Craf.
Then Corban was there, Storm a step behind him. He swung his sword, the giant stumbled back, Storm bunched to leap. Other giants appeared, one stepping before Corban, another grabbing the one that had stabbed Heb, dragging him away. At the same time there was a crashing from the far end of the glade as mounted warriors poured out of the trees.
Corban exchanged a flurry of blows with the giant before him. They parted and there was a whistling sound, an arrow skittering off the giant’s chainmail coat.
Dath?
The huge warrior snarled once at Corban and then he was fleeing, following his two companions as they disappeared amongst the trees.
The riders had paused. Corban saw expressions of confusion and shock, then one spurred their mount on, sword raised, others following, spreading through the glade. Many of them chased after the fleeing giants. One speared a wolven as they galloped past.
‘Storm, to me,’ Corban yelled, fearing she would be attacked by these newcomers. Gar lowered his sword and ran to Gwenith’s body, fingers touching her neck. Corban felt a wave of fear and nausea. She is so pale. Elyon above, please let her live.
Gar looked up at him. ‘She still breathes.’
Corban bent and stroked her face, felt a shallow pulse. Her eyes fluttered open, then closed again. Corban gave Gar a weak smile, relief flooding him. Gar had tears in his eyes, running down his face. He must have thought she was dead. He felt tears of his own and brushed them away.
There was one giant remaining, fallen to his knees. Farrell, Marrock and Vonn were circling him. The riders pulled close, weapons flashing. With a roar the giant stood, lashing out, sending Farrell and Marrock and Halion flying in different directions. Farrell rolled to a rest at Corban’s feet, and with a groan pushed himself up.
One of the riders spurred their horse forward, skewering the giant with a spear as they passed, then leaped from the horse’s back, one hand clinging to the giant’s cloak, the other pulling a knife across its throat. Blood fountained and the giant toppled to the ground, its killer rolling and rising in one graceful move, almost right in front of Corban. The warrior’s helm had fallen in the roll and Corban blinked. It was a girl, red hair tied tight, wisps of it come loose.
Halion shouted and he ran towards the girl. She stared at him, body tensed, then grinned as Halion reached her. They embraced.
‘Who’s she?’ Dath said as he emerged from the trees.
‘Don’t know, but I think I’m in love,’ Farrell said.
Still grinning at each other, Halion and the girl parted, then Halion looked about and saw Corban and Farrell staring at him.
‘Corban, this is Coralen. My sister.’
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
EVNIS
Evnis stared at the scene unfolding before him, with Conall stepping into the ring about the fire-pit.
When he had returned, Evnis had heard a whispered report that Conall had had some quarrel with Veradis, something to do with Cywen. What he was doing now was clear, though. He is taking an opportunity, making his mark. What was it he said to me, back in Dun Carreg? Risk much to gain much. Evnis smiled – if he had been Conall, in his position and with his skill, he most likely would be doing the same thing. It is a shame to lose him, though. For, win or lose against Morcant, Evnis would lose Conall from his service, now; either to death or to Rhin.
Conall walked towards Morcant, stopping a dozen paces from him.
‘My first-sword is injured. He has a knife wound in his shoulder. I do not think it would be fair to do this now,’ Rhin said.
‘I have a knife wound of my own,’ Conall said, holding his left arm up so that all could see the bloodstained bandage. ‘And given by the same person,’ he added, glancing at Cywen.
‘Really?’ Rhin frowned at Cywen. Rhin looked at Morcant, and Evnis saw the warrior nod. ‘Very well,’ Rhin said. Noise erupted as men started swapping bets on the two warriors. Evnis saw Rhin pause as she was returning to her chair, cocking her head as if listening to something. He saw her lips move, as if she were talking to someone, then people were pushing in front of him and he jostled through them to keep his view. When he could see Rhin again she was seated in her chair.
‘Begin,’ she said.