The Crystals of Mida

13 Ranistard—and an enemy is found

Fayan, Larid and I, in the company of Telion, rode at an easy pace toward Ranistard. The set was nearly there, for in the distance, the walls of Ranistard rose to proclaim its presence. The road had left the forest early that fey, and now we rode the gentle hills that surrounded the city. The kand my warriors and I bestrode were those brought by the attacking males of the fey previous, our lawful spoils, and no longer needed by those who had been left for the children of the wild. Deep into the darkness had the slaves labored, taking the bodies a distance from the campsite, and theirs was a strange labor. Deep into the ground had they dug, and into the holes thereby made had they placed the bodies of those of the set who had fallen. The bodies were then covered again, stones set to mark the places, those of the set in attendance during these actions. I wondered briefly why they did this, then dismissed it from consideration. That city folk honored their attackers by allowing the children of the wild to feed upon their bodies, yet denied the selfsame honor to those who had been of their set was merely as one with the rest of their actions.

During the darkness, Fayan had returned to herself, silent yet dry-eyed, and we had shared the meat brought to us earlier. We had then blown the candles out and slept, awakening again at the appearance of Larid. The new light had not yet come, yet Larid had wished to share with us a thing told her by Telion. Fayan and I listened to her words, angrily spoken, and then we took the leather she had brought to us and used it as war leather. Neither Fayan nor myself had commented on the thing told Larid by Telion, and I understood little of it, although it filled me with fury.

Nidisar, and Ceralt as well, had been horrified at the sight of Hosta in battle. That we fought well, and fought to slay those who would challenge us, seemed most unnatural to them. The hunters had thought to see us stumble and fall before males and their swords, crying out for assistance against superior enemies. Ceralt had recalled the number of Hosta I had led against him and his hunters, and had concluded that such numbers had been used for no other reason than that fewer Hosta would not have been able to take them. He had not known that such numbers had been used so that they might be taken alive, for he knew naught of the loss of the Crystal. Now the hunters carried the sight of victorious Hosta before their eyes, and the sight sickened them. So much for the worth of any city males.

The hunters had stood beside the red silk tent when we had emerged to claim our kand. The caravan master saw the weapons we wore and had had the kand brought. No one of the city folk had spoken to nor approached us; the females now wore their coverings and hair as they had previously done, and the male slaves, wearily working to fold the tents, had looked at us with a good deal of fear. My warriors and I had removed the leather seats of the kand, had mounted, and then had waited for the march to begin. Telion, when he came, had silently removed the collars from about my throat and Fayan’s, then he waited with us, his head high and proud, not ashamed of being in the company of savages.

At the meal stop, Fayan took herself into the woods, to return shortly with a small polt, which she had slain with her dagger. Quickly did we skin the furry animal, then we passed portions of it about among ourselves. Polt is not as toothsome as nilno, but was most satisfactory. Telion, though he sat with us, was offered none, nor did he request a portion. Upon the meat of the previous fey did he feed, saying nothing of our choice. As the march was once more to begin, the hunter Ceralt took a step toward us, as though he would speak, but we had no interest in the words of a city male. Briskly my warriors and I mounted our kand and rode off, to be joined, once again, by Telion.

The gates of Ranistard eventually lay open before us. Much alike were these cities of soulless ones, yet did city folk pass within the portals unhalted by the armed males who stood about. Our set was also allowed entrance, to the cheers of many males who waited just within the gates. Grinning and eager were these males, and quickly they surrounded the conveyances which held the city females, causing them to halt. The females were then urged, with much laughter, from the conveyances, and the sounds of approval from the males increased considerably. The females seemed somewhat at a loss, finding themselves the objects of such appraisal, and Halia had had to be forceably removed. She stood, her hair in disarray, not far from those who had attempted the appearance of warriors. Slowly did Telion ride through the masses of males, my warriors and I following, and the males showed much approval at the sight of Hosta. With grins did they attempt to move toward us as they had moved toward the city females; however our hands upon sword hilts halted them somewhat. Though they still grinned in pleasure, they kept respectful distance. Halia had turned from the conveyance to gaze upon me with hatred, but she of the light-gold hair put her hand out as we approached.

“Jalav, forgive us!” she called in misery. “We cannot gain dignity in the manner that you do! We cannot so easily take the lives of others!”

I halted my kan. “One need not take lives to possess dignity,” I informed her. “Dignity depends upon self, not upon others.” Then I urged my kan to motion once more, following the track of Telion, my warriors behind me.

