -ommuni-a*or wen* o88' ead% +ilen* in mid<0ro,erb% and ane +)oo; i*%
+*arin(% bu* i* wa+ w)olly dead% u+ele++% a+ *)e -ommuni-a*or+ on *)e &ni*y Ba+e )ad
been' He )ad *)e eerie +en+e *)a* +ome in,i+ible )and )ad rea-)ed 0a+* )im and
*urned o88 *)e +wi*-)9 )e *e+*ed i* a(ain bu* -ould no* )ear *)e +ound )e made e,en
in )i+ own *)roa* di+;% and 8inally )e +wi*-)ed *)e almo+*<in,i+ible bu**on *o *)e
Co88C 0o+i*ion' Rianna wa+ +*ill +*arin( a* )er own% +*u0e8ied' 1)e +aid in a w)i+0er
CLi;e *)e one+ on *)e &ni*y Ba+e ' ' 'C And ane ;new +)e wa+ 8ollowin( )i+ own
*)ou()*+'
Rianna +aid% CAra*a; would ne,er +*o0 in mid<0ro,erb9 no* e,en ra,a+) -ould
ma;e )im do *)a*'C
2oda wa+ +*arin( a* *)em' He +aid% CW)om are you *al;in( *oDC and ane reali@ed
*)a* wi*)ou* a *)roa* di+;% wi*)ou* *)a* inbuil* *ran+la*or% all *)e ;id would )a,e
)eard would )a,e been Rianna% *al;in( in*o a +mall amule*E No wonder )e wa+
-on8u+ed'
2oda 0u* an arm around Rianna and +aid% CYou are *roubled% Lady Mi+*re++D on>*
be a8raid% I will 0ro*e-* you?I% 2oda (ran*)<+layerEC
ane -on-ealed a +nor* o8 irri*able lau()*er' 6illin( *)a* mi+erable o,er(rown
roden* )ad -er*ainly made a -)an(e in *)e ;idE ane wondered i8 )e didn>* li;e )im
be**er a+ a -owardE And i* didn>* )el0 *)a* Rianna +*ood /uie*ly in )i+ arm% +nu((led
a(ain+* 2oda' 1)e +aid% CI>m no* a8raid o8 any*)in( ri()* now% (a!av, bu* I ;now I
-an *ru+* you *o 0ro*e-* me i8 I need i*'C 1)e added% and ane )ad *)e +udden
(allin( *)ou()* *)a* +)e wa+ doin( i* du*i8ully% no* *o )ur* )i+% ane>+% 8eelin(+.
CBe*ween you and ane% I wouldn>* )a,e any*)in( a* all *o worry abou* i8 I e,er
+)ould need 0ro*e-*ion'C
CBu* w)a* )a+ )a00enedD You were *al;in( a* *)a* +*ran(e amule*?C
CO)% !od%C ane +aid% -u**in( o88 )er be(innin( e=0lana*ion o8 radio% CYou -an
-om0le*e )i+ edu-a*ion +ome o*)er *imeE I wan* *o (e* ou* o8 )ere% and a* lea+*% now%
we ;now *)a* Ara*a; i+ ali,eEC
CI re:oi-e *o ;now *)a* *)e 7enerable +ur,i,e+%C 2oda +aid% Cbu* you ;new i*
*)rou() *)a* amule*D I+ i* *)en li;e *)e bu@@er+ li**le -)ildren ma;e o8 ri%nelli +)ell+%
wi*)ou* *)e (u*<+*rin( *o -onne-* *)eir ,oi-e+DC
C1ome*)in( li;e *)a*% ye+%C Rianna +aid% +la+)in( a 0roud% +*ar*led loo; a* ane% and
)e nodded (rud(in( a00ro,al' T)e ;id wa+ bri()*' 2ud(in( by *)e way )e 0i-;ed u0
e,en a +ma**erin( o8 +-ien*i8i- analo(ie+ and wor;ed 8rom *)em% )e mi()* e,en be a
(eniu+% anyw)ere o88 *)i+ (od8or+a;en world'
Bu* )e wi+)ed Rianna would ;ee0 *)e ;id>+ )and+ o88 )erE Ma*ernal +oli-i*ude% )e
*)ou()* +ourly% wen* :u+* +o 8ar ' ' ' and i8 2oda wa+ a (ran*)<+layer )e wa+ a lo* *oo
bi( 8or +i**in( in )er la0 or bein( babiedE
+as it even maternal?
+ho %nows, may!e to her the %id is handsome
CWe>d be**er ba-;<*ra-;%C )e +aid% +i()*in( alon( *)e +un<line )e )ad +u((e+*ed *o
Ara*a;% CT)a* way''''C
CBu* i8 you 8ollow *)e +un%C 2oda +aid -on*em0*uou+ly%
Cyou will end by wal;in( in -ir-le+ a+ i* mo,e+ o,er)eadE Any *ra-;er old enou() *o
-arry a -)ild>+ +0ear ;now+ *)a*EC
CWe won>* be doin( i* lon( enou() 8or *)a*%C ane +na00ed' Co w)a* I *ell youEC
Rianna 0u* )er arm around 2oda a+ *)ey wal;ed% *al;in( *o )im in a low ,oi-e% *)e
-ommuni-a*or in )er )and9 ane +u00o+ed +)e wa+ e=0lainin( radio *o )im in
word+ o8 one +yllable' Well% be**er )er *)an me% bu* w)a* i+ (oin( *o )a00en *o *)e
;id a8*er *)i+% w)en +)e )a+ *o dro0 )im ba-; in*o )i+ ,illa(e -ul*ureD
I* wa+ no* more *)an )al8 an )our be8ore *)ey +aw a )u(e% dar; +)adow% mo,in(
+lowly *)rou() *)e bu+)e+' Rianna )urried *oward )im9 ane 8ollowed almo+* a+
/ui-;ly'
CAra*a;EC +)e -ried ou*% and )u((ed *)e )u(e% lea*)ery body9 )e -lo+ed )i+ -law+%
wi*) e=/ui+i*e deli-a-y% on )er 8a-e% wra00in( )er in an enormou+ )u('
CI re:oi-e *o +ee you% dear 8riend%C )e rumbled% 0u* )er down and *rea*ed ane *o
*)e +ame enormou+ )u(' CFor *)e *)ou()* o8 bein( abandoned alone on *)i+
de+ola*ion o8 ro-; e,en *)e i,ine E(( -ould o88er li**le 0)ilo+o0)y% e=-e0* *)a* +ore
*rial+ -ome ali;e *o (ood and e,il men% and *)a* wa+ +mall -om8or*'C
CWe ;illed a (ran*)%C 2oda in8ormed )im 0roudly% and Ara*a; rumbled a00ro,al'
CI ;now no* w)a* a (ran*) may be% bu* no doub*% li;e many o*)er o8 *)e 8orm+ o8
li8e )ere% i* ri-)ly de+er,ed ;illin(' Rarely )a,e I +een a world wi*) +o many inimi-al
8orm+ o8 bein( w)o+e u+e+ *o *)e Co+mi- All elude my 0er-e0*ion+E No doub* *)e?
*)e i,ine For-e+%C )e amended% wi*) a (lan-e a* 2oda% Cdi+0layed *)eir own un8a*)<
omable 0ur0o+e+ in -rea*in( *)e ra+)a% *)e (ran*)% and *)e in8ernally -rea*ed bo,ine
-rea*ure+ by w)o+e +*am0ede ra,a+) and I were +e0ara*ed9 bu* *)a* 0ur0o+e i+ one
I -anno*% 8or all my 0)ilo+o0)y 8ollow'C
CPer)a0+% 7enerable?C 2oda +aid% wi*) a +o8* re+0e-* w)i-) reminded ane%
+uddenly and *ellin(ly% *)a* 2oda% li;e Ma+*er Pri*),ai% )ad (rown u0 in a -ul*ure
w)i-) *oo; *)e 0ro*o+aurian Fir+* Peo0le w)olly 8or (ran*ed in a way ane or e,en
Rianna -ould ne,er do% C?*)e bein(+ in /ue+*ion were -rea*ed by *)e Ble++ed One+
in order *)a* we 1e-ond Peo0le +)ould ne,er (row -om0la-en* or la@y' Or +o *)e
Wi+e One+ in my )ome ,illa(e +aid *o me and my -om0anion+ w)en we were +mall'C
CI* may well be% +mall bro*)er%C +aid Ara*a; ;indly% bu* ane in*erru0*ed?*)e la+*
*)in( )e wan*ed wa+ 8or Ara*a; *o
(o o88 on a 0)ilo+o0)i-al le-*ure% and )e +ounded all +e* 8or one9 and ane wan*ed
8a-*+' CTell u+ w)a* )a00ened *o youE We )ad )o0ed *o -a*-) u0 *o you and ra,a+)
a* *)e bo**om o8 *)e ra,ine' ' ' 'C
CAnd we )ad in*ended *o wai* *)ere%C Ara*a; +aid% Cbu* our +0a-e wa+ in,aded by a
)erd o8 +ome -owli;e -rea*ure+% +*am0edin(?I -an only a++ume *)a* +ome*)in( )ad
8ri()*ened *)em% 8or I )eard one o8 *)em bellowin(' Per)a0+ i* )ad been +ei@ed by
*)e 8ir+* ra+)a o8 *)e ni()*% bu* I did no* )ear *)e -ry o8 any ra+)a' In any -a+e% w)en
*)ey +*am0eded% I wa+ 8or-ed *o -limb +ome ro-;+ in mo+* un<0)ilo+o0)i-al )a+*e9
and *)ou() I belie,ed ra,a+) immedia*ely be)ind me% w)en *)e -rea*ure )ad (one
I 8ound no *ra-e o8 )im' I +ou()* )im and -alled 8or )im?I e,en ri+;ed u+in( my
-ommuni-a*or% bu* i* would no* o0era*e9 I -anno* ima(ine by w)a* 8rea; o8 +ound or
ma(ne*i+m i* o0era*ed 8or a momen* w)en we -ommuni-a*ed a li**le w)ile a(o' T)en
*)e dar; de+-ended w)ile I +*ill +ou()* ra,a+)9 and I wa+ 8or-ed *o 8ind +)el*er in a
-le8* ro-; w)ere I -ould +ee any 0rowlin( ra+)a' One o8 *)em +-en*ed me% bu* did
no* a**a-;% ;nowin( I wa+ no* edible9 8or w)i-) I wa+ (ra*e8ul% )a,in( no wea0on9 I
lo+* my +0ear in *)e +*am0ede and 8ound only 8ra(men*+ a8*erward' W)en dayli()*
-ame I be(an *o loo; 8or landmar;+ w)ere we mi()* rende@,ou+% and 8ound *)e -a,e
w)ere you )ad le8* your in(eniou+ me++a(e' And *)e re+* you ;now'C
Cid you +ee a 8ire in *)e ni()*DC Rianna a+;ed' COr?or any*)in(DC
CI +aw *)e 8ire%C Ara*a; admi**ed% Cand -ame near *o a00roa-)in( i*% wonderin( i8 i*
mi()* no* be your 8ire' Bu* a+ I a00roa-)ed% I +aw many 8orm+ and ;new i* wa+
ei*)er your 0ur+uer+?or +ome*)in( el+e' 1o I re*urned *o my )idin( 0la-e'C
T)ere wa+ no 0oin*% ane ;new% in a+;in( i8 )e )ad +een a (ian* w)i*e +aurian'
Pro*o+aurian eye+i()* wa+ no* all *)a* mu-) be**er *)an )uman9 on *)e -on*rary'
Bu* Rianna ;new w)a* ane wan*ed *o a+;% and a8*er a momen* o8 *)ou()* +)e
a+;ed% Cid you +ee any *ra-e a* all o8?o8 w)a* mi()* )a,e been an air-ra8* o8 +ome
+or*D A )o,er-ra8*% 0er)a0+% runnin( wi*)ou* li()*+DC
CNo% no*)in( o8 *)a* ;ind'C Ara*a;>+ eye<rid(e+ *wi*-)ed% a+ *)ey did w)ene,er )e
wa+ 0er0le=ed' CW)y do you a+;% dear 8riendDC
1)e +i()ed' CNo rea+on%C +)e +aid% C*)ere 0robably wa+n>*
one'C 1)e loo;ed% *roubled% a* ane% and )e )eard )er w)i+0er in*o *)e *)roa* di+;%
)ardly more *)an +ub,o-ali@in(% did I really see anythin#? ane )ad been wonderin(
abou* *)a* )im+el8' A8*er all% w)en )e *)ou()* )e )ad +een +ome*)in(% )e )ad +*ill
been +u88erin( *)e a8*er e88e-*+ o8 -on-u++ion and +)o-;'
Bu* i8 we !oth *)ou()* we +aw i*D W)a* wa+ i* *)a* we bo*) didn>* +eeD 1uddenly *)e
+;in on *)e ba-; o8 ane>+ ne-; 0ri-;led' E,eryone w)o had +een *)e *)in(% )ad
,ani+)ed?were *)ey *oo (oin( *o ,ani+)% +na*-)ed in*o now)ereD
Wa+ *)a* w)a* )ad already )a00ened *o ra,a+)D
+HAPTER THIRTEE&
W)ile Ara*a; *old )i+ +*ory% *)e +unli()* )ad mo,ed a-ro++ *)e -anyon 8loor a+
Bel+ar made a 0er-e0*ible ar- in *)e +;y9 ane +aid% CWe>d be**er mo,e alon(%C and
*)ey be(an *o *ra,el a(ain' W)en *)ey 0au+ed 8or a bi*e o8 8ood% Rianna +aid *o ane
in an under*one>% COur 8ood>+ runnin( ou*' A8*er *)i+% we>ll )a,e *o )un*'C
C1)ouldn>* be )ard *o 8ind +ome*)in( edible%C ane +aid' And indeed% *)e 8loor o8
*)e !rea* !or(e wa+ aboundin( wi*) (ame% none o8 w)i-) +eemed 0ar*i-ularly wild9
ei*)er i* wa+ *oo di88i-ul* o8 a--e++ 8or mo+* )un*in( 0ar*ie+% or mo+* li;ely% *)e
-ombina*ion+ o8 ra+)a+% *)e o--a+ional (ran*) and *)e )erd+ o8 wild -ow<-rea*ure+
li;e Ca0e Bu88alo% ;e0* )un*er+ 8rom -omin( )ere ,ery o8*en' CT)o+e li**le rabbi*
*)in(+ ou()* *o be 0re**y (ood ea*in('C
Rianna nodded' CAnd 2oda +ay+ *)e +mall *)in(+ li;e deer?*)e )arli;%C +)e u+ed
*)e na*i,e word% and ane ;new +)e mean* *)e medium ruminan*+ )e would )a,e
-alled (a@elle or an*elo0e% Care a )i()ly 0ri@ed deli-a-y9 +ome 8armer+ e,en rai+e
*)em 8or mea*' Bu* *e-)ni/ue+ o8 )un*in( mu+* be )i()ly +0e-iali@ed9 remember *)a*
*)rowin( a +0ear i+ a ;ind o8 ul*ima*e *aboo )ere% +o you>d almo+* )a,e *o run i*
down% and *)ey>re a lo* 8a+*er *)an any*)in( I1d wan* *o -)a+eEC
CAra*a; )a+ i* ea+y%C ane +aid% wa*-)in( *)e (ian* +aurian -om0la-en*ly mun-)in(
on a )u(e% +i=<in-) *)in( li;e a 8lyin( *ermi*e% and Rianna -)u-;led' C1*ill% I do no*
*)in; you or I would -are 8or )i+ meal'C
CNo%C ane admi**ed% Cbu* )e -an -a*-) 8ood *)e way you or I -ould i8 )am
+andwi-)e+ (rew on e,ery bu+)'C
2oda )eard *)a*% and +aid% CIn my ,illa(e *)e -)ildren are *old a +*ory o8 a
wonder8ul under(round w)ere boiled<mil; +wee*+ (row on e,ery *ree li;e
(reenberrie+'C
A+ *)ey +*rolled on% ane 8ound )im+el8 w)i+*lin(% and a8*er a momen*% amu+ed a*
)im+el8% 0u* word+ *o *)e )al8<8or(o**en *une )e wa+ w)i+*lin(.
CW)ere *)e bluebird +in(+%
a* *)e lemonade +0rin(+% By *)e Bi( Ro-; Candy Moun*ainE
A* *)e Bi( Ro-; Candy Moun*ain T)e -o0+ )a,e wooden le(+% T)e bulldo(+ all )a,e
rubber *ee*) And *)e )en+ lay )ard<boiled e((+% T)e ,illa(e 0um0+ all run wi*) beer%
And *)e *ree+ (row bread and )oney'''C
T)ere wa+ a line in *)a* +omew)ere abou* a )am<+andwi-) bu+)% *oo% )e wa+ +ure%
bu* )e -ouldn>* remember i*'
T)ey 8ini+)ed *)e la+* o8 *)eir emer(en-y ra*ion+ la*e *)a* e,enin(% and -am0ed on
*)e +)ore+ o8 *)e inner (or(e% *)e +*ee0<walled bed o8 *)e Ma)an(a w)i-) 8lowed
*)rou() *)e -en*er o8 *)e !rea* !or(e' A* *)e bo**om% w)i*e wa*er 8ro*)ed wi*) a
+a,a(e roar o8 ra0id+' Ro-;+ were E;e 8an(+ in *)e broad wa*er'
CHow in hell, ane a+;ed% Care we (oin( *o (e* a-ro++ *)a*DC
CI )ad )o0ed we -ould rende@,ou+ wi*) ra,a+) be8ore we -ro++ed%C Ara*a; +aid%
COn-e a-ro++ *)e Ma)an(a% *)ere i+ wider *erri*ory in w)i-) *o be-ome +e0ara*ed' I
+u00o+e% in *)e la+* emer(en-y% we -ould a**em0* *o -ommuni-a*e wi*) Far+0ea;er%
*o ma;e -er*ain w)e*)er )e +*ill li,e+''''C
ane *)ou()*% (rimly% "etter you than me. T)ere were no* many *)in(+ )e wa+ a8raid
o8% bu* ra,a+)>+ albino -om0anion wa+ one o8 *)em% and *)e *)ou()* o8 *ryin( *o
re<e+*abli+) *)a* re,ol*in( *ele0a*)i- -on*a-*?w)i-)% )e reminded )im+el8 8irmly%
wa+ :u+* a+ re,ol*in( *o *)e Far+0ea;er a+ i* wa+ *o ane?wa+ one o8 *)e *)in(+ )e
didn>* mind admi**in( )e wa+ a8raid o8'
CI do no* belie,e i* )a+ rea-)ed *)a* +*a*e o8 emer(en-y ye*%C Ara*a; +aid% loo;in(
down in*o *)e boilin( ra0id+% Cbu* we -anno* -ro++ )ere% e,en I -ould no* a++ay *)o+e
ra0id+ in +a8e*y% and none o8 you li**le 0eo0le -ould e,en a**em0* i*'C And ane )ad
*o admi*% mu-) a+ )e )a*ed *o% *)a* *)e (ian* +aurian wa+ ri()*' No*)in( )uman
-ould li,e in *)a* boilin( wa*er'
Rianna +aid% CLe*>+ wal; u0+*ream' I8 ra,a+) i+ +*ill ali,e% )e>ll )a,e *o loo; 8or a
0la-e *o 8ord *)e Ma)an(a *oo and i8 *)ere>+ a really wor;able 8ord% )e>ll )a,e *o
-ro++ *)ere9 and )e>d ;now we>d be loo;in( 8or a 8ord w)i-) we 0ro*o+imian+% -ould
)andle' I>m +ure *)e Ca0*ain )a+ enou() +en+e *o *)in; o8 *)a* ,ery elemen*ary
0re-au*ion'C
1o all *)e ne=* day *)ey wal;ed u0+*ream alon( *)e ban;+ o8 *)e Ma)an(a% mee*in(
no dan(er+ e=-e0* a +*ray ra+)a w)o+e ne-; Ara*a; bro;e be8ore ane -ould (e* ou*
)i+ +word' ane wa+ *)in;in(9 i8 *)ere>+ a %nown 8ord )ere% *)a* )un*in( 0ar*y
loo;in( 8or u+ will be loo;in( 8or i*% *oo' In 8a-*% *)ey mi()* *ry *o ambu+) u+ a* *)e
8ord''''
Bu* *)ey did no*% in *)a* day>+ wal;in( or *)e ne=*% 8ind a really wor;able 8ord% and
a* la+* *)ey -om0romi+ed on a narrow +*re*-) o8 wa*er w)i-) loo;ed 0a++able9 *)ey
-ould wa+*e a lon( *ime )un*in( 8or a 8ord% and e,ery day *)e wa+*ed mean* more
-)an-e *)a* *)e 0ar*y )eaded by R)omda would -ome u0 wi*) *)em'
Or *)e other 0ar*y% *)e one wi*) *)e my+*eriou+ w)i*e +aurian wi*) i*' '''
I8 *)ere wa+ any w)i*e +aurian a* all% and i* wa+n>* a )allu-ina*ion or a boo:um'' ''
CI *)in; we -an ma;e i*%C ane +aid% and Ara*a; nodded% *)en loo;ed a* Rianna and
2oda' CBu* -an they?,
ane drew a lon( brea*)' CWe>ll )a,e *o *ry' We>ll 0u* *)em be*ween u+'C
Rianna +aid% Cane% I>m almo+* a+ +*ron( a+ you are' I8 you -an ma;e i*% I -an ma;e
i*EC
C1*ron(D Maybe%C ane +aid% loo;in( a* *)e ru+) o8 wa*er% Cbu* you )a,en>* *)e
wei()*% and nei*)er )a+ *)e ;id'C T)en )e wa+ annoyed wi*) )im+el89 w)y wa+ )e
worryin( abou* 2odaD T)e bra* made i* abundan*ly -lear *)a* )e -on+idered )im+el8
/ui*e able *o *a;e -are o8 )im+el8 in any*)in( *)a*
mi()* )a00en' That #ranth1s tooth certainly wor%ed ma#ic on him. I wish I !elieved in
it that much....
CAre you a8raid *o -ro++ *)e 8ordDC 2oda a+;ed% wi*) a -o-;y li8* o8 )i+ dar; brow%
CI +)all -ro++ and 0ro*e-* my Lady Mi+*re++ a+ wellEC
CNo* a8raid%C ane +aid% +-owlin(% C*ryin( *o 8i(ure ou* )ow *o (e* you and Rianna
a-ro++ wi*)ou* (e**in( you drowned or +ma+)ed *o 0ie-e+ on *)e ro-;+'C
'mall loss. If anythin#, the damn !rat #ot on his nerves a lot worse as a winner than
he did as a loser ;oda the #ranth$slayer was even harder to ta%e than ;oda the #reat
coward
He mu**ered +ome*)in( li;e *)i+ *o Rianna and +)e 8lared% CYou would ra*)er
de+0i+e )im% Wouldn>* youDC
CYou don>* need *o be a8raid 8or me%C 2oda +aid% CI8 you -an -ro++ *)e *orren* down
*)ere% I -an 8ollowEC
ane *ried *o ma;e )i+ ,oi-e rea+onable' CI>m no* doub*in( your bra,ery% damn i*E
Bu* I -ould 0i-; you u0 wi*) one )and9 you don>* wei() mu-) more *)an )al8 w)a* I
do% and *)e ri,er i+n>* (oin( *o (i,e you a -)an-e *o *a;e your +0ear *o i*E I* won>*
a+; w)e*)er you>re bra,e or no*% :u+* w)e*)er you )a,e *)e wei()* *o +*and u0
a(ain+* i*EC
CWe will ro0e u0 *o ea-) o*)er%C Ara*a; +aid% *a;in( a li()*% +*ron( len(*) o8 line ou*
o8 *)e 0a-;% and ane nodded'
CYou (o 8ir+* and an-)or u+ all% and I>ll -ome a* *)e end% and 0i-; u0 anyone w)o
(e*+ +we0* o88 *)eir 8ee*%C )e +aid% and bra-ed )im+el8 a+ Ara*a; +*e00ed in9 2oda
wa+ in+*an*ly ;no-;ed down and ba**ered% and Ara*a; +*oo0ed and 0i-;ed )im u0'
He +*ru((led and 0ro*e+*ed% bu* *)e noi+e o8 *)e wa*er drowned ou* *)e +ound% and
Rianna +i(naled *o )im *o be /uie* and le* Ara*a; -arry )im' 1)e -lun( *o ane a+
*)ey +*e00ed in% and ane 8el* *)e blind in+en+a*e 8or-e o8 *)e wa*er +ei@e )i+ an;le+'
I* wa+ i-e<-old9 )e (a+0ed% )i+ arm around Rianna% and 8el* *)e -urren* +*ru((lin( *o
*a;e *)em% a+ *)ey +*e00ed in 8ur*)er% (oin( in u0 *o *)eir *)i()+'
Clin(in( *o one ano*)er% *)ey -ould 8eel *)e ri,er *ryin( *o *a;e *)em% )url *)em
u0on *)e 8ro*)in( 8an(+ down+*ream' ane 8el* one 8oo* +li0 on +limy ro-;% +*ru((led
8or 8oo*in(% and *)en Ara*a; wa+ *)ere% )i+ (rea* bul; +*eadyin( *)em all a(ain+* *)e
ba**erin( wa*er9 2oda in )i+ arm+% w)ile ane and Rianna -lun( *o )im% no lon(er
8eelin( *)e +li()*e+* 8al+e 0ride abou* i*' T)e ri,er wa+ *)eir enemy and Ara*a; wa+
*)e only one o8 *)em wi*) *)e wei()* *o +*and% li;e a ro-; in mid<+*ream% 8i()*in( *)e
-urren*' In *)e dee0e+* 0ar* ane>+
8ee* wen* ou* 8rom under )im and only Ara*a;>+ (ri0 on )i+ bel* ;e0* )im 8rom
bein( )urled away 8rom *)e o*)er+% +ma+)ed on *)e ro-;+9 Rianna wa+ -lin(in( 8or
dear li8e *o Ara*a;>+ 8ree 8orelimb9 )e )ad 2oda -lin(in( round )i+ ne-; li;e a +mall
mon;ey' A+ *)ey -ame u0 *)e 8ar ban; ou* o8 *)e boilin(% +wirlin( wa*er% Ara*a;>+
8oo* +lid on a +*one9 )e 8lun( 2oda *o +a8e*y on *)e 8ar ban;% *)e boy landin(
+0rawled% bu* +a8ely ou* o8 *)e wa*er% *)e brea*) ;no-;ed ou* o8 )im' T)en *)ey were
all 8lounderin( in *)e wa*er% Rianna rollin( o,er and -lin(in( *o a ro-;% ane )al8
+*unned' T)e wa*er 8illed no+e and eye+ and mou*)% a+ )e +-rabbled% 8el* Ara*a; (rab
)im 0ain8ully% -law+ (rindin( in*o )i+ bare +)oulder% )aul )im )ard u0 *)e mud and
+*one+' He +)ou*ed wi*) 0ain?)e -ouldn>* )el0 i*?a+ *)e -law+ +-ra0ed +;in 8rom
)i+ arm and +)oulder% and lay -ou()in( and +0lu**erin( wa*er 8rom )i+ lun(+ w)ile
Ara*a; +-oo0ed Rianna o88 *)e boulder w)ere +)e -lun('
E,en Ara*a; lay e=)au+*ed on *)e ban; 8or a lon( *ime% (a+0in(% unable *o mo,e'
Rianna )ad an a++or*men* o8 ra0idly dar;enin( brui+e+ on )er *)i()+% and ane )ad
lo+* a 8ew in-)e+ o8 +;in 8rom one +)inbone on rou() ro-;% a+ well a+ *)e lon(%
bleedin( +-ra*-)e+ w)ere Ara*a;>+ -law+ )ad me* in )i+ +)oulder' Ara*a;% w)en )e
8inally -ould mo,e and +0ea; a(ain% loo;ed in -on+*erna*ion a* *)e blood )e )ad
drawn'
CMy dear 8riend% did I un8or*una*ely do *)a* *o youDC
CBe**er you *)an *)e ri,er%C ane +aid% win-in( a+ Rianna +meared +ome +*u88 8rom
)er medi-al ;i* on *)e +;inned +)in<bone% and 8or on-e Ara*a; -ould no* ma*-) or
be**er i* wi*) a +ayin( o8 *)e i,ine E(('
CT)e way our lu-;>+ been runnin(%C Rianna +aid wryly% CWe +)ould )a,e (one
down+*ream in+*ead o8 u0+*ream and *)ere>+ 0robably a (ood wide 8ord and maybe
e,en a brid(e'C
ane /uir;ed )i+ mou*) in a (rin' CAnd Ma+*er R)omda wi*) *wel,e +0earmen
wai*in( in *)e middle o8 i*' Anyway% we>re a-ro++' I )o0e ra,a+) made i*'C
I8% )e *)ou()*% Dravash is still alive and hasn1t met up with a #ranth or that white
protosaurian thin#
CT)e i,ine E(( )a+ wi+ely remar;ed%C Ara*a; +aid% C*)a* any ad,en*ure w)i-) one
+ur,i,e+ i+ a 8or*una*e ad,en*ure' o no* im0u(n *)e /uali*y o8 our lu-;% Rianna9 i*
+eem+ *o me we )a,e been +in(ularly 8or*una*e'C He rea-)ed ou* and deli-a*ely
-au()* a bu@@in( in+e-* in mid<air and be(an *o -run-) i*' 2oda% w)o )ad )ad *)e
brea*) ;no-;ed ou* o8 )im%
bu* )ad re-o,ered /ui-;ly% wa+ +-alin( *)e wall+ o8 *)e inner (or(e% and wa,ed%
-allin( *o Rianna'
CHere i+ a (reenberry *ree% Lady Mi+*re++% we will no* (o +u00erle++ *o bed'C
ane% 8illin( )i+ +*oma-) wi*) *)e *a+*ele++ (reenberrie+% +*ill *)ou()* )e would
0re8er +ome*)in( more +olid *o ea*' Tomorrow )e>d )a,e a *ry a* -a*-)in( one o8 *)e
li**le rabbi*<li;e *)in(+' E,en i8 )e )ad *o )ide in *)e lon( (ra++ and ma;e a noi+e
li;e a -arro*'
For 8our or 8i,e day+% *)en% *)ey *ram0ed *)rou() *)e *)i-; bru+) *oward *)e bla-;<
and<red wall *)a* +)u* o88 *)e +;y' ane )ad )o0ed *)ey would lea,e 0ur+ui* be)ind
on *)e o*)er +ide o8 *)e Ma)an(a% bu* no +u-) lu-;9 on-e *)ey )ad *o )ide in *)e
bru+)% Ara*a; lyin( 8ull len(*) be+ide *)em% and wa*-) Ma+*er R)omda :o( 0a+*
wi*) +i=*een men a* )i+ ba-;'
For +ome rea+on% *)e (ro,e+ o8 *ree+ were -lo+er *o(e*)er *)i+ +ide o8 *)e ri,er% bu*
*)ey were able *o +*ay well away 8rom *)em9 *)ey +aw ra+)a+ +e,eral *ime+% bu* *)e
bi( -a*+ were a8raid *o a**a-; in *)e o0en% daun*ed 0er)a0+ by Ara*a;K+ (rea* bul;9
*)e bea+*+ would +*al; *oward *)em% +narlin( *)rou() *)e (ra++% *)en *urn away
a(ain and +lin; be*ween *)e *ree+ o8 *)e neare+* (ro,e' 2oda +*umbled in*o a -o,ey o8
ne+*in( bird+% mana(ed *o (rab one and brea; i*+ ne-;% and *)ey )ad roa+* no*<
/ui*e<0ar*rid(e *)a* ni()* 8or +u00er9 i* wa+ deli-iou+' T)ey 8ound a )u(e 8umblin(
bird% li;e a bu+*ard% w)i-) -ould no* 8ly% and 2oda% wa,in( *o Rianna *o -ir-le
around a)ead o8 i* and )ead i* ba-; *oward )im?*)e bird+ were e,iden*ly
in-redibly +*u0id?+0eared i* *)rou() *)e wi+)bone% w)i-)% ane *)ou()*% mu+*
)a,e been *)e +i@e o8 a *ur;ey>+' ane wondered )ow any*)in( +o enormou+ and
edible )ad mana(ed *o +ur,i,e w)en i* wa+ *)a* +*u0id% bu* w)en *)ey -oo;ed *)e
bird )e 8ound ou*9 *)e 8le+) wa+ oily and ran-id% and only +)ar0 )un(er made i*
edible a* all' 2oda *old )im *)a* e,en *)e ra+)a+ would no* ea* *)e -rea*ure+ unle++
*)ey were de+0era*e% old and *oo*)le++ and *oo +low *o +*ri;e down any*)in( el+e'
Bu* i* made a meal be**er *)an raw bu(% and *)ey -ould -arry +ome o8 *)e mea* in
*)eir 0a-;+ 8or emer(en-ie+% +mo;ed and 0ar*ly dried o,er a -am08ire' T)ey 8ound
bird>+ e((+% *oo' 2oda a*e *)em raw% bu* ane and Rianna 8ried *)em on a 8la* +*one'
Be8ore *)em +*one 8illed *)e +;y% ri+in( )i()er and )i()er% all bla-; and mo**led (ray
a* *)e ba+e' Loo;in( u0% *)ey
-ould +*ill +ee *)e 0ale +*rea; o8 -ry+*al abo,e *)em% *)e (la++ band% wa*er<0ale%
under *)e +un+e* -olored 0a+*el o8 *)e +and+*one :u+* abo,e i*'
Bu* *)ere wa+ a brea; in *)a* wall% *oward w)i-) *)ey )ad been +*eerin( 8or day+%
and a+ *)e +;y ,ani+)ed 8rom in 8ron* o8 *)em% *)e 8ain*ly (reen<*in(ed -ra-; o0ened
ou* in*o a +*ee0 (or(e% down w)i-) wa*er +;i00ed% +il,er and 8la+)in(% o,er an
irre(ular +*air-a+e o8 wa*er8all% w)ile *ree+ )un( abo,e *)e +0ray li;e (reen -loud+'
ane in+0e-*ed i* wi*) *)e *ele+-o0e and 8rowned a* Ara*a;' I8 *)ere wa+ any 0a*) in
*)e 8ar -anyon wall w)i-) *)e (ian* +aurian -ould (e* u0% i* wa+ 0robably )ere9 bu*
*)e bu+) and ,e(e*a*ion made i* )ard *o +ee% 8rom *)e bo**om% :u+* )ow rou() *)e
-limb would be9 and *)e bo**om o8 *)e wa*er8all (or(e wa+ blo-;ed by a (rea*
-lu+*er o8 *ree+' Wi*) ra+)a+ in *)em% o8 -our+e% li;e ball+ on a C)ri+*ma+ *ree' Well%
a* lea+* *)ey would be ou* o8 *)e +un 8or a -)an(e' ane% wi*) )i+ +;in dar;ened%
didn>* +unburn% bu* *)e (lare (a,e )im a -on+*an* )eada-)e% and )e>d be (lad *o (e*
in*o *)e +)ade'
Bu*% on-e in+ide% i* would be rainin( -a*+ on *)em' No* do(+% :u+* -a*+'
Ou* )ere on *)e (ra++land a* *)e bo**om o8 *)e !rea* !or(e *)ey>d -au()* (lim0+e+
o8 ano*)er (rea* -a*% a lion<+i@ed animal wi*) ,a(uely 0ur0li+) 8ur% bu* i* )adn>*
+)own *)e +li()*e+* in*ere+* in *)em% e,en w)en *)ey almo+* +*umbled o,er i*% 8eedin(
on *)e 8re+)<;illed -or0+e o8 one o8 *)e bi( bu88alo<li;e animal+9 i* rai+ed i*+ )ead
wi*) an odd roarin( +narl% bu* made no a**a-;' 2oda )ad a name 8or *)e -a*% bu* +aid
i* )ad ne,er been ;nown *o a**a-; any )uman un0ro,o;ed' And down )ere i*+
na*ural 0rey wa+ e,iden*ly ea+ily -ome by'
Here a* *)e 8oo* o8 *)e wa*er8all (or(e +e,eral +*ream+ 8lowed% ma;in( *)eir way
lei+urely a-ro++ *)e (ra++land+ *o *)e Ma)an(a' Ara*a; ;nel* be+ide one o8 *)em%
*ryin( *o 8ind +ome real 8i+) in i*+ de0*)+ ' ' ' 8ar *oo many o8 *)e +wimmer+ were
+mall mammal+% li;e minia*ure +eal+% or +mall 8urred w)ale+ abou* +i= in-)e+ lon(%
and Ara*a; would no* ea* any warm<blooded -rea*ure' He wa+ a+ nau+ea*ed a* *)e
+i()* o8 blood a+ ane and Rianna were by *)e *)ou()* o8 -)om0in( u0 8lie+9 )e )ad
+)uddered and ,ir*ually re*-)ed w)en *)ey 0lu-;ed and e,i+-era*ed *)e bird% and
a,er*ed )i+ eye+ a+ a* an ob+-eni*y w)en *)ey -ra-;ed and a*e *)e e((+?ane
ima(ined *)a* )e% bein( 8rom an e((<layin(
+0e-ie+% )ad *)e +ame re,ul+ion *oward ea*in( e((+ *)a* ane would )a,e )ad
*oward ;illin( and +;innin( a baby (orilla'
7eave to others their 3therness. ''' A* lea+* Ara*a; )adn>* minded w)en they a*e *)e
e((+% *)ou() ane )ad a +)rewd +u+0i-ion *)a* i8 *)ere )ad been 0len*y o8 o*)er
8ood a,ailable% Ara*a; mi()* )a,e 0ro*e+*ed'
Alon( *)e wide (ra++land+% ane +0o**ed a +mall )erd% +i= or ei()* o8 *)e an*elo0e<
li;e )arli;% /uie*ly (ra@in('
CLoo;%C 2oda w)i+0ered% 0oin*in(' COne o8 *)em will 8eed u+ 8or +e,eral day+% I will
