Part 46 (1/2)
”You will discover four cutthroats on the premises. They are awaiting orders from King Casmir. Let it be known that King Casmir has sent you to join the group, and that a certain Cory of Falonges will shortly arrive to serve as their leader on a special mission.”
”So far all is clear.”
”You should have no difficulty in attaching yourself to Cory's band. His orders are to a.s.sa.s.sinate King Aillas and, if possible, to capture Prince Dhrun.
”Cory will lead this company to Glen Dagach. Here, depending upon circ.u.mstances, you might transfer from Cory's band to that of Torqual. But move quietly and excite no one. At the moment Desmei feels no suspicion. Do not blunder and drive her into far hiding.”
s.h.i.+mrod nodded. ”And thereafter: what of Cory?”
”He becomes inconsequential.” The mirror went blank.
II.
Travec the Dacian rode a hammer-headed dun horse north along the Great Ulf Pa.s.sway. To the right of his saddle a lacquered box contained a short compound bow and two dozen arrows; at his left side hung a long scimitar, somewhat narrow-bladed, in a leather scabbard. He wore a black cloth s.h.i.+rt, loose trousers and knee-length black boots. A cloak, a chin-mail s.h.i.+rt and a conical iron helmet were tied in a roll behind the saddle.
He rode slouched forward, eyes flickering constantly from side to side. Weapons, garments, and general mien identified Travec as a vagabond warrior or perhaps something worse. The folk he met along the way gave him a wide berth and saw him pa.s.s with relief.
Travec had ridden almost six miles beyond the fortress Kaul Bocach. On the left rose the mighty Teach tac Teach; to the right the Forest of Tantrevalles bordered the road, approaching some times so closely that branches shaded away the sky. Ahead, a small wayside inn showed the sign of the Dancing Pig.
Travec drew up his horse; at once a querulous question came from one of the black bloodstone globes at his ear: ”Travec, why do you halt your horse?”
”Because the Inn of the Dancing Pig is close ahead.”
”Surely that is a matter of no concern.”
Not for the first time Travec reflected upon Murgen's hints that the effrits might not be the easiest of companions. During the whole of the journey, to while away the tedium, they had conversed in soft voices, creating an undertone of sound which Travec ignored to the best of his ability. Now he said: ”Listen well! I am about to instruct you.”
”That is unnecessary,” said Voner. ”Your instructions are beside the mark.”
”How so?”
”Is it not clear? Murgen gave orders that we were to serve s.h.i.+mrod. You name your name 'Travec'. The disparity must be obvious, even to you.”
Travec uttered a grim laugh. ”One moment, if you please! 'Travec' is merely a name-an item of verbiage. I am in every essential aspect s.h.i.+mrod. You must serve me to your best capacity. If you make a single objection, I will complain to Murgen, who will then chastise you without mercy.”
Skel spoke in unctuous tones: ”All is explained. You need fear nothing; we are on full alert.”
Voner said: ”Still, if only for a review, list once again the contingencies against which we must guard.”
”First, warn me of all imminent danger, including but not limited to ambush, poison in my wine, weapons pointed in my direction that are intended to injure or kill me; also rockslides, avalanches, pitfalls, snares, traps of all kinds, and any other sort of device or activity which might annoy, thwart, hurt, imprison, kill or debilitate me. In short, ensure my safety and good health. If you are at all doubtful as to my meaning, act always in the manner which will provide me the maximum satisfaction. Is that clear?”
Voner asked: ”What of doses, or double, or triple-doses of aphrodisiac?”
”All such dosages will ultimately be to my detriment. They are included in the full category. If you have doubts, consult me.”
”As you like.”
”Second-”
”Is there more?”