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Chapter 9 Negative Messages

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. What perception could reduce the bad feelings associated with receiving disappointing news?
a. belief by the receiver that the decision was biased
b. belief by the receiver that the matter was treated seriously
c. failure by the receiver to understand the reason for the rejection
d. belief by the receiver that the news was revealed insensitively
ANS: B
The bad feelings associated with disappointing news can generally be reduced if the receiver
believes that the decision was fair, thinks the matter was treated seriously, knows the reason
for the rejection, and feels that the news was revealed sensitively.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 204 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

2. Which of the following is the best advice when communicating bad news?
a. As long as the bad news is delivered tactfully, you don’t have to give the reasons
for the bad news.
b. To show sensitivity, you should always deliver bad news using the indirect
method.
c. Because bad news disappoints, irritates, and sometimes angers the receiver, such
messages must be written carefully.
d. Consider your primary goal in delivering bad news to be informing the reader and
continuing ongoing correspondence regarding the situation.
ANS: C
a. The bad feelings associated with disappointing news can generally be reduced if the
reader knows the reasons for the bad news.
b. Bad news can be delivered using the direct or indirect pattern, depending on the
situation.
c. Bad-news messages must be written carefully, since bad news can disappoint, irritate,
and sometimes anger the receiver.
d. When you communicate bad news, your primary goal is to make the reader understand
and accept the bad news; a secondary goal is to eliminate future correspondence.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 204 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

3. In frustration, Cassie posted a comment on Twitter about her co-worker’s perpetual lateness
complaining that he was a lazy slacker. What is her post considered?
a. slander
b. libel
c. harmless
d. appropriate
ANS: B

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-1

 You may now be prosecuted if you transmit a harassing or libellous message by e-mail or post
it on social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. When the abusive language is
written, it is called libel.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 206 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

4. Omar doesn’t agree with his company’s hiring decision and wants to send a letter of support
to an unsuccessful candidate. Which of the following should he do?
a. offer to be a future reference for the candidate
b. avoid dangerous words and apologies
c. use his home computer and write on plain paper
d. have his co-worker proofread it before sending it out
ANS: C
If you want to communicate your personal feelings or opinions, use your home computer or
write on plain paper (rather than company letterhead) and sign your name without title or
affiliation.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 206 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

5. What is one of the three primary goals in communicating bad news?

a. to make the receiver understand the company’s policy behind the bad news
b. to explain clearly who is to blame for the bad news
c. to have the receiver accept the bad news
d. to eliminate future correspondence and business with the receiver
ANS: C
The three primary goals in communicating bad news are
(1) to make the receiver understand the bad news,
(2) to have the receiver accept the bad news, and
(3) to maintain a positive image of you and your organization. You should not place blame on
someone for the bad news.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 204 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

6. What is one important goal when communicating negative news?

a. project a professional image
b. make sure you look like the “good guy”
c. never accept blame
d. sever the relationship after giving the bad news
ANS: A
You should strive to project a professional and positive image of yourself and your
organization.

PTS: 1 DIF: 1 REF: pp. 204–205 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: REMEMBER

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-2

 7. Shania had to write a letter to a job applicant telling him that he was not selected for a
position. Since she really liked the applicant, in the rejection letter she wrote, I thought you
were our top candidate. What has Shania done that might lead to legal difficulties?
a. She is guilty of the “good-guy syndrome.”
b. She has used careless language.
c. She has used abusive language.
d. She has done nothing wrong.
ANS: A
In an attempt to make herself look better and to make the receiver feel better, Shania became
guilty of the “good-guy syndrome,” which is legally dangerous.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 205–206 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

8. In a recommendation letter, Gavin falsely states that former employee Carly was lazy in
performing her job. How might this action be considered?
a. as slander
b. as libel
c. as a little white lie
d. as legitimate
ANS: B
Gavin’s written comments are false, so his action is considered to be libel.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 205–206 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

9. Chandra makes an abusive statement about Dylan. Under what circumstances would this
language NOT be open to legal action?
a. Chandra’s statements are true.
b. Chandra sends the message by e-mail to two other employees in the department.
c. Chandra makes the comments to Dylan in private.
d. Chandra’s statements are not damaging to Dylan’s reputation.
ANS: C
a. Abusive language is actionable if it is false, published, and damaging to one’s good
name.
b. Abusive language is actionable if it is false, published, and damaging to one’s good
name.
c. If Chandra’s comments are made in private, they will not be actionable.
d. Abusive language is actionable if it is false, published, and damaging to one’s good
name.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 205–206 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

10. Marcellis sent a letter to a teacher who had requested a tour of his company. In the letter he
included the sentence Although we would like to have your class visit our factory, much of the
work area is too dangerous for group tours. What has Marcellis done that might lead to legal
difficulties?
a. He is guilty of the “good-guy syndrome.”

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-3

 b. He has used careless language.
c. He has used abusive language.
d. He has done nothing wrong.
ANS: B
Marcellis has used careless language. His statement could be interpreted to mean that the
work area is too dangerous for anyone, which could lead to a lawsuit.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 205–206 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

11. Select the most accurate statement.

a. An employee’s words, decisions, and opinions are assumed to represent those of
the organization.
b. In order to be considered defamation, a statement must be made in writing.
c. To be actionable (likely to result in a lawsuit), abusive language can be true or
false, as long as it is damaging.
d. In a situation that could be legally dangerous, try to volunteer as much information
as possible, to demonstrate that you are being completely honest.
ANS: A
a. Business communicators act as agents of their organizations. Their words, decisions,
and opinions are assumed to represent those of the organization.
b. Defamation is the legal term for any false statement that harms an individual’s
reputation; the statement can be written or spoken.
c. To be actionable (likely to result in a lawsuit), abusive language must be false.
d. Volunteering extra information can lead to trouble. Avoid supplying data that could be
misused, and avoid making promises that can’t be fulfilled. Don’t admit or imply
responsibility for conditions that caused damage or injury.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 205–206 OBJ: 9-1

TOP: Conveying Negative News Effectively BLM: HIGHER ORDER

12. When should the direct pattern be used to communicate bad news?
a. never
b. when you don’t know your reader
c. when firmness is necessary
d. when maintaining goodwill is important
ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 207
OBJ: 9-2 TOP: Examining Negative News Strategies
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

13. Daiyu is sending her customer a final notice letter about his unpaid lawn care bill. Which of
the following strategies should she use?
a. persuasive
b. direct
c. goodwill
d. indirect
ANS: B

