Page 204 (1/2)

Three squads of Gidrath conizing the Destriant, they waved hih

He dis his horse to a stabler, then made his way to the Great Hall, where he kneould find Brukhalian

As he strode down the main aisle towards the double doors he saw that another man was ahead Robed, hooded, he ithout the usual escort provided strangers to the Thrall, yet he approached the entrance with a graceful assurance Karnadas wondered how he had et past the Gidrath, then his eyes widened as the stranger gestured with one hand and the huge doors swung open before hiu silent as the stranger entered

Karnadas increased his pace, and arrived in time to catch the end of a Rath’ priest’s expostulation

’-this instant!’

The Destriant slipped through the entrance in the stranger’s wake He saw the Mortal Sword standing near the centre hast, Hetan and Cafal, were sitting on their rug a few paces to Brukhalian’s right The priests and priestesses of the Mask Council were one and all leaning forward in their seats -- theircaricatures of extreme displeasure -- with the exception of Rath’Hood as standing, the wooden skull visage of his er, hands clasped within the folds of his dun-coloured robe’s sleeves, seemed unperturbed by the hostile welcome

From where the Destriant stood, he could not see the er scanned the norehis tone The priest glared about ’Where are our Gidrath? Why in the gods’ names haven’t they heard our suer murmured in Daru, ’they have for the moment heeded the call of their dreams Thus, we avoid any unnecessary interruptions’ TheKarnadas -- who now stood at the Mortal Sword’s side -- to see his face for the first ti the expression of calm equanimity Ah, the merchant retrieved by Itkovian His name Keruli The ies to the commander of the Grey Swords, but I fear I must make address to the Mask Council If he would be so kind as to temporarily yield the floor?’

The Mortal Sword tilted his head ’By all ree to this!’ Rath’Shadowthrone hissed

The stranger’s eyes hardened as he swung his attention on the priest ’You, unfortunately, have no choice I look upon you all, and find the representation woefully inadequate’

Karnadas choked back a laugh, and recovered in time to meet Brukhalian’s raised eyebroith an expression of innocent enquiry

’By the Abyss,’ Rath’Burn said, ’who are you to ement?’

’I need make no claim as to my true name, Priestess, only to the title I now demand’