(o *)ere and )ide in *)e underbru+)% wi*) my +0ear' Lady Mi+*re++% you -ir-le
around?C )e (e+*ured wi*) )i+ arm% C?and dri,e *)em in *)i+ dire-*ion'C 1)e
nodded and made o88% bu* w)en ane would )a,e 8ollowed% )e +)oo; )i+ )ead'
CNo' Two will +*am0ede *)em and *)ey will +-a**er *oo mu-)' 1*ay )ere wi*) *)e
7enerable One'C
He -re0* o88% runnin( a+ noi+ele++ly a+ a ra+)a% and ane wa*-)ed% 8eelin( an odd
di+(run*lemen*' 2oda>+ )un*in( +;ill+ )ad 8ed *)em all 8or +e,eral day+' E,iden*ly
*)e *aboo a(ain+* *)rowin( a +0ear% e=*endin( e,en *o )un*in(% )ad 8or-ed *)e
na*i,e+ *o de,elo0 in-redible +;ill a* *ra-;in( and runnin( down (ame' He wa*-)ed
a+ *)e boy 8ound a 0la-e in *)e lon( (ra++% 8la**ened )im+el8 in i* +o +;ill8ully *)a*
e,en ane>+ +)ar0 eye+ -ould no* +ee *)a* *)ere wa+ anyone *)ere' Rianna -ir-led
be)ind *)e )erd% ma;in( no e88or* *o )ide )er+el89 *)e lead bea+* -au()* )er +-en*%
*)rowin( u0 a )orned )ead% and *)ey be(an *o mo,e unea+ily downwind% in *)e
dire-*ion o8 *)e (ra++ w)ere 2oda lay' 1)e yelled and wa,ed )er arm+% and *)ey
bro;e in*o a run9 2oda lea0ed u0 8rom *)e (ra++ and )i+ +0ear 8la+)ed in *)e
+unli()*' A lar(e )arli; 8ell% 0ier-ed *o *)e )ear* a* *)e blow9 *)e o*)er+ +*am0eded
in a ru+) o8 8lyin( *ail+% and 2oda ro+e ou* o8 *)e underbru+)% ben* o,er *)e bawlin(%
+*ru((lin( animal% and -u* i*+ *)roa* wi*) a +in(le mer-i8ul +*ro;e' He -alled
:ubilian*ly *o Rianna *o -ome )el0 -arry *)e -ar-a++ ba-; *o *)eir -am09 +)e ran
*oward )im% lau()in(% and a+ +)e -ame )e 8lun( )i+ arm+ around )er% )u((in( )er
)ard'
ane% wa*-)in(% +aw *)a* *)e embra-e wa+ no* *)e +wi8* -omradely one Rianna )ad
(i,en )im be8ore9 *)e boy 0rolon(ed i*% )oldin( )er% *)ru+*in( )i+ body a(ain+* )er+9
and Rianna% lau()in(% e=)ilara*ed% allowed i*' T)en% +*ill -la+0ed -lo+e *o 2oda% +)e
rai+ed )er )ead wi*) a 0erem0*ory -all'
CaneE Come and )el0 u+ -arry *)i+ )ereEC 1)e added%
lau()in(% a+ )e wa,ed a++en*% CA8*er all% we>,e done all *)e real wor;EC
1*un(% an(ry% 8i()*in( an i(noble +ur(e o8 :ealou+ ra(e% ane wen* *oward *)em'
That #oes a #ood lon# way !eyond encoura#in# the %id, or !uildin# his confidence, )e
*)ou()*'
&nder8oo* *)e (round wa+ *u8*ed wi*) year+ o8 rou() (ra++<(row*) and uaderbru+)%
lum0y and rid(ed9 ane +*umbled 8or a 8oo*in(% and almo+* a* )i+ 8ee*% a -o,ey o8
+mall bird+ +*irred% *)e deli-iou+ +mall 8owl<li;e 0a*rid(e+ *)a* *)ey )ad roa+*ed a
ni()* or *wo be8ore' ane (rabbed a* one a+ i* 8lu**ered% bu* i* e,aded )i+ )and9
wi*)ou* +*o00in( *o *)in;% )e rea-)ed down% (rabbed u0 a +*one and% *a;in( /ui-;
aim% 8lun( i*' T)e bird 8lu**ered% 8ell in a +/uaw;in( )ea0 a* )i+ 8ee*' He wrun( i*+
ne-;% 8eelin( *)a* +ome)ow% now% )e )ad redeemed )im+el8'
CHere%C )e +aid *o Rianna% a+ )e -ame u0 *o *)em' CNow I>,e done my +)are *oo9 we
-an roa+* *)i+ one 8or *oni()* and dry *)e )arli; mea* *o -arry wi*) u+ u0 on *)e
0la*eau' I* will la+* be**er *)a* way'C
Bu* 2oda wa+ +*arin( a* )im% )i+ mou*) o0en in +)o-; and di+a00ro,al' A8*er a lon(
momen*% )e +aid% CBu* I?I *)ou()* you 0eo0le were civili(ed =ou threw a stone at
it, T)ere wa+ di+may and +)o-; in )i+ ,oi-e% and )e e,en bro;e away 8rom Rianna%
+*andin( and loo;in( a* )er in -on+*erna*ion% a+ i8 )e )ad +een )er% *oo% -ommi* an
a*ro-i*y' And ane% *oo la*e remembered *)e 0lane*<wide *aboo a(ain+* a *)rown
+0ear% a )un*in( arrow ''' e,en a *)rown +*oneE
CaneEC Rianna +aid +)ar0ly% CHow -ould youEC In *)eir own lan(ua(e% +o low *)a*
2oda -ould no* )ear% *)a* ane -ould )ear only *)rou() *)e ,ibra*ion o8 *)e
*ran+la*or di+; in )i+ *)roa*% +)e +aid /ui-;ly% Co you ;now you may )a,e undone
all I )a,e done% 8or )i+ loyal*yD on>* you ;now *)a* i+ *)eir (rea*e+* -ul*ural
*abooDC
ane +aid aloud% de8en+i,ely% CWe are no* amon( *)e 0eo0le w)o ob+er,e *)a* *aboo%
Rianna' 2oda ;now+ we are no* o8 )i+ 0eo0le9 you *old )im' 1urely )e i+ rea+onable
enou() *o under+*and *)a* in a uni,er+e o8 +o many 0eo0le% di88eren* 0eo0le )a,e
di88eren* law+% and *)i+ i+ no* one o8 our+'C He +0o;e% loo;in( a* 2oda% a+ near *o an
a0olo(y a+ )e -ould ma;e i*' CI +im0ly 8or(o* *)e law+ )ere% 2oda' I am +orry i8 I
o88ended you' I* i+n>* our law% bu* I>,e *ried *o ;ee0 i*' I+ i* +o im0or*an*% ou* )ere
w)ere none o8 your 0eo0le e=-e0* you% w)o under+*and u+% will +ee and be
o88endedDC
He -ould +ee *)a* 2oda wa+ +*ru((lin( wi*) *)a*% and *old
)im+el8% yes, & did a damnfool thin#, !ut the %id is !ri#ht enou#h to understand
2oda +aid% and *)ere +eemed *o be real di+*re++ in )i+ ,oi-e% CI *)ou()* ' ' ' -i,ili@ed
be)a,ior ''' I did no* *)in; you were *)e ;ind o8 man *o *)row )i+ +0earEC Blin;in(%
*roubled% )e *urned )i+ ba-; on *)em and wal;ed away'
ane ben* *o )oi+* *)e -ar-a++ o8 *)e )arli; on )i+ +)oulder' Rianna *urned on )im in
di+may and wra*)% Cane% )ow -ould youD How could youDC
ane +aid +oberly% CI 8or(o*% Rianna' T)a*>+ *)e *ru*)9 I +aw *)e bird and I rea-*ed'
You *al; abou* )i+ -ul*ural in+*in-*+9 )a,e you 8or(o**en *)a* I )a,e *)em *ooDC Hi+
own an(er +ur(ed u0 a(ain' Hell% )e>d a0olo(i@ed% )e>d :u+* abou* crawled *o *)e ;idE
CI *old )im I wa+ +orry9 I *ried *o e=0lain' Bu* +ooner or la*er )e>+ (o* *o ;now *)a*
e,erybody in *)i+ w)ole bi( uni,er+e doe+n>* li,e by )i+ own narrow<minded li**le
,illa(e *aboo+% and i8 )e>+ +mar* enou() *o a--e0* *)e !ala-*i- -on-e0* )e>+ +mar*
enou() *o li,e wi*) *)a*% *ooEC
C2u+* *)e +ame% I wan*ed *o *a;e one +*e0 a* a *imeE And you 0ull a +*u0id *ri-; li;e
*)a*EC 1)e wa+ loo;in( a* )im in a ra(e% *)e *em0er )e ;new +o well 8rom more *)an
a year o8 li,in( *o(e*)er% 8lamin( a+ i* +eldom did' CYou may )a,e wre-;ed all my
wor;EC
CWor; be damned%C )e 8lun( a* )er% *urnin( around *o 8a-e )er% *)e )arli; -ar-a++
on )i+ +)oulder +)i8*in( wei()*% and +)e *o++ed )er )ead and +aid in di+(u+*% CO)%
w)a* i+ *)e u+e o8 *ryin( *o ma;e you under+*andD You are no* *rained a+ a +-ien*i+*9
I do no* +u00o+e you -an under+*and *)e ,ery 8ir+* 0rin-i0le+% w)i-) are *o do no
,iolen-e?never?*o a 0lane*>+ -ul*ural 0er-e0*ion+E Bu* I -anno* e=0e-* you *o
;now any*)in(?any*)in( a* allEC +)e re0ea*ed wra*)8ully% Cabou* a +-ien*i+*>+
wor;EC
1*un(% an(ry% ane re*or*ed% Camn i*% (o )un(ry *)enE I *)ou()* I wa+
-on*ribu*in( +ome*)in( ,aluableEC
CI8 we )ad )ad no*)in( *o ea* 8or +e,eral day+ and you were a-*ually +*ar,in(%C
Rianna re*or*ed wi*) +*in(in( em0)a+i+% CI mi()* )a,e -ondoned i*' Can you deny
you were :u+* *ryin( *o bea* 2oda a* )i+ own (ame be-au+e )e -an )un*% )ere% and
you -an>*DC
Damn it, that1s hittin# !elow the !elt I wasn1t #oin# to carry the ar#ument on to those
#rounds at all, !ut she started it He 8lun( ba-; a* )er% CAnd 8or all your *al; abou*
+-ien<
*i8i- 0rin-i0le+% do you *)in; I didn>* +ee *)e way *)e ;id wa+ a-*in(?and you% *ooD
Holdin( you li;e *)a*% ;i++in( you?C
CAnd w)a* i8 )e wa+DC +)e 8lun( ba-; a* )im 8uriou+ly% )er eye+ bla@in(' Co you
*)in; *)a* be-au+e I :oin my+el8 *o you wi*) 0lea+ure *)a* you )a,e owner>+ ri()*+ in
my body% or *)a* i* i+ no* mine *o do wi*) a+ I willD You are mi+*a;en in w)a* you
*)in; you +aw% ane%C +)e added more rea+onably% CI*>+ )i+ a(e% *)a* i+ all% )e )a+
+0en* )i+ en*ire li8e i+ola*ed 8rom e,eryone% de+0i+ed a+ a -oward% and now )e i+
+u--e++8ul% )e i+ a (ran*)<+layer% )e i+ a--e0*ed and e,en li;ed?and )e )a+ +uddenly
be-ome aware *)a* I% )i+ +0ear<ma+*er% am a woman *oo' I* would be unrea+onable
*o be an(ry abou* *)a*9 )e i+ a boy in )i+ 8ir+* awarene++ o8 man)ood' I* mean+ no*)<
in( *o me% ane9 w)y do you )a,e *o be :ealou+ and +0oil i*DC
T)ey were a00roa-)in( *)e -am0% and Ara*a;% )earin( *)eir /uarrelin( ,oi-e+%
rai+ed )i+ )ead in mild di+may% +*ared a* *)em% *)en% wi*) a 0)ilo+o0)er>+ +)ru(%
*urned )i+ ba-; and *a-*8ully wen* o88 *o -a*-) 8lie+' ane )ad ;nown )im lon(
enou() *o ;now *)a* *)e i,ine E(( 0robably )ad a 0ro,erb abou* *)e 8rui*le++ne++
o8 mi=in( in*o *)e /uarrel+ o8 0ro*o<+imian+ and *)eir ma*e+' T)e *)ou()* (a,e )im
a momen*>+ rue8ul 0au+e'
Bu* *)e *)ou()* o8 Rianna -ru+)ed in 2oda>+ +*ron(% e=uberan* youn( arm+% )er 8a-e
8lu+)ed wi*) e=-i*emen*% made )im an(ry a(ain' He re*or*ed% ,5ow w)o i+
ra*ionali@in( and -o,erin( *)e *ru*) wi*) ea+y *al; abou* +-ien*i8i- 0rin-i0le+D I8 you
wan* *)e boy% I -an>* +*o0 you?bu* I don>* *)in; mu-) o8 your *a+*eE A +a,a(e 8rom
a world w)o *)in;+ all o8 u+ are 1*ar emon+EC
CAnd w)o are you,, +)e re*or*ed a* w)i*e )ea*% C*o be *al;in( abou* barbarian+ or
+a,a(e+DC T)en% +uddenly )earin( )er+el8% *)rou() )er an(er% +)e +*o00ed and
+*ared a* )im wi*) )er mou*) o0en9 bu* ane did no* +ee' He dum0ed *)e )arli;
-ar-a++ on *)e (round and ben* o,er i*?*i()*<li00ed' He +aid% CWe>d be**er (e* *)i+
+;inned' I8 you wan* *o 0lu-; *)a* 8owl% do i*9 o*)erwi+e w)y no* +*ar* buildin( a 8ire
+o we -an dry i* o,erni()*% a* lea+*DC
Ou* o8 *)e -orner o8 )i+ eye )e +aw )er *a;e a +*e0 *oward )im% irre+olu*e9
delibera*ely% )e i(nored )er' amn )er% +)e )ad really (one *oo 8ar *)i+ *imeE And a+
)e +lid )i+ ra@or<;een blade alon( *)e +;in and mu+-le+ o8 *)e )arli;% de8*ly
+e0ara*in( )ide 8rom mea*% )e 8a-ed a(ain )i+ *o*al alienne++% *)e ;nowled(e *)a* )e
and Rianna )ad no*)in( w)a*e,er in
-ommon% no +in(le memory e=-e0* *)e +)ared dan(er o8 *)e Red Moon% no +in(le
*)in( o8 -ommon ba-;(round' 1)e wa+ alien *o )im% w)olly alien% and 0er)a0+ ane
)im+el8 wa+ really w)a* Rianna )ad -alled )im% barbarian% a +a,a(e no* mu-) be**er
*)an 2oda' Hell?maybe no* be**er a* allE
T)ey really )ad no*)in( in -ommon' id )e lo,e )er% did )e e,en li%e )erD He wa+
re-allin( )ow bi**erly *)ey )ad 8ou()* wi*) one ano*)er on *)e Me;)ar +la,e +)i0%
)ow a(ain )er *em0er )ad 8lared a* )im' Ye* under *)e +)ared dan(er+ o8 *)e Red
Moon *)ey )ad -ome *o(e*)er' He remembered )ow )e )ad 8ir+* *a;en )er under *)e
Red Moon% in *)e +an-*uary o8 *)e 1a-red Prey% wi*) *)e (rea* Hun* )an(in( o,er
*)em% *)e ;nowled(e *)a* *)ey were only /uarry *o be ;illed )ei()*enin( *)eir
-lo+ene++% *)e e=-i*emen* o8 +e= in *)e 8a-e o8 dea*) ''' nei*)er o8 *)em )ad been able
*o re+i+* *)a*' T)ey )adn>* *ried'
Bu* wa+ *)a* lo,eD Wa+ +)ared dan(er and +e=ual awarene++ enou() *o build a
+)ared li8e% a8*erwardD ane 8el*% in *)e de0*)+ o8 +udden de0re++ion% *)a* i* wa+ no*'
A8*er *)e Hun*% w)en *)ey were *)e only *wo )uman +ur,i,or+% *)e memory% *)e
+*ron( bond o8 +)ared dan(er and dread% *)e +)adow o8 dea*) *)a* )ad )un( o,er
*)em *o(e*)er% )ad -rea*ed 8ier-e -om0anion+)i0' Bu* lo,eD Lo,e ' ' ' w)a* wa+ lo,eD
He )ad lo,ed alli*)% w)o )ad died under *)e Red Moon ' ' ' and wi*) alli*) dead
*)ere wa+ no* ano*)er )uman -rea*ure anyw)ere in *)e world+ o8 *)e &ni*y wi*)
w)om )e )ad any ;ind o8 emo*ional *ie' He wa+ alone% alone% alone a+ no )uman
bein( born on Ear*) e,er )ad been or e,er would be% and Ear*) i*+el8 wa+ lo+*
+omew)ere in *)e un8a*)omable rea-)e+ o8 *)e +*ar+E
Bel+ar )ad +un; be)ind *)e we+*ern rim o8 *)e -anyon lon( a(o% lea,in( dim
*wili()*9 now *)e +un+e* wa+ (one 8rom *)e +;y% lea,in( 8ireli()* and *)e mul*i*ude o8
+*ar+ :u+* be(innin( *o bla@e down 8rom *)e +;y' T)e 8ire bla@ed u0 bri()*ly' ane
8ini+)ed -u**in( *)e )arli; -ar-a++ in*o +*ri0+' Rianna% wi*) -ool 0oli*ene++% a--e0*ed
*)e mea* and +)e and 2oda +*ar*ed *o *)read *)em on +*i-;+ +)e and *)e boy )ad
*rimmed 8or *)e 0ur0o+e% *o +0read *)em o,er a lon( 8ire0i* +)e )ad lined wi*)
+*one+'
C1ee% we>ll -o,er i* *)i+ way% wi*) a barrier o8 we* lea,e+%C +)e +aid% Cand i* will
-on-eal *)e +mo;e% and dry *)e mea* +o we -an -arry i* 8or many day+9 *)ere i+ no
*ime *o air<dry i*
0ro0erly' No% 2oda% +a,e +ome o8 *)e mea* 8or +u00er% don>* 0u* i* all in *)ere'''C
ane +aid% CWe )a,e *)e bird 8or +u00er'C He no*i-ed *)a* +)e )ad 0lu-;ed and
-leaned i*% and *ru++ed i* wi*) *)in (reen wi*)e+% o,er *)e 8ire'
CT)row *)e bird wi*) i*+ 8ea*)er+ *o *)e ,ire;)i%C 2oda +aid +-orn8ully' CI will
)un(er be8ore I ea* any mea* ;illed by a di+)onored wea0onEC
T)e ,ire;)i were *)e -ooin( +-a,en(er+ o8 *)e ni()*' ane +)ru((ed' C1ui*
your+el8%C )e +aid' CI>m no* bound by your *aboo+ )ere9 I>m +orry I o88ended you%
bu* we may need *)e e=*ra mea*' Ta;e *)e +;in and bone+ o8 *)e )arli; ou*+ide *)e
-am0 8or *)e +-a,en(er+% *)en'C
2oda 8lared% CAnd I need *a;e no order+ 8rom a +0ear<*)rowerEC T)e *one in *)e
boy>+ ,oi-e made ane reali@e *)a* i* wa+ *)e dir*ie+* in+ul* *)e boy ;new% and
Rianna +aid +)ar0ly% C2odaE A0olo(i@e *o ane% a* on-eEC
For a momen*% ane *)ou()* *)e boy would de8y )er' In *)e bla@in( 8ire )i+ 8a-e wa+
drawn% -len-)ed wi*) wra*)' T)en )e dro00ed )i+ eye+ and +aid% CMy Lady Mi+*re++
i+ ri()*' We are all *ra,elin( *o(e*)er% and all in a -ommon dan(er% and I will *ry *o
?*o?C )e 8umbled% -au()* a* Ara*a;>+ 0)ra+e% CT)e 7enerable One +ay+ we mu+*
lea,e *o o*)er+ *)eir O*)erne++' I am +orry *o )a,e o88ended you% ane% and more
+orry *o o88end my Lady Mi+*re++' Bu* I will no* ea* o8 any mea* di+)onorably
+lain'C He +*oo0ed% 0i-;ed u0 *)e -ar-a++ and bone+ o8 *)e )arli; and -arried *)em
ou* o8 *)e 8ireli()*' Rianna +miled a* 2oda% an a88e-*iona*e% (ra*e8ul +mile% and ane
*)ou()*% )i+ wre*-)edne++ +ur(in( u0 a(ain% she1s ma%in# sure that one !ar!arian
doesn1t spoil thin#s !y 4uarrelin# with the other !ar!arian, while she, the detached
scientist, o!serves them !oth
W)en 2oda -ame ba-;% a8*er a *ime% w)ile *)e ,ire;)i +-rabbled and -ooed ou*+ide
*)e -am0% *)e meal wa+ /uie*% and e,en% on *)e +ur8a-e% 8riendly' Rianna>+ *a-*8ul
awarene++ *)a* *)ey were all *ra,elin( *o(e*)er and *)a* o0en /uarrel+ were
dan(erou+% +moo*)ed *)in(+ o,er on *)e +ur8a-e' Bu* ane +*ill 8el* *)e -old
aliena*ion' Rianna>+ ;indne++ *o 2oda% *)e way in w)i-) +)e )ad no* rebu88ed% bu*
wel-omed )i+ ad,an-e+% +ome)ow made ane *)in; le++ o8 )im+el8 ''' )e *oo )ad
been one o8 )er -)oi-e+E He loo;ed a* )er 8amiliar eye+ a-ro++ *)e -am08ire% *)e only
8amiliar *)in( abou* )er now *)a* )er +;in and )air )ad been dyed *o brown
dar;ne++% bu* e,en )er eye+ and )er +mile -ould no* rea++ure )im'
Abo,e *)eir -am08ire *)e +*ar+ o8 Bel+ar bla@ed wi*) eerie% )aun*in( brillian-e'
emon<)aun*ed +*ar+% 8eared by *)e 0eo0le ' ' ' 0eo0le w)o% al+o 8eared a *)rown
+0ear% a *)rown +*oneE W)ere in *)a* immen+i*y o8 +*ar+ wa+ ane>+ own lo+* +unD
W)i-) o8 *)o+e million+ o8 0oin*+ o8 li()* en-om0a++ed a +mall blue world% +mall%
and in+i(ni8i-an*?and )omeD ane -)ewed moro+ely on *)e +wee*% -ri+0 +;in o8 *)e
bird% wi+)in(% wi*) a 0)y+i-al a-)e in )i+ *)roa*% *)a* )e were in *)e 8amiliar -oun*ry
o8 *)e !rand Canyon% no* *)e !rea* !or(e o8 Bel+ar9 *)a* )e -ould loo; in*o *)e +;y
and +ee *)e 8amiliar di+*an* +0rin;le o8 +*ar+% Bi( i00er and Nor*)ern Crown and
Andromeda% no* *)i+ bla@e o8 demon<)aun*ed +*arli()*' He )ad ne,er 8el* +o alone in
)i+ li8e% in +0i*e o8 *)e 8amiliar bul; o8 Ara*a;% )un;ered -lo+e *o *)e 8ire% in +0i*e o8
Rianna>+ ;ind ,oi-e and 8al+e *a-*8ul +mile' And ye*% w)en )e +0read )i+ blan;e*+
under *)e +*ran(e +*ar+% )e )un(ered 8or *)e rea++uran-e o8 )er warm body a(ain+*
)im% +ome*)in( *o +)u* ou* *)e loneline++ and *)e (lare o8 *)e +*ar+'
1uddenly )e ;new w)y *)e Bel+ar 8ol; +0read -lo*)+ be*ween *)em+el,e+ and *)e
)aun*ed +;y% and lon(ed 8or a *en* abo,e )i+ )ead '' '
Maybe Rianna would :oin )im' 1)e )ad done +o o8*en a8*er a minor /uarrel% +ee;in(
*o wi0e ou* *)e di88eren-e+ wi*) *)e -lo+e awarene++ o8 *)eir (enuine +imilari*y% a8*er
all% *)i+ +*ron( +e=ual mee*in( *)a* ne,er 8ailed *)em' Bu* *)e ni()* -rawled on% *)e
8ire died away *o a +o8* *)read o8 +mo;e and *)e 8ain*% 8ain* +mell o8 *)e -o,ered
mea* in *)e im0ro,i+ed dryin(<0i*% and +)e did no* -ome'
Wa+ +)e lyin( in 2oda>+ arm+% *)en% willin( *o -on8irm )i+ newly won man)oodD
ane 8el* wre*-)ed% an(ry% :ealou+% lon(in(% )i+ mi+ery doubled' He -ould no* +lee0%
and *)e +udden% new<8ound awarene++ o8 Rianna>+ *o*al alienne++ 0ounded a* )im'
T)ey really )ad no*)in( in -ommon' No*)in( e=-e0* *)e memory o8 +)ared dan(er
under *)e Red Moon ' ' ' were *)ey really bound by any*)in( e=-e0* *)a*% and by a
+*ron( +e=ual *ieD
Or% wor+e and more )umilia*in(% wa+ i* only *)a* Rianna wa+ *)e one )uman bein(
in *)e &ni*y wi*) w)om )e now )ad any +in(le *ie% *)a* )e -lun( *o )er be-au+e +)e
wa+ *)e one 8amiliar *)in( in a uni,er+e o8 in-on-ei,ably alien bein(+% and +)e%
;nowin( )ow )e de0ended on )er% would no* 8or+a;e )imD
T)ere wa+ no one el+e' Now *)a* alli*) wa+ dead% *)ere
wa+ no one el+e . . . it $would not have !een li%e this with Dallith, )e *)ou()*' I loved
her, and she$ loved me, she really loved me. It would not have come to this..'
T)en% wryly% )e ;new *)a*% *oo% wa+ +el8<de-e0*ion' He )ad ideali@ed alli*) ' ' ' and
+)e )ad died be8ore +)e -ould e,er di+illu+ion )im' T)ey )ad +)ared dan(er and lo,e
under *)e +)adow o8 *)e Red Moon% and +)e )ad died% *ra(i-ally% wi*) 8reedom and
,i-*ory already wi*)in *)eir (ra+0' E,ery momen* )e )ad +)ared wi*) alli*) )ad
been )i()ly -olored% -)ar(ed wi*) emo*ion9 *)ey )ad ne,er )ad *o 8a-e any o8 *)e
ordinary di+illu+ionin( -ir-um+*an-e+ o8 mundane li,in( *o(e*)er' And +o% *o )im%
alli*) would alway+ be )i+ lo+* lo,e% *)e one 0er8e-* *)in( in )i+ en*ire li8e% *)e only
memory un<dimmed by *)e *arni+) o8 ordinary *)in(+9 0er8e-* and alway+ (lowin(
in )i+ mind% wi*) *)e memory o8 brillian* dan(er and lo,e and 8ear% o8 )i+ own
you*)''''
Rianna wa+ real% )i+ -om0anion% )i+ 8riend% )i+ +word<ma*e ' ' ' and +)e wa+ w)olly
alien and +)e would alway+ be alien *o )im' Any*)in( el+e wa+ an illu+ion' A8*er a
*ime )e 8ell in*o )aun*ed dream+ o8 +*ar+ and *)rown ro-;+ and ra+)a+ and lonely
wanderin(+' He wo;e% la*e' T)e 8ire )ad died and around i*% dimly% by +*arli()*% )e
made ou* *)e +e0ara*e 8orm+ o8 )i+ *)ree -om0anion+% rolled in *)eir blan;e*+%
Ara*a; )u(e and dar; and wi*) *)e dimme+* o8 lumine+-en-e around )i+ (ill<+li*+%
no* w)olly -on-ealed by *)e dar;enin( o8 )i+ +;in9 2oda% loo;in( almo+* a+ +mall a+ a
-)ild9 Rianna% a +e0ara*ed% -uriou+ly aliena*ed +mall bundle% drawn u0 a+ +)e
alway+ +le0* wi*) )er arm+ o,er )er )ead% )er 8a-e buried in *)em% )er ba-; *urned
away% alien% re:e-*in( ' ' ' +)e loo;ed +o +mall and alone *)a* ane in )i+ own
loneline++ *)ou()*% are we all, always, alone? He wan*ed *o (e* u0% (o *o )er% )old )er
*i()* in )i+ arm+% +li0 under *)e blan;e*+ wi*) )er ' ' ' bu* i8 )e did% would +)e rebu88
)im% *urn )im awayD He +*ayed w)ere )e wa+ and 8inally 8ell a+lee0 a(ain'
+HAPTER ,OURTEE&
W)en )e wo;e% i* wa+ *o *)e lu+-iou+ +mell o8 well<-oo;ed mea*9 Rianna )ad o0ened
*)e 8ire<0i* and wa+ wra00in( and +*owin( *)e +mo;ed )arli; mea*' A +mall )erd o8
*)e deerli;e animal+ were (ra@in( be*ween *)eir -am0 and *)e ri,er% and 2oda
a+;ed% *a;in( a +li-e o8 *)e dried mea*?ane *)ou()*% *a+*in( )i+ own 0or*ion% *)a*
i* wa+ ra*)er li;e a well<+mo;ed% bu* in+u88i-ien*ly +al*ed )am? C1)all we *ry *o (e*
ano*)erDC
CWe>,e (o* all we -an -arry now%C ane +aid% *ryin( *o be (en*le' Maybe *)e boy
wa+n>* :u+* (loa*in( o,er )i+ +;ill a+ a )un*er% bu* worryin( abou* *)eir 8ood +u00ly%
CLe*>+ no* ;ill any*)in( needle++ly% more *)an we -an ea* in a 8ew day+' T)ere>ll be
(ame u0 *)ere''''C
Rianna dou+ed *)e 8ire' Ara*a; *oo; a +)are o8 *)e dried mea* in )i+ 0a-;% +ayin(
*)a* )e )ad *)e +*ren(*) *o -arry i*9 and Rianna a--e0*ed% e,en *)ou() +)e ;new
Ara*a; would ea* none o8 i*' ane wal;ed away 8rom *)e -am0 a li**le% +*udyin( *)e
wood *)a* led u0ward *o *)e (reen -anyon o8 *)e wa*er8all% +ear-)in(% wi*) *)e
*ele+-o0e% 8or an a00roa-)' T)ere wa+ one 8airly (ood 0a*)% bu* on *ra-in( i*+ -our+e
i* ended in a led(e )e -ouldn>* *a;e wi*)ou* -limbin(<+0i;e+% ro0e+ and 0i*on+% and
e,en *)en% 2oda and Rianna 0robably -ouldn>* mana(e i* a* all''' *o +ay no*)in( o8
Ara*a;E !ood *)in( )e )adn>* *a;en *)a* 0a*)% i* wa+ *)e ob,iou+ one'
T)e )arli; )ad mo,ed 0ea-e8ully% -ro00in( lea,e+ and (ra++% *o *)e ed(e+ o8 *)e
wood' ane remembered )ow 2oda )ad )idden in *)e bu+)e+ un*il *)ey were almo+*
on *o0 o8 )i+ +0ear' I8 we were (oin( *o *ry and (e* one *)i+ mornin(% I>d +*a*ion
my+el8 there and )a,e Rianna% or *)e ;id% -ir-le around be)ind under *)a* li**le
-lum0 o8 :un(ly *ree+ ''' no *ime now% o8 -our+e'
A 8lo-; o8 -li-;<owl+ ro-;e*ed% -li-;in(% 8rom *)e *ree+ beyond' T)ere wa+ a +udden
-)oru+ o8 e=-i*ed bird -all+% mon;ey yell+' T)e )arli; rai+ed *)eir )ead+% +ni88in( *)e
wind'
1ome*)in( w)i*e (limmered in *)e *ree+'
ane *)rew )im+el8 down% -rou-)in(% +)ou*in( *o *)e o*)er+ ''' bu* be8ore )i+ ;nee
)i* *)e (round% *)e *)in( wa+ )al8way a-ro++ *)e o0en +0a-e'
Fa+*er *)an a ra+)a' Fa+*er *)an a (ran*)' ''' a blur' A white blur% wi*) +i= blurrin(
le(+ under i*' T)e )arli; )erd e=0loded in*o 8li()*% w)eelin( and +-a**erin( wi*)
(rea* lea0+' Bu* *)e *)in( wa+ already amon( *)em% i*+ lon( w)i*e ne-; +*re*-)in( u0
*o +ei@e a youn( doe in 8li()*'
I* +*ood reared u0% *)e ;i-;in( body )eld be*ween *)o+e (rea* :aw+' T)e ;i-;in(
+*o00ed' T)e w)i*e ne-; di00ed% *)e :aw+ loo+ened% and *)e )arli; doe lay +*ill
be*ween *)e 8oremo+* 0air o8 le(+' Red +*ained *)e +now<w)i*e mu@@le'
T)e red +*ain+ +eemed *o (low' T)e w)i*e bea+* (lowed a(ain+* *)e dim (reen<0ur0le
ba-;(round o8 *)e 8ore+*9 dea*)<w)i*e% ()o+*<w)i*e'
T)e 6ir(on +la,e<)oundE
T)e body wa+ lean and (ra-e8ul a+ a (rey)ound% buil* 8or +0eed9 *)e +i= le(+ were
+li()* and 8inely boned abo,e lar(e 0ad+' Bu* *)e :aw+ were no* *)o+e o8 a )ound%
no* e,en *)e le(endary Hound o8 *)e Ba+;er,ille+9 *)ey were 8rom +ome )un*in(
bea+* o8 *)e Eo-ene on ane>+ world% a deadly (rin *)a* wen* li*erally 8rom ear *o
ear% abo,e (rea* row+ o8 luminou+ *ee*)'
For an in+*an* i* +*ood abo,e i*+ 0rey% *)e eye+ li;e *iny 8le-;+ o8 (old in *)e
w)i*ene++9 *)en i* blurred in*o mo*ion a(ain' T)e lon(% +u0erbly mu+-led ne-;% li;e
*)e ne-; o8 a +*allion% or a +ea lion% w)i00ed down% and *)o+e *errible :aw+ 8i=ed
*)em+el,e+ around *)e body o8 *)e doe' I* )oi+*ed *)e body in i*+ mou*)% wi*)ou* *)e
+li()*e+* +i(n o8 +*rain% and *ro**ed away wi*) *)e lon(% deerli;e le(+ dan(lin( lim0
8rom *)e :aw+' T)e bea+*>+ own le(+ were mo,in( la@ily% bu*% ane *)ou()*% a
-)ee*a) on Ear*)% runnin( 8la* ou*% would )a,e been +wi8*ly ou*0a-ed'
CWe>,e (o* *o 8ollow i*%C Rianna +aid'
CFollow?that? Bu* ane ;new +)e wa+ ri()*' T)i+ wa+ *)e -lue *)ey )ad been
loo;in( 8or% *)e bea+* )e )ad )eard abou* in *)e *a,ern ' ' ' it came over the wall and
carried off a calf. "i# calf, too. 'ix le#s. 6aster than a rasha, faster than a #ranth ' ' '
*)a* wa+ w)a* *)ey )ad -ome *o *)i+ world *o 8ind'
C!ood !odE And I wan*ed *o (e* o88 &ni*y Cen*ral be-au+e i* wa+ +u-) a ni-e *ame
worldEC
CT)e i,ine E((%C Ara*a; rumbled% +*arin( in*o *)e *ree+
w)ere *)e 6ir(on +la,e<)ound )ad ,ani+)ed wi*) i*+ 0rey% Cremind+ u+ *o re+*rain
our de+ire+% le+* we wa;e u0 and di+-o,er *)em 8ul8illed'C
ane mu**ered% CBe -are8ul w)a* you 0ray 8or' You mi()* (e* i*'C E,en in *)i+
ur(en-y% )e wa+ -a0able o8 bein( amu+ed by *)e uni,er+ali*y o8 0ro,erbial lan(ua(e'
Ara*a; rai+ed )i+ )and *o +)ade )i+ eye+'
C&0 *)ere%C )e +aid% Cby *)e wa*er8all%C bu* Rianna wa+ already 8o-u+in( *)e (la++9
+)e +*ared% 0ur+ed )er li0+ in a +oundle++ w)i+*le% *)en )anded *)e (la++ *o ane'
Doesn1t anythin# stop that !east? I* wa+ *ro**in( u0 *)e led(e ane )ad re:e-*ed% a+
ea+ily a+ *)ou() i* )ad been on le,el (round% *)e )arli;>+ body +*ill dan(lin( lim0
8rom i*+ immen+e :aw+' I* +)owed no +i(n o8 wearine++' ane wa*-)ed un*il i*
,ani+)ed in*o a -lum0 o8 *ree+% *)en lowered *)e +0y(la++'
CW)ere did you +ay *)a* *)in( -ome+ 8romDC
CI*>+ 8rom *)e *)ird 0lane* o8 *)e 6ir(on +y+*em?*)e 6ir(on *)em+el,e+ are 8rom
*)e +e-ond' T)ere>+ no* mu-) ;nown abou* *)e +y+*em?*)e 6ir(on don>* e=a-*ly
en-oura(e re+ear-)?bu* i* is ;nown *)a* *)e inner 0lane*+ are ri()* on *)e limi*+ o8
)ea* 8or +en*ien* li8e' A 8an*a+*i-ally rou() en,ironmen*?0ra-*i-ally uni/ue?
