Han plowed on. “You need to work with the Wizard Council—and not just when it comes to giving them powerful flashcraft. The clans are not skilled at flatland fighting, and we have only a handful of highlander soldiers. You are going to have to fight alongside the gifted to have any chance at all of breaking that siege.”

“We cannot join forces with jinxflingers, Hunts Alone, and you know it,” Elena said. “The Nǽming—”

“You had no problem sending Hunts Alone against the Bayars,” Willo said.

“The Nǽming has kept us in splinters for a thousand years,” Han said. “Either we set it aside, or we bend our knee to Arden.”

Averill scowled. “This sounds to me like a wizard scheme to gain access to flashcraft that we have denied them since they threatened the Gray Wolf line.”

“Look. I have one priority—rescuing the queen,” Han said. “And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. If you’re not, well…”

Averill flinched, and Han knew he’d hit home.

“Do you think that we don’t want to drive out the southerners?” Elena came up on her knees. “Do you know how many of us have died in the mountains already?”

“You cannot seriously suggest that rescuing my own daughter is not important to me,” Averill said. “But we cannot do as you ask. We cannot arm our enemies.”

“If you don’t, I will,” Han said. He motioned to Bird, who handed him the carry bag. “Have you heard of the Armory of the Gifted Kings?”

Elena’s face darkened. “Of course we have heard of it,” she said. “Fortunately, it no longer exists.”

Han reached into the bag with both hands, lifting out the Crimson Crown. “Actually, it does. I know where it is, and here is proof.”

Han could tell by their expressions that they recognized the crown he held in his hands.

“Where did you get that?” Averill demanded. “It should have been destroyed centuries ago.”

“Like I said—it came from the armory.”

“Give it here,” Elena said, imperiously extending her hand.

After a moment’s hesitation, Han handed it over. Elena fingered the metal, raised it up with both hands, turning it this way and that in the sunlight.

Finally, she nodded, her expression speaking before she did. “It’s authentic,” she said. With obvious reluctance, she handed it back.

“How do we know this came from the armory?” Shilo argued. “Maybe the Bayars had it hidden away all this time. Maybe he’s working with them.”

“Fire Dancer and I were there when the Bayars died, remember,” Bird said, putting her hand on Dancer’s arm. “Unless you think we’re all working for them.”

Elena’s eyes were fixed on Han. “You demand that we set the Nǽming aside for what?” she said. “What is the trade?”