An image of Samarku, his body merged with that of a slender tree, rooted and suffering, came to mind. She shuddered. ‘Did you find him? Was he still …’

Nidra nodded. ‘I’ve done what you should have. The Corpseman can’t hurt him any more.’

‘That’s a very quaint way of putting it.’

‘I know how you Tanzanite prefer the truth to be dressed up a little.’

Pari sighed. ‘What about the people of Sorn? Are they still buried in the hill?’

‘Yes. But they’re not as they were.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Better that you see for yourself. I’ll take you there after we’ve eaten.’

‘Alright. You still haven’t told me what’s wrong with Rochant.’

It was Nidra’s turn to sigh. ‘He soon realized that the best way to stop us was for him to end his current lifecycle. If he dies, then Yadavendra really can bring him back. First, he tried to cut himself to summon something of the Wild. Then he tried battering himself to death on the wall. After these attempts failed, he simply refused to eat. I’ve managed to force a certain amount of sustenance on him, but his body is weak now. Vulnerable. It’s been all I can do to keep him alive. I’m not sure he’ll last much longer.’

‘I want to see him.’

Nidra looked away. ‘Better that you don’t.’

‘Now I have to see him.’

Pari expected there to be a fight but the other woman seemed to sag within her clothes. ‘It’s your choice. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.’

Pari closed the door behind her and waited for her eyes to adjust to the gloom. One corner of the room had been invaded by a grey-stemmed plant with leaves that tapered to elegant points, and where it had forced the beams apart, a few of Vexation’s slender rays managed to creep through.

Though Rochant’s current body was younger than Nidra’s, it too had aged badly. When she compared the wasted thing in front of her to the fine specimen she had left behind, it was enough to make her weep. But she didn’t. No more tears will be shed over you, my love. That is an oath I intend to keep.