But then he began to make out familiar faces. In fact, most of the people around the inner ring of the clear space, the people who would stand nearest to him, were men and women he knew. General Klamath was there, enjoying his King’s discomfiture. Holding Magister Astride’s hand, Elgart grinned like a madman. Prince Jaspid stood directly behind a most holy devotee of Spirit with his arms wrapped around her. If she objected, she showed her disapproval by leaning her head on his shoulder. Captain Rowt and a number of the riflemen acknowledged King Bifalt’s arrival with their best bows. The Amikans among them performed their florid salutes. Sub-Commander Hellick supported himself on a crutch. Magister Trench applauded until he noticed that no one joined him. Magister Brighten bared her teeth like a woman who would have preferred to be surrounded by men and women she could kill.

The librarian must have arranged them deliberately. Bifalt had not expected so much consideration from a woman he had never met.

“Do you see, husband?” whispered Estie. “There are many here that you do not know, but all of our people have come. You will not address an assembly of strangers.”

Bifalt would have felt more sure of himself if they were strangers. He could have faced them as if they were his foes. Instead, he trembled.

He found a brief comfort in the idea that at least his wife would not be able to hear him. But then he saw Commander Crayn standing nearby, ready to repeat whatever Bifalt said for his Queen.

Ah, hells.

Fortunately, he did not have to wait long. Soon two women filtered through the crowd, crossed the open center, and approached him. Both wore the robes of Magisters. One was small, almost tiny, with a lustrous sweep of black hair and an air of painful diffidence. The other, taller and more confident, had the knowing look of a woman who understood too much.

They both bowed. “King Bifalt,” said the taller, “I am Magister Oblique. Allow me to introduce Magister Beatrix Threnody, the librarian of the Last Repository.”

Her companion bowed again, hiding behind her hair.

“This gathering is for you, Majesty,” continued Oblique. “We are all eager to hear you. None of us have other duties. Say as much or as little as you wish. The Repository still stands because you have given it twenty years of your life. No one else could or would have done so much. We are simply grateful that you have consented to speak.”

Watching Crayn out of the corner of her eye, Estie nudged Bifalt. “Go now, beloved,” she breathed. “Trust yourself.”

As if he were on the way to a scaffold, King Bifalt walked out into the center of the hall. With his right hand, he held his left behind his back to keep his posture upright. Perhaps his audience would not notice the unsteadiness of his steps.