BLACK CROSS'S MEN STOOD just outside the sleeping town. The moonless night covered their approach. They had ridden for the better part of two days, barreling at full speed, knocking people and carts out of their way as they charged through tiny forest towns. He knew that the hard journey only heightened their eagerness for blood.

From up ahead, a scout crept back from the woods. The village sleeps, my lord. It is ripe for attack.

And their defenses? Morgaine inquired.

Only one. The scout smirked. They have piled their shit in the road so high our horses may not see.

Morgaine chuckled. This would be child's play. Babes slaughtered in their sleep. He had sought this beetle all the way from Antioch. Now he was only minutes from holding his prize. The greatest of all of them. This insect would not get away again.

Morgaine said to his m............