The Crystals of Mida

14 The dwelling of Vistren—and a meeting with darkness

Quite chill was the darkness, and damp was the grass I lay upon. The Entry to Mida’s Realm had not yet appeared in the skies, therefore I was unseen by those who stood before the dwelling of Vistren. Never before had I felt such icy sharpness to the air, never had the grass held so penetrating a dampness. I wished to refuse contact with it all, but that was impossible. Carefully I moved through the grass and darkness, showing no trace of my presence, for though the dwelling itself lay bathed in torchlight, and no bushes or trees surrounded the area, still did I have the darkness and the grass through which to move.

Slowly, silently, I made my way about the dwelling, seeing the positions of all armed males. Not as large was this dwelling as that of Galiose, yet was it of sufficient size to require a good number of armed males, some of whom stood within the torchlight, and some of whom walked about, attempting to search the darkness. Without hearing and sight both are those of the cities, therefore was there little difficulty in approaching a darkened corner of the dwelling. This corner lay to the left of the well lighted entrance, and turning the corner showed one a distance of perhaps thirteen paces, all in darkness, before a small doorway might be reached. This doorway was lit by a torch, and was guarded by a single male. Closely did I regard this male from little more than two paces from him, yet he knew not of my presence. I waited patiently for the moment when those about us had attention elsewhere, then I stole up behind this male, with dagger in hand, thrust up his covered head by the chin, and plunged my point down into his unprotected throat. No sound was made as he died, and no sound was made as I pulled his body to the shadows and there left it, to guard as well as it had before the door.

The door was unbolted, and I was quickly within the dwelling. Darkness filled the area I had entered, for torches hung unlit upon the walls, therefore I paused to allow the dark to lighten somewhat before moving softly from the door. Far to my right, somewhere beyond walls, was the large entrance to the dwelling, and little interest did this entrance hold. That which I sought would not be found by the entrance. To the left I moved, through an archway, to a wider, unlit area. Farther to the left was a slash of light, from which came a murmur of voices, and to this I went.

I eased the door open slightly to see the presence of a hand of males. To the left of the door were they grouped, before a wall draped all in blue silk, before which stood a large seat also of blue silk. In the seat sat a male, sword and dagger about his waist; thin and long of leg, sharp-faced and narrow-eyed, his dark hair mottled with gray. About his neck, hanging at his chest upon his light blue covering was a silver chain, from which depended a silver square, the representation of an opened eye upon it. To the right of this male stood one I knew, he of the traveling set, he who had visited the Tower. Arrelin, had Telion called him, he who had not drawn during the attack. The two males looked at three who stood before them, on a lower step. To right and left were the males in leather and metal, yet he in the center was held in chain, his wrists tight behind him. Familiar seemed the male in chain, though my attention was taken by the voice of the one in the seat.

“It was foolish of you to attempt resistance,” said the male to the chained one. “I required your presence, and what I require is always brought me.”

The captive stood straight in his bonds and said nothing.

“There is a matter of business I would discuss with you,” continued the thin male. “There is that in the Palace of the High Seat which I would have, in return for which, I am prepared to pay a price of your own setting. You have proven access to the Palace, therefore the task should be a simple one for you. What say you?”

Again the male in chains spoke not.

“Come, come!” snapped the thin male. “You may be a man of great wealth before the new light, should you see reason! You owe no allegiance to the High Seat! Riches are yours, should you bring me the black-haired savage slut! It is....”

A snarl came from the throat of the captive, and he attempted to throw himself upon the thin male, but he was held in place by those males beside him. As he continued to struggle, Arrelin laughed harshly.

“The fool is heated by the thought of the bitch, lord Vistren,” sneered this Arrelin, “though the why of it is beyond me. His oiling of her during the journey from Bellinard seemed sufficient to bore any man with the thought of further use.”

Arrelin laughed once more and looked down upon the captive with contempt, and the captive, who, with his struggles, had revealed himself to be Ceralt, quieted himself once more and returned the gaze.

“Do not be within reach when I am released, Arrelin,” said Ceralt coldly. “It would give me great pleasure to see to you with my hands alone.”

Arrelin snorted, still with contempt, and Vistren waved a hand in annoyance. “Enough of this foolishness.” snapped Vistren. “I shall have the she-savage, hunter, make no mistake in that! Five hundred silver pieces may be yours for the deed, and pleased you should be to see the matter done so! Arrelin tells me she has spurned you, refusing, even, to notice your presence. Would vengeance not be sweet? If you wish, you may even have full use of her the while I hold her here.”

“Neither five hundred nor five thousand would tempt me to bring Jalav to you,” said Ceralt, his head high. “She is worth ten of any of you, even with all of your silver!”

Arrelin stiffened in anger, yet Vistren merely pursed his lips thoughtfully, his hand reaching up to stroke the small square of silver. “I shall have to investigate the lure of this savage,” said Vistren. “Her power to bewitch men seems great, and I would learn from where it springs.” He then regarded Ceralt quite coldly. “I shall have you placed in a cell,” said he to Ceralt, “and see if close confinement, no food, and beatings do aught to bring you to reason. I care not how I have your word upon the matter, so long as I have it.

