“—of knights who will be of much more use on the field of battle than trotting along after me. I won’t hear of leaving, Edward, so save your breath. Carry on with your war and leave me to my business.”

Edward and Marcus exchanged glances.

“Draconas says that the dragons fear the cannons. He warned that they may attack them prior to the battle. Have they tried?” asked Marcus.

“The only dragon who has come calling is Draconas,” Edward said wryly.

Recalling the loathing for the cannons he’d seen in the dragons’ minds, Marcus was surprised. “I find it odd that they haven’t attacked.”

“So did Draconas,” said Edward. “I don’t, however. You have the answer—the dragons won’t face the cannons. They don’t have to. They are going to send these wretched humans of theirs to the slaughter.”

Marcus pondered. That answer was logical, though not altogether satisfactory. His father was implying that the dragons were cowards, hiding behind humans, and that wasn’t true. He found the fact that the dragons hadn’t tried to destroy the cannons disquieting. He would have liked to discuss this with Draconas, but Marcus had been ordered to “stay in his room.” Recalling the ancient and powerful force that lay outside that room, waiting for him, he considered this advice sensible.

His father laid a hand on his shoulder.

“You look about ready to drop, my son. Go to your rest. Gunderson and I will do what needs to be done to start this war in motion. No, my son, I insist,” Edward added, seeing Marcus ready to protest. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to leap into the saddle and ride off this instant. Today I’ll be sending out messengers, warning the crown prince and the barons to the north to fortify their borders and prepare for an attack.”

“From an invisible kingdom. They’ll find it hard to swallow,” said Marcus.

“Weinmauer is not invisible,” said Edward imperturbably. “They’ll easily believe that his troops are on the move. I’ve already called the muster. We’ll have men and equipment set to leave tomorrow.”

Marcus was amazed and, apparently, his father saw that in his face, for Edward added, with a touch of bitterness, “I may not trust Draconas, but I’m not a fool. No matter what he tells you.”

“Father,” said Marcus, “this army we face is like no other army on earth. The soldiers fight with weapons that are not of this world. Their armor is made of the scales of dragons. I think we should warn our people what they face.”