The man broke into a broad grin that belied the sounds of weeping still coming from the room behind him. “He’s awake! But how did you know?”

“Forgive us for bothering you at such an hour,” said Micum. “This is Lord Thero of the Orëska House. He’s been working with the high priest of Dalna to find a cure for the sleeping death. I think he may have helped your boy tonight.”

“I must examine him,” Thero told him. “It’s of vital importance to all Rhíminee.”

The man goggled down at Thero. “Of course, my lord! By the Maker, wait there!” He slammed the shutters closed and a moment later flung the front door open and wrung Thero’s hand with tears in his eyes. “Come in! Oh, my lord, how can I ever repay you?”

“No need for that. Just take me to the boy.”

The happy father, who introduced himself as Aman, didn’t appear to be much older than Thero. He led the three of them upstairs to a low-ceilinged bedchamber under the eaves. A plain bedstead covered in bright quilts stood in the center of the room, and beyond it, by the far wall, a young woman knelt on the floor by a little trundle bed, rocking a child in her arms and weeping with what they could now see was joy. The boy looked over her shoulder as they came in, and Thero recognized him at once. It was Mika, sandy-haired and skinny. His eyes, which had been colorless in the mist, were the same clear grey as Seregil’s, Thero saw with an inward thrill.

“There he is, Mama, the wizard I dreamed of!” Mika cried, struggling out of his mother’s arms and coming to stand before Thero. They stared at each other in silence for a moment, then Mika threw his thin arms around the wizard’s waist. “Thank you, sir, for sending me home!”

Thero stroked the child’s hair. “You’re very welcome, Mika.” The sense of magic was much stronger. Two hours ago he hadn’t known the boy existed; now he felt a sense of excitement and recognition he’d never experienced before.

You will know, Nysander’s voice whispered from his memory. Just as I knew with you.

He gently loosened the boy’s grip on his waist and drew his crystal wand, looking for any residual magics. Behind him, Micum and the parents were talking in low voices.