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remember was sitting in the tree. How did we get here?”
    “Now that is an interesting story.”
    Narrowing my eyes, I waited for him to continue.
    “I thought we would die. The tree sank so far down into the ground that our feet almost touched by the time it all ended.”
    “How did it stop? I couldn’t control the power. It was consuming me.”
    “I hit you on the head, and you passed out. As soon as you were unconscious, the tree’s descent halted, and the ground froze solid.”
    “That was smart. You must have broken the magic’s hold on me.”
    “That was the easy part. Getting us back to the city…now that was difficult.”
    It seemed impossible for Fynn to have carried me all the way to Barriershire. “How did you do it? You couldn’t have carried me so far.”
    “As luck would have it, I didn’t have to. After I pulled you from the tree, I considered leaving you and sending back help once I reached Barriershire. But, while I hesitated, by some stroke of luck, your mare returned. So I hoisted you up onto her back, and you hung around her neck. When I climbed up behind you, I expected the horse to balk, but she let us ride her. I can’t imagine it was a pleasant experience for her, for it certainly wasn’t pleasant for me. I’m not much of a horseman when riding on my own and I was even less graceful with the addition of your dead weight.”
    “Did they let you in the front gate? How did you explain our appearance to the guards?”
    “Are you being flippant? I didn’t even attempt the gate. It was one thing to be seen riding out of the city to battle with Gorman’s writ in my hand, clad in my finest garb. I looked like a hero. I had no desire to be seen skulking back into the city in rags with a half dead girl in tow.”
    “Then, how did you get in?”
    “There are tunnels the skins use, a sewer system I think. The fat man guided me. It’s been awhile since he’s shown any interest in me, but our escapade through the forest intrigued him. It was his idea to knock you out.”
    “Oh.” I grimaced, both grateful and disturbed that the fat man bothered to interfere.
    Fynn nodded. “I’m not thrilled to be under the fat man’s scrutiny either.”
    “I was unconscious. How did you get me through the sewers?”
    “I carried you.”
    “By yourself?”
    “Sadly yes. It took me days to make it back to my studio. Days, Ani. I wish you had woken up while I was dragging you through the tunnels. That would have been helpful.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Me too. But, alas, there’s nothing for it. I suppose I should be glad you’re still alive. I was beginning to wonder.”
    “Why didn’t you bring me to the Great House? Mediera would have called a healer.”
    “I dared not,” Fynn said with a sigh.
    “Why?”
    “The official word is that the city is under siege. Most of the captains and soldiers have returned. We missed quite a bit, you and I. Gorman’s no longer pulling the strings. I tried to see him yesterday, but I was turned away at the door to the Great House. I didn’t push the issue. It seemed unwise.”
    I frowned. “Who has taken charge?”
    Fynn shook his head. “I don’t know and didn’t ask.”
    “Look, I can get in. The front gate is not the only entry point.”
    “I don’t doubt that.”
    “Will you come with me?”
    He shook his head. “No. You’ll have to go alone. I don’t want to get involved if I don’t have to. If Gorman wants me, he can come and get me. I’m done with all of this war business. It’s not for me.”
    “You won’t go west across the mountains? Will you, Fynn? We need you here.”
    “I would go in a moment if I could. Think, Ani. I can’t go anywhere. The fat man still has his hooks in me. I doubt he would let me flee the city.”
    “Of course.”
    “It must be nice to be so blithe about the fat man’s noose.”
    “I’m sorry, Fynn, but I’m glad you can’t leave.” Should I offer to release Fynn from his bonds to the fat man as I