44 The One's been peaceful ever since, but
there's not one city they're welcome in. I'd do your business there,
and get out quick. The master of your boat was speaking with a War
Leader. Whatever your business here is, do it quick and be gone.
They're watching you. There's been soldiers along the shore ever since
we left the swamp. Haven't seen them, but I can smell the cutthroats of
The One for miles!"
45 "I have heard," objected The Hawk, "that their fighting people are
honorable men, true to their word in every matter."
46 "As long as they think they've got the upper hand!" the old man
answered, "But be damned careful if they think you're their better.
They can't stand being bested, and will cut your throat if they get the
chance."
47 The Hawk wondered how a people could become so hated. His people,
The Trns and The Frns were bitter enemies, but each respected
each-other's word and honored each-other's courage. These Onners were
simply hated by all who knew them. No one that he had ever met, outside
of his own people, had ever spoken any good of them.
48 They were nearing the docks. The city was still a good half-day's
march away. As their barge docked, soldiers lined both sides of the
dock. A
War Leader paced nervously. He watched The Hawk and his party with
great interest.
49 "I don't like this," commented Shining Serpent. "There's never ever
soldiers on the docks, except when we're going to battle, or The King
is leaving on some journey. And I think that man knows me!"
50 "There's at least one-hundred of them!" warned The Hawk. "If we have
to make a break for it, try to grab some of those small boats, and
we'll head back for the swamp."