There was one big surprise when it came to the vote. Han voted against it, of course. Abelard, Gryphon, and Mander for it. But when it was Micah’s turn, he voted against it, too. That earned him another blistering look from his father.

It didn’t matter. The motion still carried, three to two, so that the High Wizard’s tiebreaking vote wasn’t needed.

“How soon is this going to happen?” Han asked, hoping for some hook to hang a strategy on. “And who’s going to do it?”

Bayar scratched a few notes on the tablet in front of him. “As High Wizard, this operation is my responsibility. I will report back to the full council when it is done.”

Han felt sick, distracted, desperate to leave the Council House and race back to Fellsmarch Castle, to alert Raisa to intervene, to warn his friends in Ragmarket.

Then something echoed in his ear—something Bayar had said. As High Wizard, Bayar would have responsibility for seeing it done.

But Bayar wouldn’t be High Wizard for long. Weren’t they going to take a vote on that?

As if privy to Han’s thoughts, Bayar moved on to the next topic.

“Our second item of business is the election of a High Wizard to serve with our new queen,” Lord Bayar said. “As you will recall, we had tabled that matter at our last meeting in the hopes that Lady deVilliers would be able to join us. Alas, she has not yet arrived.”

“Then we must go forward with a vote,” Lord Mander said. “We all agreed that we would.” He managed not to look at anyone in particular as he said this.

Adam Gryphon leaned forward. “I am comfortable with Lord Bayar as High Wizard for the present. I say we should wait for Lady deVilliers.”

Han’s flame of hope was quenched by worry. It was an odd thing for Gryphon to say if Fiona had gotten to him.

Abelard’s head came up in surprise, and the glum look on her face abated a bit. “I agree. We should wait until we are all here. Perhaps we should take a vote on the matter.” She had counted noses and concluded that they could stall the selection of a High Wizard if Han, Abelard, and Gryphon voted to wait.

But Han couldn’t wait. If they waited until Mordra arrived, Ragmarket and Southbridge might be gone. Han needed to be High Wizard right now.

“I think we should go ahead and vote,” Han said.

He’d surprised everyone with that. Lord Mander’s jaw dropped, and he let go a high, nervous bray of laughter. Micah looked startled, and then his eyes narrowed, as if he were trying to puzzle out what Han was up to. Gryphon looked disappointed.

Lord Bayar smiled thinly. “Very well,” he said. “We will proceed. Are there any nominations from the council?”