A succession of blasts came thundering up from lower in the gorge. Rachel looked back in distress. Rumbling echoes muddied the cannonade. After a few trailing blasts, the explosive clamor ended.

Halak quickly descended a stone staircase, one hand resting on the hilt of a sword at his waist. A tall man with dramatic eyebrows, he strode over to the horses as Galloran dismounted.

“Trouble follows you up the pass,” Halak said.

Galloran faced him, speaking calmly. “Captain Halak, would you send riders to escort my friends who travel afoot?”

“We’ve monitored the progress of your pursuers,” Halak replied. “If we sally forth, it could spawn a major confrontation.”

“If you hesitate, imperial forces will murder friendly visitors in the pass outside of your gates. I understand that relations with Felrook are strained, but we both know that Maldor is no respecter of weakness. You will find little resistance. Not more than twenty foemen would have survived the ambush you just heard deployed.”

Halak gave a signal, then helped lead the two mounts bearing Rachel, Corinne, and Tark away from the gate. Twenty riders galloped out of the gate and across the drawbridge.

Halak drew near to Galloran, speaking for his ears only. Rachel made an effort to overhear. “We kept a very close watch of your movements across the neutral territory and up the pass. I have sentries along the rim of the gorge. We have an efficient system of signaling that has kept me informed minute by minute. I would have sent help earlier had intervention become necessary. Our riders will reach your friends before the enemy, all save the lone man who scaled the wall of the gorge. His chief threat at present is his precarious climb.”

“You have my deepest gratitude,” Galloran said. “It took planning to have those riders standing ready.”

“My discourteous welcome on the wall was a shameful political necessity. There are isolationist proponents in our midst who must be appeased. By appealing to the fearful, they wield enough clout to create serious trouble.”

“I appreciate your explanation,” Galloran replied. “Believe me that I grasp the all-too-frequent need for careful political maneuvering.”

“Many eyes observed how I greeted you. I am grateful you withstood my disrespectful reception and offered such convincing reasons for me to grant admittance to you and your comrades. Your persuasiveness freed me to perform my duty correctly.”

Halak strode over to Tark, parting the musician’s lips with his thumbs. “Your comrade is sorely afflicted.”

“The illness has evolved quickly, aggravated by strenuous travel,” Galloran said.

“Trust him to our care.” Halak helped Corinne down, then handed Mandibar’s reins to a woman, who led the horse away. A second woman kept a steadying hand on Tark. “Can I make the rest of you more comfortable?”

“The young women, perhaps,” Galloran said. “I would rather wait until the others are safe.”

“I’ll wait too,” Rachel put in.

“Me too,” Corinne agreed.

“Very well,” Halak said. “I’ll be back shortly.”

Rachel listened intently. The next round of explosions would come when the enemy horsemen engaged Jason and the others. She waited in agony.

The longer we hear nothing, the more likely we’ll hear nothing, Galloran conveyed mentally.

Did you just read my thoughts? Rachel asked.

Once you learned to speak in silence, your mind became much more open to mine, Galloran explained.

You can’t just read anyone’s thought?

Only other beings who can speak in silence, like wizards or torivors. For example, I can’t hear Nedwin’s thoughts, nor can he hear mine, no matter how intensely I try to transmit them.

Rachel considered the idea. But you read my mind even though I wasn’t trying to speak to you.

An ability that sets me apart from many. Of those who can hear your thoughts, most will only recognize those impressions you deliberately send.

Rachel glanced at Corinne. We’re sort of leaving your daughter out of the conversation.

I can hear you as well, Corinne conveyed.

Yes, Galloran shared. Corinne and I have held mental conversations ever since exiting the swamp together. Had you exerted yourself, you could have listened in.

I frequently spoke this way with Great-Aunt Madeline, Corinne explained. She told me this type of gift is often hereditary.

Do you speak Edomic? Rachel asked.

Not with much power, Corinne replied. On a good day, with a lot of effort, I can ignite a small fire. I can’t do much else. But speaking in silence comes naturally.

Halak returned. “I’ve had news. That was a good man you sent up the mountainside. He created enough of a rockslide to block the pass. The imperial soldiers took heavy losses. The horses couldn’t cross the rubble, so those who survived tried to proceed on foot, but retreated when challenged by our horsemen.”

“How is the man who scaled the wall?” Galloran asked.

“Most of our riders are waiting for him.”

“Everyone is all right?” Rachel asked.

“Your comrades are on their way,” Halak replied warmly.

CHAPTER 18

THE SEVEN VALES

The soldiers at West Gate resided in tunnels chiseled into the mountainsides. Captain Halak made arrangements for a meal to be served in his personal quarters. The room where Halak escorted Jason and the others held a long, low table surrounded by twelve mats. An elegant, square storage cabinet stood against one wall. Two round windows and a few oil lamps provided light.

The polished table supported woven baskets of bread, cheese, nuts, fruit, and vegetables. Wooden bowls that held soups and sweet confections sat alongside pitchers of juice, milk, and water. After inviting his guests to help themselves, Halak departed.

“Not much furniture,” Jason observed.

“The Amar Kabal value simplicity,” Galloran said, “which is a powerful endorsement for the principle, considering they have spent many lifetimes determining how best to live.”

“I heard they have vast caves full of treasure,” Aram said.

“Any chance others are listening?” Ferrin asked.

“Halak assured me a private room,” Galloran said. “He understands our need to confer.”

Drake opened the cabinet door, snooping around. “That’s one explanation for why he left so swiftly. He also may not wish to be accused of consulting with us. I know Halak. Not a bad man, but very careful about his interests.”

“He opened the gate,” Galloran pointed out.