Again the gathering broke into applause. The Prince heard a smattering of good-natured laughter, a few whistles, a shouted gibe or two; but they meant nothing to him. Without Elgart’s support, he would have slumped to the floor. His fall had not reached bottom.
This time, Magister Avail did not quiet the hall. Prince Bifalt could not complete his surrender until the audience subsided at its own pace.
When he was finally able to speak through the fading clamor, he finished his quest.
“If Belleger and Amika achieve peace, I will return for Hexin Marrow’s Seventh Decimate.” His people would need at least that much control over their own straits. And if Belleger had such power, Amika would require it as well. In the name of honor— “Perhaps Commander Forguile will accompany me.”
Then he was done.
Others were not. Elgart hugged him, whispering surprise, thanks, intense relief. People he did not recognize from races he did not know clapped his back to congratulate him. The Repository’s physician came to stand in front of him. The savage nodded his approval, rested his palm on his heart for a moment, then withdrew. With his own hands, Third Father brought a flagon of ale which Prince Bifalt lacked the strength to lift.
After the first rush of well-wishers, the devotees of Spirit and Flesh approached. The smile that twisted the assassin’s mouth seemed to say, You are fortunate to be alive. Flamora kissed his lips: a brief, scented touch that somehow enabled him to raise the flagon and swallow a little ale. Then he drank more. Eventually, he could stand without Elgart’s help.
When he looked toward the Magisters, Prince Bifalt saw the librarian grinning through his beard, his blind eyes shining with triumph. The Prince could almost hear Sirjane Marrow’s thoughts.
Now we will have a buffer in the west. At last.
The sight reminded King Abbator’s eldest son that he had other promises to keep as well. Someday, somehow, he intended to humble these sorcerers.
It would not happen soon: that was obvious. But he was not going to forget. Perhaps when Belleger had recovered its strength, he would find some way to repay the arrogance of the Last Repository’s summons.
Stephen R. Donaldson is the author of the original six volumes of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, a landmark in modern fantasy. Every volume, beginning with Lord Foul’s Bane in 1977, has been an international bestseller. Donaldson returned to the series with the Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, comprising The Runes of the Earth, Fatal Revenant, Against All Things Ending, and The Last Dark. Donaldson lives in New Mexico. Visit his website at stephenrdonaldson.com.
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Seventh Decimate Page 26