Trebilcock grumbled, “That’s all we need. Shinsan starting a push. Well, later.”

Prataxis said, “I’d better find Mundwiller,” and followed Michael.

Liakopulos sat down again, closed his eyes, and tried to imagine what Kavelin might have become had the King not gone after his wild goose. He ended up shedding tears.

TWENTY-FIVE: YEAR 1016 AFE

In their Dragon’s Teeth fastness Nepanthe and Varthlokkur followed events in Vorgreberg without speaking. They saw the first small riots blossom, fertilized by a wildfire rumor that Inger and Fulk had been murdered by the King’s cabal. They saw Abaca give too harsh orders for suppressing the riots, and witnessed the flight of the Marena Dimura members of the army.

Varthlokkur turned his back on the mirror. Choked, he said, “You were right. I was wrong. I was a fool.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“Now? I can’t do anything. It’s too late. It has to run its course.”

“A lot of people will get hurt.”

“I know. That’s the way of these things. All I could do is make it worse. It’ll be a purging of the national spirit. Every nation goes through them. They’re horrible for individuals, but the kingdom comes through tempered and unified.”

“Spare me.”

“All right. Just understand, I admit my culpability. And it’s now too late for me to contribute anything positive.”

“If you say so.”

One large tear dribbled down the wizard’s cheek. He thought, don’t tear at me now, woman. I have trouble enough living with myself.

Mist had been so long without sleep she was seeing double. “Lord Ssu-ma?”

“Report on affairs in Kavelin, Princess. If you’re interested.”

“Of course I am. Go ahead.”

“I’ll be brief. I know you’re pressed. Basically, the old order is doomed. Ragnarson’s people have very little support left. Looks like civil war coming.”

“So. The noble experiment dies. And not the brave death, but ignominiously, with ghouls and jackals squabbling over the corpse. A sad ending.”

“Sad indeed, Princess. May I return to my duties?”

“Please do, Lord Ssu-ma. And thank you for having humored my orders out there.”

Shih-ka’i did not respond. Mist turned her attention to Matayanga once more, Kavelin out of her mind. Shinsan would not turn westward again for a long time.

Trebilcock and Liakopulos swung into the track to the Dalthin manor. Michael looked for signs betraying the Queen’s presence. He saw none, and was pleased. He said, “Gods, I hate this. And I can’t see any alternative but Credence’s.”

“I’m resigned.”

“At least she didn’t wrestle it away from us. She got it by default.”

“Maybe. Maybe she was the reason the King did what he did.”

“It’s moot now.”

“You sure they’re here? The place looks dead.”

“It’s supposed to.” Michael had a vile thought. He kicked his mount forward.

“What is it?”