“Yes. Power has a way of corrupting people. We are fortunate that we have the guidance of the gods and the knowledge that our Gifts would be removed if we turned to evil. The sad truth of the world is that most people who have great magical power don’t use it well. Their ambitions are usually selfish, and there is nobody strong enough to hold them to account for their wrong-doings.”

“Except us.”

“Yes. And by encouraging Gifted individuals to become priests we ensure new sorcerers are under our control.”

Auraya nodded. “Is this sorcerer one of the old Wilds?”

Mairae frowned. “A few evaded Juran and Dyara: a woman known as The Hag, a boy associated with the sea and sailors, called The Gull, and a pair known as The Twins. They haven’t been seen in a hundred years. Juran thinks they may have travelled to the other side of the world.”

“None of them sound like this sorcerer.”

“No. He is a new Wild, if he is one at all. The gods did warn us that we would encounter more. A few are born every thousand years. We must deal with them when they appear. For now, you and I have an alliance to negotiate.” She grinned. “And you must make the most of being free from Dyara’s yoke.”

“She’s not that bad.”

“Liar. She was my teacher too, remember. I know what she’s like. That’s part of the reason I insisted I couldn’t do this without you. She tried to convince Juran you were too inexperienced, but he can see this is well within your ability.”

Auraya stared at Mairae and struggled to think of a reply. She was saved by a familiar cry.

“Owaya! Owaya!”

A veez scampered across the deck, nearly tripping two of the crewmen, and launched itself into Auraya’s lap. Mairae laughed in delight as Mischief began licking Auraya’s face.

“Stop! Enough!” Auraya protested. As the veez calmed down, she frowned at it disapprovingly. “How did you get out?”

The veez gazed up at her adoringly.

“I believe he picked the lock of his cage again,” a male voice replied. Leiard strolled across the deck toward them. Auraya felt her heart leap at the sight of him. He had proved to be more useful in the role of adviser than she had hoped. It was so good to have his company on this journey. His presence gave her confidence.

“Cage bad,” the veez muttered.

“I heard the servants cursing him, and offered to bring him back,” Leiard told her.

“Thank you, Leiard.” She sighed. “I expect he’ll just do it again. He may as well stay with me.”

Leiard nodded. His gaze slid to Mairae, then his eyes dropped to the deck.

“Mairae of the White,” he said.

“Dreamweaver Leiard,” she replied.

He looked at Auraya again. “I will tell the servants he is with you.”