For seven days, Duke Rieran had been reminding everyone at his great feast who truly held power in Dinnan. Commander Scaryazzi, however, kept turning every honour back toward the Crown. a In no circumstances would Under no circumstances did Under no circumstances would he allow Rieran’s generosity to appear greater than the king’s authority.

At the final banquet, Rieran rose with a drawn sword and used the old ceremony of the bird to insult Scaryazzi publicly. b Only while Only after Only if the duke had made it clear that he was not merely joking did Scaryazzi offer him a choice: withdraw the words, or name them as a challenge.

c That Why Because he insisted on a formal challenge was simple. Gadaran law protected the commander of the Guard. d Unless Were Had he to be killed in an unlawful attack, the consequences could fall not only on the killer but on the land where his blood had been shed.

Rieran refused to retreat. e No sooner did Hardly had No sooner had Scaryazzi said that he would accept a direct challenge than the duke declared it openly before the whole hall.

Around the tables, the great lords were already calculating what might happen if Rieran died. f At the centre of it all was sitting At the centre of it all did sit At the centre of it all sat Valeyr, the young king whose permission was formally required.

g Once Had Unless Valeyr refused to recognise the duel, the confrontation would still have left him surrounded by men far more powerful than he was. h As try Although Try as he might, he could not make the danger disappear.

The duel was fixed for sunset. i Until Not until Only until the appointed hour did the two men enter the courtyard under the eyes of witnesses and guards.

The fight did not last long. One precise blow killed Duke Rieran, and by morning messengers were already racing from the castle. The balance of power in Dinnan had begun to change.