‘And now, brothers and friends,’ Dolmant said, ‘we have a rare occasion here today. For the first time in history, a queen will address us.’ He smiled ever so faintly. ‘I would not for the world offend the mighty kings of western Eosia, but I must in all candour say that Ehlana, Queen of Elenia, is far lovelier than they are, and I think we may be surprised to discover that she’s as wise as she is beautiful.’

Ehlana blushed charmingly. For the remainder of his life, Sparhawk was never able to discover how she could blush at will. She even tried to explain it to him a few times, but it was quite beyond his understanding.

The Queen of Elenia rose and stood with her face downcast for a moment as if in some confusion at Dolmant’s prettily turned compliment. ‘I thank you, Your Grace,’ she said in a clear, ringing voice as she raised her head. All traces of the blush were now gone, and Ehlana had a very determined expression on her face.

Sparhawk’s heart gave a sudden suspicious lurch. ‘Get hold of something solid, gentlemen,’ he warned his friends. ‘I know that look on her face. I think she has a few surprises in store for us here.’

‘I too must express my gratitude to the Hierocracy for allowing me to be present,’ Ehlana began, ‘and I will add my prayers to those of my brother monarchs, asking God to grant these nobles of the Church wisdom in their deliberations. Since I am the first woman to ever address the Hierocracy in such circumstances, however, might I ask that indulgence of the assembled Patriarchs that I might address a few additional remarks to them? If my words seem frivolous, I’m sure the learned Patriarchs will forgive me. I am but a woman and not very old. And we all know that young women are sometimes silly when they become excited.’ She paused.

‘Excited, did I say?’ she continued, her voice like a silver trumpet. ‘Nay, gentlemen, say instead that I am enraged! This monster, this cold bloodless beast, this – this Annias murdered my beloved father. He struck down the wisest and gentlest monarch in all Eosia!’

‘Aldreas?’ Kalten whispered in disbelief.