Quest for Lost Heroes

CHAPTER NINE

Beltzer awoke first. His body was stiff and'he stretched. At that moment he saw the attackers running into the cave. He rolled to his knees and came up with his axe. The fire was dead, the light poor. Beltzer bellowed a war-cry and charged. Two of the men ran at him, the third ducking and sprinting past the axeman. Beltzer ignored the runner and hammered his axe into the first of the attackers. A sword plunged through his jerkin, narrowly missing the flesh on his hip. Dragging his axe clear of the falling warrior, he backhanded a cut into the second man's ribs, the blade cleaving through to the lungs. Then he spun, ready for an attack from the rear. But the third man was dead, killed by Chareos.

Finn raced into the cave, his knife raised. He stopped as he saw Beltzer and Chareos standing over the three bodies.

'Some watchman you turned out to be,' said Beltzer.

Finn slammed the knife back into the sheath by his side. 'We killed three and wounded a fourth,' he said, 'but they doubled back on us.'

'How many more are there?' asked Chareos, wiping the blood from his blade.

'I don't know,' answered Finn.

'Find out,' Chareos told him. Finn nodded, turned on his heel and ran from the cave.

Beltzer sat down and chuckled. 'A night to remember, eh, Blademaster?'

'Yes,' agreed Chareos absently, turning to where Kiall and Okas still slept. Kneeling, he shook Kiall's shoulder.

The young man opened his eyes and flinched. 'Oh,' he whispered. 'Are we safe?'

'We are back at the cave,' replied Chareos. 'How safe we are remains to be seen. You did well back there.'

'How do you know?' Kiall asked.

'You are alive,' said Chareos simply.

'Shouldn't we be out there helping Maggrig and Finn?' queried Beltzer.

'No. The game being played is theirs. We would be a hindrance.'

Chareos took his tinder-box from his pack, cleared the ash from the fire and started a new blaze. The three men settled around it, enjoying the warmth. A scream sounded from beyond the cave and Kiall jumped.

'That could be Finn or Maggrig,' he said.

'Could be,' agreed Beltzer. 'What about some food?'

'A good idea,' pronounced Chareos and he turned to Kiall. 'Prepare some oats. My stomach is starting to think my throat has been cut.'

'What about Finn?' demanded Kiall.

'He can eat when he gets here,' replied Beltzer, grinning.

Kiall moved back to the packs and took a hide sack of oats. He glanced at Okas. 'He's still sleeping,' he said.

'I doubt that,' said Chareos.

The three questors sat in silence as the oats bubbled and thickened in a copper pot hung over the fire. The thin grey light of pre-dawn brightened the sky as Kiall ladled the food into two wooden platters.

'Not eating?' asked Beltzer as Kiall sat back.

'No, I lost my appetite,' answered the younger man, flicking his gaze to the bloodied corpses. 'How can you think of food with a stench like that in the air?'

Beltzer shrugged. 'It's only meat, boy, and bowels and guts.'

Finn entered the cave moments later and sat down, his eyes red-rimmed and weary. Maggrig followed a few minutes after. Both men ate in silence.

'Well?' asked Chareos, as the meal was finished.

'There were four more of them.'

'Did you get them all?' enquired Beltzer.

'Yes, but it was close. They were skilled, very skilled. What do we do now?'

'We wait for Okas,' answered Chareos. 'You should get some sleep.' Finn nodded and moved to the /ar corner of the cave, wrapping his lean frame in a blanket and settling down with his head on his saddle.

'They almost took us,' said Maggrig. 'At least one of them had a better position. His shot missed Finn's head by a finger's width.'

'Did you find their horses?' Chareos asked.

'Yes. We stripped the saddles and turned them loose. Finn thinks they were outriders for a larger force — probably the same group that took Ravenna.'

'Then they were hunting us,' said Chareos.

'Of course they were hunting us,' snapped Beltzer. That's why there are bodies everywhere.'

'I think Chareos means us specifically,' put in Maggrig. 'They weren't just trying to rob a small travelling party; they were looking for us.'

'How did you reach that conclusion?' Beltzer asked Chareos.

'Tell him, Maggrig,' said Chareos.

'First their skill. They were extra careful, which suggests to Finn and me that they knew our strengths. Second, they were prepared to take losses and still keep coming. If we were just a travelling party they would have no way of knowing how much we were carrying — and a few supplies and horses are not worth dying for.'