*)ere>+ no*)in( li;e *)e 6ir(on% +o 8ar a+ we ;now% anyw)ere el+e in *)e ;nown
!ala=y% in or ou* o8 *)e &ni*y?C
CWell% *)an; !od 8or *)a*%C ane +aid% )oi+*in( )er 0a-; and +*ra00in( i* on )er
ba-;' 1)e +aid CWai*9 you don>* ;now *)e wor+* *)in( abou* *)a* bea+* ye*'C
CT)a* *)e 6ir(on )a,e i* *rained *o )un* )uman+DC He )ad already +u+0e-*ed *)a*9
and a8*er +eein( *)a* rid(ed% *rian(ular *or*urer>+ ;ni8e% )e )o0ed *)ere weren>* a
-ou0le o8 *)i+ bea+*>+ ma+*er+ )idin( ou* *)ere by *)e wa*er8allE
To )un* all ;ind+ o8 +en*ien* li8e% ye+9 *)a*>+ w)y i8+ -alled +la,e<)ound' Bu* *)e wor+*
*)in( i+?i*>+ more in*elli(en* *)an any*)in( wi*) *)a* number o8 *ee*) )a+ a ri()* *o
beE 1ome +-ien*i+*+ +u+0e-* *)a* *)ey are +en*ien*' On *)eir own world% *)ey 8orm
8an*a+*i-ally -oordina*ed )un*in( 0a-;+?remember% *)eir na*ural 0rey i+ ada0*ed
*o *)e in-redibly ri(orou+ en,ironmen*% *oo'C
CWonder8ul%C ane +aid wi*) +)ar0 irony% C*)a*>+ all we need' No* only +u0er8a+*
and +u0er+*ron(% and able *o run u0 +*ee0 -li88+ -arryin( a 8ull<(rown )arli; in i*+
*ee*)% i* )a+ *o be in*elli(en*% *oo' Maybe e,en +en*ien*'C He *rained *)e +-o0e u0 *)e
-li88% and wa+ rewarded by ano*)er 8la+) o8
w)i*e be*ween *)e *ree+% 8ar )i()er *)an )e would )a,e belie,ed% i8 )e )adn>* +een
*)e *)in( run' He +i()ed and )anded ba-; *)e *ele+-o0e'
CWell% we were (oin( *)a* way anyway'C
CA* lea+*%C Rianna +aid% Ca* *)e +0eed *)a* *)in( mo,e+% by *)e *ime we (e* u0 *)ere%
i* will be well and *ruly on i*+ way +omew)ere el+e' I am no* ea(er *o -ome u0 wi*)
i*'C
C&nle++ i* )a+ a lair u0 *)ere%C 2oda +u((e+*ed% *a;in( *)e *ele+-o0e and 8o-u+in( i*
/ui-;ly% COr a ma*e'C
CI don>* e,en wan* *o *)in; abou* *)a*%C ane +aid (rimly' CLe*>+ (o'C
T)ey +e* o88 /ui-;ly a-ro++ *)e la+* remainin( o0en (round% a,oidin( *)e 8ore+* a+
lon( a+ *)ey -ould% un*il *)ey )ad *o -u* a-ro++ i* *o rea-) *)e bo**om o8 *)e
wa*er8all' Ara*a; wen* 8ir+*% )a-;in( )i+ way *)rou() *)e lower limb+% w)ile *)e
*)ree 8ollowed% wea0on+ drawn' 1ure enou()% a ra+)a :um0ed o88 a bran-) :u+* a+
Ara*a;>+ )ea,y blade )urled ano*)er -u*o88 bran-) in*o i*+ 8a-e% -rou-)ed +0i**in(
on *)e (round% *)en ran o88 in*o *)e :un(le'
T)e damned -a*+ +eemed *o +0a-e *)em+el,e+ almo+* e,enly *)rou() *)e :un(le'
Probably a ma**er o8 *erri*ory +i@e% )e *)ou()*% and wondered )ow *)ey bred% and
did ma*ed 0air+ +)are *erri*orie+D Lion+ did% on ear*)9 bu* )e )ad ne,er +een a 0air%
or a 0ride o8 ra+)a+?than% God for small mercies, the idea of a pride of rashas was
nothin# he could contemplate without at least six or seven shudders?bu* 0er)a0+
*)ey were more li;e *i(er+% +oli*ary )un*in( bea+*+% wi*) male *erri*orie+ i+ola*ed by
8emale *erri*orie+' Or did *)ey all (e* *o(e*)er 8or one bi( or(y durin( *)e breedin(
+ea+onD He didn>* e,en ;now )ow *o *ell male and 8emale ra+)a+ a0ar*% and w)a*
wa+ more% )e didn>* -are' T)ey were all deadly any)ow'
He wa+ (e**in( bored wi*) ra+)a+% any)ow% )e de-ided' T)ere were :u+* *oo damned
many o8 *)em% and i* wa+n>* really any -)allen(e a* all *o ;ill *)em% on-e you learned
*o ;ee0 your e,e+ o0en 8or *)em% bu* i* would be ni-e% 8or a -)an(e% *o be able *o +i*
down under a *ree wi*)ou* )a,in( one o8 *)e 0e+;y -ri**er+ dro0 ou* in your la0E
T)e wa*er -ame (ur(lin( o,er *)e bo**om +*e0 o8 *)e 8all+% no* more *)an *en 8ee*
)i(). a 0lea+an* ba-;(round +0la+)in( +ound% no* a roar' I* +0read ou* )ere in*o a
dee0 -alm 0ool% wi*) wa*er 8lower+ (rowin( *)i-;ly all around *)e +ur8a-e' T)ey
+*o00ed )ere 8or a bi*e o8 8ood 8rom *)eir 0a-;+% and Ara*a; 0lun(ed (ra*e8ully in*o
*)e -alm wa*er and lay *)ere 8or a 8ew minu*e+% +ubmer(ed' ane didn>* be(rud(e
)im )i+
ba*)9 )e )adn>* )ad one +in-e *)ey -limbed down in*o *)e !rea* !or(e% and
al*)ou() *)e (ian* 0ro*o+aur )adn>* -om0lained% ane ;new *)a* )i+ +;in mu+* )a,e
been +u88erin(' And ane wa+n>* in any )urry *o -ome u0 wi*) *)e 6ir(on +la,e<
)ound' No )urry a* all' He ;new *)ey would )a,e *o re0or* i* *o *)e &ni*y +)i0% bu*
)e +u00o+ed *)a* *)ey would ma;e -on*a-* wi*) Far+0ea;er% +ooner or la*er% and
in8orm *)em w)a* *)ey )ad 8ound ou*?*)e ;nown 0re+en-e o8 6ir(on on *)i+ world'
He ;new% reali+*i-ally% *)a* e,en all 8our o8 *)em *o(e*)er wouldn>* +*and mu-) o8 a
-)an-e a(ain+* *)a* animal% i8 i* -ame a* *)em' I* wa+ a+ mu-) 8ier-er *)an a (ran*)%
a+ a (ran*) wa+ 8ier-er *)an a ra+)aE
T)e +mo;ed mea* o8 *)e )arli; wa+ deli-iou+' ane would )a,e li;ed +ome bread *o
(o wi*) i*% bu* )e re8le-*ed *)a* a8*er all% you -ouldn>* )a,e e,ery*)in(% and unle++ )e
-ould 8ind *)a* )am<+andwi-) *ree )e )ad been w)i+*lin( abou*% *)i+ wa+ abou* a+
(ood a+ )e wa+ (oin( *o (e* 8or a w)ile'
CFindin( any 8i+)% Ara*a;DC A8*er all% )e +u00o+ed *)e 0ro*o+aurian mu+* be (e**in(
*ired o8 *)e 0ro8u+e die* o8 bi( raw in+e-*+' &nle++ e,ery bu( )ad di88eren* 8la,or+%
and )e 8ound )e didn>* wan* *o *)in; abou* *)a*'
CNo* ye*%C Ara*a; +aid' He )ad -ome ou* o8 )i+ +wim we* and loo;in( rela=ed% and
wa+ +*andin( ;nee<dee0 in *)e +)allow+% )un*in(' He +-owled a* one o8 *)e +i=<in-)
8urred w)ale<li;e -ri**er+% 8lun( i* +0la+)in( and +0ou*in( ba-; in*o *)e dee0e+* 0ar*
o8 *)e 0ool% *)en +uddenly 0lun(ed dee0 in*o *)e -en*er and -ame u0 (ra+0in( a
ra*)er 0rimi*i,e +-aly *)in(' He +a* down -om8or*ably in *)e mud and be(an *o de<
,our i*% brea;in( i*+ ne-; wi*) a +in(le mer-i8ul blow and ea*in( i* all u0% +*ar*in( a*
*)e *ail and +a,in( *)e brain<-a+e 8or a *idbi* a* *)e end' Rianna )ad )er +andal+ o88
andC wa+ +oa;in( )er 8ee* in *)e 0ool% amon( *)e wa*er lilie+' ane -on*em0la*ed
brie8ly (oin( in 8or a +wim' I* wa+ )o*% and *)e wa*er wa+ -ool' 2oda )ad *a;en o88
)i+ ;il* *o +0la+) )im+el8 all o,er wi*) *)e wa*er and *o rub )i+ (rimy 8ee* wi*) +and'
!nawin( on a 8inal 8ra(men* o8 *)e )am<li;e )arli; mea*% ane yawned and
wa*-)ed one o8 *)e *iny w)ale+ -ome u0 *o +0ou*' He +u00o+ed a +i=<in-) w)ale
wa+n>* any weirder *)an a nine<8oo* wea+el% w)i-) wa+ w)a* *)e (ran*) amoun*ed
*o' Bu* )e remembered *)e old :o;e in Yellow+*one Par;% w)ere )e )ad wor;ed 8or a
+ea+on w)en )e wa+n>* ou* o8 -olle(e ye*' One o8 *)e (rea* :o;e+ amon( *)e
C1a,a(e+%C a+ *)e (uide+ -alled *)em+el,e+% wa+ *o +i* around in *)e )earin( o8
*ouri+*+% and *ell +*orie+ abou* *)e :a-;alo0e in *)e 0ar;% and
*)e rare 8urred *rou* w)i-) +wam in *)e (ey+er+ ' ' be wi+)ed )e -ould *a;e a -ou0le
o8 *)e+e baby w)ale+ ba-; *o Ear*)'
Here a* *)e 8oo* o8 *)e wa*er8all% in *)i+ 0ea-e8ul /uie* (lade% wi*) Ara*a; 8i+)in( and
Rianna lyin( ba-; a* 0ea-e% )er 8ee* in *)e wa*er% )e wa+ be(innin( *o re-o,er +ome
of )i+ +en+e o8 ad,en*ure and deli()*' I* wa+% )e *)ou()* in a rare momen* o8
in*ro+0e-*ion% alway+ li;e *)a* wi*) ad,en*ure+' W)en you were a-*ually -limbin(
*)e moun*ain% or +ailin( +in(le)anded around *)e world?and )e )ad done bo*)?
mo+* o8 *)e *ime% your ad,en*ure wa+ )ard% (ruelin( e88or*% unremi**in( murderou+
)ard wor;% and w)en you )ad @$ momen* *o *)in; abou* i*% w)i-) wa+n>* o8*en% you
wondered w)y in )ell you e,er (o* your+el8 into *)e+e *)in(+E
I* wa+ only in /uie* momen*+ li;e *)i+% all *oo rare% *)a* you -ould +a,or i*% deli()* in
*)e +*ran(ene++% en:oy i*' lie be(an *o wonder i8 )e really en:oyed *)e ad,en*urou+
li8e a* all% or i8 )e en:oyed havin# done i*' A +in(er )e )ad on-e ;nown% )ad +aid *o
)im *)a* )e didn>* en:oy -on-er*+' No* un*il *)ey were all o,er and *)e a00lau+e
+*ar*ed''''
He loo;ed idly a* *)e baby w)ale+% and a* +ome +mall% eel<li;e +wimmer+% -o,ered in
+li-; 8ur% w)i-) reminded )im ,a(uely o8 o**er+9 *)ey wri((led u0 on a mud<ban;%
wri((lin( +mall in/ui+i*i,e w)i+;ery 8a-e+ a* )im% *)en wen* ba-; *o +lidin(
0ea-e8ully down *)eir mud<+lide' W)a*e,er -a*a-ly+m )ad +-arred *)i+ 0lane*% i* )ad
-er*ainly le8* 0len*y o8 ni-)e+ 8or *)e +maller mammalian li8e *o mo,e in*o' I* wa+
mu-) )arder *o )un* down and e=*ermina*e +i=<in-) w)ale+ *)an +i=*y<8oo* one+E
Around *)e 0ool% on *)e 8ar +ide% *)e (round ro+e +*eadily% o88erin( an ea+y +lo0e *o
*)e *o0 o8 *)e 8all+' T)e (round wa+ +o8*% and 0lain *o +ee were *)e lar(e% rounded
0rin*+ *)a* mu+* be *)e *ra-;+ o8 *)e 6ir(on +la,e<)ound' Clo+e *o *)em were *)e
0rin*+ o8 na*i,e +andal+'
ane ;nel* and +*udied *)em wi*) -are' T)ey loo;ed 8re+)% a+ i8 +omeone el+e were
*railin( *)e (rea* w)i*e mon+*er' He 8ound *)e 0la-e w)ere *)e )uman *ra-;+ :oined
*)e 8oo*0rin*+ o8 *)e )ound' T)e man mu+* )a,e -ome runnin( ou* o8 *)e :un(le% in
*)e o00o+i*e dire-*ion 8rom *)e way ane and )i+ 0ar*y )ad -ome'
He 8ollowed *)e *rail ba-; 8or a di+*an-e' No )urry9 *)ey -er*ainly didn>* wan* *o
o,er*a;e *)a* *)in(% and )e 8el* +orry 8or any na*i,e o8 Bel+ar w)o did' He +*o00ed
8ar enou() 8rom *)e *ree+ *o be beyond a ra+)a>+ 8ir+* +0rin( i8 *)ere
+)ould be one o8 *)em wai*in( *)ere' T)ere u+ually wa+% a8*er all9 and ane )ad
be**er *)in(+ *o )un* *)an ra+)a+% :u+* now' By *)e len(*) o8 *)e +*ride+% and *)e
de0*) o8 *)e *oe<0rin*+% *)e man?*)e Bel+ar na*i,e in +andal+?)ad been runnin(
w)en )e le8* *)e 8ore+*' A+ i8 )e were )ard on *)e )eel+ o8 +ome*)in(?or +ome*)in(
were )ard on his )eel+' Bu* ane +aw no o*)er 0rin*+' I* wa+ 0u@@lin('
Or wa+ *)e na*i,e bein( -)a+ed by *)a* w)i*e 0ro*o+aur% *)e boo:um *)in( w)o -ould
lea,e 0rin*+ or no*% :u+* a+ )e -)o+e% w)o+e 0rin*+ +*o00ed and +*ar*ed in *)e middle
o8 now)ereD It isn1t fair, ane *)ou()* He )ad no rea+on *o lo,e *)e na*i,e+ o8 Bel+ar%
bu* *)ey were% in (eneral% a 0ea-e8ul and e,en a ;indly and )o+0i*able 0eo0le' ane
+u00o+ed )e wa+ -omin( around *o *)e &ni*y ,iew0oin*9 *)ey )ad done no*)in( *o
de+er,e bein( )ara++ed *)i+ way' I* wa+ bad enou() 8or *)em *o )a,e 6ir(on on
*)eir 0lane*% )un*in( *)em' T)ey +)ouldn>* )a,e *o 0u* u0 wi*) mon+*rou+ w)i*e
+aurian+ *ooE
O8 -our+e% *)e ,ery 0ea-e8ul +*a*u+ o8 *)i+ 0lane* made i* a )a00y )un*in(<(round
8or +u-) 0eo0le a+ *)e 6ir(on+% or *)e o*)er +la,e<*a;in( ra-e% *)e -a*<li;e
0ro*o8eline Me;)ar+ w)o )ad +*olen ane 8rom )i+ )ome on Ear*)''''
ane *urned ba-; *o *)e 0ool' Ara*a; wa+ 8i+)in( a(ain? no* +eriou+ly% ane
+u+0e-*ed% bu* :u+* 8or an e=-u+e *o +0end more *ime in *)e -ool wa*er' Rianna and
2oda were +i**in( on a led(e% dee0 in -on,er+a*ion'
+hat does she see in the little creep, anyhow? Bu* *)a* wa+n>* 8air' A8*er all% +)e )ad
*)e +ame rea+on 8or *a;in( u0 2oda *)a* +)e )ad )ad 8or *a;in( u0 ane9 *)e ;id
wa+ bein( 8a-ed wi*) -ul*ure +)o-; and +udden awarene++ o8 a uni,er+e bi((er *)an
)e )ad e,er +u+0e-*ed% and Rianna?
Loud -li-;in( brou()* )im around' Cli-;<owl+ were +oarin( u0 8rom *)e *ree+% ba-;
in *)e :un(le' He +*ared% +*re*-)in( )i+ ,i+ion in*o *)e wood+9 *)o+e -li-;<owl+ made
an e=-ellen* alarm +y+*em'
1omew)ere ba-; in *)e *ree+% bu+)e+ were mo,in(% and )e )eard a ,oi-e% *oo 8ar
away *o di+*in(ui+) *)e word+'
Men were -omin( *oward *)em% 8rom *)e wood' 1e,eral men'
He *urned and ran ba-; *oward *)e o*)er+'
C&0%C )e +aid% Cwe>,e (o* -om0anyE HurryEC
T)ey wen* /ui-;ly u0 *)e +lo0e% and a-ro++ *)e *o0 o8 *)e 8la* C+*e0C *o *)e ne=*
wa*er8all' Here i* wa+ +*ee0er9 *)ey )ad *o -limb be*ween lar(e boulder+' ane wen*
warily% )and on
+word<)il*% )i+ eye+ +-annin( *)e *ree*o0+ o,er)an(in( *)e wa*er' I8 a ra+)a :um0ed
*)em now''''
Maybe *)a* would be lu-;y' Maybe *)e ra+)a would wai* 8or *)e 0ar*y be)ind
*)em''''
T)ree more +*e0+% -limbin( amon( broad +lab+ o8 (la++y ro-; w)i-) mu+* )a,e
-ra-;ed away and 8allen 8rom *)e (la++ band abo,e *)em lon( a(o% a+ *)e +o8*er
+*one eroded benea*) *)e (la++ layer'
A)ead o8 *)em *)e ra,ine narrowed% wi*) )u(e 8an(+ o8 -ry+*al 0ro:e-*in( 8rom *)e
-ur*ain o8 wa*er and 8rom *)e +ide+ o8 *)e ra,ine' T)i+ one would be a di88i-ul*
-limb9 *)e *ou() (la++ wa+ worn away le++ *)an *)e +o8*er ro-;+' T)ere wa+ a narrow
+*ee0 *rail windin( u0 *)i+ +ide o8 *)e +*ream% wi*) 0len*y o8 8ra(men*+ o8 :a((ed
bla-; (la++ :u**in( 8rom *)e +oil''''
Ma+*er R)omda +*e00ed 8rom be)ind a boulder and +*ood in *)e -en*er o8 *)e
narrow *rail'
T)ere wa+ a 0lea+an* +mile on )i+ )and+ome 8a-e% bu* *)e +0ear wa+ 0oi+ed 8or
in+*an* a-*ion be*ween )i+ *wo )and+% *)e +)a8* a-ro++ )i+ body'
CT)a*>+ 8ar enou()%C )e +aid' CI* won>* do any (ood *o run ba-; down *)e ra,ine%
ei*)er' My men are -omin( u0 be)ind you'C
ane *en+ed% and *)e +0ear mo,ed in R)omda>+ )and+ li;e a +na;e' 2oda and
Rianna mo,ed in on ei*)er +ide o8 ane% *)eir +0ear+ +*andin( ou* on ei*)er +ide% bu*
R)omda only +miled' T)e 0la-e )e +*ood on wa+ *oo narrow' T)e *)ree o8 *)em -ould
no* -lo+e in on )im a* on-e9 e,en *wo would be *oo many *o -ome a* )im'
He +aid -almly% CYou -an (e* away 8rom *)em now% 2oda' 2u+* -ome o,er )ere and
+*and be)ind me9 I won>* le* *)em )ur* you'C
2oda +na00ed% C!o *)row your +0earE I +*ay wi*) my Lady Mi+*re++EC
CI+ i* li;e *)a*DC R)omda loo;ed di+a00oin*ed' CO8 -our+e% w)ile +)e wa+ your
*ea-)er% I would no* )a,e e=0e-*ed you *o be*ray )er' Bu* I )ad )o0ed *)a* w)en you
8ound ou* w)a* +)e wa+% w)a* +)e really wa+% you would )a,e le8* )er' I -anno*
belie,e you would be willin( *o )el0 de+*roy your own world'C
CI )a,e ;nown w)a* *)ey were 8rom *)e be(innin(%C 2oda +aid )ar+)ly% Cand I ;now
*)ey mean no )arm *o our worldE And w)a* )a+ *)i+ world e,er done 8or me, *)a* I
+)ould be loyal *o i*DC
CI am +orry you 8eel li;e *)a*%C R)omda +aid% CI ;new )ow bi**er you were9 i8 *)e?
*)e woman )ad no* bea*en me *o i*% I wa+ in*endin( *o +0ea; my+el8 *o your 8a*)er%
a+; )im 8or your 8o+*era(e in *)e An;a>an Order' I8 *)e Ble++ed One+ are mer-i8ul%
*)a* may +*ill -ome *o 0a++?C
CNe,erEC 2oda +aid an(rily% CI am a (ran*)<+layer and I bear a *oo*)9 I need no
8a,or+ 8rom anyoneE And I )a,e 8ound ou* *)a* *)ere i+ more in li8e *)an runnin( all
o,er *)e wood+ and 8ore+*+ +*i-;in( a +0ear in*o 0eo0le w)o don>* )a,e *)e
ad,an*a(e o8 An;a>an *rainin(E I would a+ +oon a00ren*i-e my+el8 a+ 8o+*erlin( *o a
ra+)aEC
R)omda loo;ed a* )im +adly and +)oo; )i+ )ead' He wa+ 0reo--u0ied wi*) *)e boy9
ane -)an-ed a /ui-; loo; o,er )i+ +)oulder a* Ara*a;'
CAny +i(n o8 )i+ men ye*% Ara*a;DC )e -alled% and *)e (ian* +aurian *wi+*ed )i+ (rea*
)ead *o loo; down in*o *)e ra,ine'
CT)ey are +*ill 8ar below'C
ane -ommanded% *urnin( /ui-;ly be*ween 2oda and Ri<anna% CYou *wo 8all ba-;
and )el0 Ara*a; i8 R)omda>+ men -ome u0'C A* lea+*% )e *)ou()*% *)e ;id wa+ on
*)eir +ide? *)a* wa+ somethin#
He didn>* wan* *o ;ill R)omda' T)e Ma+*er 10earman wa+ a (ood% )one+* man% and
)e wa+ really *ryin( *o 0ro*e-* )i+ 0eo0le 8rom w)a* )e +aw a+ a ,ery real dan(er'
I8 I could only tal% with him ;ust sit down and really tal% and explain, as /ianna did
to ;oda
T)e +0ear +wun( (ra-e8ully in R)omda>+ )and+ a+ )e +aw ane mo,e *oward )im'
&nder *)e blue robe% *)e broad +)oulder+ mo,ed in li**le loo+enin( (e+*ure+' ane
+lid )i+ +word 8ree and mo,ed -au*iou+ly u0 *)e narrow +lo0e' T)e +0ear +wayed in
R)omda>+ )and+ li;e a -obra abou* *o +*ri;e'
ane +e* *)e )il* ba-; a(ain+* )i+ body% 2a0ane+e +*yle' 7i%e a !ase!all player with
his !at, )e *)ou()* (rimly' And the last time I came up a#ainst /homda, I struc% out
R)omda>+ +0ear dro,e *oward )i+ *)roa*' He ba**ed i* away wi*) *)e 8ull 8or-e o8 )i+
+)oulder+% and w)i00ed *)e blade ba-; u0 a+ *)e +0ear<bu** +wun( 8or )i+ )ead ''' a+
)e )ad ;nown i* wouldE T)e )ea,y wood +lammed in*o *)e blade% and ane lun(ed
8orward% )i+ 0oin* dri,in( down 8or R)omda>+ *)roa*'
Bu* R)omda +li00ed away 8rom i* and +uddenly *)e +0ear<+)a8* wa+ 0u+)in( ane>+
blade down% *)en% +lidin( li;e a bil<
liard+ -ue *)rou() R)omda>+ )and% *)e bu** mo,in( *oward ane>+ +olar 0le=u+'
T)ere wa+ no way *o blo-; *)a* one' ane +0un 8ran*i-ally *o *)e le8*% ou* o8 *)e way%
)i+ +word -ir-lin( be)ind )i+ ba-;' T)en )e )ad (one 8ull -ir-le% and )i+ +word wa+
w)i00in( o,er )i+ )ead% down on R)omda>+JJJ
Damn I don1t want to %ill him ...
R)omda 0i,o*ed on )i+ ri()* 8oo*% +win(in( a* *)e la+* +e-ond ou* 8rom under *)e
blade% )i+ +0ear +wee0in( around and u0' ane>+ +word +)a,ed a lon( +li,er 8rom
*)e *ou() wood'
R)omda>+ +0ear di00ed9 *)e 0oin* wa+ in ane>+ le8* wri+* A wa+) o8 red 8looded u0
*oward ane>+ *)umb' He du-;ed a+ *)e +0ear<bu** 8lailed a* )i+ )ead% +we0* )i+ 8oo*
around *o )oo; )i+ )eel be)ind R)omda>+ ;nee% all *)e *ime +*arin( in +ur0ri+e a*
*)e bri()* red 0ain* runnin( down )i+ le8* )and% w)i-) )ad ine=0li-ably lo+* i*+ (ri0
on *)e +word<)il*'
R)omda 8ell +0rawlin( a(ain+* *)e ro-;9 a+ )e wa+ -omin( u0% +0ear 0oi+ed% ane
8el* )im+el8 +ei@ed and li8*ed in*o *)e air by a )u(e )and'
Ara*a;>+ ,oi-e rumbled *)rou() )i+ *)roa* di+;'
CYou are wounded' ane' My *urnEC
E,en Ma+*er R)omda +eemed daun*ed by *en 8ee* o8 mu+-le and lea*)ery )ide. ane
+aw *)e Ma+*er 10earman>+ *on(ue 8li-; ner,ou+ly o,er )i+ li0+% and *)ou()*% o8
-our+e% *)e Fir+* Peo0le% on *)i+ world% don>* 8i()*% *)ey are )ealer+ and mer-)an*+
and 0ea-e8ul 8ol; ''' )e may no* ;now )ow *o 8i()* a 0ro*o+aurianE Bu* )e +*e00ed
+moo*)ly ba-; in*o *)e narrowe+* 0ar* o8 *)e *rail% w)ere Ara*a; mu+* balan-e
0re-ariou+ly be*ween *)e +*ream and a lar(e (la++y boulder *)a* 0ro:e-*ed 8rom *)e
+ide o8 *)e -li88' Hi+ +0ear wa+ li8*ed )i()% bu**<end le,el wi*) )i+ +)oulder% 0oin* )i()
abo,e )i+ )ead'
Blood dri00ed *)rou() ane>+ 8in(er+' Hi+ o*)er )and 8umbled 8or 0re++ure 0oin*+'
Rianna 8umbled inde-i+i,ely 8or *)e +*ra0+ o8 )er 0a-;% bu* )e (e+*ured )er%
im0era*i,ely% *o w)ere 2oda wa+ ed(in( a(ain+* *)e -li88% -ree0in( u0 be)ind a
boulder' For an in+*an* )e wondered i8 *)e ;id wa+ runnin( away a(ain9 *)en )e +aw
w)a* wa+ in 2oda>+ mind' I8 )e -ould (e* around be)ind R)omda''''
R)omda>+ ,oi-e wa+ -alm% re+0e-*8ul'
Co no* ma;e *)e mi+*a;e% Noble One%C )e +aid% Co8 *)in;in( *)a* your +i@e or *)e
*)i-;ne++ o8 your )ide will 0ro*e-* you 8rom my +0ear' E,en amon( *)e Fir+* Peo0le
*)ere are
+ome*ime+ -riminal+% and *)e An;a>an Order )a+ +0e-ial order+ *o deal wi*) *)em'C
T)e 0ain in ane>+ wri+* +uddenly -u* *)rou() *)e layer o8 numbin( +)o-; and
-on8u+ion *)a* )ad walled i* away 8rom )i+ -on+-iou+ mind' T)e blood wa+ 8lowin(%
no* +0ur*in(9 i* wa+n>* an ar*ery' Bu* +uddenly *)ere wa+ )owlin( 0ain all u0 )i+
arm% and )e -lun( *o i* wi*) )i+ 8in(er+% +)a;in(% )earin( R)omda +ay% C!o ba-;%
Noble One' I )a,e no wi+) *o ;ill you% bu* I will i8 I mu+*'C
CBu* I% *oo% am one o8 *)e emon+ 8rom *)e +*ar+%C Ara*a; +aid% and )i+ )u(e 0aw
+wi0ed ou*% (rabbin( a* *)e +0ear' T)e wea0on blurred 8rom under )i+ )and% and
*)e +)ar0 0oin* dar*ed 8or )i+ eye' Ara*a; mo,ed *o a,oid i*% and *)en 2oda%
balan-ed a*o0 *)e boulder% *)ru+* )i+ own +0ear down% dar*in( i* *oward R)omda>+
+)oulder'
T)e Ma+*er 10earman du-;ed i* ea+ily% and *)e +)a8* o8 )i+ +0ear +wun(% almo+*
-a+ually% -a*-)in( 2oda a )ard blow ' a-ro++ *)e an;le' 2oda 0i*-)ed o88 *)e boulder%
and 8ell +0rawlin( almo+* in*o R)omda>+ arm+% and w)ile *)e +0earman +*e00ed
ba-; inad,er*en*ly *o a,oid )im% Ara*a; (rabbed *)e +0ear<bu**% wren-)ed i*'
1uddenly R)omda>+ 8ee* were dan(lin( )al8 a me*er o88 *)e (round a+ )e -lun( *o )i+
+0ear<+)a8*' Ara*a;>+ o*)er )and w)i00ed around in an o0en<)anded +la0% and *)e
blue<-lad 8i(ure 8lew li;e a ra( doll *)rou() *)e air% and 8ell in a )ea0 a(ain+* *)e
ro-;% lyin( *)ere mo*ionle++'
T)en ane>+ wri+* wa+ in Rianna>+ )and+% and +ome*)in( *)a* 8el* li;e li/uid 8ire
0oured in*o *)e wound' He (a+0ed and *ried *o 0ull )i+ arm away% bu* +)e )eld i*
8irmly' T)en a (en*le -oolne++ re0la-ed *)e )ea*% and *)e *)robbin( +*o00ed' 1)e
+la00ed +ome*)in( o,er *)e wound' I* loo;ed li;e a *)in +)ee* o8 *ran+0aren* 0la+*i-'
1)e *ore down *)rou() )er +0are +;ir*?*)e lon( one +)e wore in *)e ,illa(e+?and
8i=ed a rou() +lin('
CI won>* be wearin( i* a(ain%C +)e +aid'
Ara*a; lowered )im+el8 be+ide R)omba% *ou-)in( *)e )uddled body' I* loo;ed 8rom
)ere% ane *)ou()*% a+ i8 *)e +0earman>+ ne-; wa+ bro;en' 2oda a+;ed% CI+ )e
deadDC
CNo% bu* )e will +lee0 8or +ome *ime'C Ara*a; ro+e *o )i+ 8ull )ei()*' CI% *oo% 8eared I
)ad ;illed )im9 *)ou() I *ried *o +*ri;e (en*ly' He i+ a ,alian* man and +)ould no*
li()*ly be ;illed'C T)e +0ear wa+ +*ill (ri00ed in Ara*a;>+ )u(e 0aw' He loo;ed down
*)e ra,ine'
CI -anno* +ee )i+ men% bu* *)ey -er*ainly are no* 8ar be)ind' We )ad be**er (o'C
And% bendin( down% )e 0la-ed *)e +0ear -are8ully be+ide R)omda>+ lim0 )and'
+HAPTER ,I,TEE&
A+ *)ey -limbed )urriedly u0 *)e ra,ine% ane wa+ aler* 8or *)e +li()*e+* +ound
be)ind *)em ' ' ' *wi(+ or (ra,el mo,in( under 8ee*% any*)in( w)i-) would indi-a*e
0ur+ui*' Bu* by *)e *ime *)ey )eard any*)in(% *)ey were *oo 8ar u0 *o )ear +u-)
+li()* +ound+9 all *)ey )eard wa+ a +ound o8 men>+ ,oi-e+% e=-laimin(% and *)ey ;new
*)e 0ur+uer+ )ad 8ound R)omda' T)ere wa+ a -)oru+ o8 +)ou*+ and mu**erin(+'
That ou#ht to slow them down for a while?lon#er than findin# him dead. Anythin#
could have %illed him, even a rasha. "ut somethin# that would %noc% him out and put
his spear carefully !ac% into his hand?
