She had decided to betray me after all.
"Wait here, all," I commanded, and moved clear of the glare-field. Moved straight toward the host of Dondromogon.
Gederr laughed again. I could read his thoughts. He had clinched his own power by judicious murders. Now he thought I was in his hands. "Shoot him down," he bade.
"Let no man shoot," I warned. "A pellet flying past me will strike and set off the glare-field. It's still swords, and in the open we can use their rays."
I flicked on my own. The blade glowed like hot iron.
"Come and fight," I invited. "All of you. Or withdraw and explode this trap on me alone."
"He's tired of life," snarled Gederr, hidden in the ranks.
"I'm tired of this fighting," was my reply. "If I die alone, the Newcomer force remains intact. It can move upon you and force you to peace. Men of Dondromogon, overthrow this coward tyrant Gederr, who defends his pride and power with your bodies!"
I think they indicated that they knew the truth of that, and Gederr knew it, too. At any rate, he moved boldly to reestablish his influence.
"I'll prove he lies! I hide nowhere!" The words fairly rang out. "Retreat, quickly, to the positions behind. Leave me to face him."