* * * * *
Gorla laid a hand on his arm. "Telis, I have known you for many haads.
As children we played together on the fields of Lars. Believe me, I
wish nothing but the best for you. Why are you involved with this
bloodthirsty madness of the Maldia?"
Telis withdrew his arm as though the Priest had stung him. Only the
strength of a life-long friendship kept him from striking Gorla, for
the Priest's words had hit a deep-seated prejudice. The Maldia was of
the nobility ... and Gorla was a Commoner.
Gorla went on slowly, emphasizing his words carefully. "Dorliss knows
of your plan to break the Laurr's pledge and attack the Tellurian camp."
Telis stiffened. How was it possible? He had told no one!
The Priest divined his thoughts. "The Temple has ways, Telis, of
knowing such things. The Maldia can bribe a guard ... and the Temple
can bribe him again. You should have thought of that tonight."