The company waken and continue their trek back to Blackstone. On the way back to the Ptuvil's Claw the news of what had happened goes round the town and a crowd gathers when they arrive. Now must come the tricky task of discovering, if possible, who their attackers had been.

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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They had managed to circle the wagons in time, but the Indians were still galloping round and round, occasionally firing at them with their crossbows. The situation was desperate but the men seemed confident that they would win in the end. After all, they had pump-action shotguns, didn't they? All they had to do was figure out how to use them...

Then Chewbacca shouted, saying that the dragon had come back.

Huh?

The dranakh bleated again. Garia swam up to consciousness from a very confused dream. Around her were the sounds of a camp coming to life. She untangled herself from her cloak, rubbed her eyes and sat up.

"A man comes, milady," someone said as they noticed her awaken, "riding a frayen."

Garia sat up and noticed Feteran putting his telescope to an eye.

"Easy, men," he announced, "it is one of the farmers." A little later he added, "It is the man who lived in this house, Brandar."

She was standing, pulling her clothing into some semblence of order, when Brandar rode into the camp and dismounted.

"Thank the Maker!" the farmer said. "My Lady, I did not know you had returned. I saw the smoke and thought, perhaps we had left a lamp burning or forgot to douse the fire before we departed. I feared for the farmhouse. I see now it is your camp fire." Brandar looked around, taking in the appearance of the men around the camp for the first time. "Maker! What has happened to you?"

Feteran grimaced. "As you can see, goodman, we were attacked at the head of the vale by a party of armed men. Though we have injured we are in better case than those who sought to try us." His eyes narrowed. "Have you seen any ride past your farms in recent days?"

Brandar shook his head. "None at all, my lord. Apart from your own party, that is."

"I am no lord, goodman," Feteran replied, "merely the commander of the Baroness's forces, few though we may be. So, if those who attacked us - perhaps fourteen or fifteen in number, we think - did not come this way, perhaps they came through the valley to the south. Is this possible?"

"My - uh, commander, there is no valley to the south, not here. There is merely a narrow cleft in the rock one could barely walk a frayen through." Brandar nodded thoughtfully. "It is possible to travel from Bray Vale, south of the town, through to the valley you speak of. Sometimes we must needs go that way to find an animal lost from our herds. The narrow way is usually choked with brush and the pakh become entangled in it."

Garia was joined by Keren and he entered the conversation.

"We did make a search for the last pair of Trogan's men still free but I doubt any thought to try the way our good friend here has spoken of. Suppose that they used such a place as their lair? Would not these others have joined them, since their purposes were so similar? We must examine this narrow way once we are back in town and better organized."

Feteran nodded. "Aye, Highness. Now that we know such a route is possible, I will arrange a search party to look for evidence. I doubt we will find the survivors, they will be long gone."

Brandar looked startled. "Survivors? You were not victorious?"

"We were saved by unusual fortune, goodman," Keren told him. "While we were yet at battle, a ptuvil decided to join the fray. Because of this, three escaped, of whom we later found the body of one. So, two are still at large, though I believe them no longer nearby."

"A ptuvil? Where, Highness? Are our herds in danger?"

"Right at the head of Blackstone Vale, goodman. It flew away east and returned some bells later with its mate to collect more of those it had killed. Because of the time it took I do not think it lairs anywhere nearby, but it may be well to keep your herds close to hand for some days." Keren remembered who he was speaking to and added, "But I forget, goodman. Your herds are scattered, are they not? What of your own situation? Are you well received in yonder dwelling? Must you accompany us to town with your children?"

Brandar gave Keren an embarrassed smile. "Highness, the situation is not entirely as we believed it to be. We have discovered that Brethen and I are not cousins... but brothers. It seems that Brethen's father Selmenar had a dalliance with his brother's wife Jerina, my mother, unknown to both families. Great offence was caused when it was discovered and the two families never bespoke one another again, until the day you came to us. We have resolved to combine the families and reside together in the same household." He turned to Garia. "My Lady, does this meet with your approval?"

Garia, still trying to come fully awake, considered the question for a moment until she realized what Brandar was actually asking.

"Goodman Brandar, if you can all live together, and everyone is happy with that arrangement then I have no problem with it. You're asking about the farms, aren't you?"

"Aye, My Lady. If we reside together, would we forfeit this farm? I do not know if the herds Brethen possesses are enough to keep our enlarged family."

"We-ll, seeing as some of the land will likely be eaten up by the mine workings, it might be as well to combine both holdings into one." She nodded. "I can't see that becoming a problem. Look, it's early, and I've only just woken up -"

"I beg your pardon, My Lady. I did not mean -"

"- that's all right, goodman. Let me get back to my office and I'll ask Master Jepp how we can do this. Okay?"

