“Do you expect him to visit again?” Hadrian pressed.
“No, there be no need. Erandabon will not be here long. This place is old. This is not good place for storm.” He rolled a fallen block of granite from the balcony. “Erandabon and his ants will go to the great fortress, where even the Old Ones cannot reach us. Erandabon will watch the return of the gods and the burning of the world. You could have a seat beside Erandabon. You could lead the ants.”
Hadrian shook his head. “Drumindor will be destroyed. There will be no fortress for you and your ants. If you release me and my friends, we can stop this from happening.”
Erandabon roared a great laugh. “Galenti, you make big joke. You think Erandabon is dumb like the ants? Why do you try to tell Erandabon such lies? You will say anything to leave here with your dog friends.”
He finished off the leg by ripping the meat from the bone and chewed it with an open mouth, spitting out bits of gristle.
“Galenti, you offer Erandabon so much help. You must see how great Erandabon is and wish to please. Erandabon likes this. Erandabon knows of something you can do.”
“What is that?”
“There is a Ghazel chieftain—Uzla Bar.” He spat on the ground. “He defies Erandabon. He challenge Erandabon for control of the ants. Now, with no food for the Many, he be big problem. Uzla Bar attacks caravans from Avryn, stealing the weapons and the Many’s food. He do this to weaken Erandabon in the eyes of the ants. Uzla Bar challenge Erandabon to fight. But Erandabon is no fool. Erandabon knows none of his warriors can win against the speed and strength of the Ba Ran Ghazel. But then the stars shine on Erandabon and bring you here.”
“You want me to fight him?”
“The challenge is by Ghazel tradition. Erandabon has seen you fight this way. Erandabon think you can win.”
“Who will I be fighting with? You?”
He shook his head and laughed. “Erandabon does not dirty his hands so.”
“Your warriors?”
“Why should Erandabon risk his warriors? Erandabon need them to control the ants. Erandabon saw those dogs with you. They fight good. When choice is death, all dogs fight. If you lead the dogs, they will fight well. Erandabon has seen you win in the arena with worse dogs. And if you lose—Erandabon is same as before.”
“And why would I do this?”
“Did you not offer to help Erandabon twice already?” He paused. “Erandabon can see you like your dogs. But you and them kill many of Erandabon’s men. For that you must die. But … if you do this … Erandabon will let you live. Do this, Galenti. The heavens would be less bright without all its stars.”
Hadrian pretended to consider the proposal in silence. He waited so long that Erandabon became agitated. It was obvious the warlord had nearly as much riding on this fight as Hadrian did.
“You answer Erandabon now!”
Hadrian remained quiet for a few moments longer and then said, “If we win, I want our immediate release. You won’t hold us until the full moon. I want a ship—a small, fast ship—fully provisioned and waiting the moment the battle is won.”
“Erandabon agrees.”
“I also want you to look into finding an elven girl who is called Allie. She may have been brought with the last shipment from Avryn. If she’s alive, I want her brought here.”
Erandabon looked doubtful but nodded.
“I want my companions freed, treated well, and all of our weapons and gear returned to us immediately.”
“Erandabon will have the dogs you fought with brought here so you can eat with them when Erandabon is done. Erandabon also give other weapons you might need.”
“What about the others? The men that did not fight with me in the hall.”
“They no kill Erandabon’s men, so they no die. Erandabon have deal with them. They stay until deal is done. Deal goes good, they be let go. Deal no good, they be food for the Many. Is good?”
“Yes. I agree.”
“Excellent, Erandabon is very happy. Erandabon get to see Galenti fight in arena once more.” Erandabon clapped twice and warriors appeared on the balcony, each reverently carrying one of Hadrian’s three swords. More approached with the rest of their gear. Erandabon took Hadrian’s spadone and lifted it.
“Erandabon has heard of Galenti’s famous sword. It is weapon of the ancient style.”
“It’s a family heirloom.”
He gave it to Hadrian. “This …” the warlord said, picking up Royce’s dagger, “Erandabon has never seen such a weapon. Does it belong to the small one? The one who fought next to you?”
“Yes.” Hadrian saw the greed in Erandabon’s eyes. “That’s Alverstone. You don’t want to think of keeping that weapon.”
“You no fight if Erandabon keeps?”
“That too,” Hadrian told him.
“That one is a kaz?”
“Yes, and as you saw, he’s a good fighter. I need him and his weapon.” Hadrian strapped his swords back on, feeling more like himself again.
“So, the Tiger of Mandalin will fight for Erandabon.”
“It looks that way,” Hadrian said, then sighed.