[Amanaduial the archer]

"Ive been thinking...." Gormel started. Kane grinned openly, knowing how insolent it was. Gormel ignored him though and started talking softly to Rhana. Long practise in card games had given kane exellent hearing, so he heard snippets of Gormels low voice.

"who can I trust?...Kane pro'bly slit my throat in the night,

Well youre right there at any rate Gormel...Kane smiled to himself. Gormel continued.

"and that blasted newcomer-"
"Ulfeg"
"Ulfeg. Right. That blasted Ulfeg'd as soon gut me as look at me. That leaves you. Now. You're a smart woman, and you know that you'll never command yourself. You know also that Kane's too brash to listen for long, and Ulfeg's an unknown. That leaves me. We need each other, Rhana. That spasting dog made sure I won't be fighting anytime soon, and you won't be leading by yourself. So-Whaddya say, Rhana. Ever wanted to lead a band of horse-thieves?"

Rhana hesitated, thinking, and that moment was enough. Walking back ans squatting down in front of Gormel, Kane then hit him across the face, not hard, but hard enough to send the weak man reeling. The younger man laughed in his face.

"Ah, what a strong leader you make and have made in the last few days Gormel!" He lowered is voice. "What makes you think that you can give orders like this anymore? What makes you think that you can propose such offers to anyone anymore? How much power do you think you hold?" He was practically hissing into Gormels face now. The older man pushed him away with his good hand, but not with much strength.

"Bhurthnin!" He yelled. Kane and Rhana now exchanged a look and smiled. Once again Gormel tried to call for his henchman, going red in the face. Then Kane snapped his fingers and clicked his tongue lightly, as if just remembering something. "Oh Bhurthnin. Ah yes, of course, your muscle. Sorry Gormel, but the brute wont be coming."

"Yes, he might be finding it a little hard to get here." Rhana added. "It tends to be, when your bloods congealing where you lie."

Gormel stared at them for a moment before Kane punched him across the face, harder this time, sending his head spinning backwards. But Gormel reacted quicker this time, kicking Kanes ankles from where he lay, knocking the younger easterlings legs from under him. Kane went down, but was in a crouched fighting stance with a knife in his hand in a flash.

"Alright Gormel. If thats how you want it." He said softly, a slight, feral grin on his features.