Bili the Axe

Bili leads his forces in desperate battle against an arm of bloodthirsty invaders...

The gathering of the host.

With the help of powerful inhuman allies, Prince Byruhn has persuaded Bili and his warriors to delay their return to Confederation lands and join in his campaign against the deadly invading army that threatens to destroy New Kuhmbuhluhn.

But even as Bili and his warriors rally to the Kuhmbuhluhners' aid, the forces of the Witchmen are on the move again. Are Bili and Prince Byruhn galloping straight into a steel-bladed trap from which death is the only release?

Uneasy Alliance

"In return for my silence about your treachery, I wish to exact an oath—a firm and solemn Sword Oath—from you, my lord."

Byruhn frowned. "What sort of oath, Duke Bili? Beward, I do not take threats lightly."

"Nor, I would hope," replied Bili, "would my lord take his sworn Sword Oath lightly. What I want is your oath that you never again, no matter what the circumstances, will make of me and my squadron military slaves bound by mental fetters and set to prosecute the wars of your kingdom. Will my lord swear?"

Byruhn smiled coldly. "If you so distrust me, feel me to be without honor, what makes you think that I will abide by any oath, even a Sword Oath?"

"Because, my prince, you are a noble Sword-Brother, an Initiate. You know as well as I that if you should break the oath, that oath will kill you..."