Binnesman said, “Do not speak lightly of them. The obalin were more than mere stone, more by far.” He looked down reverently. “But you, Raj Ahten, must fear the reavers that infest your borders. Perhaps you do not guess the full extent of the threat. When the obalin lived, one could learn much by touching them. Perhaps here is something you did not know: The reavers are in Kartish.”

In Kartish were the blood-metal mines. If the reavers captured them . . .

Binnesman continued, “In your gullibility you’ve allied yourself with flameweavers, for they are strong in war. But it is no accident that reavers also serve fire. Nor was it an accident that a reaver came tonight and administered a deadly wound to the last of the obalin in an effort to hurry the end of man.”

Binnesman turned his back to Raj Ahten, as if no longer concerned with him, and said, “Yet, there are greater powers than those wielded by flameweavers.”

Raj Ahten stepped toward Gaborn cautiously, as if he considered moving in to attack. Of the warriors here, only Raj Ahten had never taken an endowment from a dog. Thus, only he could have withstood Binnesman’s dogbane. Certainly, the wizard and his rabble were no match for Raj Ahten.

“Hold,” Binnesman said, whirling. “Let no man even think of harming another on this ground. This place is strong in the earth power, and such power must be used to protect life, to save it. Not to take it.”

To Jureem’s surprise, Raj Ahten halted in his advance, sheathed his weapon. Yet as Jureem considered, he realized that the wizard’s words had held a compelling tone. “Let no man even think of harming another on this ground. . . .”

Binnesman held Raj Ahten with his eyes. “You say you want my help in fighting the reavers. Very well. I will help you, if you will join me. Give up your forcibles. Join us in our quest to serve the earth, Raj Ahten. Let its powers sustain you.”

Raj Ahten countered the offer: “Convince King Orden to give the forcibles back into my hands. Then we shall see. . . .”

Sadly, Binnesman shook his head. “You would not join us even then, I believe. You do not want so much to fight the reavers as you want the glory that would come from defeating them.”

Gaborn stepped forward and said earnestly. “Raj Ahten, please, listen to reason. The earth needs you. Serve the earth, as I do. I am sure that if I talk to my father, we can work out a plan. We can divide the forcibles among both nations, so that none need fear the other. . . .”

Gaborn stood, trembling, as if afraid to offer even this much. Obviously the young man doubted his ability to carry off such a scheme. Yet he seemed so earnest, every bit as earnest as the wizard.