surge of purpose. By him, Ellin reached up a hand to stroke his face.
‘You must go,’ she said. ‘Avenge our son for me. And when you are done, find me at the broken timbers of our farm and we will start again.’
Avesh gazed down at her, tears standing in his eyes, and knew he had never loved her more than he did right now.
‘I won’t let you down.’
‘Just come back to me.’
‘You know I will,’ he said and, kissing her gently on the lips, he heaved himself from the ground and went to hear what Edman wanted of him.
Heryst rode into Dordover with the night full and cool. He and his delegation were tired from the trail but Vuldaroq wasn’t in the mood to give them much time for food and rest. Still feeling dusty, Heryst met the fat red-faced Dordovan Arch Mage in a small warm reception chamber hung with dour portraits and with a roaring fire in a large grate.
The shake of hands was perfunctory but the wine Vuldaroq gave him was very welcome. The two men sat in large leather chairs either side of the blaze.
‘So, come to your senses finally, my Lord Heryst?’
‘I have always been in full possession of my senses, Vuldaroq. I had hoped that Xetesk and yourselves might rediscover yours.’
‘Exactly what was it you were hoping for?’
‘A way to peace through diplomacy, what else?’
Vuldaroq smiled indulgently. ‘You know I respect your skill as a politician and mage but in this you are being as naive as a child. Surely you cannot close your eyes to what is happening now. Peace is only possible when both sides desire it.’
‘I have never been naive, Vuldaroq,’ said Heryst. ‘I simply choose to seek a less bloody path.’
‘You think we wanted war against them?’
‘I think Dordover was angry enough at its defeat on Herendeneth to view conflict as preferable to negotiation. You as much as they have brought us to this juncture.’
Vuldaroq was indignant. ‘Preposterous, Heryst. We sought justice for Balaia and the sharing of the treasures discovered on that island.’
Heryst blinked slowly, having to make a deliberate effort to keep a scornful smile from his lips.
‘Who exactly do you think you are talking to here? We formed an alliance, if you recall, with the express intention of stopping the Nightchild realising potential beyond her control. Her death was always a possibility we had to consider. But you had darker motives. Nothing would have survived there had The Raven not intervened, would it? Wasn’t that why you involved the witch hunters?’
‘They were the only people capable of finding those we sought.’
‘Damn you they were not!’ Heryst spilled his wine on his hand. ‘And you gave Erienne to them. One of your own.’
‘A betrayer,’ said Vuldaroq smoothly. ‘A little like your own General Darrick, wouldn’t you say?’
‘Darrick’s actions were regrettable, I admit, but he was not prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who would see us all dead, as apparently you would. He will account for his actions, have no fear. He, at least, is a man of honour.’
Vuldaroq sipped his wine. ‘And I am not? I and my college, alone, stand between Xetesk and their dominion of Balaia. Remember why we allied. We cannot let the power rest with one college alone; it would return us to the wilderness.’
‘I agree utterly. It is the method to use that has been where our differences lie,’ said Heryst, knowing tit for tat accusations would get them nowhere fast.
‘And do you also agree that the war, whoever you believe is to blame, now threatens you as well as us?’
‘And Julatsa, yes,’ said Heryst. ‘That is why I am here. I am appalled by the actions of Xetesk around Arlen and at their own gates. At least you have respected the rules of engagement and the rights of refugees.’
Vuldaroq inclined his head. ‘From you that is compliment indeed.’
‘I want to make it abundantly clear, however, that I am not proposing a formal alliance,’ said Heryst. ‘But we have a joint obligation to shore up the defences of Julatsa. I also believe we must put in place a blockade of Xeteskian lands to prevent movement of troops and materials.’
‘There also we are in accord,’ said Vuldaroq. ‘But how is this not an alliance?’
‘Because Lystern is not at war with Xetesk and that is the way I want to keep it. My soldiers will not be under any command of yours. I am suggesting a sharing of responsibilities in order to