Free Drenai Saga 02 - The King Beyond the Gate by David Gemmell Page A

child to his broad shoulders, the white-bearded earl strode away toward the distant keep. Tenaka gathered the reins of his pony and followed, Ceska beside him.
    “Do not be upset by his manner, young prince,” said Ceska.
    “He is old and set in his ways. But he is a fine man, truly. I hope you will be happy among the Drenai. If ever there is anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to tell me.”
    “Why?” asked Tenaka.
    “I like you,” said Ceska, clapping him on the shoulder.
    “And who knows, you may be earl some day.”
    “That is unlikely.”
    “True, my friend. But the House of Bronze has been unlucky of late. As Orrin said, all his children are gone. Arvan alone survives.”
    “He looks a strong child.”
    “Indeed he does. But looks can be so deceptive, can they not?”
    Tenaka was not sure he understood the meaning of Ceska’s words, but he knew there were undercurrents of dark promises. He said nothing.
    Later Tenaka listened in silence as Valtaya talked of the rescue in the marketplace and of their bribing a night sentry to let them pass through the northern postern gate of the city. Ananais had brought a huge pack of food, plus two bows and eighty shafts in doeskin quivers. Valtaya had extra blankets and a rolled canvas sheet for a small tent.
    After they had eaten, Tenaka took Ananais into the trees. They found a secluded spot and cleared the snow from some rocks before sitting down to talk.
    “There is an uprising in Skoda,” said Ananais. “Two villages were sacked by Ceska’s legion. A local named Rayvan gathered a small army and destroyed the raiders. They say men are flocking to him, but I don’t think he can last. He’s a common man.”
    “Not of the blood, you mean,” said Tenaka dryly.
    “I have nothing against common men. But he has not the training to plan a campaign.”
    “What else?”
    “Two risings in the west, both ruthlessly put down. All the men crucified, fields sown with salt. You know the system!”
    “What about the south?”
    “Difficult to say. News is scarce. But Ceska’s there. On hand. I don’t think they will rise. It is said that there is a secret society against Ceska, but that is likely to be no more than talk.”
    “What do you suggest?” asked Tenaka.
    “Let us go to Drenan, kill Ceska, and then retire.”
    “That simple?”
    “The best plans are always simple, Tani.”
    “What about the women?”
    Ananais shrugged. “What can we do? You say Renya wants to be with you. Let her come. We can leave her with friends in Drenan. I still know one or two people I think we can rely on.”
    “And Valtaya?”
    “She won’t stay with us. There is nothing for her. We will leave her in the next town.”
    Tenaka raised an eyebrow. “Nothing for her?”
    Ananais looked away. “Not anymore, Tani. Once, maybe.”
    “All right. We will head for Drenan but angle to the west. Skoda should be beautiful at this time of the year.”
    Side by side they returned to the camp, where they found three strangers waiting. Tenaka spoke softly: “Scout around, Ani. See how many other surprises are in the offing.” Then he walked forward. Two of the men were warriors, both about the same age as Tenaka himself. The third was an old man, blind and wearing the tattered blue robes of the seekers.
    The warriors approached him. They were uncannily alike, black-bearded and stern of eye, though one was fractionally taller than the other. It was the shorter man who spoke.
    “I am Galand, and this is my brother, Parsal. We have come to join you, General.”
    “For what purpose?”
    “To put down Ceska. Why else?”
    “I need no help for that, Galand.”
    “I don’t know what game this is, General. The Golden One was in Sousa, and he told the crowd the Dragon was back. Well, if that is so, then I reckon I am back, too. You don’t recognize me, do you?”
    “In truth I do not,” said Tenaka.
    “I was not bearded then. I was Bar Galand of the third wing under Elias. I was