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-4

 When firmness is necessary, use the direct strategy. Messages that must demonstrate
determination and strength should not use delaying techniques.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 207 OBJ: 9-2

TOP: Examining Negative News Strategies BLM: HIGHER ORDER

14. Amber will be writing a bad-news letter to a customer and wants to follow the four-part
indirect plan. In what order should she organize her letter?
a. bad news, reasons, buffer, pleasant close
b. buffer, bad news, reasons, pleasant close
c. buffer, reasons, bad news, pleasant close
d. reasons, bad news, buffer, pleasant close
ANS: C
The indirect plan consists of four parts in this order: buffer, reasons, bad news, and pleasant
close.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 209 OBJ: 9-2

TOP: Examining Negative News Strategies BLM: HIGHER ORDER

15. Viktoria shipped the wrong order to a customer and is unable to re-send the correct order until
a new shipment arrives in two weeks. Which of the following should she make sure to include
in her letter to the customer?
a. a direct opening
b. an apology
c. a compliment
d. good wishes
ANS: B
Apologies to customers are especially important if you or your company erred. They cost
nothing, and they go a long way toward soothing hard feelings.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 210 OBJ: 9-2

TOP: Examining Negative News Strategies BLM: HIGHER ORDER

16. What does the following sentence convey? It is with deep regret that I have to cancel
tonight’s hockey game, and we will do everything in our power to reschedule within a week’s
time.
a. facts
b. implied refusal
c. empathy
d. best news
ANS: C
Empathy is the ability to understand and enter into the feelings of another. One of the hardest
things to do in negative messages is to convey sympathy and empathy.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 211 OBJ: 9-2

TOP: Examining Negative News Strategies BLM: HIGHER ORDER

17. Gordon must write a bad-news message to a client, telling her that his report will be late.
What should he do first?

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-5

 a. Outline the four parts of the bad-news pattern.
b. Select an appropriate colour of stationery that will be calming to the reader.
c. Analyze the bad news to determine how it will affect the reader.
d. Brainstorm for ideas of how to present the reasons for the bad news.
ANS: C
The first thing Gordon should do is analyze the bad news so that he can anticipate its effect on
the receiver.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 209 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

18. What is the purpose of a buffer statement?

a. to avoid legal liability
b. to reduce the reader’s shock or pain related to the bad news
c. to inform the reader of the bad news
d. to explain company policy regarding the bad-news message
ANS: B
A buffer is used to reduce the reader’s shock or pain related to the bad news.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 209–210 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

19. Which sentence is the best example of an effective buffer in a bad-news letter telling a job
applicant that the position has been filled?
a. I have before me your application of November 28, wherein you applied for the
medical clerk position.
b. We are very sorry to have to tell you that the medical clerk position has been filled.
c. We enjoyed meeting you last week to discuss your qualifications for the medical
clerk position.
d. We are thrilled to have an applicant with your stellar qualifications.
ANS: C
a. This buffer is trite and uses outdated, pretentious language.
b. This buffer is not effective because it reveals the bad news immediately.
c. This buffer is effective because it gives a compliment without misleading the reader.
d. This buffer is not effective because it conveys a false impression that good news
follows.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 209–210 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

20. Chavi has decided that she must apologize to a customer in her buffer. Which of the following
is the best example of an effective apology?
a. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
b. You have every right to be concerned, and we sincerely apologize for the delay in
filling your order. To prevent this from occurring again, we have upgraded our
software and retrained our order takers.

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-6

 c. We regret that you were not happy with the situation.
d. We are sorry and admit that we are completely responsible and take full legal
responsibility for this situation.
ANS: B
a. This apology sounds hollow and insincere.
b. This apology is effective because it sounds sincere and it shows what the company has
done to prevent future problems.
c. This apology sounds hollow and insincere.
d. This apology admits blame, which might lead to a lawsuit.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 209–210 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

21. Which sentence would be the best opening for a letter from a local nonprofit organization
refusing a request for a charitable donation?
a. This is to inform you that your kind letter of May 14 has been directed to me for
reply.
b. We have received your letter requesting a donation to your annual fund-raiser.
c. The services you provide for homeless families in our community are necessary
and important.
d. Although we admire what your organization does for our community,
unfortunately we are unable to donate to your fund-raiser at this time.
ANS: C
a. Avoid beginning letters with wordy, unnecessary introductions such as This is to
inform you that ...
b. Avoid obvious statements such as We have received your letter ...
c. The services you provide for homeless families in our community are necessary and
important is an effective buffer because it compliments the receiver but doesn’t suggest that a
contribution will be made.
d. An opening buffer should be not be negative and should not reveal the bad news.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 209–210 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

22. What is the most important part of a bad-news letter?

a. a good buffer that gets the letter started positively
b. a list of feasible alternatives
c. a closing that ends the letter on a positive note
d. the section that explains the reasons for the bad news
ANS: D
The most important part of a bad-news letter is the section that explains the reasons for the
bad news.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 210–212 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-7

23. What is the best advice when presenting the reasons for the bad news?
a. Whenever possible, cite company policy as the reason for the bad news, since most
people willingly accept this reason.
b. Do not present the reasons for the bad news; instead, focus solely on presenting the
bad news sensitively.
c. Always be as specific as possible when explaining the reasons.
d. Cite reader or other benefits if plausible.
ANS: D
a. Readers resent blanket company policy statements prohibiting something.
b. The reasons for the bad news should always be included. Without sound reasons for
denying a request or refusing a claim, a letter will fail, no matter how cleverly it is organized
or written.
c. Only if the reasons are not confidential and if they will not create legal liability can
you be specific.
d. Readers are more open to bad news if in some way, even indirectly, it may help them.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 210–212 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

24. What is the best placement for a statement of bad news in a message?
a. in a subordinate clause
b. at the beginning of a sentence
c. at the end of a paragraph
d. at the beginning of a paragraph
ANS: A
The best placement for a statement of bad news in a message is in a subordinate clause.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 212 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

25. What is the best advice for delivering the bad news?
a. Use the active voice.
b. Don’t imply the bad news because it may be overlooked.
c. Suggest a compromise or alternative.
d. Describe what can’t be done in great detail.
ANS: C
a. Use the passive voice when delivering bad news.
b. It is sometimes possible to avoid a direct statement of refusal by implying the bad
news.
c. A refusal is not so depressing if a suitable compromise, substitute, or alternative is
available.
d. Messages are far more effective when you describe what you can do instead of what
you can’t do.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 212–213 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-8

