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‘I demand to be informed of what is discussed at Lord Kernlow’s Council!’ Elodi slammed her hand down hard on the Castellan’s desk, dislodging a pile of his papers. ‘I am the leader of a realm, one I hasten to add, has suffered the most from the actions of our enemy. And, despite its woes, committed a sizeable force to fight for the Archon. Yet, whenever I try to meet with Kernlow, I come up against a dozen Palace Guards determined to keep me out. At the very least I should receive word of every decision immediately. But tell me, Castellan, why am I denied a seat at Kernlow’s table?’

The candlelight made his lined face appear more troubled than ever. ‘Lord Kernlow has a most demanding schedule. He prefers to keep the numbers on his Council limited to hasten the process of decision making. He—’

‘What decisions has his so-called emergency committee made in the last two weeks? Do they even acknowledge we face a crisis?’

‘I can assure you they are making progress. The working parties to clear the Caerwal Pass were assembled and is proceeding as scheduled. Furthermore, measures are being drafted to ensure crops are harvested and—’

‘What of the north? Does the committee know of the movements of the enemy?’

‘Reserves have been sent to strengthen the—’

‘Reserves? Does Kernlow seriously think the part-time soldiers of Farrand can hold back the might of the evil tide? And who will bring in the harvest if he sends farmers to do the work of the Archonian Guard?’

The Castellan leaned back and folded his arms. ‘Lord Kernlow’s priority is to fortify and consolidate here in Farrand. If he sends knights and his guards north, it will weaken our one and only stronghold. But… I can inform you that work has begun at Caermund to replace the ships lost from Bardon’s failed mission.’

‘That’s Lord Broon to you. And I trust you’re not inferring it was due to his leadership.’

‘Err… no, ma’am. But a great many fine ships were lost after all. We have two under construction at Caermund, but more are planned.’ He sat forward. ‘And plans are afoot to build ships at West Haven to replace the aging Celestra. Lord Kernlow has the wisdom to ensure that in the near future, supplies and soldiers can be moved quickly by sea to deal with any potential threat.’ The Castellan held her gaze. ‘So perhaps it would be wise, ma'am, to not judge him until you are fully aware of the facts.’

Elodi refused to look away. ‘Have you not heard a word I have said? That is precisely why I am here.’ Her jaw tightened. ‘If I was fully aware, then I would have the facts to judge where and when I please, Castellan. But, while my knowledge of ships is limited’ — a chill ran up her spine as she recalled the dark walls of water crashing against the Celestra — ‘I do know the hardy trees found only in Ormsk are essential to construct a sturdy hull.’ She sat back. ‘Has our dear lord made arrangements to secure the only supply we have? Perhaps our enemy already has designs on the forests with the same thought in mind.’

The Castellan glanced down to his papers still scattered across the floor. ‘Err… that I… yes, of course he has. The reserves of Ormsk will be supported to secure the forests in question.’

‘Reserves? There you go again. Please remind Kernlow, we are up against battle-hardened Ruuk that wouldn’t think twice of slitting the throats of their own mothers if they thought it would gain an advantage.’ Elodi took a deep breath. ‘If we are to make an effort to keep each other informed, Castellan, then it’s only fair to tell you what I have learned from my own sources.’

‘And that would be?’

‘Yesterday, I spoke with Nyomae, and I have to tell you, what she said does not fill me with confidence. If she is correct in her reading of the Verses, it will matter little how much strength Kernlow can muster to defend Archonholm. She believes the enemy have yet to reveal their full hand. And she fears they will soon overrun the northern realms while we sit comfortably on our backsides down here.’

The Castellan shifted in his chair. ‘Do we take the word of this… this sorcerer? Should we risk all and drive north into the open on the whim of something she has seen in a dream?’

Elodi’s pulse rose. ‘Using terms such as sorcerer and dreams only serve to expose your ignorance, Castellan.’

‘I will not sit and listen—’

‘Then stand and listen if you wish! I will not shirk from saying exactly what I think of you. We both know there is no love lost between us, but I am willing to suspend my contempt as it’s imperative we work together for the good of the realms.’

