“A decoration for a piece of furniture. It’s a family heirloom and the decoration was pried off while it was being transported here. Only a small piece was recovered.” He took out the fragment and placed it on the drawing. “I thought this would give you a clearer idea of the design. Also, I’d like to have this melted and used to make the new one. It’s sentimental of me, I know, but I’d like to think it will make the replacement more authentic.”

“Not a problem, my lord. How soon do you need it?”

“First thing tomorrow morning,” he replied.

“Tomorrow? I don’t know—”

Seregil took out a fat purse of gold and dropped it on the counter. “I realize it’s an imposition, but it’s quite crucial that I have it by then. I’ll pay for the inconvenience, of course.”

“Fair enough. Where’s the stone that goes in it?”

“Stolen as well. I’ve sent to Aurënen for a replacement. I’ll bring it back to you as soon as it gets here.”

“Then why do you need the setting so soon, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“That’s a private matter. May I count on your discretion?”

“Of course, my lord. Come back in the morning and I’ll have it ready for you.”

“What now?” asked Micum when they were in the street again.

“We’ll ride for the camp at first light.”

Micum said nothing during the ride back to the governor’s house, but Seregil could tell that something was brewing in his friend’s head. It wasn’t until they were sorting through the items in the museum room again that he finally spoke his mind.

“Supposing Thero can put the seal together with the stone and this new gold piece, I can’t see any use for it but sealing up the other plane again. And if we can’t get Klia out, then she’ll be shut away forever.”

“You heard what Mika said. Duty is all to her, and it has to be for us, too. Klia made that very clear. Whatever this Rhazat is, we can’t unleash her on the world again.”

“So you’re all right with that? Sealing Klia away with her forever?”

“No, I’m not! Which is why we’re going to do whatever it takes to get her back.”

“I know that. But if it does come to that, do you think Thero is capable of sealing her in?”

“I honestly don’t know, Micum. I really don’t. What if it’s Alec in there, in the end? What if it was your Beka?” He reached to run his fingers back through his hair and stopped himself just in time. Instead he slammed his fist against the wall beside him, making the objects on the shelf below jump. “We’ve just got to keep going, don’t we?”