'Yes, yes,' she said, 'you could not save your love. Life can be like that, Bane. But what of your own life? If you ask me I will grant you the strength and speed you need to defeat Voltan.'

'I already have that.'

'No, you don't. Vanni told you that. Voltan is bigger, stronger and faster. He is more deadly. Ask me!'

'No!'

'Is it pride that stops you?'

He had thought about the question. 'Perhaps it is, but I won't use magic against him. I want no help. I will face him as a man on equal terms.'

'How noble,' she said. 'Do you believe for a moment that Voltan would do the same?'

'I am not responsible for what Voltan does – or does not – do. I want him to pay for Lia's death, and to know that is what he is dying for.'

'And what will this achieve, Bane? Do you think he will care? Do you think that it will create in him the merest speck of remorse?'

Bane shook his head. 'It is not about him. It is about me. When I have killed him I will know peace.'

'Ah, I see. It is all about Bane. Not about Lia, or the evil of Voltan. Just Bane.'

'Yes it is about Bane,' he said angrily. 'And why should that not be so? Who has ever fought for me? I have always been alone. I loved my mother, and I think she loved me when I was a child. But, as I grew, every time she looked at me she saw Connavar. And she withdrew from me.' He laughed, the sound hollow, causing the crow to flap its wings. 'Where are my friends and loved ones? The one friend I thought I had deserted me when he thought me dying. Yes, it is indeed about Bane. If I die tomorrow, who will mourn for me?'

'Who indeed?' she answered. 'Well, if I am not needed I shall not remain. Return to your bed, Rigante. Sleep.'

It had been a curious dream, born no doubt of his fears, but it haunted him still.

'Time to loosen those muscles,' said Telors.

Two soldiers in silver armour moved into the Sword Room. 'The emperor commands your presence,' the first told Bane.

'He needs preparation time,' said Telors.

'Come with us,' said the second man, ignoring Telors.

Bane pulled on a shirt of black silk and followed the guards through the underground corridors and up a flight of steps to the second level. Out in the open he glanced around and saw that the stadium was full, rank upon rank of citizens waiting for the afternoon's entertainment. Circus Palantes could seat almost thirty thousand people, but hundreds more were standing in the aisles.

'Big crowd,' said the first guard.