The two men headed deeper into the mountains, riding over rocks and through streams. Waylander swayed in the saddle, then lifted the canteen from the pommel and drank deeply. Turning, he pulled his cloak clear of the saddle rolls and swung it over his burning shoulders. Towards dusk, as they entered a thicker grove of trees, Cadoras suddenly pitched from his saddle. Waylander dismounted, tethered his horse and knelt by the fallen man. Only then did he see the three arrows that jutted from Cadoras’ back. The man’s cloak was drenched with blood. Gently Waylander eased him into a sitting position and Cadoras’ head fell back against Waylander’s chest. Glancing down, Waylander saw a fourth shaft deep in the man’s left side.
Cadoras opened his eyes. ‘Seems like a good place to camp,’ he whispered.
‘Why did you come back for me?’
‘Who knows? Get me a drink.’ With care Waylander eased the dying man against a tree before fetching a canteen. Cadoras drank deeply. ‘I followed you. Found the Nadir you’d killed and saw that you had taken his clothes. I guessed then that you were engaged in some senseless act of folly.’
‘You mean as senseless as attacking a Nadir camp singlehanded?’
Cadoras chuckled, then winced. ‘Foolish, was it not? But then I’ve never been a hero. Thought I would try it just once – I don’t think I’ll ever do it again.’
‘You want me to get those arrows out?’
‘What would be the point? You’d rip me to pieces. Do you know … I have only been injured once in all these years, and that was merely a surface cut to the face which gave me this loathsome scar. Strange, is it not? I spend my life committing dark deeds, and the one time I try to do good I get killed. There’s no justice!’
‘Why did you do it? Truly, now?’
Cadoras leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
‘I wish I knew. Do you think there’s a heaven?’
‘Yes,’ lied Waylander.
‘Do you think that one act can wipe out a lifetime of evil?’
‘I don’t know. I hope so.’
‘Probably not. You know I never married? Never met anyone who liked me. Hardly surprising – I never liked myself much. Listen – don’t trust Durmast, he sold you out. He’s taken a commission from Kaem to fetch the Armour.’
‘I know.’
‘You know? And yet you ride with him?’
‘Life’s a puzzle,’ said Waylander. ‘How do you feel?’
“That’s a ridiculous question. I can’t feel my legs and my back is burning like the devil. Have you ever had friends, Waylander?’
‘Yes. Way back.’
‘Was it a good feeling?’
‘Yes.’
‘I can imagine. I think you should go now. The Nadir will be here soon.’
‘I’ll stay awhile.’
‘Don’t be noble,’ snapped Cadoras. ‘Go and get that Armour! I would hate to think I was dying in vain. And take my horse with you – I don’t want some dog-eating tribesman to have him. But watch out for him, he’s a hateful beast; he’ll take your hand off if he can.’
Til be careful.’ Waylander lifted Cadoras’ hand and squeezed it. ‘Thank you, my friend.’
‘Go away now. I want to die alone.’
17
The Drenai officer, Sarvaj, slept fitfully. He was huddled in the lee of the battlements with a thick blanket wrapped around him, his head resting on a ripped saddlebag he had found near the stables. He was cold and could feel each ring of his mailshirt, even through the leather backing and the woollen undershirt. Sleeping in armour was never comfortable, but add wind and rain and it becomes unbearable. Sarvaj turned over, catching his ear on a bronze buckle; he cursed and sat up, drawing his knife. After some minutes he sawed through the wet leather and hurled the offending metal out over the battlements.
Overhead thunder rolled impressively, and a fresh downpour lashed the grey stone walls. Sarvaj wished he had a rain cape of oiled leather, but even that would not have kept him dry in this storm. Beside him Vanek and Jonat slept on, blissfully unaware of the weather. In fact they had welcomed it, for it put a stop to the night attacks which wore down the spirit of the defenders.