His face brightened. “I’ve talked to Master-trader Chalvers and given him permission to mark out a route from the border to Chaya. Work has begun on clearing for the port—that will take much of the summer, I fear, but at least it’s a start.”

“We should have some kind of agreement with the Pargunese,” Arian said. “They’re weaker now and have lost land; if raiders came up the river—”

“They trust Kostandan more than us,” Kieri said. He frowned thoughtfully. “Then again … if Ganlin marries into the Tsaian royal family … if the three could all be allies some way … that would be a very strong position should Alured invade.”

“They’re a long way away if he comes over the mountains,” Arian said.

“Yes, but he was a pirate first,” Kieri said. “He controls the Immer ports now, and from what Andressat said, he may still control piracy in the Immerhoft Sea. I have worried about that. Tsaia would never suspect that—and he could not get past the falls—but he could wreak havoc on all of us below the falls.”

“What did you think of the Sea-Prince?” Arian asked.

“Wary,” Kieri said. “He’s younger … Alured’s age, I would say. And like him in some ways. He said nothing about it, but I would not be surprised if Alured had traded around the Eastbight to Bannerlíth.”

“Talk to Torfinn,” Arian said, “and the Kostandanyans as well. If Ganlin makes a good marriage in Tsaia, they should be happy with you for giving her that opportunity.”

“I can hope so,” Kieri said. “But now—I need fresh air. Let’s go for a ride.”

The Royal Ride on a spring afternoon was pure delight for eye and ear and nose alike.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Vérella

When the king called Prince Camwyn into his office before supper the day after Queen Arian left for Lyonya, Camwyn was sure he’d done something wrong.

“I’ve set the day to depart on my progress, Cam,” Mikeli said. “At first I thought I would leave you here for your safety, but after what you told me about Egan, I can’t do that. You’ll come with me. We go first to Duke Verrakai, then—if we have time and the road permits—south through Konhalt and on to a town called Brewersbridge, where we’ll meet the South Trade Road.”

Camwyn’s heart rose. “I’m coming with you? All that way?”

“Yes. I’ve just sent word to your tutors that you’re excused from all classes until you return. It’s a working trip, not just a rest period. I want you to be on the watch for things that may be kept from the king, and I’ll expect a written report of what you see, day by day. Are you willing to do that?”

“Yes, sir king,” Camwyn said with a formal bow. He felt like dancing.