He did not wait to be addressed, however. ‘I come as your chieftain to take your obeisance, and to lead you and all my people to our greater destiny,’ he said before any of them could speak. Then, swinging his leg over his horse’s neck so as not to disturb his companion, he dropped down on to the ground solidly and stared about him.
After a momentary, shocked silence, shouts of abuse and scornful denial began to rise from the crowd.
‘Be silent,’ Ivaroth shouted immediately. His voice was unexpectedly powerful and seemed to echo across the whole camp. The cries faded as rapidly as they had arisen.
The elders were less intimidated. ‘Your right to be chieftain in your brother’s stead is forfeit, as is your life, Ivaroth Ungwyl,’ one of them said, stepping forward. ‘Not only for defying the
