"We can't camp here now. We must move on tonight, and move fast. The Brotherhood will be out after us now that the other winged one has taken back word of our coming."
His hands clenched. "I feared it would be so! Nsharra has reached L'Lan before us with warning and they have watchers out — like those two."
"What is this Brotherhood?" Eric Nelson demanded.
"I will explain that later, when we reach L'Lan," answered the other.
Nelson took a step forward. "You will explain now. It's time we got the truth about what faces us in L'Lan."
Nick Sloan, his flat brown face hard and suspicious, harshly seconded Nelson. "That's right, Shan Kar. It seems we're up against more than just a tribal war. Spill it or we'll backtrack out of here."
Shan Kar smiled thinly. "You want the platinum we can pay you. You won't go back to China to be shot."
"Not to China — but we can cross southward over the Kunlun," Sloan spat. "Don't think you have us in your hand. You need us worse than we need you. Talk or we walk out."
Shan Kar eyed them, his mind obviously busy behind the handsome olive mask of his face. Then he shrugged.
"There is not time to tell you everything. We must move fast or we are lost. Also-you would not believe all if I told you."