'So,' said Beltzer, 'the word is out already.'

'It would appear so,' Chareos agreed.

'It is most curious,' said Chien-tsu. The Nadir shaman no longer watches over us.' Sukai reined in his grey and gazed down at the camp-site below.

'Perhaps it is because they intend to attack tonight, lord,' said the soldier, dismounting. Chien-tsu lifted his left leg over the pommel of his saddle and jumped to the ground.

'No. They will anack tomorrow at dusk — at least that is the plan the man, Kubai, spoke of when he rode out to meet the killers last night.' Chien would long remember the ugly sound of Kubai's laughter as he spoke with the two Nadir outriders about the massacre of the 'yellow men'. His spirit had floated just above the trio and he had heard himself dismissed as an 'effeminate fool', a 'painted doll' man.

'It is galling,' said Sukai.

'Galling? I am sorry, my mind was wandering.'

'To be forced to meet one's death at the hands of such barbarians.'

'Ah yes, indeed so,' Chien agreed.

'It would have been pleasant to have had a secondary option.' Below them the twenty soldiers had prepared three camp-fires. From his position on the hill-top Chien could see the scout, Kubai, sitting apart from the men. Chien unbuttoned the brocaded red silk coat and scratched at his armpit. 'I shall not be sorry to say farewell to this garment,' he said. 'It is beginning to stink.'

'It was part of your plan, lord,' said Sukai, smiling broadly.

'Indeed it was, but it is dreadfully uncomfortable. Who will wear it tomorrow?'

'Nagasi, lord. He is your height and build.'

'I must apologise to him; it is one thing to die in service to your lord — but quite another to be forced to die in a dirty coat.'

'It is an honour for him, lord.'

'Of course it is, but good manners should be paramount. I will see him this evening. Would it be too great a privilege if we asked him to dine with us?'

'I fear that it would, lord.'

'I think you are correct, Sukai. You and I will dine together — though "dine", I fear, is too fine a description for a meal of broiled hare. However I have some good wine, which we will finish.'

Chien stepped into the saddle and waited for Sukai. The officer mounted his gelding and cursed softly.

'What concerns you, my friend?' asked Chien.

'The man, Kubai. I would dearly like to separate his head from his neck.'

'A thought I can appreciate — and share. However, it is vital that the soldiers of Kiatze commit no crime while in Nadir lands. All we can do is react.'

'As you wish, lord,' muttered Sukai, touching spurs to his mount and guiding the beast down the hill to the camp.

At noon the following day the Nadir scout, Kubai, announcing that he was riding off to hunt, galloped away to the south-west. Sukai watched him go, then turned his horse and halted the column.

Chien-tsu rode alongside him. 'We have four, perhaps five, hours,' said Chien. 'It is time to begin.' Sukai signalled the twenty guards to dismount and they tethered their horses and stood to attention. Chien walked the line in silence, stopping only to admonish a soldier whose bronze and silver hilt-guard showed a trace of tarnish. The man reddened.

'You all know,' said Chien, standing at the centre of the line, 'that treachery awaits us. The Nadir will attack at dusk. It is imperative that they believe they have surprised us, therefore you will be sitting around fires when they come. You may leave your horses saddled. Once the attack begins you may fight as your hearts desire. The Nadir greed and lust for battle shows us that one day they will march on the kingdom of Kiatze itself. With this in mind, it is vital that you account for yourselves well. I would not expect any man to die until he has despatched at least four of the enemy. There will be no retreat; you will die here.' Chien turned away, then swung round again. 'It would not normally be necessary to add to what I have said, but we are standing under an alien sky and far from home. So let me say this: You are the best warriors, the finest of men. If it were otherwise, you would not now be with me. I shall watch the battle from the hill yonder; then I will ascertain whether Mai-syn lives. After that, I will find Jungir Khan and cut the head from his shoulders. That is all.'

Chien removed his brocaded coat of red silk and called Nagasi to him. The warrior shrugged out of his breastplate and pulled on the garment, then bowed to Chien.

'I will see that Oshi arranges your hair in a more regal fashion,' Chien told Nagasi, then walked away to where Sukai stood close to the wagon. The warrior was staring up at the storm-threatened sky.

'How many will they send against us, lord?'

'I do not know. Why does it concern you?'

'If it is less than one hundred we might win, and that would not be in keeping with the plan you have so carefully considered.'

