Vonn unclasped his cloak and wrapped it around Evnis’ shoulders. It was Ardan’s grey.

‘I’d best not go back to Dun Carreg with this on,’ Evnis said.

‘You could,’ Vonn answered, stepping back a pace.

‘I don’t think Rhin would approve,’ Evnis snorted.

‘You could ride back to Dun Carreg with Edana, her warband at your back.’ He hesitated. ‘Your son at your side.’

‘And Rhin? The Queen of the west, conqueror of Ardan, Narvon and Domhain. What of her? What do you think she would think of that?’

‘Rhin be damned,’ Vonn snarled. ‘She is overstretched, tried to conquer more than she can rule. Ardan is ready for Edana’s return.’

‘Don’t be a fool,’ Evnis said wearily. ‘Rhin has powerful allies. To go against her is to die.’

‘You’re wrong.’

‘I am not wrong.’ Evnis felt his anger stirring, memories of his last argument with Vonn. He was convinced of his own opinion then, as well.

‘I’d hoped you had changed, had grown up,’ Evnis said. ‘That life’s hardships would have disabused you of your infantile notions of honour.’ Even as he said the words he regretted the way he said them, angry, impatient, patronizing.

‘I have grown up, learned many lessons,’ Vonn said sadly. ‘The main lesson I learned is that I think I have many more lessons yet to come.’ He didn’t meet venom with venom, which in itself was a change.

‘Perhaps you have,’ Evnis mused. ‘But that doesn’t change the facts. Rhin is on the winning side. That is partly why I have chosen her. She will not lose. Any resistance will only be fleeting. And why would I want to welcome Edana back? Daughter of the man who condemned your mother to death. Why would I want Edana to rule Ardan again, when it is mine already? I sit in Brenin’s throne. I rule from Dun Carreg. Why would I give it up?’

‘For me. Because it is the right thing to do. Rhin is evil. Father, what do you know of this God-War? Of the Seven Treasures?’

‘Only a little,’ Evnis lied, shrugging.

‘I have heard things,’ Vonn said. ‘Of the cauldron, of a gathering in Drassil, within Forn Forest. Of a need to find the Seven Treasures.’

‘I know a little about it,’ Evnis said. ‘But this is not really the time or place to discuss it.’ Twilight was settling about them. A mosquito buzzed in Evnis’ ear.

‘There was a necklace in your secret room,’ Vonn said.

‘Aye. With my book, which you stole.’

‘I did. I am sorry for that. I wanted to hurt you.’

Well, at least he’s honest.

‘You did hurt me. Can I have it back?’

‘I don’t have it any more.’

‘That’s not good. It’s a powerful, dangerous book. Who does have it?’

‘Brina.’

Oh, just wonderful.

‘There was something else in there,’ Vonn said. ‘A necklace with a black stone.’