It has, my king, the emissary said. I also regret to inform you that I was attacked by Rodry, the son of King Godwin of the North. He slew my guards in cold blood, and then… humiliated me in the way that you see now.

King Ravin stood and went to the man, seeing the fear there in him. Did he truly believe that his king would do him harm?

You have been through much, my friend, he said, placing a hand on the emissarys shoulder. Not as much as I had hoped, but perhaps enough.

My king? the emissary said.

King Ravin smiled. It is well known that Godwins son has no control. I had expected that he would cut you down for the things I offered. Still, he slew your men, and that is something.

He looked around the hall. From this moment, we are at war with the North. Attacks will be made to bring it to heel.

Your majesty, the admiral of his fleet said. How are we to do this when the river…

King Ravin nodded, and three of his quiet men stepped out of the crowd, their knives flashing. The figures were masked so that none could guess at their true names, or seek to bribe them. The admiral fell with a gurgling sound, while around him, others stepped back, hoping they would not be next.

I have long felt that you have not been trying your utmost, Ravin said to the dying man. Again and again, your fleets have failed. I suspect that your successor will be more motivated to succeed.

He returned his attention to the room. As we speak, soldiers are finding their way across the bridges in small groups, ready to strike. Quiet men will kill their nobles and take those they hold dear. Desperate men from the arena will be given the chance to throw themselves across the bridges and take them. At the same time, my fleets will strike its coast. Will no one ask me how?

None dared, of course, so Ravin had to answer a question that wasnt asked.

We will not sail directly north, he said. We will head east first, where the current will not snatch us.

He heard the murmurs as people started to understand what he meant.

For too long, we have been held back by thoughts of peace and neutrality, by the idea of places that should be held only by the gods, he said. The time for such things is over. We will act, and we will reunite the kingdom as it should be.

But how? the emissary asked, and King Ravin smiled again, because once more the man had done something useful. It almost made him glad the man wasnt dead.