'That is true,' said Chien gravely, 'but I would imagine — following your exhibition at the banquet — that they will want to be certain of the outcome. One hundred would be the barest minimum Jungir Khan would send.'

'And what if we win?' Sukai asked.

'Then you win — and we will think again,' said Chien. 'Now would you be so kind as to cut my hair?'

The men will see you,' protested Sukai. 'It is not fitting.'

Chien shrugged. 'It is important that I pass for a Nadir nomad. A gentleman of the Kiatze has no hope of survival in this barbarous land. Come now, Sukai,' and he sat on the ground. Sukai took a long pair of brass scissors and began to cut away at the heavily lacquered hair, leaving only a top-knot on the crown. Chien stood and removed his shirt and trousers of blue silk, and his high boots. He lifted the canvas from the back of the wagon and pulled out a Nadir jerkin of goatskin, leather breeches and an ugly pair of high riding moccasins.

'This has been cleaned, I take it?' he asked, holding the goatskin at arm's length.

Sukai smiled. 'Three times, lord. Not a louse nor a single flea remains alive in it.'

'It stinks of woodsmoke,' muttered Chien, shrugging his arms into the garment. He clambered into the pair of ill-fitting breeches and tied the rawhide belt. Lastly he tugged on the moccasins.

'How do I look?' he enquired.

'Please do not ask,' said Sukai.

The warrior summoned Oshi, who brought two horses which were unsaddled and re-equipped with Nadir saddles of rough cut leather. There were no stirrups. 'Bury the other saddles,' instructed Chien.

The warrior nodded. 'Also,' Chien added, 'it would be better if Nagasi died having suffered facial injuries.'

'I have already explained that to him,' said Sukai.

'Then it is time for farewells, my friend.'

'Indeed. May your paths be straight, and your days long.'

Chien bowed. 'Look down on me from Heaven, Sukai.'

The warlord took hold of his horse's mane and vaulted into the saddle. Oshi scrambled to the back of his own mare and the two riders galloped from the camp-site.

Chien and Oshi rode high into the hills, hiding the horses in a thick stand of poplar. Then they sat in silence for an hour, Chien praying, Oshi — looking ludicrous in the clothes of a Nadir warrior — wrestling with the problem of how to look after his lord in the midst of this barren, uncivilised land.

His prayers concluded, Chien rose and moved to a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley below. As ordered Sukai had cook-fires burning, the men relaxing around them. Chien allowed anger to wash over his emotions. It was intolerable that a warrior like Sukai should be sacrificed in such a manner; there was no honour here, in this land of treachery and barbarism. With good fortune his secret messages to the Emperor, carried by his most trusted concubine, would mean no further gifts to the Khan. Perhaps also the news would encourage the Emperor to build up his army.

Oshi crept alongside Chien. 'Should we not put distance between ourselves and the action, lord?' asked the old servant.

Chien shook his head. 'It would be most unbecoming to allow them to die unobserved. If there is a small risk to us, then so be it.'

The sun began its slow descent and Chien saw the dust-cloud to the south-west. His heartbeat quickened and he fought for calm. He wanted to see, with a cool eye, the last moments of Sukai's life. It was his hope — albeit a faint one — that one day he could write a poem about it, and deliver it in person to Sukai's widow.

As the Nadir force topped the hills around the campsite, Chien's trained eye swept over them. There were almost three hundred men in the attacking group and his pride swelled. Here, at last, was a compliment from the barbarians: three hundred against twenty. Chien could almost feel Sukai's joy, watching as the twenty men ran to their horses. Sukai took up his position in the centre, drawing both his swords. Nagasi, in Chien's red coat, was beside him.

Screaming their battle cries the Nadir charged. Sukai, forming the point of a wedge, kicked his horse into a gallop to meet them. Dust swirled under the horses' hooves. Chien made to stand, but Oshi tugged nervously at his jerkin and reluctantly Chien sat. He could see Sukai cutting and cleaving a path through the Nadir ranks, and could just make out the features of the traitor Kubai at the rear. Sukai almost reached him, but a spear was thrust through his throat; he killed the wielder, plunged his second blade into the body of a Nadir warrior and fell from the saddle. The battle was brief, but Chien waited until he could count the Nadir fallen. Almost ninety of the enemy had been killed or wounded.

