“You did not see them, our Magisters. They risked themselves again and again while we fled from the Open Hand. But in the last battle, Majesty—” He beat his fist on his thigh. “They did not fight from safety, as they did during the old wars. In the end, they refused even the shelter of the Repository. Instead, they joined us. Wherever we fought, their Decimates supported us. That is why our losses were so much less than Suti al-Suri’s. It is the only reason.

“You call our Magisters arrogant. Unworthy of their power. But I tell you, they are Magisters second. First, they are Bellegerin and Amikan. Their loyalty to their homes and their people is as great as ours. It is as great as yours, Majesty. I will not—I cannot—countenance—”

Abruptly, he stopped. As soon as Bifalt understood the cause of the General’s ire, he began to make placating gestures. At last, Klamath noticed them.

“Klamath, please,” said the King hoarsely. “My old friend. I have been humbled enough.” He could not forget Magister Pillion’s sacrifice in the Bay of Lights, or Magister Solace’s gift of healing to Matt, or Magister Astride’s courage during the fall of Belleger’s Fist. “I am married to a sorceress. And I love her. I will tell her so until she believes me. How long do you suppose that I can cling to my distrust while she is who and what she is?”

Startled out of his tirade, Klamath turned his head away. When he faced Bifalt again, he seemed chastened.

Again, Elgart laughed. “Well said, Majesty.” He looked as happy as a man could with one eye ruined and scars across his face. “If you persisted in your loathing, I fear that it would cast a blot on our friendship. For myself, I am prepared to pursue Magister Astride to the ends of the earth.”

“Then be at peace,” said the King. “When you are inclined to doubt me, remember Queen Estie.”

He was starting to fade, but he fought the impulse. He still had questions.

“Now. Tell me more of the el-Algreb. Does Suti al-Suri live? Is he here? How does he bear his losses?”

Klamath cleared his throat. “The chief warrior is well enough, Majesty. He sneers at his wounds. But I have never seen him so shaken. His bravado is gone. It may never return.

“He is not here. He has taken his surviving warriors and left for their homeland. They reclaimed many of their mounts from the foothills below the road. And they retrieved every rifle that they could find on the battlefield. Two days ago, they departed.”

“They cannot carry so many guns,” put in Elgart softly. “The librarian has given them wagons.”

“Before he rode away,” continued Klamath, “he charged me to remind you that your promise is only half fulfilled.”

As if Suti al-Suri’s assertion needed clarification, Elgart murmured, “The promise I made in your name, Majesty.”