‘Long road ahead of us,’ she said, ‘marching into winter and who knows what else. Kadoshim, maybe. And I’ll be travelling fast, need to be in Dun Seren before Midwinter’s Day. But if that’s too much for you then you’ll not last long in the weapons court of Dun Seren. Want to wear this bright star?’ She tapped a silver brooch that fastened her cloak about her, saw nods amongst those gathered before her, their eyes bright with dreams of heroism and glory. ‘You’ll have to earn it, through blood, sweat and most likely a lot of tears.’

She gave them another long look, for the main part liked what she saw and grunted approvingly. Just as she was about to give the order to ride out, a horn blast rang from the gate-tower, a voice shouting, a guard pointing into the sky.

Shapes appeared from out of the rain, winged shapes, flying closer. Sig’s hand rose to her sword hilt, thinking it was Kadoshim, but then she saw their wings. They were white-feathered.

A hush fell over the courtyard as the winged warriors grew larger in the sky, a space opening up in the courtyard close to the gate, before Queen Nara. The beating of wings grew louder, three Ben-Elim spiralling down to them, one alighting before the Queen, the other two remaining airborne, looping in slow circles above them.

Hammer growled, deep and rumbling, and Sig rested a hand on the bear’s shoulder.

‘Greetings,’ the Ben-Elim before Nara said with a dip of his head, ignoring the growling bear behind him. He was tall and graceful, as were all Ben-Elim, magnificent wings of white feather furling upon his back, shaking the rain from them. He was dark-haired, wore a dripping coat of scaled-mail, held a long spear in one fist.

Kushiel, Sig thought, knowing him instantly. The arrogance in his stance annoyed her almost immediately.

‘Well met, Kushiel,’ Queen Nara said to the Ben-Elim. ‘It has been many a year since I have had the pleasure of your company. Sadly I have received no word of your coming. I would have prepared a finer greeting for you.’

‘There was no time,’ Kushiel said. ‘I come because of the beacons, have followed their trail. They are lit throughout much of the Land of the Faithful. They have led me here.’

‘Only the three of you?’ Nara said.

‘There are more of us, still on the trail,’ Kushiel gestured west. ‘But I thought it –’ he cocked his head to one side, searching for a word – ‘courteous, to inform you of our presence.’ Kushiel looked about the walls and courtyard, saw Sig upon her bear. He raised an eyebrow.

‘Courtesy would have been to ask leave to cross my borders,’ Nara said. ‘Before you crossed them.’

Sig stopped a smile from splitting her face.