‘Has she, by God?’ Leo chuckled. ‘Her charm must be formidable indeed to twist his brawny arm. I should like to see her again. And this man for whom such a beauty would cross half the world. Bring them to me.’

‘At once, Majesty.’ Katāros bowed, and left the emperor to his scheming.

The king of kings was not as Erlan had imagined him. He was a shortish man, broad-shouldered, plain to look at. In some ways, he looked like every shopkeeper in the city. But when he fixed his gaze on you, you felt his authority. The strange costumes, the headdress, the purple and gold everywhere you looked, seemed superfluous to the man himself. He wore it all as a necessity, but beneath it, Erlan felt he saw a man who knew what he was about.

Erlan was happy to let Lilla exchange formalities, some further pleasantries about the palace and what she had seen. He was surprised the man had time for them with the city beset on all sides. But he was a cool one, to be sure.

‘This is your countryman, then,’ the emperor said at length.

‘It is.’ Lilla turned to beckon Erlan forward. Her Greek was solid but simple and Erlan had followed everything so far, impressed by the equal standing on which this high lord received her.

‘He limps,’ observed the emperor.

‘He is one of the greatest warriors in all the North, Majesty.’ That was some claim, Erlan thought ruefully. He wondered whether it was true.

‘Then why is he here?’

A fair question. When Lilla hesitated, Erlan came to her rescue. ‘My king was murdered, Majesty. My oath to him, undone. I resolved to serve the greatest lord in all the world.’ He kneeled. ‘I am ready to serve him now.’

The emperor pulled himself to his feet and came down from his dais. ’You speak our language.’

‘Some,’ he replied. ‘Enough to kill for you.’

‘God’s blood, man! Hah! Peace, my friend, peace! We need not speak of killing yet. Besides, duty prevents my standing in the battle-line as I would have in the past. These days, death is more likely to find me in a poisoned cup or a dagger in the back while I slumber on silk sheets.’ He raised a thick eyebrow.

‘I’m ready to protect you against threats from any quarter. My lord.’ All just as Lilla had briefed him.

‘You are eager. I like that.’ The emperor circled behind him, apparently intrigued.

‘Put him to the test, Majesty,’ interjected Lilla, perhaps sensing her moment. ‘I promised you what help I could. I can offer nothing of greater value to you than this man. And with him one other.’

‘Two of them! You spoil me, Queen Lilla.’

‘I give them both willingly. They are both capable of proving the mettle of our people.’

The emperor smiled. ‘The other can at least walk, I trust.’