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eating.
Hmph. Disappointed, the litah slumped back onto his belly. My late-night entertainments are more fun
than yours.
The diminutive callers gradually relaxed. Trotting forward on his feathered mount, the one who had
awakened Simna confronted the herdsman. I am Loswee, Son of the Patriarch Roosagin, of the
Swick the People of the Sand. His gaze narrowed and the hairy oversized ears inclined ever so slightly
forward. You are not agents of the Dunawake?
Herdsman and swordsman exchanged a glance while Ahlitah remained relaxed, unmoving, and
uninterested. Long legs crossed, Ehomba looked back down at their interrogator. Loswee s mount was
pecking curiously at the underside of the southerner s well-worn leather sandal.
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What is a Dunawake?
Not a Dunawake, the miniature warrior corrected him. TheDunawake. In the subdued silver
shimmer of the moon, his shudder was clearly visible. I don t even like to consider the possibility that
there might be more than one. Wide eyes looked up at the infinitely larger visitor.
The Dunawake is a Terrible. There are many Terribles in the world, but the Dunawake o ertops them
all. You can t fight it. All you can do is get out of its way. And you d better get out of its way, or you ll
be mushed. Obliterated, my friend, even such giants as yourselves, as deftly as I would pulp a sweet ant.
So we move. It s aching and arduous work, but we have no choice. There are those who are not as
skillful or agile as we, and these suffer the unmentionable fate that befalls all victims of the Dunawake.
He sat a little straighter in his avian saddle. So far we have succeeded in keeping ahead of it. We Swick
are quick.
We would fight it, if we had the weapons. But spears and arrows are less than raindrops to the
Dunawake. We need something stronger.
Simna considered. Bigger spears, bigger arrows?
Loswee s gaze narrowed, tugged down by heavy brows, and Ehomba was quick to intercede. You
must excuse my friend. His muscles and his determination are both stronger than his imagination. What
would you need to fight this Dunawake?
Magic, the Swick replied promptly. Magic such as you possess.
Ehomba blinked. We have no magic. I am a herder of cattle and sheep, my friends unpretentious
wanderers. We are not magicians. He was aware that Simna was watching him as closely as was
Loswee.
If you are not magicians, the Swick countered, pointing with the tip of his spear, then how do you
explain that?
He had singled out the half-full pond that hovered behind the travelers. A few minnows still swam in its
reduced depths.
Ehomba smiled gently. We did not conjure the floating water, nor can I explain it. We found it and
many thousands like it in a land to the south of here, and brought it with us so that we would have enough
to drink in this dry country. You could do the same.
To the south, you say? Loswee reflected. This is as far south as the Swick have ever come. And we
would not have done so had the Dunawake not forced the journeying upon us. He squinted at the pond,
which was tied to a rock outcropping so that it would not drift away during the night. I m not sure I
believe you. I think you have more magic than you re admitting to.
Ehomba shook his head. I wish you were right and I untruthful. There have been times when I could
have done with a little magic.
Turning in his saddle, Loswee barked something at his squadron of armed fighters, then turned back to
Ehomba. Perhaps after we have talked further, you will feel like being more forthcoming.
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We have no objection to talking, Ehomba assured him noncommittally.
Good. I see that you are traveling light, so you must be ready for a real meal.
Giquina knows that s true! Simna agreed heartily.
Ehomba frowned at his friend. Look at this country, and the size of these people. They cannot have
much to eat, far less anything to spare for visitors of our size.
On the contrary, Loswee proudly disagreed, we have more than ample stocks. We don t lack for
food, and we ll be pleased to share. If not magic, then maybe you can give us some advice. Having come
from the south, you must at least be the bearers of new ideas. Extending his arm, he pointed with his
spear. It s not far, and I promise you will be warmer in the castle than out here in this ravine.
Ehomba beckoned to Simna, and the swordsman was at his side in an instant. The two men conferred
briefly.
What do you think? the herdsman asked his friend.
Simna exhaled softly. Any free food, however small the amount, is welcome. Especially if I don t have
to carry it. If they mean treachery, then their brains are as small as their fingers. You or I could probably
give their whole army a good fight, and Ahlitah would simply stomp them at his leisure. Since I don t see
them being that stupid, I expect that their offer is genuine.
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