Viruk awoke with a start. He had not intended to sleep so deeply. He rolled to his side. Someone had covered him with a blanket, which was thoughtful, for the night air was chill. Then he remembered the old man. It was so good to find sub-humans who understood respect. Viruk sat up. As he did the golden-haired child stirred beside him. But she did not wake. Viruk climbed over the side of the wagon and saw the old man sitting by a small fire.
The stars were bright in the sky and the moon shone full. T trust you slept well, lord,’ said the man.
‘I did indeed. Where are we?’
‘I should reach Egaru around noon tomorrow, lord. But if you ride early you will be there soon after sun-up. I have fed the pony with grain, but it is still tired. It will not, I fear, carry you fast.’
‘What is your name, tribesman?’
‘Boru, lord.’
‘You have been kind to me. I appreciate such courtesies.’
‘It was nothing, lord. It was a pleasure to have been of service.’
‘I am sure that it was,’ agreed Viruk. He clapped the old man on the shoulder. ‘I like you, Boru. I shall give you a gift.’ Viruk drew his green crystal from its pouch and touched it to Boru’s chest. The old man stiffened in fear. ‘There is no harm being done to you,’ said Viruk. Boru felt the arthritic ache in his back and arms subside. There,’ said Viruk, at last. ‘You are ten years younger. Use the years wisely,’ he said, with a smile.
Boru stood and bowed. ‘My thanks to you, lord,’ he said.
‘It was nothing.’ He stared closely into Boru’s face. ‘There is some yellow in your beard now. And your hair is thicker. Perhaps you gained a little more than ten years. I am not greatly adept at using these crystals on sub-humans. Still … enjoy!’
‘I will, lord. I cannot thank you enough.’
‘That’s true,’ said Viruk, with a broad smile. ‘And now I must be on my way.’
Moving to the pony Viruk vaulted into the saddle. Without a backward glance he rode towards the west.
It was pleasant to be a god.
Boru had been quite right. The pony was still tired. Anxious to be back in Egaru Viruk used crystal energy upon it. The little horse was immediately invigorated and Viruk kicked it into a gallop. The beast died within half a mile of the city gates. As it collapsed under him Viruk jumped clear, landing lightly on his feet. It was an oddity of the crystals that they could not bring genuine strength to four-footed animals. They acted upon them like short-lived stimulants. Viruk was annoyed that the pony had not lasted a little longer.
Once back at his home one of his servants informed him that the Questor General was eager to see him. Viruk bathed and changed his clothes, then rode to Rael’s palace.
The Questor General was in the high study, poring over maps and scrolls when Viruk entered. Rael wasted no time in pleasantries. ‘Judon of the Patiakes has called a gathering at Ren-el-gan,’ he said. ‘He seeks to bind the tribes under his leadership and storm the cities. Change his mind.’
‘My pleasure, sir,’ said Viruk.
Rael pushed back the maps and stood. ‘I understand you found the raiders and despatched them. That was good. What was not good was sending that message to Ammon. One can only hope the messenger was sensible enough to disobey you.’
Viruk shrugged. ‘What does it matter? We’ll have to fight them eventually.’
‘Ideally it will be when Talaban returns with the recharged chests.’
‘Questor Ro succeeded? There’s a surprise. A nice one, admittedly.’
‘It is double-edged,’ said Rael. ‘They have four chests charged, one lost and one still empty. Worse news is that a volcanic upheaval destroyed the site, and unless we find another we will be powerless within a few more years.’
‘Much can happen in a few years,’ said Viruk. ‘But tell me, sir, how you wish Judon’s mind changed?’
‘In whatever way suits you,’ snapped the General.
‘Consider it done.’
‘I do,’ said Rael. ‘You will need a fast horse and there is none faster than my own Pakal. Treat him well. I want him back.’