Chapter 9As Hawklan’s voice faded, the silence returned, colder than ever, seeming to freeze the entire group into immobility.
‘Will you lead us, Hawklan?’ Athyr asked eventually, his voice sounding strained.
Hawklan avoided his gaze briefly, then stood up and drew the black sword.
‘There are forces at work here of which we know nothing,’ he said. ‘This sword,’ — he looked around at the austerely decorated walls and ceiling — ‘this whole castle fell to my hands by some mystery beyond my understanding and, I suspect, beyond all our knowing. I will lead you if you wish, but you must know that since my journeyings and my encounter with Oklar I have learned much about myself, including memories of a time when I was other than I am now. Of a time before when I led a great Orthlundyn army. Wh
