But John was a man now, before men, and he said coldly, “Do you suggest that I would break a bann, before the muster or anywhere else, warder of the gate?”

The other grunted but backtracked, being in the wrong and knowing it and also being conscious that whether or nut John was exaggerating, somehow he had acquired three priceless battle steeds, the proof being there before him.

“No, I make no such suggestion, John of the Hawks. Enter, and congratulations.”

John was grinning again, even as he herded the loot before him. “There will be shouting of my name by the criers tonight,” he boasted.

The other had his petty revenge. “I doubt it,” he said.

John halted his horses and scowled puzzlement. “How do you mean?” he demanded. “How long has it been since either a Hawk or a Fielding counted coup on three raiders in a single day and seized their possessions as well?”

“A long time indeed, John of the Hawks, and your feat is praiseworthy. But unfortunately for your moment of honor, the muster is to go into session shortly.”

It was John’s turn to stare. “The muster! But this is only Apriltime.”

“Yes, and ordinarily the sachems and caciques would not join in the muster for three months; but they are gathering to discuss the travelers from Beyond.”

“Beyond? Beyond what?”

“You do not read the Holy books sufficiently, lad,” the warder said condescendingly. “Surely you have heard of Beyond.”

“But that’s legend! Myth!”

“You’d better not let any Keeper of the Faith hear you say that. Besides, the proof is there before you. Two days before this, the ship from the sky arrived, landing between Aberdeen and Dumbarton. The travelers from Beyond sent out a group and now accept the hospitality of our town.”

John gaped.

Chapter Two