“We think Mika and I can pass through because we both died and came back. It’s like the demon in Sedge said to Seregil: only the dead can walk with the dead.”

“I understand. Let’s just take it one step at a time.” She ate another slice of turnip.

He looked sidelong at her, clearly uncomfortable, then asked, “Are you really pregnant with Thero’s child?”

She choked and spat out a mouthful of turnip. “How do you know that?”

“Mika heard Rhazat say so.”

“Damnation! So Thero knows, too?”

“Yes.”

Klia rubbed her eyes. “I didn’t want him to. It will only make it harder if I can’t get back to him.”

“You are going to get back to him. We’re going to find a way. Please, don’t give up hope.”

“I think the ghost of the Hierophant Nhandi just told me the same.”

“Mika heard someone in his head crying out about skin.”

“That was her. What do you think it means?”

“Thero thinks—well, that the dyrmagnos is wearing Nhandi’s skin as a disguise.”

The turnip she was chewing lost its savor. “Sakor’s Flame.”

Like a hound seeking a scent, Alec intently scanned the landscape around them as they went along and at last took her hand. “There, just off the road. Hold tight and stay with me. If—”

“If it doesn’t work?”

“I’ll come back for you as many times as it takes.”

“It was hard enough for you to find me this time. Listen, I’ll go to the cave each day if I can. Look for me there.”

“I will. Now hurry!”

“Alec, wait. I have to say something, in case you don’t find me again. Let me speak.” Klia took a deep breath. “If this doesn’t work, if you can’t get me out, know that I will never give Rhazat what she wants. Never. Tell Thero that, and that I love him.” She showed him the sharpened gorget. “Tell him I won’t suffer.”

Alec nodded solemnly. “I will. Now come on!”

Just as with Mika, Klia couldn’t see the opening, but trusted Alec to guide her.

“Now!” he shouted as he tightened his grip on her hand.

And then he was gone and Klia was alone by the river.

Hope, Alec had said. As she turned and began the long walk back to the tower, she had a hard time conjuring any of that.

Alec came out once again in the long corridor in the palace. He could still feel the warmth of Klia’s palm on his skin, but he was alone. It hadn’t worked. He leaned against the wall in a shaft of waning sunlight, feeling sick in the pit of his stomach. It wasn’t nausea; it was dread.

Know that I will never give Rhazat what she wants. Never.

Alec knew she’d make good on that, too.