‘You must convince them to go with us,’ Darga said. ‘Without them your quest will fail. So said the oldOnes to Marumanyelloweyes.’

I stared at the dog in disbelief. ‘You knew this? Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘It was not given the dog to tell,’ Maruman sent loftily. ‘He was only to lead you past the poisoned places and ask the gehdra to hear you. Nothing else.’

‘I could beastspeak them myself,’ I said.

‘No,’ said Darga. ‘The ithlinn have the power to close their minds to all but their own kind.’

‘Very well. I am to ask them to go with me? Why? And why ever would they agree if they hate humans so much?’

Darga looked at Maruman. ‘Tell Innle what you were bidden to tell, Marumanyelloweyes,’ he sent.

I thought Maruman would attack the dog, but instead he looked at me sullenly and sent, ‘The oldOnes could bend many beasts to do their will, but not the gehdra. Yet they/the oldOnes saw that it is within your power to convince them to go with you, if they will hear you. That is why the canine is needed. They cannot close their minds to him because he is their brethren, though they will despise him as a tamed servant of the funaga-li. He will ask in the name of the oldOnes that they hear what you will say, ElspethInnle, but you must find the words that will convince them to go with you.’

‘You have not told me why we need them,’ I said.

Instead of answering me Maruman turned away to look across the shining pool to the other side of the clearing. I heard a twig snap.

‘They are here,’ Darga told me calmly and he rose and moved towards the pool.

Chapter 20

20

One moment we were alone and the next a pack of more than twenty enormous wolves with pale blazing eyes emerged from the bushes like smoky wraiths, their thick coats in all shades from dark grey to pure white.

They ranged themselves about the edges of the shining pool and stood utterly still, only their eyes moving from Darga, who seemed small as a puppy by comparison, though he was a big strong dog, to Maruman, who looked no more than a scrap of fur, and finally to me, standing slightly behind them. I wanted to step forward but my legs would not obey me. It was not fear that held me immobile but some power emanating from the wolves.

An immense, muscular male the no-colour of ice appeared to be the pack leader. He was looking at Darga and I sensed that he was communicating with the dog, though I could hear nothing he said.