White Road

nodded. “If we needed a sign, that was it.”
    Sebrahn climbed in between them and sat looking from one to another, hair loose around his shoulders.
    Frowning, Alec reached up and lifted a strand of hair near his face. “Seregil, look at this.” Thero’s magic had turned Sebrahn’s hair the same blond as Alec’s, and given color to his skin. But now there was a thin streak of silver in his hair, and, when Alec pushed his sleeves back, a patch of white skin showing through, too. Alec combed through Sebrahn’s hair and found more silvery streaks. They were small enough to mingle with the blond so as not to be especially noticeable, but there were a lot of them. While he was looking, Alec found another blotch of white on the nape of Sebrahn’s neck.
    “Thero did say the magic might not last on him,” Seregil reminded him. “The hair’s not so bad, but we don’t want people thinking he’s a leper.”
    Alec found another white patch on Sebrahn’s right calf. “Maybe it’s another sign.”
    Adzriel was still flushed with dancing when she tapped at their door again a few hours later. “Oh, brothers! To miss Alec’s first—” She stopped in the doorway, looking at the packs lying on the bed. “What’s this? Oh. Did Sebrahn do something?”
    Seregil took her hand and drew her into the room. “Nothing serious. All the same, we have to go before something worse happens.”
    Adzriel sank into a chair, all traces of merriment fled.
    “I warned you in Gedre that something like this could happen,” Seregil pointed out.
    “Yes, you did. I’d just hoped it wouldn’t.”
    “At least we got to talk to Tyrus,” he said with a sad smile.
    “I’m so sorry, Khirnari.” Alec said the title with the deep respect that he truly felt for her.
    Seregil held out a hand to his sister. “We’ll stay in this room tonight and leave tomorrow. Everything’s ready.”
    Adzriel stared at them in silence, and Alec was certain he saw a fight between her roles as sister and khirnari in those clear grey eyes. “I thought perhaps—You seemed so happy here.”
    “I told you’d we’d have to go, sister.”
    “Very well. But you must make your farewells before you go, and not sneak away like thieves in the night.” She looked sadly at Sebrahn. “He’s been so good, all this time.”
    Seregil made his sister a deep bow. “I give you my word, Khirnari. You’ll have no more trouble from us.”
    “If you have no objections, I’d like to stay with them,” said Micum.
    “Of course.” She glanced at the packs again. “You will promise me you’ll stay here until tomorrow?”
    “Of course, older sister.” He kissed her on the cheek. “And we were sorry to miss the dancing.”
    “Oh, Haba. You always were the one to get into trouble.” She stood to go. “Good night, all of you. May it be a peaceful one.”
    Micum followed her out. “I’m going to go find us some supper. We can enjoy that much, anyway. I won’t be long.”
    When they were alone, Seregil rummaged in his pack and pulled out a worn pack of cards. “I don’t think we’ll be sleeping much tonight, do you?”
    Micum came back with a large plate of cold meats and a jug of turab. They sat on the floor to eat, then passed the jug around.
    Micum lit his pipe and took a long puff as Alec shuffled and dealt the cards for a game of Blue Goose.
    “Well, I guess we’d better let Thero know we’re heading back.” Going to his pack again, Seregil took out one of the painted message sticks the wizard had given them and snapped it in half. A tiny message sphere appeared in front of him. “Thero,” Seregil said quietly. “We’re leaving Bôkthersa for Skala. I’m not sure how long it will take to get there, so I will send another message when we make landfall. When you come, please bring us some Skalan clothing and our horses. They’re at the Wheel Street house.” He touched the little orb with a fingertip, and it sped away. A moment later another appeared. Seregil touched it.
    “I understand,” they heard Thero’s voice say. “Magyana and I haven’t found anything of use, I’m afraid. Do try to stay out of trouble, won’t you?”
    The light winked out, and Seregil gave the others a rueful look. “I’m glad he wasn’t here tonight.”
    Mydri came to fetch them early the following morning. “Everything is ready. Adzriel insists you two make use of the baths and take breakfast with her. Come to the morning room when you’re