“We’ll send word to her today,” Seregil promised. “Commander Klia should be here soon and you’ll need to answer her questions, and Thero’s.” He turned to the wizard. “Why not let the man eat and rest until Klia gets here, so he doesn’t have to go over everything twice?”

Thero began to say something impatient, then stopped. “I suppose another hour or two won’t make any difference.”

Within the hour Vhadä came streaking in with news of a great column of riders and wagons coming their way. Leaving Sedge in Micum’s care, Alec, Seregil, and Thero went out to meet Klia. The sun was shining brightly, glinting off helms and harnesses as Klia and her soldiers came up the road at a canter.

Klia led the column in full uniform; Mika, dressed for riding in a tunic, breeches, and shiny new boots, rode beside her on a pony Klia had given him in Rhíminee. Zella rode just behind, mounted on a spirited Kouros black. As they came to the house, a grizzled woman Alec recognized as Captain Brescia, one of Klia’s most trusted officers, took over the column, leading the riders up into the pasture beyond.

Mika, Klia, and Lady Zella rode up to meet Alec and the others. Mika slid off his pony’s back and ran to Thero. Taking his hand to examine the still-visible stripes of the attack, he exclaimed, “Who hurt you, Master?”

Klia joined them and touched Thero’s cheek in concern. “Yes, what have you been up to?”

“A cleansing of Captain Sedge had a few unexpected turns,” Thero told them. “It’s nothing to worry about. I’m fine, and so is he.”

“The captain is in his right mind again,” Alec added. “We waited for you before we questioned him.”

“Did you get anything else useful out of Karis?” asked Seregil.

Klia shook her head. “No. The poor man hanged himself in his cell that night, with the blanket I insisted he be given. I meant to be kind. Instead I handed him the instrument of his own destruction.”

Thero took her hand. “His fear was so great, he’d probably have found a way no matter what. The thought of returning to Menosi was too much for him.”

Zella joined them and dismounted. “I trust all is ready, my lords? By the Light, Lord Thero!”

“I’m quite all right,” Thero assured her. “Would you mind watching Mika for me? Ah, and here’s a friend for you,” he added as Vhadä appeared shyly in the doorway. “Vhadä, would you show Mika the pond? We’re going to interview Captain Sedge.”

The boys grinned at each other and took off running for the pond, Vhadä already extolling its features.

“Then you were able to help him?” asked Zella. “Illior must have looked kindly on him.”

“Indeed, and me, as well,” he replied.

Alec and the others led Klia up to Sedge’s room.