"Show it to me."

Bending down, the smith opened one of the doors under his worktable. He pulled out some mail and held it up with one hand. Dangling disjointed strings of chain, it looked to be half there, at best.

"There's no front to this at all, and the underarm links have all been taken out, as well as chunks of the back."

Tayan took it and held it up. "This is perfect, thanks.a Rolling it up, he left the perplexed man and went to the stables.

Jubar had neglected nothing; his horse was a seasoned, dappled gray. Just outside the stall, the saddle hung over a sawhorse with a blanket, saddlebags and bridle. His bedroll was already on the back of the saddle, ready to go. A long rawhide sleeve for a bow lay next to the saddle. He half-expected a note telling him where his pack mule was.

He put the mail, or what was left of it, in his saddlebags. Next he visited the armory. The squire there tried to get him into a full set of plate armor. He had to convince the boy all he needed was a good sword, a bow and a quiver of arrows. As he looked around at the long racks of weapons, he saw something else he'd need. He had the squire give him a heavy double-bladed battleaxe. He couldn't fight with it but he'd need it for the Inn, and he could always chop wood with it later.

Amber found him after he had deposited his second load in the stables. He had just started across the courtyard when she called to him. She was in full view; he had no chance to hide.

She wore a partial smile as she came up to him. "I've been looking all over for you. Where did you go?"

He knew she'd seen him come out of the stable, so he made up a story.

"I borrowed a horse to see if the south end of town had been rebuilt yet. It is--it looks good."

She eyed him as if she knew he wasn't telling the truth; but thankfully, she didn't challenge him.

"While you've been seeing the sights, I've been talking with Father Ross about our route. He says we should be careful in Spring Valley--the brothers there telling him they sense evil moving in. They haven't had any trouble other than the usual, but it might be a good idea to just pass through quickly. We can pick up another coach in town and be out before dark."

As far as he knew, Spring Valley was just like any other town. There were good and bad elements.

"I should be safe staying at the church," he told her.

Watching him closely, she asked, "You?"

A warning flag went up in his mind. He hadn't stopped to think about how to lie to her. "I meant we'll stay at the church; it should make you feel safe."

"You aren't leaving me behind."

"No, I'm not," he said quickly. Hooking his arm for her to take, he asked in a mock-formal manner, "Shall we prepare for our evening meal?"

He expected a wise remark, at least an irritated huff. She did neither. Slipping her hand up over his arm, she kept watching him.

"By all means."

They walked back to their rooms, each deep in thought. He was thinking about his after-dinner plans--he'd have to be careful not to raise her suspicions. He didn't know what Amber was thinking about, but he could see the wheels turning in her head. He only hoped she hadn't figured out what he was up to.

In his room, he found neatly stacked piles of clothes on the dresser. Leafing through the shirts, he saw these were far more than basic wear. Made of silk and linen, the shirts were adorned with everything from frilly collars to a light blue one that looked to have real gold threads in the scrolled designs over the front. Every one had expensive polished shell buttons. The pants were the same. They looked finely made, some with contrasting seams down the sides, but there wasn't one pair of durable breeches to be found.

He needed good solid traveling leathers and woolens. This stuff was going to be ruined as well as attract bandits on the lookout for wealthy merchants to waylay. He had no time to exchange them here; he'd have to do it in Spring Valley.

Knowing Stazor, the governor would expect him to come to dinner wearing something fancy. He decided to go all out. After his bath, he put on the cream-colored silk shirt embroidered in gold and a set of dark blue pants. The shirt was a bit too blousy, and the pants a bit snug, but they did fit. Looking at himself in the mirror, he had to laugh. His reflection reminded him of a gypsy dancer. He looked ridiculous, in an amusing sort of way. Once Amber saw him, she was sure to gasp at this gaudy display; and maybe chiding him would take her mind off their troubles.

He was in a cheerier mood as he strode up and rapped on her door. Standing straight and stiff, he waited for her to answer. She did, coming out in her normal brown robes. At seeing him, she froze and her mouth dropped.

With a flourish, he offered her his arm. "Shall we go, my dear?"

She swept him up and down with her eyes and a flush came to her cheeks. Her hand reached blindly for the door as she breathed, "Excuse me...for a moment."

She then slammed the door shut.

