Kesa shook his head. ‘I am not the Warlord of the Wolves, you are.’
‘But you can read the hearts of our enemies! You could send demons to rip open their bellies. Or is Zhu Chao mightier than Kesa Khan?’ For a moment there was silence then Anshi Chen leaned forward, bowing his head. ‘Forgive me, Kesa. I spoke in anger.’
The shaman nodded sagely. ‘I know. But there is truth in your fear. Zhu Chao is mightier. He can call upon the blood of many souls. The Emperor has a thousand slaves and many hearts have been laid upon the altar of the Dark God. And what do I have?’ The little man twisted his body and pointed at the three dead chickens. He gave a dry laugh. ‘I command few demons with those, Anshi Chen.’
‘We could raid the Green Monkeys, steal some children,’ offered Anshi.
‘No! I will not sacrifice Nadir young.’
‘But they are the enemy.’
‘This day they are the enemy, but one day all Nadir will unite – this is written. This is the message Zhu Chao has carried to the Emperor. This is why the dragon is in the dream.’
‘You cannot help us, then?’
‘Do not be a fool, Anshi Chen. I am helping you now! Soon the Gothir will come against us. We must prepare for that day. Our winter camp must be close to the Mountains of the Moon, and we must be ready to flee there.’
“The Mountains?’ whispered Anshi. ‘But the demons …’
‘It is that, or die. Your wives and your children, and the children of your children.’
‘Why not flee south? We could ride hundreds of leagues from Gulgothir. We could merge with other tribes. How would they find us?’
‘Zhu Chao would find you,’ said Kesa. ‘Be strong, warlord. From one among us will come the leader the Nadir have longed for. Can you understand that? The Uniter! He will end Gothir rule. He will give us the world.’
‘I will live to see this?’
Kesa shook his head. ‘But neither will I,’ he told the chieftain.
‘It will be as you say,’ pledged Anshi. ‘We will move our camp.’
‘And send for Belash.’
‘I don’t know where he is.’
‘South of the new Drenai fortress, in the mountains they call Skeln. Send Shia to bring him.’
‘Belash has no love for me, shaman. You know this.’
‘I know many things, Anshi. I know that in the coming days we will rely on your steady judgement, and your calm skills. You are known and respected, as the Wily Fox. But I know we will need the power of Belash, the White Tiger in the Night. And he will bring another: he will give us the Dragon Shadow.’
*
Ekodas paused outside the Abbot’s study, composing his thoughts. He loved life at the temple, its calm and camaraderie, the hours of study and meditation, even the physical exercises, running, archery and sword skills. In every way he felt a part of The Thirty.
Bar one.
He tapped at the door then pushed the latch. The room was lit by the golden light of three glass-sided lanterns and he saw Dardalion sitting at his desk, poring over a goatskin map. The Abbot looked up. In this gentle light he seemed younger, the silver highlights in his hair gleaming gold.
‘Welcome, my boy. Come in and sit.’ Ekodas bowed then strode to a chair. ‘Shall we share thoughts, or would you like to speak out loud?’ asked Dardalion.
‘To speak, sir.’
‘Very well. Vishna and Magnic tell me you are still troubled.’
‘I am not troubled, Father. I know what I know.’
‘You do not see this as arrogance?’
‘No. My beliefs are only those that you enjoyed before your adventures with the killer, Waylander. Were you wrong then?’
‘I do not believe that I was,’ replied Dardalion. ‘But then I no longer believe that there is only one road to the Source. Egel was a man of vision, and a believer. Three times a day he prayed for guidance. Yet he was also a soldier, and through him – aye, and Karnak – the lands of the Drenai were saved from the foe. He is dead now. Do you think the Source refused to take his soul to paradise?’