"Landor!" Kieron splashed wine in the unconscious man's face. "Lander, wake up!"
The courtier stirred and opened his eyes. Immediately they filmed with fear. A hostile circle of faces looked down at him. Kieron, his dark eyes flaming. Alys. . the great red face of Nevitta, framed by the winged helmet. . other savage looking Valkyrs. It was to Landor a scene from the legendary Seventh Hell of the Great Destroyer.
"If you want to live, talk," said Kieron. "What are you doing here on Kalgan? It must be a message of importance you carry. Ivane would have sent someone else if it weren't."
"I… I carry no message, Kieron."
Kieron nodded to Nevitta who drew his dagger and placed it against Landor's throat.
"We have no time for lies, Landor," said Kieron.
To emphasize the point, Nevitta pressed the blade tighter against the pulse in the First Lord's neck. Landor screamed.
"Don't…!""
"Talk — or I'll cut the gizzard out of you!" Nevitta growled.
"All right! All right! But take the knife away… 1" "Ivane sent you here."