They moved back away from the edge into the relative shelter of the trees. The light from the fires had been what had illuminated the sky the night before, and now they saw that it wasn’t a small fire close by, but many distant fires that had pierced the gloom.

“It’s the Legion,” whispered Gulamendis.

Laromendis said, “Where are we?” As soon as he asked, he knew it was a stupid question, for his brother had no more knowledge of their whereabouts than he did.

They exchanged silent looks, and both knew the same thing; they were on the world being used by the Demon Legion as a staging ground. The demons below were unlike any they had seen or fought, all bearing arms, organized, and resting before invasion. There was a calm that was so unnatural for demons it was frightening, and from the organization witness, they would be moving soon.

Finally Gulamendis said, “There’s one good thing here.”

“Really?” asked his brother, eyes widening.

“If they’re here, and if they are going to invade Home, that means they have a way to get there.”

“A Demon Gate?”

“They must,” said the Demon Master. “We just need to find it and get through it before they do.”

His brother shook his head. Words failed him.

CHAPTER 7

QUEG

Trumpets sounded.

James Dasher Jamison, Baron of the Prince’s Court, Envoy Extraordinary of the Kingdom of the Isles, occasional diplomat, and full-time spy turned to his companions. Pug, Magnus, and Amirantha were dressed as scholars, in light tan robes and sandals.

“One more time,” he said.

Pug smiled, but Magnus and Amirantha looked annoyed.

“One more time,” he repeated. “These stories must be the first thing you think of should you have to answer unexpected questions.

Pug looked at his son and the Warlock, and said, “I am Richard, a historian from the Royal Court of Rillanon. I have been there for years.” Pug had spent enough time in the capital city over the last hundred years that he could easily describe most of the famous aspects of the “Jeweled City,” and its recent politics had been a constant discussion among the four of them as they sailed from Krondor to Queg.

“I am his first student, Martin,” said Magnus. “I am recently to the capital and am still finding my way around.” Unlike his father, Magnus had spent relatively little time in Rillanon, so the identity chosen would serve. “I originally came from Yabon.” He knew that area very well.

Both father and son looked at Amirantha who said, “I am Amirantha, a scholar from the distant city of Maharta. I have a royal patent from the Maharaja of Muboya, courtesy of General Kaspar, First Minister to the Maharaja, commissioning me to learn all I can about the nations of Triagia, and am collecting histories toward that end.”

“Try to look a little more enthusiastic,” said Jim.

“Shouldn’t we get up on deck?” asked Magnus.