As if in answer, a knocking began at the door, followed by a series of hammer-like blows. Laveth jumped to her feet, smoothing her skirt, untangling the rope of pearls.

            “Calm yourself,” said Nan Maura. “We’ve done nothing yet.”

            “Enter,” called Laveth, but the door was opening even as she gave permission.

            Mirella stood in the doorway, unheeding. Nan Maura moved across the room and closed the door, inadvertently brushing the girl with her sleeve. The touch jolted Mirella and she stumbled forward with a curtsy.

            “You’re covered in cobwebs!” shrieked the Queen.

            “I used the twisted stairs. I haven’t swept lately and spiders breed there. I ran as fast, but my skirts dragged the floor.”

            “Twisted stairs?” asked the Queen. “What are you talking about?”

            “The stairs that begin behind the banner of Anjhest and. . .”  

            “What kept you?” interrupted the nurse.

            “Oren Hunter from the Pentacas tribe has come, and announced the birth of an earth child. He says he will take him back with to the Gibbor.” She covered her face with her hands and began to weep. “The Gibbor says Ruse’s life is in danger.”

            “The Gibbor?” Laveth furrowed her brow. “Are you referring to that old man in the Eld Forest who wears the same robe?”

            “He’s more than an old man, Laveth,” Nan Maura replied. “The Gibbor is the Sikestran of the Eld Forest and Leader of the Brethren of the Blue Stones. He has the ear of the old god, Jah. These facts aren’t hard to learn. Heaven knows I tried to teach you.”   

            “He knows everything and has sent Oren Hunter,” Speaking familiarly of Oren caused color to rise in her cheeks. “Everyone knew of Oren back in the Shivelite Camp. He stood guard on the Jutting Rock during the Spring Calling of Spirits. When I spied on the Pentacas, I was always terrified of being caught by him. He’s completely white-headed and huge.”

            “What was the Gibbor’s message?”

            “Oh, MI ‘Lady, it was awful,” Mirella held back her tears. “The Gibbor saw the Sea Star and knows that an earth child has been born. He sent Oren Whitehair to fetch him.”

            “The Gibbor saw the star,” Nan Maura’s words ran together in a moan of despair. “I was a fool not to have foreseen this.”

            Laveth threw her a frightened glace. Was she the only one not in danger of losing her mind?