Chapter SixteenThe first to arrive at the High King’s castle was Karag of Sland, which was somewhat surprising; Sland lay almost two days’ ride to the west of Kholis, and Shandiph knew there were other councilors closer at hand.
Furthermore, Karag did not come alone. The Baron of Sland had accompanied him, with a party of half a dozen black-clad soldiers.
The presence of the Baron made the arrival a matter of state; the High King was roused and formal presentation arranged. While this went on, Chalkara reported to the Chairman that a ragged stranger dressed in brown and carrying a staff had arrived at the scullery gate, refusing to give his name but insisting that Shandiph had sent for him.
“That’s all right,” Shandiph told her as he watched the High King accepting Karag’s obeisance. “T