26. Which sentence uses the passive voice to present the bad news?
a. We are unable to interview you for the computer technician position at this time.
b. Although we were impressed with your application, we have no positions available
at this time.
c. Although the computer technician position has been filled, we wish you well in
your job search.
d. We are unable to repair the damage to the copier under warranty.
ANS: C
a. This sentence uses the active voice to present the bad news.
b. This sentence uses the active voice to present the bad news.
c. This sentence uses the passive voice (has been filled) to present the bad news.
d. This sentence uses the active voice to present the bad news.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 212 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

27. To reduce the shock of bad news, where should you place the painful idea?
a. in a dovetailed sentence
b. in the first sentence of your body paragraph
c. in the last sentence of your body paragraph
d. in a subordinate clause
ANS: D
A technique that reduces shock is putting a painful idea in a subordinate clause. Subordinate
clauses often begin with such words as although, as, because, if, and since.

PTS: 1 DIF: 1 REF: p. 212 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: REMEMBER

28. Which of the following sentences most effectively implies the refusal?
a. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to speak at the graduation ceremony, but I’d like to
be considered in future years.
b. Although I’ll be in Europe on business on the date of the graduation ceremony, I
could speak to students prior to that date.
c. Although I am unavailable to speak at the graduation ceremony, I can recommend
another speaker.
d. Thank you for your kind invitation to speak at this year’s graduation ceremony.
ANS: B
a. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to speak at the graduation ceremony, but I’d like to be
considered in future years states the refusal explicitly.
b. Although I’ll be in Europe on business on the date of the graduation ceremony, I could
speak to students prior to that date effectively implies the refusal.
c. Although I am unavailable to speak at the graduation ceremony, I can recommend
another speaker states the refusal explicitly.
d. Thank you for your kind invitation to speak at this year’s graduation ceremony does
not mention the refusal at all.

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-9

 PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 212–213 OBJ: 9-3
TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

29. Which of the following is one of the hardest things to do in a negative message?
a. provide an explanation
b. choose positive words
c. use good judgement
d. convey empathy
ANS: D
One of the hardest things to do in negative messages is to convey sympathy and empathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand and enter into the feelings of another.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 211 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

30. After you have explained the bad news using sensitive language, how should you close the
message?
a. with an explanation of the bad news
b. with a pleasant statement that promotes goodwill
c. with a neutral buffer to cushion the bad news
d. with an apology
ANS: B
After explaining the bad news sensitively, close the message with a pleasant statement that
promotes goodwill. The closing should be personalized and may include a forward look, an
alternative, good wishes, freebies, an off-the-subject remark, or resale information.

PTS: 1 DIF: 1 REF: p. 213 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: REMEMBER

31. What is the best advice for closing a bad-news letter?

a. Apologize sincerely to the reader.
b. Give a clear explanation of the reasons for the bad news.
c. Restate the bad news to make sure that the reader understands it.
d. Close with something forward-looking that assumes future business.
ANS: D
a. The closing paragraph of a bad-news message should not offer an apology to the
reader.
b. The reasons for the bad news should be placed before the bad news, not in the closing
of the letter.
c. Don’t refer to the bad news in the closing of the letter.
d. Close with something forward-looking that assumes future business or a future
relationship.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 213–214 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-10

32. Which of the following should NOT be included in the closing paragraph of a bad-news
message?
a. an alternative or compromise
b. resale or sales promotion information
c. an apology
d. a reference to an enclosed coupon, certificate, or other freebie
ANS: C
a. The closing paragraph of a bad-news message might include an alternative or
compromise, resale or sales promotion information, or a reference to freebies.
b. The closing paragraph of a bad-news message might include an alternative or
compromise, resale or sales promotion information, or a reference to freebies.
c. If necessary, apologize briefly in the body of a bad-news letter, not in the closing
paragraph.
d. The closing paragraph of a bad-news message might include an alternative or
compromise, resale or sales promotion information, or a reference to freebies.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 213–214 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

33. Which of the following is the best closing sentence for a bad-news letter?
a. Once again, we want to express how sorry we are that we are not able to offer you
the position.
b. We wish you the best in your job search.
c. If you have further questions about this decision, please feel free to call me
immediately.
d. We regret that we are unable to consider your application.
ANS: B
a. Don’t apologize in the closing paragraph.
b. This is an effective closing because it offers good wishes to the reader.
c. Don’t invite further correspondence in the closing paragraph.
d. Don’t refer to the bad news in the closing paragraph.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 213–214 OBJ: 9-3

TOP: Analyzing the Components of Effective Negative Messages
BLM: HIGHER ORDER

34. Which statement would be most effective in a letter refusing a request for a donation from an
outsider?
a. Even though our budget won’t allow a contribution this year, we hope to be able to
contribute next year.
b. Please accept our sincerest apologies for being unable to donate to your cause.
c. We are unable to contribute this year because of budget constraints.
d. Unfortunately, company policy prevents us from donating to your cause.
ANS: A

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-11

 a. Even though our budget won’t allow a contribution this year, we hope to be able to
contribute next year is the most effective statement because it implies the refusal and offers an
alternative.
b. Even though our budget won’t allow a contribution this year, we hope to be able to
contribute next year is the most effective statement because it implies the refusal and offers an
alternative.
c. Even though our budget won’t allow a contribution this year, we hope to be able to
contribute next year is the most effective statement because it implies the refusal and offers an
alternative.
d. Explain the reasons for refusing a favour rather than saying it is company policy.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 214 OBJ: 9-4

TOP: Refusing Typical Requests BLM: HIGHER ORDER

35. Which statement would be most effective in a bad-news message written by a manager to an
employee?
a. No, you may not be reimbursed for the extra night you stayed after the conference
ended.
b. We are so sorry that we are unable to reimburse you for the extra night you stayed
after the conference ended.
c. Although your extra night cannot be reimbursed, we will process the remainder of
your expense claim immediately.
d. Please be advised that your extra night stay is not reimbursable.
ANS: C
Although your extra night cannot be reimbursed, we will process the remainder of your
expense claim immediately is the most effective statement because it de-emphasizes the bad
news by placing it in a subordinate clause. It also emphasizes the good news by placing it in
an independent clause.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 214 OBJ: 9-4

