Yadavendra, High Lord of the Sapphire, could be seen striding across it. Both he and his hunters were still garbed for flight, their wings flashing in the sunslight. Sky-legs empowered each step, giving them a gliding, bounding gait. There was something both magnificent and terrible about the sight. As ever, Yadavendra was dressed in his armour. Most Deathless would have theirs removed upon arrival but he did not. In fact, she struggled to recall the last time she had seen him without it.

Compared to Chandni he was a towering giant, sharp edged, and glinting. In his hand was a golden staff, tipped with a sapphire blade, that swept dangerously back and forth as he approached.

The lone guard that she’d asked to hold the entrance had already stepped aside. Chandni made a mental note that he was not fit for promotion and bowed low, placing herself directly in Yadavendra’s path, like a pebble before a tidal wave.

He didn’t stop until he was virtually on top of her, his armoured bulk blocking out the suns. His hunters settled in a semi-circle behind, more like soldiers before a battle than guests in friendly territory.

‘Hail to you, Yadavendra, greatest of all the Sapphire,’ she said. ‘In Lord Rochant’s name, I welcome you to his home and thank you for honouring us with your presence.’

‘Honoured Mother Chandni,’ he replied. ‘It pleases me to see you. I hear only good things. These lands endure, this castle thrives. You do Lord Rochant credit. When he returns, I will tell him so.’

‘Thank you, High Lord.’ She looked up at him. ‘Were the currents in your favour?’

‘They were.’

‘Do you or your hunters require refreshments after your long journey? My cooks would be delighted to provide for you.’

‘In good time, yes.’ He gestured with his staff for her to move and she had no choice but to comply. In her mind she pictured the Gardener-smith shuffling about, no doubt doing everything in its proper order. What have I become that I am angry at a fellow Sapphire for doing things in the right way? She doubted Pik’s helmet had been attached. I need to keep Yadavendra talking.

‘How may I serve?’ she asked as she stepped to one side.

‘I wish to see young Satyendra. He’s inside, yes?’

‘Yes, and I know that he’s very excited to be able to see you again.’

The smile inside Yadavendra’s helmet was genuine as he strode past her. ‘Good.’

There was little to do but follow in his wake and hope for the best. She didn’t like the idea of leaving the hunters in the courtyard, armed and unattended. There was a restlessness about them that made her nervous. Perhaps it was simply that she didn’t know them the way she knew Lord Rochant’s hunters. Or perhaps it was that they were an armed force within her walls that she could not control.