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to in those histories as the Darkening. What is called the Great Cataclysm here, is known there as the Sixth Darkening. At any rate, there are many border wars as the result of this schism between the countries. We will start in Garrowye, but we will head for Taneslaw, and hopefully avoid any skirmishes along the way.”
    Alaric frowned, watching his footing on the uneven path.
    Somehow, this was all starting to sound a little more dangerous than he liked. But at least, the sun was starting to show its face over the eastern horizon.
     
    Etienne was soon taken back to her own chambers. She had difficulty meeting the puzzled and sad looks on the faces of Tobin and Kathleen as they were forced to pack their things and leave. “All will be well,” she assured them with a little smile as she hugged each of them in turn. She just wished she could believe that for herself. It was very hard.
    Shona was in her chamber, lying on a bed. Next to her sat one of the Head Healer’s assistants, a matronly woman skilled in herb craft. She looked up from quiet eyes as Etienne entered the room.
    “How is she?” Etienne asked.
    “She has not changed,” the healer said. “You look as though you could use a rest yourself... I have been told to stay. Why don’t you bathe and get some sleep.”
    Etienne nodded. She stepped over to the side of the bed long enough to take Shona’s hand in her own and pat it. The appendage remained limp and lifeless in her grasp.
    “Please, little one,” Etienne said. “Be strong for his sake as much as your own.”
    On the other hand, if they were all to be tried and executed at Turlough’s command, would it not be better for Shona to die this way?
    Etienne frowned. Such gloomy thoughts were not like her. She wished they would have let her see Fenelon, but her house arrest forbade contact with him. Which was why she considered it a blessing that they would at least let her have Shona’s silent company.
    Then again, perhaps Turlough thought this would keep Etienne complacent. With Shona to look after, Etienne would not consider trying to escape or helping Fenelon do so.
    We have escaped much already, she thought.
    “Go,” the healer said softly and smiled. “Rest. You need to rest.”
    “Yes,” Etienne agreed. “However, I fear I am under orders to use no magic in any place. I gave my word.”
    “No trouble,” the healer said. “I will ask one of the others to heat your water.”
    “Thank you,” Etienne said and left the room for her own.

FOUR
     
    Gareth Greenfyn had gone back to Elenthorn and the keep of his cousin. He had a bone to pick with Renton.
    You betrayed me . You betrayed my son !
    Gareth had learned this the hard way. He had been scrying after Fenelon and his party. It was not that he did not believe that Fenelon could manage affairs for himself. I did not raise my son to be a fool, for all his rogue ways . But Gareth had feared all along, that in spite of his assistance, something would go amiss. He knew Turlough all too well. Better than he had known Renton Morwaine, he reflected as he stormed the keep in search of his wily relative. For to Gareth’s dismay, he had scried that Turlough and a number of mageborn were on their way to the Valley of Shadows in the Great Ranges. And that the one who told them where the party was headed was none other than Renton.
    I should never have trusted you .
    Renton was not the least bit humble about it either. “Your son,” he retorted in his effete manner as he waved his pudgy fingers, “has gone totally mad. Everyone knows that. I mean, consorting with a demon master...”
    “That boy,” Gareth spat, “is not a demon master, but the spirit within him is.”
    Renton made a face. “Spirit within?” he said. “Whatever are you blethering about...”
    Gareth chose not to waste any more breath. He left the keep still standing, though the temptation to the contrary was pretty strong. Still, his parting words were not kind. He warned