When everyone was gathered, Wardyke lifted his left arm to point at the grey and lowering sky above Maal’s house. It must have been a signal because almost immediately a low and sombre drumming started, and a column of smoke rose from the direction of the old priest’s house. The villagers gasped, but had no time to talk to their neighbours about what was happening. The drumming was growing louder and as all heads turned from the smoke to the direction of the sound, six men, Wardyke’s men, were seen approaching carrying a bier of branches on which the body of their old priest was lying.
A murmur of dismay started, but swiftly ceased as Wardyke’s burning eye fell upon them. Behind them walked six drummers. Again, Wardyke’s men.
Karne could have burst with the feelings that were racing thro
