Wizard's Funeral (10 page)

princess using gloves to hold the garment, I guessed. Soldier said, But it could have been precious silk. I have no doubt it was, treated with some kind of flammable liquid, close to a gaseous state, which ignites when it touches the skin. And you say youre an ignorant boy in feathers! The raven demurred. Well, one picks things up, here and there, over the years. Im glad I was right, though. You might not have forgiven me if the robe had been a genuine gift. I took a chance. You did well. I would rather lose the gift and err on the side of safety. The birds tone became a little more serious. Listen, I have something to tell you. I havent yet told you who made me the offer to betray you. It was a wizard, of course, but a bad one. This wizard bragged that terrible times were coming for good people, when his master entered the Queendom of Guthrum once again. I can only assume his master is an evil magus, intent on wresting power from the boy, Ixonnoxl. What do you think? I think OmmullummO is planning to return, if he is not already here. Uthellen seems to think hes near. One more thing. Do you remember that round dungeon we saw once, when we visited Uthellen and her son, down below? Theres someone locked in there. I was down there, for another reason, and they spoke to me in my head. Not real words, you understand, just a notion. The prisoner asked me to let him out. Soldier stopped. I have a vague recollection oh, yes, I do remember it. We were both intrigued by the size of the cell and who might have been incarcerated there. But I remember we thought that the occupant could not be alive, for there was no visible air supply, nor any hatch for food and water. Whoever had been sealed inside must have been dead for many years. Even the jailers thought so. Im just telling you what I feel. Soldier said, Who is he? I dont know. It was just a notion, as I said. There was nothing definite there. I had the impression that he knew you. Perhaps its someone from your old world? I have come to believe you are here for a reason. Could it be that the prisoner has sent for you to release him? Im just casting ideas, here, sowing them as a poor farmer sows unknown seeds, scattering the ground with them, hoping they will grow into recognisable plants. This gave Soldier food for thought. He too believed there was a purpose behind his arrival in this world. Gould it be he was here to find and release someone? His king perhaps? Or someone closer: a brother, a sister, a wife even? The gods forbid it what of Layana if another wife emerged? Someone from a different life. There were those dreams he had, of a bride in blood-stained garland and bridal dress. No, surely not a bride. If that were so, how could he fall in love so deeply a second time? His heart would not permit it. Not a bride. But perhaps a dear friend, a very close friend, who called to him from across the tides of space and time, to come and assist him in his dire circumstances? Are you sure this prisoner is not just a tyrant? A despot who has deserved his incarceration? Some rogue wizard or other, from past centuries? My god, a thought struck Soldier, perhaps OmmullummO? Perhaps the boys father is locked in there? You think a great wizard like OmmullummO would allow himself to be locked in a dungeon? Soldier thought about this. No - no, of course not. Unless he had been emasculated in some way, just for a short time, just long enough to get him into the cell? In that case, wed better leave well enough alone. Soldier shook his head, frustrated. Yet, if it is someone who needs my help . . . You, my friend, are on the horns! I cant tell you which way to go. You must make the decision yourself They left the subject there. Soldier knew he would ponder on it, long and hard, before deciding what to do. It was not something he could discuss with Layana. Any talk of his previous existence she saw as a threat to their happiness. Yet he felt that, even if he knew his true identity, and his old world was open to him again, he would choose to stay with her. Was love that flimsy? Could it be cast aside like an old shoe, simply because a better life lay elsewhere? Surely the call of this old world, which he knew from his deepest feelings had left him with ugly spiritual and emotional wounds, could not be stronger than his love for Layana? Guthrum was not perfect: far from it. But was any place perfect? Perfection did not exist. If it did there would be no need for religion, no need for good and evil, no need for life at all. You have many enemies, husband, said Layana, when he returned to his wifes side. You could have been I think you should leave Zamerkand for a while, until the new King Magus is installed. What about you? I shall be all right. No one is trying to assassinate me. It seems you are a danger to someone quite powerful. This might be another of Kaffs attempts to get rid of