T)e ,oi-e+ (rew 8ain*er% were le8* be)ind' T)e +erie+ o8 wa*er8all+ wen* on and on'
2oda wa+ lim0in(9 *)e -limb wa+ more di88i-ul* now% and ane wondered )ow *)ey
would (e* u0% i8 i* (rew any wor+e' I -an>* )el0 anyone% )e *)ou()*% wi*) my wri+* in
*)i+ +)a0e' T)e +*u88 Rianna 0u* on i* )ad *a;en away *)e wor+* o8 *)e 0ain% bu* i*
wa+ lim0 and )e -ouldn>* u+e i* a* all'
Ara*a;% w)o wa+ leadin( *)e way% +uddenly +*o00ed' Rianna 0oin*ed% and a )ea,y
-a* odor 8illed ane>+ no+*ril+'
Almo+* in,i+ible amon( *)e lea,e+% a ra+)a )un( abo,e *)e *rail% 0er8e-*ly
mo*ionle++% wai*in('
CI will (o a)ead and dri,e i* o88%C Ara*a; +aid% CWai* )ere% Rianna% 2oda9 )a,e your
+0ear+ ready in -a+e i* elude+ me and -)ar(e+'C
CWai*EC ane +aid' He loo;ed -are8ully a* *)e wall+ o8 *)e ra,ine% and *urned *o loo;
ba-;% +ee;in( +ome*)in( )i+ eye+ )ad 0a++ed o,er wi*)ou* 8ully re(i+*erin('
Abo,e *)e *ree *)ere wa+ a 8ain* irre(ulari*y in *)e ro-;
w)ere a narrow led(e :u**ed 8rom *)e eroded +*one' own *)e *rail be)ind *)em a
ro-;+lide )ad le8* a (radual +lo0e' He *ou-)ed Rianna>+ arm and 0oin*ed'
CT)in; you -an -limb *)a*DC
1)e blin;ed a* )im% 0u@@led' CI *)in; +o' W)yDC
CT)e ra+)a won>* a**a-; Ara*a;' He>+ *oo bi(% and no* edible' I8 we -an (e* abo,e
)im% on *)a* led(e% )e won>* be able *o (e* a* u+' Bu* w)en R)omda and )i+ men
-ome alon(% J )e>ll +*ill be *)ere' I* mi()* buy u+ +ome *ime' And we need i*'C
1)e loo;ed a* )im doub*8ully' CI -an -limb i*%C +)e +aid% Cbu* -an you% wi*) *)a*
wri+*D And )a,e you +een 2oda>+ an;leD I *)in; *)ere may be a -)i0 o8 bone ;no-;ed
loo+e'C
CI only need one )and *o (e* u0 *)ere%C ane +aid% CAnd i8 2oda -an>* ma;e i*%
Ara*a; -an -arry )im'C A+ )e +0o;e )e mo,ed u0 be+ide Ara*a;% and wal;ed almo+*
*o *)e ran(e o8 *)e ra+)a>+ +0rin(?bu* no* /ui*e?*)en be(an *o ba-; down *)e
+lo0e% +e**in( )i+ 8ee* a+ -are8ully a+ )e -ould in *)e *ra-;+ )e )ad le8*'
CW)a* are you doin(DC
CLea,in( a 8al+e *rail' You do i*% *oo' 1*e0 ba-; in*o your own 8oo*0rin*+9 *)en i* will
loo; a+ i8 we :u+* wal;ed on% under *)e *ree'C
CI )o0e you ;now w)a* you>re doin(%C Rianna +aid% bu* +)e obeyed'
CAra*a;% 0i-; u0 2oda and -arry )im on' We>ll mee* you on *)e o*)er +ide'C He
)anded Ara*a; )i+ +word?i* would only be in *)e way w)ile *)ey -limbed' Rianna
(a,e )im )er +0ear' T)e )u(e 0ro*o+aurian +we0* u0 *)e boy li;e a -)ild% wal;ed
dire-*ly under *)e *ree' T)ey +aw *)e -a* *en+e% +aw ' )i+ )un(ry eye+ +wi,el *o
8ollow9 bu* i* did no* a**a-;% and ane rela=ed'
W)en )e -ame o00o+i*e *)e 0ile o8 ro-; )e :um0ed away 8rom *)e *rail% landed
-lum+ily% )ur*in( )i+ wri+*' Rianna :oined )im a momen* la*er% and *)ey loo;ed a*
*)e *rail *)ey )ad le8*% -ri*i-ally' I8 *)ey didn>* loo; too -lo+ely ' ' ' anyway% *)ey
wouldn>* +ee w)ere )e and Rianna )ad le8* *)e *rail' He -lambered -are8ully u0 on
*)e ro-;+' T)e -li88 wa+ rou() )ere% and +lo0ed9 *)ere were 8oo*)old+ and )and)old+%
and a* any o*)er *ime )e -ould )a,e +-rambled u0 i* li;e a mon;ey% bu* -limbin(
one<)anded% i* *oo; all )i+ lon( moun*aineerin( e=0erien-e *o -rawl u0 *)e -li88 un*il
)e -ould (e* one ;nee o,er *)e led(e and )aul )im+el8 o,er' Rianna 8ollowed'
T)en -ame a lon( ni()*mare o8 in-)in( alon( *)e +li00ery% narrow led(e' Below
*)em *)e ra+)a% aware *)a* i* )ad been -)ea*ed% +narled and ro+e on i*+ bran-)% 8a-e
u0*urned% i*+ *ail la+)in( ba-; and 8or*) a+ i* wa*-)ed *)em 0a++ by well ou* o8 i*+
rea-)'
T)e led(e wa+ very narrow% a* *ime+ narrowin( *o a mere bul(e o8 *)e ro-;' Rianna
wen* +lowly% )er 8a-e +e* and (rim% -lin(in( *o *)e ro-;% bu* ane ;new *)a* i8 )er
+;in )ad no* been dyed% +)e would )a,e been w)i*e wi*) dread' ane )ad *o *ry *o
u+e )i+ in:ured wri+* *o -lin( *o *)e -li88. )i+ 8in(er+ would no* wor; ri()*% and )e
wa+ redu-ed *o )u((in( *)e wall and leanin(% in-)in( alon( wi*) )i+ *oe+ di((in(
)ard a(ain+* *)e ro-; wall' 2u+* w)en )e *)ou()* )e would lo+e )i+ balan-e and 8all
in*o *)e -law+ o8 *)e wai*in( ra+)a' *)ey Were 0a+* *)e *ree and *)e led(e widened'
A)ead o8 *)em *)e led(e ran ou* *o :oin *)e *o0 o8 *)e ne=* wa*er8all% w)ere 2oda
+*ood wai*in(' Ara*a; -limbed -lum+ily u0 *o :oin )im'
T)ey -limbed on'
W)en% a* lon( la+*% *)ey rea-)ed *)e *o0% *)ere wa+ no +i(n o8 0ur+ui*?w)i-) wa+
:u+* a+ well' Ara*a;' in 0ar*i-ular% needed re+* badly' ane>+ wri+* wa+ (i,in( )im
)ell?w)a*e,er 0ain;iller Rianna )ad u+ed on i* )ad worn o88 a (ood lon( *ime a(o
?and 2oda -ould )ardly wal;' T)ey 8lun( *)em+el,e+ down% (a+0in(% wi*)ou*
+*ren(*) enou() e,en *o (e* 8ood 8rom *)eir 0a-;+'
2oda% youn(er and more re+ilien*% re-o,ered 8ir+*' He (o* ou* *)e dried )arli; mea*
8rom Rianna>+ 0a-;% and ane wa+ +*ar*led% and e,en *ou-)ed% w)en 2oda -u* +li-e+
8or Rianna% and e,en 8or ane )im+el8% be8ore +e**lin( down *o +a*i+8y )i+ own
)un(er' Ara*a; )auled% 8rom )i+ own 0a-;' *)e +e-ond 8i+) )e )ad -au()* by *)e
0ool?wa+ i* only *)a* mornin(D I* +eemed a(e+ a(o' I* +melled di+*in-*ly o,er<ri0e%
bu* Ara*a; bi* in*o i* wi*) reli+)'
T)e :un(le )ere +eemed *)i-;er% i8 *)a* were 0o++ible% *)an *)a* on *)e 8ar +ide o8 *)e
!rea* !or(e' T)e ri,er 8lowed (li**erin( be*ween *ree<+)rouded ban;+% *)e o0en air
abo,e i* li;e a wall o8 (old' !a@in( 8rom *)e +)adow o8 *)e *ree+ a-ro++ *)e band o8
+unli()*% ane -ould +ee bri()*<0lumed bird+ and :eweled in+e-*+ 8li**in( abo,e *)e
lea,e+ On *)e 8ar +ide' T)ere wa+ a w)ole o*)er world un *)ere% )e reali@ed' uC *)ere
in *)e 8ore+* -ano0y% a world o8 wind% +unli()* and bri()* -olor+'
own )ere% away 8rom *)e bri()* -le8* o8 *)e ri,er% *)i+ wa+ a dar; and +)adowed
world' A world o8 +*a-;ed% mildewed lea,e+ and -rumblin(% 0owdery lo(+ -o,ered
wi*)
8un(i% and wi*) *)e +lender +*al;+ o8 +ome alien 0lan*% (rowin( on *)e dead lo(+ li;e
+ome im0o++ible -ombina*ion o8 a+0ara(u+ and mi+*le*oe' 7ine+ li;e +0iderweb+
wo,e be*ween ,ine<+)rouded *ree+% +ome already dead in *)eir *)i-; -oa*in( o8 ,ine+%
o*)er+ wi*) lea,e+ in*erwea,in( wi*) *)e ,ine<lea,e+'
&nder 0ur0le ma++e+ o8 lea,e+ *)a* )un( 8ar ou* o,er *)e wa*er% ane -ould dimly
+ee *)e *rail o8 *)e 6ir(on +la,e<)ound in *)e moi+* *ur8' I* )ad 8ollowed *)e line o8
lea+* re+i+*an-e alon( *)e ri,er ban;% and )ere and *)ere% -ra+)in( *)rou() *)e
*an(led ,ine+% i* )ad le8* a -lear *rail 8or ane and )i+ -om0anion+ *o 8ollow'
A8*er *)ey )ad re+*ed% and ea*en% *)ey ro+e *o 8ollow i*+ *rail' ane *urned )i+ ba-;
on *)e !rea* !or(e almo+* wi*) relu-*an-e' Ne,er% )e +u00o+ed% would )e +ee
any*)in( li;e i* a(ain'
T)e ri,er (ur(led a* *)eir le8*9 *o *)e ri()*% *wi(+ -ra-;led and lea,e+ ra**led a+ *)e
deni@en+ o8 *)e +)adow world wen* abou* *)eir own -ruel bu+ine++' Mon;ey+
-)a**ered in *)e *)i-; roo8 o8 lea,e+% and +mall rabbi*<li;e *)in(+ +-urried in *)e
underbru+)' A 8lo-; o8 *iny bird+ dar*ed -)ir0in( *)rou() *)e -learin( a)ead o8
*)em% li;e lea,e+ or +now dri,en by *)e wind' 1now ' ' ' )ad i* e,er +nowed on *)i+
worldD Wi0in( +wea* 8rom )i+ dri00in( 8a-e% ane 8ound i* im0o++ible *o belie,e'
Hu(e 8lower+ nodded on *)e ,ine+ *)a* wrea*)ed *)e *run;+ o8 *)e *ree+% 8illin( *)e
air wi*) a 0er8ume *)a* warred wi*) *)e +-en* o8 moldy lea,e+'
W)en ni()* -ame *)ey )ad no -)oi-e bu* *o build a 8ire' T)e )u(e +*ar+ were +ealed
away by *)e 8ore+* roo8% bu* -on+*ella*ion+ o8 eye+ (leamed around *)em% w)ile *)e
,oi-e+ o8 *)e :un(le mourned and -lamored on e,ery +ide''
T)e ne=* day 2oda>+ an;le wa+ be**er% bu* ane +*ill )ad no 8eelin( in *)e 8in(er+ o8
)i+ le8* )and% and be(an *o worry 8or 8ear )e )ad +e,ered a *endon' T)e *rail o8 *)e
6ir(on bea+* wa+ (rowin( old' 2u+* )ow mu-) *erri*ory' ane wondered% )ad *)a*
-rea*ure -o,ered a* *)a* in-redible +0eedD I*<)ad drawn 8ar a)ead o8 *)em by now'
T)a* +ui*ed )im well enou()' He )o0ed )e ne,er +e* eye+ on *)e *)in( a(ain'
And' al*)ou() nei*)er )e nor Ara*a; +0o;e o8 i*' )e reali@ed *)a* by lea,in( *)e
!rea* !or(e be)ind% *)ey )ad% in e88e-*% ,ir*ually abandoned all -)an-e o8
rende@,ou+ wi*) ra,a+)' Probably *)e Ca0*ain wa+ dead9 ra*ionally% ane reali@ed
i* wa+ all bu* im0o++ible 8or *)e 1)>8e:: *o )a,e +ur<
,i,ed alone% a* *)e mer-y o8 ra+)a% (ran*)% *)e o*)er un;nown dan(er+ o8 *)i+ world%
wi*) R)omda and )i+ men on *)eir *rail'
A* la+* *)e *ra-;+ *urned a+ide 8rom *)e ri,er% and 8ollowed a (ame *rail% a mold<
8loored *unnel *)rou() *)e *ree+' T)e (loom o8 *)e :un(le dee0ened a+ *)ey le8* *)e
+unli* wa*er+ be)ind' A ra+)a +narled 8rom a low bran-)9 8led a+ Ara*a; bro;e a
+*i-; o,er i*+ )ead' T)e air wa+ +*u88y% )o**er *)an e,er% *)i-; wi*) *)e odor+ o8 lea8
mold and *oo<+wee* 8lower+'
Lea,e+ ru+*led in *)e 0a*) a)ead% and 8rom be)ind a ro**ed lo( *)a* lay a-ro++ *)e
0a*)% a *iny )ead% almo+* li;e *)e )ead o8 a wea+el% 0o00ed u0 and re(arded *)em
wi*) *iny )ard eye+' A *)in ne-; -o,ered wi*) 8ur ro+e )i()er% and )i()er +*ill% and
ane 8ro@e% 8eelin( a wa,e o8 luna-y' I* loo;ed li;e a )u(e 8ur boa ri+in( be)ind *)e
lo(' 1urely i* wa+ a 0u00e*% +omeone wa+ 0ullin( i* on a +*rin(E
No% )e *)ou()*% +*i8lin( a )y+*eri-al im0ul+e *o lau()% i* is a 8ur boa ''' a 8ur boa
-on+*ri-*orE T)e *iny )ead wa+ +wayin( 8our 8ee* abo,e *)e lo( by now' On i*+ belly
)e -ould ma;e ou* dull 0la*e+ o8 (reeni+)<bla-; )orn ''' or wa+ i* )ardened )airD
T)e 8urry +na;e wa*-)ed *)em% *)en *)e )ead +lowly de+-ended% bu* no* be8ore ane
)ad +een a double row o8 +mall 0in;i+) bu**on+ on i*+ belly' I* +li*)ered -almly away
a-ro++ *)e lo(' Well% now )e )ad really +een e,ery*)in(' A mammalian +na;eE
Well% )e +u00o+ed i* wa+ no +*ran(er *)an *)e +i=<in-) w)ale+' For *)a* ma**er% in
many 0ar*+ o8 *)e &ni*y% a +a0ien* *ool<u+in( a0e wa+ abou* a+ unli;ely a -rea*ure a+
*)e 1)>8e::% 8or in+*an-e% -ould Ima(ine'
T)rou() *)e (loomy +)adow+ *)ey +aw% a* la+*% li()* be8ore *)em' A -learin(% *)e end
o8 *)i+ in*erminable *unnelE T)ey )urried 8orward% 8eelin( *)a* e,en a +mall
-learin(% e,en a brie8 e=0o+ure *o air and +unli()*% wa+ now a+ ne-e++ary a+ re+* or
8ood' A 8ain* -lean<+mellin( bree@e bru+)ed away *)e +mell o8 dead ,e(e*a*ion and
o,er+wee* 8lower+ *)a* i* +eemed% *o ane% )e )ad been brea*)in( e,er +in-e )e -ould
remember'
T)en *)ey were Win;in( in burnin( +unli()*' *)eir a-)in( eye+ a* 8ir+* unable *o
ma;e ou* more *)an blurred +)a0e+'
A* *)e -en*er o8 *)e -learin( wa+ a +il,er 8lare o8 li()*'
T)e (row*) )ere wa+ all new and +)or*' Tiny +eedlin(+ *)ru+* u0 *)rou() 8a+*<
(rowin( +-rub' Here and *)ere% around *)e roo*+ o8 *)e lar(er 0lan*+% +oil +)owed9
bla-; +oil% and (ray'
A+)e+' T)ere )ad been a 8ire )ere% and a+ *)eir eye+ ad:u+*ed *o *)e li()*% *)ey +aw
*)e -au+e'
T)e +il,er (lare% da@@lin( *)em under *)e blue<w)i*e ray+ o8 Bel+ar% wa+ a *wi+*ed
+)a0e o8 me*al'
On-e% ane *)ou()*% i* )ad been mo+*ly win(+' Bu* now i* wa+ -rum0led li;e a
-andy<bar wra00er% and 0ar*ly mel*ed' !reen ,ine+ were already be(innin( *o -limb
u0 i*+ +ide' Bu* near *)e *o0% dull w)i*e *)in(+ lay a(ain+* *)e me*al' T)ey wal;ed
*oward i*% and Rianna drew a brea*) o8 )orror'
A )uman +;ull +*ared down a* *)em% *)rou() -a,e+ Cand eye<)ole+ o8 bone' 1ome o8
*)e bone+ were bla-;ened and burn*'
CA 6ir(on air+)i0%C Rianna brea*)ed' CA landin(<-ra8*JJJJC
T)e (round wa+ +-arred w)ere *)e 0lane )ad -ome burnin( ou* o8 *)e +;y% lea,in(
be)ind i* only a lon( *reele++ 0a*-)' T)e +wi8*<(rowin( :un(le wa+ already in-)in(
in% wi*) ,ine+ and -ree0er+% bu* *)e +-ar would be *)ere 8or many year+'
How lon( )ad i* been *)ereD ane wa+ no :ud(e9 i* wa+ no* a 8amiliar :un(le and )e
didn>* ;now *)a* mu-) abou* ra*e+ o8 (row*)' He would )a,e (ue++ed% 8rom *)e way
*)e -ree0er+ )ad mo,ed in% *)a* i* )ad been more *)an one (rowin( +ea+on% a
Bel+arian year or more' Bu* )e )ad no way o8 ;nowin(' Loo;in( a* *)e bone+%
*)in;in( o8 *)e 6ir(on ;ni8e% )e wondered. )a,e we 8ound *)e remnan*+ o8 *)e ,an<
i+)ed &ni*y 0er+onnelD On *)e +)i0 *)a* brou()* u+ )ere% *)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain +aid
*)e 6ir(on were w)i*e% and 7il;i+) F>T)an+a re8erred *o a w)i*e +)a0e''''
No' T)e+e bone+ are )uman?0ro*o+imian% anyway' T)e &ni*y Ba+e 0er+onnel were
1)>8e::% ra,a+) +aid?all o8 *)em' 1o i* wa+n>* a 6ir(on +la,e raid on *)e &ni*y
Ba+e' 1uddenly% ane +)uddered' Had &ni*y 0er+onnel and 6ir(on raider+ bo*)
been de+*royed by a *)ird 8or-e more 8ri()*8ul *)an ei*)erD
T)e +la,e<)ound *ra-;+ wen* on 0a+* *)e 0lane% o,er *)e 8a+*<(rowin( -ree0er+ *)a*
-o,ered a+)e+ and 0lowed ear*)% +*rai()* down *)e -en*er o8 *)e lon( +*ri0 *orn ou*
o8 *)e :un(le by *)e burnin( air-ra8*' T)ey 8ollowed'
T)e 6ir(on -ra8* )ad 8lown le++ *)an a mile 8rom i*+ ba+e' Here% *oo% *)e :un(le )ad
been burned away% and wa+ only now -rawlin( ba-;% +lowly% *o re-laim i*+ own' Pile+
o8 mel*ed +la( +*ill )eld *)e +)a0e o8 +ome ;ind o8 )u(e wea0on+ *)a* made Rianna
(rima-e and +)udder% and Ara*a; bare )i+ *ee*) wi*) a +-owl' 2oda only loo;ed
+*unned' Human bone+ lay
)al8<)idden in *)e new (row*)' Brillian* blue 8lower+ blin;ed *)rou() *)e eye)ole+
o8 a bare +;ull'
7ine+ were *earin( a0ar* *)e burn* wall+ o8 w)a* )ad been +ome ;ind o8
0re8abri-a*ed )ou+in(' A -ir-ular wall o8 (reen en-lo+ed an area li**ered wi*) w)a*
Rianna +aid were +la,e<-ollar+' Two +;ele*on+ lay by *)e (a*e% *)e bone+ no+ed bu*
no* +-a**ered by +-a,en(er+% and *a**ered +*ri0+ o8 -lo*) +*ill lay abou* *)em'
'tar Demons, and stories of men !ein# carried off in the !ellies of their metal carts. .''
ane loo;ed abou* )im -on+*an*ly% +ear-)in( 8or any 8la+) o8 w)i*e% *)e *i0+ o8 )i+
(ood )and -are++in( *)e )il* o8 )i+ +word% w)ile i-y ne**le+ wri((led alon( )i+ ner,e+'
A* any momen* )e e=0e-*ed *)e +la,e<)ound *o da+) ou* u0on *)em9 +o wra00ed u0
wa+ )e m *)i+ (uarded +ear-)% 8ollowin( *)e *ra-e+% w)i-) )ere be-ame -on8u+ed and
:umbled% *)a* only +lowly did )e reali@e *)ere wa+ +ome*)in( +*ran(e abou* *)e
8ore+* beyond *)e burned<ou* area' Wa+ i* only *)e +)immer o8 *)e )ea*D
Hi+ +;in 0ri-;led' 1omeone wa+ wa*-)in( )im' Year+ o8 wilderne++ li,in( )ad *au()*
)im *o )eed *)i+ in+*in-*9 )e (ri00ed )i+ )and on )i+ +word% mu**erin( CLoo; ou*?C
*o Ara*a;% Rianna (ra+0ed )er +0ear% -ir-lin( be)ind )im' He ;new% beyond a doub*%
*)a* any momen* now% *)a* +now<w)i*e ele(an* -rea*ure would w)i0la+) in*o +i()*%
and *)e (rea* :aw+ would *ear *)em all a0ar*''''
A )u(e bla-; 8orm reared u0 8rom be)ind *)e wall and ane :um0ed ba-;% )i+ blade
8la+)in( in *)e +un'
CEa+y *)ere%C a ,oi-e rumbled *)rou() ane>+ *)roa* di+;' CI* i+ "'" wa+ +ure *)e
*ra-;+ would lead you )ere'C
ra,a+) +*rode ou* 8rom be)ind *)e wall' T)e brie8 lea*)er ;il* )e wore )un( in
ba**ered +*ri0+% and )e wa+ leanin( on an immen+e ;nobby wal;in(<+*i-;9 bu* )e +*ill
)ad )i+ 0a-;'
CYou>re woundedEC Rianna +aid% +eein( )ow )ea,ily )e leaned on *)e +*i-; *o wal;%
*)e lon( 0la+*i- 0a*-) -o,erin( a 0or*ion o8 )i+ +-aly )ide'
He +)ru((ed *)a* a+ide' CT)e ro-;+ by *)e wa*er8all are no* ;ind *o 0ro*o+aurian
in*e(umen*% and I 8ear I +)all ne,er be a+ (ood a* -limbin( a+ any 0ro*o+imian'
Per)a0+ my 0re<)uman an-e+*or+ may )a,e e=-elled a* -rawlin( o,er ro-;+ and
boulder+% bu* I am no more 8i* 8or i* now *)an you and ane are 8i* *o +win( *)rou()
*)e *ree+ li;e your lower +imian rela*i,e+' Bu* *)a* i+ no* im0or*an* now' And I be(
you% -omrade%C a+ Ara*a; *urned *o )im% barin( )i+ *ee*) in a 8riendly
(ree*in(% C+0are me any 0ro,erb+ o8 *)e i,ine E((% or *)e Ble++ed A>a++ioo% or any
o*)er +ain*ly 0)ilo+o0)er% abou* *)e reunion o8 -omrade+9 I re:oi-e *o +ee you% and I
)o0e *o ma;e i* ;nown *o you a* lei+ure :u+* )ow relie,ed I am *o ;now you )ad no*
been +ei@ed% or )un*ed down and ;illed' A* *)e momen*% we )a,e really ur(en*
bu+ine++ a* )and' I *)in; *)ere may be a +ur,i,or 8rom *)e &ni*y Ba+e )idin( near
)ere' A+ +oon a+ we 8ind ou* w)a*>+ be)ind *)a* 8or-e8ield?C
CFor-e8ieldDC ane +aid% +*ar*led% and Rianna +aid in di+(u+*% CW)a* a 8ool I am9 I
+)ould )a,e ;nownE T)a* +)immer I *)ou()* wa+ )ea* 8rom *)e :un(le'''C
ra,a+) nodded% and ane reali@ed *)a* w)a* )e )ad *a;en 8or unbro;en :un(le%
+)immerin( in *)e )ea*% wa+ *)e 8ain*% bu* 0er-e0*ible ,i+ual di+*or*ion o8 *)e
8ield ' ' ' 0er-e0*ible% on-e you ;new w)a* *o loo; 8or% and w)a* you were +eein('
Rianna 8umbled wi*) *)e ;ey a* )er ne-;% bu* ra,a+) +)oo; )i+ )ead'
C1a,e your+el8 *)e *rouble% 6elishtara,, )e +aid% CT)e ;ey+ we were (i,en are (ood
8or a 8or-e8ield u0 *o +e,en*) le,el ' ' ' +in-e our &ni*y Ba+e wa+ only +e-ond le,el% i*
ne,er o--urred *o anyone *)a* we would need +*ron(er one+' T)i+?C )e wa,ed one
-lawed 8orelimb a* *)e wa,erin( 8ilm o8 :un(le% Ci+ 0robably a le,el *en or *wel,e%
0er)a0+ more' We -an>* brea; in*o i*' For(e* i*' Bu* *)ere i+ one *ri-; we -an *ry%C
)e added% CI -ouldn>* do i* wi*) only my own' Bu* now you are )ere?lend me your
;ey% Ara*a;' Rianna% *ell me w)en I am a00roa-)in( di+*or*ion'C
Wi*) a 0u@@led loo;% Ara*a; -om0lied' ra,a+) *oo; a ;ey in ei*)er )and% and
mo,ed *oward *)e +)immerin( :un(le' A+ )e mo,ed *oward i*% i* ri00led +li()*ly% and
ane +aw *)e 1)>8e::>+ +*rai()* wal; di,er* +li()*ly *o *)e le8*'
Rianna -alled% CT)ere i* i+9 you :u+* +*ar*ed *o (o +ide<wi+e' '''C
C1o'C ra,a+) be(an -au*iou+ly% a ;ey in ei*)er )and% mo,in( *)em *oward one
ano*)er% *wi+*in( *)e -on*rol+ on one o8 *)em a+ )e mo,ed i* *oward *)e o*)er'
1uddenly +0ar;+ +)o* be*ween *)e *wo ;ey+ and *)e wall o8 :un(le di++ol,ed in*o
w)orl+ o8 -olor' ra,a+)% 8or-in( *)e +)i,erin( ;ey+ -lo+er *o(e*)er% 0eered be*ween
*)em' ane -ould +ee be*ween *)e ;ey+% 0a+* *)e ri00le+ o8 (reen and +il,er and
0ur0le% a +*ran(e% )i() +)a0e ' ' ' domed% round% (la++y<me*alli-% 8li-;erin(' ra,a+)
+*ru((led *o )old *)e ;ey+ *o(e*)er% bu* 8inally% )i+ )and+ :er;in( in +0a+m+%
Wa+ 8or-ed *o dro0 *)em' He +*oo0ed and 0i-;ed *)em u0% bein( -are8ul *o ;ee0
*)em a* a +a8e di+*an-e 8rom one ano*)er un*il )e )ad ad:u+*ed +ome e++en*ial
-on*rol on ea-)9 *)en )anded one ba-; *o Ara*a;'
CI *)ou()* +o%C )e +aid% (rimly' Cid you +ee% -ollea(ue+D T)ere>+ a 6ir(on +*ar+)i0
in *)ereEC
+HAPTER SI-TEE&
ra,a+) led *)e way a-ro++ *)e -learin( and away 8rom *)e 8or-e8ield' CT)ere -ould
be a )orde o8 6ir(on in *)ere?C )e +aid% C*)ou()% 8rom *)e wre-;a(e I +aw% I don>*
*)in; +o' id you 8ind i*DC )e a+;ed% and w)en Ara*a; nodded% +aid% CT)e w)ole
6ir(on ba+e +eem+ *o )a,e been wi0ed ou*% +la,e</uar*er+% e,ery*)in(' Any 8or-e
*)a* -ould de+*roy all *)o+e 6ir(on?C )e +)oo; )i+ )u(e bla-; )ead% *)e eyebrow<
rid(e+ *wi*-)in('
CI*>+ -er*ainly no*)in( 8rom this 0lane*%C Rianna +aid% and ra,a+) nodded' CW)i-)
mean+?we>d be**er (e* away our+el,e+' A+ +oon a+ we ma;e -am0% I will -all *o
Far+0ea;er and a+; )im *o +end down a landin(-ra8* 8or u+' We ;now% now% *)a* *)e
6ir(on )a,e been )ere?and ano*)er ra-e% 0ower8ul enou() *o de+*roy them.,
CT)e w)i*e 0ro*o+aur I +aw%C ane +aid% and ra,a+) 8li-;ed )i+ )ead round wi*)
*)a* +in(le mo,emen* w)i-) reminded ane *)a* a8*er all% *)i+ (ian* +a0ien* bein(
wa+ re0*ilian in ori(in'
CYou +aw i*D I *oo -au()* a (lim0+e o8 i*%C )e +aid% CI* wa+ *)e ni()* we be-ame
+e0ara*ed'C
Ara*a; +aid% CI am -uriou+ abou* *)a*% dear 8riend' W)y did you no* re:oin u+DC
CA8*er *)a* in-redible +*am0ede by *)o+e?*)o+e -owli;e di+a+*er+<u0on<8our<le(+<
ea-)%C ra,a+) be(an% and ane 8ound )im+el8 wonderin( w)a* word in ra,a+)>+
own *on(ue wa+ rendered *)a* way by *)e *)roa* di+;% CI di+-o,ered *)a*
my a**em0*+ *o elude *)em )ad -arried me 8ar*)er in*o *)e 8loor o8 *)e !rea* !or(e
*)an I reali@ed9 and be8ore I -ould 8ind my way ba-; *o w)ere we )ad been
+e0ara*ed% dar;ne++ wa+ u0on me' I wa+ (ra*e8ul?no* 8or *)e 8ir+* *ime in my
len(*)y e=i+*en-e?*)a* I wa+ no* o8 0ro*o+imian +*o-;9 *)e ra+)a+ were all abou* me
in *)e ni()*% bu* 8or*una*ely I am no* o8 a 0eo0le *)ey -on+ider +ui*able 8or 0rey' I
-on-ealed my+el8 in a *ree% and +ou()* *o -om0o+e my+el8% wi+)in( I -ould draw
u0on +ome o8 your 0)ilo+o0)y% Ara*a;9 I )a,e +eldom +0en* +o -old or +o wre*-)ed a
ni()*' T)e ne=* mornin(% I deba*ed a**em0*in( *o re:oin you% bu* I did no* e,en
;now i8 any o8 you )ad +ur,i,ed' T)ere8ore I +*ru-; +*rai()* a-ro++ *)e !rea* !or(e%
;nowin( *)a* we mu+* mee* a* *)a* +erie+ o8 wa*er8all+?*)e ma0 )ad -on,in-ed me
*)a* i8 Ara*a; +*ill +ur,i,ed% and I ;new )e )ad done +o be-au+e on *)e +e-ond?or
wa+ i* *)e *)ird?mornin(% I )eard your -ommuni-a*or+ 8un-*ionin( 8or a momen*' I
-on+idered +0ea;in( *o you% bu* *)ey -ea+ed *o 8un-*ion a(ain be8ore I -ould do +o'
And in any -a+e?C He )e+i*a*ed% loo;in( +ear-)in(ly a* *)em' C?i* mi()* )a,e
(i,en away our 0o+i*ion *o any 8ollower+ e/ui00ed wi*) &ni*y *e-)nolo(y% or be**er'
A* *)a* *ime% no* ;nowin( *)e 6ir(on ba+e )ad been de+*royed% I e=0e-*ed a* any
momen* *o be ambu+)ed by 6ir(on'C
CT)ere>+ one le8*%C ane +aid' CA +la,e<)ound' I*>+ e,iden*ly w)a* *)o+e 0eo0le in
*)e *a,ern )ad +een'C
ra,a+) di+mi++ed *)a*' CWi*)ou* i*+ ma+*er+% i* i+ -a0able o8 +ur,i,al 8or a lon(
*ime% on a 0lane* aboundin( wi*) wild (ame%C )e +aid% Cbu* 0robably in-a0able o8
+eriou+ 0lannin( on i*+ own' T)e bea+* i+ in*elli(en*% bu* I% 8or one% )a,e ne,er 0u*
mu-) -redibili*y in *)e *)eory o8 *)eir +a0ien-e' W)y% 8or in+*an-e% would a +a0ien*
-rea*ure% w)o -ould li,e well u0on *)e )erd+ o8 +mall bea+*+ in *)e !rea* !or(e%
re*urn a(ain and a(ain *o *)e +i*e o8 i*+ dead ma+*er+D Habi* and 0a**ernin(%
-er*ainly% bu* o8 an animal ;ind% no* -rea*i,e +a0ien-e in*elli(en*ly a00lied *o
+ur,i,al' Or *)e -rea*ure may )a,e been 8i**ed by i*+ ma+*er+ wi*) a ;ey *o *)e
8or-e8ield% a+ -ollar or ear<*a(% and *)u+ 8ound *)e +)ielded +i*e o8 *)e +*ar+)i0 a -on<
,enien* and +a8e 0la-e *o re*urn 8or +lee0'C
Rianna +urmi+ed% CPer)a0+ i*% *oo% )a+ -au()* a (lim0+e o8 *)e w)i*e 0ro*o+aurian+
?C
CYe+%C ane +aid% CTell u+ abou* *)a*% ra,a+)'C
CT)ere i+% really% no*)in( *o *ell' I* wa+ lar(er *)an Ara*a;% and w)i*e% and I +aw i*
8or only a 8ew momen*+% +o I a++ume i* )ad +ome 8orm o8 an*i(ra,i*y de,i-e allowin(
i* *o ma;e
+wi8* 0ro(re++ wi*)ou* re(ard *o *)e ;ind o8 *errain under 8oo*?w)i-) I%
un8or*una*ely% do no*' Howe,er% I did no* +ee i* a(ain'C
He wen* on *ellin( )i+ +*ory a+ Rianna led *)em alon( *)e *rail% wary o8 0rowlin(
ra+)a+% bu* o*)erwi+e li+*enin( -are8ully' ane *)ou()* )ow (rea*ly )i+ own a**i*ude
)ad -)an(ed9 a* 8ir+* *)e ra+)a+ )ad +eemed *)e mo+* 8ear8ul mena-e on *)i+ world9
now *)ey were only a nui+an-e *o be ;no-;ed ou* o8 *)e way and dri,en o88% no* e,en
;illed unle++ ne-e++ary' O8 -our+e *)ey were +*u0id and ea+ily 8ri()*ened% and a8*er
+eein( *)e (ran*)% and *)en *)e +la,e<)ound% a ra+)a +eemed no more 8ri()*enin(
*)an a )ou+e-a*'
A8*er *)e ni()* w)i-) )e )ad +0en* in *)e *ree% and +een *)e w)i*e 0ro*o+aurian%
ra,a+) )ad +*ru-; ou* dire-*ly a-ro++ *)e !rea* !or(e% u+in( all *)e +ur,i,al +;ill+
)e )ad learned in you*)% a+ -a0*ain o8 e=0lorer +)i0+ on wild world+' He )ad (one
warily *o a,oid *)e (rea* bu88alo<li;e bea+*+% )ad li,ed well o88 in+e-*+ and *)e
remain+ o8 )i+ emer(en-y ra*ion+% no* +*o00in( *o 8i+)% be-au+e *)e +i()* o8 *)e (rea*
w)i*e 0ro*o+aurian )ad reminded )im un-om8or*ably o8 7il;i+) F>T)an+a>+ +*ory'
And a(ain a* *)e 8oo* o8 *)e -li88+% w)ile )e wa+ loo;in( 8or a way u0% )e )ad +een
+ome*)in( lar(e and w)i*e a* a di+*an-e9 )e )ad no* ;nown w)e*)er i* wa+ *)e +la,e<
)ound% or *)e my+*eriou+ w)i*e 0ro*o+aur'
He )ad 8ound a narrow *rail *o *)e *o0 o8 *)e -li88+% and )ad me* an An;a>an
+0earman -omin( down'
CHe )ad no* been e=0e-*in( me%C ra,a+) +aid% Cand 8or a momen* wa+ no* +ure I
wa+ no* one o8 )i+ own Fir+* Peo0le' T)a* (a,e me a momen* *o e,ade )i+ +0ear and
*o +ei@e )im 8rom be)ind w)ere )e -ould no* (e* a* me' I am a 0ea-e8ul man% and I
do no* li;e *o ;ill% bu* I bro;e *)e +0ear o,er )i+ )ead% and ban(ed *)a* )ead a(ain+*
*)e ro-; a *ime or *wo' I do no* *)in; I ;illed )im% bu* I am al+o +ure )e wa+ in no
+)a0e *o 8ollow me' T)a* i+ *)e only wound I )a,e w)i-) i+ no* 8rom *)e ro-;+ and
+)ar0 (la++ o8 *)i+ mon+*rou+ 0la-e9 *)e a--ur+ed +0ear -au()* me in *)e +)oulder'C
From *)e+e 8ew word+ ane -au()* a *an*ali@in( 0i-*ure o8 a ba**le )e would )a,e
li;ed *o )a,e +een' On +e-ond *)ou()*% )e )ad )ad enou() o8 ba**le+ 8or a *ime'
ra,a+) )ad di+-o,ered% +oon a8*er *)a*% *)a* )e )ad wal;ed in*o a 8uriou+
man)un*9 and )ad )ad no re+our-e bu* *o -on-eal )im+el8 in *)e underbru+) w)ile i*
ra(ed around )im' And 8rom *)in(+ *)e An;a>an +0earmen% *)eir leader+% and *)e
,illa(er+ w)o 8ollowed *)em +aid wi*)in )i+ )earin(%
)e +urmi+ed *)a* *)e /uarry o8 *)e )un* wa+ nei*)er *)e +la,e<)ound?+ome o8 *)e
,illa(er+ )ad (rumbled be-au+e *)ey were no* (i,in( *)eir *ime and ener(y *o
)un*in( *)a* mon+*er w)i-) )ad ;illed +o many o8 *)eir -a**le?nor *)e 8our w)o
)ad e+-a0ed 8rom Ra)nilor'
CO*)erwi+e%C )e +aid% CI>d )a,e (one ba-; ou* o8 *)e !or(e *)e o*)er way% and
)eaded ba-; 8or *)e &ni*y Ba+e *o *ry *o (e* a +)i0 down 8or u+' We>,e done our
wor; )ere9 we ;now *)ere are 6ir(on% and we ;now abou* *)e w)i*e 0ro*o+aur+% and
on-e *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+ )ear+ *)i+ +*ory% *)ey -an moni*or all a00roa-)e+ *o
Bel+ar% and +*o0 w)oe,er i* i+' Al*)ou() I do no* li;e *o *)in; *)a* *)e 0ro*o+aurian
;ind -ould +0awn +u-) a 8ier-e ra-e o8 0ira*e+' Bu* w)en I )eard *)a*% I reali@ed
*)ere wa+ 0robably a +ur,i,or o8 *)e &ni*y Ba+e )idin( ou* +omew)ere around
)ere'C
Rianna a+;ed% CHow do you ;now i* wa+ a +ur,i,or o8 *)e &ni*y Ba+eDC
CBe-au+e%C ra,a+) +aid% CI +aw an arrow?a 8airly -rude one' No na*i,e would
)a,e u+ed i*9 and a8*er I 8ound *)e wre-; o8 *)e 6ir(on ba+e% I ;new *)a* any ra-e
w)i-) -ould )a,e done that would )a,e )ad no +-ru0le+ abou* )un*in( wi*) a
wea0on more e88e-*i,e *)an bow and arrow' T)e &ni*y 0eo0le on *)e Ba+e ;new
abou* *)e *aboo )ere% bu* w)en a la+* +ur,i,or wa+ +*ar,in(% )e mi()* no* be +o
-are8ul *o ob+er,e +u-) a 0ro)ibi*ion'C
ane wa+n>* +o +ure9 *)e +ame mi()* 0o++ibly a00ly *o +ome -riminal o8 *)e na*i,e
0o0ula*ion% e=iled 8rom a ,illa(e' CBu* i8 i* i+ a +ur,i,or 8rom *)e &ni*y Ba+e%C )e
a+;ed% Cand )e )a+ been able *o )ide ou* 8rom *)e w)ole An;a>an Order% )ow do you
*)in; *)a* we are (oin( *o be able *o 8ind )imDC
COur *)roa* di+;+%C ra,a+) +aid' CI8 we -an (e* wi*)in normal ran(e% )i+ di+; will
0i-; u0 *)e ,ibra*ion+ o8 our+% and )e will ;now we mean )im no )arm'C
CT)a*>+ a lo* bi((er i8 *)an I li;e%C ane be(an bu* a* *)a* momen* *)ere wa+ a
+udden )i++ in *)e air% and an arrow dro,e /ui,erin( in*o *)e (round by ane>+ 8oo*'
Hi+ )ear* lur-)ed9 )i+ +word +0ar;led +unli()* a+ )e 0ulled i* 8ree' Hi+ di+; in )i+
*)roa* ,ibra*ed +uddenly *o +0ee-)? +*ran(e +0ee-)'
CCome on% you 8il*)y +ubbuman+E You>ll no* (e* me *)i+ *ime% ei*)erEC
T)ere wa+ a +e-ond )i++ in *)e air and ane +uddenly rolled )i+ (ood wri+* u0ward
in a +wi8* mo,emen*% a 8oil<
(uard' T)e arrow +;i**ered on )i+ rai+ed blade and 8lew o88 a* an an(le'
CWai*EC Rianna +)ou*ed' CWe>re 8rom *)e &ni*yE We>re 8riend+EC 1)e 0eered
*oward *)e *)i-; bru+) o8 *)e :un(le% and a )uman 8i(ure 0rowled *oward *)em'
ane *)ou()*% in -on8u+ion% human, & thou#ht the Unity personnel were 'h1fe))...
T)e )uman ;e0* i*+el8 in *)e den+e+* 0ar* o8 *)e +)adow+% bu* ane -ould +ee *)e
bow% +*ill )al8<drawn'
CI )a,e no 8riend+ in *)e &ni*y%C *)e ,oi-e +neered% C1o you>,e 8inally (o**en around
*o *)i+ dun(<ball% )a,e youDC T)e bow mo,ed u0 in )i+ )and+' CWa+ i* you w)o did
? *)i+DC A -om0re)en+i,e (e+*ure *oo; in *)e de+ola*ion o8 *)e 6ir(on ba+e around
*)em'
CNo%C +aid ra,a+)% Cwe )ad no*)in( *o do wi*) i*9 we 8ound i* only a li**le w)ile
a(o' Come ou*% w)y don>* you% and *al;DC
COne o8 you o,er(rown ro-;<-ree0er+D 1)>8e::% by *)e !rea* Fire%C *)e +neerin(
,oi-e +aid 8rom *)e +)adow+% CW)ere>+ your +)i0DC
CIn orbi*%C +aid ra,a+)' CNow -ome ou* w)ere we -an +ee you% and *al;'C
Rianna w)i+0ered% CA 6ir(on'C
T)e man in *)e +)adow+ )e+i*a*ed% and *)en% lowerin( *)e bow on-e more% mo,ed
*oward *)em ou* o8 *)e +)adow+' T)e 0allidne++ o8 )i+ 8orm wa+% ane de-ided% a
-lo+e<8i**in( +il,ery +ui* *)a* made ane *)in; o8 early 8lyin( (ear9 )i+ )air% *oo% wa+
+il,ery% and )i+ +;in 0ale in *)e +)adow+% wi*) a 8ain* (rayi+) )ue *)a* made ane
*)in; 8or +ome rea+on o8 0)o*o(ra0)i- 8ilm'
He +*e00ed in*o *)e 8ull +unli()*?and +uddenly )i+ 8a-e and )and+ (lowed 0earl<
w)i*e% beau*i8ul a+ a )aloed an(el' Pri+ma*i- +)immer+ ri00led alon( *)e )i()li()*+
o8 )i+ -)ee;bone+% and )i+ eye+ were mirror+ 8rom w)i-) *)e +un 8lared a bla@e o8
li()*' Hi+ )air )ad be-ome in,i+ible% a re8le-*or -a+*in( o88 +unbeam brillian-e'
He wa+ wearin( +ome ;ind o8 -lo+e<8i**in( -o,erall o8 (rayi+) lea*)er% *rimmed wi*)
8ur9 ane wondered )ow )e endured *)e )ea*' Round )i+ wai+* wa+ a bla-; bel*
+*udded wi*) me*al% +u00or*in( *)e +)ea*)+ o8 *wo blade+% and an em0*y )ol+*er
w)i-) mu+* on-e )a,e )eld a 0i+*ol<li;e wea0on' T)e bow wa+ new% made ob,iou+ly
8rom na*i,e ma*erial+'
C1o you didn>* ;now *)e &ni*y )ad a Ba+e on *)i+ 0lane*DC
ra,a+) +aid% and ane% 8ollowin( )i+ *)ou()* 0ro-e++e+% ;new *)e un+0o;en 0ar* o8
*)a* wa+% so you didn1t find it, if you people had found it, it would too% li%e this.
ra,a+)% wi*) a (e+*ure% indi-a*ed *)e wre-;a(e around *)em'
CHow did *)i+ )a00enDC
T)e 8la+)in( eye+ were li;e +il,er mirror+ and unreadable% bu* ane +aw *)e li0+
mo,e% and 8an-ied a +neer a+ *)e 6ir(on a+;ed% CW)y do you wan* *o ;nowDC
CMy +u0erior+% in orbi*% )a,e ordered me *o in,e+*i(a*e%C ra,a+) +aid -almly%
CBel+ar i+ a 0ea-e8ul world% and under *)e 0ro*e-*ion o8 *)e &ni*y'C
CI8 I *ell you w)a* )a00ened% will you *a;e me o88 *)i+? *)i+ de+ola*ion o8 ro-; and
:un(le% and +end me )omeDC
CI -an 0romi+e *o *a;e you o88 *)i+ 0lane*%C ra,a+) +aid' CI )a,e no au*)ori*y *o
0romi+e any*)in( more9 your ul*ima*e di+0o+i*ion will re+* wi*) *)e Coun-il o8
Pro*e-*or+'C
A(ain ane +aw *)e li0+ mo,e% bu* wa+ ba88led by *)e me*alli- blan;ne++ o8 *)e eye+'
A +mileD T)e )in* o8 a +neerD
CTran+0or* o88 *)i+ )elli+)ly -old world +)ould be +u88i-ien*%C *)e 6ir(on +aid% and
ane% almo+* roa+*in( in *)e dire-* bla@e o8 *)e Bel+ar +un' +*ared' CA8*er *)a*% I
+u00o+e% i* will be a ma**er 8or *)e?di0loma*+'C
.e1s #ot somethin# up his sleeve, ane *)ou()*' .e #ave in too fast. I hope Dravash
doesn1t thin% he1s surrendered to us
2oda% w)o )ad been +*arin(% wi*) an e=0re++ion o8 )orror% a* *)e 6ir(on% e,er +in-e
*)e alien )ad -ome ou* o8 *)e +)adow+% *ou-)ed Rianna>+ arm and ane )eard )im
w)i+0er'>
CW)y i+ *)e Noble One +*andin( )ere and 0arleyin( wi*) *)i+?*)i+ +0ear<*)rowerDC
Loa*)in( and re,ul+ion 8illed )i+ ,oi-e' T)e boy% o8 -our+e% )ad no* been able *o
8ollow *)eir -on,er+a*ion *)rou() *)e *ran+la*or di+; *)e o*)er+ wore' CT)i+?*)i+ i+
*ruly a 1*ar emonE Loo; a* )i+ +;in?)i+ eye+?)i+ )air?C
Rianna ;e0* )er ,oi-e le,el a+ +)e an+wered% in a 8la*% no<non+en+e *one% and ane
remembered *)a* *)e 6ir(on% *oo% wore a *ran+la*or and -ould )ear w)a* +)e +aid'
CHi+ 0eo0le -ome 8rom a ,ery )o* world -ir-lin( a blue<w)i*e +*ar' Wi*) +;in+ li;e
your+ or mine% *)ey would be burn* *o a -ri+0 in+*an*ly' 1o )i+ 0eo0le e,ol,ed a
di88eren* ;ind o8 +;in% *)a*>+ all9 )e -)an(e+ -olor be-au+e )i+ +;in ada0*+ *o *)e
li()*% dar;enin( in *)e +)adow+ *o ab+orb )ea*% and in *)e +un% re8le-*in( all li()*'
No more *)an *)a*'C
CHe i+ e,il%C 2oda +aid wi*) -on,i-*ion% CHe would )a,e
;illed u+ all w)ile )e )id in *)e +)adow+E W)y i+ ra,a+) )oldin( 0arley wi*) )imDC
CHe )a+ in8orma*ion *)a* we need%C Rianna re*urned -almly' T)e 6ir(on )ad by
now no*i-ed *)a* 2oda )ad no *ran+la*or di+;% and wa+ wa*-)in( )im *)rou() )i+
blind<+eemin( eye+'
CA na*i,e boyD I +ee you 0eo0le are no* beyond 0i-;in( u0 a +ou,enir w)i-) will
8e*-) you a (ood 0ri-e la*er onEC
CHe i+ no* a +la,e%C Rianna +aid /uie*ly'
CO)% a 8emaleDC T)e 6ir(on>+ eye+ (lin*ed around *o Rianna' CI+ )e your *oy%
*)enDC
CNe,er mind *)a*'C ra,a+)>+ ,oi-e wa+ dee0 wi*) -alm au*)ori*y' ane wa+
reminded a(ain o8 *)e old Norwe(ian +;i00er wi*) w)om )e )ad +ailed% year+ a(o'
He +eldom (o* <an(ry?bu* w)en )e rai+ed )i+ ,oi-e% e,en i8 i* wa+ only *o +ay CLe*
(o *)e ro0e+%C i* -ould be )eard o,er a +i=<;no* (ale' CTell your +*ory9 w)o de+*royed
your Ba+eDC
For *)e 8ir+* *ime *)e +neer dro00ed 8rom *)e 6ir(on>+ ,oi-e and )e +eemed *o
)e+i*a*e' Finally )e +aid% CI don>* ;now' I )a,e ne,er +een any*)in( li;e *)em be8ore'
I -an>* *ell you w)ere *)ey -ame 8rom% or any*)in( abou* *)em% e=-e0* *)a* *)ey are
?are li@ard+% li;e you?only bi((er' And 0ale?0ale li;e +ome*)in( you would 8ind
under a ro-;'C ane *en+ed a+ *)e 6ir(on wen* on% CI didn>* +ee mu-) o8 *)em'
T)a*>+ 0robably w)y I>m +*ill ali,e'C
Hi+ ,oi-e )eld real )orror'
CWe were :u+* (e**in( *)e +la,e+ 0a-i8ied% and +or*in( *)em ou*% de-idin( w)i-)
would ma;e (ood o88<world mer-)andi+e% w)i-) we +)ould ;ee0 8or labor )ere' We
)ad *o bomb a ,illa(e or *wo% and my 8riend and I were ou* roundin( u0 re8u(ee+
w)en *)e alarm -ame' I ru+)ed ba-;?bu* *)e 0la-e wa+?C )e rai+ed )i+ )and wi*)
a blindin( (limmer o8 li()*% Cli;e *)i+' T)e (un+ blew u0?no* :u+* *)e bi( one+ a*
*)e (a*e% bu* )and wea0on+ *oo' I mana(ed *o *)row mine away be8ore i* e=0loded?
