Loris took the sword to Kelson and placed it on the table with a curt bow. As he returned to his chair between Jehana and Archbishop Corrigan, Kelson glanced aside at Morgan.

Morgan had said nothing since entering the chamber, but he had watched the exchange with approval. He kept his features impassive as the councilors settled back to await Kelson’s next move, for the men sitting here in judgment would not be easy to sway. There would be no quick victory by lawful means, and right now those were the only means they dared use.

He gave a mental shrug as he eased the leather thong binding his wrists behind him. It would be interesting to see if Kelson could salvage anything from the situation.

Kelson looked around the room with only half-concealed disgust, making a steeple of his fingers the way Brion had done when he was particularly vexed. His eyes swept each face searchingly, then returned to that of his mother at the opposite end of the table.

“Uncle Nigel,” he said, not taking his eyes from those of his mother, “I believe you were given strict instructions to delay the Council meeting until I could arrive. Perhaps you can explain?”

Nigel, too, stared down the table at Jehana. He was certain Kelson knew he had tried. What he said would be solely for the benefit of the men seated around this Council table.

“Indeed, I can, Your Majesty,” he replied coolly. “I did try to inform the Council that you had asked for a postponement, but there were certain others who ignored that request. Her Majesty the queen informed us that you were engaged in more important matters. She insisted we begin without you.”

Jehana lowered her eyes as Kelson frowned.

“Is this true, Mother?”

“Of course, it’s true!” Jehana retorted, green eyes flashing. “There were things to be done, Kelson—things that should have been done a long time ago. At least your Council shows some common sense. Your precious traitor Morgan was convicted by a vote of five to four!”

Kelson started to reply hotly, then thought better of it and rechose his next words. Beside him, he was aware of Morgan shifting his weight from one foot to the other, felt the edge of the general’s cloak brush against his knee. He forced himself to relax and scan the tense Council again.