“That is nothing less than the truth.”

“It would be nice if some of our older and more blue-blooded families acknowledged it.”

“They all will, eventually,” said Zamara. Kormak did not doubt that. He had seen the King and his formidable brother close up. If anyone could bring the noble families to heel, it was that pair.

“I feel somewhat overdressed,” said Rhiana, not failing to take notice of the tension in the air.

“No matter,” said Orson. “You look as lovely as any of the court beauties just as you are.”

She smiled sidelong at him as a tall, thin man garbed in a long black robe approached. His face was so desiccated that it resembled a skull. He acknowledged Orson with a bow and looked at the rest of them as if he expected them to produce written invitations. He paid no attention to their armed escort at all.

“May I ask as to your business here?” His voice was high-pitched and fussy. It had the accents of a scholar or a high-ranking clerk.

“I am Admiral Zamara,” said the Admiral relishing the sound of his words. “I am to report at once to the Governor. I bring papers of authorisation from the King-Emperor for Governor Aurin.”

The black-cloaked man’s manner changed immediately. “Of course, Admiral and who may I say your companions are? I recognise Goodman Waters, of course, but the others are unfamiliar to me.”

“This is the Guardian Kormak, also on the King-Emperor’s business. And this lovely lady is Rhiana, who has been shown favour by King Aemon.”

The clerk looked at Rhiana as if wondering exactly what sort of favour she had been shown. “A Guardian? On the King-Emperor’s business? I suppose it must be urgent. Come with me and I shall take you to His Excellency. You may send your soldiers to their barracks. We have quite enough here to protect ourselves.”

Zamara stared at him. “I am the Admiral of His Majesty’s fleet. I tell my troops to stand down when I choose to. Not when the Governor’s secretary tells me.”

His voice was calm but carried the lash of command. The secretary coughed and said, “Of course, sir. I meant no disrespect. I simply wished to inform you of the military situation here.”

“And you may consider me informed. Now, if you please, take me to the Governor.” Zamara turned to Terves and said, “Sergeant. Remain in attendance with our men until I return. Try to keep them from looting the Governor’s prize azaleas.”

“As you command, sir.”

The secretary led them into the house. Tapestries depicting angels and solar dragons covered the walls. Paintings of the Governor’s illustrious ancestors filled every nook and cranny. The air smelled of wine and food and incense. They passed through a large room walled with leather bound books and up a flight of stairs that led to an office.