On the other side of the door, Amber leaned against the wall, hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. He was gorgeous! She had always thought Tayan was handsome, but with that frilly shirt and those tight pants hugging his hips...

Squeezing her eyes shut, she took a few deep breaths. "Leighna, give me strength!" she whispered.

If she were to survive the evening and not melt into a puddle at his feet, she would need all the strength she could get!

His voice came through the door, sounding irritated. "Amber, I know I look silly, but all the clothes Jubar gave me look like this."

Silly? He had nearly stopped her heart! Composing herself, she straightened up and smoothed out her hair, more out of nervousness than any attempt at being neat. She opened the door, fixing her eyes on his, trying to ignore anything below his chin.

"I was not prepared to see you dressed like a common street performer," she told him, trying to sound crisp.

Slipping her hand around his arm, she felt the smoothness of the cloth and had to force herself not to look down.

"It's all right to laugh, I feel kind of silly. Think anyone else will notice?" he asked with a grin.

"I don't see how they could not," she told him honestly. She decided to keep an eye on him--he wasn't going to be safe if any other women were there. Those pants were on the edge of being scandalous!

When Odif strutted around showing all she had, it only confirmed that she was crude; but for a man to show his shape--well, it scattered her brains. The more she didn't want to get another good look at him, the more she really wanted to. A few times on the way to the dining hall she silently chided herself for snatching glimpses. She was going to have to pay a week's penance for the things she was thinking!

The hall was filled with knights and their families. Tayan sat at one side of Stazor while Amber sat to their hosts other side. The dinner went well for him, not once did anyone poke fun at his attire. Most of the knights wore similar clothes, but their pants fit properly. Stazor announced his commitment to helping Zodiac rid their land of evil, which was echoed by others. Thankfully, the conversations were focused on Zodiac and not him.

After dinner they mingled as minstrels played. A few of the ladies made pains to converse with him. Amber seemed to be in the right place each time to intercept them and either coax them off or stress the benefits of being pure and chaste until she drove them away. Whatever her reasoning, he was glad to have her keeping away unwanted attention.

One young lady in white with a head of blond hair piled high on her head eyed Tayan intently. She tried ignoring Amber and even went so far as to ask him out "for a walk" as she leaned slightly forward to make sure he got a look at her cleavage.

Tayan told her as politely as he could, "I am escorting Sister Amber this evening. Perhaps another time."

The lady stared at him, shocked that he would deny her. She spared Amber a long, haughty glance and told him, "It is very...charitable for you to give your attention to her. After all, she may never again know the attentions of a man.a She then scratched her cheek, trying to hide a smirk. "Being of the church," she finished with a false smile.

The last part was put in as an afterthought. He could sense Amber stiffen beside him with an audible intake of breath. If the young priestess tore into her, head let her get in a few good licks before he broke it up. The woman hadn't even bothered to veil her insult very well.

"Sister Amber is very brave and has more character than many women I've met," he told her pointedly.

Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Oh? I suppose she is an inspiration."

"I can heal wounds--or give them, should the situation demand," Amber cut in with acid in her voice.

The woman gaped at her. Forcing a smile back onto her face, she said, "Everyone has to be good at something."

Amber stared coldly back at her, her eyes looking like fire could shoot out at any second. "Everyone should know how to defend themselves. It would be a great joy for me to teach you.a Only then did one corner of her lip turn up into a slight grin. "Do not be too concerned, I will heal you when you require it."

The idea of physical combat was enough for the woman to bid Tayan goodnight with a slight curtsy and weave her way out of sight in the crowd. He picked up Amber's hand and put it back on his arm.

"Don't pay any attention to her. You're more woman than she'll ever be," he whispered.

Drawing herself up, she said, "I will keep you safe from these tarts.a Even though she didn't thank him, he could see gratitude in her face.

She could not, however, save him from a few of the young knights who were eager to hear of his exploits battling evil. He ended up telling the story of the famous cavern battle near Krundle and the weeklong lowlands battle in the place now known as the Fields of Blood. The knights listened intently as he told of the ground so soaked with blood it began to run in small streams. Their eyes gleamed at how he and the Company stood atop piles of the dead; and how the Company, badly hurt and tired, formed a ring so the wounded could be tended to. Once the wounded were healed, they'd get up and take the place of another who was ready to fall.

