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‘I believe we are only seeing half the story, Toryn.’ Nyomae looked up from the scroll. ‘It appears Elodi’s father was correct in his assumption. Based on the gaps in the archive, I would say many records have been removed from this room. And unfortunately, I suspect that includes much of Idraman’s early work. My only hope is that Uluriel has not pilfered his scrolls stored in the libraries of Neverdor and Abernost.' She sat back and rubbed her eyes. The Master of Scrolls had retrieved part of the archives studied by Uluriel when acting as the Archon. Nyomae believed she was searching for a discovery made by Draegelan in his later years. But they had barely read a third of the first box, and there were still twelve to open.

Nyomae turned to the small window. ‘We have been here since daybreak. I think that will do for today. We could easily miss a vital clue if tired.’ She smiled. ‘We may have the gift of farsight, but it aids us little in such a cramped space.’

Toryn stood and massaged his shoulders. ‘I wonder if Elodi has had a chance to speak with Lord Kernlow about that stone.’

Nyomae glanced at the open scroll on the table. ‘I wish the Castellan was as vigilant in protecting Archonholm as he appears to be about restricting access to Kernlow.’ She frowned. ‘Why does Uluriel seek to bring down Idraman’s Word of Forbidding? Does she believe she has an ally beyond the Caerwals? Or do they seek to take the lands to the south and drive out the people?’ Nyomae groaned. ‘So many unknowns. And I fear Kernlow does not have the stomach for the upcoming fight. For too long he has enjoyed the comfort and privileges that come with his title.’ She pushed back her chair and stood. ‘He must appreciate the luxuries of which he avails himself will soon disappear. His large dinner plate will begin to look sparse if he fails to secure the fertile lands of Kernlow and Galabrant.’

Toryn placed the scrolls back in the box. ‘Yet while he surrounds himself with like-minded people, he learns nothing of events in the real world. It seems the Castellan is all too eager to protect Kernlow from those who question his motives.’ He held open the door for Nyomae. ‘And as Elodi’s impatience grows by the day, I worry she may do something that could land her in the dungeon. The Castellan needs no encouragement to remove her from the citadel.’

Nyomae appeared not to hear Toryn as she eyed the boxes stacked by the door. She ran her hand across their dusty tops. ‘I am missing something. The years I spent under the shadow of my own making has numbed my mind. It should have been obvious to me that Uluriel would lay a trap beneath the tower. I should never have put you and Elodi in harm’s way so early in your journeys.’

‘But how could you have known?’

‘There is no excuse.’ She held up her hand. ‘I failed to spot signs I would not have missed even in my youth. Either I have grown weaker, or perhaps worse, arrogant, all too ready to trust in abilities I have yet to fully recover.’ Nyomae stopped. ‘Prior to the last battle at Gormadon, I could have destroyed that stone at the gate unaided. But I made the grave error of underestimating our enemy and rushed in where more thought was needed.’ She turned to Toryn. ‘I will retire to the Archon’s Tower. I must withdraw and revisit my Verses relating to the period before Gormadon. There are things I must study, things I need to reassess.’

Toryn saw the doubt in her eyes. ‘How long will that take?’

Nyomae shrugged. ‘I cannot be certain. I am aware that time is against us, but I hope it will not be long. I will also attempt to contact Idraman once more. He will be weakened with his efforts to sustain the barrier. It is quite remarkable that he has been able to maintain it for so long. If I can reach him, we can at least learn about the situation in the south.’ She touched Toryn's arm — her hand felt cold. ‘I will send for you when I am done. But in the meantime, I suggest you and Elodi double your efforts on making Lord Kernlow listen to our concerns.’

Toryn lifted the lid of the first box. ‘Should I continue the search here?’