Brandar made a low bow. "As you command, My Lady."

Keren asked him, "Shall you break your fast with us? We have not yet eaten."

"Ah, Highness, I think it would be better if I returned. I came immediately I saw the smoke, they may not know where I have gone."

"As you wish, goodman. Once we have broken our fast and made ourselves ready, we shall call at the other farm on our way back to Blackstone."

"Then we will await your coming, Highness. If you will excuse me?"

Brandar bowed again, mounted his frayen and rode off back the way he had come. Keren turned to Garia.

"That explains the family feud, then. Hungry?"

"Of course. But first, Jenet and I must go down to the river."

"As you say. Breakfast will be waiting when you get back."

The men had dug a latrine since they were wary of using the outhouse attached to the farm. The numbers would have made the building even more unpleasant than such places usually were so they preferred to set up their own, a duty they were becoming accustomed to. Garia and Jenet paid a visit there before she walked to the edge of the stream and cleaned herself up, splashing water on her face to try and come fully awake.

When they returned to the camp Keren and Feteran silently handed them each a mug of pel. The men were busy with the usual grain porridge and Garia stood, sipping her pel, while she watched them at work. She took comfort in the fact that they were here to protect her, Keren and Jenet, but she was also disturbed by the fact that if it had not been for her wish to explore the valley none of them would have been hurt - and one killed.

"You look thoughtful this morning."

"Yes. I've had a lot to think about recently. I don't think that what happened yesterday has fully sunk in yet. I have gotten a man killed and four others injured because of a silly girl's whims." Her voice lowered. "And I watched a huge beast tear six men apart in front of me. I don't deserve any of this. You don't deserve me, none of you."

Her eyes started to run and Jenet began rummaging in her bag for a cloth. Keren reached out an arm and clutched hers, but she broke his gentle grip and turned away, aware that all the men had noticed but were studiously avoiding looking at her. Keren tried again, grabbing both arms firmly and clutching her to his chest. She resisted at first but then sagged against him, weeping.

"I've told you before," he said, "if there's one thing you are not it's a silly little girl. You are a brave, resourceful and amazing person who has done more for Palarand than anyone else I can think of. Yesterday was a shock to all of us, I admit that, few of us have seen any kind of battle before and nobody I know has ever seen a ptuvil on the ground, at least not and lived to speak of it. I admit, freely, in front of you and all these brave men that I was as frightened of what happened to us as you must have been."

Feteran spoke up and Garia turned her head to him with tear-stained cheeks.

"The Prince is right, milady. In such regions as these it is always possible to meet a wild animal but none expected a ptuvil, of all creatures. It is no shame to be frightened of any encounter with such a great beast. And none could have predicted an attack by so many armed men, though had we all been gathered at the camp I deem we would have beaten them off without their use of guns. Against guns, milady, no-one could prevail except by chance, and chance is what we had that day."

"But I brought you all out here!" Garia protested. "I'm responsible for what happened!"

"Aye, milady, and if you asked us to come here again, we would all come again. We are sworn to you, it is true, but we have all seen enough of you to know that we would do it anyway, should you but ask. You are a very rare person, milady, a noble who is worth serving. If your service requires that we give our lives to protect yours, milady, then we shall do that which is required."

There was a muttering of "Ayes" from the other men and Garia suddenly became horribly embarrassed. She buried her face in Keren's tunic, not wanting the men to see her flaming cheeks.

This is too much! I can't do this!

They are putting me on a pedestal, I can't possibly live up to expectations like that!

Keren spoke softly, so low that only she could hear.

"You have my pledge as well, my love. You are worthy of my service and you shall have it as long as either of us shall live. You are a truly special person, one who comes so rarely the last is only a legend to us. Our world needs you, my love, and it is my duty to keep you safe so that you can do your duty."

"It's too much, Keren," she wailed. "I can't live up to that!"

"You can, Garia," Keren said, raising his voice so that the others could hear. "We're still young, both growing up, and nobody expects us to be able to do things the way my father or Uncle Gil does. That comes with age and experience. We have much to learn and these fine men will make sure that we have the chance to get that experience." He smiled down at her. "We'll keep you safe."

"But... the dead and injured!"

"Would have happened eventually, whether you were involved or not, Garia. This is what life is like in Palarand. Men die, men get injured. So do women and children. In time the changes you bring will make life better for all, but this is the world you live in now, and you must accept it as I do, as the men do."

Garia was silent a while but then pushed away from Keren. He let her go and she turned to face the men.

"I'm sorry," she said to them, "I shouldn't be making scenes like this. Thank you all for your concern. I'll try to do better in future."

"Milady," D'Kenik said, "I think we would have been more concerned had you not been affected by what happened yesterday. You show yourself a liege who is thoughtful for her men and her people. Such care does not pass unnoticed."

