“One boon I ask,” I said to the novice. “The tide will reach Shazmoz but will scarce do further damage. Do not tell the Grodnims the names you have heard us use.”
“Then what names shall we tell them? They are hard men and will be exceedingly angry.”
“Say you heard us call each other Krozairs.”
The Todalpheme’s face betrayed his speculation through the continuing shock. “That will make them even more wroth.”
Then I laughed. “I shall be sorry to miss that pleasant sight.”
So, laughing, Duhrra and I ran rapidly from the Dam of Days.
Once we had slipped into the storm-shadows at the far end we were able to circle and mingle with the Grodnims, securing ourselves from all possible suspicion. We were merely two paktuns, serving Grodno the Green.
I had stooped to take the longsword from the
