Raven would be looking forward to tomorrow. I wondered what he would dream tonight. And if he would have much purpose left if the Limper died. A man cannot survive on hatred alone. Would he bother trying to survive what was coming?

Maybe that was what he wanted to say.

I was scared. A man thinking that way could get a little flashy, a little dangerous to those around him.

A hand closed on my shoulder. Time, Croaker. The Captain himself was doing the wakeup calls.

Yeah. Im awake. I had not slept well.

Catcher is ready to go.

It was still dark out. Time?

Almost four. He wants to be gone before first light.

Oh.

Croaker? Be careful out there. I want you back.

Sure, Captain. You know I dont take chances. Captain? Why me and Raven, anyway? Maybe he would tell me now.

He says the Lady calls it a reward.

No shit? Some reward. I felt around for my boots as he moved to the door. Captain? Thanks.

Sure. He knew I meant thanks for caring.

Raven stuck his head in as I was lacing my jerkin. Ready?

One minute. Cold out there?

Nippy.

Take a coat?

Wouldnt hurt. Mail shirt? He touched my chest.

Yeah. I pulled my coat on, picked up the bow I was taking, bounced it on my palm. For an instant Goblins amulet lay cool on my breastbone. I hoped it would work.

Raven cracked a smile. Me too.

I grinned back. Lets go get them.

Soulcatcher was waiting on the court where we had practiced our archery. He was limned by light from the company mess. The bakers were hard at work already. Catcher stood at a stiff parade rest, a bundle under his left arm. He stared toward the Forest of Cloud. He wore only leathers and morion. Unlike some of the Taken, he seldom carries weapons. He prefers relying on his thaumaturgic skills.

He was talking to himself. Weird stuff. Want to see him go down. Been waiting four hundred years.

We cant get that close. Hell smell us coming.

Put aside all Power.

Oh! Thats too risky! A whole chorus of voices got into the act. It got really spooky when two of them talked at once.

Raven and I exchanged glances. He shrugged. Catcher did not faze him. But, then, he grew up in the Ladys dominions. He has seen all the Taken. Soulcatcher is supposedly one of the least bizarre.

We listened for a few minutes. It did not get any saner out. Finally, Raven growled, Lord? Were ready. He sounded a little shaky.

I was beyond speech myself. All I could think of was a bow, an arrow, and a job I was expected to do. I rehearsed the draw, release, and flight of my shaft over and over again. Unconsciously, I rubbed Goblins gift. I would catch myself doing that often.