There were more mutterings of agreement from the others. Jenet passed a cloth to Garia and she wiped her face.

"Perhaps," Keren said, "We ought to concern ourselves with breakfast."

~o~O~o~

When the long line of men and beasts reached the second farm they found a subdued reception committee, warned by Brandar what to expect. The women noticeably paled when they saw the seven frayen with bodies stretched over their saddles. Brethen approached the mounted party and bowed.

"Your Highness, Milady," he began. "Brandar told us there had been a battle... I did not know if he exaggerated or not, I see he did not. As before, you are welcome at our farm."

"Thank you, goodman," Keren replied, "but we must press on to Blackstone, for reasons which are plain to see. We will not disturb you any longer."

"They are plain to see, Highness," Brethen agreed. "Are we in any danger here? Brandar said that two escaped. And what of the ptuvil? We are used to the occasional raid by zinakh and drekhil but nothing more."

"I don't think you need worry unduly, goodman. The attackers are long vanished and wild animals do what they will. Is all well with you and your expanded household?"

"Aye, Highness," Brethen confirmed, nodding. "Brandar told you what we discovered when his family arrived?"

"That you are brothers? Aye. Such things may happen in the town as well as in the country. Do not think that any will blame you for an indiscretion which your parents shared. "

"Thank you, Highness."

"You have all settled in together?"

"Aye, Highness, though we have yet to come to terms with having so many in the house." Brethen paused, licking his lips. "With both families become one, Highness, it seems to me that our choices have changed. If we may reside away from the mining works then we could build a larger house from which to run the combined farm. Would Her Ladyship consent to us dwelling elsewhere on her lands?"

Garia thought briefly. "I don't know the rules or customs, Brethen. For myself, I have no objection, but let me talk to Master Jepp when we get back to Blackstone." She gave Brethen a knowing look. "If we do this right, you might be able to get the miners to contribute towards your new farmhouse."

A startled Brethen stood back, thinking.

"I hadn't thought of that, My Lady. I give you thanks for your suggestion."

She smiled at him. "Any time, goodman. And now, we must go and leave you in peace."

"Fare you well, Highness, Milady."

The company pushed on down the valley. Garia now wanted to get back to the Ptuvil's Claw as fast as possible. There was certain to be an uproar when they arrived, and besides, neither she nor Jenet had washed properly for three days. She wanted a bath. They continued following the path beside the small river towards the gorge which offered their way out. Feteran examined the high rocks ahead with care.

"Worried they might be up there, commander?"

"Unlikely, milady, but without scouting either side from above we cannot tell. I wonder, since this is the obvious place for an ambush, why they did not choose it. Why wait until we were in a defended place instead?"

Michen answered from nearby. "Commander, I'll wager that few in that band was familiar with these remote lands. Seeking to remain secret from the townspeople, they would not choose this way since all knew there were farms nearby."

"Those two men of Trogan's would have known about this place," Keren objected.

"True, Highness, but they would also have known about the farms. Those men would wish to remain undiscovered themselves by the townspeople. But I deem that even those men would have known little of the lands beyond the farms."

Feteran said, "Then what you are suggesting is that most of these men are strangers in Blackstone, unfamiliar with its lands. That makes sense, Highness, Milady."

Garia shrugged. "As you say. It wouldn't be the townspeople, would it, because there were only a few who objected to the new order of things after we arrived. It had to be foreigners, of which we have had a few lately."

"Let's get back to the Claw," Keren said. "This speculation is without answer until we can identify some of these men."

The company threaded its way through the gorge and came out at the top end of the reservoir, walking alongside the water until they reached the dam. Looking down at the foot of the dam they noticed a group of riders who looked up at hearing them appear. Garia could see the upturned faces of two women and four men, all dressed in House Blackstone colors.

"Merry?"

"Garia! You're back! How was your trip?"

Garia shouted down, "Come up! We've had problems."

The party below urged their mounts up the steep valley slope until they stood on the aqueduct in front of Garia's company. They were Merizel, Sukhana, Briswin, Tedenis, Brazan and Frando.

Brazan saluted to Garia. "Well met, milady." His eyes narrowed as he took in the line of bandaged riders and those frayen with other loads. "What has happened?"

"We were attacked almost at the head of the valley," Garia explained. "Fourteen, maybe fifteen men, most with swords but two with weapons that had to come from somewhere else entirely. The attack was beaten off but we have injuries, as you can see. Two got away."

Brazan had counted the frayen with cargo. "There are only seven bodies, milady. And I do not see Thoran."

"Thoran is one of the bodies, Brazan," Keren said shortly. "And the other attackers... were eaten by a ptuvil."

"A what?" That was Merizel, her face turning pale. "Are you serious, Highness?"