“Do what you will,” said Ceralt, almost in a growl. “I shall not bring you Jalav.”

“We shall see,” said Vistren, and then he motioned with his hand. Those beside Ceralt roughly took his arms to force him from the room, and I moved quickly back in the darkness, to the archway, and through. Barely had I placed myself so, than they with Ceralt appeared, he attempting to struggle. Roughly was he thrust through the archway, and as roughly taken to the left, away from me. Again I moved toward the slash of light, where again the murmur of voices was to be heard. Behind the door were Arrelin and Vistren, they whom I had come to find and slay. Most easily could I have entered then, yet no hesitation did I feel. Silently, I moved past the slash of light, in the wake of those who held Ceralt.

Perhaps twenty paces directly ahead was Ceralt taken, then all three males turned a corner to the right. I, too, reached the corner rapidly, in time to see the males enter a doorway, three paces farther along. Torchlight spilled out from this doorway as the door swung, and as I reached it and eased it open a bit, I heard coarse laughter.

“The torches are bright, are they not?” asked one of the males of Ceralt. Indeed, the glare from the many torches of the otherwise bare room stabbed at my eyes, causing them to tear. In pain, I averted my gaze, and heard, to the accompaniment of chain sound, the further laughter of the male. “The torches are never extinguished,” continued the male, “and indeed are replaced as often as required. One quickly comes to beg for the soothing of darkness.”

Ceralt did not reply to the male, and softly did I move again from the door. Within the room would I quickly be blinded, prey for those who chained the hunter. When the two emerged, they would be blinded, and then they would be mine. I moved from the door, not quite to the corner, and there waited, dagger in hand, for the appearance of the males. Shortly they emerged, and turned at the door to grope for a bar which was slid across the door. Silently, I approached from behind them, and he who stood closest was first to die, as had the guard without the dwelling, my dagger deep in his throat. The second turned at the sound of the body’s fall, and him I greeted with my point in his eye, for he it was who had laughed at the brightness of the torches. A scream this one began, yet was it a scream which was never completed, and he, too, slid to the floor in death. A moment I stood, listening to the darkness, and then I cleaned my blade upon the second one’s covering, replaced it in the leg bands, and moved to the door.

The bar slid aside quite easily, and I partially opened the door, so that my sight might accustom itself to the blaze of the torches. As the pain eased a bit, I entered, looking about. To the right of the door, chained fast by ankles, wrists, and throat to the wall, stood Ceralt, his eyes upon the door, struggling uselessly against his capture. At sight of me, he gasped in surprise, and wide indeed were his eyes.

“Jalav, what do you do here?” he demanded in a hiss, outraged. “Do you not know this Vistren seeks your capture?”

“I know,” said I, approaching him more closely.

“Then why do you merely stand there?” he demanded again, moving his wrists in the cuffs of metal. Tight to the stone of the wall were his wrists held, to either side of his head, and close, too, was his throat grasped by a collar of some width, the chain of which fell briefly to the torn front of his covering before rising to pass his shoulder. His ankles were enclosed in cuffs which also led to the wall, their chains short, yet thick. “Look you there,” said Ceralt with an upward movement of his head, “to the wall beside the door. There hangs the key to these misbegotten gifts of Sigurr. Bring it here and release me, and we may both depart with haste. Vistren thought himself clever, hanging the key to my freedom within sight, yet out of reach. We shall see how clever he feels himself upon discovery of my escape.”

“I shall gladly release you,” said I, a strange, quiet feeling within me, “yet I may not depart with you. I have matters to settle with those males called Arrelin and Vistren.”

“All may be seen to in company with the High Seat’s Guard!” said Ceralt angrily. “I shall take you to the Palace, and return with the Guard, a thing which the High Seat shall be pleased to order upon learning of Vistren’s intentions to invade the Palace! Such a thing in itself is sufficient for Vistren’s exile. Now, fetch the key!”

I turned and saw the bit of metal he spoke of, thin and of the length of my finger. I went to remove it from its place upon the wall, then did I return to stand before Ceralt. So tall and broad was the hunter, so very much male, yet when I looked upon him, feelings other than of desire touched me. I knew not what these feelings might be, and in truth, I feared them somewhat. Slowly, I approached and circled his chest with my arms, pressing myself to his flesh through the torn covering, raising my lips toward his. Startled did his eyes appear as they looked down upon me, then did he lower his head so that our lips might meet. Sweet was the touch of him, and deep did my lips drink, and then there was no longer time. With great reluctance I released him from my arms, and stepped back so that I might place the bit of metal within the inside pocket of my covering, where once I had held bright stones for the soothing of males.

“Jalav, what do you do?” whispered Ceralt, his voice husky and low. “You must release me!”

I did not reply to him, for surely I knew I must not release him. He would have demanded that I depart with him, and no weapon could I have used to dispute him. His male strength would have carried me off, my obligations unseen to, the Crystals unrecovered. The cell would see him kept from harm, for Vistren would find no opportunity to plague him, and later, with all seen to, might he be released. I quickly turned to the walls, and one by one, removed most of the torches, plunging them briefly in a large wooden pot of water. With this done, I turned to see the shock upon his face, for surely he knew he would be left.

