Helemoira and I happened upon Amelina in the gardens just outside of the temple where she knelt gathering herbs. When she saw us, she nearly fell onto her rear in her eagerness to rush to us.

"Where in the Three Heavens have you been?" She dusted off her hands and ran to Helemoira's side, eyeing me carefully. "Did you come from Adhmad Dé?"

I nodded and the creases between Amelina's brows deepened. Helemoira stood still as she fussed over her, unblinking as she held ...