“I do like it here,” Alec said at last. “I think we should come back when we can, but I don’t think I’m ready to give up on nightrunning just yet.”

“Me, neither.”

And that was settled.

Elani’s ship and its escorts sailed into Deep Harbor on a hot day in late summer. As soon as the gangway was down she appeared at the head of it, fair and pretty in a green summer frock. She waved, then came down to meet Klia and the others, who stood back to let the royal kin greet each other. Klia also wore a light summer gown, and the front of it showed the gentle swell of her belly. With no silks, jewels, or coronets, they looked like a pair of ordinary young women, delighted to see each other. Elani’s mother followed, and her ladies-in-waiting.

Klia started to bow, but Elani stopped her with an exuberant hug. “I’m so glad to see you well, dear aunt! And Thero, my uncle.” She went to him and took his hands. The wizard smiled and raised her hand to his lips. “You honor me greatly, Majesty. You remember Mika, I’m sure.”

“Brave boy and such a fine wizard already,” Elani said, kissing the boy on the cheek. “I hear they taught you to play bakshi. Seregil has given me some lessons, so we’ll have to have many games while I’m here. And you three!” Seregil, Alec, and Micum, dressed in their best, bowed low, hands on their hearts. “Again, I owe you so much. I’ve heard all about your exploits.”

“We’re honored to serve you, Majesty,” Seregil replied.

She looked closely at Alec. “You’re thin, my lord, and so brown.”

“We’ve been doing a bit of building at Mirror Moon, Majesty. It keeps me fit.”

Elani gave him a knowing look; she and Klia had been corresponding for months and Seregil doubted there was much that the queen didn’t know.

“Mama, you know my friends,” said Elani as Aralain joined them.

The princess gave them a cool nod. “I do. Thank you for your service to the Crown.”

Just then another trio came down the gangway. A priest and priestess of Illior robed in white and wearing their silver masks escorted a young, white-robed girl with a long braid of blond hair. Her eyes were vacant and her companions guided her to stand before Klia and the queen. It was clear she was simple-minded; only the god-touched could channel the voice of the Immortal.

Elani took the young girl’s hand and put an arm around her shoulders. “Behold, my friends, the Oracle of Kouros!”

The others bowed, and the girl laughed and hid her face against Elani’s shoulder.

“The caves are restored,” Klia told her, “and a very nice cottage has been built for her and her attendants. We shall have the dedication at your pleasure.”