‘Your words, they are convincing,’ Nathair frowned. ‘But, how can I trust you, now?

‘Would Veradis trust you, if you confessed to your past deceptions as I am confessing to mine?’

‘I don’t know. Perhaps. Not immediately, but if I proved myself to him . . .’

‘As I shall prove myself to you. Join me and you will see. You can trust me, Nathair – there is nothing hidden between us now. Ask me anything.’

‘What is your plan – the next step in this war?’

‘To consolidate what we have. The cauldron is the greatest of the Seven Treasures; it must be kept safe. I would take it back to Tenebral, where we are unassailable. And the other Treasures must be found. They are needed to break the barriers with the Other-world.’

‘So you would bring Asroth into our world?’

‘Aye. That is the goal. To crush our mutual enemies. That is the only way we can win.’

‘And I would continue to rule Tenebral now, and be high king in your new order?’

‘Yes. More than that. You would be this world’s emperor. Those who help me will be rewarded. You. Uthas. Lykos. Others beneath them – Rhin, Jael, Lothar, Gundul. Together we will conquer these Banished Lands and bring about a new order.’

He is wavering. Only the final step remains.

‘All that you have to do is say yes.’

They stood there in silence a long while, Nathair and Calidus locked in a gaze that excluded all else. Eventually Nathair sighed, passing a hand over his eyes.

‘Yes,’ he breathed. ‘I will join your cause. Though I would tell you, the trust between us must be rebuilt.’

Calidus smiled. ‘Do not trust in me. Trust in Asroth.’

‘What do you mean? I have just given you my word.’

Calidus paused and stared at him, then he laughed. ‘Oh, Nathair, your sincerity, it really is quite inspiring; I can understand why Asroth singled you out. But trust must run both ways and you must forgive me if I have a suspicious mind. How do I know that you have not given your word to prolong your life, to buy yourself time until you are reunited with Veradis and a thousand eagle-guard at your back? I wonder, will you feel as committed to this cause then?’

‘Of course.’

‘You will understand if I take steps to guarantee your integrity?’

‘What steps?’

‘You will see, in just a few moments.’ Calidus strode to a pot suspended over a fire, emptied its contents and drew something from his cloak: a vial, dark liquid within it.

‘What is that?’ Nathair asked.

‘The blood of an enemy. A powerful enemy; it is the blood of Nemain, once-Queen of the Benothi. Give me your hand.’

‘Why?’

‘It is time you met your new master.’ Calidus stepped closer, gripped Nathair’s hand and lifted it, then turned it, looking at the palm. ‘You have made an oath before.’ His finger traced a white scar.