Were going to head north. Well gather food, weapons, and men. Well train. Were coming back someday. When we do, the Shadowmasters will think the gates of hell have opened. Still nobody deserted. We march at first light tomorrow. If youre with me then, youre with me forever. I tried to project a certainty that we could terrify the world.

When I settled for the night Ram posted himself nearby, my bodyguard whether or not I wanted one.

I drifted off wondering what had become of four black stallions that had not responded. We had brought eight south. They had been specially bred in the early days of the empire I had abandoned. One could be more valuable than a hundred men.

I listened to whispers, heard repeats of the terms Narayan had used. They troubled most of the men.

I noticed that Ram had his bit of folded cloth, too. His was saffron. He didnt keep it as fastidiously as did Narayan or Sindhu. Three men from two religions, each with a colored cloth. What was the significance?

Narayan kept the fire burning. He posted sentries. He imposed a modest discipline. He seemed altogether too organized for a vegetable dealer and former slave.

The dark dream, the same as those before, was particularly vivid, though when day came I retained only an impression of a voice calling my name. Unsettling, but I thought it just a trick of my mind.

Somewhere, somehow, the night rewarded Narayan with bounty enough to provide everyone a meager breakfast.

I led the mob out at first light, as promised, amidst reports that enemy cavalry were approaching the hills. Discipline was a pleasant surprise, considering.

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Dejagore is surrounded by a ring of hills. The plain is lower than the land beyond the hills. Only a dry climate keeps that basin from becoming a lake. Portions of two rivers have been diverted to supply irrigation to the hill farms and water for the city. I. kept the band near one of the canals.

The Shadowmasters were preoccupied with Dejagore. While they werent pressing me I wasnt interested in covering a lot of ground. The future Id chosen would be no easy conquest. The chance that the enemy might appear encouraged discipline. I hoped to keep that possibility alive till I instilled a few positive habits.

Narayan, I need your advice.

Mistress?

Well have trouble holding them together once they feel safe. I always talked as though he, Ram, and Sindhu were extensions of myself. They never protested.

I know, Mistress. They want to go home. The adventure is over. He grinned his grin. I was sick of it already. Were trying to convince them theyre part of something fated. But they have a lot to unlearn.