movement of the smoke’s coal let Straton know the Sacred Bander was dismounting.
They had a bond that should have been deeper than Straton’s with Ischade-that
had to be. Straton considered alternatives as Niko tied his Askelonian to the
fence on the other side of Ischade’s gate from where Strat’s bay was tethered,
and vaulted over the hedge, then grinned: “Not good form to enter a witch’s home
through a portal she’s chosen. How’d you find out about this? No matter-I’m glad
to have your help, Ace. Janni’s going to be, too.”
So that was it-Janni. All Straton’s mixed feelings about Ischade’s minions
roiled around in him and kept him speechless until he realized that Niko was
reaching over the fence to get a bow and bladder of naphtha and rags from his
horse’s saddle.
“Niko, man, this isn’t the time or the place for the talk we’ve got to have.”
Stealth turned and as Strat bore down upon him, the Bandaran fighter said,
“Strat, I’ve got to do this. It’s my fault, in a way. I’ve got to free him.”
“No, you don’t. From what? For whom? He’s fighting a war he still has a stake
in-fighting it his way. I’ve fought beside him. Stealth, things are different
here from the way they were upcountry. You can’t make any headway without magic
on your-“
“Side?” Niko supplied the missing word, his face glowing red from the coal of
the smoke between his lips. Then he dropped the smoke and ground it under his
heel. “Got a girlfriend, do you, Straton? Crit would beat your ass. Diddling
around with magic. Now either help me, as your oath demands, or step aside. Go