As the glowing shadows deposited D’Averc and the Duke of Koln near the entrance to the tower they just had time to draw their blades before the Falcons attacked.

But then Shenegar Trott appeared at the entrance of the tower and called to his men.

“Stop, my falcons. There is no need for bloodshed. I have the boy!”

Hawkmoon and D’Averc saw him lift the child, Jehemia Cohnahlias, by his robes and hold him struggling before them.

“I know that this city is full of supernatural creatures who would seek to stop us,” the Count announced, “and thus I have taken the liberty of insuring our safety while we are here. If we are attacked. If one of us is touched, I shall slit the little boy’s throat from ear to ear.” Shenegar Trott chuckled. “I take this step only to avoid unpleasantness on all sides…”

Hawkmoon made to move, to summon the Legion of the Dawn, but Trott wagged his finger chidingly. “Would you be the cause of a child’s death, Duke of Koln?”

Glowering, Hawkmoon dropped his swordarm, addressing the boy. “I warned you of his perfidy!”

“Aye …” the boy struggled, half-choking in his robes. “I fear I should havepaid moreattention to you, sir.”

Count Shenegar laughed, his mask flashing in the golden light “Nowtell me where the Runestaff is kept.”

The boy pointed back into the tower. “The Hall of the Runestaff is within.”

“Show me!” Shenegar Trott turned to his men. “Watch this pair. I’d rather have them alive, since the King Emperor will be well-pleased if we can return with two as well as Heroes of Kamarg the Runestaff. If they move, shout to me and I’ll take off an ear or two.” He drew his dirk and held it near the boy’s face. “Most of youfollow me.”

Shenegar Trott disappeared once more into the tower and six of the Falcon warriors stayed to guard Hawkmoon and D’Averc while the rest followed their leader.

Hawkmoon scowled. “If only the boy had paid heed to what we said!” He moved slightly and the Falcons stirred warningly. “Now how are we to save himand the Runestafffrom Trott?”

Suddenly the Falcons looked upward in astonishment and D’Averc’s gaze followed theirs.

“It seems we are to be rescued,” smiled D’Averc.

The glowing shadows were returning.

Before the Falcons could move or speak, the shadows had wrapped themselves around the two men and were once again lifting them upwards.

Disconcerted, the Falcons slashed at their feet as they ascended, and then turned to run into the tower, to warn their leader of what had happened.

Higher and higher rose the Great Good Ones, carrying Hawkmoon and D’Averc with them. Into the golden haze that became a thick, golden mist so that they could no longer see each other, let alone the buildings of the city.