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tried to imagine what Ramunna might hold. A land full of people, but no wizards? Who was this Matrarcha, who would shower gold on those who pleased her? Why did she want someone to tell her about wizards? What sort of folk lived there, far across the ocean? Yosiv was friendly enough, but how would the rest of his people respond to strangers from across the sea?
    A deep thrill of excitement bloomed in Nirel’s gut and traveled in a shiver up her spine. She was going to see wonders beyond anything she’d ever imagined. She was going to travel where no one in Tevenar had been in a thousand years. She was going to meet people whose existence had yesterday seemed no more than a myth.
    Ozor was busy making arrangements. “—go ashore and refill the water casks. And forage what we can before dark. We’ll set out first thing in the morning.” He frowned. “We should invite Yosiv’s folk to dine with us, but we’ve nothing fit to serve them. Maybe Shonika can hunt something before nightfall.”
    Nirel caught her breath. “Pardon me, sir, but Shonika and I killed a deer earlier today. A suckling fawn, as well. We brought them with us on the boat.”
    “That’s right, you did.” Ozor gave her a pleased smile. “Tell Maion to get them ready to roast. We’ll cook and eat ashore tonight.”
    Nirel ducked her head and hurried toward the galley. As she went, she let her mind return to speculation about what the coming days would bring. She wished she had someone to talk to about it. Gan would be excited, but he’d probably just nod and agree with whatever guesses she presented without adding any conjectures of his own. Tifla and Dayrine wouldn’t care about anything but how handsome the young men there might be. And everyone else was much older and had no interest in gossiping with the youngsters.
    If only Josiah hadn’t left the company. In the brief days he’d been among them, Nirel had come to appreciate his quick wit and adventurous spirit. He would match her idea for idea until both of them were reeling with anticipation, and thrill as much as she to the revelations which would surely surpass even their wildest imaginings.
    But he’d deserted them. He’d broken his oath and fled with the wizard Elkan, without even bidding her farewell. The memory of the kiss she’d stolen from him burned on her lips. She’d thought he felt something for her, but she’d been wrong.
    He’d given his loyalty to the enemy. That was why she’d refused his offer of refuge when he’d asked her to leave Ozor’s company that storm-torn night. She would remain true to her sworn word, as he hadn’t. He was a wizard now; she’d seen the gold fire pouring from his hand. That made him the enemy of Ozor and all who followed him.
    She should forget him. He was part of the past she’d left behind. And would be leaving even farther behind in the morning. At least she’d never have to see him again. Never have to face the confused feelings the thought of him still roused in her heart.
    Maion enlisted her aid preparing the doe and fawn for roasting. They skinned them, cut them up, and took them ashore to where spits had been erected over an enormous bonfire. The men of Yosiv’s ship praised the fine meal with words that were clearly enthusiastic though mostly unintelligible. They brought out bottles of rich red wine and shared them with Ozor’s company. By the time she climbed into her hammock on the lower deck of their ship, all thoughts of Josiah were gone from Nirel’s mind. She dreamed only of the wonders the new day would bring.

Three
    J osiah struggled to make sense of the jumble of sensations flooding his mind. Even after half a year bonded to Sar, he was still frequently overwhelmed by the confusing information transmitted by the Mother’s power.
    He took a deep breath. “One thing at a time,” he said before Elkan could.
    “That’s right.” His master gave him a wry grin. “Start with the visual.” Elkan scratched the