Ranistard had the look of Bellinard, with cobbled ways and high dwellings, yet it seemed somehow empty. No more than a handful of slavewomen were to be seen, and deep was the hunger with which the males looked upon us. Many were the males upon the city ways; however, their movements were slow and ponderous, as though they moved through memory rather than from volition. They stopped to stare as Telion led us from the gates, and though none attempted to approach, a stirring flashed through them, restoring, somewhat, a semblance of life. I knew not what ailed these city males, nor did I care. I gazed upon the dwellings about us with loathing, and thought only upon the location of the Crystals.

Through the city ways we rode till we came to a broad way, such as that of Bellinard, and indeed could a dwelling of unreasonable size be seen at the end of it. Overlarge dwellings stood to either side of this way, also as in Bellinard, and also did these dwellings possess males in leather and metal before them. Telion, without hesitation, rode toward the immense dwelling, and I disliked the thought of his destination. As we drew nearer, I recalled that other immense dwelling, and therefore slowed my kan. Telion, in glancing back, saw that he was closely followed no longer, and he slowed his kan as well.

“Jalav, there is naught to fear,” said he, moving but slowly forward. “This is not Bellinard, and you shall not be treated here as you were there. For this you have my word.”

“The word of a city male carries small weight,” I said. “I prefer to camp in the open.”

“You cannot!” replied Telion in anger. “Too easily, then, might you be—” His words broke off, seemingly in vexation. “The men of Ranistard have been deprived of women for too long,” he said. “Should you and these others remain in the open, the men will find themselves unable to control their desires. Many will go down before your blades, yet will you and Fayan and Larid eventually be taken. Do you wish to be used by half a city of desperate men? Take my word as a warrior that no harm shall come to you should you accompany me!”

My warriors only awaited the word of their war leader. Had I been alone, my decision would have been different, but I was not alone. Again I looked upon Telion, and said, “We shall accompany you.”

Telion nodded, with relief, I thought, then he continued on, leading us to the immense dwelling. There we dismounted, tying our kand, as Telion tied his, to the rail beside the steps. Closely were we studied by the males in leather and metal who stood about the entrance; however, the path to the interior was left unblocked, and we entered within behind Telion.

“This way,” said Telion, and warily we again followed. The cloth upon the floor was as fine as fur, a deep blue cloth, pleasing to the eye beside the walls of pink stone. Silks of a similar blue hung upon the stone of the walls, torches stood tall in large, silver sconces, and many platforms of various sizes and shapes were to be seen standing upon the blue cloth. Many males moved about, all seeming curious as to our presence, and a number of females were to be seen as well. These females were clad in blue silk like that upon the walls, and all wore metal collars about their throats. Telion, seeing my gaze, smiled faintly.

“The sole remaining female slaves in Ranistard,” said he, nodding toward the females. “Their presence is essential, for the Palace of the High Seat must be looked after, and the Guard of the High Seat must be seen to. Their lot is hard, yet with so few females about there is no help for it. I shall find rooms for you, then I shall see about a bath for me. Never have I felt so in need of one.”

“There is a stream or river close by?” Larid asked him. “I saw naught of it as we approached.”

Telion halted abruptly, then laughed. “No, little flame,” said he quite softly. “There is no river or stream. You may bathe within your room, and this, too, shall I see to. It is past time for you to learn the ways of civilization.”

He then touched Larid’s face briefly, and again led the way, this time to a wide, very high set of pink stone steps, which be began to climb. Larid shrugged, as though to say, what may one think of the actions of city males? I, too, had little hope of understanding, and we followed without comment.

The end of the steps revealed a long, clothed area down which Telion strode. Doors there were to either side, doors of intricately carved wood, and candles within boxes hung upon the silk-covered walls, illuminating the area quite well. To the center of the area was a low platform, about which knelt four collared females in blue silk. To these females did Telion stride, and quickly they bent low before him.

“I wish three rooms for my companions,” said Telion. “They are to be made as comfortable as possible, and baths are to be drawn for them. See to it.”

“Yes, master,” said one of the females, who then sprang to her feet and clapped her hands. The other three rose and ran to doors on the right, each past another, and held these doors wide. She who stood beside Telion seemed startled at sight of my warriors and myself.

“The slaves shall fetch whatever you require,” Telion said to us. “I shall return for you when it is time to take a meal, and you may rest yourselves till then.”

With a smile he left us then, walking quickly back as we had come. I did not care for the feel of the dwelling, so close about us, no windows in view, yet was there little to be done just then. Come full darkness, with all in the city asleep, the males who stood before the gates would be persuaded to open them, and then would the full numbers of the Hosta enter, to question as many as need be to find the location of the Crystals, and those who had stolen and slain. Not much longer would we have to bear the strangling closeness of the city.