*)a* i+ w)y I am +*ill ali,e'
CT)e w)i*e li@ard+ were?were e,eryw)ere%C )e wen* on% +*ammerin(% CI *)in; *)ey
mu+* )a,e )ad +ome +or* o8?o8 di+in*e(ra*or ray% be-au+e one or *wo men
di+a00eared w)ile I loo;ed a* *)em' No -or0+e+% no*)in( el+e<' T)e Ca0*ain and one
or *wo o*)er+ made i* ba-; *o *)e +)i0' I +aw *)e 8or-e<8ield (o u0% and I ran9 I
belie,ed *)e Ca0*ain would *a;e *)e +)i0 u0 and bomb our a**a-;er+'
CBu* *)e +)i0 ne,er *oo; o88' I*>+ +*ill in *)ere' I* ne,er mo,ed' A 8ew o8 u+ )id ou* in
*)e )ill+% w)ile *)e na*i,e+
)un*ed u+' For a lon( *ime *)e 0la-e wa+ +warmin(% ei*)er wi*) *)e li@ard+% or wi*)
*)e na*i,e+ in *)e blue robe+' T)en e,ery*)in( /uie*ed% +o we +nea;ed ba-; in*o *)e
+)i0% by ni()*' Bu* i* wa+ de+er*ed' No bodie+' No*)in(' E,ery*)in( wa+?wa+ :u+*
(one'C
7i%e the Unity "ase, ane *)ou()*'
CT)en% +uddenly% one o8 *)e men yelled?I *urned% and +aw?one o8 them I don>*
;now w)ere i* -ame 8rom% or )ow i* (o* *)rou() *)e 8or-e8ield' Bu* +uddenly i* wa+
*)ere% and?and our man wa+n>*' We ran?all o8 u+' Ele,en o8 u+ wen* in*o *)e +)i0'
I *)in; I wa+ *)e only one w)o -ame ou*' My 8riend and I are *)e only one+ le8*' I
)a,e -ome ba-; *)ree *ime+ +in-e?(one in*o *)e +)i0 *o +e* a di+*re++ +i(nal' I>,e le8*
*)e +i(nal on ea-) *ime% and w)en I -ome ba-; i* )a+ been *urned o88' On-e I (o* *)e
&ni* *o o0era*e?I wa+ a-*ually (e**in( a +i(nal ou*?*)en i* +*o00ed% :u+* -u* o88 in
*)e middle o8 a +ound' I (o* away 8a+*' I>,e ;e0* away +in-e *)en' My 8riend and I
are alone now'C
CYour 8riendDC ra,a+) a+;ed% CW)ere i+ )eDC
T)e 6ir(on *urned )i+ mirror<eye+ un*il *)ey 8la+)ed in *)e +un% and 0oin*ed'
CO,er *)ere' In *)e :un(le on *)a* )ill'C
T)e +un wa+ low enou() *)a* i*+ beam+ +)one dire-*ly in*o *)eir eye+ a+ *)ey *urned%
and ane +)aded )i+ eye+ wi*) )i+ )and'
CO)% i+ *)a* dim -andle o8 a +*ar *oo bri()* 8or youDC *)e 6ir(on a+;ed% and ane
)eard *)e li8* o8 mo-;ery in )i+ ,oi-e a(ain' CHow -ould I )a,e (ue++ed *)a* i* -ould
bo*)er any +a0ien* bein(D You -anno* belie,e )ow +orry I amEC
And now, ane *)ou()* (rimly% he %nows another of our wea%nesses. "ut if he calls
"elsar dim, what in hell is his home sun li%e?
Co you in*end *o lea,e your 8riend )ereDC ra,a+) demanded +)ar0ly' CHa,e )im
-ome ou* in*o *)e o0en w)ere I -an +ee )imE I don>* 0ar*i-ularly *ru+* you% and I
-er*ainly won>* *ru+* anyone I -an>* +ee% wi*) a wea0on I don>* ;now abou*EC
CO)% ,ery well'C T)e 6ir(on>+ )air 8lamed and +)o* +un<)aloe+ a+ )e w)irled and
-alled% CWind+0eederE My beau*yE Come *o meEC
And a -)ill -our+ed down ane>+ +0ine a+ )e reali@ed w)a* *)e 6ir(on>+ 8riend mu+*
be'
Bird+ 8lew u0 +-reamin( in *error 8rom *)e :un(le *ree+'
Ou*+*ri00in( *)em% blurred li;e wind<dri,en +now% *)e +la,e<)ound -ame'
Be8ore *)ey -ould 0ani- i* wa+ amon( *)em% 8ri+;in( around i*+ ma+*er li;e a 0u00y9
bu* a 0u00y% ane *)ou()*% *)e +i@e o8 a +*allionE T)e 6ir(on lau()ed aloud and
*oo; *)e (rea* :aw+ be*ween )i+ )and+% rubbin( 0lay8ully'
CYe+% my beau*i8ul one% my *rea+ure% ye+EC T)e )u(e )ead +wi,elled *o loo; a* *)e
o*)er+% and *)e 6ir(on>+ bri()* (lowin( 8a-e +*reamed 0ri+m -olor+ a+ )e lau()ed'
CYe+% Wind<+0eeder% my *rea+ure% *)e+e are mine% +o you mu+* be -are8ul no* *o )ur*
*)em' T)ey are?u+e8ul *o u+?8or *)e momen*'C T)e blan; (lowin( eye+ mo,ed
*oward *)em% *o be +ure *)ey (o* *)e 0oin*' He lau()ed a(ain and +*ro;ed *)e
w)i0la+) body wi*) )i+ )and+'
+hy, he loves that thin# And the thin# loves him ane *)ou()* in ama@emen*'
CT)i+ i+ my 8riend%C *)e 6ir(on +aid% Cmy only 8riend' He doe+ w)a*e,er I wan*'
1)all I )a,e )im ;i++ you% 1)>8e::DC
A w)i*e blur9 and *)e -rea*ure +*ood in 8ron* o8 ra,a+)% +*arin( dire-*ly in*o )i+
8a-e% *)e (rea* :aw+ almo+*?bu* no* /ui*e?-lo+ed' COr you% +word+manDC
And ane wa+ loo;in( in*o a red -a,ern% w)ere w)i*e +0i;e+ were +e* in row+ li;e
-)air+ in a *)ea*re'
COr your 8emale% or *)e +la,e?0ardon me% *)e na*i,e?C Rianna mana(ed *o +*and
)er (round a+ *)e *)in( 8a-ed )er% bu* 2oda *o**ered ba-; and *ried *o rai+e )i+
+0ear' T)e +la,e<)ound )ad *o rai+e i*+ )ead?bu* only a li**le?*o +ni88 a* Ara*a;9
*)en i* wa+ ba-; a* i*+ ma+*er>+ +ide' T)e 6ir(on>+ )and+ *oyed wi*) *)e w)i*e ru88
around i*+ ne-;'
CHe *)in;+ a+ I *)in;' Hi+ mind i+ mine' He ;ill+ w)en I wan* *o ;ill and +0are+
w)om I wi+) *o +0are' He and I are one% in a way none o8 you dead+;in+ -an e,er
under+*and' He *ell+ me *)in(+' He )a+ *old me now% 8or in+*an-e% *)a* *)ere i+ a 0a-;
o8 *)e blue<robed na*i,e+ 8ollowin( you% and ano*)er 8ollowin( me' o you no* *)in;
i* i+ *ime we le8* *)i+ 0la-eDC
T)ey +*ared a* )im% wi*)ou* an+werin('
CCome%C )e +aid arro(an*ly% and 0oin*ed we+*% and a li**le nor*)% CT)ere are +ome
e=-ellen* )idin( 0la-e+ *)ere9 I )a,e )ad a lon( *ime *o learn *)e be+* o8 *)em' Or
will *)a* *a;e you *oo 8ar 8rom your rende@,ou+ 0oin*D I8 you 0re8er ano*)er
dire-*ion?C
CT)i+ will do%C ra,a+) +aid% CLe* u+ (o'C
T)e 6ir(on 0a**ed *)e da@@lin( w)i*e ne-; and *)e +la,e<
)ound dar*ed o88 in*o *)e :un(le in /ui*e ano*)er dire-*ion% w)ile *)e 6ir(on *oo;
*)e nor*)we+*erly 0a*) )e )ad indi-a*ed'
CW)a* o8 your 8riendDC Ara*a; a+;ed'
T)e 6ir(on>+ mo*)er<o8<0earl li0+ wri*)ed *o +)ow 0er8e-*ly ordinary *ee*)'
1ome)ow ane )ad belie,ed *)ey would be 8an(+'
CWind+0eeder will ma;e i* -er*ain we are no* 8ollowed%C )e +aid'
A)ead o8 *)em a (ame *rail o0ened in *)e :un(le wall' T)e bri()* 8i(ure leadin(
*)em 0lun(ed in*o i*+ +)ade' In+*an*ly *)e (low o8 )i+ +;in wa+ e=*in(ui+)ed9 a
(rayi+) *in* wa+)ed o,er *)e +moo*) mo*)er<o8<0earl )ue' T)e 6ir(on +eemed *o
)e+i*a*e% blin;in('
ane *)ou()*. if "elsar is such a dim star to him, if he can loo% strai#ht into it without
!lin%in# . . . then this must !e pretty dar% to him.
'o he %nows one of our wea%nesses . . . !ut we %now one of his. I1d ma%e a #uess that
he1s as near to !lind, in here, as ma%es no difference, and he1s a!le to lead us without
stum!lin# !ecause he %nows the way.
3f course, he1s #ot that Thin# to help him. +indspeeder, or whatever he calls that
monster.
T)ey 8ollowed in*o *)e dar;ne++ o8 *)e 8ore+*' ane -ould 8ind )i+ way 8airly well%
a8*er )i+ eye+ ad:u+*ed *o *)e dim li()* 8il*erin( down *)rou() *)e *ree+% bu* *)e
6ir(on wa+ only a dim% blurred (rayi+) 8i(ure' A* any o*)er *ime ane would )a,e
been 8a+-ina*ed% *ryin( *o 8i(ure ou* )ow *)e -uriou+ me*aboli+m o8 *)e alien rea-*ed
*o li()*% +o *)a* in *)e +un )e (lowed li;e re8le-*in( (la++ and in *)e dar;ne++% *)e
brillian-e o8 )i+ +;in wa+ all 0u* ou*'
1*ran(e ada0*a*ion% you>d *)in; )e would (low in *)e dar;% or +ome*)in(' Li;e
Ara*a; ''' o8 -our+e% i*>+ no* dar; enou() )ere 8or Ara*a; *o +*ar* (lowin(% e,en
around )i+ (ill+'
Ara*a; wa+ brin(in( u0 *)e rear% on *)e aler* 8or 0rowlin( ra+)a+' ra,a+) wa+ a*
*)e 8ron* o8 *)eir 0ar*y% immedia*ely a8*er *)e 6ir(on'
T)e 6ir(on' ane reali@ed *)ey +*ill *)ou()* o8 )im a+ *)e 6ir(on' 'tran#e, )e
*)ou()*' .e must have a name, and whatever the :ir#on e4uivalent mi#ht !e of a ran%
and serial num!er. .e must have lost companions and perhaps friends and family0 if
not he has a family somewhere. .e1s a moderately ordinary mem!er, & suppose,
thou#h of a very stran#e
race. .e can1t even !e an outstandin# mem!er of it?he1s the one who ran away and
hid, instead of fi#htin#. =et he didn1t tell us his name and we didn1t as%. .e didn1t as%
our names, either.
+e %now the slave$hound1s name, !ut not his.
.e called Dravash ,'h1fe))., .e pro!a!ly addresses all mem!ers of lesser races as
,slave, anyhow. 5o?what he called us was ,su!human deads%ins.,
"ut why didn1t we as% his name? 5ot even Dravash as%ed.
ane wondered9 wa+ i* 0er)a0+ an a**em0* *o ;ee0 *)e 6ir(on 8rom be-omin( a
0er+on% an indi,idual in *)eir mind+D id )e wan* *o *)in; o8 )im a+ +im0ly *)e alien
?*)e enemyD
Be)ind *)em a man +)rie;ed% a )orrible +-ream o8 a(ony and *error' O*)er ,oi-e+
were +)ou*in( in *)e di+*an-e'
T)e 6ir(on *urned and )i+ *ee*) 8la+)ed 0ale in )i+ dar;ened 8a-e'
CT)ey will no* 8ollow /ui-;ly%C )e +aid'
ane *)ou()* o8 Ma+*er R)omda% and all )e )ad )eard% li**le +ni00e*+% in *)i+
-ul*ure% abou* *)e An;a>an 10earmen' He remembered *)e 10earman>+ -our*eou+
unwillin(ne++ *o ;ill Ara*a;% a -our*e+y *)ey )ad re*urned by lea,in( )im )i+ +0ear'
1uddenly ane 8el* +i-;' W)a* wa+ )e doin( )ere% runnin( wi*) *)i+?*)i+ +la,e<
-a*-)er% *)i+ 0ira*e% *)i+ in,ader% w)o +miled w)ile *)a* ()a+*ly mon+*er o8 )i+ *ore
a0ar* a (rou0 o8 (ood% de-en* men w)o *)ou()* *)ey were *ryin( *o 0ro*e-* *)eir
)ome+ 8rom demon+D And% )a,in( +een *)e +la,e<)ound% w)o -ould blame *)emD I*
wa+n>* 8air% )e wa+ on *)e wron( +ide% )e>d *a;e R)omda>+ +ide any *ime% i8 )e wa+
(i,en a -)oi-e''''
He )adn>* been' He )ad no -)oi-e'
+HAPTER SEVE&TEE&
Li()* (lowed *)rou() *)e lea,e+ a)ead o8 *)em% *)e end o8 *)e lea8<8loored *unnel%
li()*ed by Bel+ar>+ de-linin( beam+' T)ey )urried on' Be)ind *)em% bu* a* a
-on+iderable di+*an-e 8rom *)e 0re,iou+ +-ream+ and +)ou*+% -ame +)ou*+% a *errible
)oar+e dyin( yell' T)e 6ir(on lau()ed'
CWind+0eeder%C )e +aid% C)e )a+ +*ru-; *)e o*)er (rou09 )e will (o 8rom one *o *)e
o*)er% ;ee0in( *)em bo*) bu+y?and o88 our *rail' He will ;ill a man ea-) *ime )e
+*ri;e+EC
Hi+ eye+ loo;ed di88eren*9 in *)e dimne++ *)ere now +eemed *o be a mo,in( 0u0il% no*
*)a* di+*urbin( blan;ne++' E,iden*ly )i+ eye+% *oo% ad:u+*ed wi*) *)e li()*'
7i%e !uilt$in sun#lasses, ane *)ou()*' T)e 6ir(on +*e00ed in*o *)e li()*% and )i+
+;in 8lamed a(ain% )i+ )air *)rowin( a +un8lare o8 re8le-*in( +0ar;+'
7ucifer, the flamin# an#el, the li#ht$!earer. ' ' ' I1m #ettin# as superstitious as ;oda,
ane *)ou()* an(rily' Bu* *)e *)ou()* 0er+i+*ed% 7ucifer, 'on of the 8ornin#, how
thou art fallenJJJJ
T)ey -ame *o *)e ed(e o8 a +mall +ide -anyon' Below *)em wind and wa*er )ad worn
*)e -oar+e +and+*one in*o *wi+*ed +)a0e+ *)a* made ane *)in;% wi*) a )ome+i-;
0an(% o8 Ari@ona' T)ey loo;ed down a +erie+ o8 broad led(e+ *o *)e bo**om o8 *)e
-anyon% w)ere a +mall ri,er wa+ *ryin( *o +aw *)rou() *)e layer o8 (la++'
CW)a*>+ *)a*DC Ara*a; 0oin*ed *o w)ere +ome*)in( :u**ed ou* o8 *)e wall o8 *)e
-anyon' I* loo;ed li;e a )u(e bubble o8 *)e -ry+*al (la++<ro-;% bro;en a* one +ide'
CA )ou+e%C *)e 6ir(on +aid% and )i+ +;in ri00led in*o 0ri+ma*i- -olor+ wi*) *)e
mo,emen* o8 )i+ 8a-e in w)a* ane *)ou()* mu+* )a,e been a (rin' CYe+% a )ou+e9
one o8 my 8a,ori*e )idin( 0la-e+' A 8o++ili@ed )ou+e' Come and +eeEC
He led *)e way down' ane wa+ (lad *)a* *)ere wa+ a 0a*)% *)a* )e -ould wal;% no*
+-ramble down *)e ro-;9 )i+ in<
:ured arm wa+ (i,in( )im ab+olu*e )ell' He wondered i8 Rianna )ad any more o8
*)a* 0ain;iller +*u88 in )er 0a-;'
T)e bul(e o8 (la++ wa+ no* /ui*e re(ular% more +/uare *)an round% and rid(e+ led
away 8rom *)e -orner+' Li;e mel*ed wall+E
T)ere wa+ a (rea* -ra-; in one +ide% *)a* ran a-ro++ *)e roo8' T)e en*ran-e wa+ 8illed
wi*) +)ard+ o8 (la++ and o*)er rubble *)a* mu+* )a,e 8allen only re-en*ly'
C!o in% loo; around' Wel-ome *o my *em0orary )ome%C *)e 6ir(on (e+*ured% a
mo-;in( in,i*a*ion' CLoo; around' I am no* +ure i* would be wor*) loo*in(?*)e
+*a*ue mi()* be wor*) +ome*)in(% *)ou() e,ery*)in( el+e i+ 0re**y well 8a+*ened
down'C
Rianna made 8or *)e -ra-; in *)e door% 0i-;in( )er way -are8ully be*ween 8i+*<+i@ed
lum0+ o8 (la++' ane )eld )er ba-;' He wa+n>* +ure )e *ru+*ed *)e 6ir(on% and *)a*
in,i*a*ion *o en*er )ad )eld enou() mo-;ery *)a* )e wondered i8 *)e alien )ad an
a--om0li-e wai*in( 8or an ambu+) in+ide' Bu* *)e -ra-; wa+ barely wide enou() 8or
Rianna *o +/uee@e *)rou()9 rea+on *old )im *)a* no +ane bein( would bo**le )im+el8
u0 in *)ere' He mo,ed away% le* )er 0u* )er 8a-e *o *)e -ra-;'
CO)% loo;EC +)e -ried ou*% and )er ,oi-e wa+ ra0*% almo+* re,eren*' CBy *)e 7oid<
+0iri*E Ara*a;% Anadri(o wa+ ri()*E Here we )a,e *)e 0roo8EC
1)e +li00ed be*ween *)e (la++ wall+' Ara*a; wed(ed )im+el8 8orward% bu* *)ere wa+
no way )i+ ma++i,e bul; would 8i* *)rou() *)e -ra-;9 nor -ould ra,a+) do more
*)an 0u* )i+ bi( )ead in+ide% and one 8orelimb' T)e *wo 0ro*o+aur+ wi*)drew *o le*
ane +lide *)rou() a8*er Rianna?and e,en 8or )im i* wa+ a *i()* 8i*'
T)e in*erior wa+ mo+*ly dar;% bu* a bri()* +*rea; o8 +unli()* lay a-ro++ a (emmed
8loor' Rianna wa+ ;neelin( on *)e 8loor% e-+*a*i-ally +*arin( down a* *)e mo+ai-
benea*) )er9 +ealed )ere 8or -oun*le++ millennia% w)ile +and )ad +e**led in*o +*one
abo,e i*% and *)en +lowly worn away a(ain% +ealed )ere un*il% in +ome 8airly re-en*
land+lide% *)e +*one )ad -ra-;ed ''' *o re,eal *)i+ an-ien* dwellin('
T)ere% drawn in *iny mo+ai- +*one+ in *)e 8loor% +aurian )un*+men rode on *)in(+
li;e *aille++ dino+aur+% li;e a -ro++ be*ween a +mall di0lodo-u+ and a )or+e% and +)o*
wi*) bow+ a* a mon+*er *)a* mi()* )a,e been Tyranno+auru+ Re= )im+el8' T)e
+aurian C)or+e+C were made o8 bri()* red +*one+9 *)eir rider+% wi*) 0ro*o+aurian
mu@@le+% were o8 inlaid :e*9 *)e
mena-in( bea+* *)a* *owered abo,e *)em wa+ +a00)ire and ame*)y+*% wi*) 0ure
w)i*e +*one+ +e* in a+ *ee*)9 e,en *)e 0i-*ured bea+* wa+ a+ *all a+ ane' A (reen
+*one :un(le +urrounded rider+ and /uarry9 a *iny 0*eroda-*yl o8 0oli+)ed (olden
(em+ +oared in a 0ale<(reen +;y' And all *)i+ +ealed away under *)eir 8ee* by a layer
o8 *)e *ran+0aren* (la++y +*one *)a* )ad dri00ed in o,er i*% +ealin( i* away 8or
millennia'
Celm 7elo; wa+ wron(%C Rianna +aid% e=-i*edly' >T)i+ i+ 0roo8 o8 Anadri(o>+
*)eory% 0roo8 *)a* would -on,in-e elm 7elo; )im+el8E T)ere wa+ no 1)>8e:: +*ar+)i0
*o -oloni@e *)i+ world9 loo;% be8ore w)a*e,er mon+*rou+ -a*a-ly+m buil* u0 *)i+ layer
o8 mol*en (la++% *)ere wa+ already a w)ole +a0ien* +aurian -i,ili@a*ion )ere%
inde0enden*ly e,ol,edE Ara*a;? ra,a+)%C +)e -ried ou*% Co you ;now w)a* a
*rea+ure *)i+ i+D And a8*er *)e -a*a-ly+m?0er)a0+ *)i+ world -ollided wi*) an
a+*eroid% or a *ruly (i(an*i- me*eor +)ower in +0a-e% 0er)a0+ i* wa+ a 0olar +)i8* wi*)
enormou+ ,ol-ani- a-*i,i*y?a8*er *)a* -a*a-ly+m% a 8ew o8 *)em mu+* )a,e +ur,i,ed%
dri,en ba-; *o barbari+m% and a new mammalian -i,ili@a*ion% 0ro*o<+imian% e,ol,ed
all around *)emEC 1)e 0au+ed and loo;ed doub*8ul'
CBu* i* mu+* )a,e been millions of years, aneE And *)e +and+*one layer a!ove *)i+?
*)a* wa+ 8ormed in an an-ien* de+er*' T)e 8ir+* +e,eral *)ou+and year+% any)owEC
ane +*ared a* *)e mo+ai-% +ealed under i*+ layer o8 (la++' Hi+ eye+% a+ *)ey ad:u+*ed
*o *)e dim li()*% +aw *)a* *)e in*erior o8 *)e +)ell<)ou+e wa+ nea*ly laid +*one% rou()
(rayi+) na*ural +*one' T)e ou*+ide )ad been mel*ed in*o (la++'
CBu* w)a* ;ind o8 -a*a-ly+m?C )e +*o00ed' He %new w)a* ;ind o8 -a*a-ly+m would
be re/uired *o do *)a*' T)ere wa+ only one 8or-e in *)e &ni,er+e *)a* -ould )a,e
done i*'
CI* mu+* )a,e been?well% a +warm o8 (ian* me*eor+% 0er)a0+ a -olli+ion -our+e wi*)
an e=0loded moon?*)a* a+*eroid bel* ou* *)ere?C bu* ane in*erru0*ed )er'
CNo%C )e +aid% C*)i+ wa+ no na*ural di+a+*er% Rianna' T)ey mu+* )a,e done i* *o
*)em+el,e+'C
1)e rai+ed )er )ead% +*arin( a* )im' In *)e 8li-;er o8 +unli()* in+ide% ane -ould +ee
*)e +un 0i-;in( ou* *)e -o00ery roo*+ o8 )er dyed )air' For Rianna% w)o+e 0eo0le
)ad been a* 0ea-e 8or -oun*le++ millennia% i* wa+ lo(i-al *o a++ume a na*ural di+a+*er
8or +u-) de+*ru-*ion a+ *)i+' Bu* ane )ad (rown u0 under *)e +0e-*er o8 a*omi-
)olo-au+*9 )ad awa;<
NON "radley and Aimmer
ened )earin( 0lane+ (oin( by in *)e ni()*% and ;nowin(% wi*) a )orrible -er*ain*y%
*)a* *)i+ would be it..'
CA*omi- war%C ane +aid' He ro+e and wal;ed *o *)e +)adowed -orner w)ere a
+aurian +*a*ue% a me*er *all% +-ul0*ured 8rom +ome un;nown *ran+lu-en* ,iole* ro-;%
0o+ed wi*) -alm de*a-)men* on a 0ede+*al% *)inly (la@ed wi*) i*+ -oa*in( o8 a*omi-
(la++' He -ould +ee i* all now'
CMaybe *)a*>+ *)eir rea+on 8or *)e *aboo a(ain+* *)rown wea0on+9 +ome memory
+ur,i,ed o8 w)ere *)a* lead+' T)ey *au()* i* *o *)e +imian+ w)en *)ey be(an *o
e,ol,e' Maybe *)e 8ear o8 *)e +*ar+ -ome+ 8rom -on8u+ed memorie+ and le(end+ o8
ro-;e*+ 8allin( ou* o8 *)e +;y% bomb+% bli*@e+' ' ' '
CI>ll be* i8 you e=-a,a*ed under )ere% you>d 8ind *)e *ra-e+ o8 8allou* +)el*er+% bi(
-a,ern+ undernea*)?C )e +*o00ed' Pie-e+ o8 an enormou+ :i(+aw 0u@@le be(an *o
8all in*o 0la-e in )i+ mind' T)e +*a*ue% *)e blun* mu@@le li;e *)e +*a*ue o8 1ain*
A>a++ioo in *)e mar;e*0la-e o8 Ra)nilor' Ca,ern+ under(round% and a memory o8
w)i*e -a,e 8i+)% all *)e u+ele++ -olor in *)eir +;in+ blea-)ed away by aeon+ o8
dar;ne++' 6or us the 'aints come to suffer in the sun....
,Thou#h the !lessed land is 4uiet and cool,, )e 8ini+)ed aloud% C!ood lord% i*>+ been
+*arin( me in *)e 8a-e all alon(E Rianna w)a* do you remember o8 *)o+e *a0e+ o8
na*i,e reli(ionDC
1)e +a* ba-; on )er ;nee+% loo;in( u0 a* )im% )er )and *ra-in( *enderly alon( *)e
(emmed line o8 *)e (rea* li@ard<li;e /uarry wi*) *)e :ewelled w)i*e *ee*)% under
(la++' CT)ere wa+ no* a (rea* deal o8 i*%C +)e +aid% Cand w)a* *)ere wa+% wa+ ,a(ue
and -on8u+in(' T)e (ood 8or-e+ were all under(round% and *)e e,il 8or-e+ -ame 8rom
*)e ni()* +;y' And all *)e 1ain*+ and !od+ were 0ro*o+aurian e=-e0* 8or a -ou0le o8
mammalian 8er*ili*y (odde++e+ 0re+idin( o,er 0urely 0ro*o<+imian 8un-*ion+'C
CAnd *)e -olor o8 0uri*yDC ane 0rom0*ed% and +)e +*o00ed% +*arin( a* )im'
CW)i*e% o8 -our+e' And *)e ble++ed 1ain*+JJJC
2oda +*ood )e+i*a*in( in *)e en*ran-e% *)en wri((led *)rou()% +*e00in( on *)e
mo+ai-% *)en -rowdin( ba-; away 8rom i*% )i+ eye+ widenin( wi*) wonder a* *)e
+i()* o8 *)e +*a*ue in *)e -orner'
ane 0)ra+ed )i+ word+ -are8ully in *)e boy>+ own diale-* o8 *)e 6a)ram *on(ue'
C2oda%C )e +aid% C1in-e we le8* Ra)nilor% we>,e *al;ed /ui*e 8reely in 8ron* o8 you%
bu* I ;now *)a* +ome*ime+ we>,e
+li00ed in*o our own lan(ua(e and u+ed word+ +*ran(e *o you' T)in;' Ha,e you e,er
)eard u+ *al;in( abou* w)i*e?C and -are8ully% ane u+ed *)e word% *)e 6a)ram
0)ra+e *)a* *)e 0eo0le o8 Ra)nilor u+ed *o di88eren*ia*e *)e 0ro*o+aurian 0eo0le+%
CFir+* Peo0leDC
COnly *)a* mornin( a* *)e +*ran(e -am08ire%C 2oda +aid% Cand I *)ou()* you were
:e+*in( wi*) my Lady Mi+*re++% 8or you made a re8eren-e *o *)e ()o+* o8 1ain*
A>a++ioo% and +0o;e o8 a my*)% a *)in( wi*) no *ra-;+'' ''C
CYou +eeDC ane +aid *o Rianna% Cand w)a* -olor are *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+% 2odaDC
2oda +*ared a* *)e +*a*ue in *)e -orner' He +aid% in a w)i+0er% CT)ey are w)i*e'
W)i*e% bu* li;e *)e Fir+* Peo0le' ' ' 'C
CAnd w)y do *)e 1ain*+ alway+ die% in *)e +*orie+DC ane a+;ed'
CBy *)e Mo*)er+%C ra,a+) e=0loded% )i+ )u(e bla-; )ead wed(ed in*o *)e door%
CFar+0ea;er mu+* ;now o8 *)i+EC
Rianna re0ea*ed ane>+ /ue+*ion% ur(en*ly'
,Aa!av, w)y do *)e 1ain*+ die w)en *)ey -ome *o +u88er in *)e +unDC
CW)y?*)ey :u+* die%C )e +aid% C*)ey -anno* endure *)e -ruel +un a8*er *)e ble++ed
-ool and dar; o8 *)e Realm+ o8
Puri*y'''''+ome o8 *)em +eem *o )a,e died 8rom *)e )ea*%
and o*)er+ were +*ru-; wi*) )orrible di+ea+e and wa+*ed away' '''C
CaneEC Rianna -au()* a* )im in e=-i*emen*% and )e nodded'
C1ome o8 *)e 0ro*o+aur+ +ur,i,ed%C )e +aid% (e+*urin( a* *)e 8loor benea*) *)em
under *)e lon(<+ealed a*omi- (la++' C1ur,i,ed under(round in *)eir 8allou* +)el*er+'
A8*er *)e radia*ion died down% +ome o8 *)em mu+* )a,e -ome ou*% and e,ol,ed?
e,ol,ed in*o *)e Fir+* Peo0le o8 *oday' Bu* +ome o8 *)em +*ayed in *)e -a,ern+% u+ed
*)eir +-ien-e *o ;ee0 ali,e% de,elo0ed *)eir *e-)nolo(y and im0ro,ed i* ''' *)ey>,e
)ad million+ o8 year+ *o im0ro,e i*% down *)ere in *)e dar;EC
CBu*?w)i*e% aneDC
C!ene*i- dri8*%C +aid ane% CAlbini+m% (rowin( dominan* *)rou() -en*urie+?)ell%
millenniaE A8*er a w)ile *)eir de+-endan*+ couldn1t -ome ou*?no* wi*)ou* *)o+e lon(
robe+ and )ood+' idn>* wor; ,ery well?Bel+ar *)row+ ou* an aw8ul lo* o8 ul*ra<
,iole*% and 0robably *)e robe+ ;e0* *)em ali,e :u+* lon( enou() *o a--om0li+) *)eir
mi++ion+% li;e 1ain* A>a++ioo di+armin( *)e barbarian )orde+ and 0rea-)in( *o *)em
a* Ra)nilor% or 1ain* Ioaya)o>+ di+armin( *)e ar-)er+ o8
A+)ra;)u?and *)en *)ey would die% 0robably o8 8ulmina*in( +;in -an-er+''''C
CBu* *)o+e +*orie+ are all my*)+EC 2oda -ried ou*% CT)ey -an>* be *rueE Or% i8 *)ey
are *rue?C -learly% *)e boy wa+ 8ri()*ened' Rianna wen* o,er *o )im% 0u* )er arm
around )i+ wai+* and be(an *al;in( *o )im +oo*)in(ly'
ane (o* u0% -limbed -are8ully o,er *)e rubble and ou* o8 *)e an-ien* )ou+e' Hi+
arm wa+ a-)in( 8ran*i-ally% a na+*y% *)robbin( a-)e *)a* wen* on and on' He mo,ed
)i+ 8in(er+9 *)ere wa+ no +*ren(*) in *)em' He )o0ed none o8 *)e ner,e+ were
dama(ed' Probably i* wa+ no more *)an a ni-;ed *endon% bu* !od% i* )ur*E Ara*a;
)ad (one down by *)e +*ream and wa+ ;neelin( *)ere% )i+ 8orelimb+ in *)e wa*er%
8i+)in(% or +im0ly en:oyin( *)e -oolne++' ra,a+) +eemed *o be in a *ran-e% 0robably
re0or*in( *o Far+0ea;er' T)e 6ir(on% *oo% wa+ +*andin( immobile% )i+ )air 8la+)in(
in *)e +unli()*% medi*a*in(% or 0er)a0+ -ommunin( wi*) *)a* ,i-iou+ )ound o8 )i+%
re,ellin( a* a +a8e di+*an-e in *)e +lau()*er''''
own *)e -anyon )e -ould +ee a )u(e o0enin( 8looded wi*) li()*9 and beyond *)a*%
*)e dim (reen<and<0ur0le 8loor o8 *)e !or(e' Bel+ar wa+ +in;in( +lowly9 *)ere wa+
no* more *)an an )our or *wo o8 +unli()* le8*' He wondered i8 *)e 6ir(on )ad any
ni()* ,i+ion a* all'
T)ey would all )a,e *o -am0 )ere *oni()*% )e +u00o+ed% *)en be(in *)e lon( +low
:ourney ba-; *o *)e &ni*y Ba+e' T)a* wa+n>* a 0lea+an* *)ou()*% wi*) *)e An;a>an
order )un*in( *)em all *)e way' He didn>* li;e *)e idea o8 )a,in( *)a* damned +la,e<
)ound (uardin( *)em% ei*)er' T)e Bel+arian+% e,en *)e Aan;a>an Order% didn>*
de+er,e any*)in( li;e that le* loo+e on *)emE
Maybe *)e +)u**le landin( -ra8* would -ome down and 0i-; *)em u0 in *)e !or(e'
T)ere wa+ 0len*y o8 landin( room% and i8 i* -ame in a* ni()*% no one *o +ee i*' He 8el*
,ery *ired% and *)e a-)e in )i+ wri+* wa+ maddenin(' T)e *)ou()* o8 bein( ba-;
in+ide a &ni*y +)i0% wi*) )o* ba*)+ and medi-al a**en*ion and -oo;ed -i,ili@ed 8ood%
wa+ *em0*in(' He>d )ad :u+* abou* enou() o8 *)i+ ad,en*ure% and )e wa+ (lad *o
;now i* wa+ nearly o,er% mi++ion a--om0li+)ed' T)e Te+* would )a,e *o be 8ini+)ed
u0 by *)e 0oli*i-ian+' T)ey would deal wi*) *)e 6ir(on+' He wal;ed ba-; u0 and
8ound a led(e *)a* wa+ -om8or*able *o +i* on% wa*-)in( *)e o*)er+ li;e *oy+ below
)im' He )eard 2oda>+ ,oi-e% and Rianna>+% *)ou() )e wa+ *oo 8ar away *o )ear w)a*
*)ey were +ayin(' 2oda>+ ,oi-e +*ill )ad a )y+*eri-al no*e' >oor %id, he1s !een throu#h
a lot. Poor Ri<
anna% *oo9 +)e>d really be in +e,en*) )ea,en% wi*) an ar-)aeolo(i-al 8ind li;e *)i+%
and +)e )a+n>* (o* *ime% or *)e 0ro0er e=0lorin( e/ui0men*% *o -)e-; i* ou* 0ro0erly'
Bu*% a* lea+*% +)e -ould re0or* i* and )a,e *)e 0lea+ure o8 ;nowin( *)a* i* wa+ )er
wor; w)i-) )ad 0ro,ed Anadri(o>+ *)eory?or )ad i* disproved i*D ane ne,er -ould
;ee0 i* +*rai()*' Any )ow% +)e>d (e* a 8oo*no*e in ar-)aeolo(i-al +*udie+% and 8rom
w)a* ane ;new o8 *)a* ;ind o8 +-)olar+)i0% *)a* would be /ui*e enou() 8or )er'
Meanw)ile?
ra,a+) +uddenly +)oo; )im+el8 and -ame ou* o8 *ran-e% (larin( around )im% )i+
body *en+ed a+ i8 *o 8i()*' He +*rode *oward *)e 6ir(on% w)o +*ood unmo,in(% )i+
body (li**erin( in *)e +un'
,:ir#on, )e roared'
T)e (leamin( 8i(ure :um0ed ba-;% +*ar*led' ra,a+) lowered )i+ ,oi-e% +0ea;in( in a
le,el% -om0ellin( (rowl'
CFar+0ea;er in8orm+ me *)a* you are 0lannin( *o +ei@e our +)u**le w)en i* -ome+
downEC
T)e 6ir(on +)ran; ba-;9 ra,a+) wa+% ane de-ided% im0re++i,e enou() *)a* )e
would be 8ri()*ened *oo' 1*ill% on in+*in-* *o rally *o *)eir leader% ane (o* *o )i+ 8ee*
and be(an *o mo,e down 8rom *)e led(e'
T)e 6ir(on blu+*ered% CI don>* ;now w)a* you are *al;in( abou*EC
CI* i+ no* 0o++ible *o 0re*end inno-en-e wi*) me%C ra,a+) +aid% wi*) le,el mena-e%
CT)e Far+0ea;er )eard you *al;in( o8 *)i+ wi*)?your friend.,
CT)a*>+ im0o++ibleEC ra(ed *)e 6ir(on% CYou +ub)uman+ -anno*?C
A +*one +*ru-; *)e +lo0e+ near ane and rolled' He -ame /ui-;ly around% loo;in( u0
*)e +and+*one +lo0e Cbe)ind )im'
A man in a *orn blue robe wa+ -omin( down *)e -li88% +*eadyin( )im+el8 wi*) )i+
+0ear' He wa+ +wea*in( and brea*)in( )ard% )i+ +;in mar;ed by *)orn+% bu* )i+ dar;
eye+ were +*eady% wi*) indomi*able 0ur0o+e'
8aster /homda
Be)ind ane% lower down% *)e 6ir(on and *)e 1)>8e:: +*ill ar(ued9 ane -ould )ear
*)eir ,oi-e+ rumblin( in )i+ *)roa* di+;% bu* ane wa+ no* li+*enin(' He loo;ed u0
*)e +and+*one -li88% e=0e-*in( a* any momen* *o +ee *)e 6ir(on )ound )ard on
Ma+*er R)omda>+ *rail' He -ould *ell *)a* R)omda )ad run 8a+* and 8ar' He wa+
alone9 w)a* -ould )e do i8 *)a* w)i*e *error -ame down *)e +lo0e on R)omda>+
*ra-;D ane>+ blade -ame ou* o8 )i+ +)ea*) a+ i8 o8 i*+ own a--ord' I8 i*
-ame *o *)a*% )e would +*and wi*) R)omda a(ain+* *)e +la,e<)ound% no ma**er w)a*
*)a* 8lamin( 8allen an(el down *)ere )ad *o +ay abou* i*9 )e would no* +*and *)ere
and wa*-) i* *a;e an e=)au+*ed% wounded manE
R)omda +*o00ed and *)e +0ear mo,ed li;e a li,e *)in( in )i+ )and'
C1o% ane%C )e +aid% and )i+ ,oi-e wa+ in8ini*ely +ad% CI wa+ ri()*?and I would
ra*)er )a,e been wron(' E,en now% I would no* belie,e *)a* you )ad :oined 8or-e+
wi*) *)a* bri()* demon down *)ere' I )ad )o0ed i* wa+ +ome ;ind o8 dread8ul
mi+*a;e?*)a* w)en I deli,ered you *o *)e Ble++ed Realm% *)e Ble++ed One+ would
be able *o (ran* mer-y' Bu* *)ere i+ no -)an-e o8 *)a* now'C
+hat is he tal%in# a!out? "lessed 3nes, the "lessed /ealm? Is he )a!!erin#
superstition? 3r?ane>+ mind made an enormou+ lea0% wa+ I ri#ht, all alon#, then,
a!out the saints and all the rest of it?
