Within a minute they were high in an old oak. Their packs seemed weightless during the climb.

The dead still lay scattered on the trail.

Six horsemen appeared. An officer, four soldiers and one civilian.

Itaskians, Bragi whispered.

What the hell? the officer demanded, reining in. The youths did not understand Itaskian, but guessed his meaning.

The soldiers drew swords. The civilian dismounted, examining the battleground.

Majnerics men. They ambushed two travelers. Within the past few minutes. The travelers are in a black oak about thirty feet to your left.

Whod be out here when Majnerics loose?

Youll have to ask. Use bows. They shouldnt resist the invitation.

Just so. Sergeant.

The soldiers sheathed their blades, readied bows. Bragi and Haaken exchanged looks.

Nobody ever looks up, eh? Bragi growled, looking down four shafts. The scout beckoned.

When Bragi reached the ground he found his foster brother with axe in hand, defiant.

Theyre just pups, the sergeant observed.

These were the two? the officer asked.

The same, said the civilian. Look like Trolledyngjans. They teach them young up there. The woodsman held out his palms. Lets talk in peace, he said in accented Trolledyngjan.

Whats going to happen? Bragi asked. Shakes threatened to shame him.

Depends on you. What happened here? What brings you south?

Bragi told it all. The scout translated.

The Itaskians chattered briefly, then the interpreter said, Sir Cleve is inclined to generosity. Because of those. He indicated the dead. Weve been after their band for weeks. We deliver their heads to the Duke, well get off patrol for a while. But he doesnt know about this Pretender. He wants to look in your packs.

Haaken growled softly.

Easy, son. We wont rob you.

Do what he says, Haaken.

A minute later, Good. Now move back five paces.

The leader examined their things. Bragis heirlooms generated questions.

Our father gave them to us before he died. He told us to take them to a man in the City.

What man?

Someone named Yalmar.

The officer asked, You think theyre telling the truth?

Too scared not to. This Yalmar probably fences for the coast raiders. Their father probably saw this succession crisis coming and made arrangements.

What should we do with them?

We have no quarrel with them, sir. And theyve done us a favor.

Theyre Trolledyngjans, the sergeant observed. Ought to hang them as a warning to the next bunch.

A point, the officer agreed. But Ive no stomach for it. Not children.

These children killed four men, sir.

Majnerics men.

Whats going on? Bragi asked nervously.

The scout chuckled. Sergeant Weatherkind wants to hang you. Sir Cleve, on the other hand, is willing to let you go. Provided you let him have these bodies.

Thats fine by us.

Watch that sergeant, said Haaken. Hell get us killed yet. The soldier was arguing something with his commander.

He wants Sir Cleve to confiscate your packs.

Friendly sort.