'Where is Bradan?' Melcorka pushed through the crowd. 'I am here for Bradan!'
The elephants had halted in the centre of the square, with the light of the dipping sun glinting on their armoured shoulders. Dhraji smiled down from her howdah.
'Have you come to die, little girl?' Pearls glinted around her forehead and neck.
'I have come for Bradan.' Melcorka raised her voice. 'I am Melcorka of Alba and who dares meddle with me?'
'Oh, I dare, foolish child,' Dhraji spoke softly. 'Bhim dares, and my friend here also dares.'
Only then did Melcorka see Bradan. He stood at the edge of the square with his hands tied behind his back and a gag in his mouth. Two Thiruzha warriors held him.
'One bound man against three rakshasas with elephants,' Melcorka said. 'That's fair odds.'
Dhraji's smile d
