But what if Lord Rochant was unable to help? He had failed to save Nidra Un-Sapphire’s people from Yadavendra’s wrath, and Chandni was sure many of them were innocent. He had failed to save her Godpiece too, failed to save their High Lord from his own madness. In the end, would Satyendra’s sacrifice actually count for anything?

She forced herself to calm down. It was natural to have doubts at the point of no return. She would crush those doubts and be sure to let none of her inner conflict show. I must be strong for Satyendra, she reminded herself.

One more turn would bring them to the Rebirthing Chamber, where the Bringers and the High Lord were waiting. Chandni had the absurd impulse to stop and run in the opposite direction and she wondered if Satyendra was feeling the same.

This is my last chance to speak to my son. She turned to look at him but he did not meet her eye, his attention fixed on the opposite wall. It occurred to her that she should take the opportunity, that she would look back on this time with regret if she kept her silence, but could not think of anything to say. Normally, one would praise the Honoured Vessel, citing their courage and how they were honouring the house. To listen to the Story-singers speak of it, it was as much a celebration as a goodbye. But even Ban would struggle to make Satyendra’s recent antics sound heroic. She could hardly praise his attempts to escape his duty, nor his outbursts of rage.

Anything I say would be a lie and we’d both know it.

They turned the corner to come face to face with Yadavendra and his lead hunter, Zax. Behind them, garbed in black and white robes, were the Bringers of Endless Order. As always, seven of them were present.

Yadavendra was still in his armour. This probably shouldn’t have surprised Chandni, but it did. She’d assumed he’d have dressed traditionally for the ceremony and wondered what the Bringers thought of it. The High Lords stood above all, but even they had good reason to fear those that presided over the soul’s journey and ultimately decided which were suitable to return to the world and which were not.

‘He is here,’ declared Yadavendra, somewhat needlessly, Chandni thought. He stepped towards them and lowered his voice to add, ‘I trust there was no trouble?’

The hunters escorting them shook their heads, and Chandni did the same.

‘This pleases me.’ He beckoned for Satyendra to approach. ‘Let me see you.’

Satyendra did not say anything and there was an awkward pause.