“Jalav, do not go alone!” said he, a tightness in his tone. “Seek out the others of your Hosta, and return when you have found them! You cannot face these men with no one beside you!”

“Mida stands always beside me,” said I, then I departed, a final glance at Ceralt a thing I could not deny myself. I paused beside the dead to slide the bar upon the door, then sought the room of Arrelin and Vistren.

Almost did I reach the door before the thing occurred. Other dark doorways did I pass on my return, and all seemed as silent as they had earlier been, yet from one, standing fully ajar, came a very faint rustle. Instantly did my sword whisper from its scabbard, its blade eager to meet the softness of flesh, yet was there none to be met. From behind and above me did the net fall, like that of the males who fished in the Dennin, yet heavier was this net, and more thickly made. My blade fouled as I struggled and attempted to cut myself free, and the weight of the net held it firmly about me. Then did the males in leather and metal appear, their swords drawn, points pressing in toward me. One of these males reached and knocked my sword from my grip, bending then, to lift the bottom of the net to hastily take it. Also was my dagger taken, then was the net removed, yet not so the sword points. Close did they circle me, no whit uncertain, and then was I ordered, by gesture, to continue as I had been going. Little choice had I in the matter, therefore did I continue on, ringed by the males and their metal.

The doorway which I had been seeking was passed, as were others, till we reached a large room, hung with yellow silk. Wide platforms and small were there, upon a yellow floor cloth, and several wood and yellow-silk seats, yet none of this drew my eyes as did those who stood within. Arrelin and Vistren were there, and another younger male as well, yet beside the younger male stood Zolin, she who was war leader of the Silla. Large was Zolin, of a size with me, possessed of brown hair and malicious brown eyes, eyes which ever sought the harm of others. The red of her clan colors was the red of blood, and she laughed most heartily at the sight of Fayan and Larid, who stood bound before her. Armed was Zolin with sword and dagger, for easily might it be seen that she stood among friends, yet at my appearance her laughter ceased, and rapidly did her hand move toward sword hilt.

“Excellent!” exclaimed Vistren, his thin face seeming most pleased at sight of me. “Where was she found?”

“Within this very corridor,” replied the male who had taken my sword. “Had we not found the body of the guard, lord, much mischief would she have been able to see to.”

“Kill her!” hissed Zolin, her eyes bright with hatred upon me. “Heed me, Vistren, and have her slain this moment! Where Jalav is, the Hosta are not far to be found!”

“The Hosta shall not trouble us,” said Vistren, his narrow eyes regarding me closely, a thin smile upon his lips. “I venture to say those two were to fetch them, yet my men apprehended them before any such action was possible. No, we have little to fear from the Hosta.”

Fayan and Larid stood silent in their leather bonds, bloodied here and there from their capture, their heads bowed only a little. Failure had they found in the task I had set them, yet would I wager that they had given good account of themselves before being taken.

“There is ever that about the Hosta which an enemy might fear,” said I to Vistren, folding my arms beneath my life sign. “Your life shall yet be of a sufficient length so that you may learn this.”

“Insolent bitch!” snarled Arrelin, his face twisted with rage—and a good deal of fear. Though the armed males surrounded me with drawn blades, still he hesitated to approach me. Perhaps, in his mind, was a memory of the manner in which Hosta do battle.

“Insolent indeed,” nodded Vistren, a coldness in his tone and look. “Yet even insolence such as hers may be overcome with the proper handling.” Then he turned to the male beside Zolin to say, “Filinar, go to your brother and bring him here.”

The male Filinar seemed puzzled, yet he replied, “As you wish, father,” then turned to a door within the room, and disappeared through it. Zolin stood and regarded me as Silla and Hosta are wont to regard one another, and I rested my eyes upon her.

“I would know, Zolin,” said I, “why your life sign is still upon your breast.”

The males about us knew not the meaning of my words, yet Zolin knew. Pale did her face grow, and tightly did she grip the hilt of her sword where it rested within its leather scabbard. Fayan and Larid raised their heads and looked seriously upon her, and their solemn regard deepened Zolin’s upset.

“It is not true!” Zolin whispered harshly. “Clearly did Filinar point out that Mida intended her Crystals to be used to the benefit of her Midanna! Many male slaves are the Silla to receive for their Crystal, males for use and service! The Silla shall be greater than the Hosta, greater than any clan of the Midanna! We are to be blessed by Mida!”

Her eyes demanded agreement from me, but I slowly shook my head. “The city males have spoken lies which the Silla wished to believe,” said I, with no trace of feeling or warmth. “Had Mida wished her Crystals to be given to males, she would not have sent her Hosta to recover them. Remove your life sign, you who were once of the Midanna. No entry shall Zolin’s soul find to Mida’s Realm.”

The males about us laughed as males are wont to do over things of which they have no understanding, yet did Zolin stand as though struck in stone, for greatly did she fear I spoke the truth. Her hand crept slowly toward her life sign, and then she turned from me, knowing she dared not believe my words. Had I spoken the truth, her soul was forever lost.

