Abuud: the One-Eyed God (Sword of Heavens #3)

Chapter 1

A New Dawn

Wylan stood on the rampart watching the long column of pilgrims approach the southern gate of Southland. He focused on the cart hauling the huge statue. The statue had one arm aloft holding a sword. The other arm was slightly cocked behind the statue so that the hand holding a skull was alongside the statue's waist. The figure had only one eye perched above its nose, and the eye sparkled brilliantly as the flames from the torches on the cart reflected in the prism. Directly behind the cart carrying the statue was a large wagon with a wooden hut built upon it. Crude symbols were painted on the exterior of the hut, and Wylan strained his eyes in an attempt to decipher them, but they were symbols that he had never seen before.

Wylan moved his eyes along the column that stretched out of sight. The group of pilgrims was diverse. Many were dressed in rags, but some of the travelers were so finely dressed that they could pass as nobility. Some had horses, but most walked with packs on their backs. He shook his head as he wondered where the thousands of pilgrims would find a place to sleep in Southland. He returned his focus to the front of the approaching group and saw a tall dark man in a flowing crimson robe. A crimson turban adorned the man's head and his black beard flowed down the front of his robe. A dozen uniformed men flanked the man. The gray and red uniforms were unfamiliar to Wylan. He eased his way towards the gate so that he could overhear the conversation when the group reached the entrance to the city.

When Wylan reached the gate he was surprised to see Baron Timor standing there. The Baron seldom left his mansion and Wylan could never recall seeing him at the gate to greet visitors before. Wylan was looking for a spot where a young guard could listen without being noticed when the Baron called to him.

Close one of the gates before they start swarming in here, ordered the Baron.

Wylan nodded and closed the left gate. When he turned around he saw that several dozen of the Baron's men had gathered around the leader of Southland.

Do not close the gates, commanded a strong voice with a southern Sordoan accent. My wagons will need them both open to pass through.

Your wagons will have no need to pass through the gates, retorted the Baron as the man in the crimson robe stopped in front of the Baron. Our city does not have facilities for so many travelers. Camp outside and be on your way in the morning.

Be on our way? echoed the pilgrim. I think not. I am the prophet Azmet and Southland is my destination. Our god, Abuud, has called upon me to spread his message of peace. It is his voice that I obey, and he has instructed me to bring peace to Southland. Open the gates.

Southland has peace now, responded Baron Timor. If your cause was to bring peace here, then your mission is complete and you may leave.

Abuud will determine if peace truly resides here, retorted Azmet. For a city at peace you certainly have a confrontational greeting. My people are hungry and tired. Open your peaceful city to them and welcome them as your brothers. Surely this will show Abuud that peace resides in Southland.

I have heard of the welcome you were extended at Khartek, snarled the Baron. You attempted to seize control of the city and impose a rigid set of laws that were demeaning to the people. Your punishments maimed citizens whose offenses were minor. You executed those who spoke out against you and your god. The people of Southland do not believe in your god. Be gone if you want peace. This city will not welcome you.

Then Southland will know the wrath of Abuud, spat the prophet. Abuud told me that this pagan city would resist his message of peace. He foretold of the death and destruction that will run through your streets after I leave. For every ten men, women, and children of Southland, only two will survive to see the next phase of the moon. The god, Abuud, is not to be trifled with. He will bring peace to your people, one way or another. I will send some men in to get provisions and we shall leave in the morning for Cleb.

You will send only one man in for supplies, insisted the Baron. I will not fall for any treachery from the likes of you. One man and he will be watched closely.

One saint in a city of infidels, scowled Azmet as he turned and left. Peace be with you.

Guard, called the Baron after Azmet had left.

Wylan looked around and saw the Baron staring at him. He stepped forward. Yes, Sir?

I want you to watch that caravan all night, ordered the Baron. Get yourself up on the rampart and watch them. Do not sleep. Do not leave your post for any reason. I do not trust this Azmet. If more than one man comes this way you are to sound an alarm. They will be met with steel and shaft if they try to gain entrance to this city.

