“Of course, Highness.”

Zella was nothing if not efficient, Seregil thought as they entered the spacious library. A long table held neatly arranged maps, ledgers, and stacks of documents.

“How far away is Menosi?” asked Alec as they began with the maps.

“About ten miles—seven beyond Mirror Moon, which lies on the way,” Zella replied. “The governor had the road improved, as it was little more than a grassed-over cow path. He excavated the original stone road and repaired it. The Plenimarans did the same with many of the old roads, particularly the ones leading into the hills where the mines are. This map here is a survey of the island, and this is one of the old city. He died before it was completed, and the builders have refused to go back there since—” She paused, and Seregil was certain he heard a catch in her throat as she finished, “Since the deaths.”

“And where were the duke and his companion killed?” asked Thero.

Zella unrolled a detailed map of the restored palace and pointed to a room that lay roughly at the center. “It was here, in the suite of rooms he believed to have belonged to the Hierophants. The palace restoration was almost complete and he wanted to spend a few days there, overseeing some of the interior details.”

She blinked, and Seregil saw tears glittering along her lower lashes. That, and the way she spoke of the man suggested she’d been very devoted to her employer—or more than devoted, perhaps.

“And the oracle’s shrine?” asked Klia.

“Here, Highness.” Zella showed her a small square marked to the east of the ancient city. “It’s just a short walk away.”

“Who found the governor and his lady?” asked Seregil.

“Two officers making their rounds.”

“One missing and one mad, I believe?”

“Captain Sedge went mad at the sight and the other, a young lieutenant named Phania, disappeared that night. She was one of our bravest officers.”

“Where is the madhouse?” asked Thero.

“Near the quays,” Zella replied. “We passed it on our way up from the harbor.”

“I’ll speak with him tonight,” said Thero.

“As you wish, my lord, though I doubt you’ll get much sense out of him. Neither the physician nor the governor’s healer could help him.”

“There’s a healer here?” asked Seregil.

“There was. He died of a fever soon after the governor was killed. Since then we’ve had only Doctor Kordira.”

Seregil exchanged a look with Thero. “That’s very convenient.”

“All the same, I’ll try my luck,” Thero told Zella.

“I’ll arrange a guide.” She turned to Klia. “Your Highness, perhaps an encampment outside the city would be more comfortable when you go to Menosi, rather than staying in the city itself, or going back and forth? It will take a few days to arrange.”

“Please see to that, Lady Zella,” said Klia. “I’ll only be there a few days, but others of my party may stay on for some time. In the meantime, you can acquaint me with the business of the island and show me Deep Harbor.”