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nothing for the prince. But if darkness should possess Gavril through tainted
wounds, everyone in the hold would be at risk.
 How the shapeshifter got in past our safeguards, the priest still has not
explained to my satisfaction, Lord Odfrey said.  These are troubled times we
face, now that Nether no longer stands against them with us. Had you not been
there, Dain, many would have surely died, the prince among them. Dain looked
away, and could not feel entirely glad.
 Gavril is not wholly bad-hearted, Lord Odfrey said softly as though reading
Dain s mind.  Just spoiled and ill-taught by ambitious men. He was mistaken in
his belief that you meant him harm.
Dain sat bolt upright.  I never attacked him! he said furiously.  There was
no mistake about 
 Dain, Lord Odfrey said, gripping his hand.  Hush. The matter is closed. You
are cleared of all accusation.
 But he he 
 It is over, Lord Odfrey said in a tone that permitted no further discussion.
 Be glad.
Dain sighed and nodded, knowing he must do as Lord Odfrey advised. Perhaps
Gavril had learned a lesson from this experience. Perhaps now he would be more
tolerant of beliefs that were not his own. Perhaps he might even see some good
use in having an eld around.
 Was he much hurt? Dain asked.
 His leg will pain him for a while, but he will mend, Lord Odfrey said.  By
the king s
birthday, he ll be well enough to do his part in his knighting ceremonies.
The king s tournament. Dain nodded, feeling fresh disappointment wash through
him. He would see none of the festivities at Savroix, but at least he was
alive and not to be punished. He could accept that as enough.
 Lord, he said, gazing up at Lord Odfrey,  there is something I would ask
you.
 Yes?
 It s about Thum.
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 Yes?
 You have no squire, Dain said, frowning as he sought the best way to phrase
his request,  and Thum would be good in the job.
 Would he? Lord Odfrey said. His voice was neutral. His dark eyes held no
expression at all.
This was not promising. Dain frowned and tried to think of a way to persuade
him.
 Thum is smart, lord, and loyal. He never loses things. He works hard. He
would make you a worthy squire.
 Thank you for your advice, even if it is unasked for, Lord Odfrey said.  I
have already placed him in that post.
Dain s gaze flashed up, and he smiled, although to his surprise his spirits
suddenly felt lower than before. So Thum would be the one foster permitted to
go to Savroix later this summer. Well, he deserved the trip. He was a hard
worker and a good friend. But somewhere beneath Dain s gladness lay an empty
feeling that he could not drive away.
 Now enough about Thum, Lord Odfrey said.  The knights ended your trial, but
there are other matters between you and me that are not settled.
Dain swallowed hard, expecting lecture and punishment.  Yes, lord?
Lord Odfrey stared at him, and with a sudden frown stood up and began to pace
back and forth.  Damne, he muttered.  I came here prepared to reprimand you
for leaving the hold without permission, for not governing your damnable
temper as you should, for causing me more worry than a man should have to
endure. Never do that to me again.
Dain stared at him in surprise.  No, lord, he said after a moment.  I won t.
 You must learn discipline. An order is an order. If you like or dislike it,
that does not matter. If your commander cannot count on you to obey him in all
areas, then he cannot depend on you in battle either.
Dain hung his head.  Am I to be flogged?
 Thod knows you deserve it, Lord Odfrey said grimly, then paused next to Dain
and ruffled his hair with a gentle hand.  But, no. I think you ve been through
enough.
Relief filled Dain, and a great weight came off his shoulders. He glanced up
and saw
Lord Odfrey smiling at him. Dain smiled back, glad that they were friends
again.
 Impossible brat, Lord Odfrey said with feeling.  How did you learn to swing
a sword like that? How did you make it flash fire hot enough to destroy a
Nonkind?
 But it will always do so against them, Dain said in surprise.  Truthseeker
is 
 It is not made of magicked metal! Lord Odfrey said too quickly, as though he
perhaps feared that it really was.  I do not own a weapon that is forbidden by
Writ.
 No, Truthseeker is not made of magicked metal, Dain said, wondering how Lord
Odfrey could own such a holy weapon and not know what he had.
The chevard released his breath.  Thod be thanked. I thought you were going to
tell me of some power I didn t 
 It s made of god-steel. Lord Odfrey stared at him, looking dumbfounded.
 What?
 Aye. God-steel. Have you heard of it? It s rare and very old. The metal is so
hard that dwarves who have found pieces of it in places of ancient battles
cannot hammer it.
They cannot soften it with fire. They cannot work it at all, despite their
skill. Some
ancestor of yours must have fought in the great battles of long ago.
Lord Odfrey sank down on the edge of the bed again, as though his legs would
not hold him.  Gods mercy, he whispered at last.  I cannot believe it.
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 The power was not mine, Dain said, surprised that Lord Odfrey had even
thought so.  Everything lay inside . Lord Odfrey ran his hand across his
face.  My father was afraid to touch it. I have never carried it in battle.
 That s where it belongs, Dain said.  That s what it sings for.
The chevard turned his gaze on Dain and frowned.  I have heard it said that
the dwarves believe metal sings. You can hear it, can t you?
Dain s smile faded. He met Lord Odfrey s eyes and knew he must tell the truth.
 Aye.
I felt it speak to me. It told me its name, and I believed it right to use it.
Or, in doing so, have I broken another law?
 No, lad, Lord Odfrey said kindly.  You used it for the greatest good
possible, that of saving someone s life.
 It is an incredible weapon, Dain said, remembering the feel of it.  I would
see you use it 
 Nay! Lord Odfrey said hastily, standing up again.  My father warned me as
his father did warn him, that it is too strong for mere men to handle. And if
you are right about its being made from god-steel, then my father spoke truth.
Mortals have no business with such weapons. But you swung it as though it had
been made for your hand.
 Desperation, lord, that is all.
 False modesty does not become you, Lord Odfrey said.  By the laws of our
church, men cannot own god-steel.
Dain looked up in alarm.  You will not destroy it, lord! You will not fling it
in the river.
 I should, Lord Odfrey said, but shook his head.  Nay, I will not. My father
told me it was won as a prize in battle by our ancestor.
 It was a very great reward, Dain said.  Your ancestor must have fought
bravely indeed.
Lord Odfrey nodded and blinked in amazement.  God-steel, he said softly,
looking secretly pleased.  Well, well. Let this be our secret, Dain, kept
between you and me. Let the others think you have powers against the Nonkind
if they wish.
 But I do not 
 It does no harm. Otherwise, I must explain , and I would rather not. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]