“Fallon knows,” Morwenna said with a suggestive tone. “He’s beside himself with worry. Gahalatine attacked Edonburick personally. The defenses were no match for him, and the heights were overpowered in short order by those flying troops of his. Queen Elysabeth was snatched away by one of the emperor’s Wizrs. She’s probably already been taken to the Forbidden Court.”

Trynne felt as if her broken heart had been wrenched from her chest. “What happened to Iago?” she pressed.

“He was taken aboard one of the treasure ships. There is a governor of Edonburick now, assigned by the emperor. He has brought gifts—more like bribes—to pay off the nobles. Some fled and returned to their own lands. With Iago and Elysabeth gone, only Fallon has a chance to rally any defense for Atabyrion. But he’s still at Kingfountain.” She reached out and touched Trynne’s shoulder. “He was chosen, you know. He’s the king’s champion.”

The Gauntlet had been the furthest thing from Trynne’s mind. So Fallon had won after all?

“I’m glad for him,” Trynne said, her feelings still very conflicted.

“Yes, there was hope that someone else would compete. You know the people keep talking about the Painted Knight.” She gave Trynne a conspiratorial smile. “They were surprised he didn’t come to Kingfountain.”

Did Morwenna know? Trynne kept her expression guarded, but suspicion writhed inside her like a nest of snakes. Had Fallon told Morwenna?

“I had not heard the latest news. Thank you.”

Morwenna looked around at the rubble. “When I arrived, I was surprised to hear that you were not also captured. They must have sent someone to take you?” Her tone urged Trynne to confide all her secrets.

“Yes, and they learned that Brythonica was not as helpless as they had supposed. We were not easy prey.”

Morwenna looked startled. “I am impressed, Trynne. The king will wish to hear of your success from your own mouth. Shall we go now?”

Trynne had the feeling that Morwenna was more surprised than she was letting on. Despite the bonds of the past, she felt more wary of her than ever. Severn’s daughter was a dangerous person, a Wizr in her own right, and Trynne’s own stores of magic were perilously depleted. If Morwenna’s loyalties lay elsewhere, she would be walking into danger if she left with her.

“I will come shortly,” Trynne said, deciding to trust her instincts. “Please tell the king and queen that I am safe. Ploemeur is unconquered, and our navy is still intact. There is other news I must bring them as well.” Trynne wasn’t going to share what she had learned with Morwenna. Nor was she going to tell her that Rucrius was being held in the dungeon.

Morwenna looked at her eagerly, her eyes wide with interest.

Trynne patted her arm. “Thank you. Tell Fallon that I’m sorry about his parents. He must be very worried.”