"An assassin prepared to risk the wrath of.my dear concubines would almost deserve to succeed," UrLeyn said, eyes twinkling as he pulled at his short grey moustache. "Providence knows their affection is rough enough at times." He reached out and tapped the younger man's elbow with one bunched fist. "Eh?"

"Indeed, sir. Still, I think the General could=

"Ah! The rest of the gang," UrLeyn said, clapping his hands as the double doors at the far end of the hall opened to admit a number of men — all clad similarly to the General — and a surrounding flock of aides in military uniforms, frock-coated clerks and assorted other helpers. "YetAmidous!" the Protector cried, walking quickly forward to greet the big, rough-faced man leading the group, shaking his hand and clapping his back. He greeted all of the other noble generals by name, then caught sight of his brother. "RuLeuin! Back from the Thrown Isles! Is all well?" He wrapped his arms round the taller, thicker-set man, who smiled slowly as he nodded and said, "Yes, sir." Then the Protector saw his son and bent down to lift him into his arms. "And Lattens! My favourite boy! You finished your studies!"

"Yes, Father!" the boy said. He was dressed like a little soldier, and flourished a wooden sword.

"Good! You can come and help us decide what to do about our rebellious barons in the marches!"

"Just for a while, brother," RuLeuin said. "This is a treat. His tutor needs him back on the bell."

"Ample time for Lattens to make all the difference to our plans," UrLeyn said, sitting the child on the map table.

Clerks and scribes scuttled over to the great wooden map lattice on one wall, fighting to be first. "Never mind!" the General called after them. "Here's the map!" he shouted, as his brother and fellow generals clustered round the great table. "Somebody already…" the General began, looking round the table for DeWar, then shaking his head and returning his attention to the map.