From inside he heard the opening of the door and the challenge of the guards, and his heart sank. He stood breathless, listening for the voice of Ironbeard.
XIV. Daring Deception
But it was not Ironbeard who spoke. It was Boghaz, it was Boghaz alone who, came out onto the balcony, very downcast and sad.
“Emer sent me,” he said. “She told me the tragic news and I had to come to say good-by.”
He took Carse’s hand. “The Sea Kings are holding their last council of war before starting for Sark but it will not be long. Old friend, we have been through much together. You have grown to be like my own brother and this parting wrings my heart.”
The fat Valkisian seemed genuinely affected. There were tears in his eyes as he looked at Carse.
“Yes, like my own brother,” he repeated unsteadily. “Like brothers, we have quarreled but we have shed blood together too. A man does not forget.”
He drew a long sigh. “I should like to have something of yours to keep by me, friend. Some small trinket for memory’s sake. Your jeweled collar, perhaps—your belt—you will not miss them now and I should cherish them all the days of my life.”
He wiped a tear away and Carse took him not too gently by the throat.
“You hypocritical scoundrel!” he snarled into the Valkisian’s startled ear. “A small trinket, eh? By the gods, for a moment you had me fooled!”