“And you, Elsha, what will you do, now that your divining skills are seldom needed?”

“I have work to finish in the libraries here,” I said. “Alejandro and I have been recording the myth-songs of the Quelled, and this present history. The libraries are being reorganised. They will be permanently open, for everyone.”

“I suppose,” he said, smiling, “that you have a display place waiting for the Book of Hamash.”

“When you think the world is ready for it,” I replied.

“I will give it to you tomorrow,” he said.

Soon after that talk with Amasai, my work in Kasimarra was finished. From the city, now only kitchen fires sent up their smoke, and in the skies there was an unfamiliar glimmering. Alejandro and Dannii left the city, with directions to the place where Teraj lived. They took a letter for Teraj from me, saying that I would soon look on his face again. It was the most joyful thing I ever wrote.

Finally, I went to the holy place with Lesharo, and we put out the fires that had burned separately for centuries, for the Chosen and the Quelled. I said farewell to Laken, the priests and those servants who had supported me. I put extra clothes in a bag, and a supply of food for my journey. Lesharo loaded up his donkey with gifts I had given for himself and others I loved at Siranjaro. Among the gifts was a letter to my mother, and, from the Firelord’s private library, a silken tapestry patterned with our family sign. Then, together, Lesharo and I left Kasimarra.

We parted at a crossroad half a day’s walk out of the city, and we did not speak much. But as he was embracing me, he said, “You know, lionheart, those dreamer’s eyes of yours have more light and joy in them now than they have ever had.”

“It’s the air,” I laughed, looking up. “It gets lighter all the time, without our smoke. And it smells sweet.”

“The world is lighter,” he said, “because of you.”

He kissed me, briefly, as an old and dear friend. Then he picked up his donkey’s reins and went down the road ahead of me. I could not help thinking of that first time I ever saw him, bowed and subdued. Now, he walked like a prince. Which he was.

After a while he turned and waved, and I saw the Firelord’s sign that I had given him flash in the strange new light. I waved back, and he turned and went on, and was hidden by the rocks along the way.