Chapter 7

'My lord, we are lost if the host learns the king has been smitten! Only he could have led us to victory this day.' 'Help me lift him on the dais,' answered the general. They obeyed, and laid the helpless giant on the furs, and spread a silken cloak over him. Pallantides turned to the five squires and searched their pale faces long before he spoke. 'Our lips must be sealed for ever as to what happens in this tent,' he said at last. 'The kingdom of Aquilonia depends upon it. One of you go and fetch me the officer Va…