Fleya studied the new king as he considered their counsel. Like his father at the same age, he was handsome and well built. The Rivengelds came from good stock, and she doubted there was a more handsome family among the Volken people. The young man had the opportunity to be great.

She had seen what a great king he could be if he chose the right path in life; and how poor choices could ruin him – especially during his early years on the throne. This was one of those moments. For whatever reason, she knew that the destinies of Glaeverssun and Erik Rivengeld were closely entwined with a thread that was not supposed to be cut. Not yet, at least.

The fire in the long trough down the centre of the hall made a loud pop, an ember leaping clear of the flames but dying before it reached the packed earth of the floor. The sound shook the witch from her thoughts, and seemed to have the same effect on the king, who had clearly come to a decision.

‘Your words are wise. I will spare Glaeverssun’s life, but he is to be banished. He has done too much harm here to be trusted. He will leave Stromgard this evening, on foot, with what he can carry and no more. If he is seen in this kingdom again, his life will be forfeit.’ Erik nodded to himself and rose from the throne, signalling the discussion was ended. He stepped down from the low dais so that he was on the same level as the two women. ‘How is your nephew?’ he asked Fleya, his voice gentle.

‘Physically, he is unharmed. But he still will not speak. He is in shock.’

The young king sighed. ‘I have seen this before. In men returning from wars. Something happens to them, something that is related to the things that they do in the heat of battle.’

Fleya nodded. ‘Lann killed a man. The weight of such a deed is causing great distress to his young mind.’

‘The man was a vile murderer,’ murmured Astrid.

Fleya shrugged. ‘It doesn’t matter what sort of man Oknhammer was. Lann took another human life, a terrible deed that he must somehow find a way to make peace with.’

‘I am sorry that I was the cause of your nephew’s pain,’ the king said. ‘I am in his debt.’ Turning to glance at his sister, he added, ‘We both are. So too are the people of Stromgard. I would like to grant him a jarldom. The very same one Glaeverssun is about to vacate. The people of those lands need a good man as their Protector.’

‘That is a kind offer, but—’

‘Good. Then it is decided.’