‘Is it not also plausible that the raw materials were sold to someone in another borough?Anyborough, for that matter?’
Finally some sense. ‘Yes.’
‘And is it possible that the materials were imported years earlier, before the walls were built? Perhaps for another purpose entirely?’
Harlan nodded. ‘Again, yes.’
‘So many possibilities indeed.’ The queen looked around the room. ‘I do recall Lady Brighton wore a headpiece made from these gorgeous orange feathers at last year’s festival. Her dress was equally as beautiful. But I digress.’ Her sharp eyes returned to Harlan. ‘I have been informed that you were the first defender to stand against my son today. Is that correct?’
Harlan felt like he was on trial. ‘Yes, Your Majesty. My men followed my lead because I’m their commander. I assure you every one of them is a trustworthy defender. If you want to lay blame, lay it squarely on me.’
There was amusement in her eyes. ‘You are a lot like your father. All grace and honour.’
‘I shall take that as a compliment, Your Majesty.’
‘Do. It was intended as one.’ She let out a breath. ‘My son’s pride has been severely wounded by recent events, and he wishes to see you disciplined.’ She tilted her head. ‘What do you suppose would appease him, Commander?’
Harlan blinked. ‘You wantmeto suggest something?’
‘You know Prince Borin fairly well by now.’ She tapped one finger on the arm of the throne. ‘Perhaps we could have you assigned to night duty in the farming borough for a few months.’
‘I doubt that will suffice,’ Harlan said. An idea took shape in his mind. ‘Perhaps you should demote me.’
The queen’s eyebrows rose, and Shapur looked up.
‘Demote you?’ the queen asked. ‘You have earned the title of commander. I have no desire to take it from you. What would you do without it?’
This was turning into an opportunity. ‘Defenders are often placed in training roles as a form of discipline.’
Fayre’s gaze slid to Shapur. ‘Go on.’
‘The warden oversees the training, but it falls on different defenders to supervise and teach the new recruits. I think the men will benefit from a more consistent and structured approach.’
‘And you want to be that person?’
Harlan felt his father’s eyes burning into him. ‘Yes.’
Fayre leaned to one side. ‘If the training role is undesirable, then why do you want it?’
‘I believe foundation-level training shapes a soldier for the rest of his service. I think there’s more to teach than fitness, discipline, and obedience.’
‘Such as?’ she asked.
‘Such as courage, decency, conviction of purpose’—he paused, feeling his father’s eyes on him—‘and compassion.’ He dared a glance at Shapur and saw him swallow.
‘What do you think, Warden?’ the queen asked. ‘Is that what is missing from our military? And more importantly, is your son the one to implement such change?’
Shapur stood with his weight evenly distributed through his feet and hands behind his back. Always a pillar of respectability. He looked at Harlan when he said, ‘I think we could all benefit from a little more compassion. And I cannot think of a better defender to teach it.’
The queen gave Harlan a tight-lipped smile. ‘Then it is done. Harlan Wright, you are hereby stood down as commander of the merchant borough, effective immediately. Moving forwards, you will be responsible for the recruitment and training within the military.’ She rose from the chair. ‘Now you must excuse me. I must break the news to my son.’
* * *
Harlan walked along the edge of the training field, sizing up five new recruits running laps. His father walked next to him.
‘Do you think Queen Fayre has a suspect in mind?’ Harlan asked.
Shapur stared straight ahead. ‘If she does, she has not shared her suspicions with me yet.’
