Han thought of the amulet hidden beneath his sleeping bench. Could that be one of those special amulets? Was that why the Bayars were so anxious to get it back?

He should have thrown it into the ravine, as Dancer had suggested the day they’d found it.

“For now,” Averill said, “we are asking all clan traders to observe a moratorium on trade in amulets, talismans, and other magical pieces. We cannot allow the Wizard Council to collect a greater armory than they have already.” He massaged his forehead with the heel of his hand. “I know that this will be a hardship on many of us who rely on that trade.”

“The Wizard Council will see this as a provocation,” Bird whispered to Han. “Especially with the war in the south going on. They’ll say that they need a steady supply of amulets to train their young and defend the Fells against the southerners. If wizards convince the queen this is true, what will happen to clansfolk working or trading in the city?”

There was more discussion of safeguards against possible violence in the Vale and alternatives to the markets for those who relied on trade for their income.

“I will continue to work from the inside, at court, to exert whatever influence I can to turn them from this path,” Averill said.

“I’m worried about you, Averill,” Willo said. “There’s already been one attempt on your life.”

The trader shrugged. “Life is as long or short as it is,” he said. “The Maker will call me when he is ready.”

“If we could just persuade Marianna to come to Marisa Pines, we might be able to cleanse her of whatever magical charm has been laid on her,” Willo said.

“She’s unlikely to be persuaded with Bayar whispering in her ear,” Elena said sourly.

Reid Demonai spoke for the first time. “We could seize the queen,” he said, “and bring her here ourselves.” His gang of warriors murmured approval.

Reid looked around the lodge as if assessing the backbone of his audience, then added, “Should anything happen to Marianna, we could crown the princess heir.”

“No, Reid,” Elena said. “We are not queenmakers. Marianna ana’Rissa is the blooded queen of the Fells and the descendant of Hanalea. Any attack on her will bring nothing but misfortune to us.”

Reid shrugged, but Han could tell he hadn’t let go of the idea.

The council came to an end, and the attendees drifted out, talking in twos and threes. Han knew all the guesthouses and fire circles would be crowded with people talking long into the night. Conscious of their dwindling hours together, Han leaned close to Bird and whispered, “Let’s go back down by the river.”

But Willo put a hand on his shoulder, startling him. He hadn’t heard her approach. “Stay a while, Hunts Alone. We need to speak with you.”

“All right,” he said, wondering, Who’s “we”?