"If you tell me where she is, I can save her," Melcorka said.
Tuath shook his head and glanced at Hector. "I am Hector"s bodyguard," he said, "and I am loyal to my trust even if I do not always like what I have to do."
"You are loyal to a man who does not deserve your loyalty, Tuath," Melcorka said. "I hope we never have to fight. I do not wish to kill you."
"Nor I you, Melcorka," Tuath said sadly, "but if Hector commands it, then I shall."
Conall led the dozen guards that were with Bradan. Holding a staff with an end that had been shaped into a circle, he supervised as the guards prepared Bradan for his death.
"n***d he came into the world and n***d he shall leave," Conall said, touching Bradan on the chest with the end of his staff. "Take his clothes off."
The guards nodded and str
