“Yes, hamstring him. That’s better still.” He forced him-
self from contemplation of pleasures to come. “This bait?
Where do we get it?”
Brungunt scratched an ear and even the skeptical Parsh
looked interested. “First we must find a village or farm
that numbers humans among its occupants.” He was
THE DAY OF THE DISSONANCE
237
nodding to himself as he spoke. “This is an old, old magic
we will work tonight, but you don’t have to be a sorcerer
to work it. It works itself. It is said by those who may
know that a unicom may not be taken by force, but only
by stealth and guile.”
“Get to the point,” said Hathcar impatiently.
The wolf hurried his words. “We don’t have to sneak up
on him. He’ll come to us. He’ll follow a maiden fair and
true. It is said.”
Hathcar looked doubtful. “What kind of maiden? A
coltish mare?”
“No, no. It must be a human maiden.”
Parsh the rat was thoroughly shocked. “You expect to
find a virgin around here? Species notwithstanding.”
“There is a town not far from this place.”
“Crestleware.” Hathcar nodded.
“We can but try,” said the wolf, spreading his paws.
“A virgin. Are you certain about this, Brungunt?”
“The bond is supposed to be most powerful. The girl
need only lead him far enough for us to get behind him
before he picks up our scent. Do not ask me to explain this
thing. I only relate what I have heard told.”
“Wouldn’t cost us a one. You’d better be right about
this, Brungunt, or I’ll see your ears decorating my spear.”
“That’s not fair!” protested the wolf. “I am only
relating a legend.”