“When I give an order I expect it to be carried out. Migroo here was lucky: he only lost an ear. The next one who disobeys me will lose his head. Oh, I know some of you think Ferahgo is getting old. . . .” Here he winked at Klitch. “Or Ferahgo is losing his grip. Some of you even think Ferahgo is going deaf, so you gossip behind his back. . . .” Ferahgo smiled at Forgrin and Raptail; they blanched visibly as he continued.

“Let me tell you, Corpsemakers, because who knows about me better than myself? I am Ferahgo the Assassin, scourge of all the Southwest Lands, or wherever I choose to set my claw. I was murdering and skinning when most of you were milk-slopping babes. Nobeast can outsmart, outfight or outwit me! Now I am leading you against a mountain fortress to do what you do best, fight! And fight you will, and bleed and die if I say so! You will either end up wealthy and well-fed, or cursing the day you were born . . .”

The Assassin leapt onto a nearby rock and twirled his daggers until they flashed like wheels of light in the sun. His blue eyes twinkled like brilliant twin pits of evil as he threw back his head and roared.

“Death to the enemies of Ferahgo!”

Spears, lances, knives, swords, pikes and bows sprang into the air as the rocks resounded with a fearsome chant that ripped from the throat of each Corpsemaker.

“Fer-ah-go! Fer-ah-go! Death! Death! Fer-ah-go!!!”

*   *   *

As the evil reptilian head pushed its way into the tiny cave Mara searched frantically for the dagger but could not find it. Pikkle Ffolger did. Wakened by Mara’s shout, the startled hare rolled onto the dagger and its point stuck sharply into his rear. With an agonized yell Pikkle leaped forward, butting into the reptile’s head. It fell backwards with Pikkle clinging to its neck. Locked together, both creatures tumbled out of the cave. Yelling, hissing, snarling and spitting, they half-fell half-rolled down the steep side of the high dune. Throwing caution to the winds, Mara jumped after Pikkle. She landed with a thud in the sand below and was immediately assailed by the tail of a yellow-bellied sand lizard. The creature had its claws locked in Pikkle’s fur, while the young hare had it in a good headlock. Neither would release their grip, as they shouted and snarled fiercely at each other.

“Wah! Lemmego, you slimy old reptile.”

“Gitcha paws off, rabbit, ksss!”

“Rabbit y’self. You let me go an’ I’ll let you go!”

“Kkssss! Nah nah, you leggo first. Kksss!”

“Fat chance, scalybonce. You leggo first then I will!”

Mara solved the problem by giving the lizard’s tail a sharp tug. To her horror, it came off in her paws. Immediately the creature released Pikkle. As it let go, the lizard turned on Mara and spat at her.

“Kkkkssssss! Look watcha done now, stupid stripedog!”