The Duke and his force were thirty miles from the capital, taking their evening meal in an encampment on the estate of a Nordmen ally. Representatives of the Estates were gathering at the castle nearby. There would be a council of war.

“You look glum, Gales,” the Duke observed. “Sir Mortin says you’ve been down since you found out Haas tracked you home.”

“Your Lordship?”

“I don’t want my best man unhappy. Is there anything I can do?”

Go back home, Gales thought. Leave these people alone. “No, My Lord. I’m just a little under the weather, I think. It’ll work itself out.”

The Duke chuckled. “You don’t approve of what we’re doing, do you?”

“No. But I’m a soldier. It’s not my place to approve or disapprove.”

The Duke nodded amiably. His hunters had returned from Sedlmayr. He was in a good mood. Inger’s brat had no more competition for the throne. Inger would be the power behind the boy, and he would pull her strings. “Mortin. In this meeting tonight, pick out the ones we’ll need to be rid of first.”

Mortin started to reply. He stared over the Duke’s shoulder. His eyes got big. Gales stared too. The Duke spun. “Norath! What the hell are you doing here?”

A huge man stepped into the light. Behind him two tall, muscular bodyguards looked on with eyes like chips of ice. “Our mutual friend asked me to drop in.” Norath’s voice was high and squeaky, completely at odds with his physical size. Gales tittered nervously.

“I wish he wouldn’t keep trying to take things over.”

“He doesn’t see the alliance as on only when it’s convenient for you. And he has a special interest in this country. He told me to make sure you don’t screw it up, the way your family usually does.”

Sir Mortin rose, snatched up a sword. One of Norath’s bodyguards struck the blade from the knight’s hand. Red of face, the Duke said, “Take it easy. We’re supposed to be friends.”

“No,” Norath said. “Not friends, Dane. Allies. There’s a meeting tonight. I’ll attend as one of your party. You’ll tell no one who I am.”

“Whatever you say. But why are you here really? I thought you were tied up in Hammad al Nakir.”

“The opportunities here are greater.” He settled near the fire. One of his bodyguards took the best meat off the roasting spit and gave it to him.

The Duke fumed quietly, schemes of vengeance shaping in his mind. He wouldn’t endure humiliation from anyone.