Kubai rode through the Nadir ranks and dismounted alongside Sukai's body, which he kicked three times. Then he hacked the head from the neck and raised it by the hair, swinging round and finally hurling it away to roll in the dust.

Chien backed away to the horses, Oshi following.

They fought well, lord,' said Oshi.

Chien nodded and vaulted to the saddle. The Khan will pay dearly for Sukai's death. I swear this on the souls of my ancestors.'

Turning his horse to the south-east, Chien led the way towards the distant mountains. His sword on his back, his hunting bow in his hand, he flicked the reins and let the stallion run. The wind was cold on his shaved head, but his blood was hot with the memory of the battle.

The distant mountains rose jagged against the sky, awesome in their size, clouds swirling about their peaks.

'Will we cross them, lord?' asked Oshi fearfully.

There is a narrow pass that does not offer perils to the traveller. We will go there.'

'Do they have a name, these mountains? Do spirits wander there?'

They are the Mountains of the Moon. . and spirits wander everywhere, Oshi. Do not concern yourself.'

'I am concerned only for you, lord. Where will I find food to prepare for you? Where will you bathe? How can I clean your clothes?'

Chien smiled and hauled back on the reins, allowing the stallion to walk. He turned to Oshi. 'I did not bring you with me so that you could serve me. I brought you because you are an old man and a friend, Oshi. You served my father with diligence and loyalty, and me with loyalty and affection. I still remember sitting upon your knee and listening to fanciful tales of dragons and heroes. I remember you letting me drink seichi, and eat rice-cakes by your fireside. It was you, Oshi, who cured me of my childhood fears: my nightmares. Do not call me lord any longer. Call me Chien, as you used to when I was a child.'

'You have decided to die then, lord?' whispered Oshi, blinking back tears.

'I do not think that even I can hope to take on the Nadir nation and survive, Oshi. I am pledged to kill Jungir Khan. If necessary I will walk into his palace and do it before all of his generals. Do you believe I can walk away from such a deed?'

'You could kill him with an arrow,' ventured Oshi.

'Indeed. But then he would not know for what crime he is slain. No, it will be with a sword. But first we must ascertain the fate of Mai-syn. Once that is accomplished, we will find a ship for you to return home.'

'I could not leave you, lord. . Chien. What would I do? What would you do without me? We will kill the Khan together.'

'Someone must take the news back to the Emperor. I will also give you letters to my wives. You will execute my will.'

'You have it all planned then?' asked Oshi softly.

'As much as can be considered at this time. It is all subject to change. Now let us ride, and seek a good camping-site.'

They made camp in a old, dry river-bed, lighting a fire against the vertical bank and eating a light meal of dried fruit. Chien was in no mood for conversation. Unrolling the blanket from behind his saddle, he wrapped it around his shoulders and settled down.

'No, lord, here,' said Oshi. 'I have pushed aside the pebbles and there is soft sand beneath. I have bunched some for a pillow. You will be more comfortable.'

Chien moved to the place Oshi had prepared; it was indeed softer, and away from the cold wind. He settled down to sleep. He dreamt of home in the ivory-white palace, with its terraced gardens and landscaped streams and waterfalls. It was a place of tranquillity. But he awoke sharply when he heard the sound of boots on the pebbles of the river-bed. Rolling from his blanket, he rose. The moon was high, full and bright. Kubai stood staring at him with a wide smile on his face, beside him four Nadir warriors. Oshi awoke and huddled against the rocks.

'Did you think I could not count?' asked Kubai. 'I searched for you among the bodies. You know why?'

'Pray tell me,' said Chien, folding his hands across his chest.

'Because of him,' he replied, pointing at Oshi. 'His body was nowhere. So I examined the corpse we took to be yours. There was a gash on the face, but not enough to fool me.'

'Your intelligence staggers me,' said Chien. 'You are quite correct. I took you for an evil-smelling, stupid, treacherous barbarian. I was wrong; you are not stupid.'

Kubai laughed. 'You cannot make me angry, yellow man. You know why? Because tonight I will hear you scream. I will take your skin an inch at a time.' Kubai drew his sword and advanced but Chien stood waiting, arms still folded. 'Are you not even going to fight, yellow man?"

