‘I think she is. I was there. Any who says different is a liar.’

‘She says different,’ Krelis called out.

Lykos froze at that. She is in there, then. He felt something cold clench in his belly. ‘Will you give Peritus up to me?’

‘I will not,’ Krelis said.

‘Is he brave enough to talk to me? Or will he continue to hide behind you, his puppet?’

‘Krelis is no puppet,’ a voice called out, older.

Ah, Peritus; good. I did not think you would keep yourself from this.

‘So, you have found someone stupid enough to take you in,’ Lykos called. ‘And I cannot help but notice that you are all scared to meet me in combat, else you would not be hiding behind your walls.’ He was starting to enjoy this now. ‘What say you, Peritus? Care to test your blade against mine?’

‘I’d like nothing more,’ Peritus called down. ‘But I do not trust you – I’ve tasted your justice and hospitality before, remember. I think if I came out to fight you that your shieldmen would fall upon me. You are a liar, a man of no honour.’

‘I am hurt,’ Lykos said, putting a hand to his heart. ‘Well then, it would appear we have a problem to resolve. How would you suggest we go about that?’

‘Nothing springs to mind,’ Peritus called back. ‘This is the end for you now, Lykos. To openly attack Lamar – you have made a mistake, after your years of schemes and lies, to be so impulsive at the end. I thought you a more worthy adversary. The other lords of Tenebral will act now. Your farce of a marriage will aid you not one bit.’

‘It was no farce,’ Lykos screamed, spittle flying, venting a sudden rush of rage. He was taken aback by it and had to take a few moments to control his breathing and wait for the red mist to fade a little. He plays me at my own game.

‘We have only to wait here, let word spread,’ Peritus continued. ‘That tower behind me is dug deep into the rock, has huge supplies of grain, fresh water. If your plan is to starve us out you’ll be waiting a very long time. You could always try to take us by storm. Please do. That way we may still get to test each other’s blades. I think I’d win.’

So confident. I’ll cut the smile from his face. He has a point, though. I can’t afford a long siege, even beyond the fact that I hate waiting.

Shouting drifted from beyond the tower walls, the clash of arms somewhere behind it. Movement rippled through the warriors above the gates, sudden and startled.

Good job then that I have a plan of my own. He drew his sword and charged forwards, a thousand Vin Thalun roaring as they followed behind him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

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