Bellamie Ranowen almost smiled as some of the tension eased out of her body. “My lord, given what happened at the College this morning, I would like to ask several of my fellow tutors to assist me in my investigations. I think I would arrive at the solutions you need far more swiftly if there were more of us asking the questions.”

For some time Brice sat silent. Then he looked around the table, one eyebrow lifted, inviting objection. When none came, he nodded.

“Very well. But choose your colleagues with care, Mage Ranowen. They must be sober and dedicated and able to keep their mouths shut. This is not an exciting opportunity. This is a grave challenge, with dire consequences should we fail. Understood?”

Bellamie Ranowen’s eyes glinted, briefly, as though she found Brice’s comment insulting. “Of course, Lord Varen.” She stepped closer to the table and gestured at the ink pot, quill and paper by his right hand. “May I?”

“By all means.”

Swiftly, she scribbled an incant then slid the sheet of paper toward him. “This is how I dispelled the mage-mist. Every mage in Dorana should learn this incant by heart.”

“Our thanks,” said Brice, staring at it. “With the General Council’s assistance, we shall see that they do.”

“And given what Lady Frieden said about those shattered windows, I suggest that every mage sees to the protection of his or dwelling. And there should be mageworking of all public buildings. At the very least, a warding to keep people away if the incants needed to strengthen them are too deep for safety.”

Another silence, as the enormity of what they were facing rose to engulf them. Venette, looking at Brice’s face, saw him grow haggard from one slow breath to the next. She felt her stomach clench, nausea roiling.

Oh, my dear. Hold fast. Stay strong. I was not being fanciful when I said that we need you.

“Yes,” he said, after a long pause. “That is a wise precaution. Thank you, Mage Ranowen. Was there anything else?”

“Not of a useful or practical nature, my lord,” said Bellamie Ranowen. In her own way she was looking haggard too. “If there is, of course I shall tell you. But there is one last thing I would say… even though I don’t want to say it.”

Brice smiled, very faintly, as though he and the College tutor were sharing a joke. “Of course. Speak your mind. Honesty is the only currency of value in this Hall.”

“Then, my lord, honestly? If we don’t find a way to heal Dorana, and soon, I believe its unravelling will proceed apace. I believe there is the danger that it will spread first throughout every district, and after that beyond our borders. And if that should happen…”

She didn’t need to say more. Venette, feeling her mouth dry, stared horrified at Brice.

If that should happen, the whole world will be at risk.