“Please to enter, Mistress,” said the slavewoman to me, gesturing toward an opened door. I nodded to my warriors to take the others, then I walked to the door which was to be mine. The small slavewoman shrank back a bit in fear, thinking, perhaps, that I would devour her as I passed. Little patience had I left with slaves; however I ignored her fear and her presence and looked about at the room which had been offered me.

Large and high, it possessed four windows which stood from floor to roof, hung with silk, of an inner, sheer white, and an outer heavy red, held in place by metal. Silk of a pale pink covered the walls, a deep soft cloth of red, pink and white covered the floor; large candles hung in white sconces about the walls, and to the right there was a large unlit fireplace with wood laid in. To the left stood a strange-seeming platform raised from the floor to perhaps the height of my knee, and then, by four poles, of carved wood alone, it reached toward the roof. Easily was it the width of three warriors side by side, a length longer by more than a head than my own height, and the poles which reached to the roof bore a contrivance of metal and cloth, also of pink, red, and white, which stretched fully as long and as wide as the lower portion. Silks and cloths in various shades of pink and red covered the lower portion, and large, stuffed squares of white silk were strewn about upon it. To the left of this odd platform, nearer to the corner where the walls met, stood a small, flat-topped platform which bore tiny pots, large combs and brushes, and a wide polished square which repeated whatever it saw, much as a calm run of water does, though clearer. To the right of the odd platform was a high, sectioned contrivance of white silk, which hid what stood behind it from view, and to this contrivance did the small door slave scurry. Easily was the thing moved aside, and behind it stood a large, round, stone-pot, it might perhaps be called. It stood to my thighs from the floor, was nearly the width of my body height, and was of the pink stone of the walls. Once having revealed this large pot, the slave again scurried, this time from the room.

Curious, I walked across the cloth, passing two small, Keeper-like seats which stood near to the fireplace, and paused before the windows to see what might be seen from them. I saw males, in leather and metal, walking about upon the ground below. It was clear that they stood guard about the immense dwelling, and that the large, stone dwelling directly before my eyes was the object of their attention. There, too, were leather and metal clad males, yet fewer in number, and lightly did my left hand rest upon my sword hilt. Perhaps there would be the pleasure of battle to be joined that fey, before the entrance of my warriors. It would pass the time most pleasantly.

Soon the small slave-female returned, in the company of two others. I turned from the window to see them bearing three large, wooden pots, which they carried to the very large stone pot. The wooden pots, filled with water, were emptied into that of stone, then did the females again hurry from the room. In a hand of reckid they returned, again bearing full wooden pots, and again were they added to that which had been put within the stone pot. All three females then scurried forth once more, yet she who had held my door returned immediately, bearing a thick fold of cloth, and quickly did she close the door sliding a bar across to disallow its swing, then turned to me.

“Your bath is prepared, Mistress,” said she, her head and voice low. “Would you now care to enter it?”

At last seeing the point to the thing, I strode to the large stone pot and looked within. Indeed, a goodly amount of water had been placed therein, yet I laughed. Only city folk would prefer to bathe within walls in a pot rather than taste of Mida’s sweet streams and rivers. How was one to swim and dive in such a pot?

“I shall use the water,” I said to the female as I began to remove my swordbelt. “I am Jalav.”

“Yes, Mistress,” said she, with eyes down and head low. “I am to assist you.”

“Jalav needs no assistance,” said I, placing my sword within easy reach of the pot, then removing my dagger and leg bands. “Why do you stand so, girl? Think you Jalav shall find reason to attack?”

“Oh, no, Mistress!” she said, fearfully. “It is merely that I have never seen such a woman as you! Had I been such a woman, never would I have fallen slave!”

“To fall slave may happen to any,” I said. “To remain slave is yet another matter.”

I turned to step within the stone pot, finding the water of an unexpected warmth. How frail these city folk were, to heat their washing water, and not heat their drink! Firmly, I lowered myself, to see that the female had stepped closer.

“May I not aid you?” she asked, seeming most anxious to do so. “I would find it an honor rather than a duty.”

I shook my head. “I require no aid,” I informed her, seeing her disappointment. “I shall not be long, for I dislike the feel of this water. It does not refresh as would unheated water.”