me, so that he can get you. Layana shook her head. No, I dont think so. He knows I would kill him now, if he harmed you. In the early days of our marriage he might have deluded himself, but not now. I dont even think this is Humbolds work. The snare was too subtle, too inventive. Even more so than the brigandine which nearly took you away from me. Soldier thought about it and finally agreed with his wife. But I shall miss you so much, he said, taking her in his arms. We seem to be forever apart. Its the times. Once we have light and life in the queendom again, instead of darkness and death, we shall remain with each other. Soldier thought about Ixonnoxl. The boy needs protection, he said. I might go to his hiding place. I know where hell be at this moment. Hell need a strong escort to the Seven Peaks. Im afraid, husband. You gave him a strong escort before, and look what happened. The queen wouldnt give you the commission this time, not where youve failed before. I shant do it for the queen. I shall do it privately. He left Layana to visit the queen and inform her of what happened at the wizards funeral. Even Chancellor Humbold stayed in the court to listen. So did every courtier in the land: Frinstin, Keeper of the Towers; Maldrake, Lord of the Locks; Derlish, Lady of the Sewers; Sebirtin, Keeper of the Chimneys; Quidquod oh, many others - all in fact who were well enough to attend the relating of the tale. Soldier held them all spellbound with his powers of description. He knew how to tell a story and give it its best effect. (Captain Kaff, being on duty, could not be there and hated himself for it.) There were many sharp intakes of breath, much oohhing and ahhing, and exchanging of views in whispered voices. When he had finished, the queen thanked him for his services. The Royal Scrivener had taken all down on parchment, writing furiously, sometimes glaring at Soldier when he went too fast, at other times so lost in the story himself he forgot to continue scribbling down the words, and had to race with rapid beating heart to catch up. Now the account was captured for all time. Later, when the monks copied the document in a more beautiful hand than the Royal Scrivener could produce, the initial letters would be illuminated, etched in colour, filled in gold and silver, and Soldiers words would be immortalised. The margins of the Book of Soldiers Story would be decorated with demons, monsters, fairies, giants, mythical beasts. There would be three volumes in all: one for the queen, one for the Great Library, and one to be locked away in a secret, fire-proof place in case the city was ever overrun and razed to the ground by barbarians. No one saw a need to give a copy to Soldier, since he held all its pages, all its words, in his head. After the rendering, Soldier left the queens palace to visit his companions and subordinates in the red pavilions. Once again, it was not just Velion and the Eagle Pavilion who listened to the words, but half the army of Carthagans. What a tale, said Velion, as they walked around the great ochre tents to a feast afterwards. What a brilliant speaker you are. Soldier demurred. Oh, I dont know. Yes, yes, you are. Ive noticed that, when you speak to the warriors before a battle. You inspire them. You fill them with confidence in themselves. Its something I admire greatly in you. It wasnt hard to be a brilliant speaker amongst a people who loved the physical side of life and avoided learning like the plague. Its just a gift. Im not responsible for it. Nevertheless - ah, here we are . . . They had arrived at a great gathering of long, roughly-hewn tables, with benches either side. Thousands of warriors were already seated. They hammered the tabletops with their knife-butts when Soldier and Velion appeared, and a loud, grating Zzzzzzzzuuuzzzzzzzzz noise filled the air. This was a sound of appreciation for their current hero, Soldier. He acknowledged the noise with a wide grin, lifting his arms into the air, which led to a roar of approval. Then he sat down at the head of his own pavilions tables, his preened warriors looking like cockerels amongst a multitude of dowdy hens. He was their captain, this attender at the funeral of the most powerful creature in the world, and they were as proud as men and women could be. Whats to eat? said Soldier, looking at the repast. Im suddenly famished. First our traditional oatcakes, murmured Velion, soaked in lard and fried to a turn. Suddenly, Soldier lost the edge off his appetite. How nice, he said, without enthusiasm. No meat? A little, smiled Velion, knowing of her captains distaste for fried oatcakes, but much later, when our bellies are full. That way you wont need to eat much of it. Meats bad for you. It clogs the gut. Oatcakes, on the other hand, are full of the oily richness of well-used fat. You can feel them doing you good. He tried to feel it, but failed miserably.

