The cacophony of high-pitched whistles and shrieks had been almost constant since the day began. It seemed that among the Swamp Krofi, something portentous was afoot. Callithea and Orbok had been tasked with finding out what. “I do not like this, girl. This noise is more than mudback gossip.” “Of course, Orbok. This noise is why we are here.” The barbarian was a skilled tracker, but his tendency to state the obvious was wearisome. Especially when he continuously referred to her as girl . She may have been a female, but she was also a First Corporal of the Prince’s Own Transriverine Rangers. Orbok was nothing more than a foreign irregular. He had no concept of duty or honor. How could he when he answered only to the jingle of coin? “Fear not, Orbok, I will protect you with my coward’s weapon,” she added. The barbarian gave a grunt of contempt and Callithea smiled to herself. On more than one occasion, her uncouth companion had let her know what he thou