Shaithis got straight to the point: ‘My watcher has told me you have the woman who was the Lady Karen’s thought-thief, the woman Zekintha from the hell-lands. Also, you have a man from the hell-lands, who is a magician and bears strange weapons.’
These things your watcher tells you are true,’ Arlek answered, more at ease now.
‘And is it also true that you desire to come to some agreement with me in respect of this man and woman?’
That is also true. Give me your word that in future you will not raid on the so-called tribe of Lardis, and in turn I’ll hand over to you these magicians from the hell-lands.’
The radio was silent and it appeared that Shaithis was considering Arlek’s proposition. At last he said: ‘And their weapons?’
‘Also their belongings, yes,’ Arlek answered. ‘All except an axe, which belonged to the man. This I claim for myself. Even so, the benefits for the Wamphyri Lord Shaithis will be great. Strange weapons to aid you in your wars, devices such as this communicator, which you apparently understand well enough, and their magic to use as you will.’
Shaithis seemed swayed. ‘Hmm! You know that I am only one Lord and there are others of the Wamphyri? I can only speak for myself.’
‘But you are the greatest of the Wamphyri!’ Arlek was sure of himself now. ‘I do not ask for your protection, merely that if the occasion should arise, then that you’d obstruct the other Lords in their raids. There are many Travellers and we are, after all, only one small tribe. You would not raid upon us, and you would ensure – if it please you – that the raids of your fellow Lords were made that much more difficult to accomplish . . .’
Shaithis’s voice sank deeper yet. ‘I recognize no “fellow” Lords, Arlek. Only enemies. As for placing obstructions in their way: I do that already. I always will.’
Then you would perhaps do it more diligently,’ Arlek pressed. And he repeated: ‘We are a small tribe, Lord Shaithis. I make no request in respect of Travellers of any other ilk.’
Zek tried to snatch the radio from him but he turned his back on her. Two of his men grabbed her arms, held her still. ‘Black-hearted, treacherous – !’ She was lost for words.
‘Very well,’ said Shaithis. ‘Now tell me, how will you give the two to me?’
‘I shall bind them securely,’ Arlek answered, ‘and leave them here in this place. We are some little way beyond the keep in the pass.’ ‘Their weapons will be left close to hand?’ ‘Yes,’ Arlek squared back his shoulders, flared his nostrils. Even in his treachery, his dark eyes were bright.
It was all going according to plan. The Wamphyri were a curse; but with the curse lifted, even partly lifted … it would not be long before Lardis Lidesci would be usurped. ‘Then do it now, Arlek of the Travellers. Bind them, leave them there, and begone! Shaithis conies! Let me not find you there upon my arrival. The pass is in any case mine . . . after dark.’
They lay there alone, in darkness, with only the sound of their own breathing. To the south Arlek and his band moved off; it appeared that Wolf had gone with them. As the sounds of their hurried departure echoed back, Jazz said: ‘I still think that beast of yours didn’t make much of a guard dog.’
‘Be quiet,’ she said. And that was all. She lay very still. Jazz turned his head, stared north up the pass. Only the cold gleam of starlight that way. He strained his ears. Nothing, as yet.
‘Why be quiet?’ he finally whispered.
‘I was trying to get through to Wolf,’ she answered. ‘He would have attacked them at any time – and been killed for it. I held him back. He’s been a good friend and companion to me, and it wasn’t the time. Now is the time!’
‘For what?’
‘You’ve seen his teeth – they’re sharp as chisels! I’ve called to him. If he heard me, and if he’s not too involved with the other wolves, he’ll return. We’re bound with leather, but given a little time . . .’