Sarn then farsent a silent enquiry, and when I assented, she proposed a limited farseeker expedition to the Norselands for the purpose of adding to her research into the Red Land. As I had expected it was swiftly pointed out by Gevan that the information would be of little use to those who had already left for the Red Land, but Sarn answered him much as she had done me, and when the vote was taken, her expedition was approved. She sat back in her seat, her face flushed with triumph.

Then someone asked if it was true that the moon fair would go ahead, despite the date of the expedition to the Red Land being brought forward.

‘It will take place as planned,’ Rushton confirmed. ‘It will be run across three days, beginning on darkmoon night and ending at dusk three days later. I know some of you are concerned about the timing, but Obernewtyn has issued its first invitation to the whole of the Land and I believe it cannot be rescinded without harm. And why should it be when most of the preparations are well enough in hand not to hinder what needs to be done for the expedition? Like Dardelan, I believe it is important for outsiders to see how things are done here in an atmosphere of tolerance, celebration and merriment that does not affect our efficiency. It is my desire that those who have attended will speak of what they see and hear and experience in the days to come with pleasure and admiration and maybe even a little envy, and you can be sure that will only improve the reputation of Misfits throughout the Land. Aside from all else, a choosing is overdue and performances have been planned for the occasion which deserve to be seen and heard.’

‘When will Dardelan come up?’ Zarak asked.

‘He will arrive on darkmoon but the three chieftains required by the Charter of Laws to establish a province and invest a new chieftain will arrive on darkmoon eve. One of them will be our own Khuria. The ceremony of investiture will be held during the opening ceremonies on the first night of the moon fair. Another reason for completing the formalities to make me a chieftain is that it will require four chieftains and a high chieftain to start the process to make Oldhaven a shire. As soon as I am officially a chieftain, I will be able to propose it and ask that Dell be invested as Oldhaven’s chieftain. The formalities can then be undertaken in our absence.

‘Unfortunately Dardelan will probably have to ride back to Sutrium straight after the investiture, but we will send as many of the supplies we have promised for the expedition as are ready to be transported to the lowlands with him and his armsmen.’

‘Which other chieftains will come up?’ someone asked.

‘Elii of Kinraide and, from the Westland, Rolf of Halfmoon Bay,’ Rushton said.