Tayan himself was wishing he could forget those bloody days. Once he finished with how they had to rest for the following week before pressing on, he excused himself. The knights were eager to hear more, but with Amber's help he escaped by stating they had a long day of travel ahead of them.

They walked slowly back to their rooms in the cool evening. Tayan knew Amber was self-conscious of her face. The woman's biting remark had hurt her deeply. He did his best to pick up her mood as they wandered their way back to the guesthouse. It seemed to be working--she was smiling and gave a giggle when he poked fun at those abrazen women.a The atmosphere turned into more of a courting mood. He didn't realize it was happening until he went to leave her at the junction in the hall where they split to go to their own rooms. Without thinking about it, he bent to kiss her goodnight. His brain caught up with him halfway to her lips. Forcing himself to stop, he straightened back up and mumbled a "Night, Amber...I had a good time.a He desperately hoped she hadn't noticed, but her face said she did.

Her cheeks colored as she gazed up at him. "As did I. Goodnight."

He wanted to bolt away from her. How stupid could he be! Walking stiffly to his room he paused to look down the hall. Amber stood before her door, watching him with a big grin on her face. She waved her fingers at him then slipped inside.

Tayan went inside and began pacing, angry at himself. She was getting the absolute wrong idea! He had only wanted to cheer her up. Starting to kiss her was reflex, nothing more. Amber was a good friend, but that was all she could ever be. He briefly entertained the notion of going to explain it to her, to see her one last time before he left.

"That will only make things worse," he muttered to himself. It was best to just leave while he had the chance.

He checked the hall three times before he no longer saw the sliver of light under her door. Stepping as quietly as he could, he left the guesthouse, taking pains to stay out of sight of her window in case she was looking out. The stable was empty. He donned the ruined chain mail and hefted the clumsy ax, wondering how anyone could fight with one of these things. Only the gate guards were about as he led his horse out into the city.

He tried to forget Amber and focus on the task at hand. When he walked into the Roadhouse he had to be mean. He had to glare and snarl as if he was about to kill everyone in the place just because they lived. It wasn't in his nature to treat people badly unless they proved they deserved it, but this one time he'd have to act like his father. He had to be convincing. Be the man who had followed him from Tolina, the one who had stuffed him into that damn sack! The more he thought about his father, the darker his mood became. He didn't need someone like Eric watching over him. How dare the man keep him safe when Lucinthia was about to be killed!

A thought stuck him. Father Ross claimed the thing watching him was as dark as the devil himself. He could think of no one who better fit that description than Eric. The bag had come from Eric, the coach he rode in belonged to Eric and quite possibly that thing watching him came from Eric, also. It figured. Eric sent that thing so he would not be harmed, so he could go on suffering without his beloved wife.

As these thoughts ran through his head, he gripped the ax harder and harder until his forearm ached. His strides became longer, and his jaw clenched so tightly he threatened to break his own teeth. His blood pulsed hot and strong through his veins. By the time he came to the dining room door of the Roadhouse and raised a foot to kick it in, there wasn't a person in the world who would ever guess he wasn't the Red Man.

Chapter 6.

Zodiac walked carefully through the main hall, threading his way around the mass of people sitting on the floor. This room, like every other one, was packed with former residents of Newburg. Of the Company, he had seen Gloredaniel in JoJoas lab and met Zit in the hall. He knew that Scorpio was somewhere around, but he needed to find the rest.

Stepping around a mother huddled with her three children, he made for the chapel. If Mother Frieda made it back, she was sure to be there.

aMy Lord!a came from his right. Valeri had spotted him. The slim greenish woman in her plain gray dress dodged through the crowd to run to him, hugging him tightly. aThey told me you didnat come through!a aI made it.a He patted her back. aHow are we holding up with food and places for all these people to sleep?a Releasing him, she wiped a tear from her eye and shook her head. aNot well, MaLord. We have food, but not enough pots or ovens to cook fast enough. Weave filled every bed and most of the floor space in every room. There are just too many. Scorpio has sent groups to the village to try and find shelter there. I have four messengers waiting outside the gates for you.a aOutside the gates?a he asked. aThey could wait in the stables.a Valeri shook her head. aNo, MaLord, itas full of people.a He sighed and hugged her again with one arm. aWell, at least theyare alive. I want to get the Company together. Find whoever you can and have them meet me in the chapel so we can talk.a aIall look for them, but the chapel--a aIs full of people,a he finished.

