Bythe talking drums they would send our message to
the stronghold of theLittle People. The place was empty, not even soldiers on guard.
There wassomething inexplicably disturbing in that monotonous drumming. Let them
gather their herbs and metals as they will; that is all. We came out of thecity, and
rode over the narrow plain to the gap between the cliffs. And then thesilence lulled
me back to sleep. She reined up before me, searching me with wild
brighteyes.
Because I saw Dwayanu dying as you looked into the
eyes of thestranger, she answered. I went back to the window, drew a chair to it,
and sat thinking. You could not go with me again into the landof the Little
People.
After that they settled down into a slow, measured
rhythmfilled with implacable menace.
I rode in the centre of my troop, bent over the
neck of myhorse. Let them gather their herbs and metals as they will; that is all.
And all this I did in event ofthe message failing.
She spoke quietly to her women, then sat, head
bent, thinking, withnever another word for me. If it were trueyou would also have
most of the people.
They glanced at each other, oddly, saluted, and
went on. I went to the door softly so that Imight not awaken Evalie. Now Sirk is
done, there is no longer much need for that penalty, Lur.
It seemed to me the bestexplanation of
Khalkru.
Yet itseemed to me that in them now was challenge.
You whom Dwayanu had mastered was killingDwayanu.