Her enthusiasm gives me some much-needed hope. I write to Kaylah of everything that’s happened here, of Mehtap’s efforts for change, and of all I’ve learned from Jesmin.

I know you’ve had concerns about my coming here, I tell her, and what it would mean for my vows and duties as a healer of the Goddess. But now, with all that’s happening, I’m more convinced than ever that my presence here is doing more good than harm. I’m glad I came, and I hope these reports assuage your misgivings. For the first time since I’ve fallen ill, I feel like a healer again.

I also promise to send Kaylah tablets with more detailed notes via an official courier. I hang the parchment above the fire to weaken the disease essence, and then summon the crows. Scrawny gives me a cheerful caw before taking off with the letter.

Soon after, Mehtap gets her own letter—from Utana, granting us an audience. The night before we go, Mehtap stays up late, assembling her thoughts and rehearsing what she will say. I finally have to go to her room and force her to get ready for bed. The next morning, when I wake up, Mehtap is already dressed and ready to head out.

Utana’s home in the rosemarked compound is not as extensive as Mehtap’s villa. There’s no courtyard, and only one or two rooms, though it’s sturdily built and well furnished with fine furniture and rich tapestries. When we knock on the door, a grandfatherly-looking man opens the door. His robes, embroidered with blue and gold threads, do not have a single wrinkle. His hair, beard, and fingernails are immaculately
groomed.

“You must be Mehtap and Zivah,” he says with a kindly smile. “Do come in.” A servant brings us tea, which Utana pours for both of us. His gnarled hands have a slight tremor. “And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

Mehtap glances at me, and there’s a spark of excitement in her eyes. “Zivah and I have been talking about conditions in the rosemarked compound. I’m sure you know by now how poor they are. We have ideas for improvements that could be made.”

Utana listens as Mehtap talks animatedly about schemes to allow visitors and systems for sending messages. He nods thoughtfully as she proposes appointing responsible people to protect the newly rosemarked.

“I see you have your father’s keen mind,” says Utana when she finishes. “And how might I help?”

“I don’t think it would take much to make a difference,” Mehtap says. “We simply need the emperor’s attention, and just a little bit of money could go a long way.”

“There are many good people in the compound who already do their best to help,” I add. “If they had extra resources, they could do much more.”