Here they were, back at the bridge.

Anborn stood alone before it, shivering despite several cloaks. His wounds were healed, but the pain of them was still on him. The snowbanks had almost completely melted now, revealing tundra and crag grass. The Furbearers were barely visibly perched by the river in careful concealment.

Only Anborn could be seen; he and Tanith were some ways behind. She would kill him if he ran from battle again; it was a matter of principle. He'd shamed her house long enough. Still, Tanith had faith Anborn would do the right thing.

Eventually.

"So, do we have any kind of plan here?" asked Tanith.

"Well, Anborn is to stand at the bridge and look like a one-man army," said Sokar. "Or, like he thinks he's a one-man army. He challenges them, they attack him, and he dies, and they think they have clear passage. They move in off-guard, and we catch them at the mouth of the river and initiate our real plan."

"Which is?" asked Tanith.

"Hit them from the hillocks with slings and draw them out gradually," said Sokar. "We'll also block off the bridge. But Edward is smart and has probably laid aside boats just in case." He halted. "Tanith, if you had a choice...

"Would your brother live?"

"Is answering that question going to affect my fate?" asked Tanith.

"It could," said Sokar.

"Is this some sort of prophecy thing?" asked Tanith.

"No," said Sokar. "But most people who channel the Shark Queen tend to die.

"See, the Shark Queen only directly appears when doom is imminent. Most of the time she uses a proxy if she wants to appear at all. And those proxies almost always die.

"I kind of feel like it's you or Anborn."

"Well then, I can't answer it honestly, can I," said Tanith.

"Let's say there were no consequences," said Sokar.

"I choose to live," said Tanith in no mood for self-sacrifice. "His fate is his own. If a decision one way will lead to my survival, then I'll choose that way."

"But what if you could save his life and save yourself?" asked Sokar.

"Would I have to put myself at risk to do so?" asked Tanith.

Sokar paused. "Probably, yes."

"Then I choose to save myself at his expense," said Tanith, deciding there was no point in mincing words. "I've already spared him once, and I don't think he's going to last five minutes. I don't want to die. Things are going well for me; I followed my orders and won great victories.

"I've done good work out here.

"Why should I be sacrificed for the sake of a people who I don't care about? This may be the end of the world for you. But to me, this is a minor skirmish. Worthy of Anborn to die in, but not me.

"And I don't want to die at all.

"Right now, I love being a warrior, but I won't always. And things have been set up so I could put the sword down respectively. I've always admired Mother, and somebody is going to have run Ran Telus after Anborn dies.

"I could marry William, grow old, have children.

"Now, obviously, in the short term, I've got all kinds of great deeds to perform. But this is not the kind of place where Tanith Telus' story can end. Or else my life will have been a failure.

"If Anborn survives and fights with honor...

"Good.

"If not, I have my own swords to wield. He's been coddled too much; he has to learn to pay the price for his actions. I want him to win gloriously and gain great victories while I do the same, and everyone lives happily after.

"I think we both know that isn't going to happen. Blood calls out for blood; someone always wants revenge."

"Well, I hope he wins the battle singlehanded at this point," said Sokar ruefully. "The odds are against us. We've had some scuffles and fought to hold our ground.

"But I don't think we can handle a full-scale assault."

Tanith sighed. "Look, just fight as hard as you can, use every advantage you have, and don't cross the river. If you attack, you're dead. Nobody is going to sit still for a Furbearer offensive. Not without a lot more misbehavior by Kern; he's too important right now."

"I'll tell my Father," said Sokar.

The distant appearances of Lord Kern's castle were little threat. But the oncoming march of the troops Tanith had seen was. They were both Harlenorian and Dren; you could tell because the Drens were bigger. They held spears and large shields and marched forward. Some also carried boats to ford the now swift-flowing river.

No weather impeded them, no storm clouds hung overhead.

