“It only means that Javan is as desperate for allies as Aindreas. And don’t forget, Curgh has every reason in the world to blame the Qirsi for all that’s befallen Eibithar in the last half year. He may agree with everything you say, but that doesn’t necessarily make him a friend.”

Marston knew his father was right, but he couldn’t help thinking that if a few other dukes chose to come as well, these discussions might actually do some good.v

Unfortunately, Javan’s was the last response he received for several days. And when the riders finally returned from the other houses, they bore discouraging news. Lathrop of Tremain didn’t care to brave the snows for such a long journey, nor did the dukes of Sussyn and Rennach. Or so they said. Marston couldn’t help but wonder if they had other reasons for staying away. Aindreas, as Marston had expected, refused to hear Thorald’s messenger at all. The king offered to receive Marston anytime he wished to ride to the City of Kings, but he would not be coming either. The thane had expected this as well; Eibithar’s king could hardly be expected to ride to Thorald at his request, or even Tobbar’s.

Perhaps he should have been pleased that any of the dukes had agreed to come-certainly his father thought so-but as Marston awaited the arrival of Cams and Elam, he felt his bitterness returning.

Eardley and Labruinn reached Thorald’s gates the same morning, arriving within an hour of one another. Shortly after, a single rider approached the castle from the west, wearing the brown and gold of Curgh. It was one of Javan’s soldiers, and as he strode across the castle ward to where Marston stood, the thane feared that he had brought word that Javan would not be coming after all. Instead he announced that the duke of Curgh’s company was but two days’ ride from Thorald, and would reach the castle the first day of the waning.

“You invited Curgh.‘” Elam asked, upon hearing this news in Thorald Castle’s great hall.

“We invited every duke in the land,” Tobbar answered, “and the king as well. Most have declined our invitation, but we would have welcomed all with equal warmth.”

“If we’re to discuss this conflict between Curgh and Kentigern, it would be best if Javan and Aindreas were elsewhere. Clearly, the duke of Kentigern understands this. It’s unfortunate that Javan does not, and it surprises me that you don’t either, Tobbar.” The duke of Eardley glanced briefly at Marston, his lip curling. “Perhaps you’ve placed too much faith in your son’s youthful judgment.”

Elam was one of Eibithar’s older dukes, a tall man, with silver hair, square features, and dark green eyes. He had grown heavy with the years, but he still looked more like a king than the lord of a minor house. He and the elder Filib had been friends, but after the duke of Thorald’s death, and the murder of Filib the Younger, Elam had done little to cultivate a friendship with Tobbar. Marston believed it was because Thorald no longer wielded as much power within the kingdom. His father chose to be more generous, attributing Elam’s distance to his grief for Filib. Still, Marston found it very easy to dislike the man.

Tobbar smiled, though clearly it took an effort. “I believe, Lord Eardley, that any attempt to end this crisis must include both Javan and Aindreas. I view Curgh’s response to my invitation as the appropriate one. As long as Lord Kentigern keeps himself apart from the rest of us, he places the kingdom at risk.”

“I had thought Thorald was neutral in this matter, my lord duke.”

“We are,” Tobbar said. “But we’re no less concerned for our impartiality.”

With Javan expected to reach the castle within two days, Tobbar thought it best to delay their discussions until the duke’s arrival. He instructed his servants and guards to make Caius and Elam as comfortable as possible, but steadfastly resisted Eardley’s attempts to wring from him the information mentioned in Marston’s message.

As promised, Javan and his company reached the castle gates just after the ringing of the midday bells on the first day of the waning. Travel-stained, and obviously weary, the duke nevertheless declined Marston’s offer of rest and a meal.

“I’ve come a long way, Lord Shanstead,” he said, following the thane through the castle wards to Tobbar’s chambers. “And with all that’s happening in Eibithar just now, I don’t want to be away from my home for long.”

Marston remembered Javan as a dour man, though formidable. The years hadn’t changed him much, though his hair was more grey now than brown, and his face was deeply lined. He still carried himself with grace, straight-backed and lean, like a swordsman.

“I understand, my Lord Curgh. My father awaits you.”

“Have others come?”

“Only Eardley and Labruinn.”

Javan raised an eyebrow. “I’d have thought that Renald would make the journey, and Shamus as well.”

“I had hoped they would, my lord,” Marston said, staring at the path before them.

“They remain committed to Aindreas.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The duke nodded. His Qirsi walked just a stride or two behind them, and Javan glanced back at the man now. “It seems Hagan was right.”

“He seemed quite certain of himself, my lord,” the Qirsi said.

“He usually does.”

The minister grinned. He was taller than the duke and slightly built, like so many of the sorcerer race. He wore his white hair tied back, making his face appear narrow and long. Unlike most Qirsi, he had a beard and mustache, though they were so pale as to be barely visible. His eyes, however, gleamed in the bright sun, as yellow as Uulranni gold.

They made their way to Tobbar’s presence chamber, finding the door open and the dukes of Eardley and Labruinn already seated by the hearth. Marston’s father sat across from the other dukes. Away from his bed, dressed in soldier’s garb, he looked better than he had in several days. Still Marston could only imagine how he appeared to Javan, who hadn’t seen the duke in many turns.

“My Lord Duke,” Tobbar said, climbing stiffly to his feet as Javan entered the room. “Be welcome in my home.”

Marston noticed that the other dukes also stood, though Elam’s mouth twisted sourly.

Javan crossed to Tobbar and embraced him gently. “My Lord Thorald, you honor me with your offer of hospitality.”

“I would have liked to greet you at the gate,” Tobbar said, releasing him and sitting once more. “But I don’t climb the towers as well as I used to.”

“Your son did me the honor, and acquitted himself nobly.”

Marston bowed. “My lord is too kind.”

Javan turned to Caius and Elam. “My Lord Dukes,” he said. “I’m pleased to see you both.”

“And I to see you, my Lord Curgh,” Labruinn answered, stepping forward to embrace Javan in turn.

Elam remained where he was. “Curgh” was all he said, adding a small bow, almost as an afterthought.

Javan gave a thin smile, but said nothing to the man. After a moment, he faced Tobbar again. “Forgive my haste, my Lord Duke, but as I’ve already told your son, I’m loath to be far from Curgh for very long. I was hoping that we could begin immediately to speak of whatever tidings led you to issue your kind invitation.”

“That suits me as well, Tobbar,” Eardley said. “Caius and I have waited long enough. Javan’s here now. Let’s get on with it.”

Tobbar nodded. “Very well.” Turning his gaze to Marston, he asked, How do you wish to proceed? This was your idea.“

The thane took a long breath, feeling far less sure of himself than he had at the beginning of the turn, when he wrote the messages.

“Xiv?” he said, facing his minister.

“Of course, my lord.” The Qirsi stepped to center of the room and made himself smile. “If the other ministers would follow me, we can speak of these matters on our own while our lords talk among themselves.”

“Is that necessary?” Labruinn’s first minister asked.