TOP: Refusing Typical Requests BLM: HIGHER ORDER

36. Which statement would be most effective in a bad-news letter declining an invitation?
a. Although I’m already booked the night of your dinner, I would be happy to speak
to your organization some time next year.
b. I regret to inform you that I am unable to speak to your professional organization.
c. I’m not interested in addressing your professional organization.
d. Although I’m not authorized to tell you why, I can’t speak at your dinner.
ANS: A
Although I’m already booked the night of your dinner, I would be happy to speak to your
organization sometime next year is the most effective statement because it implies the refusal
and offers an alternative.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 214–216 OBJ: 9-4

TOP: Refusing Typical Requests BLM: HIGHER ORDER

37. When a business must send a donation refusal letter to a worthwhile organization, what should
the message do?
a. present an itemized financial account to explain the lack of funds

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-12

 b. offer detailed information about company policies
c. praise the organization’s good deeds
d. be sure to present the refusal before the reasons
ANS: C
In some donation refusal letters, the reasons may not be fully explained. The emphasis is on
the organization’s good deeds rather than on an explanation for the refusal.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 214 OBJ: 9-4

TOP: Refusing Typical Requests BLM: HIGHER ORDER

38. What is the best way to decline an invitation to speak or make a presentation?
a. provide a detailed explanation to soften the refusal
b. blame it on company policy so there are no hard feelings
c. be vague about the reasons
d. avoid a buffer so your refusal is clear
ANS: A
When you must decline an invitation to speak or make a presentation, you generally try to
provide a response that says more than I can’t or I don’t want to. Because responses to
invitations are often taken personally, make a special effort to soften the refusal.

PTS: 1 DIF: 1 REF: p. 214 OBJ: 9-4

TOP: Refusing Typical Requests BLM: REMEMBER

39. In what major way do bad-news letters to customers differ from other bad-news messages?
a. They always include an apology.
b. They omit the reasons for the bad news for legal purposes.
c. They usually include resale or sales promotion emphasis.
d. They always imply the bad news.
ANS: C
Customer letters differ from other bad-news messages in one major way: they usually
include resale or sales promotion emphasis.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 217 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: HIGHER ORDER

40. What is the first thing most companies do for damage control when a problem arises?
a. Consult the company’s legal counsel.
b. Call the customer involved, if possible.
c. Write a letter to the customer involved.
d. Ignore the problem if it is unlikely to happen again.
ANS: B
When a problem occurs, most companies will first call the customer to describe the problem
and apologize; then a follow-up letter is written.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 217–218 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: HIGHER ORDER

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-13

41. Under what circumstances are written messages to customers important when delivering bad
news?
a. when personal contact is possible
b. when you need to establish a record of the incident
c. when you are not concerned with promoting good relations
d. when there is no need to confirm follow-up procedures
ANS: B
Written messages are important when
(1) personal contact is impossible,
(2) to establish a record of the incident,
(3) to formally confirm follow-up procedures, and
(4) to promote good relations.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 218 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: HIGHER ORDER

42. What can companies do to manage negative news about themselves on social networking
sites?
a. focus only on the positive comments
b. monitor comments and respond immediately
c. try not to take the comments seriously
d. block negative customers from the site
ANS: B
Many companies employ tech-savvy staff members to monitor comments and respond
immediately whenever possible.

PTS: 1 DIF: 1 REF: p. 217 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: REMEMBER

43. Estelle received poor customer service from a company for the second time in a row. She
decided to air her grievance online. According to your textbook, why would she choose such a
public way to complain?
a. so she has a permanent record of her complaint
b. because she is seeking attention
c. to help other customers avoid the same problem
d. to receive a discount from the company
ANS: C
Airing gripes in public helps other consumers to avoid the same problems and may improve
the complainer’s leverage in solving a problem.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: p. 217 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: HIGHER ORDER

44. What is the best advice for writing a letter that turns down a customer’s claim?
a. State the bad news objectively, or imply it.
b. To avoid taking responsibility, be sure to Make it clear that the customer is at fault.
c. Use strong emotional, subjective language to show the customer how much you
care.
d. Use big words and long sentences to impress the reader.

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-14

 ANS: A
a. Stating the bad news objectively or implying it is better than avoiding responsibility or
using emotional, subjective language.
b. Don’t blame customers, even if they are at fault.
c. Use neutral, objective language to explain why the claim must be refused.
d. As with all business correspondence, your intent is to express rather than to impress.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: pp. 221–222 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: HIGHER ORDER

45. Sometimes companies need to announce rate increases to services. Because this news is often
met with hostility, what should companies focus on when delivering these messages?
a. connecting the increase to benefits
b. blaming the government
c. being as direct as possible
d. hinting at the bad news
ANS: A
The important steps in these negative messages are explaining the reasons and connecting the
increase to benefits.

PTS: 1 DIF: 2 REF: p. 220 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: HIGHER ORDER

46. Which of the following is a new way for companies to announce their rate and price
increases?
a. during focus groups
b. on their blog
c. by telephone
d. by letter
ANS: B
In today’s digital environment, rate and price increases may be announced on line.

PTS: 1 DIF: 1 REF: p. 220 OBJ: 9-5

TOP: Handling Bad News With Customers BLM: REMEMBER

47. Which statement would be most effective in a letter to a customer denying a claim?
a. If you had followed the instructions, you wouldn’t have overheated the battery
pack.
b. You can purchase a replacement battery pack at a 20 percent discount.
c. Per company policy, we are unable to replace battery packs that have been
damaged due to customer misuse.
d. We apologize, but unfortunately we cannot replace your battery pack at this time.
ANS: B
You can purchase a replacement battery pack at a 20 percent discount is the most effective
statement because it gives the customer a discount without granting the claim to replace the
battery pack at no charge.

PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: pp. 221–222 OBJ: 9-5

Copyright © 2013 Nelson Education Ltd. 9-15

Random documents with unrelated
content Scribd suggests to you:
The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Virgin of
Valkarion
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Title: The Virgin of Valkarion

Author: Poul Anderson

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Release date: December 12, 2020 [eBook #64022]

Most recently updated: October 18, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VIRGIN OF

VALKARION ***
The VIRGIN of VALKARION
 By POUL ANDERSON

Tonight, so spake the Temple Prophecy,

a sword-scarred Outlander would come
riding, a Queen would play the tavern
bawd, and the Thirty-ninth Dynasty should
fall with the Mating of the Moons!

