The companions saw nothing in the darkness. There was a faint jingle of rusty keys, followed by the rasping of the lock as it resisted turning. Then the squealing of the door as its ancient hinges were roused from slumber for the second time that day.

"Who goes there?" demanded Krom, as if the companions were not the ones locked up in the dungeon.

"It is but a lowly guide, come to retrieve his lost travelers."

Lin.

What was he doing there? Had he come to taunt them, to deceive them more? Perhaps he'd somehow come to rescue them. Skylar's emotions vacillated between an impossible hope and a bitter anger.

"I've brought you your swords," said Lin. "Though, I doubt you'll need them. Only two guards are on duty. Witless fools. I slipped past them with ease."

"But how did you escape in the first place?" asked Skylar, making no effort to conceal the accusation in his tone.

"No time for stories, young master. We must be clear of this tunnel before the others return."

"He's right," agreed Krom. "Direct us, Lin, and we shall follow as you command."

"But how do we know we can trust him?" argued Skylar. "He already betrayed us once..."

"Fine—stay locked up in this dungeon. I shan't make you come."

There was a clinking and scraping of metal as Krom, Lasseter, and Endrick took their swords from Lin. Then Lin led them quietly out of the dungeon cell and up the stairs.

"If it makes you feel any better," Endrick whispered as he passed Skylar, "I still think the fellow's mad."

Skylar stood in silence, watching the black forms of his companions follow Lin out of the dungeon. Can't they see that this man cannot be trusted? He'll just lead us into some other trap. Despite his feelings against Lin, he did have to admit to himself that Lin's return surprised him. There was nothing to be done, however, except to follow.

The two guards left on duty were sitting at the long makeshift table in the main hall, downing flagons of ale and talking loudly.

"Two poor excuses for guards," said Krom quietly, as they spied around the corner. "Shall we rush upon them?"

"Aye," said Endrick eagerly. "Then we can lock them in that foul hole they put us in."

"No," objected Lin. "They may be drunk, but they're still armed. I have a better plan."

When Lin had finished telling his plan, Skylar admitted that it sounded good. Still, coming from Lin, he was suspicious and urged his companions to choose a different strategy.

"Why don't we sneak up on them?" suggested Skylar. "In this lighting, they'd probably not notice us crawling on the floor or lurking in the shadows."

"Any plan is likely to succeed with those two as our opponents," added Endrick. "No doubt this will end with them shooting one another, no matter what we do."

"Don't count on it," said Krom. "Those two were born drunk. They're more deadly than they appear. We go with Lin's plan. Skylar, you'll be the bait."

Seeing no point in arguing further, Skylar slipped away from the others to position himself near the dungeon. The companions and Lin, meanwhile, hid themselves within the shadows of the first open portal along the main tunnel. The smell of the dungeon burned Skylar's nostrils before he even reached the top of the stairs. He shuddered at the thought of being locked up there again.

Mounting the steps, he drew his breath, plugged his nose, and descended about halfway to the bottom. Then he turned, cupped his hands about his mouth, and scream as loud as he could manage.

"Help! Help! They're going to kill me. Help!"

This same piteous cry he continued until he was certain the guards could not ignore it. Then he ran back up the stairs and peered round the corner. At first he saw nothing. Some muffled grumbling reached his ears. Then he saw an orange light casting its light dimly on the stone floor and walls. Gradually it grew brighter until one of the guards stepped into the entryway of the tunnel, torch in hand, the other guard lumbering behind.

The foremost guard was as big around as any tree from the Gray Forest. His footsteps thudded in time with the belches and curses issuing from his mouth. The other guard was much less giant-like.

They were just a few steps away now. Any second they would walk straight into a trap, an ambush. Skylar envied the others for being a part of the action. Krom had probably chosen this plan because it was the least likely to put Skylar in danger. But Skylar didn't want to be coddled anymore. If there was fighting that must be done, he wasn't going to be sheltered from it anymore.

This resolve came too late, though. For as he looked on, the others burst from their hiding spot. Krom and Lasseter tackled the giant, bringing him crashing to the floor. Lin and Endrick took the smaller guard. With a few swift blows to the head using the hilts of their swords both the giant and his fellow guard were rendered unconscious. It was over in an instant.

"Let us lock them up in the dungeon," said Krom. "This big one could wake at any moment."

It required the strength of all the companions to drag the limp weight of the giant across the floor, down the stairs and into the dungeon. The massive guard looked considerably less threatening as he lay unconscious and sprawled out on the floor. Skylar felt a stab of pity for this man as he looked at his rough, careworn face. This man had been young once, just like himself. Is this the life he'd dreamed about?

"What do you suppose Madrick will do to them when he finds us gone?" asked Skylar.

"Feed them to the rats, I hope," said Endrick. "The only thing fellows like that are good for is rat food."

Skylar groaned inside at the thought. More blood on his hands.

"Whatever happens to them, it's out of our control," said Krom. "We must leave, else all our lives are in peril."