Chien's arm flicked out and Kubai stopped in his tracks, the ebony handle of the throwing-knife jutting out from his throat. Chien leapt and his foot cracked against Kubai's head, cartwheeling him from his feet. The other Nadir rushed in. Ducking under a sweeping blade Chien stabbed his hand, fingers extended, to the man's midriff. The warrior doubled over, all breath gone from his lungs. Sidestepping a thrust, Chien hammered the edge of his palm into a second warrior's throat. Hurling himself forward, he rolled to his shoulder on the pebbles and came to his feet in one smooth motion. The remaining two Nadir came at him more carefully. Chien's hand snaked out and one of them crumpled to the ground with a dagger through his eye. The last warrior backed away, but Oshi reared up behind him, plunging a thin dagger through his heart.

'You must not take risks,' Chien told him. 'You are too old.'

'I am sorry, lord.'

Kubai had pulled the blade from his throat and was kneeling on the stream-bed, blood gushing to his goatskin jerkin. Chien knelt before him and gathered his blade.

'In case it is of any interest,' he said, 'your lungs are filling with blood. It is said that a man can experience the most delightful visions at such a time. You, on the other hand, deserve no such joy.'

Chien slammed the blade into Kubai's heart and pushed the body on to its back.

'I was having the most wonderful dream,' said Chien. 'I was in the gardens at home, and — you recall the plant we tried to train by the dry stone wall at the south gate?' Oshi nodded. 'Well, it was in bloom, and the flowers were quite the most exquisite shades of purple. And there was a fragrance I recall that put my roses to shame. I wonder if that purple plant ever took root?'

'I would imagine so, lord. You have a fine touch with flowers.'

'It pleases me to think so.'

A groan came from the Nadir Chien had winded and the Kiatze warrior stood and hammered a kick to the man's temple. His neck cracked and Oshi winced.

'What was I saying? Oh yes, flowers. This land could do with more flowers. Perhaps then the Nadir would become interested more in poetry than war. Saddle the horses, Oshi. This ugly place is making me melancholy.'

For three weeks the questors travelled only by night, hiding by day in woods or jagged hollows which stretched across the land. The journey in darkness was taken with great care, as the land descended in giant steps from rocky plateau to rocky plateau. The trails were scree-covered and treacherous, and the questors were often forced to dismount and lead their horses. Four times Okas warned them of hunters, and twice the hidden questors saw bands of Nadren riders searching for sign. But Finn had obscured their trail and the hunters passed on.

Water was scarce on the Steppes and they were compelled to take wide detours to seek rock pools in the plateaux. Most of these were guarded and many times the questors were forced to move on, their throats dry. What little water they carried was used to rinse the dust from the nostrils and mouths of their mounts.

'Our enemies have all the advantages,' said Finn, as they made their third dry camp in as many days. 'They know we cannot travel without water, and they have stopped trying to track us. Now they guard all the wells and pools.'

'Not all,' said Okas. 'There is rock tank an hour's ride from here. The water is shallow, but good to drink.'

'Why is it not guarded?' Chareos asked.

'It is, but not by men.'

'If there are more demons,' croaked Beltzer, Td just as soon suck grass for another day.'

'Not demons,' said Okas. 'Lions. But do not fear; I have a way with beasts.'

With a half moon to guide them the questors set off across the plateau, their horses' hooves muffled by cloth shoes. The trail wound down at first, then cut to the right, rising steeply. The horses grew increasingly nervous as the smell of lion droppings filled the air. Okas led the way on foot and the trail opened to a wide bowl-shaped arena. They saw eight lions by the pool — one male, three females and four cubs. The females rose first, baring their fangs. Okas began to chant softly; he walked slowly towards the beasts and sat some ten paces from them. The sound of his rhythmic song echoed in the rocks and a lioness padded towards him, circling him, her tail thrashing. She pushed her face against Okas' shoulder and head, then settled down beside him. The other lions ignored the old man.

Okas' voice sounded inside Chareos' mind: 'Lead the horses to the pool. Let them drink their fill. You do likewise and fill the water-sacks. Then withdraw. Let no one speak.' Chareos turned to the others and lifted his fingers to his lips. Finn nodded, and silently they made for the water.

The song of Okas continued as the questors led the frightened horses to.the pool. The need for water overcame their fear and they dipped their heads and drank. Chareos dropped to his belly and filled his mouth with the cool liquid. For some moments he held the water there, then he allowed it to trickle into his dry throat. Finally he drank until he felt he could contain no more. Only then did he fill the water-sacks. The others followed suit.

Kiall ducked his head under the surface of the pool. 'That was good,' he said as he sat up.

