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sight. But the fire was hot and interesting, and so they came. It took the humans a while longer to respond, but eventually they also were attracted to the flames, which now sprang above the tall rooftop of the palace. Vikkama recognized Bernard, Julich, and even Navarese, the latter of whom had grown disconcertingly thin in the past few days. Most of the others also were hollow-eyed and slumped, as if the stress of defending Jivita against the potential threat of the sorcerer were some kind of disease.
    Archbishop Bernard was the first to speak, which did not surprise Vikkama in the slightest. Bernard, Burly, and Captain Julich were the best of this bunch, in her warrior’s opinion.
    “Good people of Jivita,” Bernard bellowed, his voice rising above the crackling flames. “It is wise that we have come together, for these are dire times, and the darkness has brought out the worst in some people.”
    “ Ekadeva is punishing us!” an unidentified voice shouted back.
    “Punishing us?” Bernard said. “Why would that be?”
    “For allowing the unbelievers to walk unpunished among us,” another said.
    “Do you mean the Tugars?” the archbishop said, his tone exaggerating his puzzlement. “They have walked freely among us—and fought by our sides—for our lifetimes and many before. Why would Ekadeva just now become angry?”
    To this, there was no response. Vikkama stomped forward. “We returned to Jivita for one reason only—to offer assistance to the good people of the White City. The dark cloud is not of our doing, and you’d be fools to blame us for it. But if you want the Asēkhas to leave, we will do so immediately. We have been long from our homes—and we are weary.”
    Now Navarese came forward, though the very act of walking seemed to overwhelm him. Only those within a few dozen paces could hear his first words above the crackle of the enormous fire. “I have finally come to realize that Queen Rajinii was right all along,” he mumbled.
    “Speak up!”
    “Can’t hear you!”
    The general cleared his throat and then spoke in a much louder and angrier tone. “Queen Rajinii was right!” he repeated. “There is no glory in surviving such a battle. Ekadeva cares only for the dead.”
    “No, general!” Bernard said with alarm. “Your words are tainted by sorrow and exhaustion. You know as well as I that the One God loves all his children, living or dead. However, you are right in one regard: It is only the living that he tests.”
    “If this is a test, then I have failed,” Navarese said, his voice again weak. Then he staggered into the darkness and disappeared. Fulcher Grousset, the general’s personal guard, chased after him.
    “What did he say?” people were shouting.
    “Why did he leave? We couldn’t hear !”
    Bernard tried to calm them, his voice booming yet somehow gentle. “The general needs to rest . . . that is all. Do not be concerned.” Then he raised his voice another notch. “However, there is something you should be concerned about. Anyone among us who would presume to condemn the Tugars is not a true child of Ekadeva . The One God loves all his children and certainly has room in his heaven for those who have courageously shed blood on Jivita’s behalf. I am ashamed that such words were spoken.”
    This was greeted with obstinacy. Vikkama and the other Asēkhas stood together, wary of the distrustful faces that loomed beyond the reach of the firelight.
    What happened next amazed Vikkama. Burly the enchanter leapt upon her broad shoulder and whispered in her ear. “Please step closer to the fire, so that all might see us. It is time for me to speak—and I have wonderful news. Would you hold out your hand and allow me to stand upon it? To one as great as you, I will weigh but a trifle.”
    “It would be my pleasure,” Vikkama whispered back.
    And so, Burly stood on the palm of her outreached hand and waved his magic wand. Behind him, the flames roared in response,