He lifted his arm to point toward the huge tapestry covering an entire wall of the throne room. It was a decorative map of the Ilean Empire, with the seven great cities and the three seas represented in stunning detail.

‘We remain united!’ Kargan thundered, as everyone turned to look at the map. ‘We lost Koulis, but Koulis was founded by Galeans, and their culture and ours were always different. We tried to conquer Phalesia, but Phalesia is far from here, on the other side of the Maltherean Sea. An empire of seven cities, working together, is our natural state, as decreed by the gods.’ He glared at the yellow-robed priests in the crowd, who of course had no choice but to nod and bow. Still pointing at the map, he then named the cities in turn, from east to west. ‘Efu. Abadihn. Serca. Lamara. Abbas. Verai. Malakai.’

His mouth twisted at the last, for it was gold from Malakai that was late. He lowered his arm and looked down at the prince of Haria from his tall throne.

‘The seven great cities will always be linked in common cause, and that includes Efu. No matter what comes, Lord Samar, we will support you in your time of need.’

The prince of Haria gave a deep bow, and when he rose again he looked clearly impressed. ‘I thank you, Great King. I will take the gold you offer, and make every coin count. I give my utmost gratitude to Helios for your continued support.’

‘Your oratorical skills are improving,’ Javid said when everyone else had left.

‘It helps when you believe what you’re saying,’ Kargan grunted as he wriggled off his uncomfortable perch to stand in front of his friend. He glanced back over his shoulder and scowled. ‘By the gods, I hate that throne.’

‘Having responsibility is making you more truthful.’ Javid nodded solemnly. ‘It is good to see.’

‘Truthful? Hah!’ Kargan barked a laugh. ‘Just yesterday I told the priests that they could have their new temple, but work wouldn’t begin until the restorations on the arena were complete. Then I went to the arena and told them to stop working until the gold arrived from Malakai. We both know that if and when the shipment comes, it won’t be used to restore the arena.’

Javid frowned. ‘The god Helios says that all men must be truth—’

‘Enough, Javid.’ Kargan held up a hand. ‘I do what I must, and, as I said, where the empire is concerned, I believe everything I say.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘So, what do you think? Will Lord Samar put down his rebellion?’

‘Your speech had an effect on him. He will do his best with the gold you gave him. Only time will tell.’

‘Another problem deferred, rather than solved.’ Kargan shook his head. ‘Still, we could be lucky—’