Gilltiph felt a spear knock against him, and then was hauled up. Soggy, sodden, and bedraggled, he threw himself at Goldorran’s feet. “Sire, please, mercy, spare me……!” Goldorran said contemptously in a voice of steel. “Get up you wretched dolt! I won’t be accused of being an unfair King, so you will get a trial.” Gilltiph knew that this only ment a prolounged death, or perhaps pulling one of the King’s chariots, or languring his life away in one of his Royal Prisons. That was all a trial ment. Probably Goldorran would be Judge. Gilltiph was then hauled up between two gaurds and led off to his trial.

Maska led Samilcar and Salvaradto the door of Goldorran’s thronechamber. She knocked and waited. Goldorran called out, “Who is it?” “’Tis me, sire, Maska.” repleid Maska. Goldorran said, “Come in.” They entered, and Samilcar and Salvarad looked around. They saw Goldorran, sitting on his throne, flanked by his two aides. “Who’s this?” asked Goldorran, nodding to Samilcar. “This is Samilcar, a beast who I captured. Thought that ye might want t’ question ‘em, sir.” Goldorran said, “Leave me Maska, and Narrack and Gildfirth.” All three left obediently. “So, what are your names?” he asked Samilcar and Salvarad. “I’m Samilcar, and this is Salvarad.” Goldorran looked at them. “Samilcar, eh? It sounds as though you come from here- abouts.” Samilcar was silent for a moment, then said, “Yes, Salvarad and I do come from these parts.” Goldorran then asked them, “What did you do before Maska came apon ye?” “We left are last way of life, and have been traveling ever since.” Samilcar answered smoothly. Goldorran grinned. “That’s not an answer. What was your last way of life?” Salvarad and Samilcar shifted uncomfortably. Finally Salvarad said, “We served Arill.” Goldorran left out his breath in a hiss. "Arill... What do you know of him?" Samilcar said, "Well, I was one of his captains fer a while, then took away, jumped ship, call it what you may. We're willing to tell what we know." Goldorran smiled, "Tell me all you know."