“You see my quandary,” said Liakopulos. “If we don’t violate the law, the new masters of the law will rape what we’ve worked so hard to nurture.”

“Two dead,” Abaca snarled. “End of problems.”

“If we ourselves scoff at the law, can we reasonably expect anyone else to respect it?” Prataxis demanded.

Liakopulos interjected, “I’ve been over these arguments with myself. It’s a no-win situation. I’ve decided what I’ll do. Your courses are up to you and your consciences.”

Abaca inquired, “What are you going to do, sir?”

“I came here because the Guild owed Ragnarson. No Ragnarson, no debt. I’m going back to High Crag. If you three decide to obey the law, I’ll stay to help insure an orderly transition. If you choose rebellion, I’ll get out now. I can’t join you, but I won’t oppose you either.”

Prataxis and Abaca nodded. That would give Credence sole command of the army. Abaca said, “The King’s daughter-in-law is more sympathetic than Inger. Would she be regent for young Bragi?”

Prataxis replied, “The King’s first choices were Mundwiller, Sir Gjerdrum, and Baron Hardle.”

“Mundwiller, eh? I could work with him.”

Liakopulos said, “We can talk forever, but talk isn’t what’s needed. We have to act. The people at Maisak can’t keep the news quiet forever. Some of the survivors are sure to return over the smugglers’ trails.”

Prataxis said, “Michael, Kristen, and the children will be in danger once the news breaks.”

“I moved them out of the country already. With the money.”

Abaca and Liakopulos looked askance. Neither Prataxis nor Trebilcock explained. Abaca asked, “Where do you stand, Trebilcock?”

“Right in the middle. Like all of us. I’ll probably follow the General’s example.”

Prataxis said, “Same here.”

“You three have somewhere else to go. I don’t. This is my homeland.” Abaca rose. “So be it, I guess. If I’m outvoted, I’m outvoted.” He strode toward the door.

Liakopulos rose, said, “We’ll have to see the Queen before the news breaks. Get her braced for the shock when it hits.”

Michael said, “I’ll take you to her, General. I’ll meet you here in an hour. I have some things to do first. Derel, you bring Credence and Cham.”

Abaca asked, “Why not just tell us where she is and we’ll all meet there?”

“I don’t think so,” Michael replied. “The fewer who know, the less chance of trouble.”

Abaca gave Trebilcock a hard look. “All right. Whatever you think.” He departed.

“He’s going to cause trouble,” Prataxis said.

“Maybe,” Michael admitted. “General, look for me within the hour.”

Liakopulos extended a hand. “Trebilcock, it’s been nice. We had something here. I’m sorry it has to die this way. Prataxis, you too.”

Derel shook hands and muttered, “Why did he do it? There was no sane reason for him to attack them.”

Liakopulos said, “He had his neurotic streak, same as the Tervola. Let’s hope he didn’t die in vain, that the Tervola are satisfied for now.”