The Damned 01 - White Wolf by David Gemmell

Author:David Gemmell
Language: eng
Format: epub

‘They worship courage above all else, Olek. You will need all the courage your blood line can supply. Do you have such courage?’

Skilgannon did not answer. There was something about the crone that chilled him.

‘What about my fortune?’ asked Sashan.

‘You have the courage, my dear. And to answer your question, yes, you have enemies. Powerful enemies. Ruthless and cruel men. One in particular. He needs to be avoided for now, for his stars are strong, and his standing high. He will cause you great pain.’ She looked up at Skilgannon. ‘And he will break your heart, Olek Skilgannon, and burden you with guilt.’

‘Let’s go,’ said Skilgannon. ‘I need to hear no more of this.’

‘I still haven’t been told my fortune,’ said Sashan. ‘I have enemies, you say. Will I defeat them?’

‘They will not defeat you.’

‘Enough of this nonsense!’ snapped Skilgannon. ‘She knows nothing, save my name. All else is valueless. Strong enemies, broken hearts. It means nothing.’ Fishing a small silver coin from his pouch he dropped it in the crone’s lap. ‘This is all you desire. Now you have it. Leave us be.’

She pocketed the coin, then looked up at Skilgannon. There was no-one close by when she spoke, and her words lanced into him. ‘Your enemies are closer than you think, Olek. The Empress is dead. Your friend Greavas has suffered the most terrible of fates. And the young princess sitting beside me is in mortal danger. You still wish to talk of nonsense?’

The words burned into Skilgannon, stunning him. He stood very quietly, staring at her. Then slowly he turned to scan the park, expecting at any moment to see armed men emerge from the under- . growth. No-one came. He glanced at Sashan. She too was shocked, but showed no grief.

‘How did my mother die?’ she asked.

‘She took poison, my dear. It was hidden in a ring she wore. She did not suffer.’

‘And Greavas?’ asked Skilgannon.

‘They tortured him for hours. He was strong, Olek. His courage was towering. In the end, however, bereft of his eyes, his fingers, he told them everything. Then Boranius continued his butchery for sheer pleasure. It did not sate his appetite for inflicting pain. Nothing can. It is his nature.’

Skilgannon fought to marshal his thoughts. ‘How did Boranius find them?’ he asked.

‘There was a man Greavas trusted.’ The old woman shrugged. ‘The trust was misplaced - as trust usually is. Now the soldiers are looking for you, Olek Skilgannon. And for the yellow-haired whore who travels with you.’

He stared hard at the ugly old woman. ‘Who are you? What is your place in all of this?’

‘Hardly the most important questions you need to be asking at this moment. You stand here in a tunic and sandals with . . . what? ... a few silver coins in your pouch? The princess wears a flimsy dress and has no coins. What are your plans, Olek Skilgannon? And yours, Jianna? A thousand men are searching the city for you.’

‘And why do you offer us help?’ asked Jianna, her voice cool.

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