“Did you not offer to help Erandabon twice already?” He paused. “Erandabon can see you like your dogs. But you and them kill many of Erandabon’s men. For that you must die. But … if you do this … Erandabon will let you live. Do this, Galenti. The heavens would be less bright without all its stars.”

Hadrian pretended to consider the proposal in silence. He waited so long that Erandabon became agitated. It was obvious the warlord had nearly as much riding on this fight as Hadrian did.

“You answer Erandabon now!”

Hadrian remained quiet for a few moments longer and then said, “If we win, I want our immediate release. You won’t hold us until the full moon. I want a ship—a small, fast ship—fully provisioned and waiting the moment the battle is won.”

“Erandabon agrees.”

“I also want you to look into finding an elven girl who is called Allie. She may have been brought with the last shipment from Avryn. If she’s alive, I want her brought here.”

Erandabon looked doubtful but nodded.

“I want my companions freed, treated well, and all of our weapons and gear returned to us immediately.”

“Erandabon will have the dogs you fought with brought here so you can eat with them when Erandabon is done. Erandabon also give other weapons you might need.”

“What about the others? The men that did not fight with me in the hall.”

“They no kill Erandabon’s men, so they no die. Erandabon have deal with them. They stay until deal is done. Deal goes good, they be let go. Deal no good, they be food for the Many. Is good?”

“Yes. I agree.”

“Excellent, Erandabon is very happy. Erandabon get to see Galenti fight in arena once more.” Erandabon clapped twice and warriors appeared on the balcony, each reverently carrying one of Hadrian’s three swords. More approached with the rest of their gear. Erandabon took Hadrian’s spadone and lifted it.

“Erandabon has heard of Galenti’s famous sword. It is weapon of the ancient style.”

“It’s a family heirloom.”

He gave it to Hadrian. “This …” the warlord said, picking up Royce’s dagger, “Erandabon has never seen such a weapon. Does it belong to the small one? The one who fought next to you?”

“Yes.” Hadrian saw the greed in Erandabon’s eyes. “That’s Alverstone. You don’t want to think of keeping that weapon.”

“You no fight if Erandabon keeps?”

“That too,” Hadrian told him.

“That one is a kaz?”

“Yes, and as you saw, he’s a good fighter. I need him and his weapon.” Hadrian strapped his swords back on, feeling more like himself again.

“So, the Tiger of Mandalin will fight for Erandabon.”

“It looks that way,” Hadrian said, then sighed.

“So how does this work?” Royce asked, checking over his dagger.