“They seem to have sent most of those demons from the outer circle, and while it probably didn’t seem like it to those of you, my brother and I can tell you what we saw down in Kesh was nothing compared to the onslaughts we endured on those worlds.”

“So then, why was the Demon King Dahun trying to sneak into this world?” asked Jim. “Or rather, why all the big magic, murder, and mayhem? Either take over Belasco when no one is looking or just come in like a demon and start ripping things apart?”

“That’s the heart of the mystery,” said Gulamendis.

“I have a theory,” said Amirantha.

“Let’s hear it,” said Jim, sitting back in his chair. His beard was starting to grow and Sandreena had no doubt by the time he was seen on the streets of Krondor the next day, he would be his disreputable-looking self. She might someday forgive him for the role he played in the most painful part of her past, but she’d never forget his hand in it.

Amirantha said, “Dahun was fleeing. He came here to hide.”

Pug and Magnus exchanged glances, and Gulamendis said, “That would explain a great deal.”

“Hiding from what?” asked Brandos. “I’ve faced enough demons in my day to know they’re hardly a shy lot.”

“That I don’t know,” admitted Amirantha.

“Perhaps those other Demon Kings?” suggested Laromendis.

“Perhaps,” said Pug, “but I doubt it. There’s something behind all of this, a deeper, darker cause of all the troubles that have visited this world since before any of us were born.” He let out a long sigh. “It will eventually make itself known to us, but until it does, we can only pride ourselves on this victory, wonder how long we have to enjoy the newly won peace, and prepare for the next attack.”

“You’re certain there will be one?” asked Sandreena.

“As certain as I am of anything,” said Pug.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As always, I am indebted to those who created Midkemia and allowed me to use it. Without their creativity the world of Midkemia would be far less vivid. So, Steve A, Jon, Anita, Conan, Steve B, Bob, Rich, April, Ethan, and everyone else who contributed, my continued thanks.

Thanks to John Bunting and Ralph Askren for giving readers so much more access than I could possibly provide myself.

Thanks to two people who always give support and friendship, Richard Spahl and Ray McKnown. And thanks to Kim McKnown for battling through and keeping me smiling every time I see her.

I also, once again, thank Jonathan Matson not only for far more than wise counsel and his business acumen, but for an abiding friendship that I cherish.

Thanks to my mother, still, for being there.