"No more did she," Bahzell said. "All she wrote was what she suspected-not that it was after taking any geniuses to know what such as you were likely to be doing about it if it should happen as how she was right." He shrugged.
"All right," Kaeritha said after another pregnant moment. "But that still leaves my other question."
"And which other question would that be?" Tomanâk asked.
"The one about him and him," she snapped, jabbing an index finger first at Bahzell and then at the huge stallion who stood regarding her over her fellow champion's shoulder with what could only be described as an expression of mild interest. She glared back at him, and then her eyes widened as she Saw the glowing tendrils of blue light that linked the immense stallion not simply to Bahzell, but directly to Tomanâk. She opened her mouth, then changed what she'd been about to say. There were some questions, she thought, that needed to be discussed in private first.
"The question," she said instead, "of what a hradani-any hradani, but especially a Horse Stealer hradani-is doing with a courser? I thought they, um, didn't like one another very much."
"Ah, now, I don't think it's my business to be telling that particular tale," Tomanâk told her with a slow smile. He chuckled at the disgusted look she gave Him, then turned his head, gazing about the temple courtyard. There were dozens of bodies lying about, Kaeritha realized-all that was left of the corrupted members of the Quaysar Guard who'd tried to prevent Bahzell and his wind brothers from fighting their way to her aid. Tomanâk gazed at them for several seconds, then shook His head with a sad sigh.
"You've done well, Kaeritha. You and Bahzell alike, as I knew you would. I believe this temple will recover from Shigū's interference, although you'll still have your work cut out for you in Kalatha. My Sister will be sending two or three of her Arms to aid you in that work, but this is still a matter of Justice, and so falls under your authority . . . and responsibility."
"I understand," she said quietly, and he nodded.
"I know you do. And I know I can count upon you and Bahzell to complete all the tasks you've been called to assume. But for today, my Blades, enjoy your victory. Celebrate the triumph of the Light you've brought to pass. And while you do," He began to fade from their sight, His face wreathed in a huge smile, "perhaps you can get Bahzell to tell you how a Horse Stealer became a wind rider. It's well worth hearing!" He finished, and then He was gone.
"Well?" Kaeritha turned to her towering sword brother and folded her arms.
"Well what?" he asked innocently.
"Well you know perfectly well what!"
"Oh," Bahzell said. "That 'well.' " He grinned toothily at her. "Now that's after being a mite of a long story. For now, let's just leave it that while you've been off enjoying your little vacation in Kalatha and Thalar, there's some of us as have been doing some honest work a bit closer to home."
"Work?" Kaeritha repeated. "Work? Why, you hairy-eared, overgrown, under-brained, miserable excuse for a champion! I'll give you work, Milord Champion! And when I'm done with you, you'll wish you'd never-"
She advanced upon him with fell intent, and Bahzell Bahnakson demonstrated once again the sagacity and tactical wisdom which were the hallmarks of any champion of Tomanâk.
He took to his heels instantly, and despite the carnage all about them, Baron Tellian, the other wind riders, and every member of the Order of Tomanâk burst into laughter as Kaeritha paused beside a planter only long enough to snatch out a handful of ornamental river stones suitable for throwing at him before she went speeding off in pursuit.
Characters
Alfar Axeblade
Sothōii armsman/horse herder from the holding of Warm Springs.
Balcartha Evahnalfressa
Commander of Five Hundred; the senior officer of the Kalatha town guard.
Brother Relath
an acolyte in the Balthar Temple of Tomanâk.
Cassan Axehammer
Baron Toramos, Lord Warden of the South Riding. Baron Tellian's most powerful political enemy, and someone who does not believe that it is possible or desirable to coexist with hradani.
Cathman the Peddler
an alias of Varnaythus.
Dahlaha Farrier
Triahm Pickaxe's mistress and a worshiper of Shīgū.
Dalthys Hallafressa
the town administrator of Kalatha.
Darhal Pickaxe
previous Lord Warden of Lorham. Trisu Pickaxe's deceased father.
Darnas Warshoe
a trusted spy and agent of Baron Cassan.
Dathgar
Baron Tellian's bonded courser. The name means "Thunder Grass."
Edinghas Bardiche
One of Baron Tellian's vassals; Lord Warden of Warm Springs.
Eramis Yohlahnafressa
a war maid; one of Saretha's partisans.
Erathian Halberd
Lord Warden of the Fens one of Baron Tellian's vassals plotting with Duke Cassan against him.
Erlis Rahnafressa
Commander of One Hundred; the war maid officer in charge of training at Kalatha.
Ermath Balcarafressa
The head of Housekeeping for Kalatha.
Festian Wrathson
Lord Warden of Glanharrow. Baron Tellian's choice to replace the traitor Mathian Redhelm at Glanharrow.
Forhada Helmcleaver
A wind rider who joins Bahzell's attack on Krahana's servants. His courser is named Konhandro, or "Mist Born."
Gharnal Uthmâgson
Bahzell's foster brother; a member of the Order Tomanâk.
Garlahna Lorhanalfressa
a young war maid assigned by Erlis as Leeana's mentor.
Garthan Warbridle
Lord Warden of Hollow Cave. One of Baron Cassan's vassals.
Gayrfressa
the courser filly Bahzell heals at Warm Springs. The name means "Daughter of the Wind" or "Wind Daughter."
Gayrhalan
Hathan's bonded courser. The name means "Storm Souled."
Gurlahn Morakson
the Horse Stealer warrior commanding the guard assigned to Bahzell in Balthar by his father.
Hahnal Bardiche
the eldest son of Lord Warden Edinghas.
Halahk Arrowsmith
one of Baron Cassan's vassals.
Haliku Koharth
a Servant of Krahana, under the orders of Jerghar.
Tarith Shieldarm
Leeana's personal armsman.
Tarlan Swordsmith
Lord Warden of High Tranith. One of Baron Cassan's vassals.
Tellian Bowmaster
Baron of Balthar, Lord Warden of the West Riding.
Thalgahr Rarikson