“You cannot go,” whispered Luma.
“Telima was once my woman,” I said. “It is mine to seek the vengeance.”
“You are crippled! You vannot move!” cried Luma.
“There are two swords over my couch,” said I to Thurnock. “One is plain, with a worn hilt; the other is rich, with a jewel-encrusted hilt.”
“I know them,” whispered Thurnock.
“Bring me the blade of Port Kar, swiftm fit with inhilted jewels.”
He sped from the room.
“I would have paga,” I said. “ And bring me the red meat of bosk.”
Henrius and Clitus left the table.
The sword was brought. It was a fine blade. It had been carried on the 25th of Se’Kara. Its blade was figured, its hilt encrusted with jewels.
I took the goblet, filled with burning paga. I had not had paga since returning frm the northern forests.
“Ta-Sardar-Gor,” said I, pouring a libation to the table. Then I stood.
“he is standing!” cried Luma. “ He is standing!”
I threw back my head and swilled down the paga. The meat, red and hot, was brought, and I tore it in my teeth, the juices running at the side of my mouth.
The blood and the paga were hot and dark within me. I felt the heat of the meat.
I threw from me the goblet of gold. I tore the meat and finished it.
I put over my left shoulder the scabbard strap.
“Saddle a tarn,” said I to Thurnock.
“Yes, Captain,” he whispered.
I stood before the captain’s chair. “More paga,”I said. Another vessel was brought. “ I drink,” said I, “ to the blood of beasts.”
Then I drained the goblet and flung it from me.
With a howl of rage I struck the table with the side of my fists, shattering the boards. I flung asidethe blanket and the captain’s chair.
“Do not go,” said Samos. “ It may be a trick to lure you to a trap.”