She nodded. aEvery bench and flat place someone can lie down on.a aAll right then, in the courtyard by the gates.a aYes, MaLord.a She looked up at him for a second then said, aIam very glad you returned. We missed you.a Smiling at her, he said, aI missed both of you, too,a then gave her a light slap on her behind. aNow go on, we have a lot to do.a aYes, MaLord.a She smiled back then returned through the crowd with a bounce in her step.

He had reached the main doors when Kimmy found him. She ran up and wrapped her arms around his neck so hard he thought she was trying to choke him. He got her to ease her grip; but she held onto him as she started to talk in an endless stream, trying to tell him everything that had happened at once. He didnat really hear what she said as he gazed into her gray eyes. The green tint of her skin somehow made her smooth features even prettier--both she and Valeri were the best thing that had happened to him in a long time.

He put a finger to her lips until she quit trying to talk then asked, aFirst, what was it you were saying about the tree?a aItas burning. Some druids are putting it out, but just before it burst into flames I heard men screaming from inside it. Scorpio said you hadnat come through.a Touching his face, she gazed at him lovingly. aI thought you were dead.a aNot yet, you still have to put up with me,a he assured her with a grin.

Looking at him seriously, she said, aWhen you die, I do, too. I will not serve another...lord.a He had forbidden them to say amaster,a but he knew what she meant. aThis castle is your home, no matter what happens. You do not have to serve anyone you do not wish to.a aRight.a She nodded. aI am yours.a He didnat have time to get drawn into another one of these discussions. aI forbid you to end your own life or have someone do it for you,a he told her sternly. aNow, where is my brother?a aIn the courtyard. He is getting men to help build shacks outside the walls for people to sleep in.a aAnd have you seen Odif?a She nodded. aZit found her wandering--he said she was near a band of halshaken as they were being attacked. I put her in the room next to ours. She is suffering from something Iave seen before. Her body is awake, but her mind isnat. If I may, I will need to spend most of my time with her.a aYou can heal her?a aI think I can bring her back,a she corrected. aDuring slave training, some girls withdrew into themselves. We were taught how to help bring them out of it. Some did come around and were saved, those who could not were beheaded.a Zodiac swallowed. Every time she told bits of what they had gone through as slaves, his stomach turned. aWell, go do what you can for her...and we are not going to behead Odif.a aYes, MaLord,a she said then gave him a kiss before she went on her way.

Despite his best efforts, Zodiac could not get everyone together. Zit was caring for Trelem, who had gotten caught in the blast that destroyed the tree. Frieda insisted on staying in the chapel until all the people there were cared for. Scorpio was busy managing the masses outside. Duncan, JoJo, Gloredaniel and Entaurus had closed themselves away to perform some mysterious magic. He decided to leave them to their tasks and ordered everyone else to gather in his rooms for dinner.

The messengers were, just as Kimmy said, waiting outside the gates. He sent two to Elrad and two to Capetown to spread the word. Heading back, he found Liefelm in the courtyard. The one-legged man was eager to do something to help, so he sent him in search of Odifas mother. In case Kimmy couldnat help Odif, someone would need to care for her; and they had to start towards the plains as soon as possible.

Valeri found him again as he was walking back into the castle. Smiling, she said proudly, aWe have found places for everyone, and there is another kitchen set up in the forge.a aThe forge?a She nodded. aThe fire pits there can cook as well as heat steel. I heard that Scorpio has another fire pit set up outside the walls. The problem of feeding all these people is solved.a aGood work, very good,a he told her. He raised an arm and she quickly slid beside him, wrapping an arm around him as he draped his over her shoulder. Despite the huge number of people, everyone was at least going to be able to eat and sleep. As long as he got the residents of Newburg on to other places in a day or two they would not be too much of a problem.

aAre you ready to rest yet, MaLord?a she asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Valerias idea of rest after he came back from somewhere had nothing to do with sleep. Once she got him in bed, she would do her best to wear him out.

aNot yet, we still have much to do.a She cast him a pouting look. aYou are not going to wear yourself out, are you, MaLord?a He chuckled and gave her a squeeze. aLet me guess, thatas your job?a She pressed close to him. aKimmy is caring for Odif, so this is my chance to have you all to myself. Iam sure Kimmy will have her turn tomorrow.a He was sure she would, too. His thoughts were not on snuggling, though; he was wondering how Kimmy was doing with Odif.

