‘Oh,’ Wargun said contritely, ‘that’s different then.’ Patriarch Bergsten was not really the sort one argued with. Wargun moved on quickly. ‘I read over the document a couple of times and decided that a side trip to Cimmura might be in order. I sent Dregos and Obler with the main body of the army on ahead and took the Elenian army back up there so that they could defend their capital city. When we got there, we found the place defended by the common citizens, if you can imagine that, and when I demanded entry, they wouldn’t open the gates for me until that fat one over there gave his approval. To be honest with you, I couldn’t really see where Cimmura was in all that much danger. Those shopkeepers and common workmen were handling themselves in a very professional manner up on those walls, I’ll tell the world. Anyway, I went to the palace to meet with the Earl of Lenda and this pretty young lady who wears the crown. That’s when I saw that rascal over there.’ He pointed at Stragen. ‘He’d hemstitched a fourth cousin of mine with that rapier of his up in Emsat, and I’d put a price on his head – more out of family feeling than for any particular affection for the cousin, since the man made me sick just to look at him. He had a habit of picking his nose in public, and I find that disgusting. He won’t do it any more, though. Stragen skewered him thoroughly. Anyway, I was going to have this rogue hanged, but Ehlana there talked me out of it.’ He took a long drink. ‘Actually,’ he belched, ‘she threatened to declare war on me if I didn’t drop the idea. She’s a very feisty young lady, I discovered.’ He suddenly grinned at Sparhawk. ‘I understand that congratulations are in order, my friend, but I don’t know that I’d take off my armour until you get to know her better.’

‘We know each other very well, Wargun,’ Ehlana said primly. ‘Sparhawk virtually raised me from a baby, so if I sometimes have a few rough edges, you have him to thank for it.’