Gemmell, David – Dark Moon

‘What has that to do with anything?’

‘It felt good, didn’t it? Cleansing the skin, relaxing the muscles. Had the Daroth broken through, we would have all been dead. No more baths. No more wine. No more loving. They didn’t break through, Karis. You stopped them. And here we are. And life is sweet! Tomorrow. . . ? Well, tomorrow can look after itself. What do I want? Pointless to say that I want you for eternity. We may only have a day. But if we don’t use it then the Daroth might just as well have won.’

She sat down on a bench and smiled. ‘That was a long-winded way of saying you want to take me to bed.’

He grinned at her. ‘What I wanted most was to see you smile.’

She looked into his green eyes and was silent for a moment. ‘Come and join me in a drink,’ she said at last. He rose from the water and she threw him a towel.

Necklen, Vint and the Duke Albreck were waiting in her outer rooms. The Duke stood as she entered, then averted his eyes. ‘My apologies, General,’ he said. ‘We will come back when you are attired for company.’

Karis bowed. ‘With respect, my lord, please be seated. I am too tired to dress, and will soon be asleep. But for

the moment I have enough wits about me to conduct a conversation.’

‘As you wish,’ he said, but he was clearly uncomfortable. Seating himself, he was about to speak when Forin walked in naked. Hastily the giant swept a towel around his hips, but as he bowed the towel fell away. Necklen roared with laughter and even the Duke smiled. Then Albreck turned to Karis. ‘Firstly, let me congratulate you on today’s victory. The people seem to believe it was a miracle. For myself I know it to be the result of careful planning and meticulous strategy. I am proud of you, Karis. Whatever happens from now on, nothing will change that.’

Karis reddened, seeming at a loss for words. The Duke rose and bowed to her, then swung to Forin. ‘You lost a lot of men today, Captain. But you fought like a lion. Should Corduin survive this war, then there will be a place for you in my personal guard.’

‘Thank you, my lord. I’ll enjoy that.’

The Duke moved to the door. ‘When you have rested, Karis, please come to my rooms. I would like to discuss tomorrow’s plan of defence.’ He paused before the door, which Necklen opened for him. Karis lay back on the couch, fatigue making her head swim.

‘We’ll let you get some rest, princess,’ said Necklen, tapping Vint on the shoulder. Vint did not move; his face ashen, he was staring at Forin with undisguised hatred. Necklen leaned in to him. ‘Time to go, my friend,’ he whispered. Vint took a deep breath, pushed himself to his feet and stalked from the room. Necklen followed him.

‘I think I’ve made an enemy of Vint,’ said Forin. There was no reply from Karis, and the giant, mov­ing alongside her, saw that she was asleep. Gently he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. Pulling the sheets and blankets over her he

kissed her brow, then dressed and wandered out of the palace.

Necklen caught Vint just as the swordsman was passing the side gates of the palace. ‘Join me for a jug?’ asked the older man.

‘I don’t think so.’

‘It’s what she is, Vint,’ said Necklen. ‘I love her like a daughter, but she’s wilful.’

With great effort Vint held back the angry retort that swelled in his throat. Necklen was a good man, tough and loyal, and he meant well. The truth was simple: a man rarely understands the value of what he has – until he loses it. ‘You mustn’t blame Forin,’ said Necklen.

‘Blame? I don’t blame anyone. I am angry, but that will pass. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll return to the wall.’

Vint strode off. Everywhere there were crowds on the streets, laughing, singing, drinking. He moved through them like a wraith, oblivious to their joy. The black-clad figure of Tarantio was sitting on the battlements, staring out over the walls.

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