Wylan nodded and raced up to the rampart. He watched as Azmet and his bodyguards returned to the rest of the pilgrims, who were spreading out and setting up camp. Azmet was clearly angry. Wylan could see it in the man's motions as the prophet started yelling and gesturing wildly. The prophet walked over to the cart with the large statue on it and leaped onto it. He fell to his knees and bowed before the statue of the one-eyed god. While thousands of pilgrims continued to pour into the field outside Southland, the prophet remained motionless on the cart before the statue of Abuud.

An hour passed before the end of the column finally appeared and settled into the makeshift camp. Azmet had not moved and no man was sent towards the city. Finally, Azmet rose and called out to the people. Wylan could not hear the man's speech, but it was obvious from the reaction of the listeners that the prophet was telling them about the confrontation with the Baron. Azmet pointed towards the statue several times and then waved his hand across the multitude of people surrounding the cart. Suddenly, a young man leaped upon the cart and knelt before Azmet. The crowd erupted in cheers as Azmet laid his hand upon the young man's head. A young woman approached the cart and handed a red scarf to the prophet. The prophet removed the rag that had covered the young man's head and ceremoniously tied the red scarf in its place. He extended his hand to the young man and led him to the base of the statue of Abuud. Together they knelt in front of the statue of the one-eyed god and bowed their heads.

After a few minutes, the young man rose and removed his sword. He leaped off of the wagon and approached the young woman who had given the red scarf to Azmet. He bowed slightly to her. Next to the young woman was an older man. The young man turned towards this older man. He raised his sword in front of his face and kissed it. Then he handed the sword to the older man. Azmet rose from before the statue and signaled to his bodyguards. Two of the bodyguards approached the young man and escorted him to the wagon with the hut built upon it. The young man climbed onto the wagon and stood before the door to the hut. With one last look at the crowd of worshippers, the young man opened the door to the hut and disappeared inside. The entire crowd of pilgrims bowed their heads and murmured something in unison. As soon as the recitation was complete, the crowd swiftly dispersed.

As the sky began to darken, the area around the wagon was deserted. The door to the hut opened and the young man with the red scarf stepped out and quickly closed the door. Without a word to anyone, he leaped off the wagon and ran towards the city gate. Wylan watched as the guards admitted the young man, and then returned his attentions to the encampment outside the walls. The pilgrims appeared to settle in and prepare meals for the hungry. One by one the campfires burned out as the night sky darkened. Wylan fought off his feelings of sleep, and twice someone brought him food and drink.

At first he thought his tired eyes were playing tricks on him, but soon he was sure of the movements. Although it was hours before the first lightening of the sky, the pilgrims were breaking camp. Thousands of bodies moved in the dark night air. Wylan feared they were planning on attacking the city under cover of darkness, but he watched as the prophet and his bodyguards headed away from the city. The cart with the statue, and the wagon with the hut, followed him. Soon all of the pilgrims were forming a line to leave the camp. Wylan watched them leave to make sure it was not a feint. Only after they had left did it occur to him that the pilgrim who was supposed to be getting supplies had never returned to the camp. With his task complete, Wylan did not bother to return to his bed to sleep. He was so tired that he just sprawled on the floor of the platform and closed his eyes.

***

Charl tied his horse to a tree and crawled to the crest of the small hill. He cocked his head slightly as he heard the noise again. He scanned the small valley looking for the source of the noise. He was glad that he had taken the extra precaution of checking out the valley before riding into it. His eyes locked on bushes below him that had just moved, but he could not see what had caused the disturbance.  Subconsciously, Charl withdrew several arrows from his quiver as he lay silently at the crest of the small hill. His eyes scanned the valley again as he waited for his brother Damon to arrive.