The Castellan’s face reddened. ‘Agreed, Lady Harlyn. But I ask you to withdraw your accusation of my ignorance.’

‘That I will do once you have proved otherwise and heeded Nyomae’s warning.’

‘Yet the fact remains she is—’

‘The most powerful of our dwindling list of allies, who, just to ensure you are in possession of all the facts, stood beside our Archon in the last battle. And she commands power beyond anything we currently have at our disposal.’ The Castellan sank back into his chair. Elodi placed her hands on his desk. ‘Now, if you're willing to listen, I believe Kernlow needs to be made aware there are far greater forces in this world than we have yet faced. Our enemies have driven us to the brink of defeat with just a handful of their captains. What we have witnessed recently is nothing compared to what they are likely to call upon in due course. When that will be, Nyomae cannot tell. And this at a time when we have never been more vulnerable. If we are to stand even a slim chance, we must consider striking north before they can unleash their full strength.’

The Castellan’s face paled. ‘Yet if we disperse our forces across the realms, they'd simply pick us off one by one. Would it not be prudent of Lord Kernlow to consolidate our position here in the south?’

‘Our enemy possesses greater numbers and superior powers. They only need to cut Archonholm off from the rest of the realms, and the farms that supply our food, to ultimately achieve a victory. But we can do much to disrupt the Ul-dalak’s preparations with raids on the Ruuk positions and their supply lines. This can be achieved with small bands to cause havoc and perhaps even panic. We must do all we can to delay their efforts to summon the fell beasts from the past.’

The Castellan stroked his chin. ‘Yet that will still draw strength from Farrand, and such raids will expose our limited numbers to needless danger. Lord Kernlow is unlikely to undertake a plan involving even the slightest of risks.’

Elodi groaned. ‘His current strategy is a risk, Castellan. We live in dangerous times. Is Kernlow aware that his current lack of action concedes territory to the enemy? Our enemy will enslave the good folk of Harlyn and Broon, feeding only those who will be forced to serve them. And don’t think the enemy won’t commandeer our inexperienced reserves Kernlow sends north into their ranks. If they have the means to control Dorlan and my fallen knights, it would be a simple task to turn them to their aim.’

The Castellan opened his mouth, then paused. Elodi sensed she may have made her argument. He glanced to the door. ‘Ma’am, I have no say in the affairs of the committee.’

‘That may be so, but I believe you have some influence on who is allowed to petition them. I have made my case before now. Why have you not granted me the opportunity?’

‘Due process must be followed. All in good time, ma’am.’

‘All in good time? Does Kernlow believe our enemies will wait while he re-arranges the seating at his Council? And, talking of due process, what of my objection to Kernlow’s appointment as Steward? I submitted my challenge ten days ago, yet I have had no word, not even an acknowledgment of my letter.’

‘As you can see, ma’am.’ He nodded at the papers on the floor. ‘I have many duties to perform as Castellan. I expect your objection will reach the top of my pile shortly.’ He leaned over to retrieve the files, flipped through the first few pages, and pulled out a sheet. ‘Ah. Here it is.’ He placed it on his desk and flattened the creases. ‘I can confirm I have received your objection, ma’am, but I’m sure you appreciate these things take time.’

Elodi snatched the paper from his hand. ‘We don’t have the luxury of time!’ She waved it in his face. ‘See to it that my objection is heard. And while you’re at it, set up a meeting with Kernlow. As a ruler of a realm, I demand my right to an audience. The Five Realms’ Charter states he has five days to comply with my request.’

‘But… Lady Harlyn. I cannot recall receiving an official written request for a—’

Elodi slapped her letter on the desk. ‘My official objection to Kernlow’s appointment requires a meeting! And by my reckoning it is already five days overdue.’

The Castellan shrank back in his chair. ‘Then I will raise a point of order for the next meeting, ma’am.’ He picked up another sheet and rubbed his chin. ‘Ah yes. Lady Harlyn. There is another matter I must discuss with you. It's... it's about the young man from Darrow.’ He cleared his throat. ‘It has come to my attention that he spends many hours in your company.’

‘That is none of your business.’

