Again, there was no response from Calia. Fendros began to glance around anxiously. There wasn't much else they could say.

"I will consider your invitation, my son." The low words sounded much closer to the door than they had expected, as if Calia was standing on the other side rather than sleeping.

An invisible burden seemed to slough off Fendros' shoulders. He bowed his head forward. "Thank you, mother."

Judging by the tone of her response, Fendros reckoned that Calia was unlikely to be much more talkative. He took Ahnasha by the hand, smiled, and strode to the stairs again.

Llarasa was waiting for them, picking at her fingers. Her head shot up to them at the first creaking stair. "Any luck?"

"She said she'll consider it," Fendros said.

Llarasa smiled with the same hope Fendros had. "That's good news. I do hope she comes along." Her eyes flicked to the door. "I suppose you'll be going now. I'll see you tomorrow."

[hr]
Sabine sat quietly for as long as she was needed, rubbing Meesei on the back during her breaks to comfort her. She kept telling herself that she would get used to seeing Meesei in such a state, but it was always hurtful.

When Meesei's pain-blurred stupor revealed the book that had sprung forth Hermaeus More himself, Sabine squinted her eyes for a moment, and then widened them.

While Meesei took her medicine, Sabine leaned forward to open the bag again. She wasn't quite brave enough to touch it. "Meesei, is this...?" She lowered her brow in equal parts worry and confusion. "Why is this here?"