The Prahbrindrah threw the sliver like a spear.

The thing shrank away into an upper corner of the room, swiftly and dramatically, leaving behind an odor like cinnamon and mustard and wine all mixed.

What the hell was it? the Radisha demanded again. She was petrified. The Prahbrindrah jumped over to the wizard. Smokes blood was everywhere, along with shreds of clothing. The thing had driven him into a corner. What was left of him had drawn itself into a tight fetal ball.

The prince dropped to his knees. Hes alive. Get some help. Fast. Or he wont be for long. He started doing what he could.

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Two

Longshadow let out one long scream of rage that echoed throughout Overlook. It brought toadies running, bent with fear he would take it out on them. Whatever it was. Get out! Get out and stay... Wait! Get in here!

Calm returned suddenly. Hed always had a facility for gaining control when the crisis was tight. That was when he thought his best, responded most quickly. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise.

Bring the big sending bowl. Bring mercury. Bring that fetish that belongs to my guest and ally. I must contact him.

They scurried around in terror. That was good to see. They held him in high fear. Fear was the power. What you feared ruled you.... He thought of shadows and a plain of glittering stone. The rage boiled up. He rejected it, as he rejected fear. One day, when the distractions were eliminated, that plain would bend to him. He would conquer it, end the fear of it forever.

They had everything set before he was ready himself. Now get out. Stay out till I call.

He activated the bowl and reached for his man. He touched nothing. He tried again. Again. Four times. Five. The rage was about to break through again. The Howler responded.

Where have you been?

Aloft. Scant whisper, barely perceptible. I had to set down first. Bad news. Shes tricked our friend again. Slaughtered another several thousand men.

That went past Longshadow. Shadowspinners travails were nothing. Is she there? At all?

Of course she is.

Are you positive? Have you seen her? My shadows cant find her. Last night they couldnt do more than suggest she might be in a given general area.

Not with my own eyes, Howler admitted. Im tracking her forces, though, waiting for the chance to strike. Late tonight, I think.

Ive just had a report from the wizard in Taglios. A desperate effort on his part. All our agents there have been strangled. He says shes there. With her Shadar shadow. And she knows hes ours. Before he finished, something demonic burst in and tore him apart.

Thats impossible. She was here two days ago.

Have you seen her? With your own eyes?

No.