‘I think you can go on aways, whether or no things are as the witchmaster
supposes. We hold where I come from that no man can flee his weird, so he may as
well meet it in a way that’ll leave a good story. Besides, this may not be our
death-day; and I doubt yon dragons are unkillable, but it could be fun finding
out; and chiefly, I was much taken with your girl. Not many like her, my friend.
They also say in my homeland, “Waste not, want not”.’
Cappen lifted his glance, astounded. ‘You mean I should try to free her?’ he
exclaimed.
‘No, I mean we should.’ Jamie chuckled. ‘Life’s gotten a wee bit dull for me of
late – aside from Butterfly and Light-of-Pearl, of course. Besides, I could use
a share of reward money.’
‘I … I want to,’ Cappen stammered. ‘How I want to! But the odds against us -‘
‘She’s your girl, and it’s your decision. I’ll not blame you if you hold back.
Belike, then, in your country, they don’t believe a man’s first troth is to his
woman and kids. Anyway, for you that was no more than a hope.’
A surge went through the minstrel. He sprang up and paced, back and forth, back
and forth. ‘But what could we doT
‘Well, we could scout the temple and see what’s what,’ Jamie proposed. ‘I’ve
been there once in a while, reckoning ‘twould do no hurt to give those gods
their honour. Maybe we’ll find that indeed naught can be done in aid. Or maybe
we won’t, and go ahead and do it.’
Danlis-
Fire blossomed in Cappen Varra. He was young. He drew his sword and swung it
whistling on high. ‘Yes! We will!’