Few travelers went that way at first, for its hazards were well known. The elves, when they were asked, warned all. No dwarf would venture so near the Ladysforest, and humans, for the most part, preferred the easier pass at Valdaire, or the shorter one over Dwarfwatch. So for long years the contending powers in the valley had only each other to feed on. A stray orc here, a wolfpack there – these nourished the conflict ill. And of the travelers that passed, not all were apt for use. Some, when the visions came, woke quickly and fled, leaving packs and animals behind. Others, greedy for treasure, stormed into the ruins without sense, and fell to the first of the traps and creatures, ending as servants of evil, or its food.

But ages passed, and time dulled human memories, and every the contending powers sought lives and souls to serve them, to war in their long and bitter strife. As elven influence waned in Lyonya, the nearest settled land, few asked elves for advice; fewer still obeyed. Bold explorers, half brigand, wandered the northern slopes. From time to time an entire band disappeared below the valley’s ruins, to live in the eternal light of the old halls, and fight for whichever power could enchant each separate soul. There they died, for none came alive from the banast taig. So the treasure accumulated, over the years: most of it the weaponry and armor of wandering mercenaries or brigands, but also odd bits of magical equipment, scholars’ scrolls – whatever a lost traveler might be carrying.

Then two more travelers entered the valley.

Chapter One

Chapter One

When all Siniava's troops had surrendered, Kieri Phelan's troops assumed they'd be going back to Valdaire—even, perhaps, to the north again. Some already had plans for spending their share of the loot. Others looked forward to time to rest and recover from wounds. Instead, a few days later they found themselves marching south along the Immer in company with Alured's men, the Halverics, and several cohorts of the Duke of Fall's army. These last looked fresh as new paint, hardly having fought at all, except to turn Siniava away from Fallo.

"I don't understand it," muttered Keri to Paks as they marched. "I thought we were through. Siniava's dead. What more?"

Paks shook her head. "Maybe the Duke has a contract; he's spent a lot on this campaign."

"Contract! Tir's bones, it'll take us the rest of the season just to get back to Valdaire. Why do we need a contract?"

That was a first-year's innocence. Paks grinned at him. "Money," she said. "Or were you going to forget about pay?"

Seli winked at Paks, a veteran's knowing wink, and said, "Have you ever seen the sea?"

"No—why?" Keri looked stubborn; sweat dripped off his nose.

"Well, that's reason enough to go south. I've seen it—you'll be impressed."

"What's it like?" asked Paks when Keri's expression didn't change.