‘No, it is not,’ Corban smiled. ‘There is great skill in throwing an axe.’

‘Aye, there is,’ Dath agreed. ‘But tell me, is there more skill involved in a well-thrown axe or a well-cast spear than there is in a well-aimed arrow?’

‘No, I suppose not,’ Corban murmured.

‘Wulf and his warriors – they use their axes in battle, sometimes a whole line of them, Wulf has told me. If there were enough of them it would be devastating against an enemy charge.’

‘Aye, it would. Apparently a similar thing brought down a bear at Gramm’s hold,’ Corban said.

‘Exactly!’ Dath was becoming animated now. ‘I often think of Camlin,’ he continued. ‘Remember how he organized our ambushes – always me and him shooting first, thinning the numbers, making our enemy scared, making them rush. Well, imagine ten archers doing the same, or a score, two score, three score. Chances are we’re going to be heavily outnumbered in any battle we fight against this Black Sun – Brina said so herself – so why don’t we do something to even the odds a little?’

A silence settled between them, Corban looking thoughtfully at Wulf and his axe-throwers, Dath shuffling his feet.

A sound drew all of their attention, a loud thud that Coralen felt through her boots.

Balur had buried his practice axe in the ground again, this time against Haelan’s shieldman, Tahir. As Balur tugged on his axe Tahir spun around the giant, slashing his practice blade at the back of the giant’s leg, sending him toppling to one knee. Another spin and the edge of Tahir’s sword was rested against Balur’s neck.

‘Balur, I think you’ve just lost your head,’ a giant shouted, laughing.

Balur stood and scowled at the young warrior.

‘You’ve done that before,’ Balur said.

‘Aye, that I have,’ Tahir said. ‘I served with the Gadrai of Isiltir. Giantkillers, we were – no offence intended – fighting the Hunen out of Haldis.’

‘None taken, little man,’ Balur said. ‘I hate the Hunen.’

There was more laughter at that, both men and giants.

‘What do you think about Dath’s idea then, Cora?’ Corban asked.

‘I think it makes a lot of sense,’ Coralen said. ‘And it could mean the difference between winning and losing.’

‘All right then,’ Corban said, turning back to Dath. ‘See how many would like to join you – I’ll not be telling anyone to do it, but if they’re willing . . .’

‘You won’t regret it.’ Dath grinned, clapping Corban on the arm.

Coralen rode out of the west gate with Enkara, Teca and Yalric of Gramm’s hold. Gar was halfway up a ladder that leaned against the stone arch of the huge gates, Balur and a handful of giants with him. They were setting the skulls of the Kadoshim they had slain into the stone of the archway. Gar had said it would send a fine message to the Kadoshim when they arrived here.