‘I have already done this with the punishment of Nidra Un-Sapphire.’

‘Do it again, my High Lord, and there will be no doubt.’

‘And if there is no obvious traitor?’

‘Unmake the one that pleases you least and put another in their place that you have chosen. Find someone that you trust as well as Lord Rochant and raise them.’

There was a long pause, but he knew his answer had pleased Yadavendra. ‘Are you suggesting I act without proper cause?’

‘No, my High Lord. I am saying that there is no cause more proper than yours. Fear will keep your Deathless in line. Make them fear you more than they fear the Wild and they’ll never be tempted.’

‘Very well.’ Yadavendra surged to his feet, forcing Satyendra to crane his neck to look up at him. ‘Which Deathless should I make an example of?’

He wasn’t sure if they were pretending any more. How could the High Lord even voice such a question? How could he possibly answer it? It certainly wasn’t his place. Was Yadavendra leading him into some kind of verbal trap or was he serious? He certainly seemed serious.

And another thought, a darker one, was emerging in Satyendra’s mind. How can I turn this to my advantage?

He began to talk, paying close attention to Yadavendra’s reactions as he spoke. The crystal armour made his face harder to see, and its aura made him harder to read, in fact it was mildly unpleasant for Satyendra to look at directly. ‘Lord Rochant and Lady Yadva were both elevated by you, so they are beyond question.’ He nods in agreement, but with less enthusiasm for his daughter than I expected. Interesting. ‘Lord Umed,’ he paused for just a moment, seeing a flicker of concern cross the High Lord’s features, ‘has served the house well for a long time and always supported you, leaving Lord Gada and Lord Vasin.’

‘This is all well and good but you have not made a decision. If you were advising me as Lord Rochant does, which would you choose?’

He’d been unable to glean much by the mention of their names. Assuming that this wasn’t all a terrible mistake, he’d narrowed it down to the two likeliest candidates. ‘I assume both of your nephews are coming here for the rebirth?’

‘They are.’

‘Then they can work to keep your favour. Let them learn quietly that you suspect a traitor. Test them, one against the other, and see which one shines the most.’

Yadavendra banged his staff upon the ground in appreciation. ‘Yes! Yes. This could work. You are a devious one, young Satyendra. We could not hope for a finer Honoured Vessel.’

‘You have always honoured me, my High Lord. Might I ask for one more honour?’

‘Honour is given, not asked for.’

‘Then, might I give one more piece of advice, in Lord Rochant’s voice?’

‘Very well.’