[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from

Planet Stories July 1951.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
The sun was low in the west and a thin chill wind was blowing along
the hills when Alfric saw Valkarion below him. He reined in his
hengist and sat for a moment scouting the terrain with the hard-
learned caution of many wandering years.
Save for himself, the broad highway that flung its time-raddled
length down the rock slope was empty. On either hand, the harsh
gullied hills stretched away to the dusky horizon, wind whispering in
gray scrub and low twisted trees. Here and there, evening fires
glimmered red from peasants' huts, or the broken columns of
temples in ruins these many thousand years loomed against the
darkening greenish-blue. Behind him, the land faded toward the raw
naked desert from which he had come. A falkh hovered on silent
wings far above him, watching for a movement that might mean
prey—otherwise he was alone.
Still—he felt uneasy. A prickling not due to the gathering cold tingled
along his spine, and he had spent too much of his life in the
nearness of death to ignore such warnings.

He looked ahead, down the great road. It twisted and swooped

between the fantastically wind-carven crags, a dim white ribbon in
the deepening twilight. The smooth stone blocks were cracked apart
by ages so long that the thought made his head reel, and in places
the harsh wiry vegetation had grown through and over it, but still
the old Imperial Way was there. The ancients had built mightily.
Halfway down the huge slope of hillside, the road ran into Valkarion
city. Below that level, the cliffs dropped sharply, white with old salt-
streaks, to the dead sea-bottoms—a vast depression, sand and salt
and thin bitter plant-growth, reaching out to the sunset horizon.
Lights were winking on in the city. It was not far, and Alfric had no
wish to sleep in the open or under some peasant's stinking roof. So
—why not go ahead? The city, his goal, was there, and naught to
hold him from it save—
The hengist whickered and stamped its broad cloven hoofs. Its eyes
rolled uneasily, and Alfric's hand slid to his sword hilt. If the beast
also sensed a watchfulness—
He caught the stir in the thick brush-clump out of the corner of one
eye. Only a hunter would have noticed it; only a rover at once,
without stopping to think, would have struck spurs into his mount.
The hengist leaped, and the dart whispered past Alfric's face.
One scratch from the poisoned missile of the southern blowguns was
enough to kill a man. Alfric yelled, and flung his hengist at the
brush. The sword whined from its scabbard, flamed in his hand.
Two men slipped from the thicket as he crashed into it. They were of
a race foreign even to these southlands, small and lithe and amber-
skinned. They wore only loincloths; all hair had been shaved from
their heads and bodies, and the iron slave-collars were about their
necks. Vaguely, Alfric was aware of the brands on their foreheads,
but at the moment he was only concerned with their weapons.
One skipped aside, raising the blowgun to his lips. Alfric yanked the
javelin from its holster by his saddle and launched it left-handed—
through the slave's belly and out his back.
Steel hissed beside him as the other swung with a scimitar. The
hengist screamed as the blade cut its sleek gray hide. The forehoofs
lashed out, the great hooked beak snapped, and the slave lay a
bloody ruin on the Imperial Way.
Alfric reined in his prancing mount and looked around, breathing
hard. An ambush—by the bear of Ruho, they'd meant to kill him!
But—why?
A poor solitary wanderer was no worthwhile quarry for footpads—
anyway, these weren't outlaws but slaves; they must have been set
here with orders to destroy some specific person. But no one in
Valkarion knew Alfric—he was a stranger without friend or enemy.
Had they mistaken him for someone else? That would be hard to do
even in this dim light; he was too plainly a barbarian outlander. It
made no sense. By Luigur, it made no sense!
He leaned over, studying the dead men. They were secretive even in
the sprawled puppet-like helplessness of death; he could learn
nothing. Except—hold, what was that owner's brand—
A double crescent.
The double crescent!
The knowledge shocked home like a spear-thrust, and Alfric sat
silent for a long moment with the wind ruffling his night-black hair.
The double crescent—the sign of the Two Moons—that meant the
slaves were Temple property. They'd been under orders of the
priesthood of the Moons, which was the old Imperial faith and still
the state religion of Valkarion.
But if the Temple sent out assassins—

