It was all unfolding as Vasin had predicted. Yadavendra had gone, his daughter was making her bid to succeed him, and that meant it was time for Satyendra to step in. ‘Lady Yadva speaks true,’ he said. ‘There will be time to grieve later but first we must put ourselves in order.’ He looked at Yadva long enough to make her think he was on her side, just because he could. What is the use of having this power if I can’t enjoy it. ‘Therefore I propose we pick a new High Lord, here and now, and I say it should be … Lord Vasin.’

She’d been so convinced he was going to say her name that she was halfway through a nod when the meaning of his words got through. Immediately, her eyes went to the others to see how they had reacted. Lords Umed and Gada had not reacted, however, they remained on the sidelines, watching. They want to make sure they’re on the winning side and they don’t know which it is yet.

Satyendra was ready to push the issue. ‘What say you, Lady Yadva?’

‘Much as I am fond of my little cousin, I do not think he is suitable for High Lord. I’d say more, but I’m sure he doesn’t want me to elaborate, especially in company such as this.’ She gave a cold smile. ‘That is the case, isn’t it, Lord Vasin?’

What’s this? Satyendra was all ears. She has something on him. If I could learn what it is, I could control him. But it is of no use to me if Yadva takes power, or if she shares that information now.

‘It doesn’t matter what you think,’ he said.

Yadva snapped her head back to glare at him, and he added, ‘It doesn’t matter what any of us think. What matters is who is strongest here.’

‘I am,’ replied Yadva, ‘and you all know it.’

‘Prove it.’

She laughed. ‘Very well. I state my claim to be High Lord. Do any dare challenge it?’

Umed shook his head. ‘I have seen enough violence today.’

Gada was conspicuous by his silence.

I have never felt so powerful as I am in this moment, thought Satyendra. Could I face her down myself? It was tempting to try and take her alone, but such a gamble. He remembered how easily Vasin had humbled him and decided against it.

‘I challenge,’ said Vasin, though there was a resignation in his voice that did not inspire confidence.

‘Just you then,’ replied Yadva. She lifted a fist, weighing it before her as if it were a hammer.

Vasin did not take on a fighting stance. ‘There are many types of strength, cousin. Not everything is about being bigger or stronger.’

‘You only say that because you are smaller and weaker. Give up.’