“No.” Tempus had replied to Askelon’s first question with that sensitive little
smile which meant he was considering commencing some incredible slaughter; “Yes”
to his second; “Yes, indeed” to the third.
“And would I be here now,” the dream lord continued, “in so ignominious a state
if not for the havoc she has wrought?”
“I don’t know what havoc she’s wrought that could have touched you out there.
But I take it that last night’s deadly mist was your harbinger. Why come to me,
Ash? I’m not involved with her in any way.”
“You connived to release her from imprisonment, Tempus-it is Tempus, so the
dreams of the Sanctuarites tell me. And they tell me other things, too. I am
here, sleepless one, to warn you: though I cannot reach you through dreams, have
no doubt: I can reach you. All of these, you consider yours….”He waved his
hand to encompass the still men, frozen unknowing upon the field. “They are
mine now. I can claim them any time.”
“What do you want, Ash?”
“I want you to refrain from interfering with me while I am here. I will see her,
and settle a score with her, and if you are circumspect, when I leave, your
vicious little band of cutthroats will be returned to you, unharmed,
uncomprehending.”
“All that, to make sure of me? I don’t respond well to flattery. You will force
me to a gesture by trying to prevent one. I don’t care what you do about Cime
whatever you do, you will be doing me a favor. Release my people, and go about
your quest.”
“I cannot trust you not to interfere. By noon I shall be installed as temporary