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circle of combat," Barrett continued, walking between the two groups with Laran
at his elbow. "We perceive that you have obeyed our admonition against steel or
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weapons, so no further inspection will be necessary on that count. But if any man
has question on how this duel is to be conducted, let him raise it now, before the
Council closes the first circle."
Laran and Barrett had reached a point about forty feet from their colleagues, and
the four were now separating and going to the cardinal compass points, marking
off a square perhaps forty feet on a side. When they had taken their positions, the
eight combatants ranged themselves in- two arcs of a smaller circle within the
square. The two kings looked expectantly toward Barrett, but it was Tiercel who
left his place and strode confidently into the center of the figure.
"Thus saith the Lord Camber of blessed memory, thus saith the Holy One, who
taught us the Way. Thus it has been written, thus it shall be done. Blessed be the
Name of the Most High," he said.
He knelt down and, extending his right forefinger, began to trace a sign on the
ground. Where his finger passed, the grass turned golden.
"Blessed be the Creator, yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the
Alpha and the Omega," His finger had traced a cross, with the Greek letters
inscribed at the top and bottom of the figure. "His are the seasons and the ages,
to Him glory and dominion through .all the ages of eternity. Blessed be the Lord,
blessed be Holy Camber."
As he rose, strange symbols could be seen inscribed in the four angles of the
cross: the seals of the four Councillors, signifying their protection over this circle.
As soon as Tiercel had returned to his place, Barrett picked up the chant, raising
his hands beside his head.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, saith the Lord,"
Barrett intoned. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;
and I will not blot out his name in the Book of Life, but I will confess his name
before my Father, and before his angels."
"Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the
throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever,1* Vivienne said, raising her arms
heavenward. "Let the Lord lend His countenance to the virtuous and defend the
cause of the just Raise the light of Thy favor upon this circle, O Lord, that they
who stand within shall know Thy majesty and shrink not from Thy judgment."
Laran formed the last link in the circle, raising his arms also. As he did, light
began to glow around the four Deryni nobles, amber and silver and crimson and
blue. As Laran spoke, the light spread until the circle was complete. The colors
merged and coalesced as his words rolled over the circle.
"Guard Thy servants, O Lord. Strengthen this circle, that nothing may enter from
without, that none may aid the eight who stand embattled here. Protect those
without the circle from the wondrous powers soon to be unleashed, and guard us
from Thy wrath."
"As it was in the earliest days of OUT being," the four chanted, "and as it shall be
for all time to come, O Lord, so let it be today. So let it be."
As they finished, there was a low rumble as though of thunder, and the lights
fused in a single hemisphere of pale, blue-violet brilliance around the twelve,
Councillors and combatants. The wall was transparent, but veiled, obscuring
slightly that which lay within. The next circle would be formed by the eight,
would seal them off, not only from the outer world, but from the four who formed
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the outer ward. Not even the Camberian Council would be able to pierce the inner
circle.
"The Outerness is sealed," blind Barrett said. His voice echoed slightly in the
glowing circle. "The Innerness must follow. Mark well: until all men of one
defense shall perish, the Innerness remains. Only victors leave this ring."
There was silence as he let his words sink in, and then: "I charge you, then, to
make your peace. Create the ring and do you what you will. On your honor, and
in the Name of the Most High, proceed."
The eight gazed across at one another, taking each other's measure. Then Wencit
took a step forward and made a formal bow.
"Will you begin, or shall I?"
Kelson shrugged. "It makes little difference in the end. Proceed, if that is your
will." "Very well."
With a slight bow, Wencit stepped back into place, then spread his arms to either
side. The setting of the inner circle was to be done by the leaders of the two
groups, not jointly. Thus it was Wencit alone who spoke, his low voice echoing in
the violet circle.
"I am Wencit, Lord of Torenth. I call forth fair Gwynedd's king To answer to my
mortal challenge, With such aid as he may bring.
Once the circle's orb is fashioned, Yours or mine must all embrace Cold death,
before the living victors Pass from out this charmed place."
335
Fire leaped from his fingertips to inscribe a semicircle around him and his three
allies, a glittering arc of violet fire perhaps five feet from the outer ring. Kelson
pressed his lips tightly together, not looking at his companions, as he, too, spread
bis arms to either side.
"Kelson, King of Royal Gwynedd, Takes the gauntlet Wencit flings. He accepts the
mortal challenge Which die King of Torenth brings.
None shall pass this holy circle Til the lives of four are done. TU the four of one
side perish, None may pass into the sun."
Crimson fire flared behind Kelson and joined with Wen-cit's, and then they were
all surrounded by a wine-dark hemisphere of purplish light Kelson lowered bis
arms and glanced aside at his comrades, who moved closer to his side now that
the stage was set They watched across the circle as Wencit gathered his men
around him. The Councillors could be seen dimly through the inner ring,
watching what was about to unfold. But Kelson knew that they could not interfere
now, come what may. From now on, they must rely on their own good wits.
"First strike, my doomed princeling?" Wencit mocked, his right hand already
moving in a preliminary spelt
"No, holdl" said Rhydon. "We forget our manners, my lords. Even in war, the
amenities must be observed."
As all eyes turned toward Rhydon, the lord pulled a silver goblet from his belt,
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