The bushes moved again, and Charl's eyes widened as he caught sight of the goblin. Silently he eased one of the arrows onto the drawstring of his bow without taking his eyes off of the goblin. The sound of a distant horse drifted across the valley, and Charl heard some guttural grunts from below him. He watched as two more goblins appeared from the bushes. Charl saw the carcass of a deer as the three goblins silently wiped their hands on their clothes and grabbed their bows. Charl was sure that the goblins had heard the approaching horse, and he was also certain that the horse carried his brother. They had chosen this remote valley to meet in after their scouting expedition, and it was the correct time to meet.

Charl scanned the valley again in an attempt to determine if there were only three goblins. Satisfied that he had located the only danger, Charl was ready when Damon appeared on the trail. Before Damon got within the range of the goblins' bows, Charl shot an arrow into one of the goblins and swiftly grabbed another arrow. The wounded goblin cried out and the other two turned to look up the hill. Charl sent the next arrow flying into another goblin as his eyes caught the movement of Damon. Damon jumped off his horse and crouched behind it as he assessed the situation.

The third goblin shot an arrow at Charl, but the effort was wasted with haste. Charl calmly sent his third arrow downhill and ended the fight. He stood up and waved to his brother. Damon led his horse up the hill while Charl scanned the valley one last time.

Sure glad you were here, greeted Damon. I would have walked right into that one. The other goblins that I have seen were making no effort to conceal themselves or be quiet.

I was lucky, frowned Charl. These three were having a meal that they did not wish to share with the others. I don't want to test my luck anymore either. I think we need to get back to Tice and report in. There can no longer be any doubt that the goblins are headed for the garrison.

I agree, nodded Damon. The forest is crawling with goblins. It appears that Tork was right. We don't need any more patrols to tells us that we are going to be in for a beating when they attack the city.

If what you have to report is similar to what I have seen, stated Charl, Tice will not be able to withstand the attack. There are thousands of them out here.

And more still arriving, scowled Damon. Let's get back to the city. I prefer to die among friends than out here in the forest.

***

Brilliant stars studded the predawn sky as Arik sat gazing upward. The meadow was peaceful with the distant sounds of unicorns starting to move about. Arik detected soft footsteps approaching and turned his head to see Tanya walking towards him. She approached wordlessly and sat on the ground next to him.

You couldn't sleep either? Arik asked.

I am refreshed enough, smiled Tanya. What are you doing?

Just admiring the sky, replied Arik. I don't think I will ever get used to seeing it. It is quite beautiful.

Yes it is, agreed Tanya. Every time we get to see it though, it is time to move on. Have you tested the Sword of Heavens to determine which way we will be going?

The next bead came out when I placed the Unicorns' Opal in the sword, responded Arik. I did not throw it into the fire yet. I think we should all be present to see the image that will be revealed. If my hunch is right, we will have plenty of time before we need to seek our direction.

Why is that? queried Tanya.

I sent Prince Midge out to determine how large a hole the Sword of Heavens blasted from the Darkness, answered Arik. He should be back by now. I think he will find that the new area of clear sky will match what we saw in Cordonia. If it does, we will have a long journey south before we get close to the Diamond of Edona.

So you think you have this prophecy figured out already? chuckled Tanya.

It is not a matter of figuring out the prophecy, corrected Arik. We have already determined the order of the gems, and the Sword of Heavens appears to be removing pieces of the Darkness with each gem we find. The sky should be clear over all of the northernmost portions of the land now. It is logical that we must head south.

Yes it is, smiled Tanya. You have changed a great deal since we first met. You were so unsure of yourself then. You were impressive last night when you were up on the Rock of Ages. You accepted the fealty of the unicorns gracefully. Are you beginning to accept the rest of your destiny without hesitation?

I have little choice, frowned Arik as he watched the sky lighten with the coming dawn. My path is not one that I would have chosen for myself, but I must accept it for the good of all. Sometimes I feel trapped by it, and sometimes it scares me, but I can no longer ignore it and wish it were someone else's problem. I will do my best to fulfill what is required of me, but I worry more about the other part of the prophecy.

