“Yes. I’m not excusing it, but you can’t imagine the fear people felt when word came that Skala had taken possession of the island again. It’s well known how bitterly the Skalans hate the Plenimaran people, and everyone assumed there would be reprisals. To some extent, they were right.”

“How so?” asked Micum. “I was told the only deaths that occurred were those who fought back and people who were hanged for slave killing.”

“Which confirmed the fears of many.”

“I wouldn’t say Skalans hate the Plenimaran people,” Thero told her. “They hate the wars, and necromancers, and the marines, in particular, but you must admit, they are a brutal lot.”

“I can’t contest that.”

“What do you make of the tales of spirits killing Toneus and his companion?”

“I think it’s entirely possible,” she replied. “I’ve been to Menosi. It’s not a good place. You’ve heard of disappearances around there, no doubt.”

“Yes, but the mayor dismissed the stories. Apparently people fall down mine shafts and get lost in the mountains.”

Kordira snorted. “Of course Hasen would say that. He’s made a good deal of money from the building that’s gone on up there, and hopes to make more if the restored city and shrine attract travelers and pilgrims.”

“I understand there have been problems with the shrine, though.”

“Yes. Still, I understand much of it has been repaired since I last visited.”

They reached the madhouse and the same warder let them in and took them up to the unfortunate captain’s cell.

Sedge looked as terrified as he had the first time Thero had visited him, huddled in the corner near the slop bucket, but he calmed visibly when he recognized the doctor.

“He’s having a good day,” Kordira murmured to Thero.

“Who are these men, Doctor?” Sedge asked.

“Friends, my dear.” She went to him and took his hand in hers. “They’ve come to help me help you. You have nothing to fear from them. How are you feeling today?”

“I want to go home. I want to see my wife and little ones.”

“And so you shall, as soon as you’re better. But first you must allow us to help heal you. This young man is Thero, a wizard from Skala. Do you remember him?”

Sedge cowered back against the wall. “He attacked me. Him and that other demon! He’s made himself look human today, but he’s not, Doctor. And he’s brought an even bigger demon today. Why have you let them in? Don’t go near them!”

“It’s all right, my dear,” she said, stroking his hand. “They’re not demons, they are friends. That’s just your illness tricking you. We’ve talked about this, haven’t we? You can’t trust your eyes, so you must trust me.”

Sedge shook his head, still regarding Thero and Micum with dismay. “How can anyone help me?”

“You must let us try. I’ve brought you medicine—the draught that helps you sleep without dreams. Come, lie down and drink for me.” Kordira helped him to the bed and spread the blanket over him, then took a small brass jar from her satchel. Uncorking it, she offered it to him and he downed it eagerly.