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without speaking. The rivalry that divided them for so many years had died with Nysander; what would fill that void remained to be seen.
    â€œYou’ve prospered,” Seregil said at last.
    â€œMagyana’s a remarkable mentor. And the war—” Thero shrugged expressively. “Well, it’s been a harsh but efficient training ground.” Turning to Alec, he smiled. “I ride like a soldier now, if you can imagine that. I’ve even lost my seasickness.”
    â€œThat’s a lucky thing, crossing the Osiat this time of year.”
    â€œKlia said you’ve brought more information regarding my return?” asked Seregil.
    â€œYes.” Thero’s smile faltered. “The Iia’sidra has laid down certain conditions.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œAs you know, the ban of exile has not been lifted,” Thero replied with a briskness that undoubtedly masked discomfort. “You’re being allowed a special dispensation at the queen’s request.”
    â€œI understand that.” Seregil sat down on the edge of the bed, hands clasped around one up-drawn knee. “What’s it to be then? Branding me on the cheek, or just a placard around my neck reading, ‘Traitor’?”
    â€œNo one’s branding him!” Alec exclaimed, alarmed.
    â€œI’m joking, talí. All right, Thero, lay out the terms.”
    The wizard clearly took no pleasure in his task. “Your name is still forfeit; you’ll be known as Seregil of Rhíminee. You’re forbidden to wear Aurënfaie clothing or any other clan marks, including the
sen’gai.
”
    â€œFair enough,” said Seregil, but Alec saw a muscle tighten in his jaw. The sen’gai, a traditional Aurënfaie head cloth, was an integral part of Aurënfaie identity. Its color, patterns, and how it was wrapped denoted both clan and status.
    â€œYou are banned from all temples, and from participating in any religious ceremony,” Thero went on. “You will be accepted as a voice of council on behalf of Skala but have none of the common rights of a ’faie. Finally, you are not allowed outside Sarikali except to accompany the Skalan delegation. You will lodge with them, andcarry no weapons. Violate any of these and teth’sag will be declared against you.”
    â€œIs that all? No public flogging?”
    Thero leaned forward with a look of genuine concern. “Come now, what did you expect?”
    Seregil shook his head. “Nothing. I expect nothing. What does Idrilain think of all this?”
    â€œI’m not certain. These details arrived after I’d left her in Mycena.”
    â€œThen you have seen her since she was wounded?” Seregil pressed.
    Thero wove a spell in the air before continuing. The change was so subtle that at first Alec couldn’t figure out what had happened. An instant later, he realized he could no longer hear sounds from outside the room.
    â€œBetween us as Watchers, I can tell you that we need to accomplish the queen’s purpose as quickly as possible.”
    â€œIdrilain is dying, isn’t she?” asked Seregil.
    Thero nodded grimly. “It’s only a matter of time. Tell me, what’s your impression of Phoria?”
    â€œYou’ve seen more of her than I have this past year.”
    â€œShe’s opposed to our course of action.”
    â€œHow could she be?” asked Alec. “If Klia’s right, Skala isn’t strong enough to defeat Plenimar.”
    â€œPhoria refuses to accept that. Prince Korathan and a number of generals support her view, refusing to admit that magic is as important a weapon as bows or swords. No doubt you’ve heard about the Plenimaran necromancers?” The wizard’s mouth set in a hard line. “I’ve faced them in the field. The queen is quite correct, but Magyana’s convinced that Phoria will abandon the plan as soon as her mother dies. That’s why