A flicker of uncertainty in Parnel Garrick’s eyes. Did Maris’s father sense his hesitation? Was he astute enough to see beneath the polite, polished mask?

No matter if he does. He’ll not rescind his welcome. They are ambitious, these Garricks. What I offer they’ll not spurn… though Maris be made miserable because of it.

Not that he intended to make Maris miserable. As far as he was able he would do what was right.

“Farewell, for now, Parnel,” he said, bowing, and then took his leave.

“Morgan… where have you been, boy? I was calling. A disobedient son, you are, not to come at once.”

Speechless, Morgan fumbled for his father’s wasted hand. He’d only been away from the mansion a matter of days, yet his father looked to have aged thirty years. Scabbed, spittled and shrunken, he huddled beneath his blankets like a corpse.

“I’m here, my lord. What’s this nonsense now?”

Wheezing, his father hawked and rattled the muck in his throat. “Nonsense? I’ll give you nonsense. Answer me. Where have you been?”

“Taking a little time with the Garricks, my lord. There was an invitation, do you recall?”

“An invitation,” his father mumbled. “Yes… yes…”

Pother Ranmer stepped to the bed. “Don’t be alarmed, Councillor. His lordship’s weak, and tires swiftly.”

“I have eyes, man. I can see that.”

“But in truth, sir,” Ranmer added, “your father is much improved. Seeing you has strengthened him. You should take heart from that.”

Improved? Strengthened? Surely Ranmer had lost his wits. “How do you explain this marked collapse in so short a time?”

“I’m sorry,” the pother said with care. “I thought you understood that his lordship’s condition is uncertain.”

He looked up, feeling savage. “There’s uncertain and then there’s this. Do you tell me his deterioration is natural?”

“Councillor… death is a natural thing,” Ranmer said gently. “Painful, but natural.”

Not always. Venette’s angry warning sounded in his memory.

“Did you honestly think Sallis wouldn’t punish you for that challenge?”

Sallis Arkley had connections, men and women who were in his debt or who looked to perform a service in the hope of future advancement. And there were ways other than magic to harm another mage.

Could Ranmer be the cause of Father’s falling away? No-one else is preparing his pills and possets.

Standing, Morgan hustled Ranmer until the pother was backed into the corner furthest from the bed. “I am not convinced that any of this is natural.”

“Sir,” the pother said, glaring. “Do you think to blame me for his lordship’s collapse?”

“Can you tell me where else I should look?”