Part 15 (2/2)
”Here and there and other places like it,” Decius said ”My men are out and about, however I eants limpse of Kalk's body, bent backward over a blood-spattered stone ”By Erlik's brass tool, I should hope so!”
While they spoke, Decius tore strips froh Noiped his hands on the reh for questioning I doubt that ill learn many of Oyzhik's secrets from him, but Kalk is silent forever”
”I didn't send hi The smile broadened, and Conan knew that his own face must have said more than he wished
”I have shared your doubts about Oyzhik, Conan, if you ondering
As for your doubts about rowled He thrust his sword back into its scabbard with a thump ”What of your doubts about me?”
”I have none,” Decius said ”Not anymore But I do have a favor to ask of you”
The words caer still He eating even more than the sun could explain and seemed unsure of what to do with his hands
Conan knew a ht be
Then he decided that the Gods forbid he should be ungrateful to the eant Kalk on the rocks below
”You can ask, although I don't prorant,” the Cimmerian replied
”What lies between you and Raihna?” The words came out in a rush as if Decius feared his voice would betray hih Decius was not er than the Cimmerian's father would have been were he alive He was also a ho had buried three sons as well as his wife Yet the captain-general was asking as if he were a love-stricken youth
He would also be as easily hurt as any such youth, and he would not forget such an injury That thought made it easier for Conan to find words
”By all the lawful Gods of this realm and my homeland, I swear that Raihna and I are not bonded, hand-fasted, betrothed, dedicated, wed,out?”
Deeius se But you are bedmates?”
Conan sed a peevish reply to the question Decius had not only saved hi it hiht not have come to the hill alone, but he had surely hidden hie called for at least a civil reply to the ain It was the choice of both of us”
”Well, then,” Decius said Relief seemed to leave him speechless and unsteady on his feet for a moment ”Then-it is much to ask you, Conan--but will you press my suit with Mistress Raihna?”
Conan silently invoked the names of a number of Gods of love and desire All of them seemed to have led Decius's wits astray He hoped they would shortly lead theain Meanwhile, he could at least answer this question froood reasons One is that the lady would not think the better of you for lacking the for not speaking for yourself
The second is that I doubt you saved ht!”
”I suppose that is the best I can hope for,” Decius said He cupped his hands and gave a war cry that had either no words or none that Conan understood
Three heads popped up froed distances and saw that Decius had not in fact put himself beyond help His eneral inquired if Raihna was a free woether foolhardy Conan still muttered another prayer that the love Gods would undo their work on Decius's wits The Ci love and war, least of all for captains with other men's lives in their hands!