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me with a Euskerri courtesy. Why? I thought your country had gone mad and you d run away to marry
the Lion of Carthage.
It has and I did, Sidonie said. Now I come bearing a tale of dire magics, a pursuing army, and
an offer for Euskerria s sovereignty on behalf of both Aragonia and Terre d Ange. Will you hear them?
The blood drained from Janpier Iturralde s face. Do you jest?
No. She shook her head. Blessed Elua bear witness, I have never been more serious in my
life.
He ushered us into his home with alacrity. Several hasty introductions were made, and then
Sidonie poured out our tale to the Iturralde clan, while Janpier offered hurried translations for those who
spoke no Aragonian.
It was hard to gauge their reaction. It was intense, but I couldn t say whether they were hostile or
sympathetic. Janpier s pallor darkened ominously throughout the telling of our story. His wife covered her
mouth with one hand and sat staring wide-eyed. Their eldest son clenched and unclenched his fists. When
Sidonie had finished, there was a burst of Euskerri exchanged.
How long before Carthage s men come? Janpier Iturralde demanded.
I don t know, Sidonie said steadily. A day, mayhap. Mayhap hours. We saw no sign of them,
but they ll be riding hard.
How many? he asked.
Astegal s cavalry numbers three hundred horse. I don t know how many he ll send.
Three hundred! His brows rose. That s all?
It s a siege army, I observed. There are thousands of infantry troops and a massive naval
force.
Bah! Janpier waved a dismissive hand. But they re not here, are they? He turned to his
sons there were three of them all told and issued a stream of orders in Euskerri. The lads nodded and
departed in a hurry. The women of the household began bustling about without any orders given.
What passes? I asked Paskal in a low tone.
They re marshaling the village, he replied.
Yes. Janpier Iturralde overheard us. He pointed a finger at Sidonie. Euskerria s hand will not
be forced. We are not children to be bought by a simple bribe. We will defend ourselves and slaughter
these men of Carthage. Only then will we decide.
Fairly said, etxekojaun, Sidonie agreed. I m sorry. It was not my wish to imperil Euskerria.
But Carthage would have come for you sooner or later. And if Amílcar falls, it will not be three hundred
horse. It will be ten thousand on foot. Can you stand against them?
He ignored the question. Go with Laida and the girls. They will take you to a safe place. He
pointed to Paskal and me. You and you will fight with us.
My lord! I protested. It is imperative that her highness Sidonie and I continue on to Terre
d Ange. Will you not grant us passage?
Oh no. Janpier shook his head. There was a spark of righteous fury in his gaze. You have led
this army to our doorstep. Either you stand beside us to fight them, or we will give them what they want.
You.
I ll fight beside you! Paskal sounded eager.
Sidonie and I exchanged a glance. Tis a fair request, I murmured.
Imriel . . . Her eyes glistened. I couldn t bear to lose you.
Janpier Iturralde overheard that, too. What makes you think I could bear to lose a single
Euskerri life? he asked in a cold tone. Do you imagine you love your kinsman more than I love my own
sons? My own flesh and blood?
She closed her eyes briefly. Of course not.
Then he stands with us, Janpier said.
Sixty
There was a point north of the village where the pass narrowed so that the Amazigh would be
forced to ride no more than three or four abreast, their line strung out and attenuated. It was there that
we waited, hidden in the pine forests that flanked the pass on both sides.
Unorganized, Lady Nicola had called the Euskerri. Elua knows, that was true. There was little in
the way of a command structure or a battle plan. A few of the younger lads were posted on lookout,
perched high on the pines. When the Amazigh arrived, they d whistle sharply. We were to rush out with
slings and javelins and slaughter Astegal s men.
That was the plan.
The women and children of Roncal had been evacuated to a campsite high in the hills above us
where they would be safe, Sidonie among them. We d parted an hour before sundown. I could still feel
her anguished farewell kiss lingering on my lips.
We waited.
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