‘No. The best use of your time would be to practice your gift of farsight. Look for signs of Eryn and the Amayans to the east of the Kolossos. You will find it easier from a high point. The North Terrace is an ideal location. You need line of sight but remember, you’re not seeing with your eyes. Use the same process as if entering the Song, but instead look to the horizon and invite the images into your mind. Think of Eryn and your farsight will lead you to her. Farsight is the act of entering the Song and seeing the present verses at the moment they are created. It would be more accurate to call it firstsight, but those who initially awoke to its power would have supposed it to be a visual skill. You will not see the past, or the future, but only a few can see what is yet to come. I occasionally get a glimpse of the times ahead, but I cannot be sure if what I see is manipulated by those who wish us ill. Ask Elodi to assist. Amayans appear to have a connection to one another that allows a form of communication. They have a limited capacity for the farsight, but her presence will lend you strength.’

Nyomae walked to the door, but then stopped and took a step back. Her hand rested on the last box. ‘Wait.’ She opened the cover, reached inside, and pulled out a frayed scroll. Her brow creased as she read the first lines. ‘I wonder if Uluriel saw this one.’ She slid it inside her robe. ‘The Master need not know.’

Toryn waited for the captains of the First Horse to leave the terrace before addressing Elodi. ‘The incident at the ruins has dealt Nyomae’s confidence a blow.’

‘I fear the responsibility lies heavy upon her, Toryn. I hope her retreat will prove beneficial. But it is a warning. We cannot rely on Nyomae alone. You and I must learn to master more of the powers she claims lie within us.’

He watched the roof of the Archon’s Tower turn red as the sun slowly slipped to the horizon. ‘Then let us try to locate your fellow Amayans. Imagine what another dozen warriors with your skills could do for our cause.’

Elodi held his gaze. ‘I wonder what they will make of me. Would they think me an imposter? I know little of their ways, and, by their reckoning, I have lived a sheltered life.’

Toryn laughed. ‘If you count fighting shreeks, shrouls, surviving a landslide, and then confronting Uluriel, as sheltered, then maybe… yes.’

She smiled back. ‘The shreek was an illusion. But I suppose the rest might impress them.’

‘They do set a high standard.’ He shuddered. ‘Tackling five Nordleng while fending off the attention of a hungry droog takes some skill.’

Elodi’s eyes wandered to the road leading east. ‘Then let us see if we can locate them. While I was aware the Archon possessed the farsight, I assumed it was just good eyesight that allowed me to see things other people could not.’

‘And I also. I could see the mighty Caranach from my village when others struggled.’ He checked the sun. ‘We have an hour before sunset, but whether we need the light for farsight, I am not sure.’

Elodi held his hand. ‘I will be convinced if we can see as far as Emryst.’

‘Nyomae instructed me not to try to see, but to let the images come to me. But what that means in practice, I don’t know for sure.’ Toryn took a breath. He looked north across the vast canopy of the Foranfae. Dozens of birds made their way back to the treetops ready to settle in for the night. He slowed his breathing, then invited the horizon towards him as if lifting a book to read. The colors changed, becoming brighter, more vibrant. He appeared to move, seeming to fly across the treetops. Toryn stumbled, unsettled by the sensation of speed but continued his journey. Beyond the forest, the pink-tinged, snowy peaks of the southernmost mountains of the Kolossos came into view. For a moment, he was reminded of the day he stood with Jerrum as Caranach had made its appearance. He spoke to Elodi. ‘Do you see them?’

‘I do, but I don’t know their names. They must be seventy leagues from here.’

Toryn arrived at the plains of Emryst. ‘Nyomae directed Eryn towards Telamir to locate Amyra. We should start our search there. If successful, Eryn said they would look for their remaining sisters.’ He let his eyes wander farther east. He pictured Eryn's face. At first, all he saw was a red haze as the dust from an early harvest caught the last rays of the sun. The field lay to the west of a small town he assumed was Cafra. Toryn recalled the lines on Hamar's map. If accurate, Telamir would be another ten leagues or so north. Eryn's blue eyes came to mind. Once more, the land surged towards him as they sped through the haze and over Cafra.

