the requisite minute, then you shall apply the balm to my poor blistered skin and cool it with your tears. I shall not weep for you, Layana said, firmly. Im not that kind of woman and you know it, but I shall be very angry with my sister. Oh, my dear, it will put your hands out of action for such a long time afterwards. Men who hate you will challenge you to duels, and I know you you wont be able to refuse them. He snorted. Wont I? Just watch me. Do you take me for a fool? When Im better, though, his eyes narrowed, then I shall go and challenge them, and see whos the coward and who isnt. He stroked her hair while they both stared out of the window, at the going down of the sun in a crimson foam.
Chapter Five
Happily for Soldier, Layana stayed well until it was time for him to leave. Velion came for the captain at dawn, leading the left-handed Carthagans. Layana whispered in the lieutenants ear, Look after my man for me you know what hes like impulsive, rash even at times, when it comes to his own safety. Actually, replied Velion, in the same low tones, hes surprising. His actions may seem spontaneous to the rest of us, but he thinks very quickly. But I shall watch his back for you. Hes my good friend. I would do so anyway. Thank you. The raven came back from a long flight and learned that Soldier was leading the expedition. What are you thinking of? cried the raven, landing on the rump of Soldiers mount. Are you mad? The Hannacks are invincible in their own country. Youll be cut to pieces. I made a mistake. I have to correct that. I thought - listen - surely the queen was angry with you? Did she not put you aside in favour of Kaff? It doesnt make sense. Surely Kaff persuaded her that you were unfit for command? Didnt he put himself forward as the best commander of such a mission? The raven seemed amazed that the queen had retained Soldier. I know you dont think a lot of my prowess, raven, but there are others who do the queen is among them, thank the gods. Dont thank the gods yet, cried the raven, flying away. Youll be able to do it in person soon, once the Hannacks kill you. Captain Kaff was at the gates with his contingent of the Imperial Guard. In his right wrist-socket was the claw of an eagle. Its tendons and sinews had been fused to his own, by a physician-magician, and so strongly was it now his own that he could wield a weapon: a dagger or a short sword. The talons were huge and vicious-looking, a weapon in themselves. Riding alongside Soldier, the Captain of the Imperial Guard confessed, I almost think you did me a favour when you cut off my hand - this claw is far superior. Im glad for you, said Soldier, but you cant expect me to believe you hold no grudge against me. Ah, as to that, there is more than one score to settle. I thought as much. However, you will remember I am in command here. I will ask advice but will make my own decisions. I do not believe in committees. My word is law. Any refusal will be regarded as mutiny and the culprit will be hanged on the spot, private soldier or captain. Am I understood? Perfectly, replied Kaff, with composure, I would expect and demand the same, were I in command. Soldier nodded curtly. Thank the gods you are a military man and not a wet fish like that Humbold. I am sure if he were you we should be struggling all the way, with revenge as the only motive. Instead, we stand some chance of success on this mission. I thank you for that, at least. On the third day out they camped at noon just below a ridge. Soldier went up to the spine to view the country ahead and to meditate. His thoughts were on his eternal problem first: who was he and why was he in a strange land? He knew - or had the feeling that there was at least one other from his home world also here. Perhaps there were more? Was that person also ignorant of their identity, as Soldier was? Had they also forgotten their origins? Was there a purpose to the two of them being here? Were they seeking each other out, or
Chapter Five
Happily for Soldier, Layana stayed well until it was time for him to leave. Velion came for the captain at dawn, leading the left-handed Carthagans. Layana whispered in the lieutenants ear, Look after my man for me you know what hes like impulsive, rash even at times, when it comes to his own safety. Actually, replied Velion, in the same low tones, hes surprising. His actions may seem spontaneous to the rest of us, but he thinks very quickly. But I shall watch his back for you. Hes my good friend. I would do so anyway. Thank you. The raven came back from a long flight and learned that Soldier was leading the expedition. What are you thinking of? cried the raven, landing on the rump of Soldiers mount. Are you mad? The Hannacks are invincible in their own country. Youll be cut to pieces. I made a mistake. I have to correct that. I thought - listen - surely the queen was angry with you? Did she not put you aside in favour of Kaff? It doesnt make sense. Surely Kaff persuaded her that you were unfit for command? Didnt he put himself forward as the best commander of such a mission? The raven seemed amazed that the queen had retained Soldier. I know you dont think a lot of my prowess, raven, but there are others who do the queen is among them, thank the gods. Dont thank the gods yet, cried the raven, flying away. Youll be able to do it in person soon, once the Hannacks kill you. Captain Kaff was at the gates with his contingent of the Imperial Guard. In his right wrist-socket was the claw of an eagle. Its tendons and sinews had been fused to his own, by a physician-magician, and so strongly was it now his own that he could wield a weapon: a dagger or a short sword. The talons were huge and vicious-looking, a weapon in themselves. Riding alongside Soldier, the Captain of the Imperial Guard confessed, I almost think you did me a favour when you cut off my hand - this claw is far superior. Im glad for you, said Soldier, but you cant expect me to believe you hold no grudge against me. Ah, as to that, there is more than one score to settle. I thought as much. However, you will remember I am in command here. I will ask advice but will make my own decisions. I do not believe in committees. My word is law. Any refusal will be regarded as mutiny and the culprit will be hanged on the spot, private soldier or captain. Am I understood? Perfectly, replied Kaff, with composure, I would expect and demand the same, were I in command. Soldier nodded curtly. Thank the gods you are a military man and not a wet fish like that Humbold. I am sure if he were you we should be struggling all the way, with revenge as the only motive. Instead, we stand some chance of success on this mission. I thank you for that, at least. On the third day out they camped at noon just below a ridge. Soldier went up to the spine to view the country ahead and to meditate. His thoughts were on his eternal problem first: who was he and why was he in a strange land? He knew - or had the feeling that there was at least one other from his home world also here. Perhaps there were more? Was that person also ignorant of their identity, as Soldier was? Had they also forgotten their origins? Was there a purpose to the two of them being here? Were they seeking each other out, or
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