‘I’ll cut this short then,’ he said. He told his queen of their search of the battlefield at Lake Randera and of how they were finally able to locate Count Ghasek. The queen listened intently, almost seeming to hold her breath as he recounted the events at Lake Venne. He quickly sketched in King Wargun’s interference – though he did not use that exact word – and finally described the dreadful encounter in Ghwerig’s cave and the revelation of Flute’s real identity. ‘And that’s where things stand now, My Queen,’ he concluded. ‘King Wargun’s battling with the Rendors down in Arcium; Annias is in Chyrellos awaiting the death of Archprelate Cluvonus; and you’re back on your throne where you belong.’

‘And also newly betrothed,’ she reminded him. She was obviously not going to let him forget that. She thought for a moment. ‘And what have you done with Lycheas?’ she asked intently.

‘He’s back in the dungeon where he belongs, Your Majesty.’

‘And Harparin and that other one?’

‘The fat one’s in the dungeon with Lycheas. Harparin left us rather suddenly.’

‘You let him escape?’

Kalten shook his head. ‘No, Your Majesty. He started screaming and trying to order us out of the council chamber. Vanion got bored with all the noise and had Ulath chop off his head.’

‘How very appropriate. I want to see Lycheas.’

‘Shouldn’t you rest?’ Sparhawk asked her.

‘Not until I have a few words with my cousin.’

‘I’ll fetch him,’ Ulath said. He turned and left the room.

‘My Lord of Lenda,’ Ehlana said then, ‘will you preside over my royal council?’

‘As Your Majesty wishes,’ Lenda said with a low bow.

‘And Lord Vanion, would you also serve – when your other duties permit?’

‘I’d be honoured, Your Majesty.’

‘As my consort and champion, Sparhawk will also have a seat at the council table – and I think Sephrenia as well.’

‘I am Styric, Ehlana,’ Sephrenia pointed out. ‘Would it be wise to put a Styric on your council, given the feelings of the Elene commons about our race?’

‘I’m going to put an end to that nonsense once and for all,’ Ehlana said firmly. ‘Sparhawk, can you think of anyone else who might be useful on the council?’

He thought about it, and suddenly an idea came to him. ‘I know a man who isn’t of noble birth, Your Majesty, but he’s very clever and he understands a great deal about a side of Cimmura you probably don’t even know exists.’

‘Who is this man?’

‘His name’s Platime.’

Talen burst out laughing. ‘Have you lost your mind, Sparhawk?’ he said. ‘You’re going to let Platime into the same building with the treasury and the crown jewels?’

Ehlana looked a bit puzzled. ‘Is there some problem with this man?’ she asked.