Elodi clutched at his hand. ‘This will take some getting used to.’

‘You see it too?’

‘I have yet to visit the lands east of the Kolossos. It looks so strange.’ They both gasped. Rising from the evening mists, the forked pinnacle of Telamir Tower jutted impossibly high into the shimmering sky. Elodi stuttered. ‘I had not realized how tall it stood. It must be twice the height of the Archon’s Tower.’

Toryn gaped at the peculiar structure of the old world. ‘Hamar told me of Telamir, but his words didn’t do it justice.’ He sighed. ‘But as much as I’d like to see the sights of the east, we must find the Amayans. They surely took this road if our farsight led us here. But where are they?’ He tried to picture Eryn’s face, but the vision of Telamir dominated. Beyond the tower, a thick fog within the Verse blocked their view. His heart pounded. 'Have they been captured?’ The vision shattered. Toryn staggered and grasped the balustrade. He waited for Archonholm to stand still and then opened his eyes. ‘Perhaps they have gone farther north, and we cannot reach them. I can’t imagine they could have been captured by the Nordleng, or… killed.’

Elodi steadied herself. ‘Then let us hope they have found their sisters and are causing havoc with the occupying forces of Dorn.’

Toryn took his hands off the wall. ‘The farsight drains my strength. We shall require a lot more practice if it is to be of use.’ Elodi frowned as she stared at the forest. Toryn asked. ‘What's wrong?’

She thought for a moment. ‘There is something that has troubled me, but I could not place exactly what it was. But now we stand here overlooking the forest, it comes to me.’ Her face paled. ‘You said you were assailed by Uleva in Foranfae as you rowed down the river. I believe it was at the time of the full moon?’

Toryn’s scalp tingled. ‘I remember it well. And yes, the full moon shone that night. But what concerns you?’

‘Only seven days earlier, Uleva and her army stormed the gates of Calerdorn.’ She turned to face the Menon Hills. ‘It would take Sea Mist at least fourteen to make that journey, and that would be at full speed with hardly any rest. How could Uleva cover that distance in half the time that would leave Misty lame? It continues to—’ A clash of swords rang out, accompanied by shouts from around the corner. Without a thought, Elodi and Toryn ran towards the skirmish.

They rounded the bend and bumped into those fleeing the fight. A guard hobbled towards them. He held up a hand, gasping for air. ‘Have a care, ma’am. He’s slaughtered two gentle folk and taken down a guard.’ He winced as his hand clutched his blooded leg. ‘And injured three.’

Elodi peered past the guard. A large, red-faced man stood astride three bodies on the flagstones. He swung a long blade, raging at the guards circling him. She stared aghast. ‘Who is he? Why does he fight?’

‘Can’t say, ma’am. He’s lost his mind. Has the strength of ten.’

‘By the Three, what is going on?’ Toryn turned to see the Castellan. He yelled at the injured guard. ‘How did that scoundrel get his sword past the checks?’

‘Not his, sir. Swiped it from a guard.’

‘Outrageous! I want that guard’s name, he’ll—’

‘He’s dead, sir. The madman slit his throat.’ More guards scurried across the terrace.

The Castellan looked on. ‘Then finish him. Finish him now. How many does it take to bring down one?’

‘He fights like a demon, sir. No skill, just brute force.’

The Castellan shoved the man aside and drew his sword. ‘Then get out of my way. Let’s see how this animal handles a veteran.’

Elodi joined him. ‘I’m with you.’

‘No, Lady Harlyn. That will not be necessary. Let me deal with this madman.’ The Castellan waved back the guards and bellowed at the aggressor. ‘Drop your weapon!’ The man staggered back. But Elodi did not see rage in his eyes; she saw fright. He glared wide-eyed at the guards as if he saw shreeks. The Castellan took a step and repeated his demand. ‘Drop your weapon.’

The man stiffened. He sneered. ‘Come and take it, weasel.’

