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"You were interpreting Uthgar's law," said Gundar.

"So did the Black Ravens when they tried to destroy us in Grunwald," Sungar said. "They thought they were doing his work. But that day, I had motivations other than serving Uthgar."

"So you think this is Uthgar's punishment?" asked Gundar. "Do you think Uthgar placed the axe in that hobgoblin's hands and sent him to the door of a great enemy-all to teach you a lesson?"

Sungar flinched. "That shows a lack of humility, I confess. I am curious… if you are dead, do you have access to Uthgar's will?"

Gundar smiled mysteriously. "That is a question. Are you so certain that you are speaking to someone beyond the grave? Honestly?"

"Who could ever be certain of such a thing?" asked Sungar. "Is it humble to think so miraculous a visitor would come to me?"

Gundar let out a roar of laughter. It felt entirely right-exactly how Gundar would have reacted in life. "M'boy, the Chieftain of Chieftains isn't punishing you. Uthgar is trying to help you, and he is acting to help your tribesmen. Don't be afraid for them. Nor should you be afraid for yourself. If death awaits you, face it proudly in a manner befitting a chief."

"Should I kill myself, then?"

Gundar's blue eyes locked onto Sungar's. He spoke simply, but his words hit Sungar with unexpected weight. "Do not be in such a hurry to die."

The sky began to fade away, the dull gray of the stone ceiling peeking out behind it.

"You haven't answered my question," said Sungar hurriedly.

"About the axe, you mean?" Gundar lifted it into the air. "Uthgar wielded this axe once. Our people gave it to him as an offering in the time when he walked and breathed as a man. Uthgar gave it to Chief Tharkane Scalehide, not as a rejection of our gift, but because he thought it most appropriate that our tribe wield it. The weapon of Berun stayed with the blood of Berun."

"So Geildarr spoke the truth," said Sungar. He desperately tried to keep his eyes shut to the world so that this vision might continue, but it was dissolving despite his efforts.

"Yes," said Gundar, the world trembling around him. "If you had known that this magical axe had been wielded by Berun of old, and even by Uthgar, would you have acted any differently?"

Sungar's eyes flew open. His bloodied lips parted, and his hoarse voice rasped, "Yes, I would have."

* * * * *

When they saw light again, it was through an archway facing north, overlooking the sweep of the High Forest. Royce and Gunton squinted at the welcome light. Their trip through the dark tunnels of Onthrilaenthor had been tedious and exhausting, but thankfully uneventful. Their doorway to the outside lay partway up one of the mountains, cut into the slope of one of the easternmost Star Mounts. Traces of ancient switchbacks cutting down the mountainside and into the forest were evident.

"Mount Vision!" Halzoon pointed up at the peak towering into the clouds. He kept his back to the sun; the bright light was uncomfortable for him. "The place you want is on the other side, down in a valley."

"How far?" asked Ardeth.

"On wings, not far," the werebat mused. "But on legs, another day."

"Very well," said Ardeth. "Take us there now. But I must ask-what is your agreement with Geildarr? Are you to simply lead us there, or are you willing to join us in battle if needed?"

"Hmm," said Halzoon. "Heskret told me to deliver you to the place you seek. He said nothing of fighting."

"I don't understand something," said Royce. "What kind of payment has Geildarr given you? Just what do werebats want?"

"Mmm," Halzoon mused. "Mosquitoes."

Ardeth, Gunton, and Royce stared at him like he'd just dropped down from the Sea of Night. Even Gan seemed puzzled.

"He paid you in mosquitoes?" Royce asked.

"No, silly," said Halzoon, baring his saliva-covered teeth. "He paid us in gold."

Unsure whether to laugh, they just stared at him. At this Gan spoke; none of them could remember him saying anything in several days.

"You will not help