Sarac's descendant? mused Tanya. I worry about that too. I cannot see Niki killing Sarac. She has the mind of a child.

Perhaps that is what is needed, posed Arik, but I cannot help but worry about it. I do not like the fact that she is separated from us. As much of a bother as she has been, at least we could keep an eye on her and protect her when she was with us.

Even that was a task at times, sighed Tanya. You are using the fairies in Tagaret now. Do you plan to use the unicorns as well, or did you just accept their fealty because it was required of you?

I do not like the responsibility that comes with these proclamations of fealty, frowned Arik, but I now know what is at stake. I will use the unicorns in our struggle. I only hope that I can use them wisely and not cause them any more harm than is necessary.

You could just leave them be, responded Tanya. They are beautiful creatures.

That they are, nodded Arik. How did you manage to team up with Frea?

What do you mean? questioned Tanya.

You still seek to be mysterious, chuckled Arik. The others did not notice because they were watching me, but I saw Frea behind you when I was on the Rock of Ages. Her horn was clearly visible. I do not believe that you found her by accident. Why do you hide the fact that she is a unicorn?

I don't know, admitted Tanya. I guess I am just used to keeping things to myself. When Chaco was chosen to accompany you, I noticed Frea looking sad. I approached her and found out that she is Chaco's mate. She wanted to stay with Chaco, so we schemed a way to make it happen.

So your horse did not get loose by accident? inquired Arik.

No, Tanya shook her head. I did not secure my horse that night. Frea was waiting nearby to be found in the morning.

Did Chaco know about this? asked Arik.

No, replied Tanya. He was mad about it when he found out, but he is glad about it now. I could leave her here when we leave, but I don't really want to.

I am sure that all of the unicorns know about it now, responded Arik. If the Shamora has no problem with Frea joining us then I see no reason to separate her from Chaco.

You have the unicorns' featly now, suggested Tanya. You could request it.

I will be asking much of them as it is, frowned Arik. I will not place demands upon them that have little to do with the prophecy. The Shamora will decide about Frea.

I understand. What are you going to be asking of them? queried Tanya. We have the Opal. What else is there for them to do?

Arik stared at Tanya for a moment and then returned his gaze to the lightening sky.

Arik, pushed Tanya. What else is there for the unicorns to do? You have something in mind and you are not sharing it.

I have not discussed it with Alex or Larastrides yet, Arik said softly.

Discussed what? Tanya persisted. What can be so horrible that you are afraid to mention it?

Arik's head snapped up at the sound of small fluttering wings, and Prince Midge settled down on Arik's shoulder.

Hail, Bringer, chirped the fairy. Sorry I have been gone so long, but I took the opportunity to visit with my mother, Queen Mita.

I am glad that you did, smiled Arik. Is the sky clear to the fairy village as we suspected?

Perfectly clear, grinned Midge. The whole of the Disputed Area is under clear skies, just like Cordonia.

I have another task for you, Arik said softly. Do you need to rest before you can do it? It involves a journey of some distance.

Rest? echoed Midge with mock offense. Fairies do not need rest from flying. I get enough rest in your pocket most days to last a lifetime. What does the Bringer require of me?

Arik grinned and shook his head. I wish I had your energy, laughed Arik. I want you to fly to Tice and find out what the goblins are up to. Estimate their strength and try to determine how much time we have before they attack the outpost. Are you sure you don't need rest first?

Am I still here? chirped Prince Midge as he leaped into the air and disappeared.

Why are you concerned about Tice? queried Tanya. It is not like we can do much to affect the outcome.

Can't we? retorted Arik. We have thousands of warriors, and we can trap the goblins between us and the city.

You mean to sacrifice the unicorns? scowled Tanya. How could you even think of such a thing? They are beautiful beings. You cannot let them be destroyed by the goblins.

