‘Yes,’ answered Sieben.
‘I should have gone with them.’
‘Why don’t you come in with me? Then you’ll see them for yourself.”
The man shook his head. ‘I will wait outside.’
Sieben left him and returned to the Shrine. The glow around Druss seemed just as strong, though Talisman’s zhi was weaker now. Sieben settled himself down against the wall. It was so like Druss to volunteer a trip to Hell. What is it about you, my friend, he thought? Why do you revel in such unnecessary risks? Is it that you think you are immortal? Or do you believe the Source has blessed you above other men? Sieben smiled. Maybe he has, he thought. Maybe there is something indestructible in your soul. Talisman’s body spasmed, bright green flaring within his zhi. Druss too shuddered, his fists clenching.
‘They are in a battle,’ whispered Nosta Khan, moving to his knees with hands outstretched. Talisman’s zhi flickered and faded, the glow dying away. Nosta Khan shouted three words, the sound harsh and discordant. Talisman’s back arched, and he groaned. His eyes opened wide, and a strangled cry came from his lips. His arm swept out, as if still holding a sword.
‘Be calm!’ cried Nosta Khan. ‘You are safe.’ Talisman rolled to his knees, his face drenched in sweat. He was breathing heavily.
‘Send . . . send me back,’ he said.
‘No. Your zhi is too weak. You will die.’
‘Send me back, damn you!’ Talisman tried to rise, but slumped to his face in the dust.
Sieben ran to him, helping him to sit up. ‘Your shaman is right, Talisman. You were dying. What happened there?’
‘Beasts, the like of which I have never seen! Huge. Scaled. Eyes of fire. We saw nothing for the first days of travel. Then we were attacked by wolves. Great creatures, almost the size of ponies. We killed four. The rest fled. I thought they were bad enough. But, by the Gods of Stone and Water, they were puppies compared with what followed.’ He shivered suddenly. ‘How many days have I been gone?’
‘Less than two hours,’ Sieben told him.
‘That is not possible.’
‘Time has no meaning in the Void,’ said Nosta Khan. ‘How far did you get?’
‘We made it to the Gates of Giragast. There was a man there. Oshikai knew him – a small shaman, with a twin-forked beard.’ Talisman turned to Sieben. ‘He said to thank you for the gift. He will remember it.’
‘Shaoshad the Cursed,’ hissed Nosta Khan.
‘Cursed he may be, but we would never have mastered the demons at the Gates without him. Druss and Oshikai are . . . colossal. Never have I seen such power, such controlled rage. When the scaled beasts came I thought we were finished. Oshikai attacked them, with Druss beside him. I was already wounded and scarce able to move.’ His hand moved to his side, seeking a wound. He smiled. ‘I feel so weak.’
‘You need to rest,” said Nosta Khan. ‘Your zhi is diminished. I will cast healing spells over you as you sleep.’
‘They cannot succeed. More demons everywhere.’
‘How were they when you left?’ asked Sieben.
‘Druss has a wound in his thigh and his left shoulder. Oshikai is bleeding from chest and hip. I last saw them enter a black tunnel. The little man, Shaoshad, was leading them. He was holding a stick, which burst into flame like a torch. I tried to follow them . . . but then I was here. I should never have agreed to Shul-sen’s request. I have killed Druss, and destroyed the soul of Oshikai.’
‘Druss is still strong,’ said Sieben, pointing to the glowing aura around the axeman. ‘I’ve known him a long time, and I’d wager on him returning. Trust me,’
Talisman shivered again. Nosta Khan covered his shoulders with a blanket. ‘Rest now, Talisman,’ he told the younger man. ‘Let sleep wash away the weakness within.’
‘I must wait,’ he said, his voice slurred with weariness.
‘Whatever you wish, my Lord,’ whispered Nosta Khan. As Talisman lay down, Nosta Khan began to chant in a low voice. Talisman’s eyes closed. For long minutes the chant continued, then at last the shaman lapsed into silence. ‘He will sleep for many hours,’ said the old man. ‘Aya! But my heart is filled with pride for him. He is a warrior among warriors. Aye, and a man of honour!’