CR)omda% *)ere i+ no need 8or u+ *o 8i()*' I8 you will :u+* li+*en *o me 8or a li**le?C
ane be(an% +ear-)in( 8or word+% Cyou don>* under+*and' I*>+ a *errible% *ra(i-
mi+*a;e' Won>* you -ome and *al; *o me 8ir+*?or be**er% *al; *o Ara*a; or
ra,a+)DC
1lowly% *)e Ma+*er 10earman +)oo; )i+ )ead' CI* i+ *oo la*e 8or *)a*' Be-au+e o8 my
own wea;ne++% you )a,e e+-a0ed me *wi-e' No* *)i+ *ime' T)e e,il 8rom *)e +*ar+ will
end% 8or *)i+ (enera*ion a* lea+*% and our world will )a,e 0ea-e'C
He rai+ed )i+ +0ear' ane ba-;ed away% wa*-)in( *)e 0oin* o8 *)e +0ear mo,in( in
+mall% deadly -ir-le+' T)e brawlin( ,oi-e+ 8rom below )ad +*o00ed' R)omda>+ eye+
were +li**ed a(ain+* *)e +un% and ane -ir-led *o *)e ri()*% wi*)ou* *)in;in(% +o *)a*
*)e +0earman>+ eye+ a,oided *)e dire-* li()*'
I don1t want to ta%e him at a disadvanta#e.
ane brou()* )i+ le8* )and u0% *ryin( *o -lo+e *)e +*i88% +*ren(*)le++ 8in(er+ around
*)e )il*' A 8eelin( o8 )el0le++ne++ wa+)ed o,er )im' In *)e *wo<)anded 2a0ane+e
+*yle% *)e le8* )and 0ro,ided all *)e +*ren(*)% w)ile *)e ri()* wa+ u+ed only 8or
-on*rol?and )i+ le8* )and wa+ all bu* u+ele++E
CYou are wounded% ane%C R)omda +aid% +orrow8ully% Cand you -ould ne,er +*and
a(ain+* me% e,en a* your be+*' I8 I *)ou()* *)ere wa+ +*ill *)e 8ain*e+* -)an-e o8
mer-y 8or you% I would ur(e you *o +urrender *o me now' Bu* I am a8raid *)a* *)e
be+* I -an do 8or you% now% i+ *o ;ill you a+ /ui-;ly and mer-i8ully a+ I -an'C
T)e +0ear 0oin* 0un-)ed +uddenly 8or ane>+ *)roa*' He
;no-;ed i* a+ide +ome)ow and +*umbled ba-;% in de+0era*ion brin(in( *)e blade u0
in a +aber (uard% 0ullin( *)e u+ele++ le8* )and ba-; *o re+* on )i+ )i0' T)e blade>+
balan-e wa+ no* *oo di88eren* 8rom *)a* o8 a -a,alry +aber'
"ut /homda is ri#ht. I1ve never !een a match for him, he1s !eaten me twice, now .''
CT)e An;a>an Order will be *rue *o i*+ *ru+*%C R)omda +aid% C*)e world will no* be
de+*royed a +e-ond *imeEC
.e %nows
T)e +0ear +*abbed in and ane>+ blade 8li-;ered% le8*% *)en ri()*% ;no-;in( *)e 0oin*
a+ide and lea0in( u0 *o -a*-) *)e bu**<+*ro;e )e ;new would 8ollow' Hi+ blade
/ui,ered a+ *)e *ou() wood -ra+)ed in*o i*% *)en la+)ed a* R)omda>+ +-al0' T)e
+0earman lea0ed ba-;% +wee0in( *)e +word away wi*) *)e me*al 0oin* o8 )i+ +0ear'
Hi+ dar; 8a-e loo;ed +ur0ri+ed'
ane brou()* )i+ ;nee u0 a+ *)e +0ear<+)a8* +wun( a* )i+ (roin% and a+ *)e wood
ra00ed 0ain8ully a(ain+* )i+ -al8% )i+ wri+* and 8orearm loo0ed *)e blade around and
+en* i* )i++in( *oward R)omda>+ *em0le'
T)e +0earman du-;ed and +*umbled ba-;% dra((in( *)e +0ear bu** on *)e +and+*one
?*)e 8ir+* aw;ward mo,emen* ane )ad e,er +een<)im ma;e' ane brou()* down
)i+ 8oo*% reali@ed *)a* )e )ad 8allen au*oma*i-ally in*o a ;ara*e +*an-e in+*ead o8 *)e
+*andard +aber +*an-e% and +wi,eled )i+ ri()* 8oo* *o 0oin* a* R)omda' Bu* w)a* wa+
*)e ma**er wi*) *)e Ma+*er 10earmanD
And *)en )e ;new'
R)omda )ad (rown a--u+*omed *o ane>+ +*yle?*)e *wo<)anded 2a0ane+e +*yle'
Bu* )e )ad ne,er en-oun*ered *)e +aber +*yle be8ore'< T)e *imin(% *)e lo(i-<0a**ern
o8 (uard+ and -u*+% all were di88eren*?ane ;new R)omda>+ +*yle' Bu* R)omda no
lon(er ;new )i+'
R)omda wa+ +*arin( a* )im in-redulou+ly9 bu* )e brou()* )i+ +0ear u0 a(ain% ready
i8 need be *o -arry on an old and le(endary war% on be)al8 o8 a world *)a* )ad ended
be8ore )i+ own +imian an-e+*or+ )ad e,ol,ed 8rom *)e *ree<+)rew and lemur' The
waste of it, ane *)ou()* wildly% the tra#ic waste He -ould +ee *)e +*rain in
R)omda>+ eye+% -ould )ear *)e o*)er+ -lo+in( in be)ind )im% and )e +aw R)omda +e*
)i+ mind on dea*)9 dea*) wi*) )onor'
I don1t want to %ill him, damn it
e+0era*e% *)e +0earman lea0ed in% *ryin( *o ;ill% )i+ +0ear a blur o8 mo*ion' ane
;no-;ed *)e 0oin* a+ide a(ain% and a+ *)e bu** +we0* 8or )i+ *em0le% (uarded i* up,
0u+)in( *)e +)a8*
abo,e )i+ )ead9 *)en w)i00ed )i+ blade down% low% lower *)an )e would )a,e been
allowed *o -u* in a ma*-)% drawin( *)e ed(e +)ar0ly a-ro++ *)e *endon be)ind
R)omda>+ ;nee''''
He :um0ed ba-; a+ R)omda la+)ed ou* wi*) *)e bu** end o8 *)e +0ear% and 8ell
+0rawlin( on *o0 o8 i*' R)omda rolled o,er% *ried *o (e* u0% and 8ell a(ain' ane%
+)ea*)in( )i+ +word% 8el* a -old )orror a* w)a* )e )ad done' Ham+*run(% *)e *endon+
in )i+ le( (one% *)e +0earman would ne,er wal; a(ain'
He ba-;ed u0 a li**le and di+-o,ered Rianna and Ara*a; be)ind )im% *)eir wea0on+
a* *)e ready' 2oda wa+ loo;in( 8rom ane *o R)omda in -old )orror' ra,a+) +*ood
a li**le a0ar*% )i+ eye<rid(e+ *wi*-)in( wi*) +ome unreadable emo*ion' And *)e
6ir(on wa+ wal;in( ,ery +lowly *oward *)em''''
This wa+ *)e real enemy' ra,a+) )ad 8ound *)a* ou*% in -on8eren-e wi*) *)e
Far+0ea;er% :u+* be8ore R)omda )ad -ome' ane wa+ (lad' He 0re8erred *)e 6ir(on
a+ an enemy9 *)e *)ou()* o8 )a,in( )im% e,en *em0orarily% a+ an ally% re,ol*ed )im'
He *urned )i+ a**en*ion ba-; *o R)omda' T)e Ma+*er 10earman )ad rolled o,er%
di+re(ardin( *)e +0readin( 0ool o8 red benea*) )i+ le(% and u+in( *)e +0ear *o le,er
)im+el8 in*o a +i**in( 0o+i*ion' Hi+ arm+ were +)a;in( wi*) 0ain and e88or*' ane
wal;ed *oward )im9 R)omda>+ 8a-e% -on*or*ed in a(ony% (lared u0 a* )im and )e
*ried *o *wi+* *)e +0ear<0oin* and le,el i* a* ane% bu* nearly 8ell o,er' ane du-;ed
0a+* *)e 0oin* and ;nel* a* R)omda>+ +ide'
CRianna%C )e +)ou*ed% Cbrin( your 0a-;% (e* ou* *)e medi-al +u00lie+E Le*>+ (e* *)a*
bleedin( +*o00ed' ' ' 'C Hi+ ,oi-e wa+ +)a;in(' 1o were )i+ )and+' R)omda *ried *o
+win( *)e +0ear *oward )im9 ane -au()* i* be*ween )i+ )and+ and wren-)ed i*
away% )ur*in( )i+ own in:ured le8* )and in *)e 0ro-e++' He 8lun( i* ou* o8 rea-)% *)en
0u* )i+ arm+ around R)omda>+ +)oulder+ and )eld )im'
CI>m +orry%C )e +aid' C1*u0id *)in( *o +ay% bu* i*>+ *rue' I didn>* wan* *o 8i()* you' I
didn>* wan* *o ;ill you?e,en *o )ur* you' I>m no* your enemy% R)omda'C
Pain% 0ani-% ra(e% all *)o+e +*ru((led brie8ly in R)omda>+ dar; 8a-e' T)en )e drew a
dee0 brea*)% )eld i*% 8ou()* *o -on*rol )i+ (a+0in( brea*)+% and ane +aw -alm and
+*oi- re+i(na*ion +e**lin( o,er )i+ 8a-e' He made no 0ro*e+* a+ Rianna ;nel* be+ide
)im and be(an -lean+in( *)e wound and
+*an-)in( *)e blood' Ara*a; +*ood by% )oldin( R)omda>+ +0ear -are8ully'
T)e 6ir(on -ame u0 be)ind *)em% namin( in *)e brillian-e o8 *)e la+* +unli()*'
CLea,e )im%C )i+ ,oi-e +narled *)rou() *)e di+; in ane>+ *)roa*' CMy 8riend will
*a;e -are o8 )im'C
CNoEC ane +na00ed )i+ )ead u0 and )e +0o;e% delibera*ely% in 6a)ram% CI will *a;e
)im *o a 0la-e o8 +a8e*y my+el8'C
T)e +unli()* (lared in )i+ eye+ a+ )e +0o;e' T)e 6ir(on )ad delibera*ely 0la-ed
)im+el8 w)ere *)ey would )a,e *o +*are dire-*ly in*o *)e +un *o +ee )im% and )e
8lamed and (lowed a+ i8 )e were made o8 mol*en me*al'
CI )a,e )ad *)e blue<robed dead+;in+ on my *rail 8ar *oo lon(' I don>* allow my+el8
*o be )arried by +la,e+E Lea,e )imEC *)e 6ir(on ordered'
ane 8el* R)omda>+ body +lum0 lim0 in )i+ arm+' E=)au+*ion% +)o-;% )orror )ad
8inally drained *)e Ma+*er 10earman>+ iron re+er,e+' It would have !een %inder to
%ill him, perhaps. To #ive him the same swift merciful death he offered to me.
CYou aren>* (i,in( u+ any order+ a* all )ere% 6ir(on%C ra,a+) +narled' CWe are
8ini+)ed wi*) youE W)a* we do i+ no -on-ern o8 your+EC He :er;ed )i+ )ead alon( *)e
*rail' C!o w)ere you 0lea+e9 we won>* in*er8ere' Bu* you be*rayed our bar(ain?and
we will lea,e you *o *)e na*i,e+% and i8 *)ey lea,e you ali,e lon( enou()% *o *)e
Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+ w)en *)ey -ome *o in,e+*i(a*e' !oEC
ane lowered *)e -ri00led +0earman *o *)e (round% +*andin( u0 +lowly% )i+ )and on
)i+ +word' T)e 6ir(on *)rew ba-; )i+ )ead and lau()ed% a rin(in( +ound% 8larin(
ou* li;e *)e +-in*illa*in( 8lame+ o8 )i+ )air'
,=ou *)rea*en me, 1)>8e::D You +ub)uman 8ool+E You really belie,e I would lower
my+el8 *o ma;e a bar(ain wi*) +u-) a+ youD You )a,e been my 0ri+oner+ all alon(%
and *oo +*u0id *o no*i-eE 1*u0id +la,eEC He made a mena-in( mo,emen* *oward
ra,a+)' C!e* *)a* +)u**le+)i0 down )ere% i8 you wan* *o li,eE I* will be you w)o are
le8* a* *)e mer-y o8 *)e na*i,e+?i8 you are /ui-;% and 0ro,o;e me no 8ur*)erEC
ra,a+)>+ ,oi-e wa+ dee0% -alm% rea+onable'
CW)a* (ood would a +)u**le+)i0 be *o youD I* -anno* e,en lea,e *)i+ +y+*em'C
CNo%C *)e 6ir(on +aid% Cbu* i* will be e/ui00ed wi*) -ommuni-a*ion e/ui0men*% and
on-e o88 *)i+ in8ernal 0lane*% I -an +end a *i()*beam +i(nal )ome% and my 8riend and
I -an
wai* in orbi* and be warm w)ile we wai* 8or a +)i0% wi*) no dead+;in+ )un*in( u+' A
war+)i0 will be +en* *o 0i-; me u0% and we -an +na0 u0 a /ui-; +)i0load o8 +la,e+%
and ;no-; a )ole in *)i+ 0lane* *o remember u+ by?be+ide+% our +)i0 i+ down *)ere
8or *ran+0or*' Now *ell your +u0erior+ *o +end a +)u**le+)i0 down% be8ore I lo+e
0a*ien-e?*)ere i+ room *o land down in *)e !or(e *)ere' Gui-;lyEC
1lowly% ra,a+) (e+*ured in re8u+al'
CNo' No +)u**le+)i0 will -ome down on *)i+ 0lane* w)ile you are wi*)in any di+*an-e
o8 u+' Far+0ea;er )a+ you% and your 8riend% mar;ed now' I* i+ no u+e'C
CT)en%C +aid *)e 6ir(on +o8*ly% Cyou will )a,e *)e 0lea+ure o8 wa*-)in( my 8riend
ea* your -om0anion+% one a8*er ano*)er' He )a+ wor;ed )ard 8or u+ *oday% and )a+
no* been (i,en any real reward' I *)in; I will le* )im be(in wi*) *)a* one ' ' 'C
He 0oin*ed *o Rianna% w)ere +)e +*ill ;nel* be+ide *)e un-on+-iou+ +0earman9 and
e,en a+ )e +0o;e% *)e bird+ )ur*led u0 8rom *)e :un(le and a w)i*e blur 0oured o,er
*)e +and+*one and loomed +uddenly abo,e Rianna% *)e )u(e :aw+ o0en'
Co no* do any*)in( ra+)EC warned *)e 6ir(on' CYou )a,e un*il )e )a+ 8ini+)ed
0layin( wi*) *)e na*i,e% *o re0en* your de-i+ion and brin( *)e +)i0 downEC
Rianna )ad dro00ed )er +0ear *o *end Ma+*er R)omda>+ wound+% bu* i* lay be+ide
)er' 1)e rea-)ed ou* 8or i* and *)e +la,e<)ound>+ (rea* 0aw -ame down on )er wri+*%
*)e )u(e :aw+ (a0in( wi*)in in-)e+ o8 )er'
CNoEC 2oda +)ou*ed'
And *)rew )i+ +0ear'
I* wa+ no* a (ood -a+*?*)e boy )ad ne,er *)rown e,en a ro-; be8ore?bu* by +)eer
lu-; i* -ame down 0oin*<8ir+* and +-ra*-)ed a-ro++ one (olden eye' Wi*) a )owl li;e
a ru+*y door<)in(e *)e *)in( reared ba-; in a 8ran*i- blur% and +*ood +)a;in( blood
8rom i*+ *orn e,e o,er *)e (round 8i8*y 8ee* away' Rianna +-rambled *o )er 8ee*%
+na*-)in( u0 )er +0ear9 ane wa+ in+*an*ly a* )er +ide% )i+ +word drawn' 2oda wa+
runnin( *oward *)e 6ir(on% )i+ ma-)e*e (leamin( a+ )e ran dire-*ly in*o *)e
+unli()*'
CWind+0eederEC roared *)e 6ir(on% C;ill *)emE 6ill *)em allEC
And +uddenly *)e w)i*e +)a0e wa+ loomin( o,er *)em a(ain% i*+ e,e +*ill dri00in(
blood% and *)e (a0in( -a,ern o8 i*+ mou*) 8illed ane>+ ,i+ion' T)ere wa+ no *ime *o
do any*)in(
bu* +*i-; )i+ +word ou*% *)ru+*in( u0 in*o *)a* red and dri00in( roo8' '' '
T)e *errible :aw+ +na00ed +)u* :u+* below *)e (uard o8 ane>+ +word% and *)e )il*
wa+ nearly :er;ed 8rom )i+ )and' He *i()*ened )i+ (ri0 and *ried *o brin( *)e +*i88
8in(er+ o8 )i+ o*)er )and around *)e )il* *o )an( on% 8el* )im+el8 :er;ed 8rom )i+ 8ee*
w)ile blood 0oured down o,er )i+ arm' He )eld on% 8ran*i-ally'
Held on% w)ile ear*) and +;y mo,ed in a -on8u+ed blur9 *)en wi*) a +udden bur+* o8
+en+e +*o00ed *ryin( *o u+e )i+ u+ele++ le8* )and% and in+*ead brou()* )i+ 8orearm
down on *)e ba-; o8 *)e blade9 a+ )i+ 8ee* *ou-)ed ear*)% wren-)ed +)ar0ly a* *)e
blade'
He +*a((ered ba-; and 8ell% :u+* a+ Ara*a; and ra,a+) )urled *)em+el,e+ on *)e
wounded bea+* 8rom o00o+i*e +ide+' I* +*a((ered under *)eir -ombined a**a-;9
Rianna *)ru+* in wi*) )er +0ear% w)i-) +an; almo+* *o *)e wood in *)e w)i*e
+)oulder9 bu* *)e bea+* )ardly +eemed *o no*i-e' T)e )ead w)i00ed around% and *)e
(rea* :aw+% wi*) *)eir row+ o8 *ee*)% -lam0ed in*o Ara*a;>+ +)oulder'
Ara*a; )owled wi*) 0ain and ra(e% an in8uria*ed% +;y<8illin( bellow9 ra,a+) rai+ed
)i+ ma-)e*e% bu* be8ore i* -ould 8all *)e bea+* )ad relea+ed Ara*a; and *urned *o
+ei@e Ara*a;>+ le(' Ara*a; +*a((ered% blood +*reamin( down )i+ w)ole u00er body'
A+ ane reeled *o )i+ 8ee*% )e no*ed a mo,emen* o8 blue in *)e -orner o8 )i+ ,i+ual
8ield% and +aw Ma+*er R)omda% rollin( *oward 2oda>+ 8allen +0ear'
Rianna )ad 0ulled )er +0ear ou* a(ain% and drawn i* ba-; 8or a +e-ond *)ru+*% w)en
ra,a+)>+ *o00lin( body -ra+)ed on *o0 o8 )er% ;no-;in( )er o88 )er 8ee*' ane% +*ill
di@@y 8rom *)e +)a;in(% ran *oward *)em'
!odE id no*)in( +*o0 *)a* *)in(D From *)e 8ron* i* loo;ed li;e a 0in*o 0ony now% i*+
da@@lin( w)i*e 8ur +0lo*-)ed and dyed wi*) (rea* 0a*-)e+ o8 blood' No 0ony )ad e,er
mo,ed *)a* /ui-;ly' I*+ )ead w)i00ed ba-; *o Ara*a;% w)o+e ;ni8e )ad been dri,en
*o *)e )il* in*o *)e bea+*>+ 8lan;9 )e )un( on (rimly% *)ou() )i+ lea*)ery )ide wa+
+*reamin( blood 8rom *)e +)oulder w)ere *)e )ound>+ *ee*) )ad *orn a (rea* ra((ed
wound' T)e )u(e )ead wri*)ed around a* w)a* ane would )a,e +worn wa+ an
im0o++ible an(le% *o -lam0 (rea* *ee*) in Ara*a;>+ 8orelimb' T)e (ian* 0ro*o+aur
)un( on% )owlin( wi*) ra(e and 0ain'
2an that thin# !e %illed at all? ane wondered% and ran
*oward i*% )i+ blade rai+ed 8or a -u* a* *)e ma(ni8i-en*ly mu+-led ne-;' There must
!e an artery in there somewhere
Bu* a+ )i+ +word -ame down *)e w)i*ene++ blurred and +ome*)in( +*ru-; ane wi*)
*)e 8or-e o8 a ba**erin( ram'
He +*a((ered ba-;% and *)e (rea* :aw+ +na00ed +)u* an in-) 8rom )i+ 8a-e' He 8ell
ba-;% and -au()* )im+el8 wi*) )i+ in:ured arm9 8or a +e-ond *)e 0ain almo+* made
)im bla-; ou*' Ara*a; +*ill )eld on (rimly% dri,in( *)e ma-)e*e a(ain and a(ain in*o
*)e )ound>+ 8lan;% )i+ +)oulder and arm +*reamin( blood% a+ *)e -rea*ure -rawled
*oward ane% dra((in( *)e li@ard<man>+ (rea* wei()* wi*) i*' ra,a+) )ad rolled
o,er *o le* Rianna -rawl ou* 8rom under )im9 and be*ween ane and *)e bea+*
Ma+*er R)omda rolled% 2oda>+ +0ear -lu*-)ed *o )i+ +ide' ane rai+ed )i+ +word
a(ain% 8eelin( )i+ (ood arm dra(% and ;new i* wa+ )i+ la+* e88or* a+ )e +*a((ered u0
*o mee* *)e (rea* bea+*% +*ill (lowin(> wi*) *)e la+* ray+ o8 Bel+ar' "urnin# !ri#ht . . .
in the forest of the ni#ht . . . "la%e should have seen this thin#, ane *)ou()* wildly%
8eelin( *)e wei()* o8 )i+ +word dra( )ard on )i+ )and% and wondered in a 8ran*i-
momen* i8 *)e +word would dro0 8rom )i+ wri+* and roll away' Wi*) *)e (rea* :aw+
o0enin( *o -lo+e o,er )im% ane *)ou()* in a la+* mad momen*% Did .e smile his
wor% to see, Did .e who made the lam!, ma%e thee . . . ?
A +0ear in R)omda>+ )and+ +*abbed u0 8rom *)e (round' T)e +la,e<)ound reared%
and 8or *)e +e-ond *ime ane )eard i*+ +)rill ,oi-e +/uea;in(' Ara*a; lo+* )i+ (ri0
and +*a((ered a+ide% lea,in( )i+ ;ni8e in *)e bea+*' ane :um0ed in% )i+ +word
+la+)in( down% -lea,in( dee0 in*o *)e w)i*e ne-;' T)e bea+* )urled i*+el8 ba-;ward
and -ra+)ed o,er% all +i= le(+ ;i-;in( in *)e air% 2oda>+ +0ear :u**in( 8rom i*+ -)e+*' I*
rolled *o one +ide and lay +*ill'
Ou* o8 *)e +un>+ (lare a ,oi-e% di+*or*ed wi*) ra(e and an(ui+)ed (rie8% +-reamed.
CWind+0eederEC
R)omda rolled u0 on )i+ elbow% +miled -roo;edly a* ane and -olla0+ed a(ain% )i+
8a-e in *)e du+*'
ane loo;ed wildly round' Ara*a; wa+ +*ill on )i+ 8ee*% )i+ bi**en arm and +ide
+*reamin( dar; blood9 ra,a+) +a* u0% -lu*-)in( a* )i+ -)ewed and man(led le('
2oda?w)ere wa+ 2odaD T)en )e )eard 2oda +-ream' ane w)irled and +aw 2oda
+*a((erin( ba-;% wea0onle++% -lu*-)in( a* )i+ arm% w)ile blood dri00ed 8rom )i+
8in(er*i0+% +0la**erin( on *)e ro-;' And beyond )im% ou* o8 *)e blindin( +un+e*% *)e
6ir(on -ame% (lowin( li;e 1a*an wal;in( w)i*e<)o* ou* o8 Hell' In
)i+ )and one o8 *)e lon(% +)o,el<li;e *or*urer>+ blade+ wa+ dri00in( wi*) *)e boy>+
blood'
Rianna -au()* 2oda and +)o,ed )im be)ind *)em% w)ile ane +/uin*ed in*o *)e
li()*'
Cie% +la,e%C *)e 6ir(on +narled% CYou )a,e ;illed Wind<+0eeder% bu* you will no*
li,e *o boa+* o8 i*E Can you +ee me% +la,eD I am )ere% in *)e li()*EC
ane remembered wor;in( ou* a(ain+* 0eo0le w)o alway+ *ried *o maneu,er you +o
*)a* *)e +un wa+ in your eye+?and wa+% +uddenly% immen+ely (ra*e8ul *o *)em9 *)eir
de0enden-e on *)a* -)ea0 *ri-; )ad *au()* )im )ow *o o,er-ome i*?and would
+a,e )im now'
T)e 6ir(on mo,ed in *)e (lare% bla@in( li;e a +*eel mirror o8 *)e +un9 ane )eard
)i+ wea0on )i++in(% *)en +*eel -la+)ed a+ )e ;no-;ed i* a+ide and w)irled )i+ blade
ou* in a -u*' He 8el* *)e ed(e :ar *)rou() 8le+) and (ra*e on bone in )i+ un+een
enemy'
T)e (lowin( 8i(ure +wayed and 8ell'
ane blin;ed and loo;ed away' Be)ind )im )i+ +)adow +*re*-)ed and wa,ered% lon(
and bla-;% *oward *)e o*)er+'
2oda wa+ -lu*-)in( a* )i+ arm and moanin(% w)ile *ear+ +*reamed down )i+ 8a-e'
Ara*a; wa+ ;neelin( be+ide *)e 8allen ra,a+)9 Rianna wa+ 0ullin( )er medi-al
+u00lie+ 8rom )er ;i*' Beyond *)em% li;e a blood<+*ained +now ban;% be+ide *)e
mo*ionle++ body o8 Ma+*er R)omda% lay *)e 6ir(on>+ C8riend'C
Hi+ only 8riend' Ye+' ane *)ou()* wi*) +a,a(e irony% They were lovely and pleasant
in their lives, and in death they were not divided.
Hi+ 8ir+* (ood loo; a* 2oda>+ wounded arm *urned ane>+ +*oma-)% e,en *)ou()%
+eein( *)e blade *)a* made i*% )e +)ould )a,e e=0e-*ed i*' A -)un; o8 8le+) *)e +i@e o8
)i+ 8i+* )ad been (ou(ed ou* o8 *)e boy>+ u00er arm% +-oo0ed away 8rom *)e bone'
E,en *)e *errible bi*e+ on Ara*a;>+ +)oulder and 8orearm?and *)e arm wa+ bro;en
?and ra,a+)>+ *)i()% +eemed in+i(ni8i-an* by -on*ra+*'
Ma+*er R)omda +*irred% and ane 8el* a +ur(e o8 relie8' He mo,ed *o 0ro0 *)e
Ma+*er 10earman u0 a(ain+* a ro-;9 R)omda loo;ed a* 2oda% w)o +a* be8ore
Rianna% *ee*) -len-)ed in )i+ li0% w)ile +)e 0a*-)ed *)e ma++i,e wound'
CYou +a,ed my li8e% lad%C )e +aid wi*) a wan +mile% Cbu* you di+)onored your
+0ear'C
2oda +*ared 8ier-ely a* )im% *ear+ o8 0ain dryin( on )i+ -)ee;' He +aid% ob,iou+ly
/uo*in(% CT)e )onor o8 *)e (a!av i+
*)e )onor o8 )i+?o8 )i+ Lady Mi+*re++%C )e amended% Cand I )a,e learned a lar(er
law *)an your+' I +)all ne,er a(ain *)in; i* di+)onor *o +a,e a 8riend>+ li8e a(ain+* a
di+)onorable enemy'C
ra,a+) rumma(ed in )i+ own 0a-; 8or medi-al +u00lie+ 8or )i+ own wound+% and
Ara*a;>+' W)ile *)ey banda(ed and 0a*-)ed *)eir ma++i,e wound+% Bel+ar dro00ed
low in *)e +;y% 0ain*in( *)e brillian* )ea,en+ abo,e *)em wi*) unbelie,able -olor+'
R)omda +aid% CI +u00o+e i* i+ my du*y *o in8orm you *)a* you are all my 0ri+oner+'
And you% a* lea+*% T)ra>,a+)a% will 8ind i* di88i-ul* *o run away' No* im0o++ible%
0er)a0+% bu* di88i-ul*'C
C1urely% Ma+*er 10earman%C rumbled Ara*a;% Cyour du*y -anno* re/uire you *o
ma;e any 8ur*)er e88or*+ in *)i+ dire-*ion' Your e88or*+ )a,e already been
+u0er)uman' Fur*)ermore?C )e loo;ed down +ym0a*)e*i-ally a* *)e )el0le++ man%
Cyou are +eriou+ly in:ured% and w)a*e,er your a**en*ion *o du*y% none -an blame you
i8 you?um?8ind i* im0o++ible *o 0re,en* u+ 8rom e+-a0in(' Re(re**ably% I 8ear *)e
*ru*) i+ *)a* you are our 0ri+oner% al*)ou() we would 0re8er no* *o re(ard you a+
+u-)% bu* a+ a 8riend w)o+e @eal )a+ un8or*una*ely been mi+0la-ed'C
R)omda +)oo; )i+ )ead and +i()ed' He +aid% CAla+% I )a,e only *)e word o8 a Healer
8rom Ra)nilor *)a* you are any*)in( bu* *)e *ra,eler+ 8rom Rai8e w)i-) you
0re*ended *o be' And *)e+e *wo bodie+ ma;e a 0ower8ul ar(umen* 8or *)e -laim *)a*
I )a,e 8ul8illed my *ru+* and *)e )un* 8or demon+ 8rom *)e +*ar+ +)ould be ended'C
He +)oo; )i+ )ead' CBu* no' I 8ear i* i+ no* *)a* +im0le' I )eard bo*) o8 you *al;in( *o
*)a*?*)a* -rea*ure% in a lan(ua(e *)a* wa+ no* o8 Rai8e% or any o*)er *on(ue ;nown
*o our world9 and *)e -on-lu+ion i+ ine+-a0able% *)a* you 8ol;% a+ well% are 1*ar
emon+?C
CW)a* ma;e+ you *)in; *)a* only demon+ -an -ome 8rom *)e +*ar+DC 2oda
demanded 8ier-ely' Rianna )ad 8ini+)ed banda(in( )i+ wound9 )e wa+ 0ale% )i+ arm
in an im0ro,i+ed +lin(% bu* )e wa+ -)ewin( on a +*ri0 o8 dried )arli; mea*% a+ )e
+li-ed ano*)er 8or ane and 8or Rianna% *)en -u* a lar(e one 8or Ma+*er R)omda
and )eld i* ou* *o )im' CYe+% they were demon+% or wor+e% 8rom *)e +*ar+' Bu* *)ere
are e,il -riminal+ e,en in Ra)nilor% and in my own ,illa(e% and e,il Fir+* Peo0le a+
wellE Per)a0+ *)ere may be a demon or *wo in your 0re-iou+ Ble++ed Realm% and *)e
+;y may )arbor a 1ain* or *woEC
R)omda *oo; *)e +*ri0 o8 dried mea* 8rom *)e boy% and
+0o;e (en*ly' CT)e+e are no* ma**er+ 8or a boy' Lea,e *)em *o your elder+% my dear
-)ild'C
CI am no* a -)ild%C 2oda re*or*ed an(rily' CI am 2oda !ran*)<+layer% and I bear *)e
*oo*) o8 a (ran*)% and I am wi+e enou() *o ;now *)a* my Lady Mi+*re++ i+ (ood% and
)er -on+or*% and *)e 7enerable One 8rom *)e +*ar+E And 8or all *)a* you wear *)e
blue robe I )a,e been *au()* *o obey% you ;now no*)in( o8 *)e+e 0eo0le% w)ile I )a,e
*ra,eled wi*) *)em 8or more *)an a moonE I* i+ you w)o are i(noran* in *)e+e
ma**er+ and +)ould lea,e +0ee-) *o *)o+e w)o ;now w)a* *)ey are *al;in( abou*EC
He +wallowed )ard% *)en +aid% CI do no* wan* *o be rude *o you% Ma+*er 10earman%
you )a,e been ;ind *o me +in-e I wa+ a -owardly -)ild bein( bea*en by my 8a*)er%
bu* I ;now *)e+e 0eo0le and you do no*% and i* wa+ you w)o 8ir+* *old me *)a* only a
8ool *al;+ abou* *)in(+ )e doe+ no* ;now and )a+ no* +een'C
>T)e i,ine E(( )a+ +aid wi+ely%C Ara*a; rumbled in *)e lan(ua(e o8 6a)ram% C*)a*
on -er*ain ma**er+ *)e un)a*-)ed may +0ea; wi*) *)e wi+dom *)eir elder+ )a,e
8or(o**en' Ma+*er 10earman% we mean you no )arm% nor anyone 8rom your world' I
re(re* i* more *)an I -an +ay% *)a* ane wa+ 8or-ed *o in:ure you' I -ould wi+) *)ere
were no ill will be*ween u+'C
CIll willDC R)omda a+;ed% +ur0ri+ed% CI8 *)ere were ill will be*ween u+% I would no*
8ear *o be dereli-* in my du*y' &n*il *)e word -ame 8rom *)o+e I am +worn *o )onor
?C )e made a -uriou+% near<ri*ual (e+*ure% CI li;ed you all well% and re-o(ni@ed in
*)e 1word+man% one o8 my own ;ind'C
ane *)ou()*% )oldin( dried mea* wi*) )i+ (ood )and w)ile )e *ried *o *ear o88 a
+*ri0 wi*) )i+ *ee*)% That #oes dou!le for me, !uddy. He -ould no* remember )a,in(
me* anyone% 8or a lon( *ime% w)om )e )ad li;ed a+ mu-) a+ R)omda' T)e An;a>an
10earman>+ word+ )ad relie,ed )im -on+iderably'
C1)ould you no*% *)en%C Ara*a; a+;ed R)omda% +/ua**in( ma++i,ely a* )i+ +ide%
C)a,e le8* *)e -)a+e *o o*)er+% and +ear-)ed 8or enemie+ a(ain+* w)om you )a,e
+ome 0er+onal animu+DC
R)omda +)ru((ed' CW)y +)ould we di+li;e our enemie+D Per+onal li;e+ and di+li;e+
are 0oor (round+ 8or -)oo+in( +ide+ in im0or*an* ma**er+' Fre/uen*ly *)e rea+on 8or
our li;e+ and di+li;e+ are *ri,ial *)in(+% dre++ or a00earan-e% 0a**ern+ o8 +0ee-)% a
8an-ied re+emblan-e *o +omeone el+e we )a,e rea+on *o di+li;e or *o lo,e' O8*en we
mu+* wor; *o(e*)er wi*) *)o+e we di+li;e% in allian-e?and a+ wi*) our al<
lie+% +o wi*) our 8oe+' I* i+ *)e #oals o8 our enemy we mu+* o00o+e% no* *)e 0er+on
)im+el8' For we -an ne,er ;now ano*)er 0er+on a+ )e i+% bu* only a+ )e a00ear+ *o
u+9 and +in-e we mu+* +ee )im dimly *)rou() *)e :un(le o8 our own )abi*+ and
0re:udi-e+% )ow -an we 8orm any :ud(men* w)a*e,er o8 )i+ moral wor*)DC
CBu* i8 a bein( )a+ enou() in -ommon wi*) you *)a* you 8ind )im 0er+onally
admirable%C Ara*a; ar(ued% C)ow -an )i+ (oal+ di88er 8rom your+ +u88i-ien*ly *o
8orm -au+e 8or a dea*)<+*ru((leD Mu+* no* *)e (oal+ o8 +imilar 0er+on+ be *)em+el,e+
-on(ruen*% i8 no* iden*i-alDC
ane +*ared in ama@emen* and a -er*ain amoun* o8 amu+emen* a* *)i+ +0e-*a-le?