Only Krom and Endrick were needed to move the second guard. Once both were inside, Lin closed the door with a clang and locked it. Quickly, they made their way back to the main hall.

"The paquas are over here," said Lin, leading them toward the far end of the chamber. There was a recess in the wall, just large enough to serve as a kind of stable for the animals. "Your packs and supplies are still on their backs. I will help you move your gear."

"Move it?" said Krom. "Are we leaving the paquas, then?"

Lin chuckled a queer little laugh.

"The thieves will catch you before you even leave. No, you'll want to take those."

He pointed toward the opposite end of the chamber, near the west exit. In the dimness, Skylar saw the unmistakable form of three speederbikes. He smiled broadly. That was his way of traveling.

Hastily they untied their supplies and prepared to mount the speederbikes.

"Lin, you take the lead bike," instructed Krom. "Lasseter and I shall take the second. Skylar, you'll ride behind Endrick on the third."

Skylar's heart sank. He wanted to drive.

"Oh, I won't be needing one," protested Lin. "This is where we part ways. You can't lose your way from here. Just follow that tunnel 'til you're out of the Boldúrins. Farewell, my secretive friends."

He inclined his head to the companions, turned round and walked back to where his paquas stood munching on stale hay. Skylar's heart was stricken with remorse as he watched this strange man walk away. He ran after him.

"Are you not worried about Madrick's men coming after you?" he asked the hermit. "Won't the paquas be too slow?"

The corners of Lin's mouth twitched slightly.

"No, young master, you needn't worry about me. I escaped them before. I shall do so again if they come after me."

Lin nodded his head, then turned back to his paquas.

"Lin," said Skylar abruptly. The hermit turned back. Skylar hesitated for a moment.

"I owe you an apology," he stammered out.

"Oh?"

"While we were in the dungeon, I called you a traitor. I thought you had betrayed us, lured us to these thieves intentionally. I know better now. I am sorry."

"Judging a man's heart—who to trust and who to not—is a weighty burden. To see one's own faults makes all the difference. You needn't seek forgiveness from me. But such as you ask, it is given."

"Thank you, Lin. I hope we shall meet again one day."

"I suspect we shall, young prince. You may perhaps require my aid again one day. Farewell."

"But how did...you called me prince."

"Farewell," was all Lin replied as he slowly led his paquas back into the tunnel where night always reigned.

* * *

Arsolon glittered below them like an unearthly mirror, reflecting the moon and stars which filled the midnight sky above the sprawling Aridus valley. It was unlike Dura Cragis. No jagged mountainside served as its foundation, but the flat floor of the valley. Where Dura Cragis commanded great height, Arsolon spread wide in all directions. Though dark, the moonlight revealed the gray outlines of its outer walls. They enclosed the city in a perfect square.

"The utmost caution must be taken once we enter," admonished Krom. "Tarus' soldiers may already have control of the city. We shall go on foot from here."

The companions abandoned their speederbikes and descended into the valley, walking along a narrow pathway which led directly to the gates of Arsolon. They found the gates shut tight and the porter asleep at his post. The porter was a round-bellied fellow with short beard and bald pate. Dangling from the end of his hooked forefinger was a small earthenware jug. The man had evidently been drinking.

"I'm willing to wager," said Endrick, "that we'll find Arsolon friendlier that Dura Cragis. Shall we wake the drunken laggard?"

Krom approached the slumbering porter and shook him briskly on the shoulder. The porter slept on, snoring raucously. Again Krom shook, this time more vigorously. The porter merely snorted and let his head fall to one side.

"You're going about it all wrong," said Endrick, pushing Krom aside. "Here, let me show you."

Endrick drew his sword and raised it above his head with both hands.

"Endrick," said Krom apprehensively, "don't do anything foolish."

"Not to worry," replied Endrick as he brought the flat of his sword with a loud whack across the porter's legs. Skylar cringed at the sound.

Instantly, the porter sat bolt upright, sputtering, coughing, and cursing all in the same breath. For several seconds he remained disoriented and unaware of the companion's presence. In which time Endrick quietly sheathed his blade.

"What in the...who are...how did..." stuttered the porter, trying to rise to his feet with this smarting legs and inebriated brain. "Who are you?" he managed to spit out at last.

"Travelers," said Krom. "We desire to rest in your fair city for the night."

"Travelers, eh?" replied the porter dubiously. He eyed them all with suspicion. Something about Krom's response had sobered him up in a hurry. "Few dare to travel the roads at night. Thieves and robbers plague these parts. Got any weapons?"

"Only swords," answered Krom.

"Swords?" cried the porter. "What's you gonna do with those? Shave your beard?"

The man let out a roar a self-congratulating laughter and slapped Krom on the back.

"Just don't cause any trouble in my city, now."

That was the end of the interview. The porter opened the gate and let them enter.

"You'd think with Madrick and his band about," said Skylar after they were out of earshot, that they'd be more careful with who they let in."

"I suspect Madrick has his own way of getting into the city," said Lasseter. "And it doesn't involve the gates."

