Web of Deceit (55 page)

Rejji felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to greet the man.

“So you are the Rejji that I chased across the country,” smiled Winus. “I am glad that I never caught you. It is a fine thing you have done for the people of this country.”

“Thank you, General,” greeted Rejji. “I also am glad you never caught me.”

“I have a question about what went on in the Valley of Bones,” continued Winus. “I have asked around and can’t find a single man that was involved in that action. I have heard that close to twenty thousand men surrendered there and walked out of the valley without their horses or weapons. How exactly did you manage that?”

“I suppose they realized the futility of continuing,” grinned Rejji.

“You aren’t going to tell me, are you?” questioned Winus.

“Winus,” smiled Rejji as he put his arm across the general’s shoulders, “sometimes you just have to have faith that things will work out all right. You of all people should know that Kaltara favors me and helps me at times that I need it. What army can stand against that?”

“I don’t know much about this Kaltara,” admitted Winus, “but I aim to learn. Someday I will learn about the Valley of Bones as well. I am sure I will run into some of those men before my days expire.”

“Oh that you will,” grinned Rejji. “In fact, we must start recruiting them soon. There are bigger battles coming and we will need every man we can get. We will be starting patrols all over Fakara, and food distribution too. Your services will be greatly needed. I will warn you though, there is no telling what strange stories you might hear from men who fled because they feared for their lives.”

“Are you saying there is another enemy besides Grulak?” questioned the general.

“The Time of Cleansing is soon upon us, General,” declared Rejji. “Our battles have just begun.”

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