*)e An;a>an 10earman and *)e (rea* 0ro*o+aur% -almly ar(uin( 0)ilo+o0)i-al
0oin*+'
CI -an admire *)e ra+)a% 7enerable% ye* )a,e no de+ire *o be )i+ dinner%C R)omda
+aid wi*) an air o8 8inali*y' CNo% +ir% you mu+* allow o*)er+ *)eir O*)erne++% a+ 1ain*
A>a++ioo +aid +o wi+ely9 )ow el+e -ould )uman+ and Fir+* Peo0le e,er rea-)
a(reemen* e,en on +mall ma**er+D How% indeed% -ould male+ and 8emale+ e,er li,e
*o(e*)er in )armonyD You -anno* :ud(e ano*)er 0er+on by your+el8' A 0er+on w)om
you li;e% indeed% one w)om you lo,e% may )a,e (oal+ and need+ ,ery di88eren* 8rom
your own9 :u+* a+ one you )a,e rea+on *o di+li;e (rea*ly may be +*ri,in( in )i+ own
way *o 8ur*)er your own -au+e' Were you no*% in 8a-*% willin( *o :oin 8or-e+ wi*) that
?C )e 0oin*ed a* *)e dead body o8 *)e 6ir(on% 8rom w)i-) all *)e li()* )ad 8aded%
Ca* lea+* 8or a li**le w)ile% in a -ommon (oalDC Wi*) )i+ ;ni8e% )e be(an -u**in( *)e
)arli; mea* in*o +*ri0+ )e -ould mana(e more ea+ily% )eld one ou* *o ane' CHere%
my 8riend% wi*) your in:ured wri+* you will )a,e di88i-ul*y in -u**in( *)e+e' My
)and+% a* lea+*% are unin:ured'C
A+ ane *oo; *)e +li,ered mea* 8rom )im% ra,a+) a+;ed /uie*ly% CW)a* are we
(oin( *o do wi*) )imD We -an>* lea,e )im 8or *)e ra+)a+% and in *)i+ +*a*e% )e -an>*
e,en -limb ou* o8 *)i+ -anyonEC
CWe>ll :u+* )a,e *o -arry )im%C ane +aid% CT)ere mu+* be a ,illa(e +omew)ere *)a*
we -an lea,e )im' I>m re+0on+ible 8or )i+ bein( -ri00led9 and )e>+ a bra,e and
de-en* man' I>m no* (oin( *o lea,e )im )ereEC
ra,a+) 8rowned% +lowly +)oo; )i+ )ead' CT)e +en*imen* doe+ you -redi*% ane% bu*
a+ you may )a,e no*i-ed% many o8 u+ are wounded9 and our mi++ion )ere i+ *ruly
a--om0li+)ed now' I )a,e *old *)e Far+0ea;er *)a* )e +)ould +end a land<
in( -ra8* down in*o *)e !or(e% a+ +oon a+ i* i+ 8ully dar;9 and be8ore dawn we will be
+a8ely o88 *)i+ world'C
CT)en we>ll )a,e *o *a;e )im wi*) u+%C ane +aid' CWe -an>* lea,e )im 8or *)e
ra+)a+?or 8or those, )e added9 a+ *)e (rea* +*ar+ o8 Bel+ar be(an *o win; in *)e +;y
o,er *)em% dar; +;ele*al 8orm+ were be(innin( *o -oo and +lin; 8rom *)e :un(le%
no+in( around *)e 8allen body o8 *)e 6ir(on +la,e<)ound'
Cane% don>* be a 8ool%C ra,a+) +aid in e=a+0era*ion% CWe -an>* *a;e )im wi*) u+9 I
*ell you% a landin( -ra8* i+ (oin( *o *a;e u+ o88% 0robably be8ore *)e ni()* i+ )al8
o,erEC
CT)en i* will :u+* )a,e *o land +omew)ere a(ain%C ane +aid% Cand land )im near
Ra)nilor'C 1uddenly )e wondered abou* 2oda' ra,a+) +)oo; )i+ ma++i,e )ead' He
+aid% CI don>* ;now i8 I -an -on,in-e *)e Ca0*ain *)a* i* i+ ei*)er ne-e++ary or
0o++ible'C
CT)en% damn i*% lea,e me )ere *oo%C ane 8lared' CHe ;illed *)e +la,e<)ound and
+a,ed u+ all 8rom wor+e wound+% e,en i8 )e didn>* +a,e our li,e+E I *ell you% I will no*
lea,e )im )ere% -ri00led% 8or *)e 8ir+* ra+)a *o ;illEC
Cane i+ ri()*%C Rianna +aid% )er *ee*) +e*' CI8 we )a,e *o% ane and I will +*ay )ere
on Bel+ar un*il *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+ -an arran(e *o )a,e u+ *a;en o88%C 1)e
loo;ed down a* *)e -anyon and +aid% wi*) a +mall% /uir;y (rin% CI* will (i,e me *ime
*o be an ar-)aeolo(i+* 8or a -)an(e% in+*ead o8 a +0earwoman'C
CI will +*ay *oo%C 2oda +aid% in a +mall 8ier-e ,oi-e% mo,in( *o Rianna>+ +ide% CW)ile
*)e 7enerable+ re:oin *)eir +;y<wa(on% I will build a 8ire )ere and remain wi*)
Ma+*er R)omda' I am a (ran*)<+layer9 I 8ear no ra+)a in *)e :un(le'C
ra,a+) +)oo; )i+ ma++i,e )ead a(ain% and ane ;new *)e 1)>8e:: wa+ mu+in( u0on
*)e in-om0re)en+ible way+ o8 0ro*o<+imian+' Finally )e +aid% CI -anno* +*and a(ain+*
all o8 you' Le* i* be a+ you will% *)en' Per)a0+% under -o,er o8 ni()*% *)e landin( -ra8*
-an ma;e ano*)er brie8 landin(% and lea,e *)e +0earman near *o an in)abi*ed
0la-e'C
CT)e i,ine E(( wi+ely *ell+ u+%C Ara*a; be(an% and ra,a+) e=0loded.
CT)e i,ine E(( )a+ *old u+ all *)e a--umula*ed wi+dom o8 all a(e+ and o8 a
)undred !ala=ie+% Ara*a;% and i8 I may be allowed *o /uo*e )i+ wi+dom on-e 8or
my+el8% )e on-e +aid *)a* *)ere i+ a *ime 8or 0)ilo+o0)y and a *ime *o a**end *o
mundane ma**er+E I re+0e-*8ully remind you *)a* in *)e ,oi-e
o8 your own wi+dom% *)i+ i+ a *ime *o a**end *o mundane ma**er+E Le*>+ (e* mo,in(EC
CWi+dom i+ wi+dom% e,en on *)e li0+ o8 *)e unwi+e%C Ara*a; re*or*ed e/uably% and
+*oo0ed *o 0i-; u0 Ma+*er R)omda in *)e -roo; o8 )i+ (ood arm' He o88ered
ra,a+) )i+ +)oulder *o lean on% and *)e 1)>8e::% a8*er a +*e0 or *wo% +*umblin( wi*)
*)e +u00or* o8 R)omda>+ +0ear% a--e0*ed' ane and Ri<anna wen* be)ind% and in *)e
dar;ne++ )e 8el* )er 8in(er+ rea-) ou*% -lo+e o,er )i+' He +/uee@ed *)em in re*urn'
.is comrade, his sword$mate, the sharer of his life . ' ' and of all the thin#s that were
important to him, as well. A8*er a momen* )e be-;oned *o 2oda *o -ome and wal; be<
*ween *)em' T)e boy wa+ )ur*9 i* wa+ un8air *o ;ee0 )im away 8rom *)e -om8or* o8
Rianna>+ 0re+en-e' And wa*-)in( 2oda% a +mall% ,alian* 8i(ure in *)e du+;% )i+
banda(ed arm w)i*e a(ain+* )i+ dar; +;in% ane 8el* a +ur(e o8 warm*) and 0ride'
1*unned and in-redulou+% )e ;new )e wa+ *)in;in(% That1s our %idJJJ
Abo,e *)em *)e (rea* +*ar+ o8 Bel+ar lea0ed down 8rom *)e +;y' And +uddenly% ou* o8
*)e dar;ne++ be8ore *)em% a w)i*e blur a00eared' ane>+ )and 8lew *o )i+ +word<)il*%
and )e )eard *)e )i++ o8 brea*) be*ween Rianna>+ *ee*)' The white saurian
I* wa+ *aller *)an Ara*a;% (leamin( moon<w)i*e under *)e +*ar+' I* +*ood be8ore
*)em% blo-;in( *)eir 0a*)'
R)omda brea*)ed% 8rom *)e -ur,e o8 Ara*a;>+ arm% CBle++ed OneEC
And in+ide ane>+ )ead% no* *)rou() )i+ *)roa* di+;% ane )eard word+ 8orm% and
;new *)ey -ame 8rom *)e (rea* w)i*e 8i(ure loomin( be8ore *)em in *)e +*arli()*'
'top +ho are you, and what are you doin# on our world? It is time that I heard it
from your own lips0 what is your purpose here?
+HAPTER EI.HTEE&
Around *)em *)e :un(le ni()* wa+ +ilen*' E,en a+ *)e word+ were 8ormin( in )i+
)ead% ane -ould )ear *)e 0oundin( o8 )i+ own )ear*% *)e -oun*le++ ,oi-e+ o8 *)e
ni()*% e,en *)e +mall +ound o8 lea,e+ ra**led by *)e wind *)a* wa+ dryin( *)e +wea*
8rom )i+ body% 2oda -lu*-)ed Rianna>+ arm wi*) a 8ran*i- (ri0 *)a* mu+* )a,e )ur*'
CT)ey are real, my Lady Mi+*re++E I* i+ one o8 *)e 1ain*+ o8 *)e Ble++ed Realm% and
*)ey are real, no* *ale+ *o 8ri()*en babe+E T)ey are real,
T)rou() *)e boy>+ babblin(% Ara*a;>+ ,oi-e wa+ a mild rumble'
CT)e i,ine E(( *ell+ u+ *)a* *)e 8ool +ee+ *)e +)ell o8 *)e e((9 bu* *)e wi+e man +ee+
*)e )a*-)lin( w)o will emer(e in *ime' 1in-e you +0ea; o8 >our> world% my di+*an*
;in+man% one may a++ume *)a* you re(ard your+el,e+ a+ *)e 0o++e++or+ o8 *)i+ +mall%
bu* no* al*o(e*)er in+i(ni8i-an* world' I8 *)i+ be *rue% le* me (i,e you a warnin('
From w)a*e,er world you may -ome% *)i+ world i+ nei*)er your+ nor mine' I*
belon(+ *o *)o+e w)o dwell )ere% and w)o )a,e li,ed )ere +in-e *)e be(innin(+ o8
*ime' I +u00o+e *)a* *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+ i+ no* un;nown *o you' Mar; me% no
8ur*)er de0reda*ion+ will be allowed a(ain+* *)i+ inno-en* world' T)ere i+ a &ni*y
+)i0 abo,e u+ in orbi*9 all *)a* be8all+ u+ i+ ;nown% and *)e Coun-il i+ 0re0ared *o
*a;e *)e +*ron(e+* a-*ion+ a(ain+* any o88ender+' On *)e o*)er )and% i8 i* i+ *rue% a+ I
am be(innin( *o +urmi+e% *)a* you +0ea; o8 *)i+ world a+ >our+> by ri()* o8 bein(
"
*)e
de+-endan*+ o8 *)e an-ien* in)abi*an*+% *)en I (ree* you in *)e name o8 &ni,er+al
1a0ien-e% and a-;nowled(e your ri()* *o /ue+*ion u+' We are +ear-)in( 8or our -ol<
lea(ue+% w)o ,ani+)ed wi*)ou* *ra-e 8rom *)e &ni*y Ba+e nor*) o8 Ra)nilor?C
CBle++ed OneEC R)omda in*erru0*ed% +i**in( u0 in *)e -roo; o8 Ara*a;>+ arm' CI be(
o8 you *o )ear meE Remember *)e
2ud(men* o8 *)e MindE I be( o8 you% *a;e no 8ur*)er a-*ion un*il *)e+e -an be )eard
?C
Ara*a; -on*inued% a+ i8 *)ere )ad been no in*erru0*ion% Cw)ere *)ey were ma;in(
)armle++ mea+uremen*+ o8 *)e wea*)er% *)e -lima*e and *)e radia*ion o8 *)e +un' I
now re/uire *)em a* your )and+'C
The ;ud#ment shall !e honored. On-e a(ain% ane 8el* *)e word+ 8orm in )i+ own
lan(ua(e% dee0 in *)e +0ee-) -en*er+ o8 )i+ brain% and ;new *)em 8or *)e word+ o8
*)e re0*ilian ()o+* be8ore *)em' The ;ud#ment of the 8ind of the /ace, aliens, was
that we should destroy no more of you without searchin# within your minds and hearts
for your motives. "ut see% no more for your vanished collea#ues0 they have !een
destroyed. =ou have re4uired an accountin# of them0 %now, then, that we too have
4uestioned the )ustice of this action, and those who counseled it shall !e held to
account !y the 8ind. "e calm0 your own hearts and minds shall )ud#e you, and until
that is done, you have nothin# to fear.
1*arli()* (leamed on ano*)er w)i*e +)a0e *o ane>+ le8*9 i* )ad no* been *)ere
be8ore' Ou* o8 *)e -orner o8 )i+ eye )e -ould :u+* +ee a *)ird ' ' ' bu* be8ore )e -ould
8o-u+ on *)em% *)e world reeled under )i+ 8ee*% and *)e +*arli()* wa+ (one'
He +wayed in dar;ne++' He wa+ blindE &nder )i+ 8ee* wa+ +*one9 -old and +moo*)'
T)e air wa+ +*ill% dam0?immen+e +0a-e +eemed *o ri+e% un+een% around )im' He
)eard 2oda -ry ou* in alarm% Rianna>+ rea++urin( murmur' Fi()*in( 0ani-% )e 8el* in
*)e dar;ne++ 8or )i+ -om0anion+% bu* -ould no* rea-) *)em'
1lowly% )e reali@ed i* wa+ no* all dar;' Fain*% -olored li()*+% 8ar dimmer *)an *)e
*)i-;ly -lu+*ered +*ar+ o8 *)e Bel+ar ni()*% (lowed dimly )ere and *)ere' He )eard
wa*er dri00in(% +omew)ere% no* 8ar away% in *)e immen+i*ie+ around )im' Hollow
dri00in(' Li;e an e-)o in a -a,e'
CFear no*)in('C I* wa+ R)omda>+ ,oi-e% +0ea;in( wi*) -alm a++uran-e' CBy *)e
Power o8 *)e Ble++ed One+% you )a,e been admi**ed *o *)e Ble++ed Realm'C
' ''' the "lessed 7and is 4uiet and cool ' ' ' He -lu*-)ed in +udden 0ani- a* )i+ +word<
)il*9 8ound% in+*ead% *)a* )e wa+ +/uee@in( Rianna>+ wri+*'
Cane% w)ere are weDC +)e w)i+0ered' He *ried *o moi+*en )i+ dry li0+ *o 8orm +ome
;ind o8 rea++urin( an+wer' Bu* be8ore )e mana(ed i*% ra,a+)>+ ,oi-e boomed in *)e
dar;'
CRela=% e,erybody%C *)e -ommander +aid% CT)ey>,e (o* ma**er<*ran+mi++ion% or
*ele0or*a*ion% or +ome*)in( o8 *)a*
+or*' Remember% *)ey>,e )ad a 8ew million year+ down )ere% *o 8ool around wi*)
+u-) *)in(+' I>d +ay *)ey>,e brou()* u+ down *o *)o+e -a,e+ you were *al;in( abou*%
ane'C
CT)eir Ble++ed Realm' O8 -our+e'C Rianna wa+ *ryin( *o +ound -)eer8ul9 *o ane
+)e didn>* /ui*e mana(e *o +ound -on,in-in('
He mu**ered% CI *)in;% i8 I were +e**in( u0 a )ea,en% I>d wan* one wi*) a li**le more
li()* in i*'C
+e had not reali(ed, *)e ,oi-e +ounded a(ain% that it$would seem inconveniently
dar% to you. That is simple enou#h to remedy. T)e 8ain* 0a*-)e+ o8 irre(ular li()*
be(an *o bri()*en9 around ane *)e 8orm+ o8 )i+ -om0anion+ +lowly *oo; 8orm in
*)e dimne++'
To *)eir ri()* a +)eer wall o8 +*one a00eared% ar-)in( in*o un(ue++able +0a-e+ abo,e
*)em% beyond and around *)em% e=-e0* 8or dim 0ale +)a0e+% mo,in( in *)e *wili()*'
ane +)i,ered9 a land o8 +0oo;+E
Ara*a;>+ ,oi-e +ounded -)eer8ul' CHowe,er +*ran(e *)e+e 0eo0le may be% i* would
a00ear *)a* -our*e+y i+ numbered amon( *)eir ,ir*ue+9 and a+ *)e i,ine E(( )a+
:u+*ly *old u+% -on-ern 8or *)e well<bein( o8 o*)er+ i+ *)e 8ir+* ,ir*ue o8 -i,ili@ed
*)ou()*' A* lea+* we are no* now amon( barbarian+ indi88eren* *o *)e wel8are o8
ano*)er ra-e9 and a* lea+* i* i+ an im0ro,emen* o,er *)e 0)ilo+o0)y o8 *)e 6ir(on'
And a+ *)e i,ine E(( )a+ 8ur*)er +aid% any im0ro,emen*% )owe,er +mall% in one>+
-ondi*ion% +)ould be re(arded?C
CT)e i,ine E((?C ra,a+) be(an im0a*ien*ly% *)en +wallowed in *)e dar;ne++
around *)em% audibly% and +aid wi*) una--u+*omed mee;ne++% C)a+ wi+dom 8or all
o--a+ion+' May we )ear i* a* +ome 8ur*)er *ime% Ara*a;DC
Be8ore *)e e-)o o8 )i+ ,oi-e -ould die% word+ were 8ormin( a(ain in *)eir mind+'
That distant companion with whom you have !een communicatin# must also he
!rou#ht here, that he too may face the 8ind of the /ace.
T)e dar;ne++ *rembled' 1uddenly ano*)er w)i*e +)a0e ma*eriali@ed immedia*ely
be8ore *)em' Bu* *)i+ one wa+ le++ *)an )al8 *)e +i@e o8 *)e o*)er+ ' ' ' wi*) a -ry o8
*error% i* -olla0+ed *o *)e (round% *o lie *)ere% /ui,erin('
ra,a+) -ried ou*% in -on+*erna*ion.
CFar+0ea;erE Con+e-ra*ed OneEC
A +e-ond w)i*e 8orm% *owerin( abo,e *)em all% a00eared abo,e *)e 8allen *ele0a*)%
)oldin( in )i+ )and+ a me*al 8ramewor;9 Far+0ea;er>+ wal;er'
>eace, little one. +e re#ret the oversi#ht . ' ' you have
need of this. =ou, at least, are in no dan#er. T)e )u(e w)i*e +aurian ben*% *enderly
)el0ed *)e +mall w)im0erin( 8orm *o )i+ 8ee* and in*o )i+ wal;er' In *)e (rea* )ead%
,a+* eye+ (lowed ro+e<0in; in *)e dim *wili()*' And now one more from your s%ip,
and all is in order.. . .
And *)e Prr@e*@ Ca0*ain wa+ +uddenly +*andin( be+ide Far<+0ea;er' He dro00ed
in+*in-*i,ely in*o a 8i()*in( -rou-)9 a )and dro00ed *o )i+ bel*% +ee;in( a wea0on
*)a* wa+ no* *)ere'
C1*eady% Ca0*ain%C ra,a+) +aid' CT)ere>+ no dan(er ye*? no* *)a* ;ind% anyway'
Ta;e i* ea+y' ' ' 'C T)a* wa+ )ow i* -ame *)rou() ane>+ *ran+la*or% any)ow?Cwe>re
all ri()*% +o 8ar'C
T)e 0ro*o8eline w)irled% )i+ eye+ +ee;in( *)em in *)e dar;ne++'
Cra,a+)E +here1s my ship?what?DC
CWe>re in a -a,e +omew)ere under *)e +ur8a-e% I *)in;%C ra,a+) be(an in )i+ u+ual
0onderou+ manner% bu* Far<+0ea;er in*erru0*ed% )i+ ,oi-e +)ar0 wi*) )y+*eria'
CWe are abou* *wo )undred me*er+ below *)e +ur8a-e% no* 8ar nor*) o8 *)e O-ean
Cra*er' T)e+e mon+*er+ *ele0or*ed you )ere 8rom *)e +)i0EC
CTele0or*edD Bu* *)a*>+ im0o++ible?C *)e Ca0*ain +*ared wildly around% wa*-)in(
*)e ()o+*ly 8i(ure+ mo,in( in *)e dimne++% a* *)e (ian* +aurian w)o +*ood -lo+e *o
*)em' CW)o are *)e+e 0eo0leDC
CMon+*er+EC Far+0ea;er -ried' He +ounded 8ren@ied% and -lum0ed )i+ wal;er
*oward *)e o*)er+% away 8rom *)e *owerin( w)i*e -rea*ure w)o )ad )el0ed )im in*o
i*' CMon+*er+% I +ayE Tele0a*)+% *)e mo+* 0ower8ul in *)e !ala=y?+o 0ower8ul *)ey
were able *o )ide *)em+el,e+ -om0le*ely 8rom me un*il *)ey )ad -a0*ured ra,a+)?
able *o rea-) in*o *)e +)i0 *o (e* u+?no li,in( *)in( -an be *ru+*ed wi*) *)a* ;ind o8
0owerE T)ey de+*royed *)e &ni*y Ba+e% *)ey -ould de+*roy our +)i0% *)ey ma;e a
mo-;ery o8 *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+? de+*roy anyone w)o *rie+ *o meddle wi*)
*)a* 0)ony li**le &*o0ia *)ey>re main*ainin( u0 *)ere?*)ey>,e (o* u+ *ra00edE We>ll
,ani+) wi*)ou* *ra-e% +)i0 and all% li;e *)e la+* e=0edi*ion?C
>eace T)e (rea* -alm ,oi-e *)robbed in *)eir brain+' Trust to the )ustice of the 8ind
of the /ace. If your hearts !ear no evil will, you may put aside your fears. 5ow come0
some of you are in)ured, and all of you need care.
T)e *owerin( +aurian +*e00ed *oward *)em% and 8or *)e 8ir+* *ime *)e (rea* :aw+
mo,ed'
CFollow me% 0lea+e%C )e +aid in )e+i*an* 6a)ram?no* a+ i8 )e were un8amiliar wi*)
*)e lan(ua(e% bu* a+ *)ou() *)e bu+ine++ o8 mo,in( )i+ mou*) *o 0rodu-e audible
word+ were +*ran(e *o )im'
T)e *wili()* mo,ed wi*) *)em'
ane 8ell a+lee0% )e *)ou()*% w)ile *)ey *ended )i+ arm9 no* +ur0ri+in(% )e *)ou()*%
-on+iderin( all *)e mar-)in( and > 8i()*in( )e )ad done *)a* day' He awo;e *o +ee
Ara*a;>+ (ill<+li*+ (lowin( in *)e dar;ne++% and 8ound )i+ le8* arm )ad been 8i**ed
in*o a *ube 8illed wi*) li/uid' Mo,in( )i+ 8in(er+ brou()* no 0ain% only 0lea+an*
warm *in(lin(+'
It heals, *)e ,oi-e +aid in )i+ brain' The in)ured nerve has !een stimulated, and is
!ein# nourished to #row a#ain.
ane wondered i8 *)ey were readin( )i+ mind a(ain% all *)e *ime'
3f course. This thin# you thin% of as privacy, it is not %nown to us, we re#ret your
discomfort, no harm or disrespect is intended, stran#e small one.
He )ad t< *)in; *)a* o,er' No 0ri,a-y% e,en in *)ou()*D Were *)ey a (rou0 mind% a
)i,e<mind li;e *)e Hun*er+D No% no* ne-e++arily9 *)ey mu+* )a,e indi,iduali*y% 8or
earlier *)ey )ad +aid% we too have 4uestioned the )ustice of this action, and those who
counseled it shall !e held to account !y the 8ind '''
ane -ould +ee 2oda lyin( be+ide )im on a +*one +lab9 a+ )e loo;ed% *)e boy yawned
and +a* u0' T)e -a,e w)ere *)ey lay wa+ +mall enou() *)a* *)ey -ould +ee all 8our
wall+% (lowin( dimly 8rom *)o+e 8ain* 0a*-)e+'
CI* was *rue *)en%C *)e boy e=-laimed% CT)ere is a Ble++ed Realm% and we are in i*EC
He :um0ed *o )i+ 8ee*% ran *o one o8 *)e (lowin( +0o*+ on *)e wall' ane re8le-*ed
*)a* *o *)e w)i*e +aurian+% li,in( in e*ernal dar;ne++% *)i+ wa+ 0robably a brillian*ly
li* room% 0er)a0+ 0ain8ully bri()*' T)eir eye+% +u00o+in( *)a* *)ey +*ill )ad
8un-*ional eye+% were 0robably )y0er+en+i*i,e *o *)e 8ain*e+* li()*<+our-e+'
2oda mo,ed )i+ )and *oward *)e (low9 away a(ain'
CI*>+ no* )o*EC )e brea*)ed'
C1*ill% you>d be**er no* *ou-) i*%C ane +aid% CNo *ellin( w)a* ;ind o8?C )e 0au+ed9
*)ere were no word+ 8or radiation, or exposure in *)e boy>+ lan(ua(e' CI* mi()* )ur*
your +;in *o *ou-) i*% e,en i8 you didn>* 8eel i* ri()* away'C
CBu* *)i+?+urely?C 2oda )e+i*a*ed' CT)i+ i+ *)e Ble++ed Realm% a8*er all''' +urely
no*)in( here -ould )ur* u+EC
CMo+* li;ely no*%C ra,a+) +aid' CBu* remember% *)ey mi()* no* ;now w)a* would
)ur* u+' T)ey>,e been down )ere a lon( *ime' T)ey mi()* be% +)all we +ay% a li**le ou*
o8 *ou-) wi*) *)e need+ o8 your 0eo0le% 2oda'C
ane>+ +;in 0ri-;led' Indeed *)ey )ad been down )ere a lon( *ime' 1i=*y or +e,en*y
million year+% i8 )umani*y )ad e,ol,ed in *)e in*er,al 8rom *)e lowe+* o8 roden*<li;e
mammal+ ' ' ' w)a* ;ind o8 *e-)nolo(y -ould you e,ol,e in that ;ind o8 *imeD
Ara*a; +a* u0% )i+ (ill<+li*+ (lowin( in *)e dar;' He +aid% CI8 *)e+e 0eo0le are indeed
o8 *)e ra-e w)i-) +en* *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+ *o man;ind on *)i+ world *o *ea-) and
in+0ire% *)e ra-e o8 1ain* A>a++ioo% *)en I *)in;?C
CYou ne,er thin%,, Far+0ea;er +narled' CYour *)ou()*+ are only 8eeble and
+en*imen*al emo*in(+ di+(ui+ed a+ 0)ilo+o0)yE You )o0e 8or :u+*i-e or -om0a++ion
8rom these Can>* you under+*and *)a* in *)eir eye+ you are no more *)an one o8 *)e
lower animal+% and all your wre*-)ed 0)ilo+o0)y i+ no more *o *)em *)an *)e
*)ou()*+ o8 *)e ra+)a a+ )e awai*+ )i+ ne=* mealD Wi*) *)eir 0ower% *)ey -ould
-on/uer *)e (ala=y% and now *)a* *)ey ;now )ow 0rimi*i,e we are% no doub* *)ey
will 0rom0*ly 0ro-eed *o do +oE T)e+e 0eo0le )a,e e,ol,ed +o 8ar *)a* no doub* *)ey
will ma;e *)e w)ole uni,er+e in*o a +erie+ o8 0lane*+ li;e *)i+ one% wi*) *)em+el,e+
rulin( a+ (od+ o,er all *)e le++er ra-e+?C
CNon+en+e%C Rianna +aid +oundly% CT)e (ala=y )a+ 0len*y o8 *ele0a*)i- ra-e+ and
ra-e+ w)i-) are 8un-*ional e+0er+% and mo+* o8 *)em are wor*)y and e*)i-al
member+ o8 *)e &ni*y'C
CBu* none a+ 0ower8ul a+ *)e+e%C Far+0ea;er warned% ominou+ly' CT)ey are beyond
any we ;now% beyond *)e 0ower+ w)i-) our 8ore8a*)er+ belie,ed )eld only by *)eir
(od+E 1o 8ar a+ we are -on-erned% *)ey mi()* a+ well be (od+% and *)a* bein( +o% *)ey
-ould +/ua+) *)e &ni*y a+ you -ru+) a bu( 8or your dinnerEC
CE,en i8 all *)i+ were *rue%C Ara*a; +aid in )i+ (en*le rumble% CI* need no* be a+ you
8ear% Far+0ea;er' You +0ea; a+ i8 all ra-e+ were li;e *)e 6ir(on or *)e Me;)ari% *)a*
be-au+e a -rea*ure i+ 0o++e++ed o8 0ower )e mu+* ne-e++arily u+e i* only *o 0rey u0on
*)o+e w)o )a,e i* no*' I8 *)i+ were *rue% my 8riend% *)ere would be no Coun-il o8
Pro*e-*or+% and nei*)er you nor I would be )ere'C
CYou dodderin( 8oolEC Far+0ea;er -ried ou*% )i+ ,oi-e
a(ain wi*) *)a* 8ren@ied% )y+*eri-al 0i*-)% and )e le,ered )im+el8% wi*) *remblin(
8orelimb+% in*o )i+ wal;er% -lum0in( *oward Ara*a; wi*) a )ea,y% )ollow% me*alli-
+ound' CYou really belie,e *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+ are a noble ra-e o8 +el8le++
bein(+D You *)in; *)a* i8 *)ere were any*)in( on *)i+ (od<8or(o**en world wor*)
)a,in(% *)a* *)ey Wouldn>* already )a,e *urned i* o,er *o *)e &ni*y% *o enri-) *)e
Coun-il member+D on>* you ;now *)a* *)ree or 8our ma)or medi-al brea;*)rou()+
were already re0or*ed )ere 8rom ob+er,a*ion+% and )a,e already (one ou* *o enri-)
*)e &ni*yD T)e mo**o o8 *)e Coun-il o8 Pro*e-*or+% *)a* o)<+o<noble (rou0 you
belie,e in% run+ a+ 8ollow+. each world has its own uni4ue contri!ution to ma%e to the
culture of the Unity . . ' and *o *)e 0ur+e+ o8 *)e Member+ o8 *)e Coun-il% I mi()*
add' Bu* *)ey ne,er +ay that, I no*i-e'C
CYe* *)e ideal i+ +er,ed%C *)e Prr@e*@ Ca0*ain +aid /uie*ly% CE,en by you%
Far+0ea;er% +neer a+ you may'C
2oda wa+ +*andin( -on8u+ed by *)e li()*<0a*-) a+ *)ey /uarrelled% *urnin( ba-; and
8or*) a+ *)eir an(ry ,oi-e+ mo,ed ba-; and 8or*)% e,iden*ly no* under+*andin( a
word' ;ust as well, ane *)ou()*'
CCon+e-ra*ed One%C ra,a+) +aid% Cwi*) re+0e-*% i+ i* wi+e *o +0e-ula*e and ar(ue in
*)i+ manner be8ore *)e *rial we 8a-eD All o8 u+ will need our -oura(e?C
CCoura(eEC Far+0ea;er :eered' CW)a* (ood will *)a* do% be8ore bein(+ o8 +u-)
0owerD We are )el0le++% and we may a+ well admi* i* *o our+el,e+E Or i+ your
arro(an-e +o (rea* *)a* you +*ill belie,e we -an +0ea; *o *)e+e 0eo0le and *)ey will
a-*ually li+*enDC
CCon+e-ra*ed One% I in*ended no di+re+0e-* or arro(an-e% I only wi+)ed *o +ay?C
1uddenly ane e=0loded'
Camn i*% ra,a+)% i8 anyone el+e in *)i+ room +*ar*ed *o yammer li;e *)a*% you>d
+)u* )im u0 be8ore )e -ould 8ini+) )i+ 8ir+* +en*en-eE I don>* ;now :u+* w)y you
1)>8e:: ma;e a 8e*i+) ou* o8 *)i+ 0am0ered% bad<*em0ered% blea-)ed<ou* mind<
reader% bu* I>m +i-; o8 li+*enin( *o )im% and i*>+ *ime )e +)u* u0% be8ore I +)u* )im
u0EC
He )ad e=0e-*ed +)o-;ed +ilen-e9 in+*ead ra,a+) bur+* une=0e-*edly in*o
*)underou+ lau()*er' ane +*ared% *urned *o +*are a* Rianna% w)o )ad +*ar*ed *o
(i((le *oo and wa+ *ryin( *o +mo*)er i*' He o0ened )i+ mou*) *o a+; w)a* wa+ +o
8unny% bu* be8ore )e -ould +0ea;% 2oda -ried ou*% in di+may'
CMy Lady Mi+*re++E W)a* )a,e *)ey done *o youD You are
w)i*e?w)i*e a+ a +ain*?w)i*e a+ *)e +0iri* o8 *)e dead?o)% w)a* )a,e *)e+e 0eo0le
done *o youEC
And ane% +*arin( +)o-;ed a* )i+ own )and% +uddenly reali@ed w)a* )ad +eemed
ine=0li-ably ou* o8 ;ey% w)a* )ad +*ru-; )im a+ +*ran(e abou* Ara*a;'
CRiannaE Ara*a;E Our +;in+?*)e dye i+ (oneE We>re ba-; *o our ori(inal -olorEC
Ara*a; loo;ed down a* )i+ )u(e 0aw9 laid i* a(ain+* ra,a+)K+' im a+ *)e li()* wa+%
i* wa+ 0er-e0*ibly (rayi+) a(ain+* *)e :e* bla-; o8 ra,a+)>+ 1)>8e:: )ide'
CIn*ere+*in(%C )e remar;ed' Rianna rea-)ed ou* and 0a**ed 2oda>+ )and' Con>* le*
i* *rouble you% (a!av,, +)e +aid (en*ly% and *)en *)e ,oi-e boomed in all *)eir brain+%
di+embodied% 0a++ionle++% *)e (ian* +aurian *)ey )ad deal* wi*) be8ore.
It is so. The artificial pi#mentation which protected your s%ins from the sun of this
world has !een removed0 you have no more need of it.
2oda +aid ,alian*ly% CYou are +*ill my Lady Mi+*re++% w)a*e,er *)e -olor o8 your +;in'
Bu*?bu*%C )e 8al*ered% Cyou +eem +*ran(e *o me now?C
5ow that you are all awa%e, *)e ,oi-e re+ona*ed in *)eir brain+% ea* and re8re+)
your+el,e+' The 8ind of the /ace awaits you.
Hu(e li@ard<()o+*+ a00eared in *)e -)amber% ,e++el+ o8 8ood in *)eir )and+' ane
8ound )im+el8 ea*in( 8la* -a;e+ o8 *)e na*i,e (rain% -o,ered in *)i-; +wee* +yru0% and
o*)er 8ood+ no* /ui*e +o iden*i8iable% bu* all *a+*y' E,en 2oda +eemed *o lo+e a li**le o8
)i+ awe a+ )e a*e' Bu* *)e drin; wi*) w)i-) *)e meal wa+ wa+)ed down wa+ nei*)er
wa*er nor *)e *)in Bel+arian wine% bu* an odd<8la,ored +wee* 8luid *)a* loo;ed
8ain*ly blui+) in *)e li()*% and +eemed *o wa;e )im u0 and +)ar0en )i+ +en+e+9 no*
li;e a dru(% bu* ra*)er li;e *)e )al8<8or(o**en e88e-* o8 a (ood -u0 o8 +*ron( bla-;
-o88ee% in )i+ 8ormer li8e on Ear*)''''
R)omda wa+ no lon(er wi*) *)em' ane +u00o+ed *)a* wa+ na*ural enou()' Bu* )e
)o0ed *)e An;a>an +0earman )ad no* died o8 )i+ in:urie+' Al*)ou()% i8 )e wa+ (oin(
*o be -ri00led 8or li8e% 0er)a0+ *)a* would be be**er''''
W)en *)ey )ad 8ini+)ed% a +in(le ()o+*ly 8i(ure remained wi*) *)em' ane brie8ly
en*er*ained *)e *)ou()* o8 ru+)in( *)e lone li@ard<man% bu* di+mi++ed i* a* on-e'
E,en i8 more (uard+ did no* a00ear?and ob,iou+ly% i8 *)eir *)ou()*+ were bein(
-on*inuou+ly read% *)a* would be *)e 8ir+* *)in( *)a*
would )a00en?e+-a0e would only lea,e *)em lo+* in *)e endle++ labyrin*) o8
-a,ern+' Any)ow% )i+ +word )and wa+ immobili@ed in *)e *ube o8 )ealin( 8luid'
Al*)ou() *)e +word i*+el8 wa+ +*ill a* )i+ +ide' W)y )ad *)ey no* *a;en i* 8rom )imD
Be-au+e *)ey ;new i* would be u+ele++ a(ain+* *)eir 0ower+D And a 8ain* wi+0 o8
*)ou()*% +li()*ly a0olo(e*i-% rea-)ed )i+ mind 8rom +omew)ere. =our %ind has need
of weapons, small !rother0 we would not deprive you of anythin# which contri!utes to
your sense of security . ' ' not while you still have need of them. . ..
2ome, +aid a -learer ,oi-e in )i+ mind% The 8ind of the /ace awaits you.
