For some time she held his gaze, then she pulled back. ‘How delightfully you turn me away – not with strength, but with admitted weakness. You put the decision in my hands. Very well, Kiall. But you do not wish to know where she is. I mean that, almost tenderly. I asked you to trust me this morning and now I ask it again. Leave this quest, and return to your home.’
‘I cannot, lady.’
‘You will die. Your friends will die. And it will be for nothing.’
He lifted her hand and gently kissed the palm. ‘Then that is as it must be. But tell me.’
She sat up. ‘The girl Ravenna was bought by a man named Kubai. She was sent to a city not far from here and given as a gift to another man. Then she was taken far across the Steppes to Ulrickham.’
‘I shall go there. And find her.’
‘She was given to Jungir Khan.’ The words struck Kiall like knife-blades and he closed his eyes, his head bowing. ‘So you see,’ she said tenderly, ‘there is no point to this quest. Ulrickham is a fortress city. No one could enter the Khan’s harem and spirit away one of his brides. And even if you did – where could you go to escape his vengeance? He is the Great Khan; he has half a million men under his command. Where in all the world could you be safe from him, or his shamen?’
Kiall looked at her and smiled. ‘Still I must make the attempt. And somehow it is worse now – not because of Jungir, but because of you.”
‘I do not understand you.’
He stood and shook his head. ‘I cannot say it. Forgive me. Do I have your permission to leave?’
For a moment it seemed as if she would speak, but she merely nodded her head. He bowed and walked from the hall.
His thoughts were many as he rode from the town and a great sadness filled him. He knew now that he did not love Ravenna; she was the dream of an adolescent, the unattainable beauty. But what could he do? He had made his promise. And, though it cost him his life, he would keep it.
He heard the sound of hoof-beats and turned in the saddle.
Harokas cantered alongside him and drew rein. ‘May I ride with you?’ he asked.
Kiall reined in his horse. ‘I do not desire your company, sir. But if you wish to meet with Chareos, then I will not stop you.’
‘Then that must suffice,’ said Harokas. Kiall spurred his horse into a run and the beast was blowing hard by the time they reached the hill-top. Harokas followed at a more sedate pace. Chareos, Beltzer and Okas were seated in the clearing, but of Maggrig and Finn there was no sign. Kiall dismounted and he started to tell Chareos about Ravenna, but the Blademaster waved him to silence. ‘I know,’ he said, his gaze fixed on the rider following Kiall.
Harokas slid from the saddle and bowed to Chareos. ‘I have searched for you for a great length of time,’ he said. ‘I have a message from the Earl. You have been cleared of all charges – and would be welcome at any time in the city of Talgithir. Captain Salida told the Earl of your valiant assistance at the Tavern Town.’
‘Is that all?’ asked Chareos coldly.
‘Indeed it is. Now will the bowmen show themselves?’
‘I find it hard to believe in the Earl as a forgiving man,’ said Chareos, ‘and I am wondering why he should send a warrior in search of me. Could it be that you are an assassin?’
‘All things are possible, Chareos,’ replied Harokas, smiling.
‘I think we should kill him,” said Beltzer. ‘I don’t like the look of him.’
‘And I do not like the look of you, you fat oaf!’ snapped Harokas. ‘Now keep silent before your betters.’
Beltzer pushed himself to his feet and chuckled. ‘Let me break his back, Chareos. Just say the word.’
Finn emerged from the undergrowth. ‘Chareos!’ he called. ‘You’d better see this: there’s an army of Nadir warriors moving towards the town – I don’t think they’re here to visit.’