«Fortunate, indeed», he murmured. «And you have borne up bravely, through all of this. What a cruel irony, that Sief’s heart should fail him when he finally had a son».

She withdrew her hand and inclined her head, faint challenge in her eyes. «Fate often does deal in ironies, doesn't it?» she replied. «Pray, what keeps you here in Rhemuth?»

«I have business interests here, as you know», he said neutrally. «They are nearly finished now». He glanced at the knot of women cooing over the infant Krispin, who had set up a wail. «Your son seems a lusty bairn. Does he resemble you, or his father?»

«I couldn't possibly say. Both of us? Neither?» The answer was truthful but ambiguous, as Michon was certain had been her intention. «When they are this age, I have always observed that one baby looks remarkably like the next».

Michon allowed himself a tiny smile. «Indeed. Well, I shall be certain to render a glowing account of his christening to his sister and her children back in Rhondevala. No doubt she will be relieved to hear of his Majesty's generous gesture, in inviting you and his other sisters to remain in the royal household».

Jessamy inclined her head with prim graciousness. «I am a poor widow now, my lord, with no means of my own, so I am grateful that I and my children shall continue to have a roof over our heads and food in our mouths. And for Krispin to be educated alongside Prince Brion is a great honor — as is the dowry the king has promised his sisters».

«You are, indeed, fortunate», he said. «Clearly, faithful service to the king is very rewarding».

A hint of what might have been uncertainty briefly flickered in her eyes, but she did not lower her gaze.

«Both Sief and I have served the House of Haldane for many years, my lord», she said carefully, «so I hope that I and mine shall always remain their Majesties' good servants». She glanced back at the women surrounding the queen and the fretting Krispin. «You must excuse me, my lord. Sometimes only a mother's arms will serve to soothe a baby's crying. I pray you to give my devotion to my daughter and grandchildren».

«My lady».

He bowed to her back as she turned and hurried back toward the queen and her ladies, reviewing their exchange and considering all possible interpretations. Later that night, he recounted their conversation to the Camberian Council.

«She was very careful, wasn't she?» Barrett said, when Michon had finished.

«Methinks that she had reason to be», Michon replied.

«Then, you believe that Donal is the boy's father?» Vivienne asked, looking decidedly scandalized.

Michon shrugged. «I cannot be certain without examining the child, of course — or subjecting Jessamy herself to a proper interrogation — but I would say that it's entirely likely».

«Might it be possible to bring Jessamy here for questioning?» Dominy said.

«Not of her own accord. And I doubt she could be brought against her will without it coming to someone's notice».

«What about examining the child?» asked Oisín.

«That will be very difficult. I gather that he's to live in the royal nursery, apparently to be raised alongside Prince Brion — which is also suggestive of his true paternity».

Barrett sat back in his chair with a perplexed sigh. «Then, it appears that, at least for the nonce, we cannot resolve this question».

«I would have to agree», Michon said. «But if we're dealing with a Haldane by-blow — and a grandson of Lewys ap Norfal, as well — he's still an infant, only weeks old. It will be years before he could become any kind of serious threat — plenty of time to consider our options. Meanwhile, we have a vacant seat to fill on this Council. Has anyone had a change of heart?»

When no one spoke, he gave a nod to Oisín, who rose and went to a side table, where he pulled a drape of deep violet velvet from a fist-sized amber crystal set on a simple wooden stand. Shrouding his hands with the velvet, he picked up crystal and stand and carried them back to the table, setting them before the chair of the absent Seisyll. The drape he laid across the arms of that chair before taking his own seat again, to the right of Seisyll's.

«Is it late enough to be certain that he's asleep?» Vivienne asked.

Michon, to her left, gave a knowing chuckle.

«The governor's court at Ratharkin is not known for its scintillating night life, especially in these troubled times, and the negotiations being carried out by day will have been tedious, if not exhausting. I have little doubt but that Seisyll will have retreated to his bed by now. Nor, I think, could he long ignore our summons, amplified by Oisín's wee bauble». He nodded toward the crystal and laid his open palms to either side in invitation. «Shall we get on with it?»

The smiles of the other four acknowledged Michon's observation concerning the court of Meara, and they likewise laid their open hands to either side, each turning the left palm downward to overlap the neighbor's open right hand. Those flanking the empty chair called Camber's Siege stretched slightly to bridge the gap, and those to either side of Seisyll's chair lightly set their fingertips to the crystal, completing the circle.

«Now we are met. Now we are one with the ancients», Michon murmured.

«Benedicamus, Elohim», Oisín responded.

His long-drawn breath and whisper of a sigh set the trigger for all of them to begin settling into trance. Some of them briefly closed their eyes, each centering in his or her own way… stilling, focusing, shifting into another mode of consciousness. As a silence that was almost palpable settled on the room, every gaze gradually turned to the giant shiral crystal set before Seisyll's place, each one's concentration melding with the crystal.

At length a faint spark seemed to kindle within its amber depths, flickering and then flaring to a glowing heart that throbbed with a pulse-beat like a living thing — erratic at first, but then steadying as the heartbeats of the five settled into synchronization. It was Michon who then set the call, reaching out for the mind of their absent member and willing him to respond. After a moment, a mist began to form around the pulsing flame, swirling and then coalescing into the face of Seisyll Arilan.

I am here, came Seisyll's focused declaration. What is your wish? The handsome face was still and tranquil, the violet eyes dreamy and unfocused.

We have agreed on a candidate, if you concur, Michon replied. It would be useful to bring the Council back to its full strength as soon as may be accomplished. When do you anticipate returning to Rhemuth, or to some other place where you will have Portal access?

A frown crossed Seisyll's face. It could be weeks, perhaps even months. The Mearan situation is delicate, and requires careful handling. The king was right to send me here instead of others he could have sent, but I dare not leave until it is resolved. What candidate have you agreed?

Focusing his intent, Michon sent their recommendation in a burst of knowledge and information. Seisyll's image immediately nodded.

I concur. But I would advise that you receive him as soon as can be arranged. Do not wait until I can be present.

I agree that such a delay would be inadvisable, Michon replied. We shall make suitable arrangements — provided, of course, that he accepts.

I expect that he will, at least for a limited term, the face in the crystal said. Is there anything else?

Naught that cannot wait until this is settled, came Michon's reply. You should know, however, that the queen stood as godmother at the christening of Jessamy's son.

The face in the crystal grimaced in sour disapproval. Indeed. One might have expected that it would be the king. But then, if he is the boy's father, that would not have been canonical, would it?

Nor is fathering a child on a woman not one's wife, Michon pointed out blandly. Merely think on it, for now. Our brother Barrett has rightly pointed out that even a Haldane grandson of Lewys ap Norfal can pose no serious threat while he is yet an infant. We have time to consider our options.