They threw Sapphire into the cell some time later.
The rattling of a key in the lock woke me and I came to my feet. Tahal didn't bother. He just sat with his back to the wall, gazing indifferently at the door.
Kerral stood in the light beyond the doorway. His face was shadowed but I knew him straight away. The size of him, the way he stood. These things were familiar. He had saved my life once, I remembered. What would he do now?
He moved a little, pointing at Tahal. “You, come with me.”
Tahal hesitated, then shifted reluctantly. Getting to his feet seemed an unendurable chore. “Well, goodbye, Sumto. Good luck.” he said, and went.
I just watched him go. He had the ten carat ring and wasn't doing a thing. What could I say? There was nothing. I stared after him, dully horrified, Knowing that the stupid drunken Sumto had been tricked into giving up his one asset, yet still hoping that Tahal was just biding his time.
I wished for a moment that I hadn't beaten him. Then was glad I did while I had the chance.
Kerral moved back into the light, watching me. As soon as he was sure I was watching him he shrugged and moved away from the doorway. Two husky barbarians took his place, carrying a burden between them. They threw Sapphire at my feet and closed the door without a word.
I stood in shock for a moment, looking down at him. I couldn't see much but his clothes were dark with blood and I could hear his breathing. It didn't sound good.
“Well,” I said softly, “you found me.”