Roger Taylor by Dream Finder

Author:Dream Finder [Finder, Dream]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-07-11T02:46:56.700000+00:00

Ibris smiled too, but his face was soon dark again.

‘It’s just occurred to me,’ he said, very slowly. ‘That perhaps once they followed this evil that Estaan spoke of.’

‘A sad thought,’ Feranc replied softly. ‘But perhaps apt. Though I can’t imagine what it could have been. For the most part, even the barbarians who invaded our neighbours were not evil. They were misled and ignorant, and by virtue of their ignorance, they did evil deeds which warranted armed opposition. But that wouldn’t frighten a man like Estaan. It would make him reach for his sword.’

‘So presumably something happened in your land since you left?’ Ibris said. Feranc nodded. ‘Presumably,’ he echoed. ‘But I doubt the Mantynnai will tell you, me, or anyone. Nor do I think we should ask. If they know of some strange threat, then they’ll take steps against it. I think we must watch them and learn that way, until perhaps an opportunity for an open question presents itself.’

Ibris sat silent for some time. ‘You’re right,’ he said. ‘We must trust them. They’ll do nothing that will allow any harm to happen to Serenstad. God knows, they’d no reason to stand and fight at Viernce, but they did, and if they hadn’t, then we wouldn’t be here today. And they would fight to the death for me if need arose.’ He looked at Feranc. ‘As I would for them,’ he added deliberately. ‘Whatever they did and whatever drives them, they’re fine and true men now, by any measure. Perhaps like you, they see some .

. . what was it you said? Some shadow of their homeland here. But whatever it is, we owe them a debt beyond measure.’ He paused. ‘We must just be careful that we don’t allow them to sacrifice themselves to assuage some long-past misdeed.’

Feranc bowed his head in acknowledgement.

‘But I still don’t know what to do with this Dream Finder and his wild tales of worlds beyond,’ Ibris said, in some exasperation.

‘Nothing’s changed much since last night,’ Feranc said quietly. ‘Except that the Dream Finder seems to be growing in stature almost as we watch him.’

‘Yes,’ Ibris agreed. ‘He’s a more powerful spirit than he realizes. A true Serens.’

‘A true man,’ Feranc corrected.

‘Yes,’ Ibris said softly.

‘Take him seriously,’ Feranc said, uncharacteristi-cally authoritative. ‘If only for the effect he had on Estaan. He’s no charlatan, we both feel that. He believes what he’s seen and he’s struggling with something, beyond a doubt.’

Ibris looked uncertain.

Feranc leaned forward, suddenly almost animated. ‘Consider the worst, however improbable,’ he said.

‘A strange, malign power loose among us. Attacking us through our dreams in some way. You can raise an army to face the Bethlarii and many of us can help you lead it. But who can fight a foe that can come through the darkness into our sleeping minds and perhaps kill us there?’

Ibris watched him.

‘You can’t charge cavalry against a city wall,’ Feranc went on. ‘And you can’t tunnel under an infantry line. Tactics and troops change with circumstances.

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