The plain was dense with the dead and dying, man and beast. Mad war elephants careened around, respecting no allegiance. Only one Taglian legion had maintained its integrity. It had fought its way to a city gate and was covering the flight of other Taglians. Flames rose beyond the city from a military encampment. The Company had scored that much success against the apparent victors.

Smoke said, Theyve lost a battle but they saved Taglios. They slew one of the Shadowmasters. Theyve made it impossible for the others to attack Taglios. Those will spend their remaining troops recapturing Dejagore.

Swan sneered. Just pardon me if I dont dance for joy. I liked those guys. I didnt like the way you planned to shaft them.

Smokes temper was strained. They werent fighting for Taglios, Swan. They wanted to use us to hammer through the Shadowlands to Khatovar. Which could be worse than a Shadowmasters conquest.

Swan knew rationalization when he stepped in it. And because they wouldnt lick your boots, even if they were willing to save your asses from the Shadowmasters, you figure its handy, them getting caught here. A pity, say I. Wouldve been some swell show, watching your footwork if theyd come up winners and you had to deliver your end of the bargain.

Ease up, Willow, Mather said.

Swan ignored him. Call me a cynic, Smoke. But Id bet about anything you and the Radisha had it scoped out to screw them from the start. Eh? Wouldnt do to have them slice through the Shadowlands. But why the hell not? I never did get that part.

It aint over yet, Swan, Blade said. Wait. Smoke going to get his turn to cry.

The others gawked at Blade. He spoke so seldom that when he did they knew it meant something. What did he know?

Swan asked, You see something I missed?

Cordy snapped, Damn it, will you calm down?

Why the hell should I? The whole damned world is swamped by conniving old farts like Smoke. They been screwing the rest of us since the gods started keeping time. Look at this little poof. Keeps whining about how hes got to lay low and not let the Shadowmasters find out about him. I think that means hes got no balls. That Lady... You know who she used to be? She had balls enough to face them. You give that half a think youll realize how she laid more on the line than this old freak ever could.

Calm down, Willow.

Calm down, hell. It aint right. Somebodys got to tell old farts like this to go suck rocks.

Blade grunted agreement. But Blade didnt like anyone in authority.

Swan, not as upset as he put on, noted that Blade was in position to whack the wizard if he got obnoxious.

Smoke smiled. Swan, once upon a time all us old farts were young loudmouths like you.