Chapter Ten

Soldier spent many hours thinking about the conversation he had had with the raven. What of this prisoner in the round dungeon? Could it be someone from his own world? What if that persons mind had been so powerful as to reach out and pull Soldier from another earth to this one, in order that Soldier might free him or her? Perhaps the loss of memory, of identity, was a law of nature when crossing over? Once his work had been done here, and he returned to where he had come from, perhaps Soldiers memories would come flooding back? There are rumours that OmmullummO is in Gwandoland, Layana said to him after a bout of her illness. Some say he will cross the sea soon and attempt to find Ixonnoxl. Its also been said that OmmullummO has gathered together an army from the southern continent and is planning to land on the shores behind the Seven Peaks. Ixonnoxl had still not emerged from hiding. Soldier had decided to respect Uthellens desire for secrecy. He had not gone to their hideout in the forest, for fear of being followed. It was best the boy had time to become the man, before filling HoulluoHs sandals. Well, we could intercept him, with the red pavilions. Its only a rumour. We dont know for sure. The queen must have her spies out. Perhaps we should wait until theres more definite news. There was more than one source to support the rumour that the evil wizard was in Gwandoland. Sightings were being reported every day, by merchants and sailors and other travellers. Soldier was beginning to become convinced that OmmullummO had fled there during the reign of Queen Vandas mother. It made sense. The southern continent, much of it unexplored, could hide a wizard more securely than the northern one. Of course even on this side of the ocean there was an Unknown Region, but if Soldier had been the one fleeing the wrath of the royal law he would have preferred a wide sea between himself and his pursuers. Oceans are often more effective barriers than either marshes or mountain ranges. If OmmullummO was over the sea, then the creature in the dungeon was not him. Since he had begun to consider the matter Soldier had been having vivid dreams, of immolation and wrongful imprisonment, of a wretched creature in manacles begging for release. He woke, yelling incoherently, from these dreams. Someone was trying to reach him in his sleep-world, and though Soldier tried to ignore these subliminal entreaties to be set free, he found they played on his waking mind. Soldier decided it was time to discover who the prisoner in the round dungeon was. If the occupant was someone who had sent for him, Soldier did not necessarily need to go back with that person. He was his own man. Any attempt to force him to return to his home world could be met with stiff resistance. There were plenty of places for Soldier to hide until the prisoner had left Guthrum and this earth. Soldier had made Guthrum his home, where he now had a wife, a post in the army of mercenaries, and where his heart now felt it belonged. He surely had no need to fear persuasion or threats. His position was very strong. He went to see Queen Vanda and asked her permission to open the cell. She said she would think about it, if the key could be found, though she had a faint memory of her mother warning her never to set free the occupant of the oubliette. Humbold advised that dungeons should be left well enough alone. Queens should not corrupt their minds by considering the dregs of our underground quods, said Humbold. Queens are concerned with higher things, such as matters of state. One should leave convicts to the Lord of Thieftakers and his minions. Soldier went next to see the Lord of Thieftakers. The jailers were called forth, from their subterranean world below the streets. No key could be found. Few of the jailers even knew the round dungeon existed. One or two vaguely recalled the cell described by Soldier as being in the deepest recesses of the maze of passageways and rooms which made up the world of the turnkeys. The Lord of Thieftakers, never convinced that they should open the cell in the first place, told Soldier it would remain sealed. No one is in there, anyway, said the lord. All well find is a stinking corpse. Soldier decided to act on his own initiative. Raven, he said, I want you to go down there and pick the lock with that skilful beak of yours. Youre serious? Why should I not be? The raven shrugged his feathered back. No reason, except youll probably be hung, drawn and quartered if this goes wrong. Soldier went into deep thought. It was true that if he gave the order to open the dungeon and someone terrible emerged, he would be finished with Queen Vanda. Yet, if it was some harmless innocent? Then we have to let them out. The raven left Soldier standing in his favourite spot, on the balcony of the Green