'It has been noted.'

'But, after taking considerable counsel, I understand the reasons for your action: we are nominally stronger, we have been blamed for the death of a neutral in battle and Vuldaroq is a very persuasive man. Very. For a man who only three seasons ago made an alliance with the Black Wings.'

'I am aware of Vuldaroq's past misdemeanours. As I am of Xetesk's,' said Heryst. 'It was a despicable and unseemly act for any mage, born out of desperation, but the destruction caused by the Nightchild speaks in defence of his actions.'

'Your General Darrick did not agree,' said Dystran smoothly.

'Neither did I,' said Heryst. 'And our cool relations since then testify to my unhappiness. I, however, prefer to look forward as, I hope, do you.'

'I apologise, Lord Heryst; this was not the reason for my contact.'

Heryst chuckled, forcing himself to relax. 'I should hope not.'

'Our research on Herendeneth has revealed some fascinating possibilities which I am very happy to share with all other colleges.'

Heryst was taken aback. 'Your actions in Arlen, which I abhor, do not support such a statement,' he said. 'You have ignored the rules of engagement and that cannot be forgotten. But that can be left for another time when the threat of wider conflict is gone. What are your conditions for sharing the information?'

'They are few and simple. I require the immediate cessation of hostilities towards Xeteskian forces and the withdrawal of Lysternan and Dordovan forces from our borders.'

'Anything else?'

'I would like leave to call a Triverne Lake meeting at a time of my choosing when we have had a chance to evaluate the research of our mages.'

Heryst paused before replying. 'Vuldaroq will refuse. He will not withdraw on a promise from you, a man he is unable to trust.'

'In that case you can guarantee my mages' passage to Xetesk yourself. You do not need Dordover.'

'I am looking to reduce threat to Lystern, not increase it. I cannot do this without Dordover's consent. I'm sure you understand. And I can't agree to Xetesk having exclusive first sight of the research.'

'And what is your alternative?'

'That your mages prepare and present to a four-college delegation at Triverne Lake at the earliest opportunity and before they come to Xetesk. And my forces must travel with your researchers as a sign to Dordover that you are genuine. That might mollify Vuldaroq. If your ambition is to share all that the Al-Drechar have revealed, surely that is a reasonable request?'

'At first sight, yes,' said Dystran. 'But I believe there are issues with some of the information. Potentialities not necessarily being realities, work that needs more translation from ancient magics… I could go on.'

'We are all capable of aiding in such an analysis,' said Heryst.

'Even so, I am advised that a few days' examination by key experts in Xetesk will be of great benefit to us all.'

'Meaning you personally?' Heryst could well imagine the smug expression on Dystran's face.

'I flatter myself that I have more detailed expertise on the subject of dimensional magic than most,' said Dystran.

'And is it your understanding that what is coming will help repatriate the Kaan dragons?'

'Signs are most encouraging,' evaded Dystran. 'But, as I say, some expert analysis is still required before we can present effectively.'

'Right,' said Heryst, drawing in breath expansively. 'I will discuss your offer with Vuldaroq. He will refuse it and we will be back to square one. My offer of secure passage to Triverne Lake is one you must take more seriously. Otherwise the war will go on.'

'Thank you for hearing me,' said Dystran. 'I will confer further with the Circle Seven.'

'We can resolve this, Dystran. As long as we are all prepared to give a little. The question really is, do you want to see an end to this war?'

'It is my dearest wish.'

'Keep it so,' said Heryst, and carefully but firmly, he broke the Communion.

Lystern's Lord Elder mage sat with his eyes closed for a time, mulling over everything he had heard and considering how he would broach Dystran's offer to Vuldaroq. When he opened his eyes, Kayvel was standing waiting.

'He's wavering,' said Heryst. 'Or he's lying. Either way, we may have room to move peace a tiny step forward. But I have to make both him and Vuldaroq concede ground. But I suppose it's progress of a sort. At least there is discourse. And now I must confess to a little tiredness. Wake me for supper and I'll brief the council.' The Raven rode from Blackthorne on a sunny morning with cloud far to the north. Hirad had not slept well. Beside him rode Ilkar, an elf and one of his oldest friends, under a sentence of death.

'Can I ask you something, Ilks?'

Ilkar turned to him, his sombre face lifting a little. 'Would it make any difference if I said no?'

Hirad shook his head. 'How does it feel to be you? Your next heartbeat could bring on the Elfsorrow without warning. Not sure I'd deal with that too well.'

'Thanks for reminding me,' said Ilkar.

'I'm sorry, Ilkar. I-'

'I'm joking. Not a moment goes by when I don't think about it. The point is, I have to live with it and being scared isn't going to help. Best I can do is everything I can to repair the statue and stop this thing. And meanwhile I live every day as if it was my last.'

'I think the whole of Blackthorne heard you and Ren treating last night as if it was your last.'

'Hirad, do you mind?' It was Ren from just behind them.

'Those corridors didn't half echo, you know,' said the barbarian, revelling in Ilkar's deep blush.

'Hirad, stop it,' said Ilkar.

'Tried to get a good night's sleep-'

'Ah, Hirad, but many of us were with our loved ones last night, weren't we?' said Ilkar. 'For me it was Ren, then there's Denser and Erienne and I understand The Unknown had contact with Diera through Aeb. And you talked sweet nothings with Sha-Kaan.'

'Now who's lucky, eh, Hirad?' said Denser.

'Is it my fault if I am called by a higher intellect?'

'Wouldn't want to sleep with it though, would you?' said The Unknown.

'Too much chafing,' agreed Ilkar.

The Raven dissolved into laughter, Ilkar bent double over his saddle, Hirad taking both hands off the reins to wipe his eyes.

Fifty yards ahead, Aeb had stopped and turned in his saddle, his blank mask asking the question more eloquently than any words. It served to sober them up a little. The Unknown waved him on.

'How is Sha-Kaan, anyway?' he asked.

'Angry,' said Hirad. 'And now alone. We have a lot to hate Xetesk for, don't we? No offence, Denser.'

'None taken. I agree with you.'

'Good,' said The Unknown. 'Then let's keep focussed. We've got a job to do. If the TaiGethen can't get the thumb from the Xeteskians before they reach the city it'll be down to us to go in and get it for them. Remember who we're doing this for and remember not to speak loosely around Aeb.'

Hirad leaned over and punched Ilkar lightly on the shoulder. 'I'll take it as a personal affront if you die before we succeed in this, all right?'

'I'll see what I can do,' replied the elf.

The Raven upped the pace. Xetesk was at least seven days away. Selik stood on the ramparts inside the Understone stockade feeling deeply satisfied. Since the massacre of Anders and his pathetic garrison of frightened boys, the twelve surviving Black Wings had been busy making as much of the town as habitable as they could. Water butts were full all down the main street, boards had been removed from buildings and firewood was stacked next to the butts. The bodies of the garrison had been burned long ago and their ash blown away by the wind.

Selik saw this town as the birthplace of his new order, and though it was rotten now it would one day be the centre of his power. The foundations were already there, they just needed renewing. Perhaps it should be renamed. After him would be good, or maybe after his mentor, Travers.