Beyond the Mask by David Ward

Author:David Ward
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amulet Books
Published: 2011-01-22T00:00:00+00:00

VERY EYE WAS FIXED ON TIA. The fire crackled and cast flickering shadows all the way to my feet.

“What do you mean?” Marumuk asked.

Tia tightened her grip on his arm. “My lord, if Rokhan has left his lair and stands openly with his men—”

Marumuk stopped her with a wave. “An arrow in his back? He is not a fool. He travels with his best guards. They surround him day and night. I have tried this route already.”

Tia continued. “I do not mean for us to kill him.” She paused. “In the North, the lords and kings frequently go to war in far countries. When prisoners are taken, wealthy knights who are captured are ransomed. Their families buy them back. I have heard stories of lords who were not returned to their lands for several years until the full sum was paid.”

Pippa’s eyes shone. “A hostage.”

“Yes!” Tia nodded. “I mean for us to steal him, but not for money or trade.”

“No,” Pippa went on. “Bring him back here to the mountain, where he can send messages to remind his army that their king does not wish them to attack anyone. A bloodless war!”

Marumuk’s gaze shifted in my direction.

I raised my eyebrows to show my interest, and because I was surprised that he wanted to know my opinion.

Tia pressed her point. “Rokhan’s people believe, after all, that he is a son of the gods. He has led them successfully on every field of battle. They will not take his capture lightly.”

Marumuk tugged at his lip. “It would be difficult.”

Tia nodded. “Yes, but worth it. Imagine never having to fear the Outside again.”

Marumuk’s frown deepened. “In time they would choose a new king, Tia, even if they think of him as a god. What then?”

A thought suddenly struck me. “Then we would promise Rokhan the support he needs to fight the new king. Help him back to power among the Outsiders. Divide the strong and they become weak. You taught me that, Marumuk. We always attack in the dark, by surprise, when the powerful are resting and cannot unite quickly enough to mount a defense. If we confused the Outsiders by making them have to choose sides—the old king, or a new king—we could divide their forces. If he had to rely on the Spears, the old king would be forever in your debt.”

Thief nodded. “They might even fight each other if we are lucky.”

There was another long pause as Marumuk studied me. “And where will you be in all of this?”

The words were a weight, a ship’s anchor on my heart. Pippa rested her hand on my shoulder, and I found new courage. “If the Spears agree to help Gotten, then they are truly changed. They are not people who brought only fear, as I once knew them. If this is the truth, then I will stand by Marumuk’s side.”

Marumuk said nothing. His eyes flickered to Thief.

“I stand with Coriko, and I will stand with you,” my friend agreed.

Tia spoke again. “My

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