Tower, looking down at the activity of the market-place. Spagg was down there, selling his hanged mens hands. He seemed to be doing a brisk trade, considering the nature of his wares. Butro-batan was in one corner of the square, doing his farriers work of shoeing horses. Soldier had yet to speak to this man about his wifes escapades. Butro-batan looked a strong, dependable type, but one could never tell from looks. Strangely enough, Corporal Tranganda was also there, sitting outside the tavern with some guardsmen, drinking ale. At that moment a terrible storm hit the city. It swept in from the west, crashing into the castle and its walled town with such force that citizens were swept off their feet and thrown hither and thither. Thunderbolts destroyed houses. Lightning struck people in the street. The great plough horse being shoed by Butro-batan was blown over, onto its side. A heavy hay cart smashed into the base of the Green Tower. People struggled, screaming in fear, out of the square. Soldier clung to the window bars overlooking the balcony, his feet clear of the floor. The wind was wrenching him from his anchor. Down below a woman was lifted up, the wind beneath her full skirts, and carried as high as the towers. Like a kite that has run out of breeze, she then plummeted to the ground, her skirts having blown inside out and no longer keeping her aloft. Then the rain came, slamming into walls, towers, domes, and other architecture. It was a cold rain, very wet, with very little space between the drops. Within it, as Soldier was, it felt like a solid waterfall. Soldier managed to get his feet on the balcony rail, and from there he fought his way, inch by inch, back into the high room. There Ofao was attempting to close the shutters. He was astonished to see Soldier clambering in from the outside. He gripped Soldier by the arms, and pulled him inside. Quick, sire, close the windows and doors! Soldier helped the servant in his duties, until the room was secure. Layana came up a spiral staircase from below. What is it? she cried. This isnt a natural storm. I dont know, replied Soldier. It came too suddenly. There was no build-up of clouds. The sky was clear the moment before it hurtled in out of nowhere. He peered through the twin-heart hole in the shutters, to see trees being uprooted, rooftops blowing apart, people being lifted off their feet and thrown violently about. There were more fireballs out there now, hurtling down from the sky. Drains were flooding in the deluge, pouring out into the streets. Canals were bursting their banks. And still the heavens threw forth their debris. As Soldier was peering through his spyhole, he saw something down in the streets which made his blood run cold. A man, an elderly man by his gait, was striding through the storm as if blessed by some protection no one else owned. The rain was streaming from his pale face, his hooked nose and lank hair, and soaking his flapping coat, but he remained unaffected by the wind. Where heavier souls were being whipped up and thrown rag-like away, he appeared immune to the force of the storm. There was great strength in his stride, great purpose. Soldier had the impression that here was a man exempt from ordinary trials: here was a man over whom the elements had no power whatsoever! And behind this figure was a moving, black carpet of rats. They followed in his wake as if they were the hem of his dark cloak. These creatures too were not subject to the storms fury. The squall went over them, around them, but not through them. When it was at its fiercest, a sudden blast, the front rats would grip the leggings of the man, and those behind would grip the tails of those in front, and so they would actually become a black bridal train, trailing out behind the man in the savage, destructive wind which had come from nowhere. From nowhere! Soldier remembered the funeral. Such winds were associated with wizards. Just before the tall figure left the square, he turned and stared up at the Green Tower, as if he knew he were being watched. Soldier was shocked to see the intensity of his eyes. Then a smile turned to a sneer on the mans features. He stared directly up at Soldiers spyhole and raised a bony fist in a kind of salute. Finally, the unshakeable form vanished into the driving rain which formed a blanket of shadows at the squares edge. He disappeared into the network of alleys and byways which ran in every direction from and to the centre of the town. Clouds of soot now puffed from the inglenook fireplace. Soldier could hear something struggling down the chimney. What? cried Ofao. Ghouls? Gremlins? The servant rushed to the hearth and snatched up a poker, waiting where the soot fell in bundles to strike the intruder. What came out was neither ghoul nor gremlin, but a black bird made even blacker by the