The male Vistren had seated himself not far from where he had stood, yet his eyes had not moved from me. Closely was I regarded, and thoughtfully, though no words were spoken. Arrelin stood behind the seat of Vistren, his hard face set with lines of anger. Many reckid was it left thus, and then the door within the room opened, revealing three males. One was he called Filinar, returned from his errand, the second was he of the traveling set, he with the features of a girl and a fondness for daggers. The hand of this second was upon a third who was—

“Jalav!” the third cried, and ran forward to throw himself to my feet. Openly did he weep, seemingly with joy, and well did I know this male I had called Fideran. His arms circled my legs, thrusting his body against me, and wildly enraged was the male called Vistren.

“Fideran, for shame!” shouted Vistren, jerking himself from the seat to stand erect. “She is a savage, a barbarian slut! She is fit only to be your slave, not you hers!”

“I am forever enslaved to her!” cried Fideran, his back bent, his head low. “I love her, father, and naught may change that!”

“I wished her brought here for but one purpose!” snarled Vistren, and then did he stride to me in fury. “I shall soon show you the object of your love!” Wildly did he thrust Fideran aside, and then did he strike me, full force, harshly across the face. Again and again he struck, throwing me from him only to pursue and strike again, and easily did the blood flow from the corner of my mouth. To a wall was I struck and thrown, and then did Vistren whirl from me toward a weeping Fideran. “There!” shouted Vistren, pointing back toward me, his eyes upon Fideran. “There cowers the object of your love!”

Fideran raised his eyes to me, and then did he laugh shrilly, insanely, and point also toward me, for Jalav did not cower away from the blows, nor bow her head in shame. Mida had taught her warrior that no shame was there to be had in being bested by the strength of a male, that no victory was demanded of a warrior then. Only with blade in hand was victory demanded of Jalav, and no blade was there in her hand. As yet.

Again Vistren turned to me, his eyes disbelieving that I stood as I had stood, straight and proud, yet filled with a fury that would soon reach out to him. His eyes met mine, and flinched from what he saw there, that which had sought him for so long. His narrow face grew further pinched, and harshly did he turn to address Fideran.

“My own blood!” said he bitterly to a now standing Fideran. “He who once called himself my son! Two sons did I send to win over the savages, yet did one only prove himself true! The other was himself won over, and made slave to a female! For the sake of a glance from that female, he found himself willing to leave a priceless device of the Early Times to molder on its savage altar! I say now that you are no son to me, Fideran! To worship at the feet of a lustful, savage, pavilion-she, one who has been had by warrior and hunter alike, would turn the stomach of any true man!”

“That is not true!” cried Fideran, angry now. Vistren no longer looked upon him, yet did he speak to the stiffened back of Vistren. “She has not been had by others, father!” cried Fideran, his hands clenched into fists. “Only I have had her! Only I!”

Vistren turned his head to glance at Fideran in disgust. “I see you are a fool, as well!” said Vistren snappishly. “Think you the hunter and warrior she traveled with sought naught save a smile from her through their many feyd of companionship? They passed the darkness within a single pavilion, Fideran, and you may be sure they each oiled her properly!”

“No!” screamed Fideran, wild in his denial. “It is a lie, a vicious lie! She is mine alone, I tell you!”

“Arrelin!” snapped Vistren, all patience gone away. “Tell this craven what was observed by you in the caravan! How that hunter carried her over his shoulder to see what all men knew she craved! Speak of your own knowledge!”

“I shall not listen to lies!” screamed Fideran even as Arrelin sneeringly prepared to speak. He who had been my male seemed to have lost himself completely. He stood upon the cloth of yellow, his shoulders bent, his fists clenched before him, his chin to his chest, his eyes shut tight. Strange was his behavior, for surely he knew he had not been the first male I had taken, nor would he reasonably be the last. Was a war leader to deny herself to suit a male’s fancy? “She is mine alone,” said Fideran, his voice now a mutter, and his head raised so that he might regard me with unusual eyes. “She is mine alone,” he repeated, “and I shall see that she remains mine alone.”

He began to walk to me, this male who had served so long in my tent, very slowly did he begin to approach me. I knew the male, knew his weaknesses well, knew that he was wont to obey me. Still unshorn was his hair, as he had worn it in the Hosta home tents, and surely was he a familiar sight.

Then from without, and all about the dwelling, came the sound of sudden shouts and screams, and above all could be heard the Hosta battle cry. Somehow had my warriors arrived, and surely now would the blood flow in vengeance for those lives taken in the Tower of the Crystal! A male burst through the door from the darkened area, a male in leather and metal, who marked his passage with his own blood. His hand held a naked sword, and his eyes sought out Vistren.

“Lord, we are under attack!” gasped the male, pale and trembling. “Females all about, ones who fight like Sigurr’s legions! I must have every man here to defend the House!”

“Take them!” ordered Vistren, in anger and dismay. “Do not allow those savages entrance!”

“They shall not pass!” vowed the bloody male, and with a gesture he swept from the room those males who had netted me. Little good would his vow do; he would follow the others to a certain fate. Fayan and Larid stood showing pleasure, Vistren stared in the wake of his armed males, and Fideran, who had paused, now resumed walking toward me, his hands beginning to lift from his sides, as though to grasp something tightly.