The Castellan thrust back his shoulders and straightened. ‘This is your last chance. You have been warned. Surrender or die.’

The man’s mouth twisted. ‘Surrender? Never.’

The Castellan shrugged. ‘Very well.’ He turned to an arriving Palace Guard. ‘Your spear! Hurry.’ He gripped the weapon and leveled it. ‘You have spilled blood in Archonholm. Your life is forfeit.’ Elodi regarded the man. His scarlet face and bunching muscles seethed with anger, yet his eyes suggested shock, perhaps even fear.

Elodi stepped forward as the man’s jaw softened. ‘Castellan! Wait. He may—’ With a speed that surprised her, the Castellan lunged and thrust his spear deep into the assailant’s gut. He staggered but stayed on his feet. His eyes glared. He cried out a challenge and grasped the shaft, pulling the Castellan towards him. The Castellan reset his stance and twisted the spearhead while he stared into the face of his quarry. Blood gushed from the big man’s mouth. His hands fell away as he sank to his knees, gawping at the dead at his feet. He caught Elodi’s eye as he slouched and died. She held his gaze, perplexed — they were not the eyes of a madman, but of one who appeared to have woken from a nightmare.

The Castellan propped his spear on the stones, leaving the man impaled as if a trophy. He turned; his grin sent a shiver through Elodi.

A man pushed past Toryn. ‘Muldrin!’ But the guards grabbed his cloak and pulled him back. Tears streamed down his face as he gaped at the Castellan’s work. He struggled with the guards. ‘Please. Let me go to him. He don’t deserve to—’

‘Throw that man into a cell.’ The Castellan rubbed his hands on his cloak. ‘He’s an accomplice. I shall interrogate him later.’

Elodi stepped between them. ‘Castellan. Please, allow me a moment with him.’

He opened his mouth to deny her request but then stumbled. Toryn grabbed his arm to prevent his fall. ‘Are you injured?’

The Castellan recovered his balance but looked unsure of why Toryn had a hold on his arm. ‘Injured? Of course not.’ He shoved Toryn back. ‘Unhand me, boy.’ He spun around and stepped over the bloody flagstones and strewn bodies as if they were not there.

Elodi watched him go, abhorred by the show of violence. The man held by the guards dropped to his knees, unable to take his eyes from his friend slumped over the spear. But the guards allowed him no time to grieve. They hauled him up to face Elodi. She addressed him. ‘You called him Muldrin. Was he your friend?’

He mumbled to himself. ‘Why? I just don’t get it. We’re just builders.’ He looked up as if hearing Elodi’s question. ‘He… he was, ma’am. But he’s a gentle giant. I’ve never seen him hurt as much as a hornrasp.’ His shoulder’s shook. ‘It’s not like him at all.’

Toryn joined Elodi. ‘You wear a style of cloak worn in Darrow. What brought you to Archonholm?’

He looked down. ‘It is, sir. We’re from Elcott. Close enough to the mountains so we don’t see the sun ‘til midday. My name is Seldric. We answered the call for masons to help build the new wall. We only got here yesterday. But if I’d known…’ He slumped.

Elodi kneeled beside him. ‘I am sorry for the loss of your friend, but please, did you notice anything unusual about him?’ She glanced to Toryn as she spoke. ‘Surely, a man does not change overnight.’

Seldric straightened. ‘I’ve known him since we were little rascals. But I’d never seen him like that. We came up here to see the view. Then he went mad, grabbed the sword and… killed those poor folk and then the guards.’

One of the restraining guards spoke. ‘It may not be my place to say anything, ma’am, but this ain’t the first time we’ve had trouble of late.’ His hold on Seldric relaxed. ‘Nothing as bad as this, but fights have been breaking out all over the city. Folk are uneasy, ma’am. It seems they’re quick to anger and use their fists when words would have done.’ He looked down at the dead. ‘We’ll be in a heap of trouble if they start resorting to weapons.’