This was the Furbearer's battle to win or lose. And from the looks of things, it would be a very terrible battle. Tanith had seen the Furbearers before and knew they lacked training. Sokar's men had given the basics. Even so, they weren't near a Haldrenian militia's strength. Haldrenian militia trained regularly, and no introduction would be sufficient. The street brawls and peacekeeping from before paled in comparison to a real war.

And many among these men might be veterans.

Of course, so were the Furbearers, and they had the home-field advantage and perhaps surprise. If they were lucky, they could duplicate Duke Vanion's success. However, Tanith was beginning to think that they'd used up most of their luck earlier. Their escape had been blessed by heaven.

They could not count on it again.

If they broke here, they were done for. If they fought, they were soldiers. Tanith could arrange some sort of amnesty; nobody was going to allow this.

Soon enough, the boats were set onto the river by the Harlenorians. At the same time, the Drens were scaling across the bridge.

"You may go no further," said Anborn, trembling with his spear forward. "I won't let you cross this bridge. Turn back, or I'll fight you."

"Kill him," said the Dren's, as many laughed.

And four of them broke ranks to attack Anborn, who fell to one knee and stabbed at the leg of the foremost. Used to fighting in formation, the man was not prepared and screamed as his leg was pierced. Anborn drew it aside and shrieked in terror as he rolled away from a stab. Driving his spear home, he got his enemy through the heart, but his spear was shattered by a shield. Ducking under a stroke, he was nicked and snatched a knife to throw it. The knife went wide, but his enemy ducked while the other moved in for the kill.

Throwing himself down, Agravain snatched a knife and was hit by his charging enemy's feet. Screaming in pain, he watched as his enemy fell, and pulling himself up, Anborn stabbed him in the back. Turning, he hurled his knife again and, by luck, got his last opponent in the throat. By now, the boats were landing, and the Harlenorians were getting off the shore.

At once, the Furbearers began to pelt stones, and several fell senseless. But others locked shields and moved forward, covering the coming of their fellows. A few got through as men got off the boats or were traversing, but they moved in at the Furbearers.

By now, Anborn had stabbed the wounded soldier to death as he begged for mercy and wept openly. A little less crying would be nice, but his technique had potential. Then he looked to Tanith as if to be called back. The Drens stared in a fury.

Was Tanith supposed to be impressed? He should have done this years ago. "Do it again."

"Kill him!" said the Drens.

And they rushed forward en masse. Anborn snatched up a spear, but as he did, the Furbearers waiting in ambush came from all sides. Wielding clubs and axes, the battle was joined in full, and there were no ranks. Just Dren and Furbearer killing one another, while Anborn stabbed at men's feet. Or caught them in the back while crying to himself.

Pathetic.

He regained his honor like snowflakes off death's shoulders. Unimportant and soon to be killed, and so much the better. At least he would die better than he lived.

It was time for Tanith to remind the Furbearers whose hand they eat from.

Moving down the shore, she closed on the ranks of House Kern as they began to route them. Drawing her swords, she felt the will of the Shark Queen on her, promising a glorious victory.

"Begone spirit, leave me to my own battles," said Tanith, bounding over a hillock. "I serve Elranor only, and these men shall dine with him tonight!"

Then Tanith laughed and fell upon the men of House Kern. These were militia, well experienced, but nothing to a knight. Her blade caught one in the throat. Another she slashed across the tendon so that he could be finished. A third stroke pierced a heart, and a fourth cut off a head.

On and on it went as she filled the river with bodies. Laughing with joy, she routed them, driving them back to their ships. Then, tossing her swords into the air, she caught them as she ran. And she fell on the ground, slashing these worthless heathens with a delight and power she had never felt.

Down fell one barbarian, then another, then another.

Anborn was clashing blades with a man, but Tanith did nothing to help him. She helped everyone except him, killing and killing. And when she realized the flow of warriors to him was diminishing. She pushed across the bridge and slew all she could find. So that soon, the men of House Kern fled in terror.