"The beast was less than ten paces in front of us, Merry," he replied. "I am very serious. We were lucky to escape with our lives, those who remain."

"Merry," Garia broke in, "We can tell you all about it when we get back to the Claw. We'll have a lot to talk about, this is going to have huge implications." She looked at the slope, doubt in her expression. "Feteran, do you think the wounded can get down there?"

"No, milady, not with those wounds, unless we had no other way. Think you to take the broad path back and walk down through the town?"

"It would be safer, don't you think? And it will alert the townspeople to the facts better than any rumor could. Merry, Sookie, go back the way you came, please, and warn everyone that we'll be coming in. I'm sorry to have interrupted your ride. Sookie, can you get some bath water started, please? I don't care how near lunchtime it is, I just have to have a clean-up and I bet Jenet is the same."

"As you desire, milady," Sukhana said. "What will you do with the... bodies?"

"We'll lay them out in the yard," Keren told her. "One is Thoran, who perished defending our camp. The others are yet unknown to us. We thought to have the townspeople come and attempt to identify them before we burn them."

Sukhana nodded. "As you desire, Highness. And with so many animals as well... we'll lay them out under my windows."

Garia said, "As soon as we've unloaded these faithful creatures we'll turn them out into the paddocks, Sookie. Their diet has been a bit interrupted the last couple days, they need to fill their bellies in peace."

"Aye, milady. We'll go back, then." She paused, halfway through turning her mount. "I suppose this means you'll be departing soon, then?"

Keren sighed. "Aye, Sookie, I think father will want us home as soon as he finds out about all this. Still, that will take eight to ten days and we weren't planning to be here much longer." He flicked a hand. "We can talk about that this afternoon. Garia wants a bath, and I believe I might want one as well, once the women have finished."

"As you desire, Highness."

"We'll see you shortly," Garia said. "Brazan, everything okay while we were gone?"

"Aye, milady. These two boys are developing fine." He gestured to Tedenis and Briswin who both looked suitably solemn.

"Alert the others," she instructed. "We might get a crowd round the Claw when people see what we're bringing in."

"Aye, milady."

Brazan saluted and then turned, leading the two women and their escorts carefully back down to the valley floor. Garia and Keren watched until they were safe at the bottom before resuming their ride along the top of the covered aqueduct to the upper end of town. When they reached the clear area in front of the cistern there was a wave from the two men keeping watch on the roof. Soomit and Chinnar came down quickly once they realized the situation.

"Highness, milady." Both saluted. "You have injured," Chinnar said, "...and dead! What has happened? Is there any threat to the town?"

Garia answered, "Everything is okay, as much as it will ever be. We were attacked at the far end of the valley so the town should be safe. Have you had any trouble here?"

They both shook their heads. "No, milady, no trouble," Soomit replied, "but we are told some of the miners' men have disappeared."

Garia and Keren looked at each other.

"Perhaps it is as we thought," he said. "Some of our attackers came with the mining teams."

Behind the two armsmen miners and workmen were beginning to collect from the workings beyond the town, drawn by the unexpected activity. They stood in silence as the company appeared around Garia and Keren, some frayen carrying bandaged men and some carrying what were obviously bodies. Keren eyed the growing crowd thoughtfully.

"Best we say nothing yet," he decided. "Let us get to the Claw and freshen ourselves up first. There will be time for inquests and accusations later."

Yarling added, "Aye, Highness. If miners are among those we brought back stretched over saddles there will be hard questions asked." He set his jaw. "And I will do the asking!"

Garia and Keren led the procession down the main street toward their center of operations at the Ptuvil's Claw. Some townspeople, forewarned by the inevitable rumor mill, gathered silently on the sidewalks to watch the procession pass. There were one or two gasps when they saw the bandages some were wearing. Brydas hurried out from his workshop, wiping oily hands on a rag.

"Trouble." The single word seemed to describe everybody's mood fairly accurately.

"Aye, Master Smith," Keren confirmed. "Join us after lunch, we have much to discuss." He added, "Alert the healers, if you would. We have injured, some quite badly. Master Michen is the worst."

"Aye, Highness. Is there danger to the town?"

"We don't think so. Two escaped, we believe that they flee elsewhere. The town is likely safe."

Brydas nodded. "As you say, Highness. I'll send runners for the healing women. Is four all your injured?"

Keren sighed. "Physically, yes, though we have all had a fright." He eyed the smith. "There is something else, though, that should not be spoken of in public. It concerns your craft and a new weapon."

"Ah?" His eyes flicked to Garia. "From somewhere else entirely, perhaps?"

"You have it, Master Smith. Say no more presently."

