“One more thing,” Han said. “Just to be clear. When I say we’re doing away with the Nǽming, I don’t just mean handling of flashcraft. If we are successful, if we manage to free the queen, then she can marry whoever she chooses. Wizard, clan, Vale-dweller, pirate—whoever. I trust her to make a good choice, with the help of her family and her council. You should, too.”

Suspicion flared in Averill’s eyes. “Why? What’s that all about? What do you intend to do?”

Han lifted his chin, looking Averill in the eyes.

Averill took a step toward Han, leaning close, speaking in a low, fierce voice so only Han could hear. “She’s not for you, jinxflinger. That will never happen. I will see you dead first.”

Han looked back at him with his street face on.

“How do we know the jinxflingers are willing to work with us?” Shilo said.

“They won’t be any happier than you,” Han said, with a crooked smile. “But I’ll handle that part. How would you like to visit Gray Lady?”

C H A P T E R  F O R T Y - E I G H T

WIZARD
PERSUASION

Hammersmith greeted Han in the reception area outside the council chamber as if he’d been resurrected from the dead.

“I am so glad to see you, Lord Alister,” he said, bowing very low. “I did not realize that Lord Bayar had invited you to this meeting. I was told you were…ah…deceased.”

“Not yet,” Han said. Actually, Han had convened this meeting—in Lord Bayar’s name. He tilted his head toward the door. “Are they all inside?” he asked.

Hammersmith shook his head. “We don’t have a quorum, I’m afraid, my lord High Wizard. Dean Abelard, Lord Gryphon, Lord Mander, and the Lady deVilliers are here. The copp—Lord Hayden…ah…Dancer is not here,” he said. “The young Bayar is here, but Lord Bayar is not. Young Bayar asked after his father. Apparently, he has not seen him since he returned to Gray Lady. So peculiar.”

And he won’t be seeing him, either, Han thought. It seemed like a decade ago, the first time he’d come to the council, when Lord Bayar had arranged to have him assassinated along the way. Bayar had informed Hammersmith, incorrectly, that Han wouldn’t be coming.

So Han frowned as if vexed. “If Lord Bayar calls a meeting, you’d think he would be on time. We’ll go ahead and get started. Fire Dancer is coming, but he will be late. He will be bringing some companions with him. When he arrives, interrupt us and let me know they are here. Depending on where we are in the agenda, I will admit them. Or not.”

“Yes, sir,” Hammersmith said, looking confused. “Shall I announce you?”