Then he added fiercely, “But understand me, sir. Do not sacrifice your men. Your task is to strike at the raiders until they give battle. Then you must retreat—and keep striking them. Do not allow them to disengage or turn aside.

“I want you to draw him here.”

Where the bulk of the King’s army and most of his Magisters would be waiting.

If Matt could do that, he might save every town, village, and hamlet in the south of Belleger. He might save his family.

With as much confidence as he could summon, King Bifalt finished, “General Klamath and I will join you if we can. If we cannot, the Second Captain must be ready to lend his support.”

As the King spoke, the burdens lifted from Matt’s face. By the time Bifalt was done, the soldier Klamath had known during the old wars shone in Matt’s eyes: the readiness for battle, and the knowledge that his assignment was vital.

“As you say, Majesty,” he promised. “I will do it. I know the Magister I want. Her name is Astride. She is known for power—and good sense.” A moment later, he added, “With your consent, I will also take sub-Commander Hellick. He is new to the army. He has a few rough edges I would like to smooth away.”

Now King Bifalt found that he could hardly bear to look at the First Captain. He hated sending men into a doomed battle when he was not there to lead them. And he was cold. He felt a mad desire to retrieve his saber and hack at the chamber’s furniture until his shivering stopped.

With a nod, he dismissed Matt. At once, the man strode away, taking his eagerness with him. When he closed the door behind him, the King was left alone with his brothers.

They gave him a moment of silence. Prince Jaspid spoke first.

“What of me, Majesty?”

Bifalt had never known a man less inclined to self-pity than the older Prince. In fact, his beating at Lylin’s hands had lifted his spirits. Nevertheless his tone held a hint of plaintiveness.

“You know me,” he continued. “I live to fight. I was born for it.” His fingers twitched. “Give me an enemy.”

“And you know me,” retorted the King without compunction or compassion. “I lack your skill, but I am as reckless as you. I need you with me. I need you to keep me alive.”

Jaspid replied with a twisted smile. “Then you must be very reckless, Majesty. Otherwise, I will feel that I am wasted.”

Give me time, thought Bifalt. Your chance will come. But he kept that promise to himself.