T)eir +in(le ()o+*ly (uard% or e+-or*% mo,ed *o (uide *)em% and a+ *)ey (a*)ered
and be(an *o mo,e alon( *)e lon( )allway% 2oda a* Rianna>+ +ide% ra,a+)
0ro*e-*i,ely -lo+e *o Far<+0ea;er% ane remembered *)e brie8 *ele0a*)i- -on*a-* )e
)ad )ad% be8ore% wi*) Far+0ea;er% aboard *)e +)i0' T)i+ wa+ w)olly di88eren*9 *)ere
wa+ no )in* o8 *)e bi**er aliena*ion% *)e o,erla0 o8 -on8li-*in( ,iew0oin*+' Abo,e all%
*)ere wa+ none o8 *)e bi**er )a*red and -on*em0*'
I* o--urred *o ane *)a* Far+0ea;er>+ *wi+*ed ,iew o8 *)e &ni,er+e mi()* be one o8
*)e wor+* dan(er+ 8a-in( *)em' 1u00o+e *)o+e +0oo;+ :ud(ed *)em all by
Far+0ea;er>+ *wi+*ed and )a*in( )ear* and mindD
T)e *wili()* mo,ed wi*) *)em a+ *)ey wal;ed *)rou() +eemin(ly endle++ *unnel+%
*)e li()* bri()*enin( o,er)ead and immedia*ely a)ead o8 *)em% dimmin( be)ind'
Ou* o8 *)e dar;ne++ -uriou+ ma-)ine+?a* lea+*% ane supposed *)ey were ma-)ine+
?emer(ed a* in*er,al+9 (rea* di+;+ o8 -ry+*al% webwor;+ o8 (la++y rod+ *)rou()
w)i-) li()*+ and -olor+ mo,ed' On-e a li()* be8ore *)em re+ol,ed i*+el8 in*o a la**i-e<
wor; *)rou() w)i-) 0ur0le 8ire 0ul+ed and -rawled'
T)e dar; -orridor+ +*re*-)ed on and on' ane +en+ed *)a* *)ey )ad wal;ed more
*)an a mile' !)o+*ly in *)e dimne++% *)ey +aw *)e w)i*e -a,e<+aurian+ mo,in( abou*
*)eir own a88air+% *a;in( no* *)e +li()*e+* no*i-e o8 *)e (rou0 o8 0ri+oner+?or were
*)ey 0ri+oner+D
Far+0ea;er -lum0ed alon( in )i+ wal;er' ane )eard )im mu**erin( under )i+
brea*)% and 8el* +orry 8or *)e 0oor -ri00led wre-;' He didn>* mind *)e lon( wal; in
*)e -a,e )im+el8?i* 8el* (ood *o +*re*-) a li**le?bu* i8 *)e+e 0eo0le read mind+%
-ouldn>* *)ey +ee *)a* Far+0ea;er :u+* wa+n>* u0 *o *)i+ ;ind o8 lon( )i;eD ra,a+)
wa+ *ryin(% unob*ru+i,ely% *o (i,e )im +ome )el0% w)i-)% :ud(in( by *)e (rumblin(%
wa+
bein( +ullenly rebu88ed' 6arspea%er can1t really !e as !ad as all that, or Dravash
wouldn1t !e so attached to him, so ready to ma%e excuses for that filthy temper of his.
A real fetish. And *)a* reminded )im o8 ra,a+)>+ +udden e=0lo+i,e lau()*er%
Rianna>+ +mo*)ered (i((le+' He *ou-)ed )er )and in *)e dar; and a+;ed% CBy *)e
way% w)a* wa+ +o 8unny abou* w)a* I +aid ba-; *)ere% :u+* be8ore 2oda di+-o,ered
we were ba-; *o our na*ural -olor and (o* u+ o88 *)e +ub:e-*D W)en I wa+ *ellin(
Far+0ea;er *o +)u* )i+ *ra0 be8ore I +)u* i* 8or )imDC
Rianna (i((led a(ain' CYou -alled )im a 8e*i+)' A 8e*i+)E In *)e olde+* -i,ili@a*ion in
*)e !ala=yD And 0ro*o+aurian a* *)a*EC 1)e +ni-;ered a(ain' ane +)oo; )i+ )ead%
8inally -on-ludin( *)a* )i+ *ran+la*or )ad made a one<way :o;e% and +ome)ow -ome
ou* wi*) *)e 0er8e-* and e=a-* 0)ra+in( *o 0un-*ure< +ome bubble o8 1)>8e::
0+y-)olo(y9 )i+ *ran+la*or )ad +ome)ow Cmade a 8unnyC w)i-) wa+ meanin(8ul in
*)e 1)>8e:: lin(ui+*i- -on*e=*% and 8or +ome odd rea+on in Rianna>+ *oo% and i* -ould
no* be *ran+la*ed ba-;'
And Far+0ea;er had +)u* u0' E=-e0* 8or )i+ mu**ered% 0ain8ul 0ro*e+*+% and
-on+iderin( *)e -rea*ure>+ 0)y+i-al -ondi*ion% ane wa+n>* +ur0ri+ed a* *)a*'
1uddenly% *)e mu**erin( -)an(ed *o a )owl% almo+* a +-ream% o8 0ani- and 8ury' T)e
-lum0in( o8 *)e wal;er wa+ +ilen*% and loo;in( around% ane +aw *)e wal;er (lidin(
alon( +moo*)ly abou* )al8 a me*er abo,e *)e (round% w)ile *)e li**le *ele0a*) )eld
on% +)rie;in(% 8or dear li8e'
6ear not, 7ittle "rother, +aid *)e +ilen* ,oi-e' =ou will not !e allowed to fall. +e re#ret
that we did not perceive your difficulty of motion. And a8*er a minu*e% w)en
Far+0ea;er reali@ed *)a* )e wa+ indeed bein( *ran+0or*ed +moo*)ly% wi*)ou* dan(er%
*)e +)rie; o8 *error +ub+ided'
Bla-; *unnel mou*)+ bran-)ed away on e,ery +ide' Now an ar-)way o0ened ou*
be8ore *)em' A *)i-; +-en*% )ea,ily re0*ilian?ane )ad +melled i*% be8ore% in *)e
0ro*o+aurian -i*y o8 Ra)nilor% bu* le++ -on-en*ra*ed and be**er ,en*ila*ed u0 *)ere?
dri8*ed 8rom *)e ar-)way9 *)e e-)oe+ o8 *)e 8oo*+*e0+ *oo; on a di88eren* /uali*y'
Far+0ea;er made a +mall% *erri8ied% w)im0erin( +ound' ane +e* )i+ -)in% bu* -ould
no* )el0 *)in;in(% Dou!le that for me, "uddy.
T)eir (uide wa,ed *)em on'
*nter, and a!ide !y the )ud#ment of the 8ind of the /ace.
T)ere wa+ an im0re++ion o8 ,a+* -a,ernou+ +0a-e' T)e 0a*-) o8 *wili()* in w)i-)
*)ey wal;ed wa+ +urrounded by dar;ne++?dar;ne++ 8illed wi*) +)a0e+% re0*ilian%
+aurian% ma(<
(o*<0ale' In+*in-*i,e% bone<dee0% (ene<dee0% *error mo,ed in ane' He +*ru((led *o
-on*rol i*% 8i+)in( in )i+ mind 8or memorie+ o8 ,ani+)ed Ear*)' A 0ain*ed +-ene%
an-ien* E(y0*ian9 *)e dead +*ood wai*in( in *)e Hall o8 2ud(men*% wai*in( *o be
:ud(ed by an-ien* (od+ wi*) *)e )ead+ o8 bea+*+9 O+iri+% T)o*)% Anubi+' T)ere +*ood
*)e (rea* +-ale+% w)ere all *)e +in+ o8 *)e )uman )ear* were *o be wei()ed a(ain+*
*)e li()*e+* 8ea*)er 8rom *)e win(+ o8 Tru*)9 and *)o+e w)o 8ailed *)a* *e+* were -a+*
*o *)e wai*in( :aw+ o8 *)e -ro-odileJJJJ
Wa+ *)e Ea*er o8 *)e ead wai*in(% +omew)ere% in *)e ,a+*ne++ o8 *)e (rea* HallD
1omew)ere ou* *)ere% amon( *)e row u0on row o8 0ale% worm<0ale +)a0e+% wi*)
(rea* re0*ilian :aw+ ' ' ' )undred+ o8 *)em% *)ou+and+ o8 *)em ' ' ' *)ey were in a
mon+*rou+ am0)i*)ea*er% *)e +i@e o8 w)i-) wa+ 8ran;ly un(ue++able9 ane +en+ed
*)a* *)ey -ould )a,e +e* *)e Ca*)edral o8 No*re ame down in+ide i*' Wa+ *)e w)ole
under(round ra-e wai*in( *)ere *o :ud(e *)emD Or% more 8ri()*enin( +*ill% wa+ *)i+
only a +ele-*ed :uryD T)ey -ro++ed +0a-e+ -leared 8or *)em% mo,in( in *wili()* *)a*
+*ill 8ollowed *)em% and dimly% -limbed +*air+% wai*ed' 1aurian+ blin;ed dawn<0in;
eye+'
Ara*a; mu**ered% CLoo;' To *)em% *)i+ i+ !ri#ht li()*'C
From all around *)em -ame a *en+e +li*)erin( and +*irrin(' T)e o,erw)elmin(
re0*ilian odor +e* ane>+ ner,e+ on ed(e9 )e (ri00ed a* )i+ +word<)il*% 8or-ed )im+el8
*o rela=' T)a* wa+ no (ood )ere'
R)omda wal;ed in*o *)e -ir-le o8 dim li()*'
ane +miled a* )im% +0on*aneou+ly' T)an; !od% *)e +0earman wa+ ali,eE T)en )e
+*i88ened% in au*oma*i- re:e-*ion'
5ot =ou don1t wal% with the tendons cut throu#h in !oth le#s *ven if I was mista%en,
and the tendons only nic%ed a little, it would ta%e months . . . years. . ' '
He wri((led *)e 8in(er+ o8 )i+ )and in+ide *)e *ube o8 8luid' No 0ain' For *)e 8ir+*
*ime in day+% no 0ain' Ner,e re(enera*ionD That was impossi!le. . , .
Well% R)omda wa+ wal;in(' T)a* wa+ a 8a-*' R)omda +miled a* *)em en-oura(in(ly%
and ane% e,en in *)e mid+* o8 e,ery*)in( *)a* wa+ )a00enin(% 8el* a +ur(e o8 :oy% 8or
R)omda and 8or )im+el8' He wouldn>* be -ri00led ''' )i+ )and would be all ri()*E
7et the 8ind of the /ace assem!le for ;ud#ment
A loud )i++ o8 brea*)% and a brie8 +*irrin( +ound% -ame 8rom *)e dar;ne++ around
*)em% and +*o00ed' For a momen*
i* +eemed no*)in( wa+ )a00enin(9 *)en ane 8el* a +*ran(e inward +en+a*ion' A+ i8
)e +*ood a* *)e ,ery ed(e o8 a (rea* or-)e+*ra and *)e -ondu-*or rai+ed )i+ ba*on' A+
*)ou() ou* in *)a* dar;ne++% a *)ou+and willin(% 0ra-*i-ed )and+ were buildin( +ome
mi()*y edi8i-e% rai+in( enormou+ +*one blo-;+ e88or*le++ly in*o 0o+i*ion'
Hi+ ear+ e=0e-*ed mu+i-% )i+ eye+ +ome in-redible 0ie-e o8 ar-)i*e-*ure9 and de+0i*e
*)e +ilen-e% *)e dar;ne++% )e ;new *)a* somethin# wa+ bein( +)a0ed around *)em'
T)e +ym0)ony wa+ bein( 0layed9 )e wa+ dea8% bu* )e -ould 8eel *)e )armonie+ in
e,ery -ell o8 )i+ body' No% no* a +ym0)ony9 a -om0le= -)oral wor;% in w)i-) ea-)
indi,idual ,oi-e )ad i*+ own 0ar*% in w)i-) )e% *oo% almost )ad a ,oi-e''''
Hi+ ear+ )eard only +ilen-e' Hi+ eye+ +aw only dar;ne++' Ye* around *)em )e -ould
feel )i+ -om0anion+9 Ara*a;>+ -alm and wonder9 2oda% *orn be*ween a -)ild>+ 8ear
and a +udden% ama@ed% adul* a--e0*an-e9 R)omda% -on-erned and ye* 0ea-e8ul' And
Rianna% warmin( )im li;e a +*ron( 8lame'
Buil* in*o *)e+e 8amiliar )armonie+ were o*)er no*e+9 Far<+0ea;er% *roubled% +*ill
)o+*ile9 ra,a+) and *)e Prr@e*@ Ca0*ain% w)o+e name% )e re8le-*ed% )e )ad ne,er
;nown9 -uriou+ly ali;e% *)e+e *wo% de+0i*e *)e +)ar0 -on*ra+* o8 0ro*o<8eline
ele-*ri-i*y wi*) +aurian de0*)' 1*eer+men% *)e+e *wo% a--u+*omed *o au*)ori*y% *o
de-i+ion+ w)i-) -ould mean *)e li8e o8 )undred+' 1ome*)in( in ane% aba+)ed%
*ran+la*ed *)i+ in an old way% The !uc% stops here. He -ould 8eel *)a* in bo*)
Ca0*ain+% *)e 8emale -a*% *)e male li@ard' ane 8el* +uddenly +mall9 I can do that, !ut
only for myself. It hurts me too much to !e wron#. They can even accept, and live with,
the %nowled#e that sooner or later they are #oin# to ma%e wron# decisions which may
cost lives . . . am I ever #oin# to !e that !i#? +hat do they say, never )ud#e the other
#uy till you wal% a few miles in his shoes?
T)e un)eard mu+i- +welled9 *)en 8rom *)e -re+*in( wa,e o8 0ower% ,oi-e+ and word+
8ormed% no +in(le ,oi-e' Wa+ i* *)e ,oi-e o8 *)e Mind o8 *)e Ra-eD
These two of our own are also on trial0 they are your accusers and their accusations
are their defense. T)e li()* +eemed *o bri()*en% +uddenly% around *wo o8 *)e (ian*
+auri<an+ w)o +*ood +)arin( *)e o0en +0a-e -leared 8or *)e alien+ 8rom ou*+ide'
2reatures from the stars destroyed our world lon# a#o. 1ome)ow ane ;new *)a* *)e
word+ in )i+ )ead -ame 8rom *)e one o8 *)e (ian* +aurian+ w)o +*ood *o *)e le8*% no*
8rom
*)e o*)er% or 8rom any o8 *)e ma++ed w)i*e re0*ilian+ in *)e -a,erned dar;ne++%
+hen the first ship from the stars came, we were fri#htened0 some of us said, wait,
a#es have passed and it may !e that these mean us no evil. +ait, and see. +e waited.
"ut that first ship was followed !y another0 it settled amon# the villa#es and rained
fiery death upon all the people of the surface. The action we too% was necessary.
And +uddenly ane under+*ood' I* )ad ne,er o--urred *o *)e+e 0eo0le% any more *o
*)e 8ol; o8 Ra)nilor% *o doub* a -ommon ori(in 8or all *)e C1*ar emon+'C And +o
*)e &ni*y Ba+e )ad been de+*royed?be-au+e *)e 6ir(on +)i0 )ad *ried *o en+la,e
*)e )armle++ ,illa(er+' T)ey -ould no*% or would no*% di+*in(ui+) be*ween *)e *wo
(rou0+9 *)ey )ad no* in/uired in*o *)eir mind+% bu* merely% +eein( w)a* *)e 6ir(on
)ad done% +*ru-; *o de+*roy all in,ader+ ' '' and le8* *)e +ur,i,or+ *o *)eir +ur8a-e
arm% *)e An;a>an Order o8 10earmen'
T)e +e-ond +aurian on *)e 0la*8orm *urned *o *)em'
+hen we had destroyed all of the invaders, we set a#ain the ancient watch upon the
s%ies, and we saw that the creatures had once a#ain occupied their ori#inal "ase.
These, too, we cut off and destroyed.
1o mu-)% ane *)ou()*% 8or *)e e=0edi*ion led by *)e unlu-;y 7il;i+) FKT)an+a'
=et when it was proposed that we destroy their ship, we were divided, and no one would
act0 we saw the ship turn and vanish from our s%ies. And now, see, they have come
a#ain. Are we to sit and await a#ain the destruction from the s%ies?
And a 0ar* o8 *)e un)eard -)oru+% i* +eemed *o ane% -ried bu* in a ,a+* +)ou* 8or
re,en(e.
+e too could travel amon# the stars 7et us aven#e the ancient sorrow 7et us ma%e
our world and our people forever safe
Bu* e,en a+ *)a* -ry +ur(ed u0% *)e Mind o8 *)e Ra-e% di,ided a(ain+* i*+el8% mer(ed
in*o +*ro0)e and an*i+*ro0)e.
+hat manner of )ustice is this? They %now nothin# of the ancient crime, their people
had not evolved from small runnin# thin#s when it was done, we %now !y loo%in# at
them that they are no %in to the Ancient Destroyers.
ane blin;ed9 li()* made )im -o,er )i+ eye+' He 8el* a+ i8 )e )ad wa;ened 8rom
+ome +*ran(e and -on8u+in( dream' He loo;ed in*o *)e (rea* -a,ern% +aw row+ and
row+ o8 *)e 0allid -a,e<-rea*ure+% mo+* o8 *)em +)ieldin( *)eir )and+ wi*) *)eir eye+'
T)e w)i*e li()* ,ani+)ed' Curiou+ly +olid and +ub+*an<
*ial% )an(in( in *)e +0a-e+ o8 *)e -a,ern all around *)em% a 0lane* (lowed% Bel+ar?
Bel+ar a+ )e )ad +een i* 8rom +0a-eE Bu* a Bel+ar un0i**ed by an-ien* -ra*er+9 a
Bel+ar un+-arred% -o,ered wi*) wide blue +ea+ and -on*inen*+% o,er w)i-) mo,ed
*)in layer+ o8 -loud'
/emem!er, my children -ried *)e Mind o8 *)e Ra-e% "ehold our world as it was I*
wa+ a *)renody% a mournin( -ry o8 +orrow and memory'
Ri-) (reenery and ,a+* +wam0+9 )u(e +)a0e+% no* unli;e *)e ,ani+)ed dino+aur+ o8
)i+ own world ' ' ' ye* *)e+e )ad buil* (li**erin( -i*ie+% +*ree*+ and )i()way+ ' ' ' )ere
*)ey )ad ri+en 8rom *)e bea+*+ ' ' ' 0i-*ure+ 0layed in *)e li()*% no* 0ro:e-*ed 8la* on
*)e wall li;e a mo,ie% bu* +ome)ow 0ro:e-*ed *o 8ull dimen+ion% +)owin( *)e an-ien*
+aurian+% +ailin( in wooden +)i0+% 0lan*in( and )ar,e+*in(% +)a0in( iron and wood9
a* 8ir+*% a +im0le a(ri-ul*ural 0eo0le% *)en a *e-)nolo(i-al +o-ie*y ' ' ' *)ere wa+ le++
war% ane *)ou()* a+ *)e C8ilmC unrolled% *)an a -om0arable )i+*ory o8 Ear*) would
)a,e +)own9 bu* *)ere were -la+)e+ o8 i+ola*ed (rou0+% )in*+ o8 dread8ul wea0on+
*e+*ed and 0u* a+ide' A* *)e )ei()* o8 an indu+*rial -ul*ure% *)ey )ad buil* *)e+e
*unnel+% 8earin( *)a* +ome )and would unlea+) on *)em *)e di+a+*er o8 *)eir
wea0on+' '''
"ut wisdom prevailed0 our world united in peace, and we thou#ht all the dan#ers past.
And then, when we least expected it, the disaster struc%. .'.
A(ain a 0lane* )un( in +0a-e% and ane remembered *)e +*ar *)e na*i,e+ )ad -alled
World<e+*royer' A +un near *o Bel+ar% 0er)a0+ :u+* *oo near' ''
+e will never %now why they attac%ed us. Bu* ane +)uddered% now% )i+ mind unable
*o *a;e *)e +i()* o8 *)e only in*er0lane*ary war )e would e,er +ee?)e )o0ed' T)e
(lare o8 *errible li()* on *)e +-reen% *)e 8amiliar mu+)room -loud+' ea*) and
de+*ru-*ion ''' and *)e *unnel+% buil*% and abandoned w)en *)eir world (rew
0ea-e8ul% +uddenly -rowded Wi*) *)e dar;<+;inned +aurian+' A world bla+*ed.
Bel+ar% +-arred by -ra*er+% a dead world% +eemin( a+ li8ele++ a+ Ear*)>+ moon' 1ilen*'
&+ele++ e,en *o *)e a**a-;er+ ''' a 0lane*% +een *)rou() a *ele+-o0e9 )u(e bur+*+ o8
li()*% +0li**in(% e=0lodin(''''
Rianna w)i+0ered% CT)e a+*eroid bel*EC
3ur world was #one. +e destroyed their "aseB !ut the price of our folly was too hi#h.
5ever a#ain will our descendants live under the open s%y '''
Time' Millennia' Wea*)er% ero+ion% ear*)/ua;e+% )urri-ane+% +mall 0lan*+ +0rou*in(
un+een% *o -o,er a world no* /ui*e a+ dead a+ *)ey 8eared% w)ile *)e *unnel+ +warmed
wi*) *)e +aurian -i,ili@a*ion under(round'
Generation after #eneration, millennium after millennium, we la!ored under#round,
discovered new ener#ies, created new arts and sciences . . . at last a time came when we
loo%ed out on the world we had left, thin%in# to find only ruin and desolation. And
!ehold, our empty world a#ain held life....
A de+er*9 +mall *ou() bu+)e+ (rew% *iny mou+eli;e +)rew+ +-am0ered a-ro++ *)e
+and' 1ome*)in( li;e a )aw; dar*ed 8rom *)e +;y% and *)e mou+e<*)in( *oo; +)el*er
in *)e bu+)e+% *)e +wi8* e+-a0in(% *)e +low 0eri+)in(''''
A#es passed'<''
A ri00le o8 *)e li()*9 (ra++ -o,ered a broad 0rairie% nomad -rea*ure+ roamed%
-rea*ure+ w)o +*ood u0ri()*% 8i()*in( away *)e 8ier-e -a*<*)in(+ wi*) +*one+ and
+0ear+' And a(ain *)e -a,ern+% -rowded wi*) dar;<+;inned +aurian+''''
7eaders arose, preachin# that life on the surface could !e ours a#ain, that we could #o
forth and wrest this world from the 1ape$thin#s who had won it. =et we would not do to
them as the creatures from the star +orld$Destroyer had done to us. +e, too, resolved
to ma%e a new !e#innin#. And we would ma%e certain that those of our sons who went
forth to live !eside the protosimians, never allowed them to clim! to such dan#erous
hei#hts.'''
And +o% a+ man e,ol,ed% ne=* *o *)em were *)e -i*ie+ o8 *)e dar;<+;inned
0ro*o+aurian+% *)e Fir+* Peo0le% +ide by +ide ' ' ' and *)en *)e i-e -ame% and +ome o8
*)e re0*ilian 0eo0le )ad re*urned *o *)e -a,e+% ra*)er *)an re+or*in( a(ain *o *)e
dan(erou+ *e-)nolo(y w)i-) )ad on-e be8ore -ome near *o de+*royin( *)eir world''''
And durin# some of those recurrent a#es, our people had lost the a!ility to survive on
the surface. Those of us who had returned to live !eneath the sun had adapted to its
chan#ed radiations. "ut we could not. And now *)e -)an(e )ad -ome' T)e +imian+
under *)e brillian* +un o8 Bel+ar were dar;<+;inned9 *)e dar;<+;inned +aurian+
wor;ed and buil* -i*ie+ be+ide *)em9 bu* *)o+e w)o )ad remained in *)e -a,e+ were
0ale% and no lon(er able *o *olera*e *)e radia*ion+ o8 *)eir own +un' T)e *ime w)en
*)ey -ould )a,e le8* *)eir +el8<-)o+en e=ile wa+ 0a+*' I* wa+ 8ore,er *oo la*e 8or *)em'
=et we watched our children, in secret, ma%in# certain
they would never destroy themselves as we had done, never reach a dan#erous
technolo#y . . ' and that no invaders would ever come upon them from outside. ...
"ut now the time has come when we re)oin, if not the people of the surface, at least the
people of the outer world, !eyond our stars, *)e ,a+* an*i0)onal Mind o8 *)e Ra-e
+oared in*o awarene++ a(ain' There are people of #ood will there, dedicated to
protectin# the helpless . . . to usin# technolo#ies, not a!usin# them . . .
5o, a -ry -ame 8rom one o8 *)o+e w)o +)ared *)e 0la*8orm wi*) ane and Rianna%
+e have !uilt a perfect world on the surface there, a world without dan#er or in)ustice
or evil. . . '
2oda>+ ,oi-e% ,ery +mall in *)e )u(e -a,e% +0o;e u0 and +aid% CBu* i* i+n>* +o 0er8e-*'
W)a* abou* *)e ra+)a+DC
Do you not understand, 7ittle "rother? They %eep you from out!reedin# your food
supply and dyin# of hun#er, yet your people find pleasure in !reedin#. And pleasure
even in fi#htin# the rashas.
2oda +aid% CI *)in; +ome o8 u+ would li;e *o -)oo+e w)e*)er or no* we wan*ed *o ;ill
o88 *)e ra+)a+% and *)en we -ould 8ind o*)er *)in(+ *o do wi*) our li,e+' Fi()*in(
ra+)a+ i+ 8ine% 8or 0eo0le w)o li;e i*% bu* 0eo0le li;e me +)ouldn>* )a,e *o die
be-au+e we>re no (ood a* 8i()*in(% ei*)er' I>d li;e *o learn +ome*)in( abou*?abou*
*)e +-ien-e+ my Lady Mi+*re++ *al;+ abou*' Maybe i8 0eo0le 8rom *)e +*ar+ -an learn
no* *o de+*roy o*)er 0lane*+% my 0eo0le -ould learn no* *o de+*roy our+el,e+ wi*)
war+% *oo' Bu* *)e way you ;ee0 u+% we don>* )a,e any -)an-e+' T)e be+* *)in( you
-an *)in; o8 *o do wi*) 0eo0le li;e me i+ *o 0u* *)em under *)e 0ro*e-*ion o8 *)e
An;a>an Order% and *)a*>+ :u+* more 8i()*in(' My Lady Mi+*re++ *au()* me )ow *o
8i()*% and )ow *o ;ill' I -ould (o ba-; *o my ,illa(e and be 2oda !ran*)<+layer and
+0end *)e re+* o8 my li8e a+ a re+0e-*ed man% no* a -oward' Bu* *)ere>+ no*)in( el+e I
-an do' W)y -an>* we de-ide 8or our+el,e+ )ow we wan* our worldD Are we all *)a*
+*u0idD You are?C 1uddenly )e -)o;ed% and ane reali@ed w)a* *)e boy wa+ doin(%
de8yin( e,ery -ul*ural 0re-e0* o8 )i+ li8e' CYou are *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+% and *)i+ i+ *)e
Ble++ed Realm% bu* *o me% you loo; li;e a lo* o8 +-ared old men )idin( in a -a,e 8rom
+ome*)in( *)a* )a00ened billion+ and billion+ o8 year+ a(o% and you won>* e,en le* u+
*ry *o do be**er' You +ay be-au+e you 8ailed% you won>* e,en le* u+ *ry' I+ *)a* bein(
'aints?
He 8ell +ilen*' From +omew)ere a +mall *ri-;le o8 a(reemen* be(an' I* +welled in*o a
mi()*y -on-ord'
The !oy is ri#ht. .is people should !e free, and masters of their own destiny.
"ut if they destroy themselves . . . ? T)e Prr@e*@ Ca0*ain +aid /uie*ly% CAre you (od+D
Nobody -an be ri()* all *)e *ime'C
T)e Mind o8 *)e Ra-e +welled a(ain in*o a mi()*y )armony'
+e have seen. +e have )ud#ed. These people shall !e returned to their own place . . .
and the people of the surface shall follow their own destiny. "ut it must !e their
destiny, not ours. +e cannot at once !rin# all our sciences to them. They must discover,
and rediscover, their own. They are not ready for ours.
And +uddenly *)e -a,ern wa+ dar; a(ain% e=-e0* 8or *)e dim 8i(ure o8 *)e one
+aurian w)o )ad de+*royed *)e &ni*y Ba+e and -oun+elled de+*royin( *)e +)i0' I*
+)one in *)e dar;ne++ li;e a +*ar9 and +uddenly li()* bloomed around *)em and *)ey
were on *)e +ur8a-e o8 *)e world% *wo (ian* +aurian+ loomin( around *)em'
One o8 *)em +aid% +/uee@in( )i+ eye+ 0ain8ully a(ain+* *)e li()*% and ane
re-o(ni@ed% 8rom +ome*)in( in )i+ *one% *)a* )e wa+ *)e one w)o )ad de+*royed *)e
&ni*y Ba+e'
CI am 7a+a>ariyo' T)i+ i+ my 0uni+)men*9 I +)all (o *o +u88er in *)e +un% e=iled
8ore,er 8rom *)e Ble++ed Realm% and 0er)a0+ I -an brin( )ealin( *o *)e land+ wa+*ed
by *)e 6ir(on'C
R)omda% +*andin( wi*) )i+ +0ear% ;nel* in re,eren-e' C1ain* 7a+a>ariyo% I will (o
wi*) you and (uide you'C C1ome 0uni+)men*%C Rianna +aid% Cbe-omin( a +ain*'C
Bu* only ane C)eardC i* *)rou() )i+ *)roa* di+;' He +aid% in *)e +ame murmured
lan(ua(e% Con>* you ;now *)a* )e>+ :u+* +en*en-ed )im+el8 *o die o8 +;in -an-er%
0robably +lowly and a(oni@in(lyD Belie,e me% i*>+ 0uni+)men* enou()'C
Far+0ea;er wa+ leanin( )ea,ily on ra,a+) and *)e o*)er +aurian' CW)ere i+ my
wal;erDC )e demanded /uerulou+ly'
CYou do no* need i*% Li**le Bro*)er%C +aid *)e (ian* w)i*e +aurian% CTa;e a +*e0% I be(
you'C
Far+0ea;er lur-)ed 8orward% )iP w)ole a**i*ude +)owin( 8ear and dread ' ' ' bu* )e
did no* 8all' He mo,ed a(ain% and a(ain% and ane% in ama@emen*% +aw *)a* *)e
-ri00led *ele0a*) wa+ mo,in( wi*) -au*iou+ -are ' ' ' bu* mo,in( 8reely% wi*)ou* 0ain'
A loo; o8 deli()* and ama@emen* -ame o,er )i+ 8a-e' T)e o*)er +aurian +aid% CYou
are +*ill in need o8 )ealin(%
Li**le Bro*)er' We be( you *o remain wi*) u+% a+ *)e Amba++ador 8rom *)e &ni*y'C
He *urned *o *)em and +aid% CI* i+ *ime 8or you 0eo0le *o re:oin your +)i0' 10ea;
wi*) i*% I be(9 your -ommuni-a*or+ )a,e been re+*ored *o a-*ion'C
T)e Prr@e*@ -a0*ain 0ulled ou* )i+?no% ane *)ou()* wi*) +udden de*a-)men*% her
?-ommuni-a*or 8rom *)e bel* loo0 w)ere i* )un(' 1)e +0o;e in*o i*% ur(en*ly% and a
-ra-;le o8 e=-i*ed +0ee-) -ame 8rom i*% w)i-) ane>+ *ran+la*or rendered a+ a
:umble o8 W)a*<*)e<)ell<)a00ened<*o<you<Ca0*ain% and W)a*<+)all<we<do<abou*<i*D
CNo*)in(%C +aid ra,a+)% CT)e Ca0*ain and I% and all o8 u+% are all ri()*% and
wai*in( 8or you'C
CWe>ll +end a +)u**le ri()* away?C
T)e (ian* w)i*e +aurian +aid% CT)ere i+ no need 8or *)a*% we -an re+*ore you
in+*an*ly *o your +)i0?C and +*o00ed' T)en )e +aid% CNo' Allow your +)i0>+ +)u**le
*o land' T)ere i+ no need 8or you *o +u88er 8ur*)er di+orien*a*ion'C
R)omda -la+0ed ane>+ )and brie8ly'
CI wi+) you were -omin( wi*) u+%C ane +aid% bu* )e ;new% a+ )e +0o;e% *)a* i* wa+
only )i+ way o8 +ayin( )e would mi++ R)omda' R)omda wa+ en*irely +ui*ed *o )i+
own world' He wa+ in a 0o+i*ion o8 +*ren(*) and re+0on+ibili*y'
CI am -ommi**ed *o be +er,an* and )el0er *o *)e Ble++ed 1ain*%C +aid R)omda%
indi-a*in( 7a+a>ariyo% w)o wa+ blin;in( 0ain8ully in *)e li()*% C1o lon( a+ )e li,e+% I
+)all ne,er lea,e )im'C
CNor I%C Ara*a; +aid +uddenly' CT)e wi+dom o8 *)e i,ine E(( )a+ +)own me *)a*
all wi+dom i+ one' I% *oo% will remain and +am0le *)e wi+dom o8 a ra-e older *)an
mine' Bid me 8arewell% my deare+* -)ildren'C
Rianna 8lun( )er arm+ around *)e )u(e li@ard<man' ane 8el* )i+ *)roa* *i()*en'
Ara*a; )ad been a* )i+ +ide +in-e )e awa;ened in a -a(e on *)e Ma;)ar +)i0% and
*)i+ 0ar*in( wa+ an(ui+)' He *ried *o +mile% bu* *)e word+ would no* -ome' Ara*a;
wa+ a 0)ilo+o0)er% no* a 8i()*er' And )e% *oo% would be an amba++ador *o *)i+ world%
0er)a0+ a *ruer amba++ador *)an *)e +*ill<war0ed Far+0ea;er% brin(in( *)e wi+dom
o8 *)e E(( *o :oin wi*) *)a* o8 *)e Ble++ed 1ain*+' He +aid a* la+*% )i+ ,oi-e +*i-;in( *o
)i+ *)roa*% CLea,e o*)er+ *)eir O*)erne++' I>d li;e *o +*ay )ere% *oo' Bu*?C )e loo;ed
a* Rianna% and Ara*a;K+ )u(e 0aw de+-ended% (en*le% on )i+ +)oulder'
CYour 8a*e lie+ el+ew)ere% my 8riend' Farewell' T)in; +ome*ime+ o8 me'C He wen* *o
*)e +ide o8 *)e (rea* w)i*e
+aurian ' ' ' 'aint ?asa1ariyo. .ave all the 'aints !een criminals condemned !y their
%ind?
R)omda +aid /uie*ly *o 2oda% CYou (o wi*) your Lady Mi+*re++D I +)all bear word
*o your ;in *)a* you are +a8e and well% and (one *o *)e land+ beyond Rai8e9 *)e *ru*)
would only )ur* and 8ri()*en *)em beyond bearin('C He laid bo*) )and+ on 2oda>+
+)oulder+% and +aid% CYou )a,e -)o+en wi+ely% my +on' You )a,e di+)onored your
+0ear9 *)ere i+ no 0la-e 8or you )ere'C
2oda +aid /uie*ly% CI *)in; *)ere ne,er wa+ a 0la-e 8or me )ere% Ma+*er R)omda' I
wa+ lu-;y9 I 8ound my 0la-e' 1ome day% *)ou()% will you *ry *o )el0 +ome o*)er boy
w)o i+ no* a+ lu-;y a+ I and -anno* 8ind )i+ 0la-eDC
CI +wear i*'C R)omda *ou-)ed *)e )il* o8 )i+ +0ear' CFarewell% 2oda !ran*)<+layer'C
2oda +)oo; )i+ )ead' From around )i+ ne-;% w)ere *)e amule*+ were -lu+*ered% )e
*oo; *)e (ran*)>+ *oo*) and +aid% CI don>* need i* any more' 6ee0 i* *o remember me
by% Ma+*er R)omda'C
R)omda +ilen*ly 0u* i* around )i+ own ne-;% li8*in( )i+ +0ear in *ribu*e and 8arewell'
And *)en% abo,e *)em in *)e +;y% *)e +)u**le +)i0 8rom *)e &ni*y wa+ de+-endin(
+lowly *o *)e (round% and Ara*a; and R)omda were leadin( *)e +ain* away% down
*)e )ill% 8rom *)e 0ain8ul (lare' T)ey di+a00eared in*o *)e dar;ne++ o8 *)e :un(le'
ane +a* in *)e ob+er,a*ion loun(e% wa*-)in( Bel+ar re-ede in *)e +-reen' Rianna
wa+ already ma;in( no*e+ in*o )er ,oi-e<+-riber% wa*-)ed by a 8a+-ina*ed 2oda'
Utopia, )e *)ou()*' 6or me, after Dullsville, it was a marvelous world. "ut one man1s
Utopia is another man1s hell. Dullsville was hell for me.
CI +u00o+e%C )e +aid *o Rianna% C*)a* you>ll +0end *)e ne=* -ou0le o8 year+ ma;in(
no*e+ and an*)ro0olo(i-al ob+er,a*ion+ on w)a*<we were doin( )ereDC Bu* )e really
didn>* need *o a+;'
CI>m a8raid +o%C +)e +aid a0olo(e*i-ally' CAnd I>,e (o* *o 8ind a 0la-e 8or 2oda *o be
edu-a*ed% +omew)ere w)ere )e won>* +u88er *oo mu-) 8rom -ul*ural +)o-;' Cen*ral
Ci*y i+ *oo bi(% *oo me-)ani-al ' ' ' 0er)a0+ *)e &ni,er+i*y Pre+er,e on 10i-a 1e,en ' '
' o)% ane% do you really mind +o mu-)D I>m a8raid i*>+ (oin( *o be years be8ore we
(e* *)a* an*)ro0olo(i-al ob+er,a*ion<*ri0 we wan*ed' ' ' 'C
He +)ru((ed' CFor a w)ile%C )e +aid% Cull+,ille>+ (oin( *o
be 8ine' A -)an-e *o re+* u0' And w)en I (e* *ired o8 i*% *)i+ *imeJJJC
He leaned o,er and ;i++ed )er% ;nowin( )e no lon(er re+en*ed i*% *)a* )er need+ and
wi+)e+ were alien 8rom )i+ own' He lo,ed )er9 )e would alway+ lo,e )er% alway+
-ome ba-; *o )er' Bu* )e wa+ no lon(er w)olly de0enden* on )er' I* wa+ a bi( (ala=y
ou* *)ere' And +omew)ere% li;e 2oda% )e -ould 8ind a 0la-e in i*' He leaned o,er%
)u((in( )er e=uberan*ly -lo+e in )i+ arm+% and +)e re*urned )i+ ;i++ wi*) a 0a++ion
*)a* wi0ed ou* all *)e re+en*men*+ o8 *)e day+ on Bel+ar'
ra,a+)% wa*-)in( Bel+ar in *)e ob+er,a*ion +-reen *urned *o loo; a* *)em% and
+)oo; )i+ )ead wi*) a +i()'
CYou 0ro*o+imian+EC )e +aid% +-owlin(9 *)en% +uddenly% lau()ed'
CT)e i,ine E(( )a+ ri()*ly *old u+%C )e +aid% w)ile Ri<anna and ane (a0ed a*
)im% CT)a* i* i+ well *o lea,e o*)er+ *)eir O*)erne++' T)e &ni*y i+ lar(e enou() *o
embra-e all ;ind+ o8 di88eren-e+' I +)all (o and ma;e a 8inal -on*a-* wi*)
Far+0ea;er% and a++ure my+el8 *)a* all i+ well wi*) )im'C
He le8* *)e loun(e% and ane% +milin( a88e-*iona*ely a8*er *)e bi( 1)>8e::% *)ou()*.
what was it Arata% always said? I re)oice in the diversity of 2reation.
I*>+ a bi( (ala=y% ou* *)ere% )e *)ou()*% loo;in( :oyou+ly ou* a* *)e wilderne++ o8
en-ir-lin( +*ar+' And +omew)ere in i*% *)ere>+ a 0la-e 8or e,erybody' 1omew)ere'
He (ri00ed )i+ 1amurai +word% and drew a dee0 brea*)' For now% )e )ad Rianna%
and 2oda (rowin( u0% and a 0la-e *o 8ind' And ou* *)ere ' '' well, who %nows?
/e)oice in the diversity of 2reation W)i-)% o8 -our+e% wa+ :u+* ano*)er way o8 +ayin(%
7eave others their 3therness.
Bu* *)en% a+ *)e i,ine E(( +aid% all wi+dom wa+ one'
And in a world w)ere ra,a+) -ould /uo*e 8rom *)e i,ine E((?well% any*)in(
-ould )a00en% and 0robably would'