Bane had no interest in talking of his former friend, and changed the subject. 'How did you and Cara meet?'

Maro smiled. 'I suppose it is safe to say it now, but I saw her at one of the Veiled Lady's gatherings. Afterwards we talked and . . .' He spread his hands. 'I grew to love her. I shall be nineteen in three weeks. We plan to wed then.'

'She is a fine girl.'

'I know that.'

'What are your plans?'

'I shall become a soldier, like my father.'

'A soldier?' queried Bane. 'I thought you Cultists did not believe in war.'

'I am not a Cultist. I have attended their meetings, and there is much about their philosophy that I admire. But this is not a perfect world, and there are many dangers in it. I am perfectly willing to offer love and generosity of spirit to all I meet, but there will be a sword at my side in case that generosity and love are not reciprocated.'

Bane nodded agreement. 'How does Cara feel about this?'

'How do you think?' responded Maro, with a grin.

Chapter Ten

Can I count on your support?' Jasaray asked Bendegit Bran, as the two met for the last time, on the steps of the Imperial Palace. Fiallach was waiting with the horses and the ten-man Honour Guard that was to accompany them to the city gates.

'I have much enjoyed our visit, Majesty,' said Bran, 'and it was a great privilege to meet you. I thank the gods that you survived the assassination attempt, and am honoured that it was a Rigante warrior who aided you on that fateful night. I shall report faithfully to my king everything you have said, and it is my hope that the days of enmity between our peoples are at an end.'

Jasaray took his arm and walked with him down the steps. 'Wars are sometimes necessary, and often inevitable,' said the emperor. 'But Stone has enemies far closer to home than Connavar of the Rigante. Tell him this. And assure him of my good wishes.'

Bran bowed, then stepped into the saddle. Fiallach also bowed. Jasaray looked into the warrior's eyes. 'I think you will be glad to be heading home,' he said. 'I fear that city life does not suit you.'

'I have a longing for the mountains,' admitted Fiallach.

'Caer Druagh is said to be very beautiful,' said Jasaray.

'If you visit us, as a friend, I will take you riding in the countryside, the high woods and the valleys,' promised Fiallach.

'That would be most pleasant,' said Jasaray.