Kai led us through the lodge, out of two giant glass doors, and to a wonderland in the back of Faramond"s home. Two-story cottages had been built around a courtyard of green grass. We walked through the pastel-colored houses.
The Miezitari were cheerfully carrying on with life"s responsibilities. Laundry was being hung. Flowers were being planted. Children were playing. Laughter filled the air.
When they saw us, their voices quieted. They stopped and watched.
I forced myself to put on a bright smile, even when it wasn’t reciprocated. Although we were no longer the Shah and Vizier, I understood why our appearance might bring back dark memories. They no longer lived under the cruel rule of Snowystra, but they’d only been free for a few months.
In the center of the houses, a large fountai
