“So you find many of the simples you need on Kouros?”

“Oh, yes. This island is blessed with riches of many sorts beyond gold and silver.”

“What about magic? I’ve heard no mention of wizards here.”

“I’m told the locals have some sort of tradition, but they’re very secretive about it. The roots of it are said to predate the Hierophantic migration.” She paused. “This island is steeped with a force beyond my comprehension. Stay here long enough and you’ll begin to feel it. It gets into your dreams. And Thero, there are ghosts, whether you believe in them or not. In fact, Kouros is very likely to change your mind on the subject, if you brought any doubts with you, as I did.”

“You’ve seen spirits?”

“Many times.”

“Any dangerous ones?”

“Not that I’ve encountered, but people do disappear now and then, and it’s not all getting lost and falling down holes. I’ve seen things, traveling the roads beyond Deep Harbor: people in strange clothing who are there one moment and not the next, even a flock of ghostly sheep one night, and a little boy shepherding them.”

“You’re joking.”

“No, I’m not. I heard the sheep and looked across a field. I thought it odd for a shepherd to be out at night without a fire, but then they just disappeared.”

Thero could tell she was not speaking in jest. “As I understand it, not much is known about the original inhabitants.”

She chuckled. “Look around you. They’re still here, mixed in with everyone else who came along to claim this place.”

She stirred two heaping spoonfuls of the brown powder into each container, then corked them securely and put them in a bag for him. “And I think something for your poor head, if you’ll allow me.”

“I’d be most grateful.”

She took another jar down and poured an amber liquid into a smaller cup. “Tincture of willow, mixed with honey.”

Thero sniffed it. “More of your brandy?”

“It’s an excellent base for many of my medicines, especially for macerating botanicals.”

He downed the sweet concoction and felt warmth spread in his belly. “Thank you, Kordira. It’s much appreciated.”

“Good luck to you. I hope you can help Sedge where I couldn’t.”

Returning to the madhouse, Thero found Micum waiting for him with a cart outside. Sedge was wrapped in blankets in the bed of it. Thero climbed up beside Micum on the front bench and placed the bag of Kordira’s medicine carefully between his feet to keep the jars upright.

“How’s the head?” asked Micum as they set off.

“I’m feeling a little better.”

“Good. I bet you’ve got your work cut out for you tonight.”

“I suspect you’re right.”

THEY arrived at Mirror Moon just before sunset. Seregil came out to meet them in the courtyard.

“You brought him here?” he asked in surprise, looking over the side of the cart.

“It’s the safest place,” Thero replied, climbing down and lifting out the bag of medicine. “Away from prying eyes.”