Mika brightened a little. “Can we play bakshi?”

“Watch out for him, Alec,” Klia said with a wink. “He’s a sharp player.”

“So is Alec.” Seregil chuckled. “If you’re very good, Mika, perhaps he’ll teach you how to cheat.”

“He’ll do no such thing!” Thero sputtered.

Seregil gave him a crooked grin. “You never know. It might come in handy someday.” He yawned and stretched. “It’s been a long night. and I should get a few hours’ sleep before we go back in. What do you say, Thero?”

“That’s fine. Come find me when you’re ready.”

“I’ll say good-bye now, then.” Klia stood and hugged them. “Zella and I are heading back to Deep Harbor this morning. I have official duties awaiting me, though I’d much rather stay here and ferret out spirits with you.”

Chapter 15: Detour

“ARE you sure you don’t want more of an escort, Highness?” Zella fretted as they gathered with Klia’s small escort to begin the ride back to Deep Harbor later that morning. “After what happened to poor little Mika, I don’t want to take any chances with your safety.”

“If we are attacked by a few shepherds with cudgels, I’m sure twenty of my best riders can protect me,” Klia said with a chuckle. “What do you say, Captain Sedge?”

He grinned. “Oh, I think we can handle it.” The man was beaming; he was going back to Deep Harbor to be with his family.

“Captain Brescia, I’m leaving you in command until I return,” Klia told her officer.

“I’ll take care of things, Highness.” Brescia pressed her fist to her chest and bowed.

Mounting Moonshine, Klia led the way down the road.

“How are you feeling today?” Zella inquired.

“Perfectly well,” Klia assured her. “I’d much rather stay here and hunt ghosts than deal with the crowd of petitioners I’m sure are awaiting me when we get back.”

“Is this your first administrative post?”

“Yes. I’m a soldier at heart, but with the peace comes different responsibilities.”

“Would you rather be fighting?”

“I wouldn’t say that, exactly. But being governor is likely to be quite a bit tamer than the life I’m used to.”

“It has its challenges, Highness. And I am honored to serve you. Will you continue the archduke’s work here?”

“The city will have to wait until we’ve ascertained what happened to Toneus and his lady. I’m thinking of sending for Illioran priests to investigate why the oracle went silent and who the spirit in the inner chamber is. I would consider my time here well spent if it were possible to awaken the spirit of the Lightbringer here once more.”