"Go back, traitors!" said Tanith. "Go simper and slave to your wives! Let Lord Kern supplant you as is your duel! Some among us have a sense of culture!"

And laughed, she wiped her blades on the grass and walked back to the battlefield. Anborn was lying on the ground. Tanith considered helping him. However, she remembers Mother giving him comforting words. That was when Tanith scraped her knee. Words of how he would find his place.

"Find something useful to do," said Tanith.

"I know how to bandage wounds," said Anborn.

"Then do it," said Tanith. "If any will trust you to do it."

Anborn stood up and went to look for bandages.

All in all, a lovely day.

Looking at the trail of corpses Tanith left behind her, she knew that Kern would lament this day. His first strike had been turned back, and her warning had been made good on. Anborn was finally making himself useful. And she had complete deniability.

Looking at the Furbearers, she saw Sokar had a bandaged arm. Kata had been kept out of the fight and was now healing.

"Good skirmish," said Tanith. "Keep practicing."

The look on their face was priceless.

For today, this had been the end of the world. But for Tanith, this was reliving the old days from a different perspective. It was very entertaining; once you got past the hang-ups killing Harlenorians was fun too. And Kern had deserved it, while the slaughter of those Drens should keep the bloodline pure.

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There were even some prisoners. Tanith must have missed a few.

Anborn was working to help with the healing of a few Haldrenians; no one would let him near the Furbearers. His eyes were dead, his face was bloody again, and he looked like he was going to throw up.

Tanith did not care.

And the fact that she did not care made her smile. The knowledge that her worthless brother could die and she would not care made her happy. He was probably the evilest person she had ever met.

"Why do you exist!" said Tanith. "Stop being evil!"

Laughter from many Furbearers, and Tanith became very angry. She thought about killing him again to tie up loose ends.

"Stop it!" said Kata. "Tanith's love for Anborn and the Shark Queen's love for us are identical! Perform your duties and honor the gods!

"And someone patch up his face!"

Which meant that Tanith was playing the role of the Shark Queen again. She saw as Kata tended to Agravain using the power of healing. When had she gotten that? It didn't matter; Tanith picked up a sword from a body. Moving forward, she approached Anborn.

He looked up at her with empty eyes. "Anborn, stand guard here and ensure no one comes by. Hold your ground; they must not cross the river again." And she offered him a sword."Take this sword from my hand.

"It is a blade from an enemy you slew. Wield it with pride as a warrior." The enemy was his own cowardice.

"Will it ever end?" asked Anborn.

"You used up your family's happiness and tolerance before now," said Tanith. She feels less herself by the moment. "So you have to earn more. What you have done here is the first step of paying off your debt.

"If you want to be admired, you must perform great acts of bravery and kindness. If you want to be loved, you must treat your companions and family well in turn. To be known for wisdom, you must have knowledge.

"To die well, you must live well."

And she turned away as Anborn took the sword and smiled.

Things continued in much that way. Anborn was allowed to heal others, and Tanith saw Kata and Sokar speaking together. Yet things changed when a party of men approached under a white flag of parley. Edward Kern was at the head, and he wore mail and a long sword.

There was a stir among the Furbearers, but Osris raised a hand. "I will speak to him. Who will accompany me?"

"I'll go," said Kata.

"No," said Osris. "Sokar, you and Kata must remain behind in case of treachery. Tanith, you shall accompany me. Thus far, you have been my herald, now I ask that you do so again."

Tanith nodded and walked ahead to the bridge. As she did, Anborn stepped between her. "You told me not to let anyone pass," said Anborn.

"Very nice," said Tanith. "But unless you want to fight everyone here and start a war, let me and King Osris through."

Anborn did. King? Yes, he might as well be a King by this point. Reality had been violated.

