The little shrine with the fountain sat amidst a park full of willowlike trees with deep green foliage and fragrant blossoms. The plants and flowers were unlike any she had seen in Kingfountain, and the enormity of the park was very striking. Everywhere she looked, there were people walking, exercising, and enjoying the beauty of the place. Some were even playing musical instruments. There was no debris anywhere along the grass-lined path. The grounds were immaculately kept, and extended almost as far as the eye could see.

Morwenna walked along a paved footpath that led toward a long wall of trees. Trynne had no idea what kind of trees they were, but the leaves were red and jagged and looked like fire. It was lovely beyond anything she’d seen before. Beyond them, Trynne could smell a lake and hear the ripples of the water lapping against the shore.

“The zenana is over there,” Morwenna said, pointing toward the enormous lake through the trees. “They’re still building a bridge to connect the island to the mainland, but that will take years. You can see the part they’ve completed over there.” She gestured to it, and Trynne saw the sweeping archways extending into the waters. It only went partway across, but the portions that had been completed were intricately carved.

“How do we get there?” Trynne asked, glancing backward to see if anyone was following them. The garden had dozens of people, but it was vast enough to feel empty.

“There is a harbor right there,” Morwenna said. “They have stone boats. That is the only way to cross. Men are not permitted to enter the boats without a scroll showing the royal seal. Women can come or go as they please, or so I’ve been told. Do you know the word of power for languages?”

“Yes,” Trynne answered.

“Good. I thought so.”

They agreed to wait until they crossed the waters of the lake, as some magics did not work over water.

“How can their boats be made of stone?” Trynne asked. “Don’t they sink?”

Morwenna smiled. “Not this kind. They are powered by Fountain magic. You will see them shortly, just past the trees. Follow me.”