Destroyed? echoed Arik. Do you not remember how the unicorns fought the yaki? Yes, they are beautiful, but they are powerful warriors as well. I think we could be victorious.

You have changed more than I imagined, scowled Tanya. Before you shunned the responsibility of the fealty of the fairies, and now you are ready to send the unicorns into battle to die. Does Chaco mean so little to you?

Chaco means a great deal to me, Arik answered softly. Tanya, I would not ask the unicorns to do anything that I thought they could not handle. You are right that I have changed, though. Meeting Prince Oscar and learning of his life has made me realize my obligations. I could be happy returning to Lorgo and fishing with Konic for the rest of my life, but that is no longer an option. The fates have burdened me with the task of defeating Sarac. I cannot hide from it. I cannot ignore it. If we are to defeat Sarac, we must realize that many of us will die in the attempt. I only hope for the knowledge to make the right decisions and the courage to make those hard choices. Besides, I told you that I had not talked to anyone about this yet. I will ask Alex and Larastrides what they suggest, but I do think we can save Tice by using the unicorns.

You are maturing into a king, Alex stated as he silently sat down beside Tanya. I did not mean to eavesdrop, but I could not help overhearing the conversation.

I think we need to sew bells on your boots, chided Tanya.

It is the lessons of the elves that make me move quietly, smiled Alex. Perhaps one day there will be time for you two to learn the lessons.

How is your hand, Tanya? inquired Alex when there was no response to his words..

My hand? Tanya smiled. My hand is just fine. I do know a bit about healing after all.

And I thought you would not be able to hold a sword again, chuckled Alex. You would think that being married to a mage would cause me to realize the power you have.

Am I wrong to think of using the unicorns, Alex? questioned Arik.

Not at all, replied Alex. In fact, I spoke with Larastrides about that possibility last night. The Shamora agrees that with the proper plan we can achieve victory. The hard part will be to come up with a good plan.

But the goblins are archers, protested Tanya. Even if we win, many unicorns will die. They cannot carry shields and they cannot fire back.

Speed and surprise will be the unicorns' strengths, responded Alex. Tell me what you have planned so far, Arik.

I haven't planned anything yet, answered Arik. I sent Midge out to scout on the goblins. I had planned to discuss it with you and Larastrides when he returned. I was hoping that one of you would have a plan. I am not a general and do not have the experience needed to make these decisions.

It appears to me that you are making decisions rather well, smiled Alex. It is not an easy task for you to assume the throne of a country you have never known. The situation in Tagaret would be daunting for even an experienced ruler, but you have a wealth of talent at your disposal. You will make both of your fathers proud by the way you have taken up this challenge.

How can you have surprise on your side when you have to charge across the battlefield to get to your enemy? inquired Tanya.

Charging across the battlefield is one tactic that we will not use, replied Alex. I understand your fears regarding a slaughter of the unicorns, Tanya, but I do not think anyone here would propose that. However we decide to attack, the element of surprise will be used most wisely. The goblins will not be expecting an attack from the rear. Our goal is to save the residents of Tice and preserve it as an outpost. If we can accomplish that in such a manner that we can be sure that the goblins will not attack it again, then we will have accomplished the goal.

You mean to make them afraid to attack Tice again? quizzed Tanya.

That is one option, nodded Alex. Another is to cause them such grave casualties that they will refuse to attempt the attack again. I do not know what it will take yet. I do suspect that we will need a fair amount of magic on our side though.

Perhaps we could make them believe the area is haunted? suggested Tanya as she started warming to the idea of the attack. Or a dense fog to hide the unicorns until they attacked?

Both are excellent ideas, grinned Alex as he watched the sun start to rise over the horizon.

Wasn't Alexander Tork known as the Goblin Killer? interjected Arik.

Yes he was! exclaimed Tanya. He is feared and hated by the goblins. I am starting to get some ideas on how we can use that to our advantage.

