“And you’re Kindyr? Good. Kindyr and Lorgan. I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Thealos Quickfellow. I would like to speak with your Knight General. I won’t do anything stupid.”
They cut the bonds around his legs and both men helped Thealos off the saddle. He could barely stand. Soreness plagued his entire body and he felt sharp stabs of pain where the Kiran Thall had managed to cut him. He considered himself lucky that none of the Kiran Thall had been entrusted with anything more than Deathbane tips to their crossbow bolts. He did notice that the wounds had been treated and bandaged while he was unconscious. At least they would not fester.
Another man came and brought away the three mounts to brush down and feed, while Kindyr and Lorgan took Thealos to the command pavilion. It had six sides held up with tall poles and pennants keeping those inside from the burn of the sun. The chill of the morning was gone and several knights looked as if they were sweltering in their hauberks and plate mail. The churn of the camp sounded like four waterfalls converging at a single point. Horses neighed and stamped, armor and spurs jangled, and the wreckage of the trampled plains stung Thealos’ sensibilities.
After a short word with the guardians of the pavilion, they were allowed inside.
“They know we’re here and they do nothing.” The knight tossed a gauntlet on the trestle table. “They do nothing.”
Thealos regarded the man coolly, for it was the first time he had met one of the leaders of Dos-Aralon. The Knight General of Owen Draw had dark hair, almost black, that hung well past his shoulders, and was clean-shaven—which surprised him—and skin as dark as a horse’s mottled hide. His eyes were dark, open so wide they seemed inclined to madness. He had scars and wore them well, especially a wicked-looking cut that glanced across his face.
As he turned to observe the new arrivals, Thealos saw the man was missing an arm below the elbow. His right arm.
“I don’t even miss it, Sleepwalker. Go ahead and stare. They all do at first. My name is Gidion Freemur but they call me General Shearmur. I’m Knight General of Owen Draw.”
“A pleasure meeting you, sir,” Thealos said.
“You might want to withhold judgment on that just now. A bit early to be fawning, Shae. I received a missive from one of my close advisors and friends warning me of trouble down in Landmoor. Warning me that a Sleepwalker was involved as well. My friend did not mention you were a Shae. I didn’t think the Shae allowed anyone to be trained as a Sleepwalker. You’re a Kilshae?”
Thealos remembered now. He closed his eyes, thinking himself a fool for not having made the connection earlier. “I remember now. Sturnin did say he sent a man to Owen Draw from Castun. I’m glad you heeded his letter, General. You’re a little confused. I’m not the man that Sturnin referred to. Nor am I a Kilshae.”
The Knight General motioned for Kindyr and Lorgan to step back. “I’m not afraid of him, soldiers. You are saying that I’m mistaken, then?”
“What I’m saying is...”
He whirled around, fist backhanding at Thealos’ face.
The Oath magic reacted with a memory. Thealos twisted backwards, pivoting his shoulders so that the General’s fist passed just an inch from his cheek.
The Knight General smiled, a little bit of madness in his wide eyes. “Care to tell me again that you’re not a Sleepwalker?”
“I didn’t say that,” Thealos said, feeling sweat trickle down his back. His muscles ached from the sudden movement. “I’m not the one that Sturnin Goff referred to.”
“More than one? Odd. So...you know his full name.”
“He was my friend as well.”
“Where is he? I’d like to hear his report.”
Thealos swallowed and nodded. “As would I, for he would tell you in a way you would believe. But he is dead. He died in Landmoor saving my life.”
A gasp came from Kindyr. “Dead? Nothing…no one could kill Sturnin Goff. Not a dozen Kiran Thall!”
“He died because of you?” the Knight General said, his voice low. “In Landmoor? Why would his life be in danger there?”
Thealos stepped forward. “Because the Bandit Rebellion controls Landmoor. They occupied the city nearly a fortnight ago. Your men aren’t facing scattered companies of Kiran Thall, General. The Shoreland Regiment is down there. Your men will be slaughtered if they stay.”