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‘Please wait here for the Proctor.’ The guide returned the way they had entered. Wendel waited until the guide had shut the door before he spoke, but his words were lost on Elodi. She stared up at the elaborate vaulted ceiling high above their heads.

‘Breathe.’ Elodi spun as Bardon approached. He smiled. ‘It helps if you breathe.’

Elodi took his advice. She whispered. ‘Father told me of the Great Hall, but his words don’t come close to doing it justice.’

‘Err, ma’am.’ Wendel stepped in. ‘This isn’t the hall. This is the waiting area. The Great Hall is on the other side of those doors.’

Elodi’s face flushed. ‘Yes, well… thank you, Wendel, for putting me right. That will be all.’

‘But the meeting?’

‘I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be’ — she touched his arm — ‘thanks to your instruction. But I need to speak with Lord Broon. I will send for you when I’m done.’

Wendel glanced to Bardon. ‘As you wish, ma’am. But remember what I said about—’

‘I will, thank you.’ Her advisor turned and ambled away. Elodi imagined she could see his thoughts whirring above his head.

She stifled a yawn. ‘We must have spent the best part of the night preparing for this, but I doubt I can remember half of what he said.’

Bardon grinned. ‘Half will be plenty, even if Wendel has done only a quarter of his job. And, if it helps, I thought this was the Great Hall on my first visit.’

Her shoulders dropped. ‘Thank you, it does. But these ceilings. Calerdorn is a fine, if aging city, but nothing compares to this place. And those doors… if the gate is as sturdy, surely we have nothing to fear.’

Bardon looked up. ‘The Archon takes pleasure from his grand gestures. He’s overseen the construction and decoration of all the staterooms, and the quarters allocated to us both.’ He leaned closer, lowering his voice. ‘I only hope all this grandeur doesn’t distract him from attending to the defenses.’ But Elodi barely heard his words — she had turned and stood aghast at the huge tapestry covering the entire back wall.

Bardon followed her gaze. ‘Depicts quite a scene does it not.’

Elodi could only nod. As a girl she had cowered at the tale of the desperate rear-guard action of the Archon against the full might and fury of the Golesh. The Battle of the Gormadon Plain was both the finest and darkest hour of the Seven Realms before diminished to five. Tens of thousands of the greatest soldiers ever to take up arms had perished in a last-ditch attempt to stop the invasion. Trampled under the hooves of craven beasts surging north, they had laid down their lives to allow time for the completion of the Caerwal Gate. Many more had died in battles to the north as the Archon’s armies fought hard to push back the thousands of raiders landing on both the east and west coasts. But all would have been in vain had it not been for the Archon’s defiant stand.

Elodi stepped closer. At the center of the scene, three fierce drayloks bore down on the lone, armored figure of the Archon. With a large shield, he fended off tongues of flames spewing from their gaping mouths. In his right hand he held aloft the Sword of the Realms striking at the long, barbed strands of the hags’ hair seeking to entwine him. As all fell about him, the Archon stood firm and held up the enemy advance, but at significant cost. As the tale goes, he fought for three days and nights until the signal finally came the gate was ready to close. Rescued by his fearless horse, Arrow, he barely escaped with his life. He had slid from his horse close to death as the gate had swung shut in the face of the raging Golesh and their foul creatures, denied their ultimate prey.

‘You can virtually feel the heat of their fire.’ Bardon stood at her side. ‘Whatever some may think, we do owe the Archon a great debt.’

Elodi studied the black eyes of his assailants. ‘They aren’t… I am right in thinking drayloks weren’t really as terrible as portrayed here.’ She turned to Bardon. ‘I know we like to scare children by saying a shrieking draylok will drag them from their beds if they misbehave, but’ — she pointed to the tapestry — ‘they didn’t breathe fire, did they?’

Bardon’s eyes wandered across the Archon’s foes. He blinked. ‘Only the Archon knows for sure, and he rarely speaks of the confrontation.’ He rubbed his hand across his face. ‘I dare say the artist exaggerated their appearance to show our leader at his best.’

‘Drayloks or not, he must have immense strength. How could one stand up against such an assault?’

