Gradually, Lord Rochant’s floating castle became visible amongst the clouds, the hazy outline gathering more and more solidity until it was a great weight, suspended in the sky. His eyes tracked up the structure, from the tapered point of rock at the bottom, rock threaded with veins of sapphire, to the solid walls and slender towers rising above them. He pushed ahead of Pari’s carriage, trying to see if Rochant’s flag was flying and was so disheartened by what he saw he came down to land with none of his usual flair.

The carriage pulled up alongside him, and Pari opened a window. Mounted on his Sky-legs, Vasin was still slightly taller than her. He could see Lord Arkav sat opposite, head down as if in deep contemplation.

‘What is it?’ asked Pari.

‘Lord Rochant’s flag is flying.’

‘Damn, it’s as we feared.’

‘No,’ replied Vasin, ‘it’s worse. Yadavendra’s flag is flying too, as is Gada’s, Yadva’s and Umed’s. I knew the High Lord was keen for Rochant’s rebirth to happen but it’s been postponed for so long, I’d assumed it would be again.’ A horrible thought occurred to him. ‘Do you think Rochant planned this?’

‘Possibly.’

‘I could face Yadavendra, maybe even Yadva, but the whole of House Sapphire?’ He shook his head, despair threatening to claim him. ‘It’s over.’

‘Now let’s not embrace our true deaths just yet. All we know for sure is that House Sapphire is gathering at Rochant’s castle, and that he has returned there.’

Vasin had the sudden urge to smoke some Tack. He could flee to his own castle right now and open up his stash and smoke it all in one glorious session. Oblivion called to him, appealing. But if he lost, Yadavendra wouldn’t just destroy him. Mia, his children, Old Sen, all of those who served him loyally would be cast into the Wild as well. And what will happen to Mother?

‘Please, Lady Pari. Explain to me why this isn’t a disaster.’

‘Your High Lord still has to answer to the other houses.’

‘But Rochant—’

She cut him off, ‘Still loves me. I don’t believe he’ll turn on me directly, not yet. Not if I make him think that I still love him.’

Arkav looked up, concerned, but said nothing.

‘That’s good for you,’ said Vasin bitterly.

‘For you as well. House Sapphire won’t want to air its private business with us around, so you’ll be safe for at least as long as we’re there. And if we succeed, Yadavendra will come with us. We can remove him before he can hurt you.’

‘I suppose so,’ he said whilst knowing it would not be nearly as straightforward as she was making out.

‘We’re not beaten yet, Lord Vasin. Trust me.’

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN