Ruel nodded as he walkedaround the brush barrier and strode to the edge of the riverbank. He sent hisvoice echoing over the expanse of water. "Abdar!"
No answer.
He shouted louder."Abdar!"
It was Pachtal who appeared onthe bank, illuminated by the pool of light formed by the torches.
"Give it up,MacClaren," Pachtal called. "Cannot you see you are defeated?"
"I want to talk toAbdar."
"He's in the tent,meditating."
"Get him."
"Why should I disturb himwhen I can accept your surrender?"
"I am here, Scot."Abdar suddenly appeared at Pachtal's side.
Hatred rushed through Ruel ashe stared at Abdar's smooth, bland face. Control it, he told himself. Think.Don't feel. "We have things to talk about. Will you honor a flag of truceif I come over to your encampment?"
"Why should I do that? Ina day or two we will be able to launch rafts and crush you."
"I'm not a fool, Abdar.It's clear you've won the game, but I can make it hard or easy for you. LetKartauk and me come over and we'll—"
"Kartauk?" Abdarinterrupted, interest flaring. "Kartauk will come?"
"Kartauk has an excellentinstinct for survival, and he's aware that we need to negotiate."
"He should havenegotiated three years ago if he wished me to be merciful." Abdar'spleased laugh rang out. "But come ahead, Scot, I will listen to yourpleas."
"This is a mistake,"Pachtal protested. "It could be a trick. We have no need to—"
"Do not question mywisdom," Abdar snapped. "It is you who have become prone to mistakes.Call me when they arrive." He whirled and vanished from the pool of light.
"Success," Kartaukmurmured when Ruel once more stepped beyond the barriers. "The firststep."
Ruel nodded grimly. "Ihope it's not going to be our last. Let's get over there before he changes hismind."
"No one told me you wouldbe going too." They both turned to see Margaret standing a few feet away,staring incredulously at Kartauk. "Why? There is no need for both of youto go."
Kartauk shrugged. "Abdarenjoys my company, and Ruel is only a puling Scot. He needs my help."
"Don't joke about this.It's not enough you tried to kill yourself before. Now you must complete thetask." She drew her shawl closer around her shaking body. Then suddenlyher eyes were blazing at him. "Well, go! I don't care. It is nothing to meif that monster draws and quarters you. I hope he does. It would serve you wellfor being so foolish as to—" Her voice broke, and she was running awayfrom them.
Kartauk gazed after her with acurious expression on his face.
"She didn't know what shewas saying," Ruel said quietly.
"Margaret always knowswhat she's saying."
Kartauk was now smilingfaintly, Ruel noticed. "You don't appear upset."
"I'm not upset. She'scoming alive again." Kartauk turned away. "Let's go."
** *
Jane was waiting at the canoewhen Kartauk and Ruel approached it five minutes later. "I'm going withyou."
