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Travel from Morwen’thir Stronghold will take four days if weather holds, five if the southern pass closes. The summons allows six.

“We leave tomorrow before dawn,” I say.

“How many guards?”

“Twelve. Joran commands them.”

“The western route?”

“The royal road. Varrus expects hesitation. I will not arrive late by avoiding his territory.”

“I will prepare the household.”

“No ceremony beyond what rank requires.”

“Your rank requires ceremony.”

“My rank requires obedience.”

“And court interprets the absence of display as diminished strength. Lord Varrus has already encouraged that interpretation.”

I look at her.

Sarveth returns my stare without discomfort.

“Prepare what you consider necessary,” I say. “Remove half of it before departure.”

“A sensible compromise.”

She bows.

“Bring me the summons.”

“It is in your study.”

“Then have the travel ledgers sent there as well. Secure the war room after I leave. No one accesses the table without my order.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Sarveth departs to turn my command into movement throughout the stronghold.

I place both hands upon the neptherium.

The map dissolves from its outer edges inward. Mountains flatten into black stone. Roads vanish. Orthani remains until the last breath of magic withdraws, with House Varrus marked beside the royal court.

Then it too disappears.

Varrus has moved our conflict from speeches and toll roads into the king’s hall. He expects royal scrutiny to force me into defense.

He will learn that I do not enter any court unprepared.

I leave the darkened war room to study the summons and prepare my answer for Orthani.

5

FIONA

The communal well pump gives one final groan before its handle snaps.