He halted just outside the glare of the fire, and stood still in the semi-dark, watching the men with an unreadable expression. Agron’s men were laughing at a raunchy tale involving donkeys and serving women, and no one noticed Roland nor Jeklor. Roland hesitated, and then he could hear Li Ho speaking in his mind. As clear as if Li Ho was standing next to him, his many teachings flooded to the forefront. I have knowledge, but not courage. I fear death – that is why cannot be assassin. You must throw away hope to become assassin, or you will die, and if die, must welcome death. Whenever faced with group, and cannot, or want not escape, death is very close. Must talk first, and must not fear ... death is certain unless accept death. Talk clear – keep words short. Take lead. Roland now understood what Li Ho had meant. Facing the group of men, survival was immaterial. He had made the choice to come down here. They had attacked his friend, and the price would be heavy, whether he lived or died.
