David Gemmell - Dark Moon

'This man is, loosely, what one might call my friend. Therefore it would be best if you did not rip his throat out.' She patted the broad head, then stood and took Vint's hand, leading him into the bedroom. 'You are just what I need,' she told him.

Moments later they were both naked. As they were caressing Karis noted a swift change in Vint, a sudden softness. 'What is wrong?' she whispered.

'The damn thing is looking at me,' he said. Karis turned her head, to see that Stealer was standing with his front paws on the bed, his squat nose inches from Vint's face. It was too much for Karis, and her laughter pealed out.

Vint slumped down beside her. 'I don't think he likes me,' he said.

'Bring some meat next time you come. I have a feeling that Stealer's affections are easily bought.'

'He is the ugliest hound I've ever seen. How did you come by him?'

'He adopted me.'

'You do have an uncanny effect on males, Karis! I'll give you that.'

The winds were howling across the jagged rocks, whipping sleet against the cold walls of the cliffs. A violet light shimmered, then two men were standing where a moment before there had been only a long-dead tree and an empty trail.

Tarantio ran forward, ducking behind a rock as the icy needles of sleet slashed into him. Duvodas came alongside. 'This should be the mountain,' he said.

'I have to say, Singer, that I did not really believe your story. If I had, I would have thought twice about accompanying you.'

Duvo glanced up. The clouds were thick, the darkness almost absolute. Then there was a break in the clouds which lasted just long enough for both men to see the outline of the monastery, high up the mountainside. 'That's a long climb,' said Tarantio, 'and it will be a cold one.'

Duvo closed his eyes and warmth radiated from him, enveloping Tarantio. They stood and began the ascent. Despite the heat it was an uncomfortable climb, for the sleet melted into rain around them and both men were drenched within minutes.

The path grew narrow, and Duvodas slipped. Tarantio caught his arm. For a heartbeat only Duvodas found himself staring down over an awesome drop, his heart hammering in panic. 'Walk on the inside,' said Tarantio. Gratefully Duvodas exchanged places and they climbed on. The wind picked up, battering at them, the rocky path underfoot was icy and treacherous. Conversation was impossible, and they ducked their heads into the wind and slowly forced their way up the mountain.

The heat spell was useless against the power of the wind, and ice began to form inside their clothing.

Duvo found his mind wandering; he sat down suddenly. Tarantio loomed over him. 'What in Hell's name do you think you are doing?' he shouted.

'I think I'll sleep for a little while.'

'Are you mad? You'll die.'

Duvo's eyes closed. Tarantio's cold hand slashed across his face in a stinging slap. 'Get up!' ordered the warrior. The sudden pain cut through his drowsiness and, taking Tarantio's hand, he hauled himself to his feet. As the two men struggled on, the wind grew into a storm which lashed at them, buffeting them against the rocks, making balance and movement a continuing nightmare. Arms linked, the climbers pressed on, finally rounding a bend and entering a cleft away from the wind. The relief was indescribable. Duvo pressed his back to the wall, and once more summoned the heat spell. Drawing Tarantio in close, the two men stood shivering as the warmth grew, easing through their icy clothing.

'We must be close,' said Duvo, his voice shaking.

'Let's hope they open the gate.'

'Why would they not?' Duvo asked.

'They might not hear us in the storm. I would guess they are all tucked up in their beds. Wait here. I'll find out.'

Tarantio moved away into the darkness and Duvo slumped down. Steam was rising from his clothes and the growing warmth was delicious. He lay down on the rock and fell asleep. Minutes later, when Tarantio shook him awake, Duvo was icy-cold. The heat spell could only be maintained while he was awake. Shivering uncontrollably, he fought to restore it. Tarantio sat down beside him. 'By the Gods, you are a fool!' hissed the warrior.

'I... am . . . sorry.'

'Not as sorry as I would have been, without a way back to Corduin.'

'Did you find the monastery?'

'Yes. It is around two hundred paces further on. There is a nasty section of rock, narrow and covered in ice. I think we should wait for the dawn before trying it.'

'I don't think I can stay awake that long.'

Tarantio's dagger pricked the skin under Duvo's chin. 'If you fall asleep, I think I know a way to wake you.'

The night wore on, seemingly endlessly to the exhausted Duvodas, and when at last the first rays of dawn could been seen illuminating the southern end of the cleft, he felt a surge of elation.

'What do we know about this monastery?' asked Tarantio - the first words he had spoken in hours.

'Very little. I looked for references to it in the library at Corduin. It was originally built by Priests of the Source hundreds of years ago. Now it is owned by a sect who call themselves the Letters of Revelation. Their cult believes the end of the world is upon us.'

'They may not be far wrong,' said Tarantio grimly. 'Let us hope they are early risers.'

The two men rose wearily to their feet and moved

along the cleft. Duvodas stumbled to a halt before the narrow ledge leading to the gates of the monastery. It was around 100 paces long, ice-covered and slanted, in places no more than three or four feet wide. The drop to the left of the ledge was dizzyingly deep. 'How high do you think we are?' he asked Tarantio.

'A thousand feet. Maybe more,' answered the warrior. 'The height is immaterial. A drop of a hundred feet would see a man dead. All this means is that you will be in the air for longer.'

'I don't think I can walk across that,' said Duvo.

'Move ahead of me. I'll catch you if you stumble.'

'I can't.'

Dace grabbed Duvo's fur-lined cloak and slammed him back against the rock wall. 'You listen to me, you miserable whoreson! You've dragged me half-way across the land with your tale of woe, of rescuing the Eldarin and imprisoning the Daroth. And now a little danger has you pissing your breeches. You'll walk - or I swear I'll hurl you over the edge.'

'Not everyone is blessed with your courage,' said Duvodas, 'but I will make the attempt. Not because you threaten me, but because you are right. It is more important to find the Pearl.'

Tarantio released him. 'Hold to the wall, and move slowly. If your foot slips, drop to your stomach. Do not try to maintain balance.'

Duvo took a deep breath and was about to step forward, when the sound of distant singing came from the monastery. A wall of warmth struck him. Ahead the ice began to melt on the ledge. The heat was now almost unbearable and both men turned their backs to it. As they did so, they saw the same effect flowing along the cleft. 'They understand the magic of the land,' said Duvo. 'They are clearing a path for us.'

The wall of heat moved on, flowing past them. Stepping out, Duvo ran along the ledge and up the small slope to the ancient gates. Tarantio came up behind him.

'They are not doing it for us,' said Tarantio. 'If they were, the heat would have stopped where we were.

And they are still singing their magic.'

'I don't care,' said Duvo happily. 'We made it, Tarantio.' He thumped his fist on the gate. After several moments he heard a latch creak, and when the gate opened an elderly monk stood there in woollen robes of flowing white. He had kindly brown eyes and a gentle smile.

'Who are you?' he asked. 'What are you doing here?'

'Can we come in?' asked Tarantio. 'It has been a cold night and I would appreciate a warm meal.'

'Of course. Of course.' The old priest stepped aside. After they had entered he closed the gate and led them across a small courtyard and into the main building, up three flights of stairs and along a corridor. Here there was a long, narrow dining-room. Another white-robed priest was working in the kitchen area, cleaning dishes. The sound of singing was muted now, but the travellers could still hear it coming from far below.