‘He offends everyone,’ his companion countered, ‘it’s his way. I tell you,
Razkuli, I’ve heard him say things to the prince himself that would have other
men flayed and blinded. You’re a fool to take it personally.’
‘But, Zalbar…’
‘I know, I know – he offends you; and Quag bores you and Arman is an arrogant
braggart. Well, this whole town offends me, but that doesn’t give me the right
to put it to the sword. Nothing Tempus has said to you warrants a blood feud.’
‘It is done.’ Razkuli thrust one fist against his other palm as • they walked.
‘It is not done until you act on your promise, and if you do /’// move to stop
you. I won’t have the men in my command killing each other.’
The two men walked silently for several moments, each lost in his own dark
thoughts.
‘Look, my friend,’ Zalbar sighed, ‘I’ve already had one of my men killed under
scandalous circumstances. I don’t want to answer for another incident
particularly if it involves you. Can’t you see Tempus is trying to goad you into
a fight? – a fight you can’t win.’
‘No one lives that I’ve seen over an arrow,’ Razkuli said ominously, his eyes
narrowing on an imaginary target.
‘Murder, Razkuli? I never thought I’d see the day you’d sink to being an
assassin.’
There was a sharp intake of breath and Razkuli faced his comrade with eyes that
showed a glint of madness. Then the spark faded and the small man’s shoulders
relaxed. ‘You’re right, my friend,’ he said, shaking his head, ‘I would never do
that. Anger speeds my tongue ahead of reason.’
‘As it did when you vowed blood-feud. You’ve survived countless foes who were