Alex rose while smiling and shaking his head. You two keep plotting, Alex chuckled. I need to get Jenneva up and help her prepare a meal. Let me know when Price Midge returns.

So if Alex thinks it is a good idea it is alright, frowned Arik after Alex had left, but if it is my idea then I must be crazy?

I am sorry, Tanya responded. I guess I just reacted without thinking of the possibilities. I was afraid that you would waste the lives of the unicorns just because you could. I should have known better.

Actually I was a bit afraid of the same thing, Arik admitted. That is why I had not mentioned it to anyone yet. I could not sleep thinking about it. That is why I was sitting here. I wanted my thoughts to be clear before I brought the subject up. Being responsible for so many lives scares me, Tanya. I don't know if I can handle it.

Just the fact that you are unsure pleases me, smiled Tanya. It means that you will think things out before doing something. As for experience, you are learning from a master.

What was your thought regarding the Goblin Killer? inquired Arik. You appeared to be ready to explain it when Alex left.

Prince Midge has the ability to create visions, grinned Tanya. I am not sure how it could be used yet, but suppose he created a large image of the Goblin Killer? I suspect that the goblins would attack the image instead of Tice.

So we could lure the goblins towards the place where we wanted them to be, nodded Arik.

And the unicorns could be hidden in a fog where the ambush would take place, added Tanya. I am not sure if it would work, but it a place to start planning.

Chapter 2

The Black Death

Wylan recoiled from the sharp pain in his stomach. He opened his eyes slightly, squinting from the brightness. He saw a figure through the haze of sleep and stared at it. As the figure came into focus, Wylan leaped to his feet and bowed.

Sorry, Baron, frowned Wylan as he gazed at the long pole in the Baron's hands. I only meant to catch a nap. I fear I have overslept.

You are the lad that I asked to watch Azmet yesterday, nodded the Baron. Have you been on this platform since then?

Yes, Baron, Wylan replied promptly. I watched them until they broke camp several hours before first light. I know I should not sleep on the platform, but I sought just a nap before returning to my home. I expected to rise before first light. I am truly sorry and it won't happen again.

Well I am glad to find you alive, responded the Baron. Did they make any attempt to approach the gates before they left? Did you overhear words regarding their man in the city? Did it look like they were waiting for him?

A puzzled frown fell over Wylan's face as he recalled watching the pilgrim encampment. No, he finally answered. Everyone just rose as if it was expected. They folded up their camp and departed. It was too far to hear any conversations, but I remember wondering why they left without their supplies.

Perhaps they knew he was ill, pondered the Baron.

Ill? echoed Wylan. He did not appear ill to me before he entered the gates. He was quite lively in the ceremony that they had for him.

Ceremony? questioned the Baron. They had a ceremony for a lad going to get supplies?

Well that does seem strange, agreed Wylan, but I am not familiar with their religion.

Describe the ceremony, command the Baron.

Wylan described what he had seen the night before. He struggled to leave nothing out. As he was telling his tale, a whiff of smoke caught his attention and he turned towards the city. His storytelling stopped as Wylan saw the huge bonfires on the streets of the city. He strained his eyes to see what was happening below. With the Baron forgotten, Wylan's mouth hung open as he saw bodies being thrown into the huge fires. He quickly scanned the ramparts for his fellow guards, but he could not see a one of them. Slowly he returned his attention to the Baron.

What happened? queried Wylan.

The Black Death, lad, sighed the Baron. It is why I poked with you with such a long pole. I needed to know if you were alive or not. You are probably the only person in Southland that I can be sure is not infected.

The Black Death? cringed Wylan. How? Why?

The lad the pilgrims sent in was infected, scowled the Baron. I thought it was just our bad luck before I heard your report about the ceremony. Now I am not sure. It would explain the prophet's threat and why they did not expect the lad to return, but I cannot imagine a heart so cruel as to do this intentionally.

