Stark smiled. “I am a wanderer by profession.”
“Outlaw?” asked the captain, and Stark shrugged.
“Mercenary is a kinder word.”
Rogain studied the pattern of stripes on the Earthman’s dark skin. “Why did the Lord Ciaran, so-called, order you scourged?”
“I had thrashed one of his chieftains.”
Rogain sighed and rose. He stood regarding Stark from under brooding brows, and at length he said, “It is a wild tale. I can’t believe it—and yet, why should you lie?”
He paused, as though hoping that Stark would answer that and relieve him of worry.
Stark yawned. “The tale is easily proved. Wait a day or two.”
“I will arm the city,” said Rogain. “I dare not do otherwise. But I will tell you this.” An astonishing unpleasant look came into his eyes. “If the attack does not come—if you have set a w
