Part 38 (1/2)

The band's pace was that of the Ichiribu warrior when the ground was level and endurance rather than great speed was ed that they ues before they halted for a brief rest

The Ciear-ropes, hooks, torches, and heavy hunting spears-to inspecting their burdens

The others he allowed to sprawl at their ease A black look or two discouraged broaching water gourds, and no one as yet was hungry

”We ood halfway to the Kwanyi shore,” Valeria whispered ”If we arein the direction I think we are”

”I think we're on that route myself,” Conan said ”Of course, we could both be-”

He broke off as a sound that was neither sob nor screa of both in it reached him He whirled to see tarriors drop weapons and shi+elds and leap to support Eht, her eyes were closed, and as Conan watched, she clapped both hands over her ears

What she was hearing ic

The next moment, everyone heard it with the ears of his body

Stones cracked and crumbled, then fell with crashes that filled the tunnel with thundering echoes Emas not the only one noith hands held over ears

Conan's bellow rose above the stone-noise and raised echoes of its own

”The next ive it back sideways!” Warriors hastily slung shi+elds and raised spears

Then, without orders, they began taking battle fore bearers dropped their loads and forear Eed into that circle and deposited with little ceremony on a rolled-up rope ladder

”See to Emwaya,” Conan said That was his last order for a time None of his words could have been heard, and indeed, none were needed

So over rock, hissing as it cauard had caught fire or a leopard swaanko sahat none a the Ichiribu had seen in

He ran up to Seyganko at a fine pace for a h to catch his breath before speaking ”We er than I had thought”

”You do not think, father of Emwaya, if you believe we can launch the canoes now Hardly half of them are loaded, and more than a third of the warriors are not yet on the shore”

”Then we set out hat is ready to hand”

Seyganko realized the depth of his anger only when he felt the shaft of the trident in his hand crack He forced hier?”

”Those who have gone below I ainst the peril”

”What peril?” Seyganko did not have it in him to call his betrothed's father a liar, as Dobanpu did not have it in hi the tribe half-ready into battle without knohither he flung it!

”What lives beneath the lake-where Emwaya found no life-it lives, wakes, and one beloill need anko knew that these near riddles were astiht not have Still-

”Dobanpu, take a canoe and six of the strongest paddlers ready to hand

Guide theather as swiftly as possible, then come after you with two more canoes”