I looked again upon Fideran, this male who had ever obeyed my word, and then did I whirl quickly, step two paces to Vistren, and take possession of his blade before he knew what was about. A wordless shout did Vistren utter, and jump away from the point that had been his, yet this Vistren was not my immediate concern. First had I Fideran to consider, a Fideran no longer as I had known him. Beware the strength of a male, had Mida taught me, do not face him with bare hand and expect victory. Fideran had roasted meat for me, had brewed daru for me, had been used many times by me, however, he was male, and to be considered as such. With deep regret did I move to him and slide my point through his unprotected middle, seeing the pain in his eyes, his hands attempting to grasp my throat. Although I understood little of males, I was able to see that Fideran was no longer as he had been, and that his life must be forfeit if Mida’s Crystals were to be recovered. My point withdrawn, Fideran collapsed to the yellow cloth, his face twisted with greater pain than that caused by a sword. His hand raised to me, reaching for a gentle touch, his voice whispered, “Jalav!” and then did the final darkness claim him, taking him and his pain beyond the reach of the living. I looked upon his body with sadness, and did not dedicate his blood to Mida, for there had been no glory in the deed, merely necessity. In his memory I whispered, “Mida’s blessings, Fideran. Perhaps we shall some fey meet again,” and then I raised my eyes to seek those for whom I had come.

The room stood empty save for Fayan and Larid, still in their bonds, and Zolin, who stood before the room’s inner door, her arms folded beneath her life sign. Gently did the door yet swing, showing that the males had passed that way, and so, too, must Zolin be passed if one were to follow. Hard and cold was the face of Zolin, hatred in her eyes.

“I am pleased, Jalav,” said she, “that the attack of males upon your traveling set, which I recommended, did not take your life. I have now the pleasure of facing you personally, and of sending you on by the effort of my own blade.”

“Face me, then,” I said, stepping forward, “for I have things which must be seen to. Mida’s work has yet to be done.”

With a snarl, she drew her blade and moved toward me, her eyes insisting that she did Mida’s work. As our blades rang in meeting, each warrior attempting to reach the other, well did I know that truth would be proven at the close of battle. She who stood in victory stood also in Mida’s cause. Zolin swung lightning quick toward my head, and not for naught was she war leader of the Silla, but I moved with the speed of the hadat in challenge, and bent beneath the blow, sending my edge toward her thigh. My enemy jumped backward from my swing, but the point of my sword just caught her, opening a line through which her blood might flow. Although the wound was slight, Zolin’s eyes grew wide, for surely had the hand of Mida not been before her as shield. Onward I pressed, urged further by the sight of Silla blood, and backward did Zolin stumble, her blade nimble through habit rather than by volition. Harder and harder I moved against her, swinging mightily in hopes of cleaving her, and more and more difficulty did she find in parrying my thrusts, till at last she was a shade too slow in moving, and straight through her heart did my blade plunge, to make one less of the damned Silla. Fayan and Larid raised their voices in salute, and I raised my sword and arms to Mida, and she who once was war leader of the Silla fell dead to the yellow cloth, her life and soul gone away together. Forever lost is she who turns her back on Mida’s will.

“Jalav, release us!” called Larid, in exultation. “The males took to their heels through yonder door; and surely the Crystals lie somewhere within this dwelling!”

“We shall follow the males,” said I, striding to my warriors and cutting the leather which bound them. “The males will lead us to the Crystals, else shall we have the pleasure of questioning them upon the point. Arm yourselves, and come along.”

Fayan hurriedly took Zolin’s sword, Larid her dagger, and we three walked in search of our enemies. Beyond the door lay a narrow area, dimly lit by large candles. No other doors broke the evenness of the pink stone; and little dust lay upon the gray stone of the floor. Farther on we walked, till a corner was turned and high steps were revealed. No other direction might the males have taken, therefore did we, too, mount the steps, in pursuit. Up and up we went, and then came an end to the steps with the appearance of a small space, which lay between the pink stone walls. A large wooden door barred further movement, and a touch upon the door showed it to be held firmly in place.

“They seek to escape their fate,” said Fayan, examining the door. “Shall we search out another method of entry?”

Before I might even consider the matter, there came sounds from behind us, as of many feet mounting the steps. Quickly did we turn from the door, and Larid made a sound of disgust.

“Do they think us penned here?” said she, taking a tighter grip of the dagger. “Should they have gone round in some manner, they shall not be pleased with the results of their efforts!”

“They are merely males, and know no better,” said I, pleased at the thought of further battle. I had not cleaned the blood from my sword, for I was not yet done with the spilling of it. Zolin would mingle with Arrelin and Vistren and the others in the most fitting manner for one’s enemies to mingle—and when all was done, then might they all be cleaned from sight and memory at once. Fayan and I stood forward, for we two held swords, and Larid waited impatiently behind us till the moment she, too, might take sword from one who had no further use for it.

In little more than a moment did a male’s face appear, and Fayan, Larid and I laughed. Only one male’s face was there, the others in company with him being Gimin, Binat, Comir, and others of my Hosta warriors. The swords of all ran red with blood, as did the body of the male. Bound was he, and stumbling to the urgings of my warriors, and most amusing was the realization that it had been he who had vowed to Vistren that no entry would be gained by the dwelling’s attackers.

