Landor was wild-eyed. "Why do you want to kill me, Kieron," he cried hoarsely; "what have I done to you...?" "You've taxed my people and insulted me, and if that were not enough there would still be your treachery with Freka--tricking me and the others into rebellion so that Ivane can seize the crown! That's more than enough reason to kill you. Besides ..." Kieron smiled grimly, "I just don't like you, Landor. I'd enjoy spilling some of your milky blood." "Kieron! I swear, Kieron...." "Save it, dancing master!" Kieron touched Landor's loosely held weapon with his own. "Guard yourself!" Landor uttered an animal cry of desperation and lunged clumsily at the Valkyr. Kieron's sword made a glittering encirclement and the First Lord's weapon clattered on the cobblestones twenty feet away. Kieron's eyes were cold as he advanced on the now thoroughly terrorized courtier. "Kneel down, Landor. A lackey should always die on his knees." The First Lord threw himself to the cobbles, his arms around the outworlder's knees. He was grey with fright and babbling for mercy, his eyes tightly shut. Kieron reversed his sword and brought the heavy hilt down sharply on Landor's head. The courtier sighed and pitched forward. Kieron sheathed his weapon and picked the unconscious man up like a sack of meal. Time was short. The guards would be returning to escort Landor to Freka. Kieron picked up the courtier's fallen sword. There must be no sign of struggle in the courtyard. The Valkyr carried Landor over to where Alys and Nevitta had lowered their improvised rope. He trussed Landor up like a butchered boar and called to them. "Haul him up!" Landor disappeared into the window and the rope came down again. Kieron climbed hand over hand after the vanished courtier. Within seconds he stood among his warriors again, and the courtyard was empty. * * * * * "Landor!" Kieron splashed wine in the unconscious man's face. "Landor, wake up!" The courtier stirred and opened his eyes. Immediately they filmed with fear. A hostile circle of faces looked down at him. Kieron, his dark eyes flaming. Alys ... the great red face of Nevitta, framed by the winged helmet ... other savage looking Valkyrs. It was to Landor a scene from the legendary Seventh Hell of the Great Destroyer. "If you want to live, talk," said Kieron. "What are you doing here on Kalgan? It must be a message of importance you carry. Ivane would have sent someone else if it weren't." "I ... I carry no message, Kieron." Kieron nodded to Nevitta who drew his dagger and placed it against Landor's throat. "We have no time for lies, Landor," said Kieron. To emphasize the point, Nevitta pressed the blade tighter against the pulse in the First Lord's neck. Landor screamed. "Don't...!" "Talk--or I'll cut the gizzard out of you!" Nevitta growled. "All right! All right! But take that knife away...!" "Ivane sent you here." Landor nodded soundlessly. "Why?"