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Chancellor Triban Gnol spoke in an equally reasonable voice, ‘Your prince believes otherwise, Preda It behoves you to accord that opinion due respect’

‘The prince’s beliefs are his own concern I a what I do and do not respect, Chancellor, I strongly suggest you retract your challenge’

Moroch Nevath growled and stepped forward

The Preda’s hand snapped out – not to the Prince’s Guards him a half-stride from his position The sas already in his hand, and its freeing from the scabbard had been as silent as it had been fast

Moroch’s gaze flashed to Brys, the startled expression giving way to recognition The man’s oas but halfway out of its scabbard

A dry chuckle frouard is… explained Step forward, if you please, Champion’

‘That will not be necessary,’ Unnutal said

Brys nodded and slowly stepped back, sheathing his sword as he did so

Queen Janall’s brows rose at the Preda’s brusque countermand ‘Dear Unnutal Hebaz, you rise far above your station’

‘The presu and no-one else’

‘Well, forgivethat antiquated conceit’ Janall fluttered one thin hand ‘Strengths are ever at risk of beco weaknesses’ She stepped close to her son ‘Heed your mother’s advice, Quillas It was folly to cut at the Preda’s pedestal, for it has not yet turned to sand Patience, beloved one’

The Chancellor sighed ‘The queen’s advice-’

‘Is due respect ,’ Quillas mimed ‘As you will, then As you all will Moroch!’

Bodyguard trailing, the prince strode from the chamber

The queen’s s your forgiveness Thiswas not of our choice, but an, the Chancellor and I both sought to dissuade hi once e ‘Are we done?’

Queen Janall wagged a single finger inher arh his as they left

Triban Gnol reratulations, Preda,’ he said ‘Finadd Gerun Eberict was an exquisite choice’