soot. It flapped its wings and shook its feathers, spitting out lumps of chimney ash in disgust. Soldier was just in time to stop Ofao braining the creature with the half-raised poker. The bird then coughed and spoke. OmmullummO! spluttered the raven. It was he. Who? asked Soldier. The man in the round dungeon. It was he. There was silence in the room while this terrible news sank in. Then the princess let out a heartbroken moan. Soldier cried in anguish, You set him free? I gave no order to open the dungeon. Yes, yes, cried the raven. You did. You said, We have to let them out. Those were your very words, Soldier. No, no. Those words were merely a continuation of my thoughts! I spoke out loud, but ... He groaned. Oh, what have you done? What have I done? Woe is me! cried Ofao, catching Soldiers infectious mood of despair. Woe is all of us, said the raven, cleaning his beak with a claw. Or should that be woes? Once the initial shock was over, Layana was the first to collect herself. Her first thoughts were to protect her husband. In a more composed voice she told Soldier what he must do. You will need to flee the country. Go now, before my sister is aware of the damage that youve done. Why did you interfere in things you do not understand? The raven said, Its not much fun interfering in things you do understand. You can always predict the outcome. Will you please, Husband, shut that bird up! Im trying to think. Ixonnoxl will need to be told as soon as possible. Ill do that, said Soldier, going towards the door. He turned at the portal. Im sorry, he said, to Layana. I know. Go quickly. He left, taking the stairs two at a time, until he was in the street. The storm was still raging, though not quite so fiercely as before, being merely the tail of what followed the wizard. Soldier fought his way through the wind to the stables, where he saddled a horse. Once that was done he was on his way. Riding across the outer bailey he saw that the gatehouse had been abandoned. Then he saw what had happened to the guards, whose empty skins were hanging from the spikes on the gate! Outside the city walls the red tents of the Carthagans were in chaos. Some had blown completely away, others had collapsed and were flapping in the wind, still more had ripped clear of their guy-lines and were in the process of scurrying across the sands like giant red crabs. He noticed a harassed and busy Velion and called to her. A wizard is loose OmmullummO. I have to warn the boy. She nodded and waved a hand to show she had heard. It was night when he reached the outskirts of the forest. Looking up, he saw the silver stars fade and die in bunches, until there was nothing but blackness above, and an immense scarlet moon which filled the heavens with an ugly face. It threw its beams ferociously down at the earth, glaring intensely at Soldier riding beneath. There was no beauty in the heavens anymore. As he passed the forest fence Soldier was aware of a rider, behind him, coming up quickly from the south-west. A Hannack? A beast-man? Yet his scabbard had not warned him with a song. Nevertheless Soldier drew his sword, Xanandra, and held his horse. The figure in the saddle of the oncoming steed was barrel-chested and tall in the saddle. Finally Soldier recognised him. It was a man called Golgath, one of the Imperial Guard and the younger brother of Captain Kaff. Soldier kept his sword unsheathed, wondering if he was going to have to use it. Kaff had probably sent his brother to capture Soldier and drag him back to Zamerkand, so that the queen could deal with him. What do you want? he growled at the man, as Golgath approached. What? A sword? cried the other. No need for that, my friend. Im your friend? Yes, dont you remember saving my life once? We were in battle against the Horse-people, one of whom was about to chop off my head with his battle-axe when you ran him through! I thanked you at the time and meant to follow it up, only I was posted overseas shortly afterwards. Ive been in Carthaga ever since, in the post of ambassador. Now Soldier remembered, but in the heat of the battle, with helm and armour hiding identities, he had not realised the warrior he had saved was the brother of his mortal enemy. He was still very suspicious. How could he now go forth and find Ixonnoxl if this man was with him? He could not afford to be compromised any further. Ixonnoxl was not the only creature in danger. The whole world was falling around their ears. I cant afford to trust you, said Soldier, speaking bluntly. Youll have to turn back. But I know the hiding place of your friends now. It would be silly to send me away. If I were against you, I would do just that, and report back to my brother. This was true, of course. Do you love your brother? asked Soldier. Of course as a brother. But I owe him nothing. You saved my life. I owe you everything. If it were not for you I would be filling a hole in the earth. Golgath was a large man, a man born with the figure any warrior would envy for the purpose of their trade of fighting. If he were a true man he would be an invaluable companion. Soldier had been accompanied on all his quests by the wily Spagg, good with a throwing knife, but just as likely to run on being attacked. Soldier could do with
