I put down my own fork. “Some healing balm in their saliva, perhaps,” I said.
“Yes, perhaps” she agreed. “And more.”