Do I just think that because of how close I am to Gar? Instantly he knew the answer to that was no. He loved Gar like a father and brother combined, but above and beyond that he knew that Gar was a great man, deserving of leadership.

‘Something troubles you?’ Hamil asked him quietly.

‘I think Gar should be your lord,’ Corban said.

A smile twitched Hamil’s mouth. ‘I nominate Garisan ben Tukul,’ he cried out in a loud voice.

Akar’s head snapped around to him, as did the head of every other Jehar in the crowd. Except Gar. Corban saw his friend bow his head. He looked up at Hamil. ‘I am not worthy,’ he said.

‘He is not worthy,’ Akar said. ‘I have spent my life in Telassar, I am already a named captain of the kin, have led warriors in battle. I am trained and proven.’

‘Another has been nominated,’ Hamil said. ‘The time for words is passed, only the court of swords can decide this.’

‘If he accepts the nomination,’ Akar said, eyes falling upon Gar.

Gar looked at Hamil, about the crowd, then finally at Corban.

‘You are worthy,’ Corban said to him. ‘No one more so.’

He sighed, then nodded. ‘I accept,’ he said, and strode into the ring to stand before Akar.

Hamil stepped out of the crowd.

‘Akar ben Yeshua, would you stand against Garisan ben Tukul in the court of swords?’

‘I would,’ Akar said. ‘He has been tainted by the world, softened and weakened. He is not fit to lead the Jehar.’

That made Corban angry. He fought to keep his mouth clamped shut.

‘Garisan ben Tukul, would you stand against Akar ben Yeshua in the court of swords?’

Gar stood before Akar, head bowed, then raised his eyes and met Akar’s gaze.

‘I would,’ Gar said. ‘Because my father did not want Akar to lead the Jehar.’

Akar scowled at that. ‘A dead man’s words should stay with him, in the grave.’

Gar drew his sword.

What!

What are they doing?

‘Why is Gar doing that?’ Corban gasped, grabbing Hamil’s arm.

‘Because his father would have wished him to.’

Akar drew his blade, threw his scabbard to one side.

‘No. Why are they using sharp iron?’

‘This is to the death,’ Hamil said.

Gar and Akar faced one another.

There was a pause, the calm in the storm before violence is unleashed, death’s wings close.

Corban walked into the ring.

‘No,’ he said.

Everyone looked at him.

‘You will not fight to the death,’ he shouted. ‘Asroth and his Black Sun outnumber us, threaten to overwhelm us. I need every warrior that can hold a blade – and two Jehar with a lifetime of skill and learning . . .’ He shook his head. ‘It is a waste. I will not lose either of you over this decision.’

Both men stared at him.

‘What would you have us do, then?’ Gar asked. ‘This must be decided.’