“And I’m the dirty secret,” Ferrin said.

Nollin raised a finger in objection. “If your identity as a displacer is ever called into question, you are the turncoat who has provided all the secrets of Maldor’s defenses.”

“What about Tark?” Ferrin inquired.

“The commoner elevated to a station of high responsibility,” Nollin replied smoothly. “Evidence that King Galloran recognizes the vital contributions the common man will make in the upcoming turmoil.”

“Nollin is no stranger to politics,” Galloran said, suppressing a smile. “We are fortunate to have him laboring on our behalf. Copernum and the other connivers at court have hardly known what to make of him.”

“We all serve where our talents are best suited,” Nollin said humbly, clearly gratified by the praise.

“I have summoned all of you here because we are ready for war,” Galloran announced. “Our host will depart at first light. But two of you must remain behind.”

Nobody spoke.

Rachel glanced at the others. Nollin seemed a natural fit to stay at Trensicourt and play political games. But who else? She didn’t want to end up separated from more of her friends.

“Trensicourt will be left vulnerable in our absence,” Galloran said. “I worry about treachery from within and attacks from without. I will leave enough soldiers to man the wall and the castle, but little more. A skeleton crew, really. To an extent, Trensicourt will have to rely on the strength of her walls and the attention our offensive will demand. Those two elements should suffice if we can prevent the city from collapsing internally.”

“Who is to remain?” Io asked.

“I wish I could bring all of you with me,” Galloran said, “but necessity dictates otherwise. After much consideration I have decided to elevate Nedwin to Duke of Geer and name him regent in my absence, fully empowered to govern the affairs of the kingdom.”

Nedwin paled beneath his freckles. “This is too great an honor, sire. Pray let me remain at your side.”

“No honor is too great for my most faithful servant,” Galloran said. “Your house was stripped of your earldom by Copernum. For that reason I have created a duchy in your name. As much as I detest losing my finest scout as I head into the field, I need a man on the throne who I can trust. Brin must come with me into battle. For laying a siege, his engineering skills may prove essential. Nicholas has the mind for the job but not the body. He will serve as one of your counselors, and his contacts will be at your disposal. Tark lacks experience in affairs of state. Bartley has waffled in the past. And obviously the regent cannot be a seedman or a drinling or a displacer. It must be a man of our kingdom.”

Nedwin looked stricken. “Of course I am yours to command, sire.”

Rachel felt bad that Nedwin seemed so devastated. She would miss him—he had proven himself amazingly reliable. They were all safer with him around. But she had to admit it was probably a good pick. Nobody was more loyal to Galloran.

“The job will not be easy,” Galloran affirmed. “By my mandate Copernum and several of his cronies were preparing to take the field with us. But they have fallen ill, victims of a debilitating fever.”

“Subterfuge,” Nollin grunted. “The coincidence is much too convenient.”

“Copernum knows a variety of recipes to produce such symptoms,” Nedwin added.

“Nevertheless, I cannot force sick men into battle,” Galloran said. “Whatever the cause, the symptoms appear legitimate. We lack the time and the means to expose the charade. I will take the majority of their men, leaving only their household guard. But I need not stress how dangerous these vipers might be to the kingdom once my back is turned.”

“I will protect the kingdom, sire,” Nedwin said.

“I know your feelings toward Copernum,” Galloran said. “They are completely warranted. Do not move against him unprovoked. But should you catch him conspiring, you will have full authority to administer judgment and punishment.”

“As you wish, sire,” Nedwin replied.

“I do not mean to leave you friendless,” Galloran said. “Nollin, you are not mine to command. But given your expertise with statecraft, and given the relationships you have already cultivated here, would you consider remaining with Nedwin to help oversee the kingdom in my absence?”

“Your trust astonishes me,” Nollin replied.

“I know the Amar Kabal to be loyal and true, and I have seen evidence that you are more devoted than most. Some of our ideologies have differed in the past, but I know you do not want to see Maldor lay claim to this kingdom.”

Nollin placed his palms together in his lap. “In truth, my strengths might be better applied to this task than to the siege of Felrook. I will stay if you wish, but please allow me to retain the company and security of my sole countryman.”

Galloran gave a nod. “Three to stay behind instead of two. I hope you will not have need of Kerick’s sword, but I understand the request. And I agree. Nollin, I ask you to serve as a right hand to Nedwin. Watch out for his interests, help him to comprehend the maneuverings of his enemies, and take what action you must to protect the throne and the kingdom.”

“I shall do as you say until your return, King Galloran, or until the campaign ends in ruin. After that I make no pledge.”

“It pains me to miss fighting alongside my people,” Kerick admitted. “Nevertheless, I will remain with Nollin and Nedwin. I vow to protect them both.”

“I am relieved to have that settled,” Galloran said. “Nedwin, you will be granted the powers of regent in a private ceremony this evening.”

“As you wish, sire,” Nedwin responded.

He was saying the right words, but Rachel could tell that Nedwin was disappointed about the assignment. She supposed Galloran could tell as well, though he offered no indication. It was hard to blame Nedwin. Staying in Trensicourt surrounded by plotting enemies would be no fun at all.

“I have had eagles from the Amar Kabal and the drinlings,” Galloran said. “Both stand ready to march on Felrook. We will coordinate our marches so that we arrive together.”

“What of the other kingdoms?” Ferrin wondered.

“A major insurrection is planned in Meridon,” Galloran said. “It will begin tomorrow and might bring us some fighting men in time, though the revolt will probably prove more valuable as a distraction. I suppose at this late stage I can reveal that Vernon rescued the syllable guardian Trivett from the Isle of Weir, and they will be involved with the uprising.