That caught Han’s attention. Cat had mentioned that there’d been several murders of the gifted in Ragmarket and Southbridge. She’d asked around, but nobody seemed to be bragging about it.

Whoever’s running that crew has starch, Han had thought at the time. Or a death wish.

“Why would Montaigne kill wizards in Ragmarket?” Raisa asked.

“It’s just one theory,” Byrne said. “As you know, Your Highness, Montaigne has abducted wizards and forced them into his army. But it’s likely he’s been having difficulty getting his hands on magical weaponry. So he might be killing wizards in order to collect their amulets. Or seeking to reduce the supply of gifted in the north.”

Bayar rolled his lace cuffs. “Some say Gerard Montaigne is behind it. Others believe we should look closer to home.” He turned his head very deliberately and looked at Averill Demonai. The red-haired wizard leaned forward, nodding her support.

“By all means, look closer to home,” Lord Demonai said, glancing up at the ceiling. “After all, wizards have a long history of preying on each other. Perhaps some have chosen this means to address the shortage of flashcraft.”

“Isn’t it more likely to be gang related?” Raisa’s gaze flickered to Han, then fixed back on her captain.

“That could be,” Byrne said, “but the gangs usually leave wizards alone.”

“All right,” Raisa said wearily, as if she were adding this problem to some mental list. “Let’s get back to the matter at hand.” She looked around the table. “What about the rest of you? What do you think of Montaigne’s proposal?”

Is she really considering it? Han wondered. He’d met Gerard Montaigne, and he wasn’t buying anything the prince was selling.

“I agree with Lord Bayar,” Byrne said, “whether or not Montaigne has anything to do with those murders. My guess is, since he hasn’t been able to defeat his brother on his own, he’s hoping the army of the Fells will distract Geoff long enough for him to gain a foothold.” He paused. “Our losses could be devastating. Our army is trained for mountain fighting, where our smaller numbers aren’t such a disadvantage. Out on the Arden plains, we can be flanked and overwhelmed.”

“Let’s not be hasty,” General Klemath said, adjusting his bulk in his seat. “While there is some truth to what Captain Byrne says, his knowledge of our army and the tactics of flatland warfare is limited. Many of our mercenary soldiers have trained in Arden and Tamron for just this kind of fighting. In this instance, it may be that our employ of experienced mercenaries will lead to success rather than failure.” He smiled smugly, as if he felt redeemed.

“A strong marriage to the south would cement your position,” Klemath continued, “and discourage those who might seek to take advantage of a young and inexperienced queen.”