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'BalduurBalduur '

The deep, resonant voices played with the na it to aoff the buildings, growing to a on's trained eyes took in every detail He'd served in many parts of the empire and knew that a military commander had to be attuned to the sensitivities of conquered peoples, however stupid they ht be Over the years he'd developed a tolerance for ridiculous protocol and inane rituals

He watched, hand on sword, as the party bearing the head entered Tears for Pius' pale eyes Beside hiuard of honour foruard stood ready The I a black boxa hymn for the dead

The crowd fell silent and the an and spoke in the southern language

'General I have taken possession of this ite your instructions'

Morgon took the box and turned to Pius

'Noble Lord, knowing your devotion to your esteemed father, Balduur the Great, I asked ht be returned to you After on handed the box to the old man

'My children, Balduur is returned to us

He held up the box for all to see

'Balduur is aain '

The tribeson was amazed that such a timid little man could arouse such passion in seasoned warriors They worshipped the silly old fool He was Balduur's son and that was all thatawaited,' Pius droned on 'We offered prayers to the Lord Sun and he sent us the noble Morgon to be our War Master Now, after all these reat father is returned to us The noble Morgon has brought him back'

Pius turned to the old warrior by his side

'I call upon my dear companion, Mordith of Clan Cullin, to open the box which this brave soldier has brought to us Mordith ith me on that fatal day when our father was taken froon watched as the old man took a knife from his belt Despite his years he carried hiination to picture the formidable warrior he had once been He eyed the soldier who had delivered the box and spoke to hie