Part 7 (1/2)
Yet soly as it had, even though thoughts of Wylla still did Having unnecessary dealings with the Star Brothers was too great a price to pay for any woman!
With victory so close, it was best to bide his time, then speak to Count Syzaoi should any protest at seeing one of their clanswoht refuse his acquiescence But even then, Aybas would be dealing with a mortal man-an ambitious man, to be sure, one ould stop at little to rule in this wretched land- but not with a wizard, one who sent er and tamed creatures from beyond the world
”Mistress Raihna, Mistress Raihna!”
The shouting slowly penetrated Conan's ears He sat up and willed sleep from his muscles and wits In tift strides he was at the hut door
Behind hiar on it to open it a hand's breadth
”Mistress Raihna! Mistress Raihna!” the ain?” Raihna called
The htly as he stared at the Ci in the crack The Ciarbed
Conan heard that thought as if the h a crack between the door's weathered planks
Then the ripped the collar of histhe man to his feet, Conan opened the door wider but stood to block any view into the hut ”Your captain has asked you a question, erous softness ”Is it your habit to ignore commands from her?”
”Ghhh-” the man replied Conan realized that his hand on thehirip The lare at the Cimmerian, then seemed to think better of it
”There's a Count Syzae, ah-”
”Conan of Cimmeria, once of the Turanian service,” Raihna said She was only just decently clad as she stepped into the doorway, but she wore sword, dagger, and helarments
”Ah, Mistress, Captain Conan Count Syzaht He wants to question all of us and search the ca first!” Raihna snapped
”Mistress, he has fifty men with him”
”Has, or says he has?” Conan asked
The ed at Raihna's look and shrugged ”No one has seen e”
”Good Keep them there until I come,” Raihna said
”Yes, Mistress”
The door sla off
Conan and Raihna looked at each other
Even if Count Syzambry had no more than twenty men, that was more than Raihna had If he had the fifty he claiht be a worse menace than the bandits