Ironhelm - Douglas Niles [30]
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to belittle your god." Erix started to towel herself, enjoying the conversation.
"Our god-even the Pay it!" The girl nodded her head with enthusiasm, her dark eyes serious. At the same time, she gently took the towel from Erix and completed drying her mistress.
"Only the Nexala-your people," she added shyly, "and the Kultaka glorify war, raising Zaltec to his lofty height. The Payit still await the return of Qotal. Indeed, Grandfather told me they have built two great stone faces in the cliffs of the eastern headlands, a man and a woman who look to the east in eternal watch for the Plumed God's great canoe.
"Twin Visages, it is called, and it is consecrated to the return of Qotal from the oceans of the East."
"Praises to Zaltec!" Hoxitl started the ritual.
"High praises to the god of night and war!" the Ancient One responded, but he seemed to the cleric to be agitated. Indeed, the dark-cloaked figure immediately continued.
"The girl has escaped again! Our counsels, from Zaltec himself-" the Ancient One paused long enough for Hoxitl to absorb the import of the remark-"have informed us that she has been bought by a cleric of Qotal. She now journeys to Payit."
"Payit?" Hoxitl was surprised. "That is far from the Heart of the True World. Perhaps she is no danger to us there."
"Idiot!" The Ancient One's voice dripped with venom. Never had Hoxitl been the target of such rage, and the feeling caused his bowels to tie themselves into a firm knot. "She is more of a threat than ever! And now time is passing us like water over a cataract!"
"Very well," Hoxitl whispered, struggling to regain his composure. "We have-that is, the temple of Zaltec has-clerics in Payit. I will send word immediately, and she will-"
"There is no time!" The figure's voice was almost a reptilian hiss. "You will stay here for the day. We shall have need of the Viperhand." Hoxitl nodded, realizing that sunrise was but an hour away. Any powers the Ancient Ones would employ must await the coming of the next nightfall. The power of Zaltec, focused in Hoxitl's red palm, tatooed in the pattern of the Viperhand, would be necessary to propel the Sending for the distance required.
"At sunset, you will join us in the dark circle. From there, we will make a Sending. Talonmagic will carry the message to Payit in the night. We have not a day to lose. The girl must be put to death!"
ACROSS THE TRACKLESS SEA
First day, aboard the Falcon
/ shall keep a journal of my legion's progress as we explore to the westward. Preparations have gone smoothly, and we are well provisioned. Darien and 1 purchased many potions yesterday, the last additions to our stores. The rest is in the hands of Helm, aided by the sturdy backs of the legionnaires.
Predawn tide carries us smoothly from the harbor. Freshening wind off the starboard quarter speeds our departure. Land is gone by midday.
Nightfall. Headlands of Tethyr appear before us at sunset. Anticipate turn toward Asavir's Channel by dawn.
For ten years, I have gathered warriors to my banner. I believe they are the finest soldiers in the Realms. The captains are, to a man, staunch and brave. Daggrande and Garrant-my staunch veterans. Hot-blooded riders like Halloran and Alvarro. All the rest!
My heart bursts with pride for these splendid men, embarking on a mission to the unknown out of loyalty and courage. Seeing the array of our sails around me, I feel certain that we will, we must, triumph!
"What are you thinking, Father?" Marline joined the Bishou in the bow of the Falcon. "Of the many glories of Helm," replied Domincus r^ver- ently. "Think of it, my dear! Great masses of pagans who have yet to hear of our almighty avenger! You and I shall have the glory of carrying Helm's word to them!"
"Must you be so serious, Papa?" she teased. "Think of the adventure, the sights and smells and sounds of it all! Whatever it is that we find, I'm already fascinated!"
"Do not make light." The Bishou frowned, stern creases marking his high forehead. "I fear