“The thief?” Lord Bayar cocked his head, as if surprised at the question. “He’s dead, of course.” He reached down, groping in the strongbox at his side, and came up with a cloth bag. He tossed it toward Micah, and it landed on the table with a clank. “Here are Alister’s belongings, save the Waterlow amulet,” he said. “Feel free to present them to the queen.”

C H A P T E R  T H I R T Y - N I N E

QUEEN
COUNSELOR

Raisa’s decimated council awaited her in the hall where General Klemath had meant to ambush her. The assembly included Char Dunedain, Lassiter Hakkam, Amon, Cat, and Nightwalker, standing in for her father.

Not a wizard among them. But two women, at least. That was progress, wasn’t it?

Amon looked haggard—hollow-eyed with worry. He stood when Raisa entered, but when she waved them back to their seats, he sat and rested his hands on his trousered knees.

Cat took the seat closest to the door. Raisa’s uncle, Lord Hakkam, sat as far as possible from Cat, radiating disapproval at her presence.

“Let’s begin with General Dunedain,” Raisa said. “Char, can you give us an update?”

“Private Abbott has returned,” Dunedain said. “She got in late last night, after you’d gone to bed.”

“Thank the Lady,” Raisa said. A strong swimmer, Talia had volunteered to swim through the water gate and make contact with supporters outside. “Have you spoken to her? what did she say?”

“I wish I had better news,” Dunedain said. “The Demonai harassed the flatlanders all the way through the mountains, but didn’t stop them. Then a group of young wizards ambushed Montaigne’s forces just as they descended into the Vale. They had some success, but Montaigne’s wizards launched a counterattack, and ours retreated. Some were captured, and were either conscripted or burned alive. The Ardenine Army broke through two days ago, and now they’re marching across the Vale with nothing between us and them save some loyalist farmers.

“We expect Montaigne will be here day after tomorrow; in three days at the latest,” Dunedain continued. “We also received a bird from Chalk Cliffs. A small army of highlanders has collected there from the out-flung keeps, awaiting orders. There aren’t nearly enough to challenge Klemath’s mercenaries, let alone Montaigne’s oncoming army.”

“We’ve received word from West Gate,” Amon said. “Apparently, Montaigne sent a small force up through Tamron, into the Fens, meaning to take the keep and prevent escape that way.” A faint smile came and went. “Dimitri Fenwaeter reports that Montaigne’s soldiers mysteriously disappeared in the misty marshes.”

Once again, I owe Dimitri gylden, Raisa thought. I hope I live long enough to pay it back. “Have we heard from Gray Lady?” she asked.