"In doing so, the dukes will merely make themselves more hated," Evord pointed out. "While we will offer a share of our supplies to anyone we find starving. We are fighting for the wellbeing of all Lescari, after all. Mountain Men and Dalasorians are well used to living off the land in far less fertile regions," he added with an unexpected grin.

"You have thought all this through." Despite all his aches from the journey, despite all the uncertainties he could still see lying ahead, Aremil felt his spirits rising.

"That's why you retained my services." Evord cracked his knuckles briskly, the sound startling in the silence. "If you have no more immediate questions, I have work to do before we march tomorrow. I suggest you retire to your accommodation to recover from your journey and you can ask whatever new questions occur to you at dinner."

The door to the upper hall opened and the captain-general's men filed back in. How had he summoned them? Aremil wondered.

He set that question aside as he looked at everyone else. Charoleia was contemplating something with half-closed eyes while Gren was tugging at his brother's elbow, whispering eagerly. Aremil found Sorgrad's face as impossible to read as Tathrin did.

Gruit and Welgren were already on their feet. Judging by the way the old wine merchant was pointing to his back, the two of them were discussing medical matters. The apothecary answered with animated hands.

Branca was sitting beside Kerith, listening politely as he spoke. The scholar looked as stern as any mentor at the university. Aremil was determined to discuss the arguments for and against the harsher applications of Artifice with Branca before giving Kerith any answer. He had questions of his own for Kerith too, sure there was more to Nath's antagonism towards Failla than he'd learned so far.

He must talk with Tathrin, openly, just the two of them. They had started this whole enterprise with their earnest discussions back in Vanam. Aremil couldn't bear to think of their friendship breaking under the strains of putting their hopes into motion.

"Master Aremil?" Evord stepped forward to offer his hand. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance."

Aremil braced himself for a soldier's crushing grip only to find the Soluran offering the lightest handclasp. "And I yours."

"I wanted to thank you for all you've done with these aetheric enchantments to keep our schemes marching in step," Evord said.

"I'm glad to be of service," Aremil assured him.

Evord smiled briefly. "As soon as we resume this campaign, you can expect my orders along with everyone else. Until dinner, then."

Seeing Evord step away, Tathrin rose and came over just as Branca appeared on Aremil's other side.

"Can I help you down the stairs?"

"I was just going to say the same."

To Aremil's inexpressible relief, Tathrin shared a wry look with Branca. Whatever other tensions had arisen, the two people closest to him had apparently reached a friendly understanding.

He managed to get to his feet. "It seems the captain-general has plans for me and my Artifice, as soon as the campaign resumes," he confided.

"That doesn't surprise me," Tathrin said frankly. "He won't let anyone sit idle."

Branca nodded. "As he keeps saying, we have a great deal still to do."

The three of them made their way slowly towards the door.

Aremil recalled his sense of achievement as the carriage had reached Losand. That was undimmed. He and Tathrin had first brought all these disparate people together. Through all the unexpected twists of late spring, both halves of summer and early autumn, they had worked together. Now everything was moving towards bringing lasting peace to Lescar.

Deep in his innermost thoughts, he couldn't help wondering what the autumn and winter ahead would see. Just what had they set in motion?

Dukedoms of Lescar

Vanam One of the leading cities of Ensaimin, a realm of independent city states and fiefdoms.

Tathrin: Originally from the Lescari dukedom of Carluse. Now apprenticed to Master Wyess.

Master Wyess: A prosperous fur trader.

Eclan: One of his senior apprentices.

Master Malcot: A cloth merchant.

Master Garvan: A master blacksmith.

Master Kierst: A less successful fur trader.

Master Gruit: A wine merchant, originally from the dukedom of Marlier.

Aremil: A nobleman crippled from birth living a retired, scholarly life.

Lyrlen: His loyal nurse.

Lady Derenna: A noblewoman exiled from Sharlac where her husband, Lord Rousharn, fell foul of the duke.

Reniack: Originally from Parnilesse, born to a whore in the mercenary enclave of Carif. A rabble-rouser and pamphleteer.

Charoleia: An intelligent and beautiful information broker. Her origins are obscure and her aliases include but are not limited to Lady Alaric, Mistress Larch and Lady Rochiel.

Trissa: Her maid. Extremely discreet.

Tonin: A senior mentor at the university. A noted scholar engaged in unravelling the secrets of the ancient enchantments called Artifice.

Branca: His student, Vanam born of Lescari blood. Adept at Artifice.

Kerith and Jettin: Also his students, also of Lescari origins, both skilled in using Artifice.

Carluse A dukedom of the fractured and war-torn country of Lescar.

Insignia: a black boar's head on a white ground.

Colours: black and white.

Duke Garnot.

Lenter: His valet.

Corrad. His horse master.

Duchess Tadira: Born sister to the Duke of Parnilesse.

Lord Ricart: Heir to the dukedom.

(Veblen: Duke Garnot's bastard son, killed in battle two years ago).

Failla: Duke Garnot's mistress.

Vrist and Parlin: Grooms.

Ernout: Priest of Saedrin at the shrine in Carluse town and Failla's uncle.

Lathi: Failla's cousin.

Nath: An itinerant mapmaker with links to Charoleia.

Welgren: A travelling apothecary with links to Charoleia.

Wynald's Warband: A mercenary company retained by Duke Garnot.

Draximal A Lescari dukedom.

Insignia: a golden brazier on a blue ground.

Colours: red and gold.

Duke Secaris.

Sorgrad and Gren: Originally born in the mountains, mercenaries who have been involved in shady dealings the length and breadth of Einarinn.

Arest: Captain of the Wyvern Hunters company of mercenaries.

Ziel, Jik and Macra: Mercenaries in his company.

Reher: A mageborn blacksmith originally from Carluse.

Triolle A Lescari dukedom.

Insignia: a green grebe on a pale yellow ground.

Colours: green and yellow.

Duke Iruvain: Succeeded his father Duke Gerone less than a year ago.

Litasse: His duchess, born daughter of the Duke of Sharlac.

Valesti: Her lady in waiting.

Hamare: Spymaster and erstwhile scholar of Col's university.

Karn: An enquiry agent. Born in Marlier and orphaned as a child.

Pelletria: An enquiry agent.

Sharlac A Lescari dukedom.

Insignia: a russet stag on a green ground.

Colours: brown and green.

Duke Moncan.

(Lord Jaras: Heir to Sharlac killed in battle by Veblen of Carluse.) Lord Kerlin: Second son and now heir.

Lord Narese. Friend and associate of Lady Derenna.

Marlier A Lescari dukedom.

Insignia: three silver swords on a scarlet ground.

Colours: silver-grey and red.

Duke Ferdain.

Ridianne: His mistress, lady of Sanlief Manor and captain of mercenaries.

Ulick: A mercenary serving with Beresin Steelhand.

Parnilesse A Lescari dukedom.

Insignia: a green wreath overlaying black sword and halberd crossed on a blue ground.

Colours: green and black.

Duke Ostrin.

The Kingdom of Solura An ancient kingdom beyond the Great Forest that borders the west of Ensaimin.