Lore of Witch World (Witch World Collection of Stories) (Witch World Series) Read Online Free Page A

between them.
    “There has been a change of command,” he returned. “The captain, he has not brought us much luck in months agone. When we learned that he would not try to better his fortune—he was—”
    “Killed!”
    “Not so. Think you we want a blood feud with all his clan? The Sulcarmen take not lightly to those who let the red life out of some one of their stock.”
    “I do not understand. You are all Sulcar—”
    “That we are not, girl. The world has changed since those ruled the waves about the oceans. They were fighters and fighting men get killed. The Kolder they fought, and they blew up Sulcarkeep in that fighting, taking the enemy—but also too many of their own—on into the Great Secret. Karsten they fought, and they were at the taking of Gorm, aye. Then they have patrolled against the sea wolves of Alizon. Men they have lost, many men. Now if they take a ship out of harbor they do it with others besides just their kin to raise sails and set the course. No, we do not kill Sibbald Ortis, we may need him later. But he is safe laid.
    “Now let us to the business between us, girl. I heard the words you spoke with Ortis. Also did I learn much about you from those starvelings who live in Rannock. You have some of the Talents of the Wise Women, if you cannot call upon the full Power, blind as you are. You yourself said it—if any can treat with those devil females of Usturt, it must be one such as you.
    “Think on that spider silk, girl. You held that rag that Ortis has. And you can do mighty things, unless all those at Rannock are crazed in their wits. Which I do not believe. This is a chance which a man may have offered to him but once in a lifetime.”
    She heard the greed in his voice. Perhaps that greed would be her protection. Vidruth would take good care to keep her safe. Just as he held somewhere Sibbald Ortis for a like reason.
    “Why did you take me so, if your intentions are good? If you heard my words to the captain, you know I would have gone willingly.”
    He laughed. “Do you think those shore-side halflingmen would have let you go? With three quarters of the Guardians dead, their own Wise Woman laid also in her grave shaft, would they willingly have surrendered to us even your small Talent? The whole land is hard pressed now for any who hold even a scrap of the Power.
    “No matter. They will welcome you back soon enough after you have learned the secret of Usturt. If it then still be in your mind to go to them.”
    “But how do you know that in Usturt I shall work for you?”
    “Because you will not want the captain to be given over to them. They do not have a pleasant way with captives.”
    There was fear behind his words, a fear born of horror, which he fought to control.
    “Also, if you do not do as we wish we can merely sail and leave you on Usturt for the rest of your life. No ship goes there willingly. A long life for you perhaps, girl, alone with none of your own kind—think of that.”
    He was silent for a moment before he added, “It is a bargain, girl, one we swear to keep. You deal with the weavers, we take you back to Rannock, or anywhere else you name. The captain, he can be set ashore with you even. No more harm done. And a portion of the silk for your own. Why, you can buy all of Rannock and make yourself a Keep lady!”
    “There is one thing—” She was remembering Wak. “I am not such a one as any of your men can take at his will. Know you not what happens then to any Talent I may possess?”
    When Vidruth answered her there was a deep note of menace in his voice, though it was not aimed at her.
    “All men know well that the Talent departs from a woman who lies with a man. None shall trouble you.”
    “So be it,” she returned, with an outward calm it was hard for her to assume. “Have you the bit of silk? Let me learn from it what I can.”
    She heard him move away the grate of whatever door kept snug her prison. As that sound ceased she put out her hands