“Perhaps you should have this.” Moving swiftly, Klia pressed the gorget to Rhazat’s smooth cheek. At once a tendril of fetid smoke rose up from it.

The dyrmagnos knocked her hand away and the gorget clattered to the floor. “That was most unkind,” she chided, as if Klia had merely said something hurtful.

Klia snatched up the gorget and tucked it away again. “Just trying to live up to my heritage.”

Rhazat smiled, composed as ever. “I very much hope you will. Would you like to hear her story? Come, I’ll entertain you while we eat.”

The table was set, as always, and roast pork and pears were the centerpiece, another favorite.

“Where does the food come from?” Klia couldn’t help asking. “Does Zella somehow bring it in for you?”

“There’s that curiosity again, my dear. You must allow me a few secrets. Now, eat up for that sweet baby and I shall tell you a very sad story. I came to Kouros a long time ago, as you might imagine. It was the center of the western world in those days.”

“Wait,” said Klia. “If you came here that long ago and have been imprisoned here for a thousand years, then how is it you speak Plenimaran?”

“I don’t,” Rhazat said with a laugh. “Magic, my dear! Isn’t it a useful thing? Now, as I was saying, I was drawn here from far away over the sea by tales of wonder. Menosi was a great city, and the wizards, both Aurënfaie and human, were at the height of their power. Fertile ground for me. All that delicious life to offer to my master.”

“You have a master?” Klia asked incredulously.

“Don’t we all? You follow the Four, no doubt. I follow the One.”

“The—” Klia’s mouth went dry as she put the pieces together. “Seriamaius.”

“Clever girl. Yes, I brought his worship here to Kouros, and I found many who wished to learn his art.”

“You taught wizards necromancy.”

“You might say that I am the mother of necromancy in your part of the world.”

“And yet you ended up here.”

“This tower is my home and was for many years before some of my followers became too arrogant and brought ruin on their mother.”

“So my ancestor, Nhandi, trapped you here?”

“Yes. We had quite a battle, but she managed in the end to exile me and a good many innocents here in this plane of existence.”

“How?”

“When the time comes, my dear, you shall know. And you will help me.” Klia laughed. “That’s unlikely.”

Rhazat gave her a lovely smile. “Do have some more of the pork, my dear. It’s so succulent today.”

“Where is Lady Zella?”

“Taking care of some business for me. I doubt you’ll be seeing her again.”