But the distant Insequent did not heed him. “—when you attempt the mountain, you will find the Sandgorgons and the skurj arrayed against you. And doubtless a host of Cavewights will join with them. Your foes will be many and terrible.”

“I said,” Covenant snapped, “I get it.” His hands clutched the wrapped bundle of the krill, although he seemed unaware of it. “Hellfire! You don’t need to beat me over the head. And you didn’t come here just to warn us. You have something in mind.”

Reflexively Linden held her breath. The Swordmainnir watched the Ardent with warrior intensity. Mahrtiir stood at Linden’s shoulder as if he were poised for battle.

Now the Ardent’s people kept their grip on him. Apparently expending the last shreds of his life, he panted, “The lady’s fate is writ in water. All auguries are swept aside. Yet her need for death remains. We conclude that you must have allies.”

Linden forced herself to exhale; but she could not still the hammering of her heart.

“Though powers abound in the Earth, we have no means to summon them. The Elohim will not aid you. And for this purpose, the Insequent themselves cannot serve. We are largely defenseless against Ravers, as we are against She Who Must Not Be Named. The hazard that we will turn against you is too great.”

Covenant’s air of storms increased. “Get to the point. Who else is there?”

This time, the Ardent appeared to hear him. “We see no alternative other than the Haruchai. Yet they will not heed us. No Insequent will sway them. Should we appeal to them, they will close their ears and remain as they are.”

“It’s suicide,” Linden breathed without thinking. “Of course they’ll refuse. They can’t fight Sandgorgons and skurj.”

But Mahrtiir’s voice rode over hers. “To whom will the sleepless ones attend?”

At the same time, Covenant countered, “What’s the point? Even with the Ranyhyn, none of us can get to Revelstone fast enough. The Worm will be here before the Masters even know we need them. After that, whatever they do will be wasted.”

Rigid as the last clench of death, the Ardent waited for silence.

Glaring at him, Covenant muttered, “Oh, hell. Do it your way. I’ll shut up.”

Through their coerced vessel, the Insequent replied, “This is our last requirement of the Ardent. The Haruchai are capable of much. Select those among you who will be most readily heeded. He will transport them to Revelstone, where they may plead on the Land’s behalf. Then he will depart from life and suffering. Perchance some measure of hope will remain.”

Before anyone else could respond, Mahrtiir announced, clarion as the call of horns, “If that is your word, Insequent, my Cords will accompany you.”

At once, Pahni jerked up her head, spun away from Jeremiah. Bhapa’s sudden pallor made him look faint; appalled.