Alfric's eyes traveled up to Amaris, the farther moon, high in the

darkening heavens. The nearer one, Dannos, had not yet risen—out
of the west, as was its strange wont—but its rocket-like speed would
carry it up to and beyond the farther before dawn.
Aye—aye, now he remembered that tonight the moons would mate.
On such nights the Temple no doubt had great ceremonies afoot;
perhaps this matter of the assassination was involved in some
religious proceeding.
Whispered legend and the moldering history books alike agreed that
the turning points of the old Empire's fate had come on nights when
the moons mated. No doubt that still held good for the withered
remnant of territory which Valkarion still ruled.
The moons were not important in the religion of the Aslakan
barbarians, whose chief gods were the wind and the stars and
nameless powers of winter and death. But a tingle of fear ran along
Alfric's spine at the thought of what might be abroad that night.
To Luigur with it! His lean face twisted in a snarl, and he snapped
sword and javelin back in place and rode trotting on toward
Valkarion. Come ambush or priesthood or the Moons themselves, he
meant to sleep in the city tonight.
Behind him, the hovering falkh wheeled down toward the two still
forms sprawled on the highway.
The sun slipped into the dead sea-bottom, and night came with a
silent rush. Amaris rode high in a froth of stars, painting the hills
with a dim eerie silver in which monstrous shadows lurked. The wind
blew stronger, colder, with a faint smell of salt like the ghost of the
long-dried ocean. Alfric wrapped his worn cloak tighter about him
against its searching chill. Save for the vast echoing howl of the
wind, the hiss of sand and rustle of leaves, he was alone in the dark.
He heard the creak and jingle of his harness, the rapid clopclop of
the hengist's hoofs, against a background of hooting night.
The crumbling city walls loomed darkly before him, rearing
enormously against the myriad brilliant, unwinking stars. He had half
expected to find the gates closed, but instead a fire blazed in the
tunnel which the gateway made through the walls. A dozen city
guards stood about it.
They sprang to alertness as he rode up, a sudden wall of spears
leaning forth in front of him. Behind that shining steel, the light
picked out helmets and corselets and faces drawn tight with strain.
"Who goes?" called one. His voice shook a little.
"A stranger, but a friend," said Alfric in his north-accented
Valkariona.
He rode into the circle of firelight and sat in a watchful quiet as their
eyes raked him. Plainly he was an outland barbarian—taller by a
head than most of the southerners, his hard-thewed body clad in the
plain leather and ring-mail of a northern warrior, his sword a double-
edged claymore rather than the scimitar or shortsword of the south.
His skin was a sunburned leathery brown where theirs was tawny,
his long slant eyes a brilliant green where theirs were dark, and
there were jeweled rings in his pointed ears. He went cleanshaven in
accordance with southern custom, but the high cheekbones, thin
straight nose, and long jaw were not theirs.
"Who are you, stranger," demanded the guard captain, "and what is
your errand?"
"I am Alfric, Beodan's son, of Aslak," he answered truthfully enough,
"and am simply wandering about in search of employment. Perhaps
Valkarion could use another sword-arm, or some merchant may
want a good warrior to help guard his caravan, or—" he spread his
calloused hands in a general gesture. No need to add that perhaps
some highwayman was in town recruiting or some would-be rebel
was in search of an experienced war-captain who would help for the
loot. In his years of adventuring, Alfric had held most jobs, lawful or
otherwise.
The guards seemed more taut and wary than the occasion
warranted. Surely they had passed stranger and more dubious
visitors than a single barbarian. Perhaps they wanted a bribe to let
him by, or—
The captain nodded stiffly. "You may enter, since you are alone," he
said; and then, with a friendliness not quite natural: "If you wish
good cheap lodging, and a place where men come who might want
to hire a fighter, try the Falkh and Firedrake. First turn to your right,
three streets down, one to your left. Good luck, stranger."
Alfric scowled. For a moment he paused, tensing. There was
something here—To Luigur with it. His nerves were still on edge from
the fight. If something was supposed to happen, let it.
"Thanks," he said, and rode into the city.
It was like most of the old Imperial towns—somewhat larger and
busier than the rest, no more. On either side of the broad paved
street rose the ancient, columned facades of the Empire, proud
building even now when their treasures were long gone and their
corners worn smooth by the winds of millennia. There were lamps
lighting the main ways, their yellow glow splashing on a milling
throng of folk.
Most were native Valkarionas—merchants in their flowing cloaks and
fur-trimmed silken robes, workers and artisans in tunics of blue or
gray, peasants in clumsy homespun garments and fur caps,
swaggering young soldiers in red tunics and polished metal, painted
harlots, ragged beggars, near-naked slaves, the others of a city
where life still pulsed strong though the days of glory were more
thousands of years behind than it was pleasant to count. But there
were strangers—robed traders from Tsungchi and Begh Sarrah riding
their humped dromads, black-skinned men of Suda and Astrak,
coppery feather-cloaked mercenaries from Tollaciuatl, fair-haired
barbarians from Valmannstad and the Marskan hills—all the world
seemed met at Valkarion, in a babble of tongues and a swirl of
colors.
There were many of the tonsured priests of the Moons abroad in
long red and black robes with the double crescent hanging from a
silver chain about the neck. After each shaven-pate padded one or
more of the yellow slaves, silent and watchful, hand on knife or
blowgun. Alfric scowled, and decided he had best find lodging before
venturing out into such company. A trading center like Valkarion
necessarily tolerated all creeds—still, someone had tried to kill him—
He edged out of the throng and followed the captain's directions.
They brought him into an unsavory part of town, where moldering
blank-walled houses crowded a winding labyrinth of narrow,
unlighted streets and stinking alleys. Men of dubious aspect moved
furtively through the shadowy maze, or brawled drunkenly before
the tawdry inns and bawdy houses. Strange place for a city
guardsman to direct him to—
But no priests or soldiers were in sight, which was recommendation
enough. Alfric rode on until he saw the sign of the Falkh and
Firedrake creaking in the chill gusty wind above a gloomy doorway.
He dismounted and knocked, one hand on his dagger. The door
groaned open a crack and a thin scar-faced man looked out, his own
hand on a knife.
"I want lodging for myself and my hengist," said Alfric.
The landlord's hooded eyes slid up and down the barbarian's tall
form. An indrawn breath hissed through his lips. "Are you from the
northlands?" he asked.
"Aye." Alfric flung open the door and stepped into the taproom.
It was dim and dirty and low-ceiled, a few smoky torches throwing a
guttering light on the hard-faced men who sat at the tables drinking
the sour yellow wine of the south. They were all armed, all wary—
the place was plainly a hangout of thieves and murderers.
Alfric shrugged broad shoulders. He'd stayed in such places often
enough. "How much do you want?" he asked.
"Ah—" The landlord licked his lips, nervously. "Two chrysterces for
supper now and breakfast tomorrow, one soldar room and girl."
The rate was so low that Alfric's eyes narrowed and his ears cocked
forward in an instinctive gesture of suspicion. These southerners all
named several times the price they expected to get, but he had
never haggled one down as far as this fellow's asking price.
"Done," he said at last. "But if the food is bad or the bed lousy or
the woman diseased, I'll throw you in your own pot and cut my
breakfast off your ribs."
"'Twill not be needful, noble sir," whined the landlord. He waved a
thin little slave boy over. "Take care of the gentleman's hengist."
Alfric sat down at a corner table and ate his meal alone. The food
was greasy, but not bad. From the shadows he watched his fellow
guests, sizing up their possibilities. That big spade-bearded fellow—
he might be the head of a gang which would find an expert sword-
swinger useful. And the little wizened man in the gray cloak might
be a charlatan in need of a bodyguard—
He grew slowly aware of their own unease. There were too many
sharp glances thrown in his own direction, entirely too many—too
much whispering behind hands, too much furtive loosening of
sheathed daggers. There was something infernally strange going on
in Valkarion.
Alfric bristled like an angry jaccur, but throttled impatience and got
up. Time enough to find all that out tomorrow—he was tired now
from his long ride; he would sleep and then in the morning look the
city over.
He mounted the stairs, conscious of the glances following him, and
opened the door the boy showed to him. There he paused, and his
hard jaw fell.
The room was just a room, small, lit by one stump of candle, no
furniture save a bed. Its window looked out on an alley which was
like a river of darkness.
It was the woman who held Alfric's eyes.
She was clad only in the usual gaudy silken shift, and she sat
plucking thin chords from the usual one-stringed harp. Her rings and
bracelets were ordinary cheap gewgaws. But she was no common
tavern bawd—not she!
Tall and lithe and tawny-skinned, she rose to face him. Her shining
blue-black hair tumbled silkily to her slim waist, framing a face as
finely and proudly chiseled as a piece of ancient sculpture—broad
clear forehead, delicately arched nose, full mobile mouth, stubborn
chin, long smooth throat running down toward her high firm breasts.
Her eyes were wide-set, dark and starry brilliant as the desert
nights; her lips were like red flame.
When she spoke, it was music purring under the wind that
whimpered outside and rattled the window sash.
"Welcome, stranger."
Alfric gulped, licked his lips, and slowly recovered his voice: "Thank
you, my lovely." He moved closer to her. "I had not—not thought to
find one like you—here."
"But now that you have—" She came closer, and her smile blinded
him—"now that you have, what will you do?"
"What do you think?" he laughed.
She bent over and blew out the candle.

