Chapters (102)
I had a momentary vision of One-Eye puffing through the night with fanged death closing in. It was as solid as actual memory.
I remember her. She was a real piece of work. Marron Shed should have taken care of her when he had the chance.
Evidently she wants to get even with us for doing Shifter. She may be locked into the forvalaka shape, too. Which would really piss anybody off, I guess. But if you was to ask my personal opinion I think shes only an excuse. They want to stay where they are because otherwise they might have to leave something behind.
Like what?
I shrugged. Theyre Goblin and One-Eye. Theyve had months to pilfer and profiteer.
Tell me about Mogaba.
Now we got down to the grim stuff.
Before the discussion ended even nasty Sindhu condemned the Nar.
Ill put an end to that. You want to take a message to Mogaba?
I looked over my shoulder. He could not be asking the guy behind me. There was nobody there. You shitting me? Not unless its an order. And maybe not then. Mogaba wants my head. Not to mention my heart and liver for breakfast. Crazy as he is right now he might go after me with you standing right behind me.
Ill get somebody else.
Good idea.
Ill go, Swan volunteered. Then him and Mather got into an argument about that. Evidently Swan had something to prove to himself and Cordy did not believe he needed to bother.
83
83
My status in camp changed sharply. Suddenly I never was a prisoner, never had been unfree to do whatever served the common good.
Only problem was, my tent was cold. All I had left of Sahra and the Nyueng Bao was the jade amulet Sahra had taken from Hong Tray before we had carried the children out of the killing place.
You done yet? Croaker demanded, finding me seated in front of my tent, working on the standard.
I showed him what I was doing. Good enough?
Perfect. You ready?
Ready as Ill ever get. I touched the jade amulet.
She pretty special?
Very special.
I want to hear all about her people.
Someday.
We walked through the hills and down to the shore. A sizable boat was out on the lake already. Blades soldiers had transported it overland after having failed to work it along the canal from the nearest river to the lake. Croaker and I took up position on a prominent hummock. I displayed the standard. They would be able to see that from the city even if they did not recognize me and the Old Man.
Mogaba wanted to know where the standard was? He could see for himself, now.
While the boat crossed over and returned Croaker and I speculated as to what made both Mogaba and Lady want to be in charge so badly.
Looks like Swan is getting results. Can you see whats going on?