prosperous: houses with terracotta roofs and white-washed walls nestled together around the
village temple. But there were jarring notes: at many crossroads they came across the bodies of
Fergox's enemies, hanging in chains from scaffolds; the temples in the villages were decked in
red war banners and the steps sprinkled with blood from recent sacrifices. Despite this, Tashi
could not rid herself of the impression that Fergox's influence did not run deep, that if he was no
longer in power, the people of this land would not find it difficult to return to a more peaceful
existence.
She expressed this view to Professor Norling, who was riding with them until the road divided,
one branch to Tigral, another continuing to the desert regions.
"Yes, my dear, eastern Holt has a rich culture of its own--not at all warlike.
Fergox has his power base in the harsher mountainous west. His own people come from there.
They are a seafaring nation, making up for what the land lacks with raids on more fortunate
countries. But I'm sure you are very familiar with them because they form his pirate fleet. I
269
would advise you to steer clear, if you can, on your journey home."
259
They passed a line of workers preparing the soil for sowing.
"But look there, child," Norling said, pointing with his cane. "That reminds us that the beauty of this land is founded on rottenness. The fields are tilled by slave-labor, the mines worked by
these same poor captives; even the poorest houses of the freeborn have their little slave to
cook, clean, and mind the children."
Tashi looked back at the workers and noticed that they each wore an iron collar.
"How can the people bear it?" she asked.
"The slaves, of course, have no choice. Most are taken from lands subject to Fergox, inferiors in the eyes of the Holtish people. As for the inhabitants, those that have a conscience about such
things claim slaves are well looked after, part of the extended family. They predict the collapse
of the Holtish economy if the slaves were liberated. Most owners don't worry too much about
excuses--they just count the benefit to themselves."
"Well, I think it an abomination," she said angrily.
"And so do I." He fixed her with an acute look, reminding her that beneath his genial exterior was a razor-sharp mind. "And maybe you can do something to change it if you help defeat the
warlord."
260
270
Chapter 15
They bade farewell to Professor Norling where the road divided, seeing him safely attached to a
party of pilgrims heading for the Great Temple of the Warmonger in Tigral. Three days later, as
they travelled down the road to the south, Flake cast a shoe. Now far beyond Melletin's
knowledge of the land, the five travellers debated whether to turn back to the last village or ride
on in hopes of finding another forge.
"I'd hate to retrace any step of this weary road," Melletin said. "I could ride ahead with Flake and find a smith if Tashi would not mind riding pillion with one of you."
"She is welcome to ride with me," Ramil said quickly. "We've shared a saddle before."
Yelena grinned at Tashi as the Princess mounted in front of Ramil.
"Hey, Melletin!" Yelena said, a twinkle in her eye. "How about having some company on your errand? We don't know what lies ahead and you could do with some backup if there's trouble."
261
"Good thinking," replied Melletin, oblivious to the girl's hidden agenda. "Big man, would you come?"
"No, I . . . " Gordoc began, then caught Yelena's eye. "I mean, yes, I'll watch your back for you."
Melletin, Gordoc, and Yelena rode off quickly with Flake trotting riderless in tow.
271
"Did she do that on purpose?" Ramil asked Tashi as he saw Yelena give them a final jaunty wave.
"I think so," Tashi admitted. She leant back against him, conscious that they hadn't sat this close since they had begun to understand each other's feelings. They rode on in happy silence, taking
delight in the opportunity to be together. It gave Ramil the chance to build up his courage for
what he had wanted to say for some time.
"Tashi, you know I love you, don't you?" he said sofly in her ear.
She smiled: trust the son of a Horse Follower to woo in the saddle.
"I thought we were already betrothed."
"You broke it off, remember." He kissed the top of her head.
"Oh yes, I suppose I did. I'm sorry about that."
"I didn't deserve you. I don't deserve you now."
"Well, as long as you know that." She turned and gave him a mischievous smile.
He traced the line of her lips with his forefinger.
She felt in her pocket and pulled out two tiny paper models. "I've kept them safe. You'd better
have this one back." She gave him the dragonfly. "I improved it a little
272
262
when your attempt unfolded, but I haven't touched the horse: I like it just as it is."
"I promise to take care of it."
"And I'll take care of yours." She settled back against him, the paper horse held carefully in her hand.
Ramil smiled down at the copper head beneath his chin, knowing that he never wanted to be
apart from her again.
That night the travellers decided to camp under the stars. They were approaching the warmer
climes of the desert and no longer needed a roof over their heads at night. Added to this,
Melletin reported that the village inn was hosting a party of slavers from the south, their
captives shackled in the barn, and no one wanted to come to their attention. They rode through
the village with their heads down.
Finding a likely camping spot in a bend in the river, Yelena an d Tashi went off to bathe, leaving
the men to make the fire. The horses strayed on the bank, picketed in reach of the water.
"So, Ram," said Gordoc, skewering some goat's meat on a stick to roast, "do I have to thump you?"
Ram shook his head. "Only very gently. A light pummelling. Or you could congratulate me: our
marriage alliance is back on."
273
Melletin clapped him on the shoulder. "Lucky man."
Gordoc assumed a stern, fatherly expression. "And, young Prince, what are your prospects? Can
you keep
263
my girl in the manner to which she has become accustomed?"
Ramil laughed. "I hope I can do much better than that. So far, all she has known with me is
prison cells and tents. As for my prospects, touch and go at best, but I don't think she minds."
"Yes, and it's not every girl who comes with a navy attached," added Melletin.
"Or so we hope," said Ramil, placing the skewer he had prepared for Tashi over the flames.
They fell silent, listening to the delighted shrieks and laughter of the girls splashing in the water
downstream. Melletin had a thoughtful expression at all this talk of marriage.
Suddenly, Gordoc nudged Ramil. "Look sharp, Ram, we've got company."
The three friends reached for their weapons and turned to face the road. A cart drew up, driven
by a dark-skinned man wearing the loose robes of the south. Eight others of all nations jumped
out of the back; the only thing they had in common was that they were heavily armed.
"Here they are!" called the man. "I told you I saw them ride this way."
274
The newcomers swarmed down the bank, making straight for the fire. Ramil stepped forward.