“Ebigail can always find soldiers when it suits her.” He scratched at his scalp, glad the sudden itch had manifested away from the bruises. “I thought Viktor had won his father over, but the vote was the same old battle lines. I have to find a way to undo it, though I don’t know how.”

“I can talk to Ebigail, if you’d like?” said Rosa.

What could Rosa achieve that he could not? All she’d earn was enemies she didn’t deserve. “No. I can unpick this. Viktor found a way to change his father’s mind. So can I.”

“Yes. How did he do that? You never said.”

“I never said because I don’t know. It’s Viktor. You know how he is. I think he likes to cultivate an air of mystery.”

Rosa grunted noncommittally, a shadow flickering across her face. Malachi took it for concern and offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Her lip twitched, but the darkness remained. “Let’s hope so.”

“He’s what?” demanded Ebigail.

Somehow – and Malachi didn’t know how – Captain Horden kept his composure. “Dead, lady. Maid found him this morning. Embraced the Raven, by the look. Gaping wrists, skinful of brandy and surrounded by the painted smile of wife and daughters. Worse ways to go.”

Hadon Akadra drummed his fingers on the meeting table. “You speak of a member of this Council. Show some respect!”

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.”

Malachi tore his gaze from the Council chamber’s grandiose map. Somehow it had been easier to focus on that than Horden. He’d not miss Tarev, but nor could he bring himself to revel in the man’s death. And then there was the timing of it all – a coincidence to which every flash of pain in his ribs drew closer attention.

“You’re certain he took his own life?”

“Nothing’s certain, my lord, but if the maid knows more than she’s telling, she’ll talk.”

Hadon scowled. “I thought you said he embraced the Raven.”

“The maid’s a southwealder,” said Horden. “Can’t be too careful.”

“Ah.”

Abitha Marest rapped her walking stick on the table. “She’s to be well-treated unless you have proof of foul play. Do you understand me, captain?”

“Of course, lady. Everyone gets fair treatment in my cells . . .” He shot a sidelong glance at Malachi. “. . . unless the Council requests otherwise.”

Malachi couldn’t find the energy to offer rebuke. Truth was, he and Ebigail both had twisted justice to get Rosa out of Horden’s jail. Now Tarev was dead. And on the day following his last surviving daughter’s funeral, no less. Even Horden’s limited intellect could piece that one together.