Shifters apprentice. Remember her? She was there when we got rid of Shifter and Stormshadow. She took off on us. They say shes locked into the forvalaka shape but still has her own mind. And shes out to get them for killing Shifter. Especially One-Eye. One-Eye had killed the wizard Shapeshifter because Shifter had killed his brother Tom-Tom long ago. The wheel of vengeance turning. Croaker sighed. Shes maybe out to get everybody who was involved.

That angle hasnt come up before.

I think theyre imagining it.

You never know with those clowns. Croaker leaned back, closed his eyes. Tell me more about Mogaba.

Murgen had a lot to say.

Croaker observed, I always suspected there was more to him than he showed. But human sacrifices? Thats a little much.

They didnt just sacrifice them. They ate them.

What?

Well, their hearts and livers. Some of them. There was only four or five guys really into that with Mogaba.

Croaker glanced at the wide man. The fellow was indignant to the point of explosion. Croaker said, I guess that explains why Gea-Xle was such a peaceful town. If the city guard eats criminals and rebels... He chuckled. But cannibalism was not humorous. You, sir. We havent been introduced. You seem to have strong feelings about Mogaba.

Murgen said, Thats Sindhu. One of Ladys special friends.

Oh? What did that mean?

Sindhu said, They have abandoned themselves to Shadow. The true Deceiver seldom spills blood. He opens the golden path without tempting the goddesss thirst. Only the blood of an accursed enemy should be spilled. Only an accursed enemy should be tortured.

Croaker glanced around. Anybody know what the hell hes talking about?

Swan said, Your girlfriend is running with some strange characters. He chose a northern dialect. Maybe Cordy can explain. Hes spent more time trying to figure it out.

Croaker nodded. I suppose we ought to put an end to this. Murgen. You game to go back again? Take a message to Mogaba?

I dont want to sound like a slacker, Captain, but not unless its an order. He wants to kill me. Crazy as hes gotten, he might try it with you standing right there watching.

Ill get somebody else.

Ill do it, Swan said.

Mather jumped him. Its not your no nevermind, Willow.

Yes, it is. I got to find out something about myself, Cordy. I wasnt no help when we went after Shadowspinner. I froze up. I want to see if somethings wrong with me. Mogaba is the guy to show me. Hes about as spooky as a Shadowmaster.

Damned poor thinking, Willow.

I never did have any sense. Ill go, Captain. When you want to do it?

Croaker glanced around. Anything going on, Blade? Any reason we shouldnt walk over and take a look, send Swan?

No.

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Life is full of surprises. I dont mind the little ones. They add spice. Its the big ones that get me.