‘Then,’ Tessera continued, ‘after the count’s womenfolk had all been repeatedly raped, they were dragged one by one to a spot directly before where the count was tied and their throats were cut. The count wept and tried to tear his hands free, but his bonds were too tight. He pleaded with the Pandions to stop, but they only laughed and continued their butchery. Finally, when his wife and daughters were all dead and lying in their own blood, he asked them why they were doing this. One of them, the leader, I think, replied that it was on the orders of Lord Vanion, the Preceptor of the Pandions.’

King Dregos leapt to his feet. He was weeping openly and clawing at his sword hilt. Annias stepped in front of him. ‘I share your outrage, your Majesty, but a quick death for this monstrous Vanion would be far too merciful. Let us hear this good, honest man out. Go on with your account, Tessera.’

‘There isn’t much more to tell, your Grace,’ Tessera replied. ‘Once the Pandions had killed all the women, they tortured the count to the point of death and then they beheaded him. After that, they drove the churchmen out of the castle and looted the place.’

Thank you, Tessera,’ Annias said. He motioned to another of his soldiers, and the guard went to the same side door to admit a man dressed in a peasant smock. The peasant had a slightly furtive look and he was trembling noticeably

‘Say your name, fellow,’ Annias ordered.

‘I am Verl, your Grace, an honest serf from the estate of Count Radun.’

‘And why are you in Cimmura? A serf may not leave the estate of his lord without permission.’

‘I fled, your Grace, after the murder of the count and all his family’

‘Can you tell us what happened? Did you witness this atrocity?’

‘Not directly, your Grace. I was working in a field near the count’s castle when I saw a large group of men dressed in black armour and carrying the banners of the Pandion Knights ride out of the castle. One of them had the count’s head on the point of his spear. I hid myself and I could hear them talking and laughing as they rode by.’

‘What were they saying?’

‘The one who was carrying the count’s head said, “We must carry this trophy to Demos to prove to Lord Vanion that we have carried out his orders.” After they had gone past, I ran to the castle and found everyone inside dead. I was afraid that the Pandions might come back, so I ran away’

‘Why did you come to Cimmura?’

‘To report the crime to you, your Grace, and to place myself under your protection. I was afraid that if I stayed in Arcium, the Pandions would hunt me down and kill me.’