Traitor's Moon

wizard,” he added, turning to Thero. “You were apprenticed to old Nysander before Magyana, weren’t you?”
    â€œYes, Vicegerent.”
    Alec thought he caught a gleam of alarm in Thero’s eyes; an association with Magyana was unlikely to win anyone favor at court just now He was also struck, however, by how Korathan seemed to know a bit about anyone he was introduced to.
    â€œA most talented young man,” the wizard Wydonis remarked, coming forward with Elutheus to clasp hands with Thero. “Your master and I had our differences, but I see he managed not to ruin you.”
    Thero returned the greeting stiffly, then clasped hands more warmly with the younger wizard.
    Did Thero know who all the Watchers were? wondered Alec.
    He and Seregil followed unremarked as Beka led Korathan to his sister’s chamber. The nobles and wizards crowded in, leaving the soldiers on guard in the corridor. As soon as Klia’s door was safely shut, Alec drew Beka into Thero’s room across the corridor and latched the door shut behind them.
    â€œWhat is this?” she demanded sharply, pulling away from Seregil.
    â€œDon’t you know us, Captain?” he asked as he and Seregil pushed back their hoods.
    â€œBy the Flame!” She pulled back to stare at them both. “What are you doing back here?”
    â€œI’ll explain later,” said Seregil. “Did Nyal find you again?”
    â€œAgain?” Her smile died, and Alec knew at once that something was amiss. “Then you did see him?”
    â€œSee him? He saved our lives!” said Alec.
    â€œHe told me—oh, hell.” She sank down on the edge of Thero’s bed and pressed a hand over her eyes. “He claimed he was trying to help us, that he let you go. But he had blood on his clothes.”
    â€œDidn’t you notice me limping?” Alec asked. “I took an arrow through the leg. Where is he? You didn’t hurt him, did you?”
    â€œNo.” It was almost a groan. “He brought me back yesterday. But—I still thought he’d betrayed us. Even after he got me away from the Akhendi—”
    Seregil’s eyes narrowed. “You had a run-in with the Akhendi, too?”
    Beka nodded. “Among others. The men Nyal left me with got jumped that same day by a bunch of freebooters. I got away from them and took off into the woods. Later, I met some Akhendi swordsmen on the road and they attacked me. Nyal helped me get away.”
    â€œAkhendi riders attacked you openly?” Seregil asked again.
    Beka nodded. “Rhaish í Arlisandin is furious.”
    â€œIs he?” said Seregil. “Where’s Nyal now? I need to speak with him.”
    â€œWith the Ra’basi, I suppose. I told him to keep his distance. He knows something, Seregil. I saw it in his eyes when I asked about the Akhendi who attacked me.”
    Seregil gathered her into an awkward, one-armed hug and held her tight for a moment. “We’ll sort it out soon,” he promised. “I’m just glad to see you safe!”
    Beka shrugged. “What did you expect?”
    â€œHas Klia said anything about who attacked her?” asked Alec.
    â€œShe can’t speak yet, but she’s more herself today. She still refuses to demand vengeance against the Haman, though, or anyone else.”
    Seregil sighed. “That’s just as well. I think we’ve discovered our poisoner. Come, I want to speak to Klia before the others wear her out.”
    Korathan sat next to his sister’s bed. On the far side, Mydri bent over Klia’s damaged hand, changing dressings.
    â€œYou’re back sooner than I expected, Haba!” Mydri exclaimed, glancing up as he came in. “Should I be glad?”
    â€œIt was my own choosing,” Seregil replied, approaching the bed.
    Klia greeted him with a rueful little smile. She lay propped up against a pile of cushions, dressed in a loose blue gown. Her face was still deathly pale, the skin too slack, but her eyes were bright and alert.
    When Mydri removed the last of the bandages, however, Seregil’s stomach did a slow lurch.
    â€œMaker’s Mercy!” Alec whispered, echoing his own dismay.
    Klia’s first and middle fingers were gone. Mydri had cut away flesh and bone at an angle, from the knuckle of the ring finger to the base of the thumb. The raw edges were sewn together with heavy black silk, and although the flesh was