'They are a detachment from Tactician Akalia's force,' the Vekken – their Vekken – explained. 'They are merely obeying their last order, which was to harass Collegium in any way possible.'

'But they shot you!'

'My people are skilled soldiers.' The Vekken sounded insulted. 'I had no time to announce my presence to them before they commenced their ambush.'

Stenwold was shouting now. 'Then tell them you're here, you fool!'

'They are already aware,' said the Vekken, as another volley of crossbow bolts drove the Collegium men further back towards the vehicle. 'They have advised me to leave before they begin their shield-charge.'

Stenwold reached for him in frustration, but then thought better of it. 'Tell them that the war is over. You're an ambassador – Vek is sending ambassadors to Collegium, for Waste's sake!'

'I do not have authority to countermand a Tactician's order.'

At that moment Stenwold was physically shoved further into the shelter of the automotive's hatch by the injured soldier. 'Tell them!' he roared desperately. 'Don't you think that if your King was here he would order them to stop?'

The idea of second-guessing the Monarch of Vek was obviously beyond consideration for this particular Vekken. He just stood there, staring at Stenwold with patent loathing. The guardsmen had now raised a cordon of shields around him and Cheerwell, with snapbowmen ducking down behind it to reload, then up again to shoot. Che noticed that there were a good few Vekken dead as well, as the bolts tore through their shields and armour both.

'Well?' Stenwold demanded. 'Can't you admit to logic, just this once?'

'Your men are the only ones still shooting,' the Vekken observed.