There was a sizeable crowd gathered around the Claw by the time the company reached it. Garia gazed over their heads and made a decision as they turned into the carriage entrance, but the reception committee pushed her decision to the back of her mind. Lined up waiting were Bleskin, Merizel, Sukhana, Lanilla and Jasinet. Garia pulled Snep out of the stream of riders and slid from the saddle.

The old captain saluted. "Milady, you have tasted battle."

Garia's eyes filled. "Captain, there was a battle! And I ran away!"

Bleskin regarded her carefully. "You have said, milady, that you had no business in any pitched battle. I do not blame you for refusing it, you are young... and still a woman, whatever your martial qualities."

Garia shook her head. "No, captain! They were after me! They said, to kill all the others. Even Keren and Jenet!" In a lower tone she added, "They nearly did, too. They only failed because Stott was with us and because a ptuvil joined in."

"A ptuvil? Maker!"

"A chance encounter, captain," Keren said as he joined them. "I was with Garia, Jenet and Feteran when the attack happened. We were out of the camp by chance. We'll tell you all about it later on, you'll need to hear all the details."

"As you say, Highness." Bleskin studied the succession of frayen bearing bodies. "It seems to me that not all who ventured forth with you have returned."

Keren's face fell. "No, captain, they did not. Thoran fell defending the camp."

"Aaaah. He was a good man." He nodded abruptly. "Well. It seems I have an eulogy to perform when he goes to the pyre. What of these others? Your attackers?"

"Some." Bleskin's eyes flickered as Keren added, "It was not a classic battle, captain. We'll tell all later, but milady desires, most urgently, to enter the bath house, and I will follow her as soon as it becomes convenient." He eyed the apparent chaos in the yard." I suspect that may be some time yet."

In the yard servants and armsmen took orders and began to strip all the animals of their loads as soon as they were able, leaving only a loose halter on each before taking them out to one of the rear paddocks. Garia spoke to Keren briefly before both headed for the stair to the mens' dormitory. Keren checked the big room was in a presentable state before both walked through to the front balcony.

"It's your town," he said. "Are you in any condition to talk to your people?"

"I'll manage, Keren." Garia leaned over the railing at the crowd, now augmented by those who had followed them down the street.

"Men and women of Blackstone!" she called out. "We were attacked at the far end of Blackstone Vale by a party of armed men. There might have been fourteen or fifteen of them. One of the Prince's men was killed and four of our other men were injured. Twelve of the attackers were killed, though we could only recover six bodies. We know two have escaped. We managed to win out by sheer chance. We're tired and filthy and those with injuries are in pain. You'll excuse us while we get ourselves cleaned up and fed.

"We've brought back six bodies of our attackers and want to see if you can identify any of them. We'll lay them out in the yard after lunch and we want as many as possible to have a look at them. One or two have nasty injuries of a kind you won't have seen before and it might make it difficult to find out who they are. Sometime later, probably tomorrow, we'll come back out here and give you all an update on what happened and what we plan to do next. Thank you."

Back in the yard Garia was approached by Sukhana.

"Milady, the healers want use of the water to tend the wounded," she explained. "I think you will all wish to make use of the bath house but there is yet insufficient water for all. As lunch is now ready, will you not eat first? That would permit us time to boil more water for all to bathe."

Garia sighed. Having worn the same clothing for three days she wished to strip off at the earliest opportunity but the injured obviously had a higher priority.

"As you wish, Sookie," she said. "Let us go and wash our hands and faces first, please. I can't eat with dirty hands unless there is no choice."

Sukhana and her helpers had a large task to provide lunch for the new arrivals since there had been no warning, but since it was only the normal number who would have been in the Ptuvil's Claw there was food available. Everybody sat quietly in the common room eating and drinking, except for the four wounded. Healers took these off one by one to Garia's office, which they were using as a temporary aid station. These men were conducted to the bath house to have their wounds cleaned and then dressed again in fresh strips of linen.

It seemed that Garia's original prompt action and attention to detail had saved the men from any significant permanent damage, although all would bear scars the rest of their lives. The healers declared that Michen's arm could be mended, since the bone had merely been broken in several places, rather than completely shattered as originally feared. However, recovery would be slow and damage to muscle and ligament meant that he would only ever regain limited use of that arm.

"My Lady," one of the healers asked her, "what caused such wounds as these? We have not seen the like before."

Garia put down her mug, opened her mouth and then closed it again. How could she describe what a high-velocity projectile would do to a body, to people who knew nothing faster than an arrow? She looked at Keren for help.

"A new type of weapon, mistress," he told the woman. "I can only tell you that a small object, such as a stone or metal pellet, strikes with great force and makes these wounds by traveling deep into the body. The stone or pellet must be removed from the bottom of each wound since, milady tells us, it will cause the wound to fester and great damage can be done to the body."

"Indeed, Highness. But... some of these men have several such wounds."

