“Kuar did not kill ordinary people,” Juran reminded her. “We should not judge all Pentadrians by the actions of the first sorcerer we encountered. That one may have been abusing his power while outside the control of his superiors.”

Dyara frowned and nodded. “True.”

“We can be sure they regard us with contempt,” Rian said. “Both called us heathens.”

“Yes,” Auraya agreed. “Kuar urged me to call on the gods, as if he didn’t believe they would protect me.”

:It’s obvious that religion is their main grudge against us, and that they are dangerous, Mairae said. Even through the telepathic link Auraya could sense the woman’s impatience.

:I want to know what they’re capable of, and if they’re planning any further attacks.

“We must send more spies,” Dyara said.

Juran nodded. “We have some there, but it is time to increase their number. We need more priests to speed communication.”

“They don’t like Circlian priests,” Rian warned. “Every priest or priestess who has travelled to Southern Ithania has been sent home.”

“Then the ones we send now will adopt a disguise.”

“If they are discovered, they will be killed.”

Juran grimaced. “That is the risk we must take. Find volunteers among the priests and priestesses and make sure they are well informed. I won’t send anyone who does not choose to face such danger.”

Rian nodded. “I will.”

Juran rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Kuar did not attract attention to himself initially. Not in the way the first Pentadrian sorcerer did. Both appeared to be testing our defenses and strength. I hope they found us too powerful a people to consider any aggressive move.” He sighed. “It is clear that none of us should face one of these Pentadrian sorcerers alone. We will have to keep our own movements less public, so only a trusted few know when one of us is separated from the others.” He frowned. “Let’s hope these two do not return together.”

Auraya shuddered at the thought, earning herself a sympathetic look from Dyara. The woman’s attitude toward Auraya had changed markedly. She was less critical, and almost companionable. Auraya hoped it was her success in Somrey that had brought this about, but suspected that Dyara was simply being supportive in case Auraya was upset by her confrontation with Kuar.

“Where is Kuar now?” Dyara asked.

“He was seen travelling north for a day after Auraya’s encounter, then, like the previous sorcerer, he stole a boat.”

“What of this sorceress seen in Toren?” Rian asked.