‘We … I suspect a connection between the creature and Governor Kilp,’ said Kargrin. ‘But until we find the creature, we cannot prove it, and as Kilp has grown very powerful these last few years, we cannot move openly against him. But you will be able to look where we cannot, since Kilp has chosen you to marry his son –’

‘What!’ exploded Clariel, standing up so quickly that she almost fainted and had to quickly sit back down again. ‘Me? Marry Aronzo?’

‘Ah,’ said Kargrin. ‘I thought you were cognisant of that plan. It is part of some overall scheme of Kilp’s to seize power and replace the King …’

He paused as Clariel stared at him, her jaw partly open and a look of total disbelief upon her face.

‘You don’t know any of this?’ asked Kargrin. ‘Didn’t Belatiel tell you?’

‘Oh,’ said Clariel. ‘He wanted me to meet him after the last class. I forgot.’

Kargrin shook his head.

‘Bel was not born to be a conspirator. He talks too much when he’s not supposed to, and clearly not enough when he is.’

‘What was he supposed to tell me?’ asked Clariel. ‘Because I need to know and I’m really tired of being a … a game piece moved about by my parents, or Kilp, or you and your … conspirators!’

‘We’re not absolutely sure,’ said Kargrin, suddenly defensive. ‘But from what my rats have been able to gather, and other sources, we think Kilp intends for you to become the Queen –’

‘What!’ shrieked Clariel, leaping to her feet, swaying and having to sit down yet again.

‘If you keep interrupting I’ll never be able to explain,’ said Kargrin. ‘And you’ll pass out. The rage is always followed by weakness, you should know that. Now, Kilp can’t just put anyone on the throne, it has to be someone of the royal blood, who can assume the wardenship of the Great Charter Stones … though the bigger question is why would a Free Magic creature want to help Kilp set a puppet Queen upon the throne. What would it gain from that … What?’

Clariel had raised her finger questioningly, not wanting to stand again.

‘What are the Great Charter Stones?’

‘Didn’t your mother teach you anything?’ said Kargrin testily. ‘You know the rhyme, don’t you? You must have learned it as a child!’

‘Oh, you mean the one about the five Great Charters?’ asked Clariel. ‘I guess I never thought it meant anything.’

‘Never thought it meant anything!’ exploded Kargrin. ‘What is the world coming to? The Great Charter Stones in the reservoir beneath the Palace are part of the physical embodiment of the Charter, created by the Wallmakers and infused with their power. They are a foundation for the Charter, along with the Wall and the bloodlines of Clayr, Abhorsen and the royal family; surely you must know this?’