on the Pass of Twin Horns?

Above the army, it became clear to Claudio that a royal litter was being carried aloft: the Padisha Emperor rising above them all to watch the battle. Protected from arrows by a wall of alchemical glass, his form was clearly visible. As Claudio hacked ceaselessly at the army, he took note of the southern King of Kings. A golden brace stretched his neck to a great length; two golden rings pierced his nostrils, and one silver ring pierced his lower lip. Unlike most of his soldiers, his face was clean-shaven. Over his head he wore a turban of ornately-woven cloth layered with orange silk and gleaming with jewels.

With a forceful thrust, Claudio pierced through the wickerwork shield and into the chest of oneforts, but boarded-up timbers designed with no apparent concern for defense. However, the space they enclosed was large, providing ample room for a city; and the unpainted wood blended in well with the bleak scrubby countryside around it.

The pirates cheered. Marcus shifted uncomfortably and squeezed Tivera's hand a little tighter.

"At last, boys!" Perga shouted. "These two will fetch a high price! From there, it'll be wine, women, and song!"

The ramshackle gate opened to reveal Tarso in all its seedy glory. The ground was dirt, unlike the surrounding heathland. The buildings—never exceeding the height of the wall—comprised both spacious houses and shops, and tiny huts. Regardless of size, a layer of soot blackened the walls.

It was the people, however, that—more than anything else—served to make Marcus uneasy. Men with