As they approached the audience hall, muted murmuring could be heard from the open doorway where the guards were stationed. As soon as Trynne entered the hall, the conversation cut off. Duke Ramey’s jaw went slack at the sight of the captured Wizr. Queen Genevieve was there, cradling her baby in her arms, and she looked at Trynne in wonderment. King Drew was standing, his fists planted on the table, his mouth still open to deliver whatever remark he’d intended to make to Duke Severn. Fallon was seated in the chair called the Siege Perilous, his elbows on the rests, his fingers splayed. He watched her enter, his expression brooding and somber, and then his gaze shifted to Rucrius, whom he regarded with open enmity.

Elwis, who had been pacing around the table, halted when he noticed her. He looked relieved to see her, but also very agitated.

Drew spoke first. “We were attacked by Gahalatine’s forces in four locations at once. To execute such a precise strike across such great distances must have required knowledge and power beyond anything we have yet experienced from our enemy. Three lands have fallen to the might of Gahalatine. But one of ours prevailed. My sister brought me the good news, Trynne.” He smiled and shook his head. “So it is true? Brythonica has not fallen?”

“We stand ready to defend the hollow crown, my king,” Trynne said humbly, bowing her head. “I have brought the Wizr Rucrius as a prisoner. He is dangerous still and his words are powerful.”

Duke Severn straightened, folding his arms. “Then let’s be done with him,” he offered with a cold look. “Send him to Dundrennan, my lord. Chain him to the rock. Let him speak to the ice and wind.”

“I will gladly take him there if you bid me, my lord,” Fallon said. He had not stopped staring at Rucrius, his eyes burning with anger. “I suspect he knows where Lord Owen is. And my mother.”

Genevieve continued to rock from foot to foot, patting the babe’s back gently, but there was a thoughtful look in her eyes.

The Wizr’s gaze was disdainful as he looked on his captors. He did not seem like a defeated enemy, even with the gag in his mouth.

“Take him to Holistern Tower,” the king ordered. “He will only be ungagged in the presence of my sister and Lord Amrein to eat his food. Death will be your reward if you defy me, Rucrius,” Drew said with a stern and hard edge in his voice. “When you last troubled us with your presence, I ordered Lord Owen to arrest you. I am grateful his daughter has fulfilled that command. Take him away and alert me when my sister returns.”