For an instant, silence hung over the scene, and Rannick’s brow furrowed a little, as if a troublesome memory had just occurred to him. Then the moment was gone and, his fearful scream returning, he was riding from the camp as precipitously as he had arrived.
The camp fires swirled up as if in homage to his passing, throwing flames high into the night sky.
Some of Nilsson’s men started forward as the flickering light gave a semblance of movement to their downed leader.
But Nilsson’s many subtle and devious concerns had ended the instant that Rannick’s will had touched him.
He was dead.
* * * *
Farnor moved slowly up the rocky slope, carefully testing the ground ahead with Marrin’s staff. He needed no guide for the direction now, for the creature’s presence had become as sharp and as
