Erlan found Leo much recovered, sitting up in the largest bed Erlan had ever seen, surrounded by courtiers. But he halted his business as soon as Erlan entered. His neck and head were bandaged. The sight of them brought back the bitter reality: king of kings Leo may be, but he was just like any other man.

‘Northman, I owe you my life.’

‘It was fate, not I, that saved you.’

‘Fate? Huh! We call it the hand of providence. Well, then – let us ask more of this hand while it is in a giving mood.’

‘Majesty?’

‘I’ve decided to take up your suggestion. Whatever it costs us, whatever comes after – we are going to destroy Maslama’s army. The Bulgars will be the hammer, our walls will be the anvil, and the Arab horde will be crushed between them.’ The sudden thrill of action flickered in Erlan’s veins. ‘The mission I’m sending will be small but effective. I have hand-picked the escort myself. The eparch will be our spokesman. He alone was in the same office when the last treaty was sealed. Prince Kormesy, I hope, will look more favourably on a familiar face.’

‘I wish the mission good fortune then, Majesty.’

The dark rings of Leo’s weary eyes lit up with amusement. ‘Don’t be a fool. You’re going with them man. It was your idea.’

Erlan nodded, feeling a strange relief at the prospect of getting out of the oppressive confines of the city. He needed to stretch his wings. ‘You do me honour, sire.’

‘We’ll soon see whether my confidence in you is misplaced. But I suspect not. You leave tomorrow.’

‘Tomorrow!’

‘Of course! As you said yourself, why wait?’

‘Very good, Majesty. If so, I have one request.’

‘Go on.’

‘My countryman, Einar Fat-Belly – may I have him with us? He’s a good man.’

‘The axe-wielder!’ Leo laughed hard and then regretted it, touching gingerly at the back of his skull. ‘Great God, I wish I had another hundred like him! Yes, yes. Take him. Whatever you think best. Alexios will tell you the rest.’

‘The man said it had come from a place called Taugas, very far to the east.’ Lilla smiled at Nikolaos, handing him the carefully folded stole. ‘It’s come a long way for me to give to you.’

‘This is pure silk.’ Nikolaos’s gentle eyes widened in surprise. ‘It’s. . . exquisite.’ He let it fall out to its full length, a gorgeous tight weave that shifted with the play of light from dark blue to a rich evergreen. ‘Your generosity leaves me. . . well, speechless, my lady.’