Ushahin shouted with rare impatience; to no avail, for it took two teams of Fjel to shift the gates and one team was absent. Something had passed within the fortress, something that had the Havenguard in an uproar.

A bitter jest, to be powerless before mere stone, while on the plains below, a Man, a stupid mortal brute of an Altorus, wielded the power to Shape matter itself. Ushahin shivered in the saddle, wrapping his arms around the case that held the sundered Helm of Shadows and waiting.

He saw the ravens return, pouring like smoke above the Defile. He knew, then, that the army would follow and prayed that Tanaros would stay with them, would be a good commander and remain with his troops.

But, no; Tanaros Blacksword was one of the Three. Like Ushahin, he knew too well where danger lay at the end. As the Defile Gate began to creak open at last, hoofbeats sounded. And then the General was there, blood-spattered, the black blade naked in his fist.

“Dreamspinner,” he said. “There is a thing that must be done.”

Ushahin raised his head, daring to hope. “The Lady—”

“Damn the Lady!” Tanaros’ voice cracked. “She’s a pawn, nothing more!” Removing his borrowed helm, he passed a vambraced forearm over his face. For an instant, Ushahin imagined that he wiped away tears. “You were right,” he said in a low tone. “The foundation … the foundation is crumbling, and Ushahin, I think he’s coming. The Bearer. It’s all happened, piece by piece. And I need to stop him.”

“All we need to do—” Ushahin began.

“They’re coming, Dreamspinner!” Tanaros took a deep breath. “We have to seal the Defile. Rally the Tordenstem, get them to those ricks Speros built. They won’t think to do it on their own, they’ll need orders. My lads’ lives depend on it, those that are left.”

“Tanaros,” Ushahin said, shifting the case in his arms. “With the Soumanië, Aracus Altorus can—”

“Time,” Tanaros said abruptly. “Aracus is a mortal Man, he can only do so much. It will purchase time, Ushahin! And lives, too; my lads’ lives. I beg you, don’t let all their sacrifices be in vain.” A muscle in his jaw twitched. “And I pray you, do not make me do more than beg.”

The Defile Gate stood open. They stared at one another.

“All right, cousin,” Ushahin said gently. “You know well that I lack the strength to oppose you. For the moment, I will do your bidding. And afterward, in this time we have earned, you will heed my words.”

“My thanks, Dreamspinner.” Tanaros extended his free hand.

Ushahin clasped it with his right hand, his strong, healed hand. “Go, then, and protect the marrow-fire! I will see your Fjel home safely, all those who remain.”

Together, they passed through the Defile Gate.