Seregil surfaced from rinsing his hair and lay back against the end of the tub staring up at the painted ceiling. If there were tears on his cheeks, they were lost among the water droplets.

Chapter 29: Respite

THERE was no reason to hurry back to Rhíminee. Klia returned to Deep Harbor with Thero and Mika to carry out her duties as governor and sent a full report to Queen Elani by fast ship, with a request to return to Skala to bear her child. A week later she received a reply, granting her request but instructing her to remain there until the queen’s arrival in a few months’ time.

Seregil, Alec, and Micum remained at Mirror Moon that summer, except for frequent visits with their friends in Deep Harbor. More ’faie and ya’shel came to the estate, seeking a peaceful place to live out their long days, and joined the others to build more cottages to handle the growing population. Those who showed magical aptitude were sent off to Thero for training, and the wizard was enjoying the challenge.

Seregil, Micum, and Alec often worked with the builders. Micum had been right. There was the beginning of a respectable little hamlet at Mirror Moon now. Their hands grew callused, and they were all brown as nuts.

One afternoon, as Seregil and Alec sat in the shade of a tree, drinking mugs of the first turab brewed on the estate as they watched the builders at work, Alec turned to him and said, “I think you’re happy.”

Seregil raised a brow at him. “What made you think I wasn’t?”

“You know.”

“Thero and I have had some good talks. It’s not easy for him, but he says that he’s not the first blind wizard, and that he truly doesn’t blame me. I’m not going to dishonor that by moping around. He’s got his own little wizards’ school and a baby daughter on the way. He’s happy, too.”

“Good. But I think there’s more to it than that. I think you like it here.”

“You certainly are doing a lot of thinking today!” Seregil teased.

“I just wondered if you want to stay here.”

“For how long?”

Alec let out an impatient sigh. “I’m asking you if you plan to go back to Rhíminee!”

“You have considerable say in that, Alec. What do you want?”

Alec rested his chin on his knees, gazing out over the hamlet, where men were swinging hammers and planing lumber. Micum had his shirt off and was helping plaster a wall. Women were working with them, or carrying out baskets of excellent food. Sabriel had turned down Thero’s offer of training, much preferring her kitchen kingdom, where she had several new helpers. Mika was back for a visit, and Seregil could hear him and Vhadä laughing somewhere nearby.