Chapter seventeen
Into the Hammabi el LammaThe leather-wrapped rope handle contracted as my fingers gripped. The chest, although lenken, was not large and was moderately filled with clothing. Lobur’s crossbow quivered. He didn’t know it, but I rather fancied I could have the chest swinging in a short arc before me to take the impact of the bolt. With his weapon discharged, Lobur’s famous dagger wouldn’t stop me from taking his neck between my fists and asking him a few pointed questions.
Deliberately, moving slowly, I released the handle. I straightened up. I stared at Lobur. He licked his lips.
“I mean it, Jak! You must help me, or—”
“Where is Princess Thefi?”
“She is safe now—”
“Now?”
He flinched at my tone. “She’s been ill — but she is all right now. Jak! Listen — we have to get
