The Sunset Warrior - 01 Read Online Free Page B

shall see you later. I will need to take another look at that bruise.’ He flicked his eyes and, with the briefest movement of his head, Ronin again nodded. He rose and left. In the surgery he passed two daggam groping through the dark on their way to see Stahlig.
    He passed up the only working Lift in this Sector because the queue was far too long and he lacked the patience to wait. He was hailed several times and he smiled distractedly and raised a hand perfunctorily but he did not stop to greet anyone formally or to talk.
    His body went on automatic, as it often did, so that he was only just aware of his surroundings. He was deep in thought but his body knew where to walk to get to the proper Stairwell leading Upshaft to his own Level.
    Consequently, he went right by Nirren without seeing him. He was a talk, dark-complexioned man with an aquiline nose and deep-set eyes. He turned, not in the least surprised and, grabbing an arm impulsively, spun Ronin around. Ronin felt the shadow of the approach before the Chondrin had touched him, and there was no resistance in him. He spun with the momentum, and as he did so, he drew his sword with such lightning swiftness that his arm was no more than a blur. The blade was up and ready, light spilling along its width, before he had even seen who had grasped him. Nirren’s blade was barely out of its scabbard.
    Nirren laughed, showing white, even teeth. ‘One day I swear I shall best you.’
    Ronin smiled bleakly and sheathed his sword. ‘Not a day for one of your tricks.’ The smile faded and died.
    But the Chondrin was in good humour. His eyes widened and he said in a parody of a whisper: ‘Ah, secrets to share with your wise and witty friend.’ He put his arm around Ronin. ‘Tell all and unending happiness shall be yours.’
    Ronin thought fleetingly of Stahlig’s admonition and was instantly annoyed with himself. There were questions that puzzled him and Nirren might have the answers to some of them. In any case, he was a friend. My only friend, he thought with a start.
    He smiled. ‘All right. My quarters?’
    They entered the Stairwell and Nirren lit a torch. ‘Double practice again today, eh?’ He shook his head as they made their way Upshaft. ‘When are you going to be sensible and turn your mind to useful activity?’
    Ronin grunted. ‘Such as?’
    The Chondrin grinned. ‘Well, it just so happens there is a fine position under Jargiss—’
    ‘I knew it—’
    ‘Now wait, he is really all right, for a Saardin—quick, and a brilliant strategist. I know you would get along. And he knows the meaning of defence, too.’ This was a favourite topic of his. He never tired of sketching hypothetical battle plans, outlining tactics for attacker and defender. Given the choice of ground, he would say, the defender will triumph nine out of ten times, even with less men.
    ‘I have never met a Saardin I liked,’ Ronin said.
    ‘Tell me, have you ever met Jargiss?’
    Ronin shook his head. ‘This is like a game with you. No, not to talk to. How many times do you have to hear it?’
    Nirren shrugged and grinned. ‘I keep believing that one of these times you will ask to meet him.’
    Ronin reached out and touched the orange and brown chest bands strapped over the Chondrin’s brown shirt. ‘I think not,’ he said very softly.
    ‘Listen, if it’s about the Salamander, you have to expect—’
    ‘That is not it at all.’
    ‘If you do not mind my saying so, I believe it is.’
    They were both very still then, regarding each other unwaveringly in the uncertain, sparking light. The reeds of the torch crackled softly and the minute clash of tiny paws on concrete sounded intermittently. The noises were remote, from another world. Somewhere, very far off, boots sounded and then faded. Darkness lapped at their feet.
    At last Ronin heard himself say: ‘Perhaps you are right.’ And the surprise stayed with him long after they emerged on to his Level.
    His quarters were