“There goes our son, Jaidur. He has worked well for Vallia!”
“But — Barty!”
She put her hand on my forehead and it felt like ice against my skin. “Barty Vessler is dead.”
I could say nothing. Nothing I could say was of any use.
With a roar as of a volcano exploding the roof broke into a thousand shards, dragged up by hooks hauled up by air-boats. Men smashed down, sliding on ropes, men wearing scarlet and yellow, their weapons aflame. I recognized them. The Emperor’s Sword Watch. Devoted to the Emperor of Vallia, each one would give his life. They were here to ensure the emperor’s safety. And this they would do. But they had come too late for another life…
A life for Vallia had been given, given willingly, but that life was gone, snuffed out, and Barty Vessler would never rush eagerly, honorably and joyously headlong into adventure at my side, not ever again.
“Barty,” I said. I just felt stupid. Delia held me.
Korero bellowed at me. “The battle is won! They flee!”
“That,” I said. “Is very good, by Zair.”
And, as I spoke in a strange stupefied whisper, I saw a glistening red scorpion waddle out contemptuously from under the ancient stones.