Recall. She always favored illusion and misdirection. There was evidence she was regaining her powers. Maybe much faster than she let on. Maybe shes tricked us into believing she was one place when she was another. The Taglian said our agents were killed to keep them from reporting her presence.

The Howler did not respond.

Both men thought. Longshadow finally said, I cant fathom why shed send an army to make us believe she was in our territories. But I know her. You know her. If its that important to her that we believe her somewhere she isnt, then its lethally important to us. Theres something in Taglios she doesnt want us to discover. Perhaps shes on the track of the Lance. Someone carried it away from the battlefield. It hasnt been seen since.

If I go were liable to lose Dejagore and Spinner. His skills are impaired. His mind is as dull as a knife used to chop rock.

Longshadow cursed softly. Yes. Pray come the day when Shadowspinner was no longer needed. When there was no need for a bulwark against the north. But somebody had to bear the brunt now. Do something. Then go. The runt could understand that. Collect her quick. Hell will be a pleasure compared to what well face if she stays loose till all her powers are restored.

Consider it done, the Howler whispered. Consider her taken.

I take nothing for granted where Senjak is concerned. Get her, dammit! Get her! He slammed a fist into the mercury. That killed the connection.

He let the rage roar through him. He hurled things, broke things, till it was appeased. Then he went up into his tower and glowered his hatred at the night-hidden plain.

Why must you torment me? Why? Turn away. Let me be. If that was not out there, ready to burst its bonds, he would be free to deal with these things himself. He would make short work of these problems if he could see to them himself. But he needs must rely on incompetents and agents with insufficient power to get the job done.

He thought of the Taglian wizard. That tool had not done the job for which it had been forged but it had served. Pity it had been destroyed so quickly.

A pity.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Three

The cavalry rejoined us two days north of Dejagore, where I made camp. The general mood was positive. The men resented having been withdrawn. They did not want to believe they had just been lucky, not invincible. I wanted them to know their luck could turn. They did not believe me. Most people believe only what they want to believe.

Their confidence had infected Narayan and Blade. Those two would have turned south again without question had I ordered it. I was tempted. I considered myself lucky to be sick. It kept me thinking rationally.