Bardon turned his back on the wall. ‘It took the best part of a decade for the Archon to get back on his feet. I trust he’s fully regained his strength, as I fear we may have to rely on him once again. The Ruuk to the north are growing stronger and bolder, their incursions are hurting, and yet still the Archon focuses his attention solely on the south.’ He dropped back and mimicked drawing a sword from his belt. ‘Did you keep up your training, Elodi? Your father said you showed great promise as a child.’

Elodi nodded. ‘He insisted. When I was eight, he presented me with my mother’s sword.’ She laughed. ‘I could barely lift it, let alone swing it at first. But’ — she crouched into a fighting stance — ‘as I grew, I soon learned. And, if I may be so bold, I make a formidable opponent in a duel. Never happier than when I have a sword in my hand, or in the saddle.’ She swung her arm as if parrying a blow. ‘Father instructed my teachers not to go easy on me, and for that I thank him. He made it clear I would lead from the front should it be necessary.’ She turned to Bardon. ‘But I assume he wouldn’t have thought it would be so soon.’

‘Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.’ Bardon replaced his imaginary sword. ‘Remind me, what end did your noble warrior, Dorlan, meet? I’m guessing it wasn’t old age.’

‘Most definitely not, all heroes need an end worthy of a song at the very least.’ She hummed the tune but stopped before she attempted to sing. ‘It is told he perished as Ormoroth himself fell at the Battle of Talaghir.’

He shrugged. ‘Then we can assume he won’t be showing up any day soon to save your realm. And our brave Gildorul of Keld must have fallen at his side if the tales be true.’

Elodi looked back to the battle on the wall. ‘Then we’re on our own. While the songs may raise our spirits, it’s disheartening to hear how Harlyn has weakened since those times. Draegnor can hardly be described as a fortress these days, and our forces comprise mainly of part-time farmers and smithies. We have yet to rebuild the ruins of Darrowyche, and all our major ports are in need of repair.’ She grimaced at the sight of the embroidered drayloks. ‘If Ormoroth lived, he could stroll across the border and take my realm without breaking step.’

‘Well, let us at least give thanks to our ancestors for his demise.’ Bardon gestured to the doors of the hall. ‘But now to more pressing matters. We must prepare ourselves for the meeting with the Archon. We cannot allow them to raise the levies again in such a short time. While we don’t have to contend with Ormoroth of old, these raids are hurting us both.’

‘Perhaps they’ll listen if we make the case for more resources at the old watchtowers.’

‘To you and me, that makes perfect sense, but one doesn’t negotiate with the Archon in the usual sense, it has to be him who gives, and we have to be grateful. And don’t expect to be treated in a manner suited to your status. We may be leaders of our realms, but the Archon and his Council hold all the power. I get the impression the Archon actually sees us as an inconvenience, except when it comes to our levies.’

But Elodi’s mind had drifted elsewhere. She stared at the oak doors rising half-way to the ceiling, adorned with golden decorations in the form of branches and leaves. She shook her head. ‘Is there nothing ordinary about this place?’

Bardon smiled. ‘I must have worn the same face when I first stood here. But don’t expect a warm welcome behind those doors. And expect to wait a while longer. I’m sure it’s all part of a strategy to make us feel uneasy to the point of questioning our own authority.’

Elodi took her eyes from the doors. ‘But in all honesty, what power do we have compared to him? He has the armies, the wealth from the farmlands of Farrand, Archonholm and the palace purse.’

‘That may be so, but we must remember you and I represent two of the Five Realms, and if we act together, form a sizeable power.’

‘But all the same.’ She waved her hand across the room. ‘Do you have anything in all of Broon comparable to this?’

‘Don’t let the architecture, or him, intimidate you. We must stand up to him for the good of our people.’ He smiled. ‘Your father was a determined man, and you are shot from the same bow. Your people trusted him and therefore they’ll trust you. The Archon took a dislike to your father because his loyalty to the people of Harlyn came first.’ He turned to her. ‘We can’t let him have everything his own way. He has to know we will not roll over and bare our bellies every time he demands it.’ His eyes wandered across her face. ‘You’re a clever and determined woman, Elodi, and I predict you’ll make a fine leader for your realm in these troubled times.’

She looked away. ‘I only hope you’re right.’

He took her hand. ‘But allow me to do the talking for your first audience. With time you’ll learn to handle the Archon as best you can.’

Elodi frowned. ‘But won’t he expect me to speak?’