You mean the eight out of ten dying that he mentioned? inquired Wylan. Will it really be that bad?

It will, affirmed Baron Timor. It may even be worse. I fear that none may survive. That is why I am pleased to have found you. You have a task to accomplish.

What can I do? asked Wylan. I know nothing of the Black Death.

I hope you can still say that come tomorrow, frowned the Baron. My men are shooting citizens that are trying to leave the city, but I am asking you to leave on a mission for me.

Why would you kill people trying to leave? questioned Wylan. And why would you allow me to leave?

Because I feel certain that you are not contaminated, replied the Baron. The others trying to flee could spread this plague across the countryside. I cannot allow that. Still, people must learn what happened here in Southland. You are going to spread that word.

Surely you can leave if you want to? responded Wylan. Nobody would dare stop the Baron from leaving.

I do not know if I have been infected, answered the Baron. That is why I used such a long pole to rouse you. I cannot ask more of my people than I do of myself. If you follow instructions, you will not pose a danger to anyone.

I can follow instructions well, agreed Wylan.

Good, lad, smiled the Baron. You will have to leave the walls from where you stand. It is a long drop, but others have done it in the past. The first thing you must do is to mark each of the gates to the city. Mark them well so that people coming to Southland will know that the Black Death is inside the walls. After you do that, get away from the city, but do not come into contact with any man or beast. Keep yourself isolated for three days. Only if you have no signs of plague are you to continue. Do you understand?

Yes, nodded Wylan. Keep to myself for three days. What do I do then?

If you show signs of plague, you must kill yourself, instructed the Baron. This is very important. You must realize that if you show signs by then that you will surely die anyway. Do not let others suffer because of your own fears. Are you sure you can do this?

Wylan tried to envision himself with plague and took a long time to answer, but the Baron showed no signs of impatience. I can, Wylan finally replied.

Good, lad, smiled the Baron. After three days, head north of the city. I have an estate about a day's walk from here. My crest is upon the gate and you will recognize it. Enter the estate and describe what has happened here. Ask for supplies for a journey and a horse. You will need to ride hard to get to Cleb before the pilgrims. Warn the Baron of Cleb regarding what has transpired in Southland. This is what I ask of you.

I will do as you have commanded, assured Wylan. Should I come back here afterwards?

I do not think there will be anything to come back to, frowned the Baron. Someone must always burn the last person that died. It is hard to do that and not get the disease yourself. Already half the city has died. They are dying quicker than we can gather their bodies. Find a new life, lad. Better yet, spread the word about the prophet Azmet. Any scourge that would intentionally spread the Black Death must be destroyed.

Are you sure this was intentional? quizzed Wylan. I do not want to accuse the prophet of something he did not do.

I would not have believed it myself until I heard your report, scowled the Baron. There are some things I am familiar with about the nomad tribes of Sordoa though. The ceremony you witnessed was the Farewell to the Martyr ceremony. The red headband and the kissing of the sword are the final farewells to a warrior on his way to certain death. That lad knew he was never going to see his people again. And his people knew it as well, which is why they left without waiting for him. Spread the word, lad. There is no doubt that the prophet attained the destruction he sought here in Southland.

***

My people are ready, Deliverer. Send the goblins to us, and we shall ensure that they do not escape.

The safety of your warriors means more than a few escaping goblins, Shamora. Kill as many goblins as you can, but do not needlessly pursue them. Let them run from their defeat if it saves unicorn lives.

Larastrides snorted and bowed his head to Arik. It shall be as you wish. It pleases me that you place a high value on my people. We shall not let you down.

Arik could not see the thousands of waiting unicorns, which lined the natural clearing that split through the forest to the north, but he had no doubt that they were there. With the thick fog that Jenneva had created, Arik could not see farther than thirty paces. He wondered how they would even know when the goblins were coming. Arik turned and strode over to Alex and Jenneva.

How will we know when the goblins are coming? Arik asked.

"Prince Midge will