“That’s true,” Dreen Brislyn said. “But will you at least take my suggestion to the College, Lady Martain? Today? If its mages deem there is some merit to my suggestion, it will take time to organise. And I’m not sure how much time Dorana has. Quite apart from our dilemma, our neighbours are impatient… and not much inclined to give us the benefit of the doubt.”

Venette looked to Brice. “There can be no harm done asking Bellamie’s opinion.”

“Agreed,” said Brice. “You should both go and sound out the College on this notion. But first, Lady Brislyn, we have privy matters to discuss. Perhaps you’d care for some refreshments? The duty mage will gladly escort you to the dining hall. Lady Martain can find you when our business is concluded.”

Dreen Brislyn stood, and offered them a brief nod. “Lord Varen. Councillors. The General Council thanks you for your time and co-operation.”

“Arrogant wench!” Shari spat, once Dreen Brislyn was gone. “I don’t care how clever she is, that lowly ranked upstart needs putting in her place. She—”

“Putting in her place, Shari? Really? The head of Dorana’s General Council?” Disgusted, Venette shook her head. “D’you know, I might well have had my fill of the rabble but when I hear you say things like that, I’m forced to admit they might have a point!”

“Do not start your bickering,” Brice snapped. “But instead consider the news Lady Brislyn has brought.”

Sallis’s eyebrows lifted. “You take this threat seriously, Brice?”

“You do not?”

“If you mean do I fear a rabble of unwashed, stick-wielding Trindeki plainsmen then the answer is most emphatically no.”

Brice sighed. “Then you prove yourself a greater fool than ever I imagined, Sallis. Lady Brislyn is right. Without magic we are as lambs before a wolf pack… and with the magickless nations ranged against us, outnumbered.”

“Or do you believe that your sharp tongue alone can save you from a murderous Trindeki?” Venette said, poisonously sweet.

Sallis shut his mouth with a snap.

“Brice…” Bracing herself, Venette turned to him. “I know you won’t want to hear this, but it’s time we brought Morgan back into the fold. Whatever his transgressions, surely—”

“Surely he has demonstrated he’s not to be trusted!” said Shari.

“You want to worry about his sexual peccadilloes, Shari, with Dorana falling apart and five warlike nations baring their teeth in our direction?”

Shari’s lips thinned to a stubborn line. “A man careless and unthinking in his privy life will be careless and unthinking in his magework. At which, I say again, he is not so remarkably gifted!”

“He was gifted enough to be granted a seat on this Council, Shari! Either its mages are the finest in Dorana or they’re not! Which is it?”

“Even this Council can make a mistake!”