He grinned. ‘Trust me, he doesn’t give anyone the opportunity to speak. But be wary, he’s always two steps ahead. He knows what you’re going to say before you do. And if he sees any sign of weakness, you’ll end up promising far more than your lands can afford.’

Elodi nodded as the knot in her stomach grew tighter. ‘Thanks for the advice.’

‘And be wary of the Castellan.’ He saw her frown. ‘The head of the citadel. It’s his duty to know everything that goes on in this place, and it’s a duty he performs particularly well with relish. He commands the Palace Guard and reports directly to the Archon.’

Elodi turned to the door as it swung open with only the faintest hint of a creak. She whispered. ‘How do you deal with all of this?’

‘You’ll learn.’ He nodded to the Proctor standing by the door and raised his eyebrows. ‘Otherwise you’ll end up like him.’

Elodi turned; she could not recall seeing an older man, or someone with a more crooked spine still able to stand. The Proctor held out a hand resembling the bark of a tree. He croaked. ‘The Council will see you now.’

Elodi inhaled deeply, aware what lay beyond the doors would likely take her breath away. Bardon murmured. ‘Follow my lead and only speak if he asks you a direct question.’

She followed. The echo of their footsteps would alert the entire palace of their arrival in the hall. And great it was. Elodi could not help glancing up as they passed through the thick doors, aware her mouth gaped wide. Light from the tall, narrow windows sliced through dust trapped in the thick air. Despite the high vaulted ceiling, the hall was hot. Sweat beaded on her forehead and trickled down her spine as she strode beside Bardon, keen to make a confident entrance. At the far end of the hall, a long table covered with a light blue cloth, stood on a low dais. Her heart hammered into her ribs as they drew near. She stumbled as the Proctor halted. The old man tutted and ushered them forward to a spot opposite the center of the dais. The Proctor shuffled back and grumbled as he took his place on a stool to their left. Behind the large table sat the six white-robed members of the Archon’s Council, all with stiff backs and shaven-heads. In the middle, the grandest of the chairs sat empty.

‘Vice-Archon?’ Bardon’s voice shook as he addressed a stern, middle-aged woman to the right of the empty seat. ‘I thought we had an audience granted with—?’

‘Then you thought wrong, Broon. You were granted a meeting with the Council, as you can see. The Archon’ — the woman covered her mouth and coughed or chuckled, Elodi could not be sure — ‘has far more pressing matters to attend than the everyday affairs of the Five Realms.’

Bardon took a breath and addressed the woman. ‘I wouldn’t describe raising the levies by fifteen percent as an everyday affair, Vice-Archon.’ Elodi shivered despite the cloying heat.

The Vice-Archon’s jaw tightened in her gaunt face. ‘I disagree. He who keeps our lands safe cannot be troubled with such trifling matters as coin and crop’ — her voice rose — ‘when he ceaselessly maintains the defenses and keeps a watchful eye on the enemy.’ The shiny heads of the Council nodded, catching the sunlight strong enough to pierce through the dust.

But Bardon held his ground. ‘Then please inform the Archon if he wishes to raise taxes, he has to allow more trade between the realms, and to do that, the restrictions on those who can travel need revision.’

The Vice-Archon held Bardon’s gaze but remained silent. When she spoke, Elodi could barely hear her voice. ‘I will inform the Archon of what I deem fit.’ She leaned forward. ‘And I am quite capable of determining the appropriate trade and travel arrangements. Both Kernlow and Galabrant have no issues with the levy. And I have already—’

‘Then can you explain why, for example, the people of Broon cannot easily sell their wool to Galabrant with whom we share a border? And I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a fine wine from the vineyards of Gwelayn.’

The heads of the Council turned to the Vice-Archon. Her chest rose. ‘If you would allow me to finish, I was about to explain.’ She picked up a goblet and drank. Elodi’s dry mouth would have welcomed a drink of cool water, but noted the aides had set no glasses for them. The Vice-Archon’s shoulders dropped as she sat back and held the cup in both hands. ‘I have commissioned a review to assess such arrangements. They will report later in the year and then, and only then will I pass judgement.’

‘Are you aware…?’ Elodi stepped forward and spoke before she realized she had made the decision. At her side, Bardon stiffened. She cleared her dry throat. ‘Are you aware, Vice-Archon, the crop yield in the southern wards of Harlyn have diminished over the last five years? We have spent many years rebuilding our farms following the Great Famine so we do not see a return to those dark days.’ She took a quick breath as the Vice-Archon moved to speak. Elodi rushed out her words. ‘But it is not only our crops suffering with the colder summers. In the north, losses of livestock due to the raids have increased. And, are you also—?’

