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remained trapped in Tulvak Sahm s spell.
The air in the council room reeked of conflicting kinds of magic. The three
magemons stood shoulder to shoulder, humming something ominous. The power they
gave off crackled along Muncel s skin and lifted his hair. He wanted to flee,
but he dared not make any sudden moves.
Instead, he shifted his gaze to the horrified handlers. Get them out, he
ordered. Get them out!
The Gantese hurried forward to surround the magemons, speaking to the
creatures in singsong voices, and slowly began to herd them away.
As soon as they were gone and the door shut with a heavy boom, Muncel closed
his eyes and drew in several deep breaths. His stomach was burning with fire,
and he felt almost faint. Sinking into a tall-backed chair, he pressed his
hand to his belly and fought both his anger and the strong urge to be sick.
With the utterance of a word, Tulvak Sahm released Anjil-ihov, who went
staggering across the room before he caught his balance and turned on the
sorcerel with a snarl.
Gods rot your evil heart! Anjilihov said furiously, swinging his sword.
When you put your damnable spell on me, you imperiled his majesty s life.
You
Twas you who imperiled us all, Muncel broke in. Anjilihov, you fool!
The protector looked at his king in bewilderment. But your majesty was
attacked by that demon. Tis my responsibility to
Tulvak Sahm had already dealt with the matter, Muncel told him, leaning
forward. You made it worse.
Your majesty, I do protest. Anjilihov shot Tulvak Sahm a jealous glare as he
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spoke. I thought only of your safety.
You thought only of plunging your sword into the guts of a magemonl
Muncel shouted. Gods, man! Those creatures could level this stronghold to a
pile of rubble in a matter of minutes if they chose to unleash their full
powers. Had you harmed one, we would have been smote dead.
Anjilihov s gaze dropped from his. He sheathed his sword and knelt before
Muncel. Majesty, I ask your forgiveness. I did not realize this danger.
Obviously, Muncel said, unmoved. Tulvak Sahm circled them both, breathing
harshly. Trying to ignore him, Muncel kept his gaze on Anjilihov. When I
commanded you to stop, you disobeyed me.
Anjilihov turned pale. He bowed his head nearly to the floor. Forgive me,
majesty! I thought only of your
You are not to think! Muncel said angrily. You are to obey.
Yes, majesty, Anjilihov whispered.
One more failure, and I ll see you and your family banished to the World s
Rim. Is that clear?
Yes, majesty.
Muncel s stomach was burning with pain. A cold chill passed through him, and
he suddenly found the lingering stench in the air unbearable. Open a window.
The air in here is foul.
Anjilihov jumped to his feet and obeyed, rather than calling a servant to do
it.
Tulvak Sahm continued to circle Muncel s chair. The mage-mons are savages,
he murmured.
More dangerous than even I expected. I do not believe the handlers have much
control over them. Not as much as your majesty was led to expect.
A blast of icy wind filled the room and stirred the tapestries. Snow blew in
and sank into the fur rugs.
Muncel inhaled the clean, brisk air with relief and felt his head clear.
They should not be brought here again, Tulvak Sahm said. Let them finish
their spellcasting in the tower.
I want to be present, Muncel said stubbornly. I want to know the instant
they kill the pretender.
Then more sorcerels should be summoned here to guard your majesty, Tulvak
Sahm said.
Muncel stared up at the man in astonishment. Tulvak Sahm was close to
admitting that his powers were less than those of the magemons.
How long would it take to summon your colleagues?
Tulvak Sahm s face remained inscrutable as he tucked his hands into his
sleeves. I can reach them with the power of my mind immediately. Their coming
would take less than five days.
Too long. I want this matter finished before then.
Half of your majesty s bargain has been accomplished today, Tulvak Sahm
said. That is great progress. A few more days will scarcely matter.
Every day matters! Muncel shouted, only to wince as the pain in his stomach
grew worse. The pretender is nearly to the border now.
Word of Faldain s return was flying across the kingdom as fast as the news
could spread, Muncel thought worriedly. There d already been an outbreak of
trouble in Grov itself, traditional seat of Netheran kings, just when half his
army had been sent west to put down a Grethori uprising. And the northern
settlements were always rebellious; Muncel could only imagine how the
troublemakers there would react when news of the pretender s return reached
them.
He pounded his fist on the arm of his chair. I will not have Faldain set foot
on Netheran soil, Tulvak
Sahm. I dare not!
It does not matter where he dies, the sorcerel assured him.
The false one will not prevail against your majesty. This have I foretold.
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Horoscope castings no longer reassured Muncel. Where Fal-dain was concerned,
Muncel could not rest easy. In his nightmares, he d dreamed of lying on the
ground, bloody from numerous wounds, while
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