‘Impossible,’ Nara snapped, outraged, and Ilandeh was tempted to agree with him. ‘The Chorus are the highest of eagles, those with greatest honour, outstanding warriors and leaders. She is a macaw. Tainted!’

‘My loyalty is without question, Chorus Leader,’ Ilandeh grated and heard the danger in her voice at the repetition of her inferior blood. Elaq heard it too and shot her a warning glance. ‘True Pechaqueh will not stoop to assassination or infiltration, and that is why the Whispers were developed, so please, with respect, allow me to fulfil my orders. I assure you that whatever feather I wear in my hair will not change who I am – only who I seem to be. Believe me, no one is more aware of my taint than I am.’

She rose to her feet before either of them could reply. ‘Get me into the Singer’s inner sanctum, high ones, and I beg you do it fast. I will not allow the holy lord to languish in pain or danger when my heart and my High Feather both command otherwise. Now, if you would excuse me, my wound pains me and I would rest.’

Ilandeh touched belly and throat and strode from the room before either could call her back or do more than stare in open-mouthed astonishment. She was shaking, but it had nothing to do with the hurt.

PILOS

Singing City, Pechacan, Empire of Songs

72nd day of the grand absence of the Great Star

The Street of Fighters and the Way of Prayer were not lined with cheering Pechaqueh, free, and slaves, as they had been the last time the Melody returned from war. Atu and his three Talons were still in the north, sweeping through the last sticks of jungle, but Pilos had not waited for them. Not with everything he knew. In the end, he was only ten days behind Ilandeh, but he didn’t regret his decision to send her on ahead.

A few noble youngsters with their slave guards stood wide-eyed along the avenue. A few adults looked with interest; a few more looked away with what appeared to be fear as Pilos marched at the head of his warriors and the long, long lines of slaves. The song now sounded throughout most of Yalotlan and the architects and engineers were already mapping out sites in Tokoban for pyramids. Within a few moons, the song would be supreme.

The song.