“I am sorry,” Nightwalker said. “You have troubles enough to think about. All will be well—you’ll see. I am glad you are recovering, and it is a relief to have you back in the mountain home. I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted.” He brushed his knuckles lightly across her cheek, his eyes searching her face. “It’s good to see you in clan garb again. It suits you.”

“You’re looking well also,” Raisa replied. And it was true: Reid Nightwalker Demonai always turned heads when he walked through camp.

He smiled, meeting Raisa’s eyes. “Right now, I’d better go and find Elena Cennestre.” He paused. “Where will you eat tonight, Your Highness? Will you be at the visitors’ hearth or…?”

“I’ll probably stay at Willo’s hearth,” Raisa said. “I’m still under her care, strictly speaking.”

“So you are staying in the Matriarch Lodge?” When Raisa nodded, he said, “I will come to dinner, then. I would like to ask Willo about some treatments for laminitis in our ponies.”

“Well, then, perhaps I will see you later,” Raisa said.

She watched him walk away, toward the visitors’ lodge, feeling as if she had a dozen fellscats on leashes snarling and snapping and going in different directions.

C H A P T E R  S I X T E E N

A WAY
FORWARD

Han waited until everyone else was gone, then said to Dancer, “Didn’t you hear Willo? I need my rest.” He closed his eyes and folded his hands across his chest, assuming a sleeping position.

“Hunts Alone,” Dancer said. “Let me explain about Elena Cennestre.”

“There’s nothing to say,” Han replied without opening his eyes. “Good the two of you were able to work out a plan to fix me up and get me back in fighting shape.”

“We didn’t work out a plan,” Dancer said. “Willo was the one who suggested I might be able to help you heal by using flash. You and I both know Elena Demonai will bleed us dry if that’s what it takes to keep wizards off the throne in Fellsmarch. She won’t wait until you’re healthy and fit to go forward. You can’t go up against the Bayars in a depleted state.”

Han said nothing.

“There’s one thing Elena and I agree on—we don’t want to see wizard kings,” Dancer went on, “especially not the Bayars. I’d be willing to stand in for you, but I can’t do what you do. We took the same classes, and I’ve worked hard all year, but you’ve gone beyond me. I’d like to think it’s your amulet, but I don’t think so.” He hesitated. “I think it’s what you’ve learned from Crow. And the way you’re made.”