someone to watch his back. But Kaffs brother? He wished he could speak with Layana at this moment and ask her advice. She would know both brothers. Eventually he said, I think its as you say. I have no option but to trust you. But let me tell you this. One hint of betrayal - one tiny hint - and Ill end your life there and then. Golgath smiled. You think you could? I know I could. Soldier had spoken the words boldly and bravely, but both men knew that the outcome of any contest between them was not so sure. On his side Soldier had an unmitigated fury which, when unleashed, was more difficult to stop than a hurricane. He was also skilled in war. On the other hand, Golgath was a big man, versed in the use of weapons, a good horseman, a man bred to both single combat and battle. He was a hero, in the sense of the word that meant his stature was above ordinary men, his courage never at fault and his commitment total. Soldier would have liked to think he might have the edge because of his keen mind. But Golgath, too, was an intelligent man. Soldier had heard that Kaffs younger brother had stopped the Carthagans from burning the library of an enemy city while it was being sacked. They said he looted it, taking away many books, but treating the stolen goods with great care, reading every single volume before the journey home was over. He claimed to be a poet (though all courtiers, did that, while most of them couldnt complete a couplet without reaching for a rhymers dictionary), was a learned astro-philosopher, a keen bridge-builder, and had been first in his class as a diviner of the outcome of battles. Any fight between these two men would be a mighty duel, to be watched by god, man and beast. Soldier found also, as they progressed into the forest, that his companions manners were more refined than his brothers. You left Zamerkand later than me, said Soldier, how was the queen? Very angry with you. Had you been there you would have lost your head for certain. Its a good job you fled. I didnt flee. I simply came in search of Ixonnoxl. As you say. Anyway, OmmullummO has already sent a pestilence to the city which was responsible for his incarceration. A green fungus is creeping through Zamerkand, rotting the wood and corroding the stone. Its amazing how quickly its spreading. It literally flowed through building and along street, corrupting everything. Insects, mice and other pests have increased ten-fold. I suspect a plague will follow. It usually does. You have seen this kind of thing before? I have witnessed the displeasure of a wizard. HoulluoH did not always hold Zamerkand in favour. You know we shant be safe for long, dont you? OmmullummO will send legions of his creatures to hunt us down. We shall need to be on the move all the while. I guessed as much. Eventually the pair came across the camp of Uthellen and the boy, in the glade known only to them and Soldier. Now Golgath also knew of the hideout, but this did not seem to perturb Ixonnoxl, who had enough insight now to know who was friend and who was foe. Welcome, Soldier, Golgath, said the boy. My mother will give you some food. Soldier found that Ixonnoxl already knew that his father had usurped his throne. I see his footprints even now crossing the landscape to the Seven Peaks. Soldier said. Are you anywhere near ready? Another year or so. Another year? cried Soldier. You gave me the impression you were close to being able to take your uncles place as King Magus. The boy smiled. I am close. That is close, in the grand scheme of a wizards life. My problem will now be to stay alive until my magic is mature enough for me to take on my father in battle. I will need your help then, Soldier. I will need you to lead my army. Soldier realised now that this was not to be single combat between two wizards, but a war. Such a war would rend the world apart. Is it necessary, he asked, to drag humans into your struggle? The Seven Peaks are in Guthrum only by chance, explained Ixonnoxl. The King Magus rules far and wide, over the whole near, far and middle earth. You believe you come from another world, Soldier? Perhaps you do, but to cross from there to here, these worlds must be in close proximity. I believe that, if this is so, what happens on this earth will spill over into your earth, Soldier. If an evil rules this world for the next few centuries, it will affect the history of your birthworld. Perhaps