Free Scabbard's Song by Kim Hunter Page A

one but Humbold will be brought to book for any crimes. There will no executions, no imprisonments, only a demand for complete loyalty to the new Queen Layana and a return to the rule of law and the old court. Just like that? No conditions? Only one. Humbold must leave. We will allow him safe passage through our camp and will not pursue him into the wilderness. But go he must. He will give us his word such as it is that he will never return. He will also swear not to raise an army, nor join one, which has as its goal the defeat of Zamerkand. I very much doubt whether his word means much, but it would probably satisfy my captains . . . At that moment Soldier was interrupted by a shout from the walls of the city, and by another from his own watch-towers. A horde is coming! went up the cry. Beast-people! There was a sudden flurry amongst the two retinues accompanying the generals, though those two men themselves were curiously unruffled. Both were very experienced warriors and one thing they never indulged in was immediate panic. They took some moments to assess a situation before they gave orders or acted. Soldier was the first to speak. He called up to the nearest watchtower, Are they armed? Yes, General. How are they carrying their weapons? asked Kaff. Answer him, replied Soldier, when there was an indignant pause. Trailing them, General Generals. That is, they are not pricked for war. The swords are sheathed, the lances point to the earth. They come on at a leisurely pace, not urgent, but slow and deliberate. Their numbers? asked Soldier. Perhaps a thousand, said the man in the watchtower, experienced at gauging the size of an attacking force. Maybe a little more. I see them more clearly now. It is a single clan. The dog-heads. Soldier nodded. There is no cause for concern. This is a friend of mine, Wo. He has brought all the warriors in his tribe. It might be well to wait until he gets here before you give me your answer, General Kaff. I dont know why hes here, but I can guess. Will you wait? Certainly, if only for a flea-bitten dog-head. Kaffs expression turned harder. Im surprised at you, Soldier. I am your enemy, it is true, but you can have no greater foe than the dog-heads. Why, you have just finished slaughtering the flower of their youth beneath these very walls. Soldier did not answer this rebuke. Instead he sent up the word not to attack the dog-heads, but to allow them inside the camp. The Carthagans became nervous at this order and one or two captains arrived hot-foot to argue with their general, but he remained firm, telling them that if the beast-people were going to attack, they would have come with more clans than one, and with their allies, the Hannacks. We will admit them, he ordered. It was indeed Wo leading the warriors. He barked a greeting from a long way off and requested audience. Soldier called him in. Wo left his clan outside the confines of the tents, which eased the minds of the nervous captains. Ah, said Wo, dismounting and clasping the hand of Soldier. Forgive my lolling tongue, it was a thirsty ride. You would like water? Not unless my troops can drink too. Before I say anything else, I thank you for keeping your word. The carpenters have done well and the two great barns are nearing completion wonderful huge affairs, larger than ten ordinary barns. I am told the horkey boy has already placed a branch in the rafters, as is the custom with barn building in Guthrum. The seed corn has arrived, along with ploughs and two skilled farmers. All is well, my friend, and we are very pleased. I am glad for that. Farming is less glorious than hunting, but more satisfying in the end. Soldier ordered that waterskins should be taken out to the dog-clan warriors. To Kaffs disgust, Wo lapped at the water in the algae-green horse trough. Then, with droplets hanging from his jaw-hair, he nodded, taking in the scene around him. Have I arrived at a bad time? he asked Soldier. Or a good time? Is this the surrender of