Page 271 (1/2)

’It’s over The Pannion forces are noa couple of hundred thousand poorly armed peasants The White Faces have liberated Capustan -- what’s left of it, that is The Bridgeburners are already in the city More pressing: Brood has called a council -- youthat’

’Indeed, if only to bless the gathering with Kruppe’s aweso?’

Silverfox smiled ’As you said earlier, Daru, my journey’s not quite over’

’Ah, yes Kruppe wishes you well in that, lass And dearly hopes he will see you again soon’

The woon ’You will, friend,’ she replied, then drained her tea and rose with a soft sigh

Kruppe saw her hesitate ’Lass? Is so?’

’Uh, I’m not sure’ Her expression was troubled ’A part of e, in fact’

The Daru’s small eyes narrowed ’A part of you, Silverfox?’

’Aye, inviting the question: which part? Whose soul within me noitches with suspicion? Who senses that sparks are about to fly in this alliance of ours? Gods, even worse, it’s as if I know precisely why … but I don’t’

’Tattersail doesn’t, yes? Leaving Nightchill and Bellurdan as potential candidates possessing prescient knowledge fraught with dire motivation Uh, perhaps that can be said a simpler way-’

’Never mind, Kruppe’

’You are torn, Silverfox, to put it bluntly Consider this: will ayour destiny unduly affect its outcome? Can you, in other words, spare the time to come with me to the warlord’s command tent?’