The island was shaped roughly like a horseshoe, with the opening facing south. Rounding the western horn, they sailed into the long inlet, dotted with tiny wooded islands, that nearly split the island up the middle. At the head of it on the western shore lay the city of Deep Harbor, center of life and industry on the island and the only place large ships could put in. From what Seregil could see, the town had prospered under Plenimaran rule; buildings of whitewashed stone spread out from the waterfront in all directions, and there appeared to be much activity around the quays. The town curved around the head of the harbor, with a jumble of jetties and warehouses along the waterfront, and climbed the surrounding slopes. Thick columns of smoke rose from the tall chimneys of what appeared to be three different foundries, and there were grimy ships riding at anchor; they brought coal and took away ingots of gold, silver, copper, as well as smoked mutton and salted fish. Finer trade ships would carry away fine Kouros gold and silverwork, and exceptional horses.

“Alec looks almost as excited as Mika,” Micum murmured to Seregil as the cold sea breeze fluttered their cloaks and tugged at their hair.

Alec and the boy stood together as far forward as they could get without climbing on the rail. Mika was pointing excitedly at the seaside town and Alec was laughing.

They docked at the largest of the long stone jetties, and it took some time to secure their ships and ready the gangways. When the horses had been unloaded, a turma of Klia’s armed guard, led by Captain Brescia, marched down to line the jetty in a display of strength. By the time Klia left the ship in full uniform a crowd had gathered at the head of the jetty, welcoming her back with cheers and waving handkerchiefs. Among them Seregil noticed quite a number of worn-out-looking Aurënfaie and others who bore the telltale band of callused skin on their necks, from slave collars.

A delegation came forward, led by a plain young noblewoman escorted by half a dozen Skalan soldiers. The crowd parted for them as she hurried forward to present Klia with a wreath of hyacinth and ribbons.

“Welcome, Your Highness,” she said, curtsying deeply. “I am Lady Zella, chatelaine and secretary to the late Archduke Toneus.”

“I wish the circumstances were happier ones.” Klia passed the wreath to Brescia and waved Seregil and the others forward. “This is my wizard, Lord Thero of the Third Orëska, and his apprentice, Mika of Rhíminee. This is my friend, Lord Micum of Watermead, and these two fine gentlemen are the new masters of Mirror Moon: Barons Seregil and Alec.”

“You’re most fortunate, my lords,” said Zella. “Mirror Moon is one of the prettiest estates on the island, and it’s been well maintained by your steward, a man named Dorin.”

“Send word to have the house opened for them,” said Klia. “I want to inspect it at some point on behalf of the queen.”