“Two messengers with word for Grod the Silent,” Cabot’s conductor replied.
In an aside, Cabot interestedly inquired: “How does it happen that this camp is guarded, whereas the camp which besieged the village of Sur was not?”
“There is no need to post sentinels when fighting against the Vairkings, for Vairkings never go out in the dark, but we Roies are different.”
“Why, then, did we meet no sentinels when leaving your camp?”
“Because we were going out. We passed one but he did not challenge us. Coming back would be different.”
At this point the hostile guard interposed: “Stop that whispering among yourselves. Ho there, a light!”
Whereat a small detachment arrived on the double quick, with torches. The leader shaded his eyes with one palm, and inspected Myles and his companion carefully.
“This is a Vairking,” he said in surprise, noting the leather trappings of the earth-man. “You are spies. Seize them!”
In an instant they were seized and bound, and thrown into separate tents under guard.
When morning came, Myles was fed and then led before Grod the Silent. The earth-man smiled ingratiatingly as he entered, but there was no sign of recognition on the stern face of the King of the Roies.