‘It is when you grant him access to areas that are otherwise restricted.’ He raised his hand as Elodi began to speak. ‘In the days following events at the pass, proper procedures were overlooked. But you should know I have since re-instated the measures deemed necessary when we suspected enemy spies were operating in the city.’

Elodi’s eyes narrowed. ‘Are you suggesting Toryn is working for the enemy?’

‘No, not at all. But what do we know of this… this simple farm boy? Can we—?’

‘This simple farm boy, as you put it, saved many hundreds of lives at the pass, including yours, Castellan. Had he not acted, I doubt if more than a handful would have survived. And may I remind you, Toryn was key to purging the Archon of Uluriel.’

‘And this would be the intervention that led to the Archon’s death. He would—’

‘Still be alive? You cannot think we would be better off if he had survived? Had the Archon defeated Toryn and Nyomae at the tower, we would be none the wiser our leader was controlled by our enemy. She had spent the better part of three hundred years draining the poor man. There was nothing left of him. He was just a shell.’

The Castellan shrugged. ‘Perhaps we will never know.’

‘What we do know is few would have survived that day had they not intervened. And for that, I will ask you to grant him, and Nyomae, full access to the same areas I enjoy. They both hold a position on my staff. Therefore, I expect them to be treated with the respect worthy of their position. And while you’re at it, I want my captains, Gundrul and Cubric, to be given the same pass. And I would like Gundrul’s guards and Harlyn’s forces stationed closer to Archonholm. It is not acceptable that all but one of my captains are a three-day ride from the city. And it’s not as if we are lacking space in the barracks and stables of Archonholm. Twelve stalls for Aldorman and my knights is not acceptable.’

The Castellan shifted. ‘We have laws regarding forces under the command of those outside of Farrand, ma’am. Surely you appreciate that.’

Elodi leaned forward. ‘If you’re suggesting my soldiers are a threat to Kernlow, I resent that. I have not ruled out taking my force north to take back my realm.’

‘Please, Lady Harlyn. I am not suggesting you pose a threat. Simply that we must uphold the laws of Farrand. And—’ he shuffled his papers — ‘far be it for me to offer advice to one so experienced in the ways of the battlefield, but wouldn’t it be folly to take such a small army to face an unknown force?’

Elodi eyed him closely, unsure if he was being sincere. ‘I reserve my right to act in my realm’s best interest. I am willing to aid Kernlow, but as yet, weeks after the tragic events at the pass, I remain ignorant of his objectives. In the meantime, please arrange for all my soldiers to be brought into the West Barracks.’

The Castellan’s eyes shifted to his reflection in the dark window. ‘Again, these are matters that will have to be put to the Council, ma’am.’

‘Ah yes, the Council. How would the realms function without their wisdom?’ Elodi sat back. ‘These are unprecedented times, Castellan. Would Nyomae and the Archon have held back the dark forces at Gormadon had a committee deliberated at length every move on the battlefield?’ She held his gaze. ‘While the Council sit on their oversized… hands, our enemy reaps the rewards of captured territory.’ Elodi stiffened. ‘Is Kernlow aware of the rumors regarding Nordryn?’

‘Rumors? I’m surprised you, of all people, should give credence to idle tittle tattle. We have—’

‘Then why was he, leader of easily the strongest force outside of the Archon’s, allowed to sit tight in Keld? Uluriel did not request his armies to be present at the pass when she unleashed the landslide. Why do you think she spared his soldiers?’

The Castellan’s brow creased. ‘If you’re suggesting the ruler of Broon, one who has passed their own stringent trials, could possibly be in league—’

‘Yet we all failed to notice our very own Archon was compromised. I would question both yours and Kernlow’s belief that Nordryn’s loyalty is beyond doubt. So, let us assume that something is afoot in Broon of which we remain unaware. But even if all is well and quiet, the enemy occupies a third of my realm. And I have next to no chance of stopping them advancing into Noor and Darrow. What then? Will they be satisfied with that when the riches and fertile lands of Kernlow and Farrand are within their reach?’

He scoffed. ‘Oh, come now, ma’am. You can’t think the Ruuk have the strength to make a move against Farrand and Archonholm this side of next spring?’

