'And after the battle,' said Stark softly. 'What then, Berild?'
'We will rule together.' She held his palms against hers. 'You have strong hands, wild man. Would you not like to hold a world between them — and me?'
She looked up at him, her eyes suddenly shrewd and probing. Or do you still believe the nonsense you talked to Kynon, about the tribes?'
Stark smiled. 'It's easy to have principles when there's no gain involved. No. I am as my name says — a man without a tribe. I have no loyalties. And if I had, would I remember them now?'
He held her, as she had said, between his hands, and they were very strong.
But even then, Berild could warn him.
'Keep faith with me, then! My wisdom is greater than yours, and I have powers you don't dream of. What I give, I can take away.'
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