With her porridge bowl bravely emptied, Venette next took a turn about the camp. Not simply because she was avoiding Remmie’s sister, but because it was important Dorana’s mages knew she thought of them all the time. So she wandered and chatted and cuddled children and comforted the sad. Made a note of what her people needed, so she could approach Elder Chaffie later and ask for more help.

So galling, to be made beggars. How she longed for it to end.

The other reason to be social was to fill her mind so full there was no room in it for Remmie. No time to berate herself, wondering Did I do the right thing? She’d done what he wanted. She owed no apologies for that.

Returning from the camp’s sick tents where a handful of mages still languished, recovering from the mountains, she saw Elder Chaffie hovering on the path between the village and the camp.

“Lady Martain,” the Olken greeted her, with a small, respectful nod. “You look weary.”

“As do you, Elder Chaffie,” Venette replied, feeling her blood leap. “I hope nothing is wrong.”

The little Olken woman shifted her gaze to the makeshift camp, where all that remained of Dorana ate and drank and murmured… and lived.

“We have made up our minds, Lady Martain. The mages of Dorana are welcome in Lur.”

“Oh,” she said faintly. “Really? Well. That’s good. You’ve decided much faster than…” She cleared her throat. “Yes. That’s good.”

To her surprise, Elder Chaffie laughed and patted her arm. “It ain’t a wonder you’re fuddled. Truth be told, I’m fuddled too. We’ll have a proper chinwag on it later. For now, I’ll leave you be.”

If he’d been here, she’d have told Remmie first. But Remmie was gone… and so she went to tell his sister.

Like a marble effigy, Barl sat silent and stonelike in her tent. Venette entered without asking, then dropped to a crouch beside the cot.

“Barl? We have a new home. The Olken have said we can stay.”

Not even a flicker of eyelash suggested Remmie’s sister had heard.

“Barl!”

The girl stirred. Looked up. Her eyes were full of contempt. “How can I ward Lur when Remmie’s not here? You fool, Venette. We suffered it all for nothing.”

Stung, Venette took Barl’s shoulders and shook. “Not for nothing. Never for nothing. Besides, there’s time yet. If Remmie were stood beside me right now, you still wouldn’t be ready. So do what you have to do… and trust in your brother. He’ll come back before time’s run out. I know he will. And so should you.”

“Don’t you dare tell me what I should know about Remmie!” said Barl, wrenching herself loose. “Get out of here. Get out, Venette! The sight of you makes me sick!”