“The first time we visited you in the madhouse, you said something about your Lieutenant Phania being pulled somewhere,” Seregil told him gently. “And you were afraid of our wizard friend here, afraid he was going to practice sorcery on you.”

Sedge gave him a bleak look. “I didn’t dream that? Phania’s dead, too?”

“We don’t know. No one’s seen her since that night. What did you mean, ‘pulled’?”

Tossing his half-eaten chunk of bread onto the tray, Sedge rested his head in his hands. “I told you, I don’t—”

“You do, on some level,” Thero told him. “If you’d allow me, I’d like to touch your thoughts. It’s quite painless and won’t do you any harm.”

Sedge recoiled. “Sorcery!”

“It’s nothing of the kind. I’m an Orëska wizard. You’re a Skalan, aren’t you? You know better than that.”

“Perhaps when the captain has rested, his mind will be clearer on the matter,” Seregil offered, giving Thero a warning glance.

“He has been through a lot,” added Alec.

“You could use some rest, yourself, Thero,” said Micum. “The rest of you go get some sleep. I’ll sit with our friend here.”

“Am I a prisoner?” asked Sedge.

“Does this look like a prison?” Seregil asked with a smile. “No, but we’re acting on Governor Klia’s behalf, and as she’s in command of the Guard now, you’ll do well to cooperate with us. You can speak to her yourself tomorrow. She’s coming here, then we’re all going back to Menosi.”

There was no mistaking the terror on the man’s face.

Micum patted his shoulder. “Get into bed and get some sleep, my friend. Things will look better in the morning.”

Anxious as he was for information, Thero had to admit the others were right. Sedge was frightened, disoriented, and exhausted. There was no sense pressuring him.

“Very well, then. Rest, Captain, and I wish you pleasant dreams. Your affliction has been lifted.”

Seregil and Alec followed him out into the corridor and closed the door.

“It won’t help to push him too hard,” said Seregil.

“I know that!” Thero snapped.

“How are you doing? You don’t look well.”

“I’m fine, considering how the day turned out. That man may be the key to this entire business.”

“Tomorrow. Go get some sleep. You can use the room next to Micum’s.”

The very suggestion seemed to weight Thero’s eyelids. Giving the others a parting nod, he went to his room, crawled into bed, and fell into exhausted slumber.

IT was still dark when the sound of shouting brought Thero bolt upright in bed.

Hurrying to the door, he threw it open and started for Sedge’s room, but instead discovered Micum at Seregil and Alec’s door, knocking and jiggling the handle. The raised voice was Seregil’s, and he sounded desperate.

From inside they heard Seregil shout, “No, come back, please!” followed by a thud, then silence.

“Are you two all right?” Micum called, knocking harder.