‘I don’t know.’
‘Then think, damn you!’
‘They send out riders to scout?’ ventured Kiall.
‘Of course. How else?’
‘They listen to traders, merchants, tinkers who pass through such villages?’
‘Good. And what do you think they are listening for?’
‘Information,’ Kiall answered. ‘I do not understand where this is taking us.’
‘Then give me time. How does one village know what is going on at another village?’
Traders, travellers, poets – all carry news,’ said Kiall. ‘My father said it was one way in which they encouraged trade. People would gather round their wagons to hear the latest gossip.’
‘Exactly. And what gossip will the next trader carry?”
Kiall reddened and swallowed hard. ‘He will tell the tale of the heroes of Bel-azar who are hunting Ravenna,’ he whispered.
‘And who will hear of this band of heroes?’ asked Chareos – his eyes narrowing, his mouth a thin tight line.
‘The Nadren,’ admitted Kiall. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t think.’
‘No, you did not!’ stormed Chareos. ‘I heard of your dispute with the farmer and your threat with the knife. Bear this in mind, Kiall, that what we do is easy. Understand that. Easy! What the villagers do is hard. Hoping and praying for just enough rain to make the seeds grow and just enough sun to ripen the harvest; never knowing when drought, famine or raiders will destroy your life and take away your loved ones. Do not ever ask me for explanations. Use your mind.’
Finn pushed through the undergrowth. ‘Okas is back. He says we have a hundred miles to travel. And it’s rough country, for the most part. I’ve sent Maggrig back to purchase supplies. Is that all right, Blademaster?’
‘Yes. Thank you, Finn. We’ll set off once he’s back and camp away from here. I couldn’t stand another night with that sanctimonious bore.’
‘Just think, Blademaster. Tonight he’ll be entertaining the villagers with how you complimented him. You’ll be remembered in future times as Chareos, the friend of the great Norral.’
‘There’s probably truth in that,’ agreed Chareos, chuckling.
He strode through the undergrowth to where Okas was sitting quietly with Beltzer. The old man looked dreadfully weary.
‘Would you like to rest for a while?’ Chareos asked him.
‘No rest. It is a long journey ahead. I will sleep tonight. There is a good camping place some four hours’ ride to the south.’
‘Is the girl alive?’ asked Chareos. Kiall moved in behind him.
‘She was when they took her to the fort town,’ said Okas. ‘I could not see beyond that; the distance is too great for me. And I have no hold on her – but for the love of Kiall. It is not enough. Had I known her, I would be able to find her anywhere.’
‘How long for the journey?’
‘Maybe three weeks. Maybe a month. It is rough country. And we must move with care. Nadir tribesmen, outlaws, Wolfsheads, Nadren. And . . . other perils.’
‘What other perils?’ asked Beltzer.
‘Demons,’ answered Okas. Beltzer made the Sign of the Protective Horn on his brow and chest, and Finn did likewise.
‘Why demons?’ Chareos asked. ‘What has sorcery to do with this quest?’
Okas shrugged his shoulders and stared down at the ground. He began to trace circular patterns in the dust.
Chareos knelt beside him. ‘Tell me, my friend, why demons?’
Okas looked up and met Chareos’ dark eyes. ‘You asked me here to help you,’ he said. ‘I help you. What if I ask you to help me?’
‘You are a friend,’ replied Chareos without hesitation. ‘If you need me – or any of us – you have only to ask. Are the demons hunting you?’
‘No. But there is old man – enemy of Jungir Khan. He lives alone in mountains far from here. He is the one I am pledged to help. But if I go alone, I will die. Yet I must go.’
‘Then I shall go with you,’ declared Chareos.
‘And I,’ echoed Beltzer, clapping his large hand on Okas’ shoulder.
Okas nodded, then returned to tracing his patterns in the dust. He spoke no more and Chareos left him alone.
Kiall moved alongside Chareos. ‘I need to speak with you,’ he said, walking away from the others. Chareos followed him to a shaded spot beneath a spreading elm. ‘How does this help us find Ravenna?’ asked the young man.