Chapter twelve
Concerning the throne of ValliaThey were all laughing and cheerful down there now, chattering away, handing out wine, quaffing, exchanging toasts, all very merry as nits in a ponsho fleece. I sat back in the shadows and glowered, my fists white on the hilts of my swords, my thoughts black as the cloak of Notor Zan.
“Your pass brought me safely through the gates, Zankov. But only, I think, because my men were on duty. There was a Deldar there also, a Khibil, most insulting. I would like him flogged tomorrow, flogged jikaider.”
“It shall be done, Stromich.”
“Are we all here?”
“All save for the Princess Dayra. She is expected the day after tomorrow.”
At this I roused myself. My savage thoughts refused to come to order. So Dayra was mixed up with this evil bunch — and she
