Just as much as the architecture, the people of Bar Luan amazed Maev. They were a small, slender folk, no larger than her friend Laira. They wore flowing white robes, and elaborate copper plates hung upon their chests, the metal inlaid with gemstones. Maev half expected guards to rush forth and attack, but she saw nobody carrying weapons. The people walked with bowed heads, rushing from home to home. Their faces were pale, their lips trembling. Only a few raised their eyes and seemed to notice Maev and her companions; they quickly looked away and shuffled off, a tremble to their knees.

Alina tightened her robes around her. "I sense great fear here."

Dorvin rolled his eyes. "You don't say. What wonderful, magical powers of insight will you reveal next?" He spat. "These Bar Luanites are more timid than sheep. Bloody stars." He turned to look at Maev. "Psst, Mammoth Arse. You see any Vir Requis around here?"

Maev was about to grumble and slap the damn boy, but suddenly she froze and sucked in her breath. Her heart leaped and cold sweat washed over her.

"Mammoth Arse, what the Abyss?" Dorvin tilted his head. "You look like you saw a damn ghost's dangling naughty bits."

She blinked. "I . . ." She blew out her breath slowly, her fingers shaking. "It's nothing."

But she had seen something. For an instant—just a heartbeat—Dorvin had been . . . Oh stars, but he hadn't looked like Dorvin at all. No skin had covered his face, leaving only red, raw flesh and terribly white, bulging eyes. But it had lasted just that instant. He stood before her now with the same mocking, tanned face.

"I know I'm devilishly handsome, Mammoth Arse, but you have to stop staring." He patted her cheek. "Now come on. If the druid here says there are Vir Requis in this pile of rocks, we'll find them." He began walking deeper into the city. "The locals won't bother us; they scatter as soon as I walk near." To demonstrate, he jogged forward a few steps, then laughed as the Bar Luanites fled.

Maev was going to follow when Alina grabbed her arm and held her close. The druid narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Maev. "What did you see? You're afraid."

The vision filled her mind again: Dorvin with flayed skin, a living corpse. Maev licked her dry lips. "I . . . I don't know exactly. A quick vision of Dorvin hurt." She took a deep breath, trying to steel herself. "I'm simply tired and he's been fraying my nerves. Let's keep going."

The young druid kept staring at Maev, head tilted, her purple eyes intense as if trying to peer into Maev's mind. Finally Alina nodded, tugged her hood lower over her face, and began to walk forward. The two women followed Dorvin through the city of stone.