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since last year."
    "Gerwein is aware of this, milord. But she sees this as a threat to the Temple as well. She reasons that the expenses of another war with Breimen would only sharpen your eagerness to plunder the Temple's riches."
    "Strikes me there's some contradictions in her suspicions," Dribeck mused. "Well, I'll talk with her, try placate her. I'm meeting her in the Temple, which she'll take as some concession to her prestige. And while I'm reassuring her, I can begin to plant a few thoughts in her mind on the consequences of Malchion's aggression. Her Temple would suffer more than sectarian indignities if the priests of Ommem held sway Selonari. I think her balking at taxation will be less strident once she begins to think upon this as a holy war.
    "So I'll calm icy Gerwein's objections somehow--at least until the next fancied insult provokes her. Then back to my guests...I'm leaving the day's entertainment to your overseeing. I intend to take leave of Gerwein in time to join in the games this afternoon. I've been accused of scholarship too often to risk any suggestion that the martial arts aren't the center of my life and interests. Anything else of pressing significance that I need to know about today?"
    Asbraln paused a moment before suggesting, "Milord, there's a man who requests audience with you--a stranger named Kane. He claims to have a matter of considerable urgency and importance which he wishes to discuss with you."
    Dribeck carefully readjusted the ties of his shirt. "Discuss with me? I assume you judged his case not to be altogether a waste of my time. Obviously, he must have enough confidence in his ability to claim my, attention to warrant his passing bribes all the way up channels to my chamberlain. Well, what kind of man do you make him, and what's on his mind?"
    With an air of wounded dignity Asbraln explained, "He's a strange man... savage-looking giant of a warrior, but a man of obvious breeding and refinement. Couldn't guess at his origins; he says he's from beyond the Southern Lands. I doubt he's from Wollendan, although his red hair and blue eyes remind you of that people. Age I'd guess around forty. Gives the, impression of being extremely capable--and dangerous. I'd call him a mercenary officer--one several cuts above the average-who's seeking employment. At least, all he would tell me regarding his business with you was that he wishes to show you the means to increase your armed might beyond your wildest ambitions."
    "Intriguing;" Dribeck pronounced. "He comes at a fortuitous moment if his boast is true. More likely he's either crackpot or swindler--or perhaps an assassin sent by Malchion... or Gerwein? Disregarding these possibilities, I can take a few minutes to listen to him. From what you say, his sword might be worth my purchase, unless he sets too high a value on his service. Have this Kane brought to me at the games; I'll not need to grant formal audience to such a man as this. And see that he's closely watched while in my presence. If he's an assassin, he'll know his task is suicidal."
    With uncertain stomach Dribeck steeled' himself to attempt the breakfast his attendants were expectantly setting.
IV: A Stranger Brings Gifts
    Arrows thudded a staccato rhythm into the wooden targets. Like a dull reverberation followed the shouts of spectator and archer together, a riotous clamor of cheers, curses, catcalls, advice. The mood was jovial, and the sour scent of beer made heady the cool air of Selonari's martial field. Already the games had progressed to the point where betting was fiercely earnest when Lord Dribeck returned from the Temple of Shenan.
    His session with the high priestess had gone a little easier than expected, although Dribeck knew better than to hope Gerwein had abandoned either suspicion or ambition. Still, every day their confrontation could be delayed was a step toward victory for Dribeck and his party. Feeling more at ease, he greeted his guests with casual roughness