For the first time in his life, Anketam was feeling genuine fear. He had
feared for his life before, yes. And he had feared for his family. But
now he feared for his world, which was vaster by far.
He blinked at the tall, gangling Kevenoe, who was still out of breath
from running. "Say that again."
"I said that the Invader troops are crossing Benner Creek," Kevenoe said
angrily. "They'll be at the castle within an hour. We've got to do
something."
"What?" Anketam asked dazedly.
"Fight them? With what? We have no weapons."
"I don't know," Kevenoe admitted. "I just don't know. I thought maybe
you'd know. Maybe you could think of something. What about Lady Samas?"
"What about her?" Anketam still couldn't force his mind to function.
"Haven't you heard? The Invaders have been looting and burning every
castle in their path! And the women--"
Lady Samas in danger! Something crystallized in Anketam's mind. He
pointed in the direction of the castle. "Get back there!" he snapped.
"Get everyone out of the castle! Save all the valuables you can! Get
everyone down to the river and tell them to hide in the brush at the Big
Swamp. The Invaders won't go there. Move!"
Kevenoe didn't even pause to answer. He ran back toward the saddle
animal he had tethered at the edge of the village.
Anketam was running in the opposite direction, toward Basom's quarters.