“Mida’s blessings, Jalav,” called Gimin, with a wide grin. “I feel our goal has nearly been reached.”

“Indeed, Gimin,” said I, laughing lightly as I resheathed my blade, “and now may a question be more easily answered.” Then I turned to the male and said, “There are other means of entry to this level, are there not?”

“No,” denied the male, wearied and hurt. “There is but one entrance to the private area of Lord Vistren, and that before you is the one.” His eyes met mine as he spoke these words, and no challenge appeared in them, merely defeat. It was possible that he lied, yet was I impatient to be on about my business.

“Send warriors to fetch something we can use to break the door,” said I to Gimin. The warriors were dispatched, and Gimin came up to stand beside me.

“The dwelling is ours, war leader,” Gimin said in satisfaction. “Our losses were small, yet few of the males who attempted battle still live. This one did we spare so that he might lead us to you, but the room was empty of all save the remains of the Silla trash. Again was the male persuaded to guide us, and happily did we find you here.”

“And a pleasant sight indeed did we find you,” said I, turning to look upon her. She had addressed me as war leader, therefore had she not as yet decided to give challenge for the position. That pleased me just then, for Hosta should not battle among themselves when an enemy is at hand. “I would know, Gimin,” said I, “how you arrived at this place. We found ourselves unable to send word to you.”

“That is both simple and complex,” said Gimin, with a look of uncertainty. “We observed your entrance through the gates of the city, and observed, too, that you once more rode free, therefore did we gather by the walls at darkness, feeling you were sure to effect our entry. A number of hind did we wait with no sign, then one of the gates began to open slowly and silently. Thinking it the work of one of you, we moved forward and aided in its opening, only to find the presence of a strange appearing city slavewoman. Black was her hair, much like yours, Jalav, yet did she seem taken with insanity at sight of us. She screamed and threw herself about so, we found we must bind and gag her to silence her. All about on the ground, and in small dwellings to either side of the gate, were there males to be found, each one taken with such deep sleep that we were unable to waken any. The rantings of the slavewoman indicated that it had been she who had done a mischief to the males’ drink to make them so, for some reason believing that the action would be taken as yours, and her disappearance, as well. She spoke of a thing called ‘writing,’ screaming that this writing would accuse the savage, Jalav, and the slavewoman’s lack of presence would confirm it. We understood nothing of what she said, and put gag to her with great relief.”

“Mida uses many tools,” I observed, and laughed a bit at the thought of it. Halia would not escape the males who sought her, nor would Jalav be accused as she had hoped. Jalav stood behind the shield of Mida, a place entirely unknown to Halia.

“Then were we faced with indecision,” Gimin continued. “We knew not where in the city our war leader might be, and did not wish to jeopardize her efforts by our untimely arrival. Nearly did we withdraw from the gates again, yet were we halted by the arrival of those warriors I had earlier sent over the wall and into the city. The hand of them had also observed your arrival, and had followed to your destination with little difficulty. At darkness they were able to approach closer, and easily did they see you three emerge from the enormous dwelling. They watched as war leader and warriors parted, and were about to approach Fayan and Larid, when armed males fell upon their sister warriors. Too brief was the battle to allow them to join, and though two males were left behind in the dirt, Fayan and Larid were quickly taken to the dwelling where Jalav had gone. In haste did the warriors decide to fetch the rest of the Hosta, and most surprised were they to find that there was no need to do battle with the males of the gate. We stood already within, and rapidly, then, did we make our way here. Upon arrival we attacked, taking the males by surprise, and making the dwelling ours. The rest you know.”

“Indeed,” said I, nodding in pleasure at the doings of Mida. Her aid was ever there when her Hosta truly needed it, and now was I sure that victory would be ours. Three warriors mounted the steps bearing a small but sturdy metal platform, and we by the door withdrew so that they might swing the platform at the door. Again and again did they swing, and the door, though well made, began to crack beneath the determined assault. Quite a dent had been made in the door, when a Hosta warrior hurried up the steps to Gimin and me.

“Your pardon, Jalav,” she said with a nod for Gimin. “There are males without the dwelling who approached openly, saying they had no wish to do battle with us. They ask to be brought before Jalav, saying they are friends to Hosta. One of the males is he who was last taken to our home tents, that bright-haired sthuvad.”

For a moment I considered these tidings, then I made my decision. “Have them brought here,” I ordered my warrior, “and then see that those on guard are fully alert against surprise attack. They may think to distract us with their presence, while their host moves secretly against us.”

“I hear, Jalav,” acknowledged my warrior, and then she retraced her steps. Gimin and I glanced at one another, wondering at the ends the males hoped to achieve, yet neither of us spoke. In a silence broken only by the thud of the platform against the door did we wait, and shortly were the males brought before us. Telion and Galiose appeared first, a hand of Galiose’s males behind them, and somewhat annoyed did Telion and Galiose seem. Not so the hand of males, though, for they examined my warriors who surrounded them with large grins of appreciation, much like the approval that my warriors showed. Briskly did they mount the steps to our level, a knowing glance for the efforts at the door.

Galiose shook his head at all about him, and then he looked upon Telion. “So they roam the forests hereabout seeking us, do they?” he asked of the warrior beside him. “It appears that their roaming has been quite successful, and the difficulty in locating us small.”

