The Death of a Legend. Horseclans #8 by Robert Adams

Author:Robert Adams
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780708881316
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 1985-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter VIII

His every sense on full alert to guard against trickery. Bili wordlessly extended his sword, hilt first, his blue eyes meeting the stranger’s blue-green eyes as he did so. In return, he accepted the big man’s proffered weapon, and after each had solemnly kissed the bared steel just below the hilt, they again exchanged and then sheathed their blades.

After they had shucked gauntlets and shared a complicated, ritual handclasp, both men visibly relaxed, tension draining out of their bodies. Each now was secure in the knowledge that the ancient Sword Oath was as sacred to the one as to the other and that consequently neither would commit or countenance any treachery as long as the Sword Truce remained in effect.

The stranger spoke first. “Well, young sir, you and yours are in a pretty pickle, and no mistake! That those Ahrmehnee and Moon Maidens should be this deep into Muhkohee country is remarkable enough, considering the severity of the drubbing they took the last time they invaded. But by the Blue Lady, what are burkers and Confederation nobles doing here with them? I had thought the Ahrmehnee Stahn to be a bitter enemy of the Confederation, and of the Karaleenos Ehleenee, before since time out of mind.

“Or are you really a thoheeks, sirrah? You look and bear yourself more like a burker than a damned foppish Ehleen. And your accent is of the Middle Kingdoms, too, not of the damned decadent southlands.”

Bili smiled. “But nonetheless I am, sir, truly Thoheeks and chief of the Clan Morguhn. and the Prince of Karaleenos is nominally my overlord though recently I and mine have been in direct service to she High Lord of the Confederation. Milo Morai. But I also have the great honor to be the grandson of a Duke of Zuhnhurk, on my mother’s side, so I was fostered at the court of King Gilbuht of Harzburk. I soldiered with the army of King Gilbuht for five years and was honored with the Order of the Blue Bear of Harzburk, ere I was summoned back to Morguhn to succeed to my patrimony and titles.”

“Yes,” chuckled the big man, “I heard the ‘Up Harzburk.’ Old habits are sometimes hard to break, eh? And a knight of the Blue Bear, are you? But that still leaves much unanswered, sir duke. What do you here, so far west and in such company?”

But Bili shook his head. “I’d not seem discourteous, sir, but I’ve answered enough questions, for the nonce. Now I’ll ask one: just who are you and what are your intentions toward me and my force? What follows this parley — war or peace?”

“Hmmph!” The red-haired man snorted, but showed no sign of displeasure. “Well, you’re blunt enough, anyway; there’s no misunderstanding you. Who I am is a long story, and I will be more comfortable before I go into that story, sir duke. Suffice it here to say that I am a nobleman driven from his rightful lands by a vile usurper.

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