The Grand Design (99 page)

Then, after several long minutes, Lucyler finally spoke.

“Cold,” he remarked.

Richius nodded. “Yes.” The cold felt good. It reminded him of Aramoor.

“Ishia worries,” said Lucyler. “I do not know what I should do.”

Another impossible question. Richius shrugged. “Is it really your concern?”

“I am Master of Falindar,” replied Lucyler. “These things are expected of me.” He sighed. The light caught his eyes, revealing sadness. “I am riding a wildcat, and I cannot control it. Praxtin-Tar is a madman.”

Richius grimaced. He’d had his fill of madmen recently.

“The warlords need to fight, I think,” Lucyler continued. “I am not sure I can stop them.”

“If it’s their nature to kill, you won’t be able to stop them, Lucyler. Don’t kill yourself in the process.”

The Triin gave a black laugh. “Is that your wisdom now, my friend? Is that what you’ve learned? I could use more than silly prophecy.”

“That’s all I’ve got these days.”

“I was thinking that perhaps you would come with me to speak with Praxtin-Tar,” said Lucyler. “He remembers you from the Naren war. He knows that Tharn respected you. If you speak to him, he might listen.”

“No,” said Richius. “He will not listen.”

“You are so sure? You should try, at least.”

Richius shook his head. “Sorry.”

“You will not do it?”

“Can’t do it,” said Richius absently.

The promise he had made to Biagio extended past the borders of Nar. It was a promise to himself, really. As Lucyler watched him questioningly, Richius studied the sky, enjoying its grace. Suddenly the sky seemed more important than anything.

The author would like to acknowledge the help and support of the following special people:

Russell Galen, Danny Baror, Anne Lesley Groell, Juliet Combes, Kristen Britain, Paul Goat Allen, Ted Xidas, Victoria Strauss, Julie Jones, and Douglas Beekman.

And as always, thanks to Deborah, for too much to mention.

T
HE
J
ACKAL OF
N
AR

T
HE
S
AINTS OF THE
S
WORD

J
OHN
M
ARCO
lives on Long Island, New York, where he was born and raised. He is a fan of military history and a long-time reader of fantasy literature. Since the publication of his first novel,
The Jackal of Nar
, he has been writing fiction full time.

Visit John Marco on the web at

www.tyrantsandkings.com