‘We have made the Banished Lands safe, conquered the Kadoshim horde,’ Kushiel said. ‘All before you were born, I know, but still, I would hope that would count for something, that the passage of time had not dulled our sacrifice for you and your people.’

Be polite, Sig thought, seeing the anger rise in Nara. Much as I feel the same, this is not the time for a falling-out with the Ben-Elim. Nothing would make the Kadoshim happier.

‘Ardain is aware of all that the Ben-Elim have done for us,’ Nara said flatly.

Well done, lassie.

‘I will have a room prepared,’ Nara continued, ‘food and drink, where I can show you the proper courtesy you deserve. Where we can talk in more comfort. Come, follow me.’

‘My thanks. First, one other thing, though. I came here for another reason, also. Israfil has sent me to many places, to many lords throughout the Land of the Faithful with the same request. And finally to you, our ally in Ardain. I would save it for a more private meeting, but . . .’ Kushiel’s eyes flickered back to Sig and those gathered behind him. ‘I do not think it should wait.’

‘And what is this reason?’ Nara asked.

‘Times are dangerous, the Kadoshim treacherous, and as these beacons show, they seem to be stirring.’

‘Aye, all this I know,’ Nara said.

‘We Ben-Elim seek to protect you, the race of men, and giants –’ he looked at Sig again – ‘from the dread hand of the Kadoshim. But the practicalities. We number only so many, can patrol and protect only so much ground before our watch grows thin. There are many of your kind who . . .’ He paused again, thinking on his words. ‘Who assist with the practicalities of maintaining the peace. The White-Wings, the giant Clan.’

Not all of the giants.

‘But they are not enough. We need more. Those within the borders of our protection give a flesh tithe, as is only right.’

A flesh tithe! Sig frowned at that, felt her hackles rising.

‘Israfil has sent me to request a tithe from our neighbours, our allies,’ Kushiel continued. ‘From you. A tithe of warriors, to fight the good fight. The holy war against the Kadoshim.’

Nara was silent a long moment, quiet settling over the whole courtyard, just the gentle sigh of rain, the pulse of Ben-Elim wings from the two circling overhead.

‘I will not order warriors of Ardain to leave their kin and their homes, to leave Ardain against their will,’ Nara said.

‘Then why do I see two score gathered behind the . . . representative of Dun Seren and their Order of the Bright Star?’ Kushiel asked, his voice far from polite now. Flat and cold.

‘They have chosen – volunteered – to go,’ Nara replied calmly. ‘And so they have my blessing.’