“And the oracle doesn’t speak anymore?” asked Alec.

“No, my lord, not for centuries, though there are those who claim to have had significant dreams sleeping there.”

“Indeed?” said Seregil. Perhaps a night there was in order at some point. “Do you have any histories of the island?”

“Most documents have been lost over the years, with one battle and another. But Doctor Kordira has made a study of it. You should speak with her.”

“Thank you, my lady. We will be sure to.”

“The archduke did amass a sizable collection of artifacts, however,” said Zella. “Perhaps you’d like to see them after dinner, Highness.”

“I’d be most interested,” Klia replied.

When everyone was relaxed and chatting over the nuts and sweet wine, Mika was allowed to stand on a chair and demonstrate a few of the spells he’d learned: rolling a hazelnut across the tablecloth, lighting a candle by snapping his fingers, and drawing patterns on the air with his wand.

“Such a talented boy!” Loena exclaimed, clapping her hands with the rest of them. “You really must come and visit my son Hamit.”

“If time allows,” Thero said. “Thank you, Mika. Say good night and go up to bed.”

Well rehearsed, Mika bowed to each guest and dutifully went off with a servant woman.

When the child was gone, Klia brought the conversation around at last to the governor’s death.

“Mayor Hasen, I’ve been sent by the queen as interim governor until the new one arrives with the queen this summer. While here, I am tasked with ascertaining the circumstances of Governor Toneus’s death. What can you tell me?”

“We warned him the ruins were dangerous,” Hasen replied. “No islander will go there.”

“Dangerous how, exactly?”

“Well, of course, they’re very old. The buildings that are still standing are in a hazardous condition. Stones fall at the slightest breeze. And there are places where the ground gives way to underground rooms or tunnels.”

“Or graves,” Loena said with a shudder. “And of course, there are the mine shafts riddling the hills. People are always falling down them.”

“I understand the mines are still active after all these centuries?” said Micum.

“Oh, yes,” Hasen replied. “It’s supposed that was why the Hierophantic people settled here for so long—in addition to the oracle. The soil was fertile then, and there were forests. We still have some good grazing land. The sheep, goats, and horse stock here are from very old bloodlines. Some say the black-tail sheep were brought over in the Migration. You’ll find you’ve come into some of the best horses, too, my lords.”

“The Mirror Moon herd is well known for its beauty and stamina,” added Loena. “I ride one myself.”

“You should turn a good profit in Skala, with the right representatives,” Hasen added with a wink.

“Queen Elani has been most kind,” Seregil replied. “But we were talking of the poor governor’s demise. The most extraordinary rumors are going around Rhíminee. What exactly happened?”

“I suppose you’re referring to the ghost stories, my lord,” said Zella.