Wordlessly did she sink to her knees, head down, obedient to my word. Obedient, too, were the Hosta to the word of Jalav, yet was the obedience of another order. Never would the Hosta bend their knees, not even to their war leader. For such an act would Mida cast them out. Thoughtfully, I lowered myself into the water, my hand reaching a bit of it to my throat and neck. Easily did my fingers find the chafe marks of the collar which the hunter had thought so well of. All males should be placed within collars to know themselves the feel of it, the constant awareness of it, the inability to rip it from one’s flesh. Should they be unable to swallow easily because of it tear their fingers upon its unyielding metal, then perhaps they may be less willing to place it upon others. Such is a lesson sorely needed by certain males.

I brought the wetness to all of me by briefly submerging beneath the water, then did I rise and step from the pot. The water fell from me as it was wont to do in the forests, yet was this unacceptable to city folk. The collared female rose also and hurried to me, the thick fold of cloth now opened to a large square, and the drippings were caught within the cloth, and taken from me by its touch. So, too, was my hair done, much to my annoyance, though protest was not worth the effort. I did, however, laugh most heartily when the female produced from beneath the low platform of the reflecting square, a slavewoman covering of yellow silk. To think that the war leader of the Hosta would don the color of the Helda was most amusing, more so even than the thought of the covering itself. With chuckles I replaced my own clan colors, then leg bands, dagger and swordbelt. The small female, once again seeming frightened, bent quite low to me then removed herself, an action which did not displease me. With comb from the small platform I seated myself upon the cloth, and saw to my hair, then I waited. To her hunters, has Mida taught much patience.

Darkness was very near when Telion entered the room. He looked about in the gloom, saw me where I lay upon the cloth, then shook his head. “For what reason are the candles unlit?” he asked as I rose to my feet. “And for what reason do you choose the carpet over the bed?”

“The candles are unlit,” said I, “for the simple reason that I have no flamemaker. I do not know the meaning of ‘carpet’ nor ‘bed’”

Telion again shook his head. “Ah, Jalav, you are most difficult,” said he. “A carpet is what you stand upon, a bed is what one sleeps upon. Yonder is a bed.” His hand waved toward the large, odd platform, and I frowned. One was to sleep raised up so high above the ground? One might as soon sleep upon the back of gando or kan. “Also,” said Telion, “a flamemaker may have been had from the slaves. You had only to send one for it.”

“I dislike slaves,” said I, walking to where he stood, “and therefore would have as little to do with them as possible. Are we now to feed?”

“Eat,” said he, holding the door wide, “and yes, we are now to eat. Let us fetch Fayan and Larid.”

He then led the way to the area beyond the room, past the slaves who knelt in the candle glow, to the next door from mine. A push upon it took him within, yet did he stop abruptly with a low exclamation. I stepped beside him so that I, too, might see, yet naught was there to so startle him. In the room, like mine save for the colors of yellow, gold and white, stood Fayan and Larid, the candles having here been lit. My warriors had turned at the sound of Telion’s entrance. It was clear, from the dagger in Fayan’s hand, and the position of Larid’s dagger, that they had been casting at the tall, carved post of the odd platform. Larid’s dagger stood straight from the center of the narrow post, and I had not seen how excellent a target it made. Should one wish to strike the post at all, one’s cast must be truly accurate, yet was this of no concern to Telion.

“What do you do here?” he demanded of my warriors, his hand still upon the door. “Do you think yourselves in a tavern or the forest?”

“There was nothing else to do to pass the time.” Larid shrugged, then retrieved her dagger. “A pity,” said she, her back to us, “that all may not cast at so excellent a mark. Perhaps the eye of those of the cities would improve somewhat.”

As her hand raised toward her dagger, another dagger struck the post above hers, quivering in the thick wood. I had seen Telion’s hand move, and with Larid’s laughter did my own amusement grow, for she had sought to lure him to the mark, not having missed the disapproval in his tone. At Larid’s laughter did Telion know himself gulled, and surprisingly, he laughed as well.

“Larid, you are an imp of Sigurr,” said this male who was a warrior. “The mark is indeed worth reaching, but you should not have tempted me so. Such actions are improper within the Palace of the High Seat. Come now, for food awaits us.”

Larid fetched both her dagger and Telion’s, and returned the male’s with a grin. That she now approved of the large, red-gold haired male could easily be seen, and I looked toward Fayan with a smile for the change, yet Fayan wore no similar smile. Her dagger had been returned to its leg bands, and most distant did she seem as she approached us, much like a warrior who bears her wounds in silence. Telion glanced upon her and lost his amusement, then did he silently lead the way from the room. There was little to be said to Fayan the warrior, and that little must come from Mida herself. As I walked beside Fayan, I knew again how small was the worth of a city male.

