Chapter NineErik sat on a rounded boulder within the ramparts of the ancient hill fort, with the ravens circling him in ever-widening spirals. He sharpened Legbiter on a smooth stone, using long, even strokes up the length of the sword. With each stroke, the dark blade thrummed, creating sombre music. Ten paces from Erik, the man in grey stood, unsmiling, his face unemotional, and the grey bag slung over his shoulder.
“It is a hard price to pay,” Erik said, looking up from his task.
“It is the bargain you agreed,” the grey man spoke without moving his lips, the thoughts transferred from his mind to Erik's in an instant.
“It is a harder bargain than I wished.”
“It is the bargain you agreed,” the grey man reiterated.
Erik continued to sharpen Legbiter, keeping his head down to hide the