Tanith moved forward over the bridge. Coming to it, she saw Edward, whose pretty face darkened at her sight. He wore a blue cloak and very shiny armor and seemed to think he was setting an example. His face had a kind of tortured pseudo-compassion that Tanith had seen on Eitrigg. The sort of dull, cow-eyed stare of someone who wants to be noble or thinks they are noble but doesn't know what a noble is.

No doubt barmaids would find it very easy to giggle at. Tanith would love to cleave his skull. And judging from how he looked at her in equal hatred, though he hid it, the feeling was mutual. Tanith relished the memory of shutting him down when he tried to be her knight. "Tanith Telus, there will come a day when you aren't protected by your title."

Tanith laughed. "And here I thought I was the hero. Aren't you an abolitionist, Edward?"

"You deliberately killed as many of the Calishans as possible," said Edward.

"It's possible," said Tanith. "I kill a lot of people.

"You threatened my House's power, and through it, you threatened House Gabriel. Kata and Sokar had a common cause, so I decided to send a message. How is your boat collection?" He'd always liked to build them when real men were going to kill people. Building wells and granaries and never doing anything interesting or useful.

William at least knew how to make commentary. But this cow-eyed fool had a vacant stare and a sort of puppy-dog expression, like Anborn but even less interesting.

"I am here to call an immediate halt to these hostilities," said Edward. "Will you parley with me?"

"I'm just Osris' herald," said Tanith. "And I assure you, none of these people are happy about Lord Kern's benevolent rule. Call your guard off and meet him at the bridge alone.

"I'm only here to ensure no treachery is planned."

"How many of your own people did you kill today, Tanith?" asked Edward.

"None," said Tanith. "How many did you?"

Edward narrowed his eyes. "I've never taken a slave nor forced myself on any woman of any race."

"You're a liar," said Tanith.

"My Father acted without my men in this action," said Edward. "I am here to try and salvage matters. I objected repeatedly and sought to-"

"You are a liar!" shouted Tanith, pointing at him. "So is your Father. Two brazen oathbreakers who employ thieves and murderers rather than honorable battle. Lord Kern was a murderer from the beginning of this, and you his accomplish.

"I saw you standing in his company. Do you think your title will protect you from my scorn? I have endured the corruption of Antion; I shall not endure the same in Haldren."

"A Lord must maintain public unity," said Edward. "I might have had different views from my Father, but appearances had to be maintained."

"Reality should have been maintained," said Tanith. "If you supported your Father, you should have supported him utterly. If you did not, you should have opposed him openly and gone to war against him. Harlenorians do not take half-measures.

"They are loyal to their friend's masters and ruthless to their enemies. You are neither, weak. A feeble mediocrity who undercuts his parents, even as he professes to serve them."

"And what are you then?" asked Edward. "All the world is horrified at your deeds."

"The world may believe what it wills," said Tanith. "I care not for the opinions of those who do me. Not once have I contradicted the commands of my Father or my commander. When a task is set before me, it is done, and all that oppose the fulfillment of that task are destroyed.

"I honor my Father and Mother; I defend my nation and my people. I slay the enemies of my god so that they will not threaten my land. Even if those enemies lie within.

"I have shed blood for my nation! I have gazed with haughty eyes at those I hate! My feet are swift to battle and slow to withdraw! I stir up conflict wherever I go, that my enemies might be broken and my friends! But know that I have never born false witness nor lied!

"Had I been given the same choices again, I would have made them the same way! For to do otherwise would be to reject the nature of myself and all who knew me!

"I am Haldrenian! And those who threaten the people under my protection will die!

"Discard your sword and call your men off. They will not help either of you should hostilities begin."

"My men, I shall call off," said Edward. "Yet I shall never disarm for you, Tanith."

Tanith looked to Osris, who nodded. "Very well.

"King Osris has chosen to humor you. Follow me."

Osris came forward. "I am King Osris of the Furbearers.

"It's been a few years Edward. The word of House Kern seems to have lost much value of late."

