Savage Games of Lord Zarak by Gilbert L. Morris

exclaimed. “Thoseare hunting dogs! Those dogs are what’s after that man!”
    The baying animals were lean and well fed and fast.
    â€œThose are rough looking dogs. If they catch up with that fellow, he’s a goner,” Reb muttered. “What’s going on?”
    â€œYou know what this is, Reb?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI think it’s the Hunt of Death.”
    Reb blinked. “You reckon that’s it? The Hunt of Death?” He kept on watching, horrified. Below them in the valley, the dogs had almost caught up with the fugitive. “They’ll get him sure,” he said. “Come on, Wash. Let’s see if we can help him.”
    Even as they started to scramble down the incline, the man took refuge on a small rise. The snapping dogs surrounded him, and he beat at them with his bare hands.
    Reb caught at Wash’s arm, stopping him. “Too late. Look what’s coming!” he said and pointed.
    A troop of horsemen swept toward the man and the dogs. The riders were shouting and seemed to be having a fine time. Soon Reb could pick up some of what they were saying.
    The lead rider was a large man with black hair. He carried a spear. “There he is!” he cried. “We’ve got him! He’s gone to ground!”
    Just behind him rode a smaller man, who also carried a spear. “You make the kill, Your Majesty,” the smaller man said.
    â€œNo. Today it is your turn.”
    The smaller man bowed in the saddle, then galloped forward. He rode to within throwing distance and with a practiced arm poised his weapon.
    â€œHe’s going to kill him!” Reb cried. “We’ve got to help!”
    â€œToo late,” Wash said sadly.
    Indeed, it was too late.
    Unbelievingly, Reb and Wash stared at the sight below.
    â€œMight as well go, Reb,” Wash said. “We can’t do anything for him now.”
    The boys fled back through the forest, still horrified at what they had seen. As soon as they ran panting into the camp, they were surrounded by the other Sleepers, who wanted to know what was wrong. Bentain was also there, along with Garn and his family.
    Reb could hardly speak, so filled was he with anger. Wash told the story of what they had seen. Bentain said sadly, “Poor fellow. Poor fellow. Probably one of the farmers from nearby.”
    Reb said through tight lips, “I’ve seen some bad things in my time in Nuworld, but that was the worst. What kind of a king is this, anyhow?”
    Bentain met his eyes. “He is a proud man who is in the power of the Dark Lord, my friend. Zarak is but the instrument. He has blinded the king’s eyes, and unless something happens, we all must die. The land itself will perish.”

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6
Roland’s Mistake
    I think what we ought to do is attack the palace.”
    The Seven Sleepers were gathered around their campfire on the edge of Garn’s farm. They had eked out a meal of squirrel and rabbit, all thrown together into a stew. There had not been enough to go around, but no one complained—this time not even Roland.
    But it was Roland who had spoken. Everyone’s eyes turned toward him.
    â€œAttack the palace!” Josh said in disbelief. “You heard what Goodman said. To do that would take an army.”
    â€œWell, Goodman doesn’t know everything,” Roland insisted. He looked dirty and uncomfortable and was no doubt hungry. “I say the king doesn’t always stay in the palace,” he said crossly. “You saw him, didn’t you, Reb—when you and Wash were out hunting?”
    â€œYes, and he had his guards with him, and they look like rough fellows,” Reb answered. “You think you could’ve done something to save that man if you had been there?”
    Roland glared. “I would have made a try, at least!”
    â€œWait a minute, Roland. That’s not fair,” Abbey said quickly. “You’re