The Return of Tharn

Excerpt: ...She never really believed you were dead, the Ammadian said slowly, almost as though thinking aloud. I tried to tell her no man comes through the Games of the God alive. Even now I can hardly believe that you are actually here. Tharn was not to be side-tracked. Where is she? he growled. For the last time-or do I choke the information from you? That will not be necessary, my friend, Jotan said sadly. For all I know Dylara may be dead. Nothing changed in Tharn's expression but his fingers bit sharply into Jotan's arm bringing an involuntary cry to the Ammadian's lips. What do you mean? Whereupon the young nobleman of Ammad recounted the events of that terrible night when the lions had fallen upon his followers and sent Dylara racing for the safety of the trees. Tharn heard him out, his face as empty of emotion as though carved from granite. For three suns, Jotan said in closing, we searched the jungle for a sign of her. But to no avail. Either the lions got her or she is somewhere to the north, making her way back to the caves of her people. Two suns ago my men and I gave up and we were on our way back to rejoin the rest of our party when you found me. Where is this place from which Dylara fled Sadu? A sun's march to the south. Tharn nodded. You may return to your friends, he said. If she is still alive I will find her. If she is dead, or if I find her alive and learn that you have harmed her, I will come back and kill you! Jotan shrugged. Not for an instant did he doubt that the young giant meant exactly what he said. Somehow his own life seemed unimportant with Dylara gone. He knew that, alive or dead, Dylara was lost to him and that he would never see her again. He shook off his thoughts. Then I am free to go? Yes. Where will I find my friends? The trail where I found you is directly below. They have discovered your absence and have backtracked in search of you. Pg 103 Without another word Jotan rose to his...