‘He’s taken poison of some kind, and he refuses to tell me what it is.’

‘Is there any way –?’

She shook her head. ‘He wants to talk with you, Sparhawk. You’d better hurry. I don’t think there’s much time.’

Sir Perraine lay on a narrow cot in a cell-like room. His face was deathly pale, and he was sweating profusely. ‘You certainly took your time, Sparhawk,’ he said in a weak-sounding voice.

‘What’s this all about, Perraine?’

‘It’s something appropriate. Let’s not waste any time with this. There are some things you need to know before I leave.’

‘We can talk about that after Sephrenia gives you the antidote.’

‘There isn’t going to be any antidote. Just be still and listen to me.’ Perraine sighed deeply. ‘I’ve betrayed you, Sparhawk.’

‘You aren’t capable of that, Perraine.’

‘Anyone’s capable of it, my friend. All he needs is some kind of reason. I had one, believe me. Hear me out. I don’t have much time left.’ He closed his eyes for a moment. ‘You’ve noticed that someone’s been trying to kill you lately, haven’t you?’

‘Yes, but what’s –’

‘It was me, Sparhawk – or people I’d hired.’

‘You?’

‘Thank God I failed.’

‘Why, Perraine? Have I insulted you somehow?’

‘Don’t be foolish, Sparhawk. I was acting on orders from Martel.’

‘Why would you take orders from Martel?’

‘Because he was holding something over my head. He was threatening someone who was more precious to me than my life itself.’

Sparhawk was stunned. He started to speak, but Perraine held up one hand. ‘Don’t talk, Sparhawk,’ he said. ‘Listen. There isn’t much time. Martel came to me in Dabour just after Arasham died. I went for my sword, of course, but he just laughed at me. He told me to put up the sword if I cared anything at all about Ydra.’

‘Ydra?’

‘The woman I love. She’s from northern Pelosia. Her father’s barony adjoins the one belonging to my father. Ydra and I have loved each other since we were children. I’d die for her without giving it a second thought. Martel knew that somehow, and he reasoned that if I were willing to die for her, I’d also be willing to kill. He told me that he’d given her soul to Azash. I didn’t believe him. I didn’t think he could really do that.’

Sparhawk remembered Count Ghasek’s sister, Bellina. ‘It can be done, Perraine,’ he said bleakly.