Traitor's Moon

the first dragon with a golden spear, and that the eleven drops of blood which fell from its breast as it flew over Aurënen created the ’faie. Some of the stories say that Aura took pity on the dying dragon and placed it in a deep sleep beneath the city until it heals and wakens again.”
    Alec had all but forgotten the tale, but now a hundred images sprang up before his mind’s eye, like the first ’faie from the blood in the legend.
    They found Thero at work at a small desk in the first bedchamber at the top of the stairs. Of all of them, the wizard had changed the most. The scruffy black beard was gone, and his curly hair was pulled back in a short queue. His thin face had filled out a bit, and he’d lost his bookish pallor. His customary reserve was still in place, but a hint of warmth in his pale green eyes made his gaunt features somewhat less imposing. He’d even shed his immaculate robes in favor of the simple traveling garb Nysander had always favored.
    It suits him
, Alec thought. He’d seen glimpses of this side of the man during the dark days of their captivity in Plenimar and was glad that Magyana had found a way to cultivate it. Perhaps the sense of compassion Nysander had always hoped would balance Thero’s great potential was finally emerging.
    Seregil was the first to clasp hands with him. The two stood a moment, regarding each other without speaking. The rivalry that divided them for so many years had died with Nysander; what would fill that void remained to be seen.
    â€œYou’ve prospered,” Seregil said at last.
    â€œMagyana’s a remarkable mentor. And the war—” Thero shrugged expressively. “Well, it’s been a harsh but efficient training ground.” Turning to Alec, he smiled. “I ride like a soldier now, if you can imagine that. I’ve even lost my seasickness.”
    â€œThat’s a lucky thing, crossing the Osiat this time of year.”
    â€œKlia said you’ve brought more information regarding my return?” asked Seregil.
    â€œYes.” Thero’s smile faltered. “The Iia’sidra has laid down certain conditions.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œAs you know, the ban of exile has not been lifted,” Thero replied with a briskness that undoubtedly masked discomfort. “You’re being allowed a special dispensation at the queen’s request.”
    â€œI understand that.” Seregil sat down on the edge of the bed, hands clasped around one up-drawn knee. “What’s it to be then? Branding me on the cheek, or just a placard around my neck reading, ‘Traitor’?”
    â€œNo one’s branding him!” Alec exclaimed, alarmed.
    â€œI’m joking, talí. All right, Thero, lay out the terms.”
    The wizard clearly took no pleasure in his task. “Your name is still forfeit; you’ll be known as Seregil of Rhíminee. You’re forbidden to wear Aurënfaie clothing or any other clan marks, including the
sen’gai.
”
    â€œFair enough,” said Seregil, but Alec saw a muscle tighten in his jaw. The sen’gai, a traditional Aurënfaie head cloth, was an integral part of Aurënfaie identity. Its color, patterns, and how it was wrapped denoted both clan and status.
    â€œYou are banned from all temples, and from participating in any religious ceremony,” Thero went on. “You will be accepted as a voice of council on behalf of Skala but have none of the common rights of a ’faie. Finally, you are not allowed outside Sarikali except to accompany the Skalan delegation. You will lodge with them, andcarry no weapons. Violate any of these and teth’sag will be declared against you.”
    â€œIs that all? No public flogging?”
    Thero leaned forward with a look of genuine concern. “Come now, what did you expect?”
    Seregil shook his head. “Nothing. I expect nothing. What does Idrilain think of all this?”
    â€œI’m not certain. These details arrived after I’d left her in Mycena.”
    â€œThen you have seen her since she was wounded?” Seregil pressed.
    Thero wove a spell in the air before continuing. The change was so subtle that at first Alec couldn’t figure out what had happened. An instant later, he realized he could no longer hear sounds from outside the room.
    â€œBetween us as Watchers, I can tell you that we need to accomplish the queen’s purpose as quickly as