Chapter 17Nilsson had little or no recollection of the remainder of his journey back to the castle. It was a swirling maelstrom of fears and doubts, of re-awakened and burning ambition, of elation and black despair, the whole interwoven with long-dead memories risen anew and richly lit by the fire of the promise that had been kindled in him.
‘What did you find out, Nils?’
The question reached out to draw him from his deep preoccupation. He looked at the speaker vacantly for a moment. It was Dessane.
‘What did you find out?’ The question came again, Dessane concerned at his leader’s abstractedness. ‘About Rannick?’ he prompted. He stepped back a pace. The light of his torch illuminated both rider and horse. ‘Ye gods!’ he exclaimed. ‘What have you been doing to your horse? It’s in a lathe
