QUEST FOR LOST HEROES by David A. Gemmell

‘You are riding with the heroes of Bel-azar?’ she asked. Her words sent a cold chill through him. For a moment only he hesitated, considering the lie.

‘Yes,’ he answered.

She nodded. ‘It is always better to be truthful with me, Kiall,’ she told him, taking his arm and leading him back to the divan. With a wave of her hand she dismissed Harokas; leaving Kiall standing, she stretched herself out on the couch, her head resting on a blue silk-covered cushion. ‘Tell me of the heroes,’ she said.

‘What would you have me say? They are strong men, courageous, skilful in the ways of war.’

‘And why would they be interested in this . . . this girl?’

‘Merely to see her safe and restored to her . . . loved ones.’

‘And you are a loved one?’

‘No. Well . . . yes.’

‘Is it no or yes? Sit by me and explain it.’ He perched on the edge of the divan, feeling the warmth of her leg against his. He cleared his throat and told her of his love for Ravenna and her decision to marry the farmer Jarel.

‘I don’t blame her. She was right, of course. I was . . . am a dreamer.’

‘And you have no other woman?’ she asked.

‘No.’

‘No stolen kisses in high meadows, no soft touches during secret trysts?’

‘No.’

She moved up to sit alongside him, her arm draped over his shoulder. ‘One last question, Kiall, and be sure to answer it honestly. Much depends on it. This quest of yours – have you told me the whole truth? All you seek is the girl, Ravenna?’

‘I have told you the whole truth,’ he said. ‘I swear it.’

For several seconds she looked into his eyes, then she nodded and smiled. Her hand slipped from his shoulder and she replaced the small dagger in its hiding place behind the cushion.

‘Very well, I will consider what you have said. But I make no promises. Go out into the square and find Harokas. He will see that you are fed.’ He rose and bowed awkwardly. As he turned to leave, she suddenly spoke. ‘Tell me, Kiall, do you trust me?’

‘I would like to, my lady. It ought to be that a man could put his faith in beauty.’

She rose smoothly and moved in to him, her body pressing against him, her arms on his shoulders and her mouth only inches from his. ‘And can you put your faith in beauty?’

‘No,’ he whispered.

‘You are quite correct. Go now.’

CHAPTER TEN

‘I am growing tired of sitting up here,’ declared Beltzer. ‘What is he doing? Why does he not signal?’

‘He has met the leader,’ said Okas, moving in to sit by Beltzer. ‘It was interesting meeting.’ The old man chuckled. ‘It will be more interesting yet.’

‘Why?’ asked Chareos. ‘Who is he?’

‘It is not a he, Blademaster. It is a she.’

‘Then he is in no danger at present?’ enquired Chareos. The smile faded from Okas’ face.

‘Of that I am not certain. There was a moment when he spoke with her when his danger was great. I felt she would kill him. But something stayed her hand.’

‘We shouldn’t have sent him,’ said Maggrig. ‘He does not have the experience.’

‘Not so,’ said Okas, ‘I believe it is lack of experience which keeps him alive down there. The woman is hard, very hard. But, whatever else, she finds Kiall … of interest.’

‘She wants him in her bed, is that what you’re saying?’ put in Beltzer.

‘Perhaps; she is certainly a predatory woman and it is often the way that such people find innocence attractive. But there is more, I can feel it. She questioned him about all of you.’

‘And he told her?’ Beltzer hissed.

‘He did. That is what, I believe, saved his life.’

‘But if she is the leader,’ said Chareos, ‘then it is she who has been sending out the hunters to kill us.’

‘Exactly,’ replied Okas. ‘Curious, is it not?’

‘There is something missing here,’ said Chareos.

‘Yes,’ Okas agreed. ‘There is something else also. There is a man in the settlement who saved Kiall. His name is Harokas and he told Kiall he wishes to talk with you, Chareos.’