If Han didn’t have Gryphon’s vote, it would be best not to stand for High Wizard at all. Raisa would be disappointed, and Han would have no strategy. But he might stay alive a little longer.

He reached the wide, elaborate corridor of the Council House without further incident. This time, he was a half hour early, which he hoped would discourage any more Bayar games.

Hammersmith greeted him warmly. “Lord Alister, so good to see you again. Lord Gryphon, Dean Abelard, and the Lords Bayar are already seated. We await only Lord Mander.”

“Thank you,” Han said. He pushed open the doors, and all eyes turned to him.

The tension in the room was as thick as late-summer honey.

Gryphon was dressed all in black, in mourning for his parents, his face unreadable. Abelard’s expression seemed to say, Let’s see what you’re made of, Alister. Even his so-called allies weren’t exactly pulling for him.

Micah was sprawled back in his chair, somehow looking down his nose though he was sitting down and Han was on his feet.

“Alister,” Lord Bayar said. “On time, I see.”

I was on time last time, Han wanted to say, but didn’t. As he walked past Gryphon, he paused next to his former teacher, groping for something to say.

“I was sorry to hear about what happened to Lord and Lady Gryphon.” He cleared his throat. “I lost my mother a year ago. It must be even more difficult to lose both parents at once.”

Gryphon raised his blue-green eyes to Han, his pale face as hard as marble. “One would think so, wouldn’t one?” he said.

What in blazes does that mean? Han made his way around the table to his seat.

Lord Mander arrived only five minutes early, surprised and flustered to find everyone seated. He greeted his brother-in-law Gavan warmly, patted his nephew Micah on the back, and seated himself next to him.

“Let’s come to order, shall we?” Lord Bayar said. He took a long look around, to make sure he had everyone’s attention. “On behalf of the council, Lord Gryphon, may I express our sincere sympathy at the tragic and ruthless murder of your parents. This is a huge loss to the council and the assembly. Your mother contributed a great deal to the council during her tenure here.”

A muttering of agreement rolled around the table.

“We have tolerated lawlessness in the city slums long enough,” Bayar said. “Although it cannot bring your parents back, it may be some comfort to you to know that we do not intend to allow this criminal activity to continue.” His gaze slid over each council member, lingering a moment on Han.

Han sat up straighter, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“Could you elaborate, Gavan?” Dean Abelard said.