will not act without proof."

Belloc rose and said, "So be it, Amrhost of Astargoth. We blame not your reserve. May your resolve in battle be as unyielding." Amrhost flashed a pirate's grin as he seated himself again.

"Arrogant bunch," whispered Brogan to Anest, "but deadly swordsmen, so I've heard."

Anest was distracted by a sound like the fluttering of bat's wings as he muttered, "So I've heard."

Lily suddenly clutched Anest's arm, hard. "Anest!" she whispered fearfully. "That man!"

"What man?" he asked, looking at the faces in the assembly.

"There, by the pillar. The one with his hood drawn over his face."

Anest saw him then- a hulk of a figure sitting hunched over, watching the assembly from the depths of his hood.

"What about him?"

"Anest," she said urgently, her voice shaking, "he's not . . . right."

Having overheard, Brogan stood up and accosted the man. "You there! You! By the pillar! Who are you, and what is your purpose here?"

The figure hissed menacingly and drew itself up to its full height. It was obviously no man, for its strange form and murderous red eyes belied far more than mortal menace. There was a mad scramble as the silent, deadly figure drew out a huge black serrated iron sword, and everyone seated nearby overturned chairs as they withdrew to a safe distance.




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