‘As I said,’ Triton spoke in a soft voice, only glancing at her briefly, ‘I am prepared to make a bargain. Inside the ark at Phalesia is something of great importance to me. I am prepared to fight by your side, king of kings. We will change for you, and dominate the air, land, and sea. As serpents we will neutralize the enemy navy and as dragons and giants we will wage war. In return, you can have your conquest, and you can have the gold. All I want is what is inside.’

Chloe’s mouth dropped open.

Solon turned his gaze on her. ‘Girl, you are here to demonstrate your continued usefulness to me. Consider this a test that may be your last. Guard, if I give the command . . .’ He paused. ‘Kill her.’

The guard who held Chloe’s arm twisted behind her back put his free hand on the hilt of his sword.

‘Now,’ Solon said to her. ‘Tell me about the approach to Phalesia.’

Chloe swallowed. ‘There’s a clear approach from the sea. The navy patrols regularly.’

Kargan spoke in his deep baritone. ‘What about the approach to Xanthos?’

‘Xanthos?’ Chloe’s brow furrowed. ‘The isle of Coros provides a barrier around the harbor, with only one channel usable. You must pass Phalesia first. Our fleet protects Xanthos.’

‘Is Xanthos not approachable from both directions?’ Kargan persisted.

Chloe shook her head. ‘The Shards protect the city – a stretch of jagged rocks in the other channel. They would tear any boat to pieces.’

‘And there is no route through the Shards?’ Kargan raised an eyebrow.

‘No,’ Chloe said. ‘Not that I’m aware of.’

Solon nodded. ‘Now, tell me of the land route between Phalesia and Xanthos.’

‘There’s a mountainous road. It climbs the hills outside Xanthos and travels through the pass, the Gates of Annika. After the pass the road is easier to travel. It drops gradually, passing through farmland, until it reaches Phalesia.’

‘Chloe,’ Solon said softly. ‘There is one within the court of Xanthos who tells me of a passage through the Shards. He gives detailed directions. This man also tells me he has sent the army of Xanthos to Phalesia. The city is defenseless.’

Chloe drew in a sharp intake of breath.

Kargan spoke into the silence, directing his words to the assembled gathering. ‘We could swiftly seize the city and move immediately to take the pass before they are aware. This would enable us to hold Xanthos while the fleet moves on to Phalesia. Two nations would fall to the sword of Ilea, without any opportunity for a drawn out, protracted siege. If,’ he finished, looking up at Solon, ‘this man’s words are true.’

‘He wishes to be king, a satrap under my rule,’ Solon said. ‘I see no reason to doubt him. If his information leads to the easy conquest of two lands, he can have what he—’