One of the captains said, “Several hundred, Master.”
“Kill them all. At once.”
The captain ran to carry out the order, and Murmandamus felt a lessening of the rage within as the prisoners’ deaths atoned for Murad’s failure. In near-hissing tones, Murmandamus said, “We have erred, O my children. Too soon did we gather to regain that which is rightfully our heritage. In a year, when the snows again have melted from the peaks, we again will gather, and then shall all who oppose us know terror.” He paced about the hall, a figure of stunning power, a fey brilliance surrounding him in an almost perceptible halo. His magnetism was nearly palpable. After a silent time, he spun toward the Pantathian. “We leave. Prepare the gate.”
The serpent nodded, while the Black Slayers took their positions along the wall. When each was situated in a niche, a field of green energy surrounded them. Each became rigid, a statue in his private nook, awaiting the summons that would come next summer.
The Pantathian finished a long incantation and a shimmering silver field appeared in the air. Without another word, Murmandamus and the Pantathian stepped through the gate, leaving Sar-Sargoth for some place known only to himself and Cathos. The gate winked out of existence.
Silence dominated the hall. Then, outside, the screams of the dying prisoners began to fill the night.
Ethan Aaron Feist,
Alicia Jeanne Lareau,
little magicians all
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am once more indebted to many people for this book’s existence. My deep thanks to:
The Friday Nighters: April and Stephen Abrams, Steve Barrett, Anita and Jon Everson, Dave Guinasso, Conan LaMotte, Tim LaSelle, Ethan Munson, Bob Potter, Rich Spahl, Alan Springer, and Lori and Jeff Velten, for too many reasons to list.
Susan Avery, David Brin, Kathie Buford, and Janny Wurts for giving me their thoughts on a work in progress.
My friends at Doubleday, to which list I am pleased to add the names of Pat LoBrutto and Peter Schneider.
Al Sarantonio, for playing the jukebox in Chicago.
Again, Harold Matson, my agent.
And, as always, Barbara A. Feist, my mother.
Raymond E. Feist
San Diego, California
BY RAYMOND E. FEIST
*Magician: Apprentice
*Magician: Master
*Silverthorn
*A Darkness at Sethanon
*Daughter of the Empire (with Janny Wurts)
*Servant of the Empire (with Janny Wurts)
*Mistress of the Empire (with Janny Wurts)
*Prince of the Blood
*The King’s Buccaneer
*Faerie Tale
Shadow of a Dark Queen
Rise of a Merchant Prince
Rage of a Demon King
Shards of a Broken Crown
Krondor: The Betrayal
Krondor: The Assassins
Krondor: Tear of the Gods
Murder in Lamut (with Joel Rosenberg)
Jimmy the Hand (with S. M. Stirling)
Talon of the Silver Hawk
King of Foxes
Exile’s Return
Flight of the Nighthawks
Into a Dark Realm
Wrath of a Mad God
Rides a Dread Legion
At the Gates of Darkness
A Kingdom Beseiged
A Crown Imperiled
Magician’s End
*Available from Bantam Books
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