At the Queen_s command

They parted, then the old man hugged Nathaniel. They exchanged comments and both of them laughed. Owen noticed the old man's left eye was milky-white, but saw no battle scar in or around the socket. The two men seemed quite familiar and Owen sensed the connection was more than just Nathaniel's being Kamiskwa's friend.

Finally, Nathaniel turned away and waved a hand toward Owen. "Great Chief Msitazi, this is Captain Owen Strake of the Queen's Own Wurm Guards."

Owen pulled himself to attention and saluted. He made a horrible sight, with his stockings and trousers shredded, coated in mud and with scratches bleeding beneath. Leaf litter, burrs, and bits of thorny branches clung to his jacket. His hat had faired the best, but salt stains rimmed the black felt.

The old Altashee drew himself up and returned the salute. "It has been a long time since the Queen has sent a man to me."

Owen wanted to immediately explain that he wasn't an official envoy, but there wasn't any way to do that without dishonoring the man's comment. Owen cleared his throat. "Her Majesty cherishes the friendship of the Great Chief Msitazi of the Altashee."

Msitazi laughed and made a comment that made both Kamiskwa and Nathaniel smile.

Owen opened his hands. "Did I…?"

The Chief shook his head. "Captain, I know your Queen has no idea who I am. But you are polite. I like this."

Nathaniel jerked a thumb at Owen. "You'll be liking the fact that Captain Strake here done killed hisself two Ungarakii back two-three walks of here. He'd a-killed more, but me and Kamiskwa was selfish and got a pair each ourselves."

Msitazi looked Owen up and down. "Never has your Queen sent a warrior to me. You must come inside." He turned, and reentered the long house.

Kamiskwa and Nathaniel began shucking off all their gear and piling it near the long house. Kamiskwa barked an order at two boys. They immediately plunked themselves down beside the equipment and warned others off.

Kamiskwa smiled. "Guards against curiosity. Please, Captain, take off your coat, trousers, stockings and shoes?"

Nathaniel was already stripping down, and Kamiskwa pulled off his leggings. They kicked them into a pile, adding their moccasins, and an Altashee maiden approached with a basket to gather them up.

Owen hesitated.

Woods slapped him on the back. "Don't be shy, Captain. Tain't nothing she hain't seen before."

The maiden giggled.

Owen blushed, then turned his back and stripped off his muddy clothes. Fortunately his blouse tails hung down far enough to protect his modesty. He gathered his things up and placed them in her basket, nodding his thanks.

He joined the others in the long house. Msitazi sat on a blanket with Kamiskwa at his right hand and Nathaniel at his left. Owen took up a place across from him. In the long house's dim interior the Twilight People's faces all but disappeared for eyes and teeth.

"Where did you find the Ungarakii?"

"They were in Longmeadow, Father. They were scouting for the Tharyngians."

Nathaniel nodded. "Had them a man with them, Pierre Ilsavont. Might could be he's a wendigo."

The elder sat back. "Did you destroy it?"

"Burned the head." Nathaniel shrugged. "Left the Ungarakii for the crows."

Msitazi's laughter filled the long house. "You warm my heart, Magehawk."

Magehawk? Owen killed the question on his lips. "Great Chief Msitazi, we found a ring on a corpse out there. Kamiskwa says he can feel strong magick on it. I believe that this magick could link back to a man Prince Vlad wishes us to hunt."

The Altashee closed his right eye and turned his face toward the long house's exterior wall. "I see the ring. It has a thread that extends to the dawn."

"But…" Owen frowned. Du Malphias had to be north and perhaps even west of them.

Msitazi held up a hand. "This man has the wiles of a fox. He has anchored his magick far away to deceive. Were you to track him by the ring, you would face disaster."

Nathaniel sat back. "I reckon then we're gonna be a-hunting him regular."

"Yes, of course, but we need to send the ring and the journal back to Prince Vlad."

Msitazi smiled. "I shall see to this, in honor of what you have done for the Altashee, Captain Strake. And tonight you will sleep over there, near the fire. It is a position of honor."

"You are most kind, Chief Msitazi."

The Chief's smile broadened. "I will send one of my daughters to sleep with you."

"Thank you, but I am married."

Nathaniel laughed. "Just to keep you warm, Captain."

"I think I will be fine, Mr. Woods. I have my blanket and my wool coat."

Msitazi nodded very solemnly. "That is a very fine coat. Very colorful. I like your coat."

"Thank you."

"I like your coat very much."

Owen was about to repeat his thanks, when Nathaniel kicked him in the shin. "What was that for?"

Nathaniel lowered his voice. "Give him the coat."

"What?" Owen leaned in toward him. "I can't. It's my uniform. I am on a mission. If I am caught on Tharyngian territory out of uniform, I shall be shot for a spy."