11 ArchraadILISSOS JOLTED INTO AWARENESS as a heavy blow to the side of his head sent streaks of fire behind his eyes. He could not concentrate on what was happening or determine whether it was some brutal dream. Another blow knocked him further into wakefulness, then a series of violent cuffs stung his face until he opened his eyes. He was half lying on a hard, cold floor, his limp body supported by a hand gripping one arm. The swirling room was no village hut but some spacious place with many shadows. He could not take it in. His head drooped, his eyes closed. Someone pulled his head back by the hair and forced a cup against his lips. Oily, stinging fluid went scouring down his throat and lay smouldering in his stomach. The heat of it rippled through his body. His mind and vision cleared