"The war on your people was waged so that one noble could have power over another," said Edward. He was looking to men lined up for execution. "These men you have slain were refugees brought in from the wars that men who would rather not build started. They received a poor welcome in their new home and sought to redeem it by seizing the bridge.

"I ask that you allow them to leave in peace."

"How much will you pay for ransom?" asked Osris.

"Lord Kern told them when their leaders their intentions. He told them he could not deliver them from ransom," said Edward. "However, I am willing to discuss terms.

"My finances are my own." He paused. "I would know how Tanith Telus fits into this matter. Is she here by the authority of her people? She saved my son and daughter from slavery and aided my people against the Babarassians.

"We are in her debt and House Gabriel."

"And what of Anborn," said Edward. "How does he stand among you?"

"Let him speak for himself," said Osris.

This was ridiculous.

Was this a parley or some sort of sermon? You'd need a priest, a prophet or a messiah for that. And Edward was none of those things. Anborn remained silent and looked away. Tanith put a hand on his shoulder, and Edward's gaze darkened.

"She's treated you very poorly, hasn't she?" asked Edward.

Anborn turned and walked off in disgust. This seemed to surprise Edward. "King Osris, your flaw was thinking too well of ambitious men. Will you succumb to the opposite fault?

"Will you embark on the path of blood and seek war for its own sake?"

"No," said Osris. "I would rather have been left to mind my own house and my people. To be but a man who is occasionally called upon to mediate on unpleasant matters.

"My desire was to raise my children with my wife. And when my wife was claimed, I resolved to do as I could without her.

"But, that future is now gone.

"I must be a King for my people and children. To do otherwise is to court disaster. The old ways are fading. Alliances can no longer sustain themselves by affection alone."

"Would you then cast off all that your people are?" asked Edward.

"Would you?" asked Osris.

And, of course, the answer was yes.

That was what this battle was about. It had nothing to do with Dark Lords. Tanith and William, and many others were fighting for the soul of their nation. Of all nations. On the one side was a society of warrior poets, brave and courageous in battle. The others were fat merchants and self-righteous nobility who never lifted a finger. The one was armed with the power of the gods and bold deeds. The other with shallow, pseudo-pacifist garbage. A thin facade to distract from their use of money to undercut the common and destroy the church.

Edward Kern was the hero of that side. A never before seen figure who arrived to prostrate himself. To whine when the battle was already over.

"Take the prisoners," said Osris. "I have no desire to see any more death.

"I have lost too many friends."

And the Furbearers were his victims.

Yes, of course, if they won, they'd say the Furbearers were the heroes. If these merchants enslaved everyone, their next step would be keeping them in line. King Osris, the last heroic native to resist the evil Harlenorians, would be a perfect tragic hero. A perpetual reminder to the lower classes that they were tainted by sin. And must accept the judgment of fat merchants who exploited them.

"I thank you," said Edward. "What is Harlenor worth, Reunited?"

The question was asked to Tanith.

But Tanith was not unprofessional. She had said her piece as the Shark Queen, and though she dearly desired to cut him down there, she would not. Staying where she was, she watched King Osris. "Very little to you, it would seem."

Edward turned. It was as if some heroic person taking instruction with his cloak flowing behind him.

And he moved off on his own.

His men looked at him as though he were some kind of saint. For openly disparaging Harlenor and everything everyone had fought and died for. Was it for that so many great men had labored and died? Was it for this that William had entered Seathorius, been cast into prison, and thrown away?

A stalemate had been reached between them.

The two forces of Harlenor, corruption and heroism, were at war. And yet Kern, in his parting shot, had disgraced everything Tanith stood for. Surely she should let it go? But what if she did let it go?

Suffered a humiliation for Kern's sake? Suffered Harlenor's humiliation for Kern's vanity.

No.

It was too much.

To allow that would set forth a terrible precedent. That Harlenor could be scorned by a defeated enemy. The truce could not be allowed. Not yet.

No, no, she could not let this happen.

