‘We don’t. Their numbers were useful when we seized this city, but they are correct – against a disciplined army, these tribesmen aren’t what will make the difference.’

‘Then what will?’ Kyphos’s bushy eyebrows came together. ‘Six sets of copper chains?’

‘There may be more.’

‘We’ve scoured the city. Even Zara agrees, there are no more to be found. And how do we know that the chains will do what the sorceress says?’

Hearing the metallic tinkle of jewelry, Palemon looked up to see Zara entering the throne room. The sorceress glanced at Kyphos and then met Palemon’s eyes as she approached.

‘I believe the chains are serviceable,’ she said, ‘although they are the work of Archmagus Nisos, and it is beyond my ability to make more.’

‘Think about it, Kyphos,’ Palemon said, pounding a fist into his open palm. ‘Six strong warriors or skilled sorcerers on the backs of dragons. This is our destiny.’

‘With only one problem that I can see,’ Kyphos persisted. ‘Where do we find the dragons? Do you plan on going to war with the eldren? Assaulting Sindara, as we did long ago?’

‘No, you have reason to be skeptical . . . The eldren are too powerful for us as we are,’ Palemon said. ‘And you are correct. First we need to see if the magic functions, if a dragon can be harnessed and brought under control. We need a subject.’

‘How is capturing a single eldran any easier?’ Kyphos raised an eyebrow. ‘They have a magical bond. An attack on one is an attack on them all. And how will you coerce it into changing its form?’

‘There are ways,’ Zara said softly.

‘It is a shame the king of Xanthos is no longer here,’ Kyphos said with a snort.

Silence filled the room after he spoke. Palemon tugged on the braids of his beard, before he and Zara exchanged glances. Kyphos’s incredulous eyes grew wider and wider as he looked from face to face.

‘Perhaps he could be,’ Palemon mused. ‘Zara? What are your thoughts?’

‘It could work . . .’

Kyphos frowned. ‘Sorceress, not long ago you advised us to let him leave without hindrance. You said he was too powerful for us. Now you think we can go to Xanthos and what, take him captive?’

‘I said we were unprepared for him. He took us by surprise. But he lives as a man, and has a man’s weaknesses. All we would have to do is find the right leverage, and for him to vanish without being traced back to Malakai.’

‘He’s a king!’ Kyphos protested. ‘You heard the clan leaders. Kargan of Ilea is sending his armies to retake this city. Don’t we have enough enemies as it is?’

‘Great power never comes without risk.’

‘Perhaps there’s another half-breed somewhere. Someone who isn’t a king—’

‘Silence,’ Palemon growled.