Odif lay crumpled on the floor, her auburn hair a tangled mass over her face. She wept as she tried once again to reach out for Kimmy.

Kimmy slapped her hand away. aNo!a Leaning over her, she barked, aGet up on your own!a Odif curled up and hugged her arm as if Kimmy had hurt it terribly. In her mind, a bright ball of fire raced at her. Her ears heard Kimmyas commands, and her eyes saw the floor in front of her; but none of this registered in her mind. When Kimmy grabbed her hair and hauled her head up to look her in the eyes, Odif flinched as she lived through being tossed through the air once again. She felt the pain and shock of a hundred trees being ripped apart at the same time as strong warriors died with their minds screaming in horror.

aUp!a Kimmy growled, pulling the prostrate druid by the hair. She had just enough strength to get her to her knees. It amazed her that someone who looked as trim as Odif could be so damn heavy. The only thing that swelled her arms and legs was muscle, and there was nothing to her stomach but flat ripples.

Odif did stagger up, but when Kimmy let go, she whined and reached for her. Kimmy stepped back and bade her to follow. Odif collapsed in place and kept crying.

Kimmy dropped to her knees. Gripping the sides of Odifas head, she made the woman look at her.

aYou must get up. If you canat walk then Master will take your head, understand? You must walk or die!a Odif gripped her arms, whimpering. By the vacant look in her eyes, Kimmy knew she hadnat understood. If she were a slave, her fate would be the chopping block. The Master was counting on her to bring Odif out of this, so she had to keep trying. Threats were not going to work, so she wracked her brains to think of something to bring her out if her state of shock. There had to be something she would respond to!

She had to think like a druid. What would be strong enough to get through to her?

Druids worshiped the Goddess of Nature. Using her limited magic, she forced her words into Odifas mind.

aYour goddess is watching you, and she is very disappointed! She wants you to get up, now!a Whether it was Kimmy herself starting to rise or her words, Odif got to her feet. Kimmy let go of her and she stayed up. Pointing towards the door, she said, aI am going out, and your goddess wants you to follow me.a She watched closely. Odif moaned but walked in halting steps just behind her. It looked like she might collapse at any second, but she was moving on her own.

Zodiacas sitting room was full. The small table was surrounded with Duncan, Gloredaniel, Jo-Jo and Entaurus. On the sofa, Glier sat beside Pynlee with Scorpio on the other side of him. Mother Frieda sat by the fireplace, bracketed by the two humans Theo and Hutch. Zit and Shilo sat propped against the windowsill. Valeri had brought in a cart with the food.

Kimmy ignored the others, who had gathered for dinner. With terse commands, she led Odif past them and had her sit on the floor in the far corner. She took the plates of food Valeri offered, setting one in front of her charge. Odifas nose twitched as if she smelled the food, but she didnat move to eat until Kimmy grabbed her hand and put it on her plate with a command that her goddess wanted her to eat.

aHow is she doing?a JoJo asked.

Giving him a brief smile, Kimmy replied, aBetter. She can walk and eat by herself. It will take time.a Mother Frieda raised an eyebrow. aPerhaps you can instill some decency into her,a she said dryly.

aI think Kimmy has done wonders already,a Pylnee stated from her seat on the couch. Looking at Glier, she added, aI think she will recover--Odif is tough.a aTough as oak,a he agreed.

Scorpio moved to sit by Odif, but Kimmy waved him away. aNo, donat come to her. Make her say your name and come to you.a Odif looked up at him. Widening her eyes as if to bring him into focus, she held an arm out to him and mewled.

Kimmy pushed her arm down. aWho is he?a Odif shook her head. She knew the man standing there, but to think of his name was too hard. She mouthed what she thought might be a syllable, but she wasnat sure.

aScorpio,a he said gently as he laid a hand in his chest.

aYour goddess is watching, say it,a Kimmy coaxed from beside her.