I dont know. Its like I saw...I dont know. And he didnt. And yet, the impact had been such that he was now sure this slim, dark, strange young man would play an important part in his life.

Haaken was intrigued. There was more life in his eyes than there had been for months. Youve got that look, Bragi. What is it?

What look?

The same look Mother got when she was Seeing.

Bragi snorted, making light of their mothers alleged ability to see the future. If shed been able to See, Haaken, we wouldnt be here.

Why not? She couldve known. She wouldnt have said anything if there wasnt anything she could do. Would she?

That was all bullshit. She just put on an act to scare people into doing things her way. She faked it, Haaken.

Whos bullshitting who? You know better than that.

Want to hold it down back there, you Ragnarsons? Sanguinet bellowed. Or at least speak Itaskian so the rest of us can get in on it?

Bragi reddened. He glanced at the Lieutenant, averted his gaze from the mans taut face. His eye fell on the young guide again. Again he had that frisson, and the youth seemed to have suffered a similar response. He was just regaining his equilibrium. Curious. Maybe his mother was in his blood after all.

The youth said, I am Haroun bin Yousif. My father is Wahlig of el Aswad. What you would call a duke. During your stay here, unless I am needed elsewhere, I will remain attached to your company as interpreter and go-between. Is there a word for that in Itaskian? he said in an aside to Sanguinet.

The Lieutenant shrugged. Itaskian was not his native tongue either.

Liaison, Sergeant Trubacik volunteered.

Yes. I recall now. Liaison. If you have problems requiring communication with my people, see me. Especially in matters of dispute. We are of contrasting cultures. Probably my people seem as strange to you as you do to them. But we must stand side by side against the Disciple...

Rah rah rah, Reskkd muttered, a little too loudly. Three cheers for our side. Why doesnt he tell us whats so special about this El Murid character?

In a voice dripping with honey, easygoing Corporal Birdsong said, That will be four hours of extra duty, Kildragon. Want to try for more?

Reskird gulped, sealed his lips.

Haroun continued, I, and my tutor, Megelin Radetic, whom I shall introduce later, are the only men here who speak Itaskian. If you find yourself desperate to communicate, and you can speak Daimiellian, try that. Many of our men have worked the caravans and speak a little Daimiellian. But talk slowly, and be patient.

Haaken lifted a hand. Back here. Where can we get something to drink?