‘Now where’s this sorcerer of yours?’
‘He is in the Keep, sir. How do you know of him?’
‘That’s why we’re here, man. He contacted one of our priests last night and told us of your plight. Damn it all, this could be a turning point for us.’
‘I hope so, sir.’
‘You did wonderfully well, Gellan.’
‘I lost almost half my men, sir. I should have abandoned the wagons two days ago.’
‘Nonsense, man! Had we not arrived in time and you had all been killed, I would have agreed with you. But the victory was worth the risk. I’ve got to be honest – I didn’t expect it of you. Not that I doubt your courage, but you are a cautious man.’
‘You use “cautious” as an insult, sir.’
‘Maybe I do. But these are desperate times and they call for the odd risk. Caution won’t send the Vagrians packing. And make no mistake, Gellan, what I said to the men was not mere rhetoric. We will win. Do you believe that?’
‘It is very hard not to believe what you say, general. The men think that if you wanted the sky green instead of blue, you would climb a mountain and paint it as it passed.’
‘And what do you think?’
‘I am ashamed to admit that I agree with them.’
The men need leaders, Gellan. Men with fire in their bellies. When morale goes, there can be no victory. Remember that.’
‘I am aware of it, sir. But I am not good with speeches.’
‘Don’t worry about that, I’ll handle the speeches.
You’ve done fine work today and I’m proud of you. You know Purdol is still holding?’
‘I am glad to hear it, sir.’
‘I’m going there tomorrow.’
‘But it’s surrounded.’
‘I know, but it’s important that the fortress holds. It ties down the bulk of the Vagrian force.’
‘With respect, sir, it is far more important that you stay free. It is said they have put a price of 10,000 gold pieces on your head – almost as much as they’ve offered for Egel himself.’
‘Have you forgotten so swiftly what I just said about risks?’
‘But if they realise you are in Purdol, they will redouble their efforts to take it and bring in more troops.’
‘Precisely!’
‘I am sorry, sir, but I think it’s insane.’
‘That’s where you and I differ, Gellan. You don’t see things on the grand scale. Look at me! I’m too big to sit a horse with any confidence and I am no cavalry general – give me a fortress to hold and I’m in my element. But Egel is a strategist and a fine, wily campaigner. They don’t need me in Skultik. But if I can get into Purdol the Vagrians will mass troops there, giving Egel a chance to break from the forest.’
‘I see the logic and I don’t want to sound like a sycophant, but we need you. If you are captured or killed, the Drenai cause will be close to lost.’
‘Nice of you to say so. But the plan is set. How do you fancy coming with me?’
‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world,’ said Gellan, grinning.
‘That’s my man,’ said Karnak. ‘Now where is this sorcerer?’
Gellan took the general into the Keep where Dar-dalion sat with the children.
‘That is the sorcerer?’ asked Karnak, staring at the young man in the silver armour.
‘I am afraid so,’ replied Gellan.
Dardalion turned as they entered and stood, bowing to the general.
‘You are Dardalion?’
‘I am.’
‘I am Karnak.’
‘I know, general. You are most welcome.’
‘You are the most unlikely sorcerer I ever met.’
‘I am hardly a sorcerer; I cast no spells.’
‘You certainly cast one over the Vagrians – you saved the fort and every man in it. Will you ride with me?’
‘I should be honoured.’
Karnak smiled at the children, but they hid behind Dardalion. ‘You know, I believe the tide is turning,’ said Karnak. ‘If I can but avoid the soldiers around Purdol and the cursed Dark Brotherhood, I think we might just be ready to deliver a few death blows to the Vagrian hopes.’