The lion roared. The horses reared and Beltzer almost lost grip of the reins. The lion rose and padded across towards Kiall.

'Make no movel' came the voice of Okas in Kiall's mind. 'Sit still. Absolutely still.'

The lion prowled around Kiall, baring its yellow fangs. The song of Okas came louder now, hypnotic in its rhythm. The lion's face loomed before Kiall's eyes, the fangs brushed his skin and he could smell the creature's fetid breath. Then the lion padded back to the pride and settled down. Kiall rose unsteadily. Chareos had gathered the reins of Kiall's mount and passed them to him silently; slowly the group retreated from the pool, down the long slope and out on to the plateau.

Okas joined them and the party rode on for an hour, camping just before daybreak in a shallow lava ditch.

Finn clapped Kiall's shoulder. 'Not many men have been kissed by a lion,' he said. 'It will be something to tell your children.'

'I thought he was going to tear my head off,' said Kiall.

'I thought of doing the same,' snapped Chareos. 'Did you not see the sign for silence? Did you take lessons in stupidity, or does it come naturally?'

'Leave him be, Blademaster,' said Finn. 'You were young once. Do you know why the lion nuzzled you, Kiall?'

'No.'

'He has scent glands in his mouth. Lions often mark their territory with them. You were lucky — mostly they urinate to establish the borders of their domain.'

'In that case I feel doubly lucky,' said Kiall, smiling. He turned to Okas. 'How long before we reach the Nadren settlement?'

Tomorrow… the day after.' The old man shrugged. The hunters are everywhere. We must continue to move with care.'

'Will Ravenna still be there, do you think?' Kiall asked Chareos.

'I would doubt it. But we'll find out where she went.'

'I'm sorry for that mistake,' apologised Kiall, seeing that Chareos was still angry.

The older man smiled. 'Finn was right, we were all young once. Do not allow mistakes to become a habit. But there is something we must talk about. There is no way we can rescue all the women who may be held by the Nadren — we are not strong enough — so prepare yourself for disappointment, Kiall. It will be wonderful if we can establish where Ravenna was sent, but there is no more than that to be gained. You understand?'

'But if they are there, we must make the attempt, surely?'

'What purpose would it serve? You have seen yourself the difficulty we are experiencing just getting to the settlement. Can you imagine what chance we would have of getting out?'

Kiall wanted to argue, to find some compelling reason why Chareos was wrong. But he had seen the arid lands of the Steppes and knew that they would have no chance to escape, encumbered by perhaps twenty freed captives. Yet he could not bring himself to answer Chareos. He looked away and stared at the stars.

'I know that you made a promise, Kiall,' continued Chareos. 'I know what that means to you. But it was a foolhardy promise. All life is compromise, and a man can do only his best.'

'As you say, I made a promise,' returned Kiall. 'And, yes, it was foolish. But perhaps I can buy them back? I have gold.'

'And they would sell them to you — and a day later, or even before, they would ride after you, kill you and take back what they sold. We are not dealing with men of honour.'

'We shall see,' said Kiall. 'It may all be as you say. But let us not decide until the day comes.'

'When the sun rises, the day has come,' said Chareos.

Kiall settled down to sleep, but his thoughts were many. He had dreamt of riding off like a knight in pursuit of his love; he had pictured her returning beside him, her gratitude and love sustaining him. But it was almost four months now since she had been taken and he was as likely to find her wed to a savage, or dead. As for the other women, many of them he had not known too well. He had always been shy in female company, and they had laughed at his blushes. Lucia, the baker's daughter, had always been kind to him. But what could he offer her now? Her father was dead, her home burned. If he took her back she would have nowhere to live, and would probably be forced to find employment in Talgithir. Then there was Trianis, the niece of Paccus the seer. Again there were no living relatives. He ran the names of the captives through his mind: Cascia, Juna, Colia, Menea… so many.

Chareos was right. How could they attempt to rescue twenty or more young women and then spirit them across the Steppes?

Yet, if they did not at least try, then Kiall would have branded himself both a liar and a braggart. Kiall slept fitfully into the day. Soon after dusk the questors set off, avoiding skylines, keeping to the low ground. At last Okas led them up a winding deer trail and halted within a clearing surrounded by poplar trees. There he dismounted and moved off to the brow of a low hill. Chareos and the others joined him there and found themselves overlooking a large settlement. A tall stockade wall was built around the town, with four wooden turrets at each corner. Inside there were some sixty dwellings and a long hall. Guards paced the battlements, and lanterns were hung over the gates.