We descended the steps from the area of our rooms, and then were led again to the left, across the blue cloth—called carpet—toward large doors set side by side. Before these doors stood males in leather and metal, who stood aside with faint grins so that we might pass. Large were these males, and attractive, and Larid looked upon them, then glanced toward me with a grin of her own. Much pleasure would my warriors find after recovery of the Crystals, though none of the males would be taken with us when we departed. City males were best left where found.

The large doors, pushed open by Telion, showed a room fully twice the size of that in which I had waited. Torches along the walls lit the room, and in its center was a large platform, in a square, with many Keeper’s seats placed about. At one side, seeming far too few in number for so large a room, stood three males, tall and well made, all in leather and metal, the leather and cloth of the one in the center turned to the blue of the wall silks and floor coverings. Dark of hair and eye was he of the blue leather, with hair of a length with Telion’s, and a grin showed upon his face as he saw my warriors and myself. The other males, too, seemed pleased, and he of the blue leather nodded and grinned as Telion approached him.

“I must send you forth more often, Telion,” this male said with amusement. “Had I known of your fondness for returning with mementoes, I should have sent you much sooner.”

“The acquisition of mementoes such as these are much easier than their keeping.” Telion laughed, pausing before the blue-clad male to bow somewhat. “There is little that I may report, Galiose, for so long an absence.”

“For now, it is enough that my brother warrior has returned,” said the male Galiose, placing his hand upon Telion’s shoulder. “That you came from Lodistard for the sole purpose of aiding me places me gladly in your debt. I would not have upon my hands the blood of one beside whom I have fought. Though I now be High Seat in Ranistard, I have not forgotten the life of a warrior in Lodistard.”

“It was for a similar reason that I came.” Telion placed his own hand upon the shoulder of Galiose. “As often as my life remained mine through your efforts, how could I do otherwise? As Ranistard is now yours, so is it mine.”

“And ever shall you be welcome,” said Galiose warmly. “Now, brother, you may introduce these toothsome wenches, then we shall all take seat and dine.”

Telion turned to my warriors and myself and gestured toward me. “Galiose,” said he with a grin, “I would have you know Jalav, war leader of the Hosta of the Midanna, and her warriors, Fayan and Larid, three wenches of extraordinary ability.”

“Warriors?” said the male in blue leather, with a smile. “I see they bear arms, yet—warriors?”

“We are not warriors such as males are wont to speak of,” said Larid. “We know the proper method of wielding a sword.”

Galiose threw back his head in laughter, joined by the two males who stood beside him. I, too, laughed, and even Fayan smiled; however Telion found little amusement in the point which he and Larid had contested. He grimaced sourly and Larid laughed.

Galiose of the blue leather continued to chuckle as he motioned toward the large square. “Let us now seat ourselves,” said the male, “for I feel I have been well put in my place. The food has been prepared, and awaits only our convenience.”

Galiose took the seat at the center of the square side, indicating with a small bow that I was to take the seat to his right. I did not care overmuch for its appearance, but such odd seating was clearly custom. As we partook of the provender in the dwelling of Galiose, little was there to be done, so I walked to the seat and lowered myself, finding difficulty in the placement of my sword. Then did a gap in the seat to the left accommodate me. Telion seated himself beside me, Larid to his right, then the first of the other two males, then Fayan, then the last of the males. All sat to the right of Galiose, and this, too, seemed the custom.

Immediately slaves appeared bearing tall, metal pots which were then filled with renth. I welcomed the mild drink, and it easily flowed down my throat. Galiose, who had been studying me most carefully, sipped at his own pot and grinned.

“I am pleased to see the renth has your approval,” said he, motioning to a slave that my pot was to be refilled. “I should, however, caution you that the beverage is somewhat potent. Pleasant though the thought may be, I cannot be silent on the matter.”

His large, dark eyes, amused, looked at me as though I were city slavewoman, therefore I shrugged and broke custom. “Renth,” said I most pointedly, “has less potency even than unbrewed daru, which is fit only for males. You need have no fear.”

Instead of showing anger at the disparagement of his provender, Galiose laughed. “I see you each have tongues as sharp as blades,” he said. “I do not believe I have ever heard speak of daru.”

Telion leaned toward Galiose. “daru is fit for a warrior’s palate,” said he, quite innocently, then added, “Unadded to, that is.”

