‘I went to Phalesia. I spoke with First Consul Aristocles.’

The king underwent a transformation. His eyes bulged, and when he spoke, it was through gritted teeth.

‘Our alliance with Phalesia is fragile. Diplomacy must be handled with care. I’ve told you this before. You never listen, boy!’

‘Father,’ Nikolas said. ‘Please. Give him a chance to explain.’

Dion swallowed. ‘I know, Father. But I also know that we need the passage clear for trade to flourish. As you said – the sooner, the better. I’m sure Peithon will agree.’

Peithon spread his hands, the rings on his fingers reflecting the torchlight. ‘It’s not for me to say . . .’

‘You had better explain yourself more convincingly than you have so far,’ Markos interrupted, staring into Dion’s eyes until he looked down uncomfortably.

‘Perhaps he will, husband,’ Thea said softly, smiling. ‘If you let him.’

‘After I saw the blockage, I had an idea,’ Dion continued. ‘I thought that perhaps an eldran might clear the passage. Knowing the first consul has friends among them, and would want the passage cleared also, I sought his help.’

‘And what does he demand in return?’ Markos growled.

‘Nothing,’ Dion said. ‘He had other things on his mind. I assured him it wasn’t a state visit; I made that very clear. I explained I had come of my own accord.’

‘So he demands nothing?’ Markos asked.

‘He agreed to help,’ said Dion. ‘It worked. It’s done. The passage is now clear.’

He leaned back, waiting for his father’s reaction to the news, but the scowl didn’t leave the king’s face. Dion looked at his mother.

There was silence for a time.

‘You did well,’ Thea said.

‘You sailed the Shards?’ Nikolas murmured, shaking his head.

‘Well, there we have it,’ Markos finally said, half standing. ‘I’m sure Aristocles will let us know the price of his help. I will think on it.’

‘Father,’ Dion said, holding out a hand. ‘There’s more.’

‘What now?’ Markos growled as he sat back down again.

‘Is it Phalesia?’ Nikolas asked. ‘Did the tremor strike them badly? Do they need our help?’

‘No,’ Dion said. ‘It struck them hard, much harder than it hit us here, but the eldren helped the city in its time of need.’

Peithon frowned and lifted his head to glare at Thea, who refused to meet his eyes. Both had endured tragedies from attacks by wildren, but Thea’s equanimity and Peithon’s rage were at complete odds.

‘So you passed through Phalesia long enough to see that they don’t need our help,’ the king said. ‘You incurred a debt with Aristocles. If you have a point, Dion, I suggest you make it. You said you had important news.’

‘I do.’ Dion took a deep breath. ‘There was a strange ship, damaged in the tremor. It came to Phalesia for repairs.’

‘Go on.’