'It's more like a cursed fortress,' said Beltzer.

'We're not here to attack it,' Chareos told him.

'Thank the gods for that," said Beltzer.

Chareos studied the layout of the buildings and the movements of the people within the town. It was just after dawn and few of the town dwellers could be seen. Two women carrying wooden buckets on yokes walked to the rear of the stockade and out through a side exit. Chareos focused his attention on this; it was shaped as a portcullis, with a heavy metal block that was raised by turning two spoked wooden wheels situated on the battlements.

Chareos eased his way back from the skyline and joined the others.

'I can see no way for us to gain entry without being seen,' he told them, 'unless we have someone on the inside.'

'Who?' asked Beltzer.

Til go myself,' proposed Chareos.

'No,' said Kiall. 'It makes no sense to send our leader into peril. What would the rest of us do if you were taken? No, I will go.'

'What will you tell them, boy?' chortled Beltzer. 'That you've come for your lady and they'd better surrender her or else?'

'Something like that,' said Kiall. He pushed himself to his feet and walked to his horse. Swiftly he emptied his saddlebag of gold, keeping only a single red gold ring, then he returned to the group. 'I shall tell their leader, whoever he is, that I am willing to buy back the women taken. If he is agreeable, I will signal you from the ramparts; I will raise my right arm and wave. If I think there is treachery in the air, I will raise my left.'

'What are we supposed to do then, general?' sneered Beltzer. 'Storm the citadel?'

'Be silent, you oaf!' snapped Chareos. 'So far the plan is sound. At midnight Finn and I will be at the southern wall. If you have not signalled in that time, we will come in and look for you. Be careful, Kiall. These men are killers. Life means nothing to them.'

'I know,' Kiall replied. As he walked to his horse and mounted, Okas' voice came into his mind.

'/ will be with you, seeing through your eyes.'

He smiled at the Tattooed Man and touched heels to his horse.

The sun was bright as he headed down the grass-covered slope towards the settlement. Looking up at a sentry who had notched an arrow to his bow, Kiall waved and smiled. The gates loomed and he rode through. Sweat trickled to his back and he could not bring himself to look up at the archer. He guided the mount to a hitching-rail and dismounted. There was a well nearby and he hauled up the bucket and drank from a rusty iron ladle.

He heard the sound of moving men and turned slowly to see four guards approaching him with swords drawn. He spread his hands. 'There is no need for violence, my friends. I am here to buy a woman — maybe two.'

'Let's feel the weight of your gold,' answered a tall man.

Kiall dipped his hand into his pocket and came up with the ring. He tossed it to the man, who examined it closely.

'Very nice,' he said. 'And the rest?'

'Hidden until we complete our business.'

'Hidden eh? Well, I know a few tricks that always make a man sing out his secrets.'

'I am sure that you do,' said Kiall. 'Now take me to whoever is the leader here.'

'How do you know it's not me?' the man asked, sneering.

Kiall's temper flared. 'I do not. I merely assumed the leader would have more than half a brain.'

'You cowson!' The man's sword came up and Kiall leapt to the right, drawing his sabre.

'Leave him be!' roared a voice and the men froze. A tall man, dressed in black, came walking through the crowd which had gathered beyond the group.

'What's this to do with you?' asked the swordsman.

'I know this man,' he answered, 'and I do not want to see him killed.' Kiall looked closely at the speaker. He was hawk-faced and lean, and a jagged scar showed on his cheek; his nose was hooked, his features dark and hard. But Kiall had never seen him before.

'Why push that long nose of yours into another man's business, Harokas?' sneered the swordsman.

The man smiled coldly and drew his own sabre. 'You brainless dolt, Githa! You never saw the day dawn when you could best me with a blade.'

Githa swallowed nervously and backed away, aware that he had gone too far.

'Enough!' bellowed Kiall, doing his best to copy the authoritative tone used by Chareos. Both men froze. 'You,' said Kiall, moving forward to stand before Githa. 'Hand me the ring and go back to the ramparts.' The man blinked sweat from his eyes and happily obliged. He did not look at Harokas, but sheathed his sword and hurried away. With the excitement over, the crowd dispersed. Harokas grinned and shook his head.