Elodi jumped as the Vice-Archon’s voice rose to the rafters. ‘Of course, I am aware! And if you will also allow me a moment to speak, I will inform you of what is currently placing demands on our limited resources.’ She placed the goblet back on the table and glared at them over the rim. ‘Good, I see I have your attention.’ The Vice-Archon sighed as if bored with their company. ‘Now, as you well know, the Archon has spent the last two years overseeing construction of the tower at the gate. You, as leaders of your realms, will attend its opening shortly. The reason, as I’m sure you will appreciate, is so you can report back to your people how we spend the levies for their protection.’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘Is that understood?’

Bardon nodded. ‘Understood, Vice-Archon. But if the work on the tower is complete, why the need for the increase in the levies?’

The Vice-Archon hissed as she sucked air through her teeth. ‘The work is never complete, Broon, the threat is always present. Work on the third stage of the Archon’s plan is already well underway.’

She dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. ‘The Archon cannot risk revealing his hand so freely. As I’m sure you’ll know, such information may be valuable to Golesh spies.’ She folded her arms. ‘I shall raise the levy, and it is your task to justify it to your people.’

Bardon groaned. ‘But, Vice-Archon, I fear with lower crop yields in the dismal summers we’ve experienced of late, means many wards, including mine, will find it difficult to meet the increased levies.’

The Vice-Archon barely concealed a sneer. ‘Should we fail, the cost will be immeasurable, Broon, hence the third stage. The Archon is wary the enemy has been silent for many, many years.’ She shivered. ‘But we cannot become complacent, for all we know they are planning an all-out assault as we speak. We must, at all times, be prepared. But you can reassure your people’ — she leveled her gaze — ‘the eyes and ears of the Archon are everywhere. Little happens without his knowledge.’ Elodi shuffled to ease her aching back; the Vice-Archon seemed to gain pleasure from her discomfort. But Elodi planted her feet and stood tall, determined not to appear weak. The Vice-Archon continued. ‘You may also inform your people their levies have paid to install new weapons for the parapets behind the gate. I’m sure that will help ease their minds as they tend to their crops and cattle. And, of course, with the completion of the Caerwal Tower, we have the means to see into the Lost Realms and—’

‘Is that wise?’ Elodi spoke again before she could stop herself.

The Vice-Archon spluttered. ‘Wise? Do you question the wisdom of the Archon’ — her lips twisted — ‘Lady Harlyn?’ The woman spat out her words. ‘He is as wise as you are ignorant. Do you not think his long, extended years have given him the wisdom and knowledge to make these vital decisions?’

Elodi stuttered. ‘I… I am concerned about making ourselves known.’

‘Oh, they know we are here, and for once we can make them fearful of us. That is why we have built the tower. We want them to know we are watching and are not afraid. Our wise Archon knows what he is doing, Harlyn, it is all part of his grand plan.’ The members of the Council nodded in agreement. The Vice-Archon sat back. ‘This brings me to the last matter.’ She held Bardon’s gaze. ‘I have signed a decree to re-assign resources from the garrisons in the north to Archonholm for the next stage of the Archon’s plan. The process—’

‘Vice-Archon!’ Bardon gasped. ‘Have you not listened to a word I’ve said?’ The backs of the Council stiffened. ‘This is not the time to be weakening the defenses in the light of increased raids from the north!’

The Vice-Archon's eyes narrowed. ‘I listen, Broon. But I have to make decisions, however difficult they may be, for the good of the Five Realms and not just for a few farms.’ She straightened. ‘You have your own reserves, do you not?’

‘Well, yes, but these are—’

‘Then train more. Are you telling me you cannot see off a few untrained ruffians armed with wooden sticks?’

Elodi shuddered as Bardon ground his teeth. ‘But, Vice-Archon, aside from our small forces of full-time soldiers, our reserves comprise only a few retired, Archonian Guard, the rest are farm-workers and from other trades, they’re not experienced fighters by any stretch of the imagination. And, you cannot dismiss the raiding parties of the Ruuk as untrained ruffians. They are better led, better organized, better equipped and—’