‘Is a Vin Thalun sailor, a ship’s captain, lord of his people. Not a sorcerer. Look at him.’ Nathair waved his hand. ‘He is a man of many talents, but a sorcerer?’

More sniggers, louder.

‘His thirst for power drives him,’ Fidele said, her voice sounding reed-thin in her ears. ‘Whatever he has, he wants more.’

‘Power?’ Nathair said. ‘I had already given it to him, appointed him regent of Tenebral, made him one of the most powerful men in the Banished Lands.’

‘It was not enough for him,’ she said, almost a whisper, feeling her strength and will fading away, draining from her.

‘Mother, please,’ Nathair said, still regarding her with that maddening pity in his eyes. ‘It is clear to me that you are grief mad, and that in that madness, out of it, you have brought Tenebral to the brink of civil war. But I cannot punish you for it. You are not to blame. If anyone is, it is me, for placing too great a responsibility upon your shoulders. There will be no punishment for you, but you will retire, to somewhere safe and calm, away from all of the pressure and strain of these dark times.’

Am I really hearing this? Can my own son be saying this to me? It is some terrible nightmare. She wanted to say something, to convince him, but her mind was a blank.

‘Now,’ said Nathair, ‘as for the rest of you, I can hardly believe what I have heard. Tenebral, my home, the realm of the high king of the Banished Lands, has collapsed upon itself like so many squabbling children.’

Krelis muttered at that, Peritus sitting straight and tense.

‘The right of the situation clearly lies in Lykos’ favour.’

Krelis made to stand, but Peritus and Ektor both held him.

‘Ripa chose to defend a man sentenced to death – you, Peritus – and to take up arms against my appointed representative. I appointed Lykos – Mother, you saw my letter with my seal, and Veradis reported my sanctioning of him as regent of Tenebral. What you have all done is treason, and I could have you all executed.’

‘This is outrageous,’ Krelis exploded, lunging to his feet, Peritus following, trying to calm him.

Jehar were suddenly circling Krelis, swords half-drawn from scabbards. Krelis froze.

‘Sit. Down,’ Nathair commanded.

Krelis just stood, glaring rage at Nathair. ‘My da was slain,’ he growled.

‘Please, Krelis,’ a voice said – Veradis. ‘Please, brother, take your seat.’ And slowly, with a final glower, Krelis did.

‘I could have you executed for treason,’ Nathair repeated, holding Krelis’ gaze, daring him to move. Krelis didn’t.

‘But I won’t. I want peace in my realm, order, trust in those ruling so that I may focus on the real task at hand. The defeat of the Black Sun. What we are discussing is petty by comparison.’