'Not bad for a farm boy,' he said. 'Not bad at all. I see that Chareos has trained you well. Is he close by?'

'Perhaps. Are you a friend of his?'

'No, but I need to see him. I have been looking for you for almost four months.'

'Why?'

'I have a message from the Earl,' said Harokas. He lifted a ladle of water from the bucket and sipped it. 'But what are you doing here, Kiall, so far from home?'

'If you are from the Earl, then you must know already. This is where the women from my village were taken.'

'And you have come to win them back? How noble of you. A shame, though, that you have arrived too late. The last of them was sold off months ago. This is only a market town, Kiall. Every three months or so Nadir merchants and princes come here to buy slaves.'

Kiall swallowed back his frustration. 'How is it then that you — an Earl's man — are welcome here?'

'I am welcome in many strange places. Come, I will take you to the leader you enquired about. Perhaps then you will find answers.'

Kiall followed the tall man through the alleyways and out into the main square. Here was the hall he had seen from the hill. Harokas entered the building and led Kiall to a curtained area at the rear.

A woman rose from a satin-covered divan and strode to meet them. Her hair was short-cropped and dark, her eyes wide and slanted, her lips full. She wore a black tunic belted at the waist, and her long legs were bare. Kiall blinked and tried not to stare at her. She stood before him, too close, and he shifted his feet, trying to put more distance between them. He looked into her eyes, noting that they were blue tinged with purple.

'Well,' said Harokas, 'you have your wish, Kiall. Here is the leader you asked to meet.'

Kiall bowed, aware that he was blushing. 'I am pleased to… that is… I…"

'Is he retarded?' she enquired of Harokas.

'I do not believe so, Princess.'

'What do you want here?' she asked Kiall.

He took a deep breath. 'I am seeking a woman.'

'Does this look like a brothel?' she snapped.

'No. Not at all. I meant that I was seeking a special woman. She was taken from my village and I want to buy her back."

'To buy? Our prices here are high. Can you afford her?'

'I believe that I can. How high?'

'That would depend,' said the woman, 'on how beautiful she is.'

'Her name is Ravenna. She is the most beautiful. .' He stumbled to a halt and found himself staring into her eyes. In that moment he realised that Ravenna could never be called beautiful, not when compared with the woman before him. He felt like a traitor even to think such thoughts. 'She is… I think she is… beautiful,' he stammered, at last.

'You are riding with the heroes of Bel-azar?' she asked. Her words sent a cold chill through him. For a moment only he hesitated, considering the lie.

'Yes,' he answered.

She nodded. 'It is always better to be truthful with me, Kiall,' she told him, taking his arm and leading him back to the divan. With a wave of her hand she dismissed Harokas; leaving Kiall standing, she stretched herself out on the couch, her head resting on a blue silk-covered cushion. 'Tell me of the heroes,' she said.

'What would you have me say? They are strong men, courageous, skilful in the ways of war.'

'And why would they be interested in this. . this girl?'

'Merely to see her safe and restored to her. . loved ones.'

'And you are a loved one?'

'No. Well. . yes.'

'Is it no or yes? Sit by me and explain it.' He perched on the edge of the divan, feeling the warmth of her leg against his. He cleared his throat and told her of his love for Ravenna and her decision to marry the farmer Jarel.

'I don't blame her. She was right, of course. I was. . am a dreamer.'

'And you have no other woman?' she asked.

'No.'

'No stolen kisses in high meadows, no soft touches during secret trysts?'

'No.'

She moved up to sit alongside him, her arm draped over his shoulder. 'One last question, Kiall, and be sure to answer it honestly. Much depends on it. This quest of yours — have you told me the whole truth? All you seek is the girl, Ravenna?'

'I have told you the whole truth,' he said. 'I swear it.'

For several seconds she looked into his eyes, then she nodded and smiled. Her hand slipped from his shoulder and she replaced the small dagger in its hiding place behind the cushion.

'Very well, I will consider what you have said. But I make no promises. Go out into the square and find Harokas. He will see that you are fed.' He rose and bowed awkwardly. As he turned to leave, she suddenly spoke. 'Tell me, Kiall, do you trust me?'

'I would like to, my lady. It ought to be that a man could put his faith in beauty.'

She rose smoothly and moved in to him, her body pressing against him, her arms on his shoulders and her mouth only inches from his. 'And can you put your faith in beauty?'

'No,' he whispered.

'You are quite correct. Go now.'