The same man, carrying the crossbow.
Faint now, the image swirled once more and Zhu Chao found himself gazing at a cabin in the mountains. The man was there again – as were the bodies of the nine knights. The sorceror was shocked. How had Waylander overcome his knights? He knew no spells. Fear flickered in Zhu Chao’s heart. The dragon in the dream had flown to his palace, promising death and despair.
Not mine, thought Zhu Chao, fighting down the beginnings of panic. No, not mine.
His weariness was forgotten as he moved up the winding stair to the upper rooms. Bodalen was there, lounging on a couch, his booted feet upon a silver-topped table. ‘What is there that you have not told me about Waylander?’ demanded the sorceror.
Bodalen rolled to his feet. He was a tall man, wide-shouldered, lantern-jawed, his eyes blue beneath thick brows, his mouth large and full-lipped. He was the image of the younger Karnak and his voice had the same resonant power. ‘Nothing, my lord. He is an assassin – that is all.’
“The assassin has slain nine of my knights. You understand? Men of great power.’
Bodalen licked his lips. ‘I can’t explain it, my lord. My father talked of him often. He said nothing about magic.’
Zhu Chao fell silent. What reason would Waylander have for coming to his palace, save to kill Bodalen? If Karnak’s son were no longer here … He smiled at the young Drenai. ‘He will not thwart us,’ he said. ‘Now there is something you can do for me, my boy.’
‘Gladly, my lord.’
‘I want you to ride into the Mountains of the Moon. I will give you a map to follow. There is a fortress of great antiquity there, a curious place. There are many tunnels below it, and chambers rilled with gold and jewels, so it is said. Take ten men, and plentiful supplies, and move into the fortress. Find a hiding place in the underground caverns. Within the next few weeks Kesa Khan will journey there. When he does, you can emerge and kill him.’
‘There will be many Nadir warriors with him,’ objected the younger man.
Zhu Chao smiled thinly. ‘Life offers many dangers, Bodalen, and a brave man can overcome them all. It would please me if you agreed to undertake this small quest.’
‘You know I would give my life for the cause, my lord. It is just…’
‘Yes, yes,’ snapped Zhu Chao, ‘I understand. You were born with the looks of your father and none of his courage. Well, know this, Bodalen: at his side you were of great use to me. Here, as a runaway, you are valueless. Do not make the mistake of displeasing me.’
Bodalen paled. ‘Of course not, my lord. I… I would be happy to … a map, you say?’
‘You shall have a map, and ten trustworthy men. Very trustworthy. And if you do this successfully, Bodalen, you will be rewarded beyond your desires. You will become King over all the Drenai.’
Bodalen nodded and smiled. ‘I will serve you well, my lord. And you are wrong: I do not lack courage. I will prove it to you.’
‘Of course, my boy. Forgive me, I spoke in anger. Now go and prepare for the journey.’
*
Ekodas led Shia through the dining-hall and up through the second and third levels to where Dardalion sat in his study. The young priest tapped at the door.
‘Enter,’ called the Abbot. Ekodas opened the door, ushering the young Nadir woman into the room.
Dardalion rose and bowed. ‘Welcome, my dear. I am sorry that your visit to Drenai lands should have had so unsettling a beginning.’
‘Did I say it was unsettling?’ countered Shia, walking forward and scanning the study, her mocking gaze drifting over the burdened shelves and open cupboards stacked with scrolls, parchments and books.
‘Do you read?’ asked Dardalion.
She shook her head. ‘What would be the purpose?’
To understand our own needs and desires we must first understand the needs and desires of our ancestors.’
‘I do not see that as true,’ she answered. ‘The desires of our ancestors were obvious – that is why we are here. And those desires do not change, which is why we have children.’