‘And in other secret places, yet to be found.’
Dardalion knelt by the fire, adding several logs to the blaze. ‘Whatever else, we must destroy the crystal. Zhu Chao must not possess it.’
Kesa Khan nodded. ‘When the time comes we will seek it out.’
‘Why not now?’
Trust me, Dardalion. I am far older than you, and I have walked paths that would burn your soul to ashes. Now is not the time.’
‘What would you have me do?’
‘Find a quiet place and send out your spirit to seek Waylander. Cloak him – as you did once before – protect him from the sorcery of Zhu Chao. Give him his chance to kill the beast.’
*
On the highest tower Vishna sat upon the ramparts, Ekodas beside him. The forked bearded Gothir nobleman sighed. ‘My brothers could be down there,’ he said.
‘Let us pray that is not the case,’ said Ekodas.
‘I think we were wrong,’ said Vishna softly, ‘and you were right. This is no way to serve the Source. I killed two men in that charge yesterday. I know they were evil, I felt it radiating from them, but I was lessened by the deed. I can no longer believe the Source wishes us to kill.’
Reaching out, Ekodas laid a hand upon his friend’s shoulder. ‘I do not know what the Source requires, Vishna. I only know that yesterday we protected a column of women and children. I do not regret that, but I regret bitterly that it was necessary to kill.’
‘But why are we here?’ cried Vishna. ‘To ensure the birth of a child who will ultimately destroy all that my family have spent generations building? It is madness!’
Ekodas shrugged. ‘Let us hope there is some greater purpose. But I believe it will be enough to thwart the Brotherhood.’
Vishna shook his head. “There are only eleven of us left. You think we can achieve some great victory?’
‘Perhaps. Why don’t you seek out Dardalion? Pray together. It will help.’
‘No, it won’t. Not this time, brother,’ said Vishna sadly. ‘I have followed him all my adult life, and I have known the great joy of comradeship – with him, with you all. I never doubted until now. But this is a problem I must solve alone.’
‘For what it is worth, my friend, I think it is better to be unsure. It seems to me that most of the problems of this world have been caused by men who were too sure; men who always knew what was right. The Brotherhood chose a path of pain and suffering. Not their own, of course. They rode into that valley to butcher women and babes. Remember that!’
Vishna nodded. ‘You are probably right, Ekodas. But what when one of my brothers climbs this wall, sword in hand. What do I do? He is obeying the orders of his Emperor, as all good soldiers must. Do I kill him? Do I hurl him to his death?’
‘I don’t know,’ admitted Ekodas. ‘But there are enough real perils facing us, without creating more.’
‘I wish to be alone, my friend. Do not be insulted, I beseech you.’
‘I am not insulted, Vishna. May your deliberations bring you peace.’ Turning, Ekodas ducked under the crumbling lintel and descended the undulating stairs. He came out into a narrow corridor leading to a long hall. Within it fat Merlon was helping the Nadir women to prepare food for the warriors. Ekodas saw Shia kneading dough close by. She looked up and smiled at him.
‘How are you, lady?’ he asked.
‘I am well, prayer-man. Your arrival was a surprise most pleasant.’
‘I did not think we would be in time. We first journeyed west into Vagria and then south in order to avoid the besiegers. The ride was long.’
‘And now you are here. With me.’
‘I was sorry to hear of your brother’s death,’ he said swiftly, as she rose from the table.
‘Why? Did you know him?’
‘No. But it must have caused you pain. For that I am sorry.’
Leaving the table she moved in close to him. ‘There is a little pain, but it is my own. Yet I am also proud, for the man he slew was the same knight who killed our father. That is a blessing for which I thank the gods. But Belash is now in the Hall of Heroes. He has many beautiful maidens around him, and his cup is full of fine wine. Rich meats are cooking, and he has a hundred ponies to ride when he wishes. My pain is only that I will not see him again. But I am happy for him.’