The Dread Lords Rising by J. David Phillips

  *

  Salb and his followers stopped suddenly as something caught their interest in Madam Borset’s shop. If they were breaking into shops in Pirim Village, perhaps they planned on selling the fabrics in Kalavere’s black market. A huddled conversation took place among the three of them, and then Salb and Jalt walked back toward the market square, laughing and shouting encouragements to Card, who remained behind and continued to stare into Borset’s shop.

  Niam drew closer to the bullies, though not close enough to draw their attention. At least Bode wasn’t with them. If he was going to follow them to see what they were up to, he was going to have to make a decision. Which should he follow? As Salb and Jalt drew farther away, he mused for a few moments. In the absence of Bode, it looked like Salb was calling the shots. And not only was Salb working for Kreeth, he was dangerous. Card was a flunky, a nobody without the Salbs or Bodes of the world to give him directions. If Kreeth wanted Salb to cause Niam and his friend as much trouble as possible, that made Salb the most important one to follow. Card was a danger, Niam reckoned, but not the kind of danger Salb was. As soon as Niam made up his mind to follow Salb and Jalt, he cast one last suspicious look toward Card. Right at that moment, Bug walked out of Borset’s shop. Card began following her with the twin fires of lust and delight burning in his eyes.