Free Triplet by Timothy Zahn Page B

particular. You look like you’re even thinking of butting against his authority and we’re likely to wind up spending one or more nights in the castle’s cells.”
    â€œBut what the hell do they—?”
    â€œShh! Greetings, soldiers of Ordarl Protectorate,” he called abruptly. Danae turned to look, a little shaken that the other sky-plane had made it within hailing range so quickly. Her first impulse—to urge Ravagin to try and outrun them—died stillborn.
    â€œGreetings to you, travelers,” one of the soldiers called across the narrowing gap. “We would be honored if you would accompany us to the ground.”
    â€œWe would be pleased to comply,” Ravagin answered, raising one hand to point. “Sky-plane: follow the sky-plane at my mark: mark. ”
    Their carpet slowed abruptly, allowing the other to pass beneath it, and then settled into place a meter behind it. One of the soldiers turned back to the front of his sky-plane and murmured something; the second kept his full attention on his prisoners as both vehicles made a sharp turn and dropped toward the mountains below.
    â€œMay I inquire as to the purpose of this delay in our lawful trip?” Ravagin asked politely.
    â€œWhether it is lawful or not is yet to be determined,” the second soldier said. “I would be honored if you would place all weapons and magical devices before you on the sky-plane.”
    Ravagin sighed and began to unfasten the scorpion glove and knife from his belt. “You, too,” he muttered to Danae. “Your firefly’s considered a magical gadget.”
    Danae pursed her lips tightly, slid the ring off her finger and dropped it in front of her. “Has it occurred to you that once we land the force-field wall won’t protect us anymore?”
    â€œIf you’re suggesting we run for it, forget it,” he murmured back. “They could have a dozen more sky-planes on top of us before we could get past the border … and there are ways for a group of sky-planes to force down a lone one. With or without leaving its passengers in good shape.”
    Danae gritted her teeth and shut up.
    They landed minutes later in a grassy lea between two impressively craggy mountains. A handful of tents had been set up at one end and more of the liveried soldiers could be seen going about various tasks. “Looks like a semi-permanent base,” Ravagin commented as the sky-planes came to rest and the two soldiers got to their feet and motioned the prisoners to do likewise. “I wonder if the castle-lord’s been having trouble with raiders coming in through cover of the mountains.”
    â€œMaybe,” Danae murmured back. “Does that help or hurt us?”
    â€œI haven’t the faintest idea.”
    â€œGreetings, travelers,” a voice came from behind them, and they turned to find an older man clumping toward them from one of the tents. “What errand brings you over the Ordarl Protectorate?”
    â€œWe journey from Kelaine City to the Darcane Forest, sir,” Ravagin told him with a courteous nod. “Is Ordarl Protectorate now forbidding travelers to fly over its land?”
    â€œOrdarl Protectorate objects only to black sorcerers practicing evil within its territory,” the other said grimly, eyes boring into Ravagin’s. “What are your names and professions?”
    â€œI am called Ravagin; I claim no city or protectorate as my home. My companion is named Danae. As to business, I do service as bearer of private messages between distant places.”
    The officer’s eyebrows raised. “Indeed? Do your clients distrust the sanctity of the crystal eye?”
    Ravagin shrugged. “My clients’ thoughts and fears are their own. I merely provide a service to those who wish it.”
    The other’s gaze shifted to Danae. “And you?”
    â€œThe lady is—”
    â€œI am traveling to visit