Kulgan pulled long on his pipe, then blew a thick cloud. “I am still not clear on everything you have said, Pug. From what you have said, I can see nothing that will prevent them from opening another rift.”
“There is nothing, except that rifts are unstable things. There is no way to control where a rift will go; it was mere chance that caused the one between this world and Kelewan. Once that one was established, others could follow, as if the path between the two worlds acted to other rifts like a lodestone to metal.
“The Tsurani could attempt to re-establish the rift, but each attempt would probably take them to other, new worlds. If they returned here, it would be by the merest chance, one in thousands. If the rift is closed, it would be years before they returned, if ever.”
“From what you said about the Warlord’s taking his own life,” said Kulgan, “can we expect a respite in the fighting?”
It was Kasumi who answered. “I fear not, friend Kulgan, for I know this Warlord’s Subcommander. He is Minwanabi, a proud family from a powerful clan, and it would serve his cause well when the High Council meets for his clan to bring word of a great victory. Most likely he will attack in force within days.”
Kulgan shook his head. “Meecham, you had best ask Lord Lyam to join us; he must hear this.” The tall franklin rose and left the tent.
Kasumi frowned. “I have come to know this world a little, and I agree with the Great One. Peace would surely profit us both, but I do not see it coming.”
The young Duke followed Meecham into the tent a few minutes later, and Kasumi repeated his warning. “We had best be ready, then, for the attack,” said Lyam.
Kasumi looked uncomfortable. “Lord, I must beg your pardon, but should fighting come, I cannot stand against my own people. May I have your permission to return to my own lines?”
The Duke considered this, and Pug noticed that his face was becoming lined with the strain of command. Gone were the laughing eyes and ever present smile. Now he resembled his father more than ever “I understand. I will order you passed through the lines, if I have your parole that you will repeat nothing you have heard here.”
Kasumi agreed and rose to leave. Pug stood also and said, “I will issue one last order to you, Kasumi, as a magician of Tsuranuanni. Return to your father, for he has need of you. One more soldier dying will aid your nation little.”
Kasumi bowed his head. “Your will, Great One.”
Kasumi embraced Laurie and left with Lyam.
Kulgan said, “You have told me so much that is difficult to absorb I think for now we had best retire, for I feel the need of resting.”
As the old magician rose, Pug said to him, “There is one thing I have been waiting to ask. What of Tomas?”
“Your childhood friend is well and with the elves of Elvandar. He is a warrior of great renown, as he had wished to be.”
Pug smiled. “I am glad to hear that Thank you.”
Kulgan, Laurie, and Meecham bade them good night and left Katala said, “Husband, you are tired. Come rest.”
Pug crossed over to the bed she sat upon “You amaze me. You have been through so much tonight, and yet you fret about me.”
She took his hand “When I am with you, everything is as it should be. But you look as if the weight of the world sits upon you.”
“The weight of two worlds, I fear, love.”
They were awakened by the sound of trumpets. As they rose from the bed, Pug and Katala were startled by Laurie rushing into the tent. From the light behind him as he tossed aside the tent flap, it was evident that they had slept late. “The King comes!” He held out some clothing to Pug. “Put these on.”
Seeing the wisdom of not walking the camp in the black robe, Pug complied Katala pulled her robe on over her head, while Laurie turned his back. She went over to William, who was sitting up in his bed. looking frightened. He quickly calmed down and started to pull on Fantus’s tail, causing the drake to snort a protest over such indignities.
Pug and Laurie left the tent and walked to the commander’s pavilion, overlooking the camp of the Kingdom armies. Away to the southeastern end of the camp they could see the royal party quickly approaching, and could hear the cheers of the soldiers as they saw the royal banner pass. Thousands of soldiers took up the cheer, for they had never seen the King before, and his presence served to lift their spirits, badly sagging since the rout by the Tsurani.
Laurie and Pug stood off to one side of the command tent, but close enough to ensure they could hear what transpired. Duke Brucal kept his eyes on the King, but Lyam noticed the two and nodded his approval of their presence.