Nomi smiled and nodded.

“He bought a charm from me, and we talked about the current state of the Pavissia Steppes. He told me you were coming— mercenaries and murderers, he said. And then he went on his way. His Serian said nothing, just stood at the gate with their horses and stared through my guards. They didn't eat or drink with us, and I was happy to see him leave.”

“Happy why?” Rhiana asked.

“Firstly, because he tried to poison my horses. We found dead grass-rats in the stable half a day after he left, and the remains of a few tainted berry bugs.” Volkain looked up, tapped a charm above his head and set the bone swinging. “Main reason, though: if ever I've seen a cursed man, it was him.”

Cursed, Nomi thought. True. And if Volkain knew it was me who cursed him, I wonder what his reaction would be?

THEY WENT AROUND to the stables. There were a dozen horses there, all in good condition, and Nomi paid Volkain well for two, along with saddles and gear. Noon chose which mounts to take and led them away, talking softly, his voice making their ears twitch and flick.

“What of the Steppes?” Beko asked.

“It's been quiet for some time,” Volkain said. “We fought a small marauder party half a year ago, but they only come against us for what they think they can steal. If they want to get into Marrakash, they go through the hills. But from the travelers we've spoken to these last few moons, I've heard of no marauder attacks. There are rumors of a big party coming across from the mountains. But that's just whispers on the breeze.”

“It's warning enough,” Beko said. “Thank you.”

Volkain again offered that false smile that evaded his eyes. “You should watch out for marsh wisps.”

“In the Pavissia Steppes?” Nomi asked. She had heard of the wisps in Ventgoria but never seen them herself. She had started to think of them as myth, though the Ventgorians she knew held them as fact.

“In the lowlands,” Volkain said. “It's only what I've heard, but you ask for news and I'm telling it.”

“I've never heard them mentioned outside Ventgoria,” Nomi said. Is he pissing with us now? she thought. Maybe Ramus planted a seed of doubt, and now Volkain is feeling it bloom.

“What are marsh wisps?” Beko asked.

“Just tales,” Nomi said. “Sprites from the depths. About as real as steam dragons.”

They exchanged farewells with Volkain and went to where Noon and Konrad stood with the new mounts, patting their necks and talking in soft tones.