Fidele’s mind was swirling, a turmoil of shock and pain, that her own son would disregard her so utterly and completely . . .

I do not recognize the man he’s become, do not know him. How could someone change so completely. Nathair was still speaking, though his words were a blur in her head now. Fragments began to coalesce, spinning together, like a broken window reforming, and slowly she began to see.

See Calidus meeting with Nathair, all those years ago, introducing him to Lykos, advising him to leave Tenebral, to chase after the cauldron, whispering in his ear, as he was even now. She glanced at Ektor, saw him frowning, gaze flitting between Calidus and Nathair, remembered his giant scrolls that spoke of the high king’s counsellor being Kadoshim, a demon of Asroth. At that time they had been talking of Meical, who had been Aquilus’ counsellor, but Nathair was high king now, and Calidus his counsellor . . .

‘What have you done to my son?’ Fidele heard herself say, loud and clear as she stood and pointed at Calidus.

For some reason she shocked everyone to silence.

‘What do you mean?’ Veradis said, looking between her and Calidus.

‘I have done nothing but give good counsel, my lady,’ Calidus said, his voice calm, reassuring. Suddenly she knew, beyond all doubt, every fibre of her being screaming the same thing.

‘You are Kadoshim,’ she said. Quietly, but seeming to impact everyone in the room.

Calidus pulled a face, part surprise, part sneer. ‘You are mistaken, my lady,’ he said.

‘And if we needed any more evidence of her madness, there it is,’ a voice shouted, Lykos, laughing.

‘You are Kadoshim,’ Fidele said, louder.

‘What are you talking about, my lady?’ Peritus called to her.

‘Nathair, tell me it isn’t so,’ she pleaded with her son.

He stared at her, blinking, almost startled.

‘Be silent, Mother,’ he mumbled.

She looked around the room, Calidus regarding her as if she were an insect to be crushed, Veradis was confused, looking from her to Nathair, Alcyon the giant – hulking, solemn, sorrowful – the Jehar just staring with their dead eyes. A hand touched her wrist, Ektor.

‘Not here, not now,’ he hissed, shaking his head. She shook him off and looked back to Nathair, who was still staring at her.

‘What have you done?’ she whispered.

‘Take her away,’ Nathair said, looking away as if he’d been slapped. ‘Her madness is deeper than I feared, she must be protected from herself.’

Eagle-guard moved forwards, Krelis and Peritus standing to protect Fidele. Swords were drawn.

‘No,’ Fidele said furiously to Peritus and Krelis. ‘You will die here, for nothing.’

‘You dare draw your blades, before me?’ Nathair said, his voice rising from a shocked hiss to strangled yell.