As he wondered how long she’d been watching and listening, Dion glanced at Cob and saw a wistful expression on his face. The old sailor’s mouth had dropped open; he was almost drooling.

But where Cob appeared utterly captivated by her beauty, Dion saw a cold, calculating woman. Rather than Cob, it was Dion she was looking at, with an intelligent, penetrating stare.

‘I am Zara. Think of me as the king’s . . . spiritual adviser,’ she said. ‘My apologies, the king is under a lot of strain. We built Malakai. This city was always ours, but Kargan the false king disagrees, and we are expecting him to come by land or sea. But forgive us if we have been overzealous.’ She gave a slight smile. ‘We are recently returned to the Realm and we don’t always know who it is we are dealing with.’

She turned to Palemon, whose face showed mingled anger and confusion.

‘Sire, these men are not Ileans. They are from the northern Maltherean.’ She raised an arched eyebrow at Cob. ‘Do I have that correct, Captain?’

‘Aye . . . from Xanthos.’ Cob stumbled over the words. Dion glared at him, but Cob appeared to be under some kind of spell.

‘We thank you for your visit, and you are free to go. Depart with our gratitude and blessing.’ She looked pointedly at the king, before turning back to Cob and Dion. ‘When you have sold your cargo, you may leave without hindrance.’ She nodded at the pair of soldiers. ‘Escort them back to their ship.’ The soldiers glanced at the king, who gave a sharp nod.

As Palemon, Kyphos, and the strange woman looked on, Dion and Cob followed their escort out of the audience chamber.

Glancing back at the tall king, Dion saw that his jaw was clenched tightly.

As soon as they reached the harbor, Dion and Cob looked behind them, walking with quick strides, checking that the two soldiers were still standing motionless at the gates. They were watching, but letting them return to the ship alone.

‘What was that about?’ Cob demanded. ‘So much for being the quiet captain’s mate.’

‘I had to find out the truth. And he gave it to me.’

‘We could have been killed.’

‘Give me your view,’ Dion said. ‘Why did they let us go?’

‘The woman. Zara.’

‘Yes, the woman. Who was she?’

‘My ma used to tell me stories of witches—’

‘I agree,’ Dion said.

Cob frowned.

‘I think she was a magus, or something like a magus,’ Dion said. ‘She put you under some kind of charm – I know you, my old friend, and you would never have revealed we were from Xanthos otherwise. I also think she knew who I was.’

They were almost at the Liberty, where just a few barrels remained on the wooden platform. Finn stood nearby, haggling with a last handful of shouting merchants.