‘They’re building pyramids in southern Yalotlan,’ Lilla said. ‘That we can do something about. It’s not an act of open aggression but one of resistance – and we won’t kill unless we must – but we could prevent their construction. Delay them, smash the stone so they can’t be built while we wait for the peace-weaving to conclude.’

‘And you think they’ll let us do that?’ High Elder Zasso scoffed. ‘Of course not. They’ll defend themselves and their cursed pyramids. When the peace-weavers left, it appeared that the Melody had retreated. Now it seems they are advancing again, perhaps only in small numbers, but we cannot allow them to roam Yalotlan and Tokoban unanswered. We simply cannot. You were ambushed, Fang Lilla, and you lost seventeen warriors between the two Paws and that is a tragedy, but the reports from the market administrators say that you also came back with only a third of the meat you’d hoped to hunt, and – dare I say it – that is a greater tragedy. And one that may well be a shadow of things to come. What happens if we can’t hunt at all? What happens when we are trapped between the Melody and the Drowned, when we are starving, because you want us to delay?’

‘But the peace-weaving—’ Lilla tried.

‘Fuck the peace-weaving,’ Kux yelled. ‘Yours isn’t the land and people stolen.’

‘We fight alongside you,’ Lilla said and his voice was no longer quiet, no longer even. ‘We die alongside you. Do not—’

‘Enough.’ Vaqix’s voice was implacable. ‘Enough. The peace-weavers must be given the time to work.’ He held up a finger to still them. ‘But I agree that having enemies wandering our land is unacceptable. We will send out combined Paws – a show of strength. They will be large and obvious. They will sweep the game trails and ensure our towns are safe. They will show the Melody that we are aware of their presence and not afraid to engage. But we will not attack. We will defend ourselves if we must, but our forces will deter, not provoke.’

‘And what about him?’ Zasso demanded, pointing. She wanted blood; she wanted vengeance and Lilla couldn’t blame her.

The Axi put his head on one side and even dared a smile, as if among friends.

‘The shamanic conclave spoke of the potential for an offering to Malel,’ Vaqix said quietly. Apok was signing for those ejab under the influence of spirit-magic and their heads swivelled between his explanatory hands and the prisoner. ‘We will continue to consult the goddess and the ancestors and spirits. We will continue to show our strength to our enemies. And if Malel demands it, she will have his life.’

TAYAN

Approach to the Singing City, Pechacan, Empire of Songs

152nd day of the Great Star at morning