So this is one of your gnomes,” King Mikeli said. Dattur bowed; the king inclined his head. “I thought they were all in the north, in that land you granted them.”

“Dattur was separated from them some time ago, sir king,” Arcolin said. “But he is of the same tribe, and has helped me in learning gnomish language, customs, and their Law.”

“It seems to me,” the king said, “that you are holding more responsibility now than even Kieri did when he was duke. A prince of gnomes. A commander of the same size force Kieri had. Lord of one of my largest domains. And—last winter—a wise advisor in the matter of Duke Verrakai and my cousin Beclan. It has pleased me, Jandelir Arcolin, to find you as able as Kieri in the roles he held and now in this new one.”

Arcolin was sure the king was leading up to something, but what?

“And,” the king said, “you are both Girdish and widely experienced; you know the south as well as Tsaia; you know people of other beliefs.” He leaned forward and spoke to Dattur. “Dattur, does this man please you as your prince?”

Dattur bowed again. “Lord king of men, it pleases me.”

“And does it please the Aldonfulk?”

“It does, lord king of men.”

Mikeli looked back at Arcolin, a spark of mischief in his eye. “It is in my mind and heart, Jandelir, that it would more suit your responsibilities if you were a duke instead of a count. At Midsummer Court, two of the other dukes told me so, and the others agreed when I asked them.”

Arcolin bowed but said nothing.

“I took the liberty of contacting your steward in the north, asking for ducal court dress to be prepared for you. They said Kieri had left you his … so those were sent. But it is up to you … because I warn you, there will be even more work for a duke. As you have reported—as Duke Verrakai has warned, there is more trouble coming, and I will need you.”

“Sir king,” Arcolin said, “I am yours to command. If this is your will, it is my will.”

“And so, at Autumn Court, you will be elevated to duke,” the king said. “The ceremony is different—rare, in fact, for usually a duke’s heir is confirmed in the duke’s place, and not since Kieri’s own elevation from count to duke have we had a count elevated.” He grinned. “I was a mere babe then, not allowed to witness, so we shall hope I carry it through properly.” Then he sobered. “We have much to talk about when you have your new rank, but I will not burden you with that now. You will want to confer with my master of ceremonies and prepare.”

Arcolin bowed again. “Thank you, sir king—for the honor and for the courtesy of giving me time to prepare.”