They were much alike. But yes, he would kill
him. And kill again, until the emptiness of his soul had been sated, or
had itself been devoured.
He emerged with his guard into the clearing that stood before the
southern rise of the promontory. There he was met by the remaining
males of Shaezar's pack. There were only four: an aging outrider,
two yearlings and a one-eyed five year old.
Seeing Akar standing straight and proud above them, the four were faced
with a difficult choice. If there had been but one more seasoned male
among them, perhaps they could fight. But as it was they stood no real
chance against the monstrous half-breed and his treacherous companions,
themselves both large and fierce.
Akar looked down on them with compassion, for their dilemma had been his
before them: whether to serve a hated leader, or to make noble but vain
rebellion against him. The hackles of the guard were raised, and there
was scarcely contained rage in their throats. Shar-hai addressed the
wolf.
'You have issued your challenge, small one. Will you remain there
above us, or come and meet your death in the arena?'
'We will do battle soon enough, my unnatural brother. But first I
will speak to those whose souls remain.' And there was in his voice
something so solemn that it stilled the fires of the two, and granted
him with Shar-hai this last request.
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