Part 42 (1/2)

Count Syzaht He was also a warrior of great experience and proven courage

So he rode forhen aain, with orders for the scouts to hold where they were Then he rode swiftly with a s the scouts, Syzaave willingly, but he no longer had to stifle gasps of pain After he had exa back on his mount

So too long in the saddle He had not ridden for so long that he had alhed, which seemed to hearten his reed or fear had felt for their lord's pain and weakness They were glad to see hi as he had done before

It gave theoi wizards

They had no fears of the royal host What could a ragged band of fugitives half their strength, fighting on behalf of a wohter ended quickly as another oi, and the Star Brothers spoke through his h his ears but did not, to the best of Syzah his eyes

”Hail, Brothers I wish I had better news,” the count said

”What is it?” The Star Brothers had learned enough of war in recent days to know the value of time

Syzaht mean ”Of course, he ive you leave to hunt him down as you wish”

That was an invitation for the Star Brothers to use theirthe scout to heel The count had offered such invitations several times since his host marched Each time, the Star Brothers had refused

They either had less ic than they claimed, or they feared the spells of Marr the Piper more than they admitted

It hardly mattered If the Star Brothers could re battle, the count was sure of victory Then, before the wizards could become suspicious, it would be time to settle with thele coer replied ”His death would prove nothing, except our presence with this host”

At last, so like a reason for the silence of the Star Brothers!

Syzanorant of the Star Brother's presence If they had been, the scout would tell theue Hot irons would serve as well

Still, if the Star Brothers wished their presence concealed to the last, it did Syzaht he did their bidding, the less they would be on their guard after the battle

”Very well,” Syzae that we should slow our advance, however The scouts must walk two, even four, in company, with archers close at hand Also, I think I shall send ht to snatch a uard His next scheme may be to ambush it If we can find the rear of those ambushers before they find our flank-”

”Such er said

That was exactly where they belonged, the count considered If the Star Brothers ever tried to take the coht a battle to his rear as well as to his front

Conan had seen councils of war meet in better heart Most of those, however, were composed of fools who did not know the chances of the forthco battle A few had met before battles where the odds were so th in worrying

None of the men and women here in the royal tent were fools All of the odds, and that it could go either way

They also knew that, win or lose, it would bring a decision in the war in the Border Kingdo hosts, until no babe could be born or crop harvested in safety

”Rather than bring that fate to the land, I would flee to the Black Coast,” Chlenna said ”I would even drive er into my own breast and dash Prince Urras's brains out on the nearest rock”

Decius flinched at hearing such words froht have loved Would have loved, save for the whim of the Gods that made her his half-sister