The dryness in his tone brought forth laughter from Larid and myself, and most quizzically did Galiose look upon Telion, but there was no further opportunity for discussion. Many slaves entered bearing food; one would have thought a clan was to be fed. Meat there was, of four varieties, roots and berries, both swimming in drippings and unadorned, baked wheat both light and dark, fruit from the trees, birds from the skies, fish from the rivers. Confections were there as well, of a sweetness to tempt a child and sicken a warrior grown, and all manner of flat, metal boards, square with edges slightly raised, upon which the provender was to be placed. Much confusion was there with slaves moving about, males helping themselves, and the like, therefore it was a moment before Galiose looked up to see the leather and metal clad male who stood before the far side of the square, one who had earlier stood without the room.

“Yes, Captain,” Galiose said, nodding toward the male.

“Blessed one, there are those without who would speak with the warrior Telion,” said the male stiffly. “They insist that their presence is no intrusion, and refuse to await meal’s end. Shall I see to their arrest?”

Galiose looked toward Telion, who smiled faintly. “Allow them entry,” said Galiose, and the male bowed and returned to the door.

Scarcely had the door been pushed to opening, when Ceralt and Nidisar strode through, angrily. Nidisar’s eyes were drawn to Fayan, while Ceralt, with a strange glance for me, looked directly at Telion.

“I see,” said Ceralt to Telion, “that you do, indeed, have acquaintances in the Palace of the High Seat! I would know what is to be done about my hunters!”

“Little at the moment,” said Telion, choosing a small fruit. “Perhaps the High Seat may be persuaded to extend his hospitality to two impatient visitors from Bellinard.”

“There is sufficient for two others,” agreed Galiose most judiciously, inspecting the hunters coolly. “Seat yourselves there, men, and join our repast.”

Ceralt was truly angered, but appeared unwilling to insult Galiose. “We thank you for your generosity,” he replied in a choked voice, adding a bow, then he angrily sat at the square, directly across from our position. After a brief hesitation, Nidisar, too, sat.

Slowly did the feeding progress, and never did the renth cease to flow. Most amusing was this Galiose of the blue leather, and much was the laughter he caused to be among those to his right. The hunters, though well served, were not looked upon by him, nor by any other. Once, when leaning forward for a fruit, I glimpsed Fayan where she sat. Quite coldly did she swallow renth, caring naught for the gaze of Nidisar, which was still upon her, and pleased was I to see that. Ceralt glowered at me, yet was he to be disappointed in his wishes. Sooner would I fall beneath thirsty blades than again be handed to him as item of trade.

At last came a time of no further serving, the slaves having all departed and not returned. Galiose, asprawl in his seat, waved toward Telion. “Now I would hear of your journey, brother,” said he most comfortably. “A tale is best told upon much food and renth.”

“It is a tale of some fascination and many questions,” said Telion, with a pot of renth in hand. “As you bid me, I traveled in the wake of Vistren’s man Arrelin and his ilk, who were, ostensibly, to ride only to Bellinard to arrange for the dispatch of marriageable females. One of these did indeed halt at Bellinard, yet Arrelin and the others continued on, to what destination, I knew not. Curiously I followed, to the Dennin river and beyond, and there discovered the existence of the Midanna.”

Telion paused to drink of his renth, and Galiose said not a word, yet seemed no longer amused.

“The Midanna, I found,” continued Telion with a smile, “were a sort of wench I had not before encountered. Close upon the trail of Arrelin, soon to know his destination, I was rudely taken captive and—uh—persuaded to entertain their host. When at last released by these females, Arrelin had long since departed the area.”

Telion paused to drink, straightening himself in his seat. “I again rode for Bellinard,” said he, bringing his eyes to me, “for I not only hoped to there find Arrelin; I also hoped to find one Jalav of the Midanna, who had briefly spoken to me of a loss. Certain of her females had been slain, and that which had been in their keeping was taken. Certain was I that Arrelin had done the deed, at the bidding of Vistren. Once in Bellinard, I discovered the whereabouts of this Jalav, and also that of Arrelin, who was soon to take caravan with the brides who had been arranged for, therefore did I, with Jalav and others, also join the caravan and make for Ranistard. As we are now safely in Ranistard, I should like to ask my first question. Jalav: what manner of thing was taken from you?”

Closely did Telion look upon me, nor was he alone in his interest. Galiose, too, stared from beneath lowering brows, and Ceralt and Nidisar as well. Slowly I said, “Where might he called Vistren be found?”

Telion grinned, and Galiose laughed aloud. “Extraordinary wenches indeed!” said Galiose. “I trust, Telion, you did your utmost to—entertain them. Hear my words, lovely Jalav. This Vistren is my enemy, for he would be High Seat in my stead, though he is only cousin to my family. He now prepares some manner of devilment, the knowledge of which I must have to see him undone. I give you my word that your possession shall be returned to you as quickly as I have settled with Vistren.” He then leaned forward placed his arm upon the back of my seat. “Now, wench,” said he. “What manner of thing was taken?”