She could not endanger the Furbearers. Tanith looked to Osrif and yet saw similar anger. Why?

Because he had been treated as a child. No great formality had been given him, nor even the title acknowledged. Not even treated as an equal but as an innocent child who come into thing beyond its comprehension. A stupid servant whose only role was to be brutalized. Then dismissed with half-feigned apologies.

"This cannot stand!" screamed Tanith before drawing both swords. "For Harlenor!"

And she raced over the bridge, and Anborn and the Furbearers were fast behind her. They prayed then, for a day of victory where House Kern would be utterly destroyed.

The Shark Queen granted the former at least.

Edward Kern saw them coming and rushed at once to the stronghold. Men were raised at once, but many had been drinking, thinking the fighting over. Their weapons were not near at hand, and the Furbearers fell on them. They hacked them up with axes and smashed the kegs of Naker beer. Some grasped for weapons, and Kern struck dead two Furbearers with his sword. Another three fell to him in a moment as they came at him. And Tanith perceived that he was the center of resistance.

"Harlenor for the world!!" roared Tanith.

Descending, she killed one of his men, and he cried out his name, though Tanith did not hear. Their blades clashed, and they were face to face, now looking on in the purest hatred. Soon Tanith was on him, her blades in a blur, dueling one another as near equals. Tanith was better and nicked him, but he was almost as good as Will.

Enraged, Tanith attacked all the faster, yet his defense did not give.

Anborn stabbed one through the heart and nearly lost his head, but he knocked the man flat. Sokar cut the throat of another while Kata and the slinging slew many. There was King Osrif, hewing about him with an axe and cleaving many men. But more were coming, and soon House Kern was coming at them with arrows. Several men were slain by them, while others were pierced by spears.

"Fall back!" cried Osrif, hewing two men down. "Regroup at the river!"

Tanith fought against Kern, seeking to take his life. Yet no matter how many times her blade cut him, it was never lethal. At last, she kicked him down to the dirt and disarmed him. "We will face one another again!"

And turning, she fled last of all, back over the river.

They had left behind them great carnage, having killed many soldiers. But no one had slain any who were not warriors. Someone had set fire to the barracks, and it was blazing with all the supplies inside. Returning to the bridge, they manned the defenses.

"If Lord Kern wishes to make any further entreaties," said Osrif. "He may treat with me as an equal. We are no servants.

"And we made him no promises of peace."

An agreement, but it was grim. And Tanith had the feeling the place might be attacked again. However, if nothing else, the corruption's power had been checked.

"Why did we have to do that?" asked Anborn. "We'd gotten peace."

"It wouldn't have mattered, Anborn," said Tanith, feeling as though she was explaining to a child. "They don't respect them. Just like other people don't respect you.

"No matter how nice or reasonable you are, if people don't fear your wrath, they'll sell you for a slave." She sighed and quickly looked at Osrif. "Can I burrow some paper and ink?"

"Yes," said Osrif.

Tanith wrote it out quickly and set it to dry in the sun.

It said;

Father,

I am engaged in a battle alongside our Furbearer allies. I had hoped to meet with you before, but House Kern has tried to invade them twice. The war is beginning to escalate. I am sending Anborn to you. He has killed many enemies in battle, and I think he should be given a chance to redeem himself.

I cannot go to you at the moment, but I hope this finds you in good health.

Your loving daughter,

Tanith.

Then, when it was done, she gave it to Anborn.

"Take this to Father," said Tanith. "Apologize to him and ask to be given the opportunity to serve. Don't invoke family; it will only bring up old wounds."

Anborn nodded. "Right, yes.

"I... Tanith, I'm sorry about all this."

"It's not always enough," said Tanith.

Anborn nodded and left.

And Tanith wondered if she would ever see him again.

But, for now, they'd have many great skirmishes before the end. The sun was shining, the snow was melting, and the river flowing as men fished out the corpses. It seemed they were in for a truly wonderful time.

Today had been a good day.