Chapter 8Jaldaric’s expression grew more and more puzzled as the riders approached, but he replaced it with a smile of welcome as the two groups stopped opposite one another.
The visitors were six in number and clad in a black livery. They were grim-faced and had obviously been riding hard. One of them wore insignia which, together with his general demeanour, identified him as their leader. His face was lean and would have been handsome had not narrowed eyes and a curl in his thin mouth given him a cunning and treacherous expression.
Jaldaric saluted, but the gesture was not returned and an uneasy silence fell between the two groups.
The leader of the new arrivals frowned. ‘You’re Jaldaric?’ he demanded, his voice harsh.
Jaldaric bridled slightly at the man’s manner, but replied pleasa