“The matter is one for none save Hosta,” I informed him most courteously, “and this Vistren, too, is marked as theirs. Best you not attempt to stand between us.”

Galiose frowned mightily at my response. “By the four part tail of Sigurr the dark!” he shouted, striking the platform before him with a fist of outrage. “The wench thinks to warn me off!”

Telion then leaned forward with half-hidden grin. “There is yet another point which should be mentioned, brother,” said he, somewhat apologetically. “The wench had a somewhat larger force to begin with—approximately one hundred fighters on gando-back. They now roam the forests hereabout and seek the location of Ranistard so that they may enter and take the city.”

“Take the city?” roared Galiose, enraged. “What nonsense do you speak, Telion?”

“I merely report their intentions.” Telion shrugged, no whit upset. “They also hold some twenty hunters of Bellinard, the men of Ceralt, there. Ceralt thought to locate the horde before their attack on Ranistard and barter his men’s freedom for Jalav’s.”

“Twenty hunters, eh?” mused Galiose, no longer enraged. He leaned away from me and stroked his chin in thought. “It is a point to bear in mind,” said he. “I ask you again, girl. What is it that Vistren thinks to use against me?”

“It is nothing a male may use,” I said, finishing the last of the renth. “It will be quickly removed from this Vistren, along with his life, though the second not as quickly as the first.”

“Vistren now knows of their presence,” said Telion. “Three of the hirelings of Arrelin, in the guise of caravan guards, attempted to force Jalav to speak of her purpose here. Ceralt and I appeared before too serious harm was done, and thereafter did I keep watch upon her, to see that no others attempted the same. Not again was there such an attempt upon her, for Arrelin dismissed the three, and sent them on ahead of Ranistard. I surmise their destination, yet safely so, for shortly before the last darkness was the caravan attacked by brigands—who seemed most intent upon reaching Jalav and her wenches. Had these selfsame wenches not been most skilled warriors, surely their blood, rather than that of the brigands, would have flowed to the ground.”

Galiose, appearing thoughtful, murmured, “That Vistren wishes their lives may be easily seen. I would know why.”

“Perhaps,” suggested Telion, “Vistren does not wish the nature of what he holds known. Remaining silent under such circumstances merely aids an enemy.”

Again they turned to me. “It may also be,” said I, “that this Vistren knows his fate with my presence. Well might he fear the arrival of Hosta.”

A sound of annoyance came from Galiose. “You are a stubborn one,” said he, “and no mistaking it! Did you not hold the word of my brother, Telion, I should be much tempted to—” His words ceased. “Well, no matter,” said he with a wave of his hand. “As you remain my guest, perhaps I shall be able to convince you to speak through more pleasant means. There shall be amusement in the trying, eh?”

Again he leaned more closely toward me, this large, well made male, and abruptly Ceralt rose from his seat.

“I demand to know,” said Ceralt quite angrily, “what is to be done about my hunters! I must have the wench to trade for their release!”

Galiose looked toward Ceralt in annoyance. “You have not the slightest knowledge as to their whereabouts,” said he to the hunter. “How may one trade with those who are not present?”

“And,” added Telion to Ceralt, “what is there to cause you to believe that your trade will be accepted? Perhaps such is not done among the Hosta.”

Lightly did I laugh then, and surely did Ceralt know the truth of Telion’s words. The hunter looked at me angrily and I laughed the harder.

“The wench is mine!” Ceralt shouted in rage. “As slave did I purchase her, and never have I released her! I demand that my property be returned!”

Galiose considered these words soberly, then turned to me. “What say you on the matter, Jalav?” he asked. “Are you slave to this man?”

“Jalav is slave to no living being,” I said, regarding Ceralt coldly. “Were I not guest within your dwelling, the suggestion of slavery would have been sufficient to cause my blade to drink deep. As captive, there may be need to endure such words, yet I am no longer captive.”

“You hear,” said Galiose to Ceralt. “He or she who would fight for freedom may not be called slave.”

“She is mine,” repeated Ceralt coldly. “A fool was I to see her as aught save a wench with blade, for easily may a blade be kept from her reach. When next I have her in my possession, she shall not escape me.”

He glared at me, then turned and walked from the room, followed by Nidisar, who had not spoken since his arrival.

“Well,” mused Telion, “Ceralt seems most adamant in his stand.”