"Aye. The weapon's action is like that of a handful of gravel thrown at the victim, but with much greater violence. Some may strike the victim, some may strike another nearby. Most of the violence of the shot was taken by Thoran, who died immediately. These others were mere bystanders."

"Highness, I cannot imagine what kind of evil may do as you describe. A sword thrust is bad enough, but this..."

"I regret, mistress, that you will see more wounds such as this in the future, unless I am greatly mistaken. The healers among us must needs discover ways of treating such injuries."

The woman curtseyed. "As you say, Highness. I wish it were not so. If you will excuse me, I will return to the others."

As the woman reached the rear door to the common room one of the serving boys came in and approached their table.

"Highness, Milady, Brazan asks to tell you there is a press of people at the carriage entrance. What shall he do?"

Garia said, "Tell him we'll be right out and to keep them out of the yard."

"As you command, milady."

"What's going on?" Merizel asked as the boy ran outside again.

"Since we want to find out how fifteen people suddenly appeared near our camp and we have no idea who any of them are," Garia explained, "I asked the townspeople to come and see if they could identify the bodies. Some are only here out of curiosity but we may get some leads. Let's finish our lunch and get outside. Feteran, I don't think we want a huge crowd in the yard, do we? We'll let them inside in batches of ten or so and that will give us a chance of managing the situation."

"As you say, milady. There is still much tackle and traveling gear in the yard, I do not want any to tamper with it." He remembered what some of that cargo was and continued in a lower tone, "Milady, what of the guns? We should remove them before any see them."

"You're right. Bring them in and put them in my office for now, out of sight. I'm assuming the healers will have finished?"

"Aye, milady, Master Michen was the last and he comes in now."

"Good. Let's go, then."

"Guns?" Bleskin asked. "Are these the same devices you have mentioned in council, milady?"

"They are, captain, a very crude version of such a weapon but still deadly enough. It was a single shot from a gun that killed Thoran and caused all the other injuries. I want you and Brydas to join us when we examine the guns, if you would."

"Of course, milady! I may have retired but that does not mean my knowledge and interest of such matters is ended. I am curious to see what these devices look like."

Keren said, "You haven't yet drawn the conclusion Garia did, captain. She informs us that she did not tell anybody how to make these weapons, therefore there must be another here from Earth, working for our enemies."

Bleskin's eyes widened as he understood the implication. "But that means -"

"Aye." Keren nodded. "Such weapons are no longer secret in Alaesia. We must adjust our policies accordingly."

Outside in the yard Feteran located the guns, still partly wrapped in case of damp or rain, and had them carried into Garia's office. Then they began allowing the townspeople to enter in small groups to view the bodies. It soon became clear that two of the bodies belonged to workers from the miners' camp. The gangmaster of the mining camp confirmed their names when he was summoned.

"Aye, Highness, these are two of my men. Jerren and Koltar, they were called. A bad business, it was. A whole group of men suddenly up and left night before last, stealing frayen and supplies as they went. We didn't know what to think, the work is almost the easiest they have ever done and the conditions are good. We thought maybe they had gone back to Tranidor. Tell me, Highness, have you seen more? Six went missing that night."

"We probably saw the rest of them, gangmaster, but what became of them we do not know." Keren didn't want to mention ptuvil snacks just then. He had a thought. "Tell me, gangmaster, did you contract these six together? Or were these just casual hires? Do you remember?"

"Ah, Highness, most of the men are provided by the miner's Guild Hall in Tranidor. But now that you mention it, the six we speak of did seem to know each other already." The man shrugged. "That is not uncommon, Highness. Miners who become friends often move in groups from one contract to the next. Do you wish me to find out for you how and where these men were hired?"

"No, that won't be necessary, gangmaster, though I thank you for your offer. You know that we will be leaving Blackstone in a week or two to return south so we will make our own inquiries when we pass through Tranidor."

"As you desire, Highness. What will happen to these two bodies now?"

"We will probably commit them to the fire tonight or tomorrow evening, I think, once we have their story and all have been given names. Why?"

"The men who departed have left personal effects behind them in the camp, Highness."

"Oh? Could you collect them and bring them down here? They may provide us clues as to what is behind this whole business. You will have them back once we have examined what you bring."

"As you wish, Highness. Uh, Highness, what of the frayen these men stole? Do you have any of them with you or are they lost?"

"We did catch some of those mounts, gangmaster. Can you identify them?"

"Aye, Highness. I have the tally-boards in the camp, I can match the brands before witnesses if there is need."

"Fetch your boards and you may have your animals back, gangmaster."

"Thank you, Highness. I will return presently." The man bowed and departed.

Garia and Keren were next approached by a weatherbeaten man who said, "Your Highness, My Lady, I believe I know one of these laid out here."

