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‘To call the others, to bring the said ‘I do not think so’

Rhulad whimpered, then snapped, ‘Trull! I command you! Your emperor commands you! Stab me with your spear Stab me!’

Tears filled Trull’s eyes And how shall I look upon him… no? Asas anguish washed through him Fear You have left Left us Me, with… this

‘Brother! Please!’

From the entrance came a low cackle

Trull turned, saw the bound forainst the wall like two obscene trophies The sound was colitter fro else – there’s more here …

He turned Watched as the Chaoblet in his hand Watched, as the aze flicked to the king To that half-lidded stare The senseless eyes The Edur’s head snapped round, to where the First Eunuch sat Chin on chest, motionless

‘No!’

As the Cha back Ts, then three Lowering the cup, he turned to regard Trull Frowned ‘You had better leave,’ he said ‘Drag your warlock with you Approach the emperor and I will kill you’

Too late All… too late‘What – what do you intend?’

The Champion looked down at Rhulad ‘We will… take him somewhere You will not find hiain, clearly startling the swordsman

‘It is too late,’ Trull said ‘For you, in any case If you have any uards away now And have them take the woaze fell to Rhulad ‘The emperor is for the Edur to deal with’

The quizzical expression in the Champion’s face deepened Then he blinked, shook his head ‘What… what do you mean? I see that you will not kill your brother And he must die, mustn’t he? To heal To… return’

‘Yes Champion, I am sorry I was too late to warn you’

The swordse of the throne for balance The sword, still in the other hand, wavered, then dipped until the point touched the floor ‘What – what-’