‘What causes the small lightning?’ he asked Kalizkan.
‘I wish I knew. Emsharas was Windborn. He knew far more than any human sorcerer.’
‘A demon? Yet he made swords to fight demons? Why would that be?’
‘You have a penchant for asking questions I cannot answer. Whatever his reasons Emsharas allied himself with the Three Kings, and he it was who cast the Great Spell that banished all demons from the earth.’
‘Including himself?’
‘Indeed so.’
‘That makes no sense,’ said Antikas. ‘He betrayed more than his own people, he betrayed his entire race. What could induce a man to commit such an act?’
‘He was not a man, he was – as you rightly say – a demon,’ said Kalizkan. ‘And who can know the minds of such creatures? Certainly not I, for I was foolish enough to trust one, and paid for it with my life.’
‘I loathe mysteries,’ said Antikas.
‘I have always been rather partial to them,’ admitted
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Kalizkan. ‘But to attempt an answer to your question, perhaps it was simply hatred. He and his brother, Anharat, were mortal enemies. Anharat desired the destruction of the human race. Emsharas set out to thwart him. You know the old adage, the enemy of my enemy must be my friend? Therefore Emsharas became a friend to humans.’
‘It is not convincing,’ said Antikas. ‘There must have been some among his people that he loved – and yet he caused their destruction also.’
‘He did not destroy them – merely banished them from the earth. But if we are questioning motivations, did you not cause the destruction of the one you loved?’
Antikas was shocked. ‘That was entirely different,’ he snapped.
‘I stand corrected.’
‘Let us talk of more relevant matters,’ said the swordsman. ‘These warriors I am to fight are Krayakin, yes?’
‘They are indeed – the greatest fighters ever to walk the earth.’
‘They have not met me yet,’ Antikas pointed out.
‘Trust me, my boy, they will not be quaking in their boots.’
‘They ought to,’ said Antikas. ‘Now tell me about them.’
Antikas was sitting once more on the bridge wall when the riders emerged from the mist. The black warrior, Nogusta, was leading them. Antikas could see the queen, sitting side saddle, her horse led by a tall, slim, blond-haired woman in a flowing blue robe. Behind them came the man, Bison. Antikas had last seen him tied to the whipping post, on the day that Nogusta slew Cerez. A small, fair-haired child was seated before him. Behind
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the giant came two more youngsters, riding double, a red-haired boy of around fourteen and a wand-thin girl with long dark hair. Then he saw Dagorian. The officer was holding a small bundle in his arms. Bringing up the rear was the bowman, Kebra.
Nogusta saw him and left the group, cantering his horse down the shallow slope.
‘Good morning to you,’ said Antikas, rising and offering a bow. ‘I am pleased to see you alive.’
Nogusta dismounted and moved closer, his expression unreadable. Antikas spoke again. ‘I am not here as an enemy, black man.’
‘I know.’
Antikas was surprised. ‘Kalizkan told you about me?’
‘No. I had a vision.’ Slowly the group filed to the bridge. Nogusta waved them on, and they rode past the two swordsmen. Antikas bowed deeply to Axiana, who responded with a smile. She looked wan and terribly weary.
‘Is the queen sick?’ he asked Nogusta, after she had passed.
‘The birth was not easy, and she lost blood. The priestess healed her, but she will need time to recover fully.’
‘Is the child strong?’
‘He is strong,’ said Nogusta. ‘It is our hope that he remains that way. You know that we are followed?’
Antikas nodded. ‘By the Krayakin. Kalizkan told me. I will remain here and bar their path.’
Nogusta smiled for the first time. ‘Not even you can defeat four such warriors. Even with the black swords.’
‘It was a good vision you had,’ said Antikas. ‘Would you care to share it with me?’ Nogusta shook his head.
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‘Ah,’ said Antikas, with a wide grin, ‘I am to die then. Well, why not? It is something I’ve not done before. Perhaps I shall enjoy the experience.’