"And you are?"

"Your pardon, Highness, I am Lorkan. I work for Master Bezan at the new road house in the forest. I am presently in Blackstone to obtain certain supplies we are short of, from Master Smith whom I see yonder. Hearing the commotion I came in here to find Warsel one of the bodies. What has he done?"

Keren gave the man a brief summary of the attack and then asked, "This man, Warsel did you name him? What task did he have at the roadhouse? When did you discover him gone?"

"Highness, he was a woodcutter employed bringing down the trees around the site and cutting them up with saw, adze and ax. He was good at his work, too. As to when we last saw him," the man scratched his head, "ah, that would be day before yesterday, Highness. I remember, there was a wagonload came through from Tranidor for the miners, they stopped at the site for a pee and a brew, as you do, and we all got talking. I don't know what was said but the wagon went off and that was the last time I remember seeing Warsel. I don't think he went with the wagon, we'd have noticed that. He often has to go deeper into the forest looking for firewood so we didn't think it strange he wasn't around until he couldn't be found yesterday morning."

"Has this man personal belongings at the road house, do you know? Are there others who disappeared the same day?"

"Not that I know of, Highness." The man grinned. "We don't own much, most of us, and what we get soon goes again, don't it? As to others, no, we did a count up after we noticed Warsel gone and there's no-one else who isn't there."

"Thank you, Lorkan, for naming this man for us."

"It is only my duty, Highness. If these men caused death and injury it is the duty of all to assist."

"Lorkan," Garia asked, "this wagon that passed through. Did you recognize anyone on it?"

"Why, yes, My Lady. It is one of those which goes regular like between Blackstone and Tranidor, carrying the ore. The wagoneer's name? I don't know that I ever knew it, My Lady. Everybody knew him as 'Sopo'. But I don't think any mother would name her child after a tiny rodent, would you?"

"Perhaps not, but you never know. Thank you again, Lorkan."

Garia was wondering if she could make a break for the bath house when a woman from the town came over to them.

"Highness, milady, one of these is a man of Trogan's."

"What? Show us."

She took them and pointed to a body.

"That is he. I'd know that evil face anywhere. He is one of those you didn't catch, I think."

"Is that so? Then the other may also be here. Did you look at all?"

"I did, Highness, but he was the only one I could recognize. There are two with battered faces... Highness, what happened to those men? Were they attacked by wild animals, perhaps? I do not think it is possible to discover who those two might be, except perhaps by their clothes."

"It would be difficult to explain the circumstances of their deaths, mistress. It was... something unusual, you need not concern yourself further. But you can name this other man?"

"Aye, Highness. I think he was the one called Vordan. Many in the town would know him."

"Thank you, mistress. Master Brydas is here, perhaps he will confirm the name."

Keren beckoned the smith over and showed him the body.

"Aye, Highness, that is he. If the other of Trogan's men who fled is also here, we may have solved an old mystery."

Brydas moved along the row of bodies but found nothing. He returned shaking his head.

"Master Brydas," Garia asked the smith, "can you find Sethan and get him down here? It occurs to me that he might be able to confirm the identification. Better, he might be able to tell us if any of Trogan's frayen are among those we rounded up."

"Yes, milady, a good idea." He smiled. "Sethan is in my workshops presently, helping my journeymen make steel. We are using the special oven Master Parrel sent you, Sethan is proving a willing worker at the making of coke. I shall send a runner for him."

Brydas looked again at the row of bodies and then his gaze fixed upon their feet. Turning, he beckoned a boy standing nearby and sent him running off with a message before looking at Garia and Keren.

"Highness, Milady, I think I may have discovered another. Look at the boots these people wear."

The boots of the two miners were scarred and stained, made from leather so heavy that it might easily have been dranakh hide. The woodcutter, Warsel, also had heavy boots as befitted his trade but calf-length. Durko and Vordan had short boots which were tough but lighter, made of a finer leather, the sort a wagoneer might prefer. The footwear of the sixth body was altogether different, carefully cut and fitted and maintained to a high polish. The face of this man had the left side blown away, the right side a twisted ruin.

"A townsman," Keren stated.

"Aye, Highness, and one who is practised in the care of footwear. I believe this to be our shoemaker."

Garia caught on quickly. "You've sent for his wife, haven't you? What are we going to do when she gets here?"

"Why, show her the body, milady... ah. She has no love for any here, has she? She will blame you for all."

"Yes, and we need to question her. She might be the one person we can get information out of."

"Milady, once we convince her that you did not kill her husband, she might be more ready to co-operate." He gave Garia a stare. "Milady, your men did not kill him, did they?"

