Sparhawk also drove the butt of his lance into the turf, and he also removed his helmet as he nudged Faran forward.

‘You’re looking well, old boy,’ Martel said.

‘You look about the same – except for the fancy armour.’

‘I recently had occasion to do some thinking,’ Martel replied. ‘I’ve gathered up a great deal of money in the last several years, but it occurred to me that I wasn’t enjoying it very much. I decided to buy some new toys.’

‘That’s a new horse too, isn’t it?’ Sparhawk looked at Martel’s bulky black mount.

‘Do you like him? I could get you one from the same stable, if you’d like.’

‘I’ll stick with Faran.’

‘Did you ever civilize that ugly brute?’

‘I sort of like him the way he is. What are your intentions here, Martel?’

‘Isn’t it obvious, old boy? I’m going to seize the Holy City. If I were speaking for public approval, I could put a better face on it and use the word "liberate" I suppose, but since we’re such old friends, I suppose I can afford to be frank. To put it in plain terms, Sparhawk, I’m going to march into the Holy City, and, as the saying goes, bend it to my will.’

‘You mean you’re going to try, Martel.’

‘Who’s going to stop me?’

‘Your own good sense, I hope. You’re a bit deranged, but you’ve never been stupid.’

Martel gave him a mocking half-bow.

‘Where did you come up with all the troops on such short notice?’

‘Short notice?’ Martel laughed. ‘You don’t pay much attention to things, do you, Sparhawk? You spent too much time in Jiroch, I’m afraid. All that sun.’ He shuddered. ‘By the way, have you heard from the lovely Lillias lately?’ He threw that in quickly, obviously showing off his knowledge of Sparhawk’s activities for the past several years in the hope of discomfiting his former brother.

‘She was well – last I heard.’ Sparhawk gave no hint that he was at all surprised.

‘I may just take her when this is all over. She’s a significant sort of woman, I noticed. It might amuse me to dally with your former mistress.’

‘Get lots of rest, Martel. I don’t really think you’ve got enough stamina for Lillias. You still haven’t answered my question, though.’