Gazing up at the mountains, Leiard sighed. You may still get your chance. We do have to find Jayim. Juran had made it clear that Leiard must ensure his and Auraya’s affair remained a secret. Jayim could not learn from anyone but Leiard, since he could not link with another Dreamweaver without the risk of passing that knowledge on.

Except Arleej, he thought. She knows. He nudged the arem into a walk. She could teach him.

Ah! Of course! Mirar exclaimed. I gave control back to you because I thought you’d find Jayim more easily than me. I didn’t need to. We don’t need to return at all.

Yes we do. I am Jayim’s teacher. I cannot abandon that obligation to another without his consent—or theirs.

Of course you can. Juran ordered you to leave. He will be angry if you return. Your duty to avoid bringing trouble onto your people outweighs your obligation to Jayim.

Leave what? Leiard argued. The tent? The mountains? Northern Ithania? No, he ordered me to leave Auraya. So long as I avoid her company, I am obeying his order. I will return and find Jayim.

No. I will fight you.

Leiard smiled. I don’t think you will. I think you agree with me on this.

How can you be so sure?

You set down these rules. You’re even more obliged to follow them than I.

No answer came to that.

Leiard considered how he might find Jayim. First he should contact Arleej. But if it was daylight she’d be awake and impossible to reach with a dream link. She might sense him seeking her, however. Sometimes powerfully Gifted Dreamweavers could, if there were no other distractions. Leiard dismounted and led the arem to the side of the road where a large, elongated boulder stood on its end. Numbers had been carved into the surface. These markers were a new feature of the east–west road, placed there by the Circlians at intervals of roughly a day’s march.

Sitting with his back to the rock, he closed his eyes and willed himself into a dream trance. It was not hard, since he felt as if he hadn’t slept in days.

We haven’t.

Quiet!

Leiard slowed his breathing and sought a familiar mind.

:Arleej?

He waited, then called again. After the third call he heard a faint reply.

:Leiard? Is that you?

:Yes, it is me.

:You sound different. This is you—not Mirar?

:Yes, it is me. Is Jayim with you?

:Yes.

He sighed with relief.

:Where are you? he asked.

:On the east–west road. We’re backtracking. Raeli says the Pentadrians have been seen emerging from mines on this side of the mountains. The Circlian army is hurrying back to confront them. Where are you?

:The east–west road. I doubt I overtook you, so you’re probably heading toward me. I’ll wait here for you.