Captain said, “We will make an example of Bluff that will give those others much to think about. But El has not granted me power to turn other minds aside from foolish decisions.”

Bluff, spying a desperate chance, spun away and tried to run. Dusty was swifter, and enveloped him in a cloud of grit that blinded him. As he faltered he was struck in the back by a sling stone that dropped him to his knees. Two of the Autochthons cantered over to round him up.

Once he was satisfied that Bluff had been made captive, Captain turned his attention back to Walksfar. “And speaking of foolish decisions . . .”

“None of this changes our minds,” said Walksfar. “I cannot speak for all these souls. But to watch murder being done, and to hear your talk of laws and magistrates from El, only strengthens my resolve to be rid of this place.”

Captain nodded. “We will see to it that you are left alone for a little while. After three days we will make no further efforts to protect Camp from the vengefulness of the dispossessed souls of Eltown; and then you may find that they too know about rocks.”

Walksfar sheathed the sword, plunging the clearing back into the normal light of day, which seemed now like twilight.

Captain issued commands to his Autochthons, who went out the gate and rode through those parts of Camp that lay outside the makeshift wall, seeing to it that the souls of Eltown left off sacking the cabins and withdrew to the river.

Captain backed his mount toward the gate, gazing down at Eve, who stood weeping freely between Cairn and Walksfar. It was apparent in Captain’s face and in his aura that he was deep in thought. He shook his head. “This state of affairs,” he said, “could hardly be more different from how El imagined it when I met with him in the Palace only a few short weeks ago and he sent me forth with my company to bring the affairs of Camp and of Eltown under control.” He turned his head to one side and lifted his gaze to the hill-giant in the distance. “And I refer only to the terrible events just witnessed here. That creature is a surprise of a whole different order.”

Eve had collected herself to a point where she could listen shrewdly. “Of Camp,” she repeated. “What said El of Camp, and how it was to be brought under control?”

“That several souls dwelled in it, most of whom were willful and strange, but only two who were of any great concern to him.”

“Adam and I,” said Eve.

“Yes.”

“Because of our ability to spawn more of our kind.”

“Indeed.”

“And what shall you say to El, when you make your report?” Eve asked.

“That Adam is no more,” said Captain.

“And that is all you will say?”