“Ceralt is a fool in truth,” I said, feeling the closeness of the room because of the renth.

“Many men be fools,” said Galiose, rising from his seat, “yet not all have the wisdom to see it in themselves. Come, pretty Jalav. I would pursue the questioning of you in more comfortable surroundings.”

With a grin he led me from the room, his hand upon my arm. I cared little for what questions he would attempt, for there was a great need within me. Silently, I mounted the steps beside him, his males in leather and metal behind us, and we walked a good distance before arriving at an overlarge door, before which stood more armed males. Those in our wake joined those at the door, all standing aside so that Galiose and I might enter.

Two collared females knelt within the large room, which was of many shades of blue. The females rose quickly at sight of Galiose, and hurried to him to assist in the removal of his blue leather and metal covering. A large fire burned in his fireplace, and I stood before it, pleased that no candles burned as well. Many things was it necessary for me to do, yet my thoughts roamed many places. Foolish, indeed, was Jalav of the Hosta, for drinking so much of the renth.

“Surely you may now remove that blade,” said Galiose from behind me, and I turned to see him with eyes upon me, in his blue cloth covering alone, the collared females having gone. For a moment, I was reluctant to remove my swordbelt, then, almost in anger, I threw it from me. The arms of Galiose circled me then, and his lips were hot and moist upon my body. Great was my need, and great was my desire, yet I found I would have fought his strength, had I been able. He pressed me to the cloth beneath our feet, close before the fire, and there did he use me. Though I struggled against his use, struggled to reach my dagger, yet were the arms of Galiose hard about me, preventing me. Much pleasure did the male take, and some pleasure was I given, although the pleasure touched my body alone. I felt no pleasure in use by a male, no pleasure and much bitterness. Perhaps in such use, with bitterness, was the evil once spoken of to be found.

Long did Galiose spend in his pleasure, before he fell asleep upon the cloth by the fire. For a moment I lay beside him, then I rose and retrieved my sword, carrying it silently out the door. No bar had Galiose placed across the door, for no bar was necessary. Those without had seen that none disturbed us. Wordlessly I passed these males in leather and metal, and wordlessly I searched out the area of the room which had been called mine. The collared females slept upon the cloth about the small platform, and none stirred as I walked to the rooms of my warriors.

The room nearest mine was that of Fayan, and she sat full awake by the fire. She rose quickly to her feet at my beckon, and silently followed to the door of Larid. Larid, too, sat awake by her fire, and the shadow flames leapt on the violet and lilac of her surroundings. Despite the white mixed in, the violet seemed the color of dried blood.

“Telion was not pleased that I chose another of the males this darkness,” said Larid with something of a smile when Fayan and I sat ourselves before her fire. “His actions when angered amuse me, yet was I foolish to release him. The new male was pleasant enough, yet not so superior a sthuvad as Telion. I shall have to reclaim him for our stay here.”

“Our stay here is at an end,” I said, and Larid ceased grinning. “We now know where the Crystals lie, therefore shall we reclaim them.” I rose again and walked to the window, gazing upon the structure to be seen in the near distance. “There is the dwelling of he called Vistren,” said I to my warriors who stood close beside me. “Earlier I saw the way the males gazed upon it, as if it were the dwelling of an enemy. You are both to seek the warriors whom Gimin has sent within these walls, and together shall you all see to the opening of the gates for our host. I have little doubt that Gimin observed our arrival this fey, and waits even now for the opening of the gates.”

“Larid may easily see to such a thing, Jalav,” said Fayan from beside me. “My place is beside the war leader,” said she, “and there I shall stay.”

“No, Fayan,” I denied, gently yet firmly, my hand upon her shoulder. “I shall see what may be seen of yon dwelling alone, for should Larid be unable to locate the others, your blade shall be needed by her at the gate. First, before all else, must the Crystals be considered.”

She seemed pained at my words, yet she knew she must heed them. Fayan nodded silently, and therefore did I leave the window. The cloth beneath our feet was soft to step upon, and more silent still did it cause the tread of a Hosta to be. Like the zaran in the darkness did we move, silent and swift, although there was no need for deadliness. Before the entrance to the dwelling of Galiose stood many armed males, yet did the lower area contain a window which stood slightly ajar. Through this window my warriors and I went, into the bushes before it, and the darkness about it. Many had seen the arrival of three Hosta, but none noted their departure. Through the cloaking darkness we moved from the dwelling of Galiose, and in the darkness my warriors and I parted, they to see to the admittance of their sisters, I to see to the male who had caused shame and pain and loss of glory to the one who had borne me.