Quick as a flash, Sauna Reith's eyes hardened. "Then I'm ordering you to skin Welch alive!" He took the otter's paw, closing it over the knife handle. "Obey me!" The crowded clearing became as silent as a tomb. All eyes were upon the Staggering, awaiting his reaction to the order. Tagg turned his back on Sauna and strode to the side of the fox strung up to the beech bough. He raised the blade. Welch shut his eyes tight, his head shaking back and forth as his nerves quivered uncontrollably. With a sudden slash Tag severed the thongs that bound him. Welch slumped to the ground in a shaking heap. Tag's voice was flat and hard as he turned to face Sauna." I'm sorry to disobey your order. The fox is a sorry thief, but I will not take the life of a helpless beast.

Taggerung