Flisk nodded. “We did. We found two. They were—” His whole body shuddered. “They were your men, General. The riflemen can tell you their names.”

“They were,” admitted Klamath. He knew enough to be sure. “They were compelled by that priest.” Then he pursued his questions. “Two Magisters were shot. You lost a third. How?”

Flisk seemed to wish that he could pound the table with his forehead. He needed a moment to master himself. Almost whispering, he said, “Magister Gust. I knew he was frightened, but I forgot him at the first shots. He must have panicked. As I turned to look for him, he went over the cliff.”

Klamath winced. Magister Gust’s death was a stupid waste. The man had done it to himself; but that did not lessen Klamath’s responsibility.

Abruptly, he decided that he had pushed Heren Flisk hard enough. So that he would be overheard, he raised his voice.

“You did what you could, Captain. No one could have done better. The fault is mine. I was careless when I should have been watchful.”

Flisk’s shoulders sagged as if the General had removed a burden. At the same time, his expression pleaded. “Then tell me.” He spoke in a hoarse whisper. “What happened? How did it happen? How did your men turn against us? And why did they come for us? Wind is a lesser Decimate. They could have done more harm killing Magisters of lightning.

“General, they were your men.”

Klamath sighed; but he did not look away.

“They turned against us, yes,” he replied, “but they did not choose treachery. And they did us one service. Now we know that our enemy is the Great God Rile. Father Skurn is his servant.

“The priest was given a form of sorcery that sways minds. At its worst, it binds them. When he exerts it, even faithful men will do his bidding. He compelled your attackers to serve him.

“But they were not sent against you. Skurn did not know where you were or why you were there. How could he? He might have heard that I was coming. But no one would have told him I was bringing Magisters. Only you and Commander Forguile knew. And no one could have told him why. I told no one. Even you and the Commander did not know my intentions.

“No.” Klamath sighed again. “I believe Skurn simply wanted to escape. He must have seen that Magister Pillion had recognized him for what he is. While he remains free, he can continue to serve his Great God. If he were captured, he would be shot. But to escape, he needed a distraction. He used my men to provide it.

“However, he could not allow them to kill near the camp. That would draw attention too close to him. Instead, he bound them to look for targets at some distance. They found you by the light of your lanterns.”