‘I perceive now that our coming here is a part of God’s design,’ Sparhawk continued. ‘It is our mission to tell all the kingdoms of the north of this miracle through every village and at every crossroads. Even now I feel the spirit of God infusing my tongue with eloquence so that I might better describe what I have seen.’ He reached out and clapped Martel on the left shoulder – quite firmly ‘Don’t you feel it as well, dear brother?’ he asked enthusiastically

Martel winced slightly, and Sparhawk could feel the shoulder shrinking from under his hand. ‘Why, yes,’ Martel admitted in a slightly pained voice, ‘as a matter of fact, I believe I do.’

‘Wondrous is the might of God!’ Arasham exulted.

‘Yes,’ Martel said, rubbing at his shoulder, ‘wondrous.’

The idea had been slow in coming, in part perhaps because of the surprise of once again seeing Martel, but now it all began to fall into place Sparhawk was suddenly glad that Martel was here. ‘And now, Most Holy,’ he said, ‘let me give you the remainder of his Majesty’s message to you.’

‘Of course. My ears are open to you.’

‘His Majesty commands me to implore you to give him time to marshal his forces before you move against the venal Church here in Rendor. He must move with caution in his mobilization because the Hierocracy in Chyrellos has spies everywhere. He wishes devoutly to aid you, but the Church is powerful, and he must mass sufficient force to overcome her might in Deira at one stroke, lest she recover and crush him. It is his thought that should you mount your campaign here in the south at the same time he mounts his in the north, the Church will be confounded, not knowing which way to turn, and by moving swiftly you both may take advantage of her confusion and win victory after victory. The impact of these victories will dishearten and demoralize the forces of the Church, and you may both march triumphant upon Chyrellos.’

‘Praise God!’ Arasham exclaimed, starting to his feet and brandishing his sheep’s horn like a weapon.

Sparhawk raised one hand. ‘But,’ he cautioned, ‘this grand design, which can only have come from God Himself, has no chance of success unless you and his Majesty attack simultaneously.’

‘I can see that, of course. God’s own voice has instructed me in just such strategy.’

‘I was sure that He had.’ Sparhawk let his face assume an expression of extreme cunning. ‘Now,’ he went on, ‘the Church is as sly as a serpent, and she has ears everywhere. Despite our best efforts to maintain secrecy, she may uncover our plan. Her first recourse has always been deceit.’

‘I have seen that in her,’ Arasham admitted.