II

Alfric lost desire for sleep, the girl being as skilled in the arts of love
as she was beautiful. But later they fell to talking.
A dim shaft of moonlight streamed through the window and etched
her face against the dark, a faint mysterious rippling of light and
shadow and loveliness. He drew her closer, kissed the smooth cheek,
and murmured puzzledly: "Who are you? Why are you working in a
place like this, when you could be the greatest courtesan in the
world? Kings would be your slaves, and armies would go to battle
with your name on their lips—if they only knew you."
She shrugged. "Fortune does strange things sometimes," she said. "I
am Freha, and I am here because I must be." Her slim fingers
ruffled his harsh black hair. "But tonight," she breathed, "I am glad
of it, since you came. And who are you, stranger?"
"I am Alfric, called the Wanderer, son of Beodan the Bold, son of
Asgar the Tall, from the hills and lakes of Aslak."
"And why did you leave your home, Alfric?"
"I was restless." For a bleak moment, he wondered why, indeed, he
had ever longed to get away from the wind-whispering trees and the
cool blue hills and the small, salty, sun-glinting lakes of home—from
his father's great hall and farmstead, from the brawling lusty
warriors who were his comrades, from the tall sweet girls and joys of
the hunt and feast—Well, it was past now, many years past.
"You must have come far," said Freha.
"Far indeed. Over most of the world, I imagine." From Aslak, pasture
lands of hengists, to the acrid red deserts of Begh Sarrah, the scrub
forests of Astrak and Tollaciuatl, the towered cities of Tsungchi—
along the great canals which the ancient Empire had built in its last
days, still bringing a trickle of water from the polar snows to the
starved southlands—through ruins, always ruins, the crumbling
sand-filled bones of cities which had been like jewels a hundred
thousand years ago and more—
Her cool hands passed over his face, pausing at the long dull-white
scar which slashed across his forehead and left cheek. "You have
fought," she said. "How you have fought!"
"Aye. All my life. That scar—? I got it at Altaris, when I led the
Bonsonian spears at the storming of the gates. I have been war-
captain, sitting beside kings, and I have been hunted outlaw with
the garms baying at my heels. I have drunk the wine of war-lords
and eaten the gruel of peasants and stalked my own game through
the rime-white highlands of Larkin. I have pulled down cities, and
been flung into the meanest jails. One king put a price on my head,
another wanted me to take over his throne, and a third went down
the streets before me, ringing a bell and crying that I was a god. But
enough." Alfric stirred restlessly. Somehow, he felt again uneasy, as
if—
Freha pulled his face to hers, and the kiss lasted a long time.
Presently she murmured, "We have heard some rumors of great
deeds and clashing swords, here in Valkarion. The story of the fall of
Altaris is told in the marketplaces, and folk listen till far into the
night. But why did you not stay with your kings and war-lords and
captured cities? You could have been a king yourself."
"I grew weary of it," he answered shortly.
"Weary—of kingly power?"
"Why not? Those courts are nothing—a barbarian ruling over one or
two cities, and calling himself a king and trying drearily to hold a
court worthy of the title. The same, always the same endless
squabbling, carrion birds quarreling among the bones of the Empire.
I went on the next war, or to see the next part of the world, and
erelong I learned never to stay too long in one place lest the
newness of it wear off."
"Valkarion is ever new, Alfric. A man could live his life here and
never see all there was."
"Perhaps. So they told me. And it was, after all, the old seat of the
Empire, and its shrunken remnant of territory is still greater than any
other domain. So I came here to see for myself." Alfric grinned, a
wolfish gleam of teeth in the night. "Also, I heard tales—
restlessness, a struggle for power between Temple and Imperium,
with the Emperor an old man and the last of his line, unable to get a
child on his young queen Hildaborg. It seemed opportune."
"How so?" He thought she breathed faster, lying there beside him.

He chuckled, a harsh iron sound in his corded throat. "How should I

know? Except that when such a hell's broth is bubbling, a fighting
man can always scoop up loot or power or—at the very least—
adventure. If nothing else, there might be the Empress. They say
she's a half barbarian herself, a princess of Choredon, and a lusty
wench giving hospitality to every visiting noble or knight." He felt
Freha stiffen a little, and added: "But that doesn't interest me now,
when I've found you. Freha, leave this place with me tomorrow and
you'll wear the crown jewels of Valkarion."
"Or else see your head on a pike above the walls," she said.
Faintly through the window and the whining night-wind, they heard
the crash of a great gong.
"Dannos is rising," whispered Freha. "Tonight he mates with Mother
Amaris. It is said that the Fates walk through the streets of Valkarion
on such nights." She shivered. "Indeed they do on this eve."
"Perhaps," said Alfric, though the hackles rose on his neck. "But how
do you know?"
"Have you not heard?" Her voice shuddered, seeming to blend with
the moan of wind and steady, slow boom of gong. "Have you not
heard? The Emperor Aureon is dying. He is not expected to last till
dawn. The Thirty-ninth Dynasty dies with him, and—and there is no
successor!"
The wind mumbled under the eaves, rattling the window frame and
flowing darkly through the alley.
"Ha!" Alfric laughed harshly, exultantly. "A chance—by Ruho, what a
chance!"
Of a sudden he stiffened, and the voice of danger was a great shout
in his head. He sat up, cocking his ears, and heard the faint scratch
and scrape—aye, under the window, coming close—
He slid from the covers and drew his sword where it lay on the floor.
The boards felt cold under his bare feet, the night air fingered his
skin with icy hands. "What is it?" whispered Freha. She sat up, the
dark hair tumbling past her frightened face. "What is it, Alfric?"
He made no answer, but padded over to the window. Flattened
against the wall, he stood waiting as a hand raised the sash from
outside.
The pale cold light of Amaris fell on the hand that now gripped the
sill. A body lifted itself, one-handed, the other clutching a knife. For
an instant Alfric saw the flat hairless face in the moonlight, the
double crescent brand livid against its horrible blankness. Then in
one rippling motion the slave was inside the room.
Alfric thrust, slicing his heart. As the man fell, another swarmed up
behind him. He and Alfric faced each other, tableau for one instant
of rivering moonlight and whining wind and remotely beating gong.
Then the barbarian's long arm shot out, yanked the slave in, and
twisted him in an unbreakable wrestler's grip.
"Talk!" he hissed into the ear of the writhing creature. "Talk, or I'll
break you bone by bone. Why are you here?"
"He can't," said Freha. She came up to them, white in the moonlight,
her long hair blowing loose about her shoulders. "The Temple breeds
these slaves, raises them from birth to utter, fanatical obedience.
And—see—" She pointed to the dead man gaping under the window.
Stooping over, Alfric saw that he had no tongue.

