“The third level involves using Gifts so difficult they take years to learn, if that is at all possible—as only one or two Dreamweavers in every generation has the ability to achieve this level. These Gifts require a trance of concentration and a sure knowledge of all the processes of the body. If you learn them, you will be able to realign any tissue within a body. You will be able to make a wound disappear, leaving no scar. You will be able to give a blind man sight and make a barren woman fertile.”

“Can I revive the dead?”

“No. Not those who are truly dead.”

Jayim frowned. “Can someone be dead, but not truly dead?”

“There are ways to…”

Leiard stopped, then turned toward the stairway. He could hear faint footsteps drawing closer. Two sets. A lamp appeared and light flooded out. Tanara climbed out, followed by a familiar, well-dressed man.

“Leiard?” Tanara called tentatively. “You have a visitor.”

“Danjin Spear.” Leiard stood. “What brings you—”

“Before you get talking, come inside,” Tanara interrupted. “It is too cold out here for entertaining guests.”

Leiard nodded. “Indeed, you are right.”

Tanara ushered them down the staircase into the communal room, where braziers provided warmth, then dragged Jayim away with her to help prepare hot drinks. Danjin settled into a chair with a sigh.

“You look tired, Adviser,” Leiard observed.

“I am,” Danjin admitted. “My wife and I hoped I would have more free time while Auraya was in Si, but I’m afraid the situation has been quite the opposite. How have you been?”

“I spend all my time teaching Jayim.”

Except for at night, when you indulge in illegal erotic dream links with one of the White, Mirar whispered. Wonder what he’d think of that? The mistress he loves like a daughter lying with a Dreamweaver…

Tanara entered the room again, carrying two steaming mugs of hot spiced tintra. Danjin took a sip and smiled.

“Ah, thank you, Ma-Baker. This is most welcome. It is cold outside.”

“It is, isn’t it?” she replied, sending Leiard a meaningful look. “Especially on a day too cold for anybody to be sitting on a roof.”

“Mother!” Jayim’s protest echoed through the doorway. “I’ve told you a hundred times already: he taught me how to keep myself warm with magic.”

She sniffed, then smiled at Danjin. “Just call out if you need anything.”

When the door had closed behind her, Leiard turned to regard Danjin. Mirar’s comment had reminded him that he knew little about how Auraya’s work was progressing. Little of the dream links had involved any discussion of her work in Siyee. Their attention had been on…other matters.

“So how is Auraya?” he asked.