Chapter 93

　　“The man is head of a village,” Aurien said. “The village lies in a mountain passage between one kingdom and another. The position brings them wealth through trade, but in the last few years, has also made them subject to marauders who pillage the town on their way in and out. The sorcerer offered to take up residence in the town, in return for tribute, but the villagers reneged on the arrangement.”

　　Akyran regarded the cowering man. “What say you?” he asked him sternly. The question was part of the ritual of the audience, I thought, as he had used the same phrase with the woman.

　　“I didn’t read the fine print,” the man murmured. “I did not set out intending to be dishonest, but I should have taken more care with the agreement made. We were desperate and in a hurry as a large force was moving through the mountains that would have destroyed us.”

　　“So, because of your mistake, you renege?” Akyran was disapproving.