Free The Sword Bearer by John White Page A

level gaze, almost as though by an act of will he was willing the loyalty of his subject. Finally, he said, "Then rise from your knees. You are pardoned. Henceforth you will flee at the very approach of the Mystery of Abomination!"
    Gutreth stood, bowed low, then stood erect. "Your majesty is gracious far beyond my desserts," he said in a trembling voice, before turning slowly to join the group of watching Matmon, his legs shaking a little as he did so.
    John had watched the proceedings with a growing sense of the danger through which he was passing. He could see Gutreth's agony and terror. And though he still felt a little sorry for himself, his mounting anxiety was driving self-pity away. He stood by the tree stump on which his head might still be severed. He glanced at the hooded executioner, now leaning nonchalantly on his axe, and shuddered. Surely Bjorn would let him go, now that the magician had so clearly shown him to be the true Sword Bearer. Then he saw that Bjorn's keen gaze had turned on him.
    "We now know that he is what he says he is—the Sword Bearer," he said quietly, the troubled look still on his face. "What we do not know is whether the Sword Bearer remains loyal to Mi-ka-ya. It would be better for him to remain as our captive until we are sure of him."
    "The prophecies are clear enough," Mab returned evenly. "The Sword Bearer is to slay the Goblin Prince, lieutenant and chief to the Mystery. His coming presages the arrival of the Regents. He is the destroyer of the tower that controls the planet. His loyalty is never in question. So much the prophecies make clear."
    "I know nothing of prophecies, wizard," Bjorn said slowly. "But I know the child has been in contact with the Lord Lunacy—"
    "A matter I have already explained," Mab interrupted testily. "I am myself a seer, a prophet I am insulted by those who call me wizard, sorcerer, magician. I am none of these. I serve the Changer. My powers are to do his bidding. And as for the Changer's prophecies— they never lie. You should know this if your intention to serve the Changer is real. The Sword Bearer is to remain loyal to the Changer!" He stamped his foot in irritation and seemed about to break into speech again. But he changed his mind and bit his lower lip.
    "I am sorry," King Bjorn sighed wearily. "I do not doubt your wisdom. But I must be sure. Seize the Sword Bearer, guards, and chain him to a tree!"
    The guards, who still stood on either side of John, reached out to take his arms. But in that instant John was deafened by a terrifying noise and blinded by a flash of brilliant blue light When he was able to see again, the guards were lying on their backs stunned, while Mab stood erect his staff held high and his eyes blazing. "Do not lay a finger on the Sword Bearer!" he cried. "If you wish me to aid you, you will leave him at liberty!" For a full minute nobody moved. The Matmon seemed stunned by the power that had burst from the wizard's staff.
    John's heart was beating furiously. His breath came in frightened gasps. He glanced at Bjorn whose face was pale and set, his lips pressed tightly together. Bjornsluv's fists were clenched at her side, and Vixenia's brush was low on the ground. The guards began to climb uncertainly to their feet. Hardly knowing what he was doing, John snatched his sword from its scabbard, and instantly a low but penetrating hum filled all the glade, while from the sword came a flashing blue light that rivaled the light of the sun. The guards drew their own swords, looking to Bjorn for further orders. For several more seconds no one moved or spoke.
    At last Bjorn said to Mab, "Unhappily I know not the extent of your powers, nor yet of his," nodding at John. "But understand, magician—or prophet if you must so call yourself—that I am responsible for the lives of this company. I do not wish to fight with you. I need your aid. Yet so long as I fear for the Sword Bearer's loyalty I must take precautions. Know, O