Sindawe understood. He fought his own conscience a moment, started walking. He passed the two, joined the old members of the Company forming up behind Croaker. One by one, a dozen Nar followed.

Mogabas hand started up a third time. Men held their breaths. Then Mogaba looked at his feet. I cant, Captain. There is a shadow within me. I cant. Kill me.

And I cant do that. I promised your men I wouldnt harm you no matter your choice.

Kill me, Captain. Before this thing in me turns to hatred.

I couldnt even if I hadnt promised.

Ill never understand you. Mogabas hand fell. Youre strong enough to come face me when for all you knew youd be killed. But youre not strong enough to save the trouble sparing me will cost.

I cant snuff the light I sense in you. It may yet become the light of greatness.

Not a light, Captain. A wind out of nowhere, born in darkness. For both our sakes I hope Im wrong, but I fear youll regret your mercy. Mogaba took a step backward. Croakers arm fell. Everyone watching sighed, dismayed, though they had had little hope of rapprochement. Mogaba saluted, wheeled, marched away followed by three Nar who had not crossed over with Sindawe.

Hey! Swan yelled a moment later, breaking the silence. Them bastards is stealing our boat!

Let them go. Croaker faced friends he had not seen for months. From the Book of Cloete: In those days the Company was in service to the Syndarchs of Dai Khomena, and they were delivered... His friends all grinned and roared approval. He grinned back. Hey! Weve got work to do here. Weve got a city to evacuate. Lets hit it.

From one eye he watched the boat cross the lake, from the other he kept watch on Sindhu.

It felt good to be back.

Thus was Dejagore delivered and the true Company set free.

Chapter Seventy-Two

Chapter Seventy-Two

The Howler perched atop a tall stool, out of the way while Longshadow prepared. He was impressed by the array of mystical and thaumaturgic gewgaws Longshadow had assembled during one short generation. Such had remained scarce while they had been in thrall to the Lady and nonexistent under the rule of her husband before her. They had wanted no one getting independent. Howler had very little though he was free now. He had little need to possess.

Not so Longshadow. He wanted to own at least one of everything. He wanted to own the world.

Not much of Longshadows collection was in use now. Not much would be ever, Howler suspected. Most had been gathered mainly to keep anyone else from having it. That was the way Longshadow thought.