Though the sun was high, a chill wind kept the watchers on the ridge wrapped in their tawls. Danjin looked to either side, at the peculiar mixture of camp servants and important personages that had gathered to watch the battle. They formed a long line along the edge of the valley. Most of it was made up of crowds of servants, cooks and other camp helpers. At the center was a pavilion. Carpet had been laid over the grass and chairs placed for those of highest rank: the two kings and the Moderator of the Somreyan Council. Advisers, courtiers and servants stood around the outside of this, entering only when summoned, and grooms stood nearby holding mounts at the ready.

The White had insisted that the two monarchs remain out of the battle. Danjin smiled as he remembered that argument.

“We are quite willing to fight alongside our men,” King Berro had said indignantly, when told he and King Guire didn’t have a place in the fight.

“Be assured we know that,” Juran had replied. “But if you enter the battle you will die. The moment the Pentadrians find a gap in our defense—and they will—they will strike at anyone who looks important to us.” He paused. “You could disguise yourselves as ordinary soldiers to increase your chances of survival, but I would prefer you did not. You are too important to risk.”

Berro had scowled at that. “Why, then, do you send the Siyee Speaker into battle?”

“She is difficult to distinguish from the other Siyee, and as the Siyee elect their leaders, another Speaker has been chosen to take her place if she dies.”

“I have chosen my heir,” Berro reminded Juran.

“A child,” Juran pointed out bluntly. “Who will take some years to grow into his responsibilities.” He crossed his arms. “If you wish to venture onto the battlefield, we will not stop you. We will not protect you at the cost of victory. If you seek glory, it will cost you your life—and weaken your country.”

At that point, Moderator Meeran had cleared his throat.

“I am an elected ruler, yet you have no place for me either.”

“No,” Juran replied, turning his attention to the Somreyan. “Forgive me for pointing this out, but you are old and have no experience in fighting. You are of greater value to us for your ability to negotiate with and unite others.”

He had then asked Meeran to take charge of the non-fighters during the battle, and to negotiate on behalf of the army should the Circlians lose the battle. Nobody had asked why I-Portak, the Dunwayan leader, was joining the battle. All knew that the leader of the warrior nation was required to fight alongside his people. If he did not, he would lose the leadership to another. Several Dunwayan sorcerers—their fire-warriors—accompanied him.