“It is beyond my understanding,” said Telion, upset. “We were definitely informed that the Hosta knew naught of the location of Ranistard, and that they must search for it! How their search was so easily culminated, I have no—”

Abruptly he ceased his speech, for Gimin and I wore broad grins. Telion frowned, and his gaze darted to Larid where she stood above us. Lightly laughing was Larid, and she closed one eye to Telion before turning again to watch the progress upon the door. Telion was then filled with rage, yet little was there for him to do. He had been gulled by Larid, and Hosta warriors now stood within the gates of his city.

“Were I you,” said Galiose dryly to Telion, “I would make haste in repairing my sources of information. They leave quite a lot to be desired.” Then he turned to me. “That you and your wenches stand armed within my city, lovely Jalav, I am prepared to forgive,” said he with a bit of a grin. “I shall not, however, as easily forgive your continuing with that which my Guardsmen should see to. Withdraw your forces and allow my men entry, and the object you seek shall be returned to you when Vistren lies chained in my dungeons.”

“Vistren is destined for Mida’s chains,” said I, looking down upon him, “and the Hosta themselves shall recover what is theirs.”

“You damned, stubborn female!” Galiose growled angrily. “I attempted reason, now I shall achieve with force! Prepare your wenches for further battle, woman, for I shall return to give it them!”

Stiffly did he turn and prepare to descend; then, a gesture from me caused my warriors to draw their blades, preventing this. The grins they showed left no doubt as to their eagerness, and Galiose whirled angrily to me again.

“What means this!” he demanded in fury. “We were granted safe conduct!”

“And such have you had,” I informed him. “Should you wish to continue in safety, you shall stand quietly where you are, and offer no difficulty. My warriors care not which males fall before them.”

Truly great was the anger of Galiose, yet there was little that he, too, might do. He and Telion stood surlily beside one another, and their hand of males also appeared to have lost their amusement. I turned from them to see the progress upon the door, and discovered that it would soon be opened. Gimin, too, turned with me, and I was minded to ask her a thing.

“I take it,” said I, “that the two captives of the forest were properly sent to Mida? Their journey, I hope, was not too swiftly over?”

“Their journey was long and filled with endless pain,” replied Gimin, with grim satisfaction. “I regret you chose not to accompany Binat, Jalav, for much pleasure would the sight have given you. Too late did we discover the sign of a third who had been with them, yet somewhat behind because of difficulty with his kan. The third escaped us then, yet he shall not escape again, should he be found here.”

“He is here,” said I, recalling his presence in the lower room. “He is one with the look of a girl, and none shall touch him save I. It is he, I believe, who carries the life sign of she who bore me, and it shall be I who sends him to Mida’s chains.”

“One may safely assume that they have been in constant communication,” said Galiose to Telion. “Secure as a slave was she brought here, alone and helpless, a wench to be pitied and aided! Poor, helpless female, forced to the bidding of two strong men, at their mercy in all things! Telion, should we both live through their presence and departure, I shall immediately seek a healer for you, for surely have your long travels upon kanback addled your wits!”

I glanced at the males, and Galiose gazed with withering look upon Telion, who stood slumped against the pink stone of the wall, his hand to his head as though he were in pain. I turned away again, with a smile, and patiently awaited the opening of the door.

Now much longer could the wood withstand the assault, and with a final, loud crack, it gave way. My warriors with the metal platform moved aside to allow others, with drawn sword, to precede them, then they carried the platform through and set it down. Gimin and I quickly ascended, the males behind us, to emerge within an area of blue silks and floor cloth. Exactly the blue of Galiose’s dwelling was this blue, and the male looked about himself in anger.

“The check of the spawn of Sigurr!” Galiose muttered darkly. “To assume the royal color as though it were already his!”

Galiose was much disturbed; the thing had no interest for me. Swiftly I sent my warriors to left and right, searching for a barred door within the area, and as swiftly was the doorway found. Far to the right it lay, the farthest from the entrance doorway, and there did we proceed to move when all other rooms proved empty. This doorway was but a pale shadow of the first, and a mere half dozen blows of the platform sent it crashing open, therefore did we enter with speed to find Vistren, Arrelin, he called Filinar, and the male with girl’s appearance, all save Vistren with blade in hand. The male Vistren stood above a platform upon which was a device beyond description, a device of metal thick and thin, of small things round and square, and of an area above all such which seemed formed of golden air. Three distinct parts was the golden air divided into, and the parts to left and right held Mida’s Crystals suspended, seemingly of themselves, with naught to support them. All halted to stare at this device, and Vistren raised to us eyes of triumph.

“Behold!” said Vistren, his visage full of gleeful satisfaction. “A device of the Early Times, one that shall call the legions of the gods to my bidding! A ‘comm’ was it called, and held much in awe by the Ancients, till the Crystals of power were stolen away from it. For many kalod I searched the writings of the Ancients, seeking a clue to the location of the crystals, and the locations of two did I find! The third remains lost, yet shall the two be sufficient to bring me aid against the puny swords of Guardsmen! The place of High Seat shall be mine, High Seat of the entire world!” A maniacal laugh came from Vistren, and his hand grasped a thing of rounded metal. Before any could halt him, he twisted the thing of rounded metal, and my warriors and I gasped as we were thrust at by swords unseen, sharp and hot and all about us, and again did Vistren laugh.

