As was their custom, Prince Ahmad explained their position in strong, eloquent terms. King Hamal listened silently, his expression never changing, his gaze never wavering. When the prince was done, Hamal sat stonily for several minutes, considering all the ramifications of what had happened and what was to come.
“This is the first I’ve heard of these matters,” he said at last. “Your man Nurredin did not arrive at my court, or he would have been listened to with respect, for I have heard his name mentioned favorably by my own officers. If he arrived during the last days of my father’s reign, there is a chance he would have been killed; my father was indeed the sort of man who would have made a pact with Shammara. Had you arrived two months ago, your welcome would not have been this cordial