‘They know we have lost a large part of our forces. Would they sit back and wait for us to recover our strength? Would you if our positions were reversed?’

‘Even so, ma’am, Archonholm still represents a formidable fortress to assail. It will take months for them to assemble a force large enough to contemplate an attack. And don’t forget, we will have completed much of our outer wall before long. And if they bring these fell beasts you fear they command, I’m certain our defenses will be equal to them.’

‘I wish I could share your optimism, Castellan. I have witnessed firsthand how quickly a ruthless and determined enemy can take a city. We thought ourselves safe behind our considerable defenses at Calerdorn. But we had underestimated the strength of the Ul-dalak. And, according to Nyomae, this is only the beginning as their power grows. The outcome of the battles to come will not depend on military might alone. We may face older, darker forces than the Archon fought at Gormadon. And I don't need to remind you that conflict did not end in our favor. So, if you could please see—’

The door burst open. A red-faced guard stumbled in. ‘Apologies, Castellan. We have a…’ he glanced to Elodi, ‘a situation requiring your attendance.’

Elodi followed the Castellan, easily keeping pace as he strode through the gatehouse. He had asked her to stay behind, insisting it was not necessary for her to accompany him. But Elodi had seen the anxious look on the guard’s face and had to know what had happened. Three guards stood in a huddle outside on the road. On hearing their footsteps, one came to meet them. ‘Castellan. Sorry to bring you out on a chilly night, but we thought you should be made aware of… events. And you had ordered us to report anything unusual, but we weren’t sure whether this—’

‘Just tell me what happened, Captain. Then let me decide.’

The captain adjusted his cloak. ‘We heard someone call, all mournful like, sir. Call may be the wrong word. Almost like a fox, but not a fox.’ He glanced at Elodi. His face looked pale and drawn in the torchlight. ‘Not pleasant to hear. Made the hairs on the back of our necks stand up.’

The Castellan scoffed. ‘And you brought me out here because of the hairs on your neck?’

He stiffened. ‘No, sir. Of course not, sir. At first, we thought the cry came from the forest so we didn’t bother to investigate. We often hear and see strange things in that place. Well, you know all about—’

‘Then I ask again.’ The Castellan grew impatient. ‘What warrants interrupting my meeting?’

‘Ah. Well… it’s moved, sir. Now it’s coming from our side of the river.’ He raised his sword. ‘Down there, about a hundred paces along the road.’

Elodi peered to the dark river visible at the edge of the torchlight. ‘Did you see anything cross?’

The Castellan held up his hand. ‘Lady Harlyn. If you please, allow me to—’

‘No, ma’am. Nothing. Nothing at all.’

Elodi ignored the Castellan’s obvious displeasure. ‘And have you investigated now it’s on our side?’

The captain’s eyes shifted between the two. ‘Yes, ma’am… sir. And that was when we thought it best to send for you. You see when we heard it again, we saw a…’ he glanced back to his companions, ‘a sort of… ghostly light.’

The Castellan sneered. ‘Ghosts? Have you been drinking on duty, Captain?’

‘Oh no, don’t get me wrong, sir. I’m not saying it was a spirit as such. More like a flickering, pale light. Cast a peculiar reflection on the wall, it did. More so than we thought it should, seeing as it was so faint.’

The Castellan looked to the wall. ‘I see nothing.’ He turned. ‘Lady Harlyn. Do you see a ghostly light?’

‘Not at this moment. But I have seen many strange things of late, Castellan.’

The captain shuffled. ‘That’s because it went out. We’ve not seen it since two of my guards went to get a closer look. And that’s my concern, Castellan. The light went out and my men have yet to return. I’ve called over, but there’s no reply.’ He scratched his chin. ‘It’s a mystery, sir. I didn’t want to send more in case it’s…’ again he looked to his colleagues, ‘something unnatural.’

The Castellan shook his head. ‘I’ve heard enough of this nonsense today. First…’ he glanced at Elodi, ‘I’m urged to heed the warning of a sorcerer’s dream. Then tales of creatures of old, and now… I’m called out in the night because my guards are seeing ghosts.’ He slid his sword from his scabbard. ‘Come with me. I’ll soon solve this mystery.’