Hounds in particular. She only intervened at my orders.’
‘You remind me of several questions.’ Zalbar set his goblet down. ‘Why did you
act on my behalf tonight? And how is it that you know the cry the army uses to
warn of archers?’
‘In good time. First you must answer a question of mine. I’m not used to giving
out information for free, and since I told you the identity of your enemy,
perhaps now you can tell me why Kurd would set an assassin on your trail?’
After taking a thoughtful sip of his drink, Zalbar began to explain the
situation between himself and Kurd. As the story unfolded, the Hell Hound found
he was saying more than was necessary, and was puzzled as to why he would reveal
to Jubal the anger and bitterness he had kept secret even from his own force.
Perhaps, it was because, unlike his comrades whom he respected, Zalbar saw the
slaver as a man so corrupt that his own darkest thoughts and doubts would seem
commonplace by comparison.
Jubal listened in silence until the Hell Hound was finished, then nodded slowly.
‘Yes, that makes sense now,’ he murmured. .
‘The irony is that at the moment of attack I was bemoaning my inability to do
anything about Kurd. For a while, at least, an assassin is unnecessary. I am
under orders to leave Kurd alone.’
Instead of laughing, Jubal studied his opposite thoughtfully. ‘Strange you
should say that.’ He spoke with measured care. ‘I also have a problem I am
currently unable to deal with. Perhaps we can solve each other’s problems.’
‘Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?’ Zalbar asked, suddenly