The companions made their way through the dark streets. Krom seemed to know his way around. They stopped at an inn. The Blue Star read a weathered signboard above the door. Foggy windows glowed orange from the firelight within and the sound of gay laughter and merrymaking invited them to come in, shake off their weariness and escape the cold, dark streets.

"I go to request an audience with Lord Denovyn immediately," said Krom. "He must be warned about Morvath. Endrick, go to the port and charter a ship to take us to Allega. We shall leave at first light tomorrow. Lasseter and Skylar, you shall stay here and secure our lodgings for the night. Sup, rest, and wait for Endrick and me to return. Should I fail to return before morning, leave without me. Do you understand, Skylar?"

Skylar looked Krom squarely in the eyes. "Yes, I promise."

In his heart he committed himself to that promise. The last time he'd failed to follow directions, one of his companions had lost his life.

Krom nodded curtly. Satisfied, he turned and strode swiftly away. Skylar watched him until Krom was no more than a black shape that melded into the shadows along the street's edge.

"Well, I guess you two are the only ones eating tonight," said Endrick forlornly. "All the same, save me some mutton."

With that, he turned and set off languidly up the street. Alone, Lasseter and Skylar entered the Blue Star. Inside, the inn was every bit as warm and merry as it promised to be from without. The cozy blaze of the dining hall's fireplace quickly warmed Skylar's numb fingers and nose. The smell of cooked onions, fried ham and baked bread tantalized his nose and set his mouth watering. The inn's tavern was as alive with people as it was with warm and delicious smells. Tight huddles of gregarious drinkers crowded about the pub, from which room-shaking bursts of laughter perpetually erupted. Along the main floor, most of the tables were occupied with one or more patrons. Skylar felt as if they'd stepped into a different world; the whole scene was such a stark contrast from his experiences since leaving Haladras.

Lasseter led them to a far booth, in the corner. A few merrymakers glanced at them as they passed. But mostly the crowd ignored the two strangers with cowled faces. A dark-haired waitress with rosy skin came to their booth.

"What's your pleasure this evening, my shrouded strangers?" she said, smiling impishly. She was the first woman Skylar had seen for what felt like months. Though obviously younger, with her long hair pulled back and her warm smile beaming down at him, she reminded him of his own mother . Her very look and manner seemed to exude that nurturing kindness of which all females seem naturally disposed. Suddenly he felt much younger than he had since their adventures began.

Hesitantly, Skylar pulled back the hood from his face.

"Ah, there is a face under there," she exclaimed. "And a lad, too. You look far away from home, lamb. What brings you to my inn on such a cold night?"

He paused awkwardly, like he had when Kendyl had first talked to him, but this time for a different reason. He looked to Lasseter for help.

"We'll need food and lodging for the night," said Lasseter, entirely ignoring the waitress' question. "We have two other companions who will join us later. They will be dining with us."

"As you wish, gentlemen," she replied, as she winked and smiled at Skylar. Then she turned and sailed off to the kitchen.

Within a quarter of an hour, she returned with arms brimming. Dexterously, she laid out the meal in front of them. Roast mutton, rabbit stew, mincemeat pie, fried potatoes, aged cheese, ramsberry pudding, butter and bread. A veritable feast to Skylar's eyes.

"If you get hungry for more, lamb," said the waitress as she place her hand on her hip and cocked it to one side, "there's a slice of Boldúrin pie with you name on it in the kitchen."

"Thank you," stammered Skylar, as she shuffled back to the kitchen, long skirt swaying like reeds in the wind.

"I think you have an admirer," said Lasseter when she was gone.

Skylar's face flushed.

"She's too old," said Skylar unconvincingly. "Besides, she reminds me of being back home, with mother."

He paused, staring blankly down at the table, strewn with the hot supper.

"I wonder how she is," he said at last.

"Doubtless she misses you, perhaps more than you can know. But she is safe, I believe. You can console yourself in that regard."

Skylar only nodded. Not for anything would he wish for her to be put in danger. He wondered if he would ever see her again; if it would ever be safe enough; if he would ever stop running.

"I was foolish to think that I could go back. What if Morvath had tried to get to me through her?"

"Yes, that could have very well happened. Morvath would—"

Lasseter cut off. A sudden commotion toward the front of the tavern had caught his attention. Skylar turned round to see a man with gray hair swarmed by twenty or more people, his arms gesticulating wildly and high voice shouting.

"I tell you, I saw them," he asserted. "First I hears them—buzzing quietly—then I sees them. A hundred...two hundred. Then a prick on me neck. Right here. See? Then they're gone. They're here, I tell ya. Here in Arsolon."

Mad shouts of incredulity followed, but Skylar heard no more. He turned back to Lasseter, fear in his eyes.

"Ill tidings," was all his uncle replied.

No more than an hour passed before Endrick appeared back at the inn. His face was ashen and his eyes looked troubled as he sat down next to Skylar in the booth. In a low anxious voice he said, "Morvath...he's in the city."