The northerner shuddered. With a convulsive movement, he broke

the neck of his prisoner and flung the body aside. "What do they
want?" he panted. "Why are they after me?"
"There is a prophecy—but quick, there will be others. Out, down to
the taproom—we must have protection—"
"The assassins would hardly be so stupid as to leave us a way out,"
grunted Alfric. "Any down there who might help us are probably
dead or made prisoner now. No doubt these men have friends on
guard, just outside the door—men who'll come in pretty soon when
these don't come out—"
"Aye—that would be the way of the Temple—but where, then,
where?"
Alfric flung on his kilt, dagger belt, and baldric. "Out the window!"
He whipped the girl to him, held her supple body against his, kissed
her hard and swift as the swoop of a hunting falkh. "Goodbye,
Freha, you have been a wonderful companion. I'll see you again—if I
live."
"But—you can't leave me!" she gasped. "The slaves will burst
through—"
"Why should they harm you? They're after me."
"They will." He felt her shaking against him. "They will, that's their
way—oh!"
The door shuddered as a heavy weight was flung against it. "That's
they," snarled Alfric. "And the bolt won't hold very long. I'd like to
stay and fight, but—Come!" He grabbed his cloak off the floor and
buckled it across Freha's slim naked shoulders. "I'll go first—then
you jump."
He balanced on the window-sill, then leaped. Even as he fell, he
wondered at the agility of the slaves who had crawled up the wall. It
was of roughset stones, but even so—
He hit the muck and cobblestones of the alley with the silent poise
of a jaccur, and turned up to the window. It was just above the pit-
black shadows, a square of darkness in the moon-whitened wall.
"Come!" he called softly.
Freha's body gleamed briefly in the moonlight as she sprang. He
caught her in his arms, set her down, and drew his sword. "Let's
go," he growled. Then suddenly: "But where? Will the city guards
protect us?"
"Some might," she answered shakily, "but most are controlled by
fear of the Temple's curse. Best we go toward the palace. The
Emperor's Household troops are loyal to him and hate the priesthood
which seeks to usurp his power."
"We can head that way," he nodded, "meanwhile looking for a place
to hide." He took her hand and they trotted through the thick
darkness toward the dim light marking the end of the alley.
Other feet padded in the gloom. Alfric snarled soundlessly and pulled
himself and the girl against a wall. He was almost blind in the dark,
but he strained his ears, pointing them this way and that in search of
the enemy.
The others had also stopped moving. They would be waiting for him
to stir, and their own motionlessness could surely outlast the girl's—
anyway, the pursuit from the room would be after him in another
moment, when the door gave way—
"Run!" he snapped.

He felt a dart blow by the spot where he had spoken, and

lengthened his frantic stride. A form rose before him, vague in the
night. He chopped down with his sword, and felt a grim joy at the
ripping of flesh and sundering of bone.
Now—out of the alley, into a street not much wider or lighter, and
down its shadowy length. The slaves would be behind, but—
There was a one-story house ahead, of the usual flat-roofed
construction. "Up!" gasped Alfric, and made a stirrup of his hands.
He fairly flung the girl onto the roof. She gave him a hand up,
bracing her feet against the parapet, and they fell down together
behind it.
Alfric heard the slaves' bare feet trotting below him, but dared not
risk a glance. Snakelike, he and Freha slithered across the housetop.
Only a narrow space separated them from the next; they jumped
that and crossed over to another and higher roof. From this, Alfric
peered into the street beyond.
A couple of city guards were walking down it, spears at the ready.
Alfric wondered whether he should join them—no, they would be no
shield against a blowgun dart sent from an alley—anyway, they
might be priest-loyal.
He put his mouth to Freha's ear, even then aware of the dark silky
hair tickling his lips, and whispered: "What next?"
"I don't know." She looked ahead over the nighted roofs to the great
central forum, still ruddy-bright with torches. Beyond it, the city
climbed toward a double hill, on either crest of which was a building.
One must be the palace, thought Alfric—it was in the graceful
colonnaded style of the later Empire, white marble under Amaris.
Nearly all its windows were dark; but he thought, puzzledly, that it
was surrounded by a ring of fires.
The other building was a great gray pile, sprawling its grim
massiveness in a red blaze of light. From it came the steady gong-
beat and a rising chant—the Temple of the Two Moons, holding vigil
at their wedding.
The night was huge above them, a vault of infinite crystal black in
which the stars glittered in their frosty myriads and the Milky Way
tumbled its bright mysterious cataract between the constellations.
The pale disc of Amaris rode high, painting the city and the hills and
the dead sea-floor with its cold ghostly light. And now Dannos was
swinging rapidly out of the west, brightening the dark and casting
weird double shadows that slowly writhed with its changing position.
It was bitter chill. The wind blew and blew, hooting down the
streets, banging signs and driving dead leaves and sand and bits of
parchment before it. Alfric shivered, wishing for the rest of his
clothes. In the waxing moonlight, he could see sand-devils whirling
on the sea-bottom, a witches' dance—and on such a night, trolls and
ghosts and the Fates themselves might well be abroad.
He set his teeth against chattering and tried to fix his mind on real
and desperately urgent problems. "The priests seemed able to trace
us," he said. "At least, they knew where I went for lodging. Best we
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