“It causes them agony!” he crowed, as we fought to retain our feet, fought to retain our grips on swords. Numberless flaming points stabbed about at me, and truly was the feeling agony. “Females feel it always!” laughed Vistren, his hand still upon the device. “With three Crystals in place is it merely painful, with two in place, full agony, and with only one, sure death. I had doubted the writings on this, and so tested the device with the one Crystal I had then. Almost every female in Ranistard died! It is the reason the females took the Crystals to begin with!”

Through waves of pain I saw the horror upon the faces of Galiose and Telion and their males, and Galiose stepped forward.

“You slew our women?” Galiose cried, his hands in fists.

“For the sake of your twisted dreams, hundreds of innocent women died? Cease the working of the thing at once! At once, do you hear?”

“I hear, yet shall not obey,” laughed Vistren, and again he moved rounded metal. “In a moment shall the device be prepared, and my call shall be sent to the legions of the gods! You cannot stop me, Galiose, for it is far too late!”

Again did Galiose step briefly forward, Telion by his side, but that occurred which took my eyes despite the pain. The Crystals in the golden air had seemed as always, cloudy, roiling, uneasy, yet were they suddenly transformed. Before us all did they abruptly clear, then quickly darken further and yet further. So dark did they grow that never had I seen a darkness like it, thicker than the darkness after fey’s light, deeper than the darkness of the dungeons, colder than the darkness about the Entry to Mida’s Realm. An empty darkness had they become, and a darkness not empty enough, for in the cold, lightless dark could some presence be felt, a presence which filled one with a like empty coldness.

“Now!” shouted Vistren, and for a third time reached his hands toward the device, yet this time was his fate to meet him. A dagger flew, from the hand of a pain-filled Larid, I saw, and buried itself deep within his breast, in exact line of his heart. With a wide-eyed scream did he attempt to touch the device, yet Larid had thrown true, and his life flowed from him. As he fell to the floor cloth, Galiose and Telion leapt forward, and Telion’s hand grasped the rounded metal, returning it as it had been. Almost instantly did the sharp points weaken, then fade to wherever they had at first come from. Two of my warriors fell to their knees then, with heads low, as though the points had held them in place the while. A moaning came from some others of them, and in truth did I, too, feel the need to moan. Haggard were the faces of my warriors, and they touched their life signs, their lips moving in thanks to Mida.

“Put down your weapons,” said Galiose to the three males who still stood with drawn blades. “Your master is dead, and the world is well rid of him. Be wise and surrender to me.”

The males looked at one another, and then threw their blades to the floor, and quickly did I move my still aching body to step between Telion, who also looked toward the males, and the device.

“The Hosta thank you for your assistance,” said I a bit hoarsely to Galiose, who turned to me with a frown. “Now we shall take what is ours and go.”

“Girl, you seem barely able to stand!” protested Galiose as he looked upon me. “We shall deal with these slaughterers of the innocent, for that you have my word! Rest here till the strength returns to you, and then you may go!”

“The Hosta go now,” said I, “and they go with what is theirs.” Haggard still were my warriors, yet all stood straight with sword gripped firm, and therefore did I indicate the male Arrelin and the male with girl’s features. These males paled and shrank away, their heads shaking in denial, yet did my warriors prod them to motion with their swords. Trembling were the males as they were taken from the room, and tremble they might, for they would pay for Vistren’s actions as well as their own. Galiose and Telion watched them go with frowns; however, they sensed the mood of the Hosta and said nothing.

Then I forced myself to look again upon the Crystals in their golden spaces, and found with relief that the darkness was gone, the cloudy roiling having returned. I placed my sword upon the platform and reached up carefully to the Crystals, loath to touch them, yet knowing that to be my duty. My fingers had not yet closed upon them, when a flash of blue fire touched me, flowing from my fingers to the bottom of my soul, searing me with lightning from the skies. A scream was forced from my lips and I was thrown from the device, to writhe in the memory of great pain, upon the floor cloth. Mistily did I see Telion and Galiose reach for me, only to be thrust aside by my warriors, who came quickly to my aid. In the throbbing, trembling ache about me, I almost saw the brilliant form of Mida, standing before me, her head sadly shaking, in denial of my effort. Her Crystals had been placed beyond the reach of her Hosta, and this she well knew. Her arm raised and pointed south, willing us to return to our own lands, and this would we gladly do. My warriors helped me to my feet once more, and I stood a moment, with head down, to gather my strength, before I retrieved my blade and resheathed it in its leather scabbard.

“The Hosta go now,” said I quite faintly. “Your city is again yours.” Telion and Galiose gazed upon me almost with sadness, and a memory came to me. From the pocket of my covering I withdrew the bit of metal that I had placed there, and oddly did the bit of metal seem warm. I placed it in the hand of Telion and said, “Search the dwelling and release him.” Telion seemed puzzled, yet had I no further strength with which to speak. I led my warriors from the room in silence, and we left the dwelling of death and darkness, hoping never to look upon it again.