We still might find out. If anyone can pull down the Shadowmasters that woman can.

Maybe. The prince smiled. Peaceful as its been, Im tempted to ride south myself. Theres no one left here to bother me.

Dont let it go to your head.

What?

People being scared of you. It wont last. Better win their respect before their fear wears off.

Just once Id like to go off and do something because I want to do it, not because it will strengthen the office.

That sparked an exchange halfway between argument and discussion. Smoke arrived in its midst. He stepped into the room, stopped, stared stupidly.

They stared back. The Radisha demanded, Where the hell have you been?

The prince silenced her with a touch. Whats happened, Smoke? You look awful.

Smoke was stunned. His thoughts oozed too slowly. This was the last thing he expected, walking right into those two. He needed time to get hold of himself.

He opened his mouth.

Longshadow flashed behind his eyes. The terror and pain closed in. He could not tell them. He could do nothing but carry out his orders. And pray.

Where the hell have you been? the Radisha demanded again. Do you have any idea whats happened while youve been off fooling around?

She was angry. Good. That would distract her some. No.

She told him.

He was dismayed. She murdered them? All of them? It was a chance to press his point with passion but he did not have the strength or will. He just wanted to lie down and sleep all night for the first time since... since...

All of them that counted for anything. Right now she could do anything she pleased with Taglios. If she was here.

She isnt? Longshadow had not kept him posted. Where is she?

By now she may be in Dejagore.

Slowly, slowly, he milked the Radisha of news. A lot had happened. Perhaps Longshadow had told him none of this because he did not know himself. Which might place the situation beyond reclamation.

Who broke up Shadowspinners attack on Dejagore?

The prince never said a word. He just sat there looking sleepy. An awful sign. The prince was most dangerous when he seemed indifferent.

He was not going to pull it off.

He did not want to. But if he failed... The face of the Shadowmaster burned in his brain. Terror unmanned him. He gobbled, We have to do something. We have to control her before she devours this whole nation.... The Prahbrindrah had opened his eyes. There was no sympathy in them.

I took your advice, Smoke. I reread those old books six times. Theyve convinced me.

The wizard nearly collapsed with joy.

Theyve convinced me youre full of shit. This Company has nothing to do with that. Im on her side.

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Four

I scattered the spell that baffled shadows, though it was not yet dark. It would be dark before we finished.