"No, Brydas," she sighed. "He and another man were using one of the new weapons -" she lowered her voice, "- and it malfunctioned." Brydas looked blank. "Um, it didn't work the way it was supposed to. You remember, when we ran the steam engine, I explained how it might explode? That's what happened to the weapon and it blew the faces off the two men using it. They died instantly."

Brydas let out a whistle. "Maker! Such damage." He looked at Garia and Keren. "There is more?"

"Later, Master Smith," she said, "but I'll tell you now that there was a second weapon that didn't malfunction. It killed Thoran and injured Michen and three of the men. We have both weapons."

Sethan arrived first, looking a question at Brydas, who gestured at the row of corpses.

"See if you can name any of these, lad."

Sethan crouched by each body, looking at the faces carefully and then stood, facing the group.

"Sir, this one is Vordan. Was he of the party that attacked the Prince and the Baroness?"

"Aye, lad, he was. Is the other that escaped with him among these others?"

"Kasmar, you mean? No, sir. None look like he, although it is difficult to tell when two have ruined faces."

He looked a question at Brydas who just shook his head.

"Never mind, lad. You have named Vordan, that's what we wanted. Now, I am told that milady's party captured many frayen that the attackers were riding. They are presently in the paddocks behind. Could you identify those which you, Vordan and Kasmar were using?"

Sethan nodded. "Surely, sir. I could not forget those brand marks so easily. Do you wish me to find them now?"

"Aye, lad, if you would."

Garia added, "Don't bring them out, just let us know if they are there. We didn't round them all up, so you might not find all of them."

Sethan bowed. "As you say, milady. If you would give me leave."

He bowed and then walked out the back entrance, just as the shoemaker's wife came in at the front. She marched over to stand in front of the group, puzzled as to why she had been summoned.

"Highness, Milady, I am come. Have we done aught wrong? The fine was paid but two days ago. Is the coin not to your satisfaction?"

Keren asked her, "Milady, where is your husband? Why does he not attend with you?"

"Your Highness, why, he is in Tranidor by now!" She gave them a fierce and angry stare. "Since we did not have the coin to pay the fine we must needs borrow. My husband has gone to Tranidor with our eldest son to sell enough to repay the debt." She looked wildly around, noting the disarray in the yard. "If I may ask, Highness, what is your business with me? What has happened here?"

Brydas said, "Mistress, did you not know? Prince Keren and Baroness Garia have just returned from a journey to the head of Blackstone Vale. Once there they were beset by a band of brigands and there were many deaths and injuries." He gestured to the row of bodies. "They have asked us in the town whether any can identify these rogues."

"I knew they had left town, but... not where they were bound, it is not my business."

I'll bet, Garia thought. She probably knew what underwear I had on!

The woman continued, with an expression of distaste, "You want me to look at these bodies? Have you not asked others to do this unpleasant task? What can I, a woman, tell you that the men of the town cannot?"

Brydas replied blandly, "We have asked many, mistress, and received several answers. To make all clear we wish as many as possible to see if these are known to them." He added, "I must warn you, mistress, that two have bad injuries to their faces. You might know them by the cut of their clothes however, or perhaps they have had boots repaired by your husband. Any little clue you may provide, will assist us in this unwelcome task."

Clever. He's trying to get on her good side by telling her she'll be helping us. Unfortunately...

The woman scowled. "As you wish, Master Smith. Which end shall I begin? Here?"

Brydas shrugged. "Do as you will, mistress. Take whatever time you need."

She turned back the sheet and shook her head. "Don't know this one. Looks like a farmer or a woodsman to me." She moved on. "I know this one! He worked here for milady, didn't he?"

Garia nodded. "Yes, mistress. That's Durko. He was their spy, the one who knew where we were going and when. What about these others?"

"A spy?" Despite herself, she was interested in what had happened. "These were not merely brigands, then?" The woman moved to the third body. "Not this one, no. What happened to his face? Were you attacked by wild animals?"

"Aye, mistress," Keren reluctantly agreed. "Wild animals were most certainly involved."

The woman glanced up sharply at his tone but lowered the sheet and moved on.

"Ah! This man, he was one of Trogan's men. Vordan was his name, and I would swear to that."

"Thank you, mistress," Brydas said. "Another has confirmed that name as well. He is one less the town has to worry about."

"As you say, Master Smith." The woman lifted the next sheet and recoiled. "Urgh! The face! I cannot..."

Her voice trailed off as she noticed the clothes for the first time. She gave a scream and sank to her knees at the foot of the body, her hands to her face.

"Chorandar! It cannot be!"

With some speed the woman stood and faced the group, her face livid with anger. "What have you done, milady? How is this possible? Was he attacked along the road? What could cause such injuries? Where is Perril, our son?"

Garia had expected some kind of outburst and opened her mouth to reply, but a cry of anguish came from behind her.

Oh, shit. I completely forgot Jasinet. What do I do now?