'Aye. We need the hideous creature like we need all his accursed kind.' The Senior Sister's face darkened. 'But, we don't need him for long. The vile transgressor's days are numbered. I delight at the agonies he will suffer when he meets his deserved fate. My heart rejoices when I contemplate the pain his foul body will endure when his eyes are put out, his entrails burned and the flesh cut from his living body.'
***
An argument was raging in the royal apartments when Thunder returned. The strident voice of the Sword Master of Galboreth could be heard above the din, yelling at the girls of the guard, telling them to stand aside. The girls were at the foot of the stairs leading to the Head Master's chambers. Shields raised, spears pointing outwards, they confronted the Sword Master and a crowd of his supporters.
'I know the big sod's up there.'
'Stand your ground,' the girls ordered.
Thunder pushed his way to the front and placed himself between the Sword Master and the guard. 'Her Majesty has given strict orders that he is not to be disturbed. The Sky Warrior is working on a battle plan.'
'Working on a plan to seduce our women ... more likely.'
Thunder tried another approach.
'Have you seen those big transports out there in the channel?'
'They don't frighten us.'
'Have you seen the machines on their decks? They can lob a fireball over four hundred paces. That's enough to set Dunavon ablaze and destroy your boats that are moored there.'
'Those big hulks are stuck in the mud. They'll rot before they can threaten us.'
Morgon's waiting for the king tides,' Thunder countered. 'They're only a few days away. When they come, he'll move those boats up to Dunavon and set it ablaze. Only the Sky Warrior can save us then.'
The Sword Master turned to his companions.
'What our good friend says is correct. The big bastard knows how to fight Morgon. But that doesn't mean we've got to put up with him forever. When his time comes he'll go the way of all heroes.'
He began to recite the names of the Good God, adding Tomas to the list. A murmur of approval ran through the crowd. Thunder knew what was on their minds. In the early days, The Sky Warrior had confined his attention to the girls of the guard. Now, all manner of women were flocking after him. It was the sort of thing bards sung about: how a hero arrived and did great things before overstepping the mark and paying the ultimate price.