Because you dont get enough practice, she replied. Im sure there will be any number of beautiful noblewomen down there. Perhaps you could dance with one.

Greave shook his head. He couldnt imagine them being interested in him. Couldnt imagine anyone seeing him as something other than an impediment to their happiness. What about you? he asked. You look like youve been out in the forest again.

I have, Nerra said. Its the only place I can be and not worry about people watching me.

You had your sleeves up? Greave asked, suddenly worried. He knew about his sisters condition, knew enough to know that people would call for Nerras death if they found out.

Its fine, Nerra said. Im fine…

You dont sound certain, Greave said.

I… had a fainting fit, Nerra said.

Another? Greave shook his head. He was sure they were getting closer together. You see, thats another reason for me not to go down to the party. I need to stay here and look through more of the books in case theres a cure for you.

Dont you think someone would have found it if it were here to find? Nerra countered. Youre just trying to get out of dancing.

So youll be running straight down to the hall? Greave countered. They both knew she wouldnt. That many people always raised too many risks of someone seeing the scale sickness on her arms.

I need to find Physicker Jarran, Nerra said. I… need to discuss some things with him.

About your condition? Of course it was. The healer was one of the only ones outside the family who knew about Nerras sickness. He was also the only one who had been able to so much as slow it. But even he didnt have a cure.

Promise me you wont spend all your time here? Nerra said. Lenore would love to see you down there, Im sure.

Ill try, Greave promised, although he knew he wouldnt make it. He had too many books to get through.

***

It seemed to Greave that a man could read for a lifetime and not find what he needed in the castles library.

I will find it, though, Greave promised himself. He knew he had not always been the best brother, but in this, he would not fail his sister.

He plunged into the stacks, hunting for medical tomes the way Rodry might go into a forest after a boar. Greave set aside works on the higher forms of philosophy, on the correct way to cut a canal system, on the supposed foundations of magic, looking only for something that promised the secret workings of the body. Greave half-remembered a text with a green cover by the ancient physician Velius, and set about searching.