you are the link between, the man sent from one place to another, in order to save both? Soldier felt very uncomfortable with this idea. He did not like the weight it put on his shoulders. He did not feel adequate for such a huge responsibility, for such an enormous task. The saviour not just of one world, but of two, or even more? He was just a small man, a man of limited talents, a man with as many petty faults, flaws, desires and troubles as any other. Why should he be the one with so great a burden? There were surely others more capable, more worthy? His confidence sank deep within him, refusing to be stirred. Golgath was looking at him in awe, but Soldier said, I dont want to do this work. Im not able to do these things. You have the wrong man. Ixonnoxl refused to be drawn into an argument about it. There is no wrong or right man. There is only you. But but if I had been sent for a purpose, surely the plans would have been better laid. Why, I was nearly executed just for being here, yet Uthellen did nothing to save me. You did nothing. Surely, if this was ordained, I would have married Uthellen, so that I could watch you constantly as you grew up, guarded you, saw you into manhood, or wizardhood, or whatever you call it? Instead, I married a mad princess, a women assailed by demons of the head, whose marred beauty caused me to sate my bloodlust on her attacker. I am no saviour, no man of purity. You can see that. Ixonnoxl nodded. You certainly have your faults, but one of them cant be helped, its a human condition. To fall in love. I think you would have fallen for the Princess Layana even had she been the lowest peasant in the land. You are that kind of man. You follow your heart. But then if such a man as you followed his head, you would not fall in love at all you would want to be the ruler of the world! Golgath said, Hes right there, Soldier. But I still dont want this work, said Soldier. It will fall on you without the need to want, replied Ixonnoxl, and the subject was then at a close. The raven came to Soldier as he was sitting alone, moodily contemplating a brown pool in the forest. Hey, ho? Why so glum? The worlds falling apart - everythings rotting bits dropping off everywhere but thats no cause for a miserable countenance! Cheer up! Worse things happen on a cross-country flight! Not to me, they dont, muttered Soldier. So, now were in the stew, eh? Letting the Grand Wizard of All Evil out of jail. Visiting pestilence and plague on the earth. Causing the deaths of thousands, perhaps millions. Were in Wing trouble, arent we? cried the raven, far too cheerfully. I would prefer you to leave me alone, said Soldier. Well, theres gratitude for you. I came to cheer you up, and get ordered away again! Oh, by the way, your wifes dead. What? cried Soldier in anguish, springing to his feet. My dear wife? Dead? Not really, cackled the raven. There! Dont you feel so much better now? You thought the princess was dead, but now I can assure you shes alive, even if she isnt all that well. Isnt that a relief? Puts everything in perspective, doesnt it? Soldier cried, What do you mean, not all that well? Did I say the princess? said the raven, as cheerful as ever. I must have meant someone else. Soldier stood there in the gloaming in silence. He regarded the bird through narrowed eyes. One of these days, he said, I swear. Well, I cant stand here chatting all day, cheering you up like this. I must be off! There are birds to see, deeds to be done. Next time I come by I want you to be in a better frame of mind, then we can talk about more serious matters. Until then, try to watch your back. Therell be all sorts after skinning you. OmmullummO will send demon and devil against you. You must beware. You must be ready. Or run. Yes, perhaps thats the best thing to do. Run away. Well, Ill be off then. The raven opened his wings and flew into the shadows of the trees, leaving Soldier alone once more. Soldier was fuming with the bird, but then he had to admit the feathered fiend spoke a lot of truth. He did only have two choices: to stand, or to flee. The second sounded the more sensible course at such a time, when enemies might come out of every rotten log. It was one thing to stand and fight in an open battle, where both sides were ranged against each other and there were no hidden forces. But this was going to be a guerrilla war for some time yet. OmmullummO wanted Ixonnoxl dead and assassins were the best answer for that at the moment. Pack up, he said, as he arrived back in camp just as that horrible moon appeared over the trees. We must be on the move. What, now? cried Golgath. At night? Yes, now, while we know those howling beasts are wolves and not something far more sinister. Up, then. On your feet. Take only what you can carry. By dawn we must be somewhere else entirely.