‘No, Your Grace. There is no such majik that I know of.’

The king waited. Eventually Fleya broke the silence.

‘Lann is no traditional warrior, my liege. And the sword he carries is no ordinary weapon. Neither can it be wielded by just anyone. It is an ancient blade that was put into this world for a special purpose, and I still have no idea why my nephew was chosen to carry it. But together they won you back your life and your crown. That is as much as I know. I can tell you no more.’

Erik considered her response and the words she had used. He turned to his young jarl. ‘Is this true?’

Lann nodded. ‘It is. I am sorry, King Erik. I am new to this, and it is as strange to me as it must seem to you.’ He frowned, trying to find the right words. ‘The sword … speaks to me. It is an ancient and long-dead language. But at times I can understand it.’ He rested his hand on the pommel of the weapon. ‘The blade scares me, I’m not ashamed to admit that. But it has saved lives. Mine – twice – my aunt’s and yours. It gave me back my sight when I was blind. But Astrid is right, I am no warrior. I hardly know how to hold a sword. As you have just seen, I have no training.’

‘If you had drawn the black blade against my sister, would it have killed her?’

The question caught Lann by surprise, but he didn’t hesitate in his response. ‘No. It would not have harmed Astrid.’

‘Another one of these things you simply “know”?’

‘It is.’

‘Still, such a weapon is a dangerous thing. Especially in the hands of one so young.’

‘Some might say the same of a crown on the head of a young ruler, King Erik.’

The king regarded Lann for a moment, then surprised them all by bursting into laughter. Nodding his head, he looked at the younger boy again, as if appraising him anew.

‘Perhaps I have been too hasty. My sister would be an asset on your journey. She could teach you combat skills in case you and your black blade ever get separated. A Rivengeld should be part of bringing my father’s murderer to justice, and as I must stay here and rule …’ He turned to Astrid. ‘You have my blessing, sister. Just make sure you come back to me when you have dealt with our odious cousin.’

‘I will, brother.’

‘Good.’ He nodded at Astrid and Lann. ‘The two of you should prepare for your journey. All of Stromgard is at your disposal. And you, witch,’ he said, turning to Fleya, ‘I would welcome your counsel now.’

‘Of course.’

The king waited until the two younger people had left before he slumped into his great chair in exhaustion.

‘Are you unwell, Your Grace?’ Fleya asked.