The icularis arrived in Maiden’s Hollow as the sun made a majestic descent beneath the western hills. The Hadari emissaries made no attempt to conceal their black, dag-necked silken robes, nor the sallow features so common to their kind. The gathered wolf’s-heads parted warily, clearing a path to Drakos Crovan.

“We seek the Wolf King,” intoned the tallest icularis.

Crovan shared a glance with Gavamor and Drenn – the only members of the Vagabond Council still loyal – and offered a shallow bow, his own expression no less wary than those of the icularis. “You have found him.”

The icularis returned the bow. The three were curiously alike, with stiff-necked manner and watchful eyes. “We thank you for your hospitality,” replied the tallest. “Such as it has been.”

Crovan caught the sidelong gaze at the escort who had brought the icularis into the hollow. An escort now laden with belted swords, recurved short bows and bristling quivers.

He waved. “Return their weapons.”

The wolf’s-heads did as bidden and the icularis lost themselves in the process of rearmament. When they had done, their leader offered a nod. “My thanks.”

Crovan shrugged. “My folk have learned to take precautions.”

“As is understandable.” The icularis waved the apology aside. “My name is Haldrane. I carry warmest greetings from his majesty, Kai Saran.”

“And I’m pleased to receive—”

“Greetings, and instruction.”

Crovan bristled. “If he has a request, I’ll be happy to entertain it.”

A wolfish smile touched Haldrane’s lip. “Very well. His majesty expects to bring battle upon your oppressors at the first light of dawn. And he requests your every support.”

“Of course.” He turned to Vorn, who stood silent in the dappled shadow of a dancer’s statue. “Fetch Kerril.”

Vorn nodded and slunk away.

“Kerril has many spies in the Tressian ranks,” Crovan went on. “He’ll share all he has learned.”

Haldrane’s teeth gleamed. “Ah. You misunderstand. His majesty does not come to you seeking stories, or rumour, but blades.”

Gavamor shared an uneasy glance with Silda Drenn. “You want us to fight with you?”

“That is his majesty’s request.”

“Can the mighty Hadari Empire not manage the Republic’s leavings?” asked Drenn.

“Silda!” snapped Crovan. “I apologise for her tone . . . but she deserves an answer.”

“The Hadari Empire is capable of many things. This request concerns not our need, but yours.”

“I don’t understand.”

“We are not bringers of charity, or breakers of chains. We stand with those who stand with us. A seat at the Golden Court is earned, not given.”

Haldrane’s tone remained respectful, even friendly. Even so, Crovan didn’t miss the threat in his eyes. Anliss had been right. Princes were all promises until they had what they desired. “What if we refuse?”