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Back Bleak Seasons Save as PDF
Chapters (102)
  1. Title page
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A soldier by accident, Swan did not want to be a hero. His Guards existed outside the army and functioned mainly as military police. He and they owed their allegiance directly to the Prince and his sister.

Lady said, Howler has quit attacking outposts.

You said he aint stupid, Swan replied.

I got too close when I missed him. That scared him off for good.

One of the Nar observed, Our raids must trouble them.

They trouble me, Isi. And I authorized them. Lady shivered momentarily.

They are effective.

Beyond a doubt.

The Prince asked, But would the Liberator approve?

Ladys smile revealed glistening white teeth that were almost too perfect. She had mastered the cosmetic sorceries early. He doesnt approve. Definitely. But he wont interfere. Im the one who is here and Im relying on my own experience.

The Prince asked, Will Longshadow unleash Mogaba? The Nar brigadiers tensed. Mogaba shamed them greatly by letting pride and vanity seduce him away from the ancient ideals of the Nar. Not to mention he was going to be blue-assed hell in a fight.

Swan asked, You take any prisoners down there?

Yes. And what they knew would fit into a thimble with room left for a storks nest. Nobody responsible down there ever sits around the campfire swapping secrets with the troops.

Swan stared at her while her gaze was directed elsewhere. He saw a woman five and a half feet tall, blue-eyed, 110 perfectly arranged pounds. She was big for this part of the world. She looked like she might turn twenty soon. That old black magic. Swan was transparent.

Lady is cold and hard and committed and deadlier than a sword with a will of its own, but these guys just cant seem to help themselves. It started with the Old Man way back but the parade goes on. The fever cost Blade big.

Despite what may have happened with Blade I am convinced that Lady is the Captains woman absolutely. Whatever happened, Croaker took it to heart. He drove a good man over to the enemy and became something as cold as Lady himself. Half the time, anymore, Croaker is this living wargod so fierce that when he barks even the Prince and the Radisha jump. Aloud, Lady wondered what Howlers raids were meant to accomplish. Swan blurted Buckets answer. He wanted to pick off Black Company guys. Thats obvious.

Isi? Lady asked. Is there more?

One of the Nar replied, Mogaba wouldnt test himself against lesser men. Longshadow might want to remove those so he can better manipulate Mogabas obsessions. Or he might be trying to initiate the final battle by being a continuous irritant.

The Prince nodded to himself. Now he was watching Lady with that gleam in his eye.

Was it the fatal lure of evil?

Perhaps he does want to bring Croaker to the front.