Final Kingdom by Gilbert L. Morris Page A

here. You can be sure of that.”
    â€œThe Dark Lord knows we’re here too,” Beorn said grimly. “One of his emissaries found us last night. He came from that same direction.” He pointed toward Celethorn.
    She stared at him coldly and said, “Get in, dwarf, or walk if you please. I still think you’re a traitor.”
    All were soon in the wagon. When Glori nodded, the driver spoke to the horses, and they moved ahead.
    â€œI can’t think Beorn is a traitor,” Reb said softly to Jake. “Remember how he stood in the way of that polar bear? That was the act of a brave man. That was no coward’s act.”
    â€œI know he’s not a coward,” Jake said. “That doesn’t prove he’s not a traitor. He could have done it to save his own hide.”
    â€œDo
you
think he’s a traitor, Jake?” Reb asked directly.
    Jake was a clever young man, smarter than most of the other Sleepers. He said nothing for a while. Then he said, “I think for sure we’ll find out who’s the traitor when we face Goél. No one could stand before
him
.”

10
Land of the Magicians
    B y the time Glori had led the wagonload of Sleep ers deep into the plain toward Celethorn, Dave ap peared to be worse again. He groaned every time the wagon hit a pothole. Indeed, all the Sleepers had their teeth jarred by the rough ride.
    â€œWe need to take it much slower,” Beorn muttered. “Your friend is being shaken to pieces!” Beorn was sitting next to Abbey, who was supporting Dave in her arms to ease the ride as much as possible. The dwarf glanced at Glori; she was forging ahead at a rapid pace. “What good will it do to get to that blasted city of magicians quickly if the young man dies?”
    â€œYou’re right, Beorn,” Abbey said. “Tell the driver to slow down.”
    Beorn positioned himself behind the driver. “Slow down!” he commanded.
    â€œI don’t take my orders from no dwarf!” The driver was a bullnecked man with a beet-red face. He looked around and sneered. “Now, sit down, dwarfy, before I put you out to walk—”
    He had no chance to say more. Quicker than thought, Beorn snatched a short, wicked-looking knife from his belt. Throwing his arm around the driver’s throat, he pressed the tip of its razor edge into his backbone and said pleasantly, “I can drive a wagon better than you. If you don’t slow down, I’ll leave you to feed the buzzards.”
    â€œWait . . . give a man . . . a chance . . . can’t you?”The driver was choking, for the dwarf’s muscular arm was cutting off most of his air. When the arm gave a little, he gasped, “All right. . .slower it is.”
    â€œI knew you would be agreeable to suggestions.” Beorn removed his arm but gave the knife a little push, bringing a yelp from the driver. “I don’t want to have to bring this matter to your attention again,” he remarked.
    The driver brought the horses down to a slow walk, and Abbey flashed a smile at the dwarf. “Thank you, Beorn,” she said. “This is much better.”
    â€œI don’t expect her majesty up there will like it,” Beorn prophesied.
    He was exactly right, for Glori soon rode back, saying, “Why have you slowed down, driver?”
    Beorn rose up once again and pulled his knife from his belt. “I requested he do so. He’s shaking our injured man to pieces.”
    Glori glared at him, her eyes flashing. She was, indeed, a beautiful woman, but her beauty obviously made no impact on Beorn, who exchanged glares evenly with her.
    â€œI see you’re still creating all the trouble you can,” she grated and clenched her teeth.
    â€œIt was necessary, Glori,” Sarah spoke up. “Dave can’t stand any more of that rough ride.”
    â€œOh, I’m sorry—I didn’t think. I was so anxious to