She had left him and his company of honor guardsmen patrolling the road ahead of her. At one time, she had planned to add him and his men to her escort. Since leaving King Bifalt, however, she had reconsidered.

Thren Soulcess had never been able to rule his expression. His sudden wince told the Queen that he expected her to disapprove of his answer.

“Majesty”—he swallowed hard—“I have recalled him.”

Unable to stop himself, he bowed again.

Estie concealed her relief. Feigning displeasure, she demanded, “Against my instructions, sir?”

The Chancellor began to intervene. She stopped him with a small flick of one hand.

“Majesty,” protested Soulcess, “I had only thirty men. Thirty to preserve order in Maloresse and keep watch on the whole of Amika. And our Magisters are gone. Hellick had forty.” He looked to Sikthorn for support. “The Chancellor assured me that you would understand.”

Queen Estie nodded. “Very well, sir.” She made an effort to sound stern. “I do understand.

“Now I have new orders for Hellick and his forty men. Send them to the King in Belleger.

“I wish to be very clear, sir. War is upon us. King Bifalt needs those men more than you do.”

The older man looked like he might turn away. Or, worse, he might bow again. But Estie did not give him time. Without pausing, she said, “Now I must ask what you have heard from sub-Commander Waysel. Has he finished delivering cannon to the Bay of Lights?”

On that subject, Soulcess was sure of his ground. He could answer with more confidence.

“He has, Majesty. Some days ago. As you instructed, he gave half of his men to the defense here. His return is imminent.”

“Very good.” Now the Queen shifted her attention to include Chancellor Sikthorn. Her next order would frighten the Commander, but its burden would fall on Sikthorn. “We have done what we can for the bay. Now we must attend to Amika.

“How many cannon remain to us?”

At once, Sikthorn showed his foresight. He had his answer ready. “Nine, Majesty, all siege-guns. We can forge more, but not quickly. We have exhausted our stores of iron.”

Only nine? thought Estie. She had hoped for more.

Trying to keep up, Soulcess asserted, “They will suffice to defend the bridges, Majesty.”

His statement elicited an honest frown from Estie. She did not want an argument. Nevertheless she was prepared for it.

“But that is not how we will use them, sir. I want them taken to the Last Repository. When Waysel and his men return, give that task to them. He has enough wagons. Tell him in my name to follow me as swiftly as he can. With the shot, chain, and gunpowder he will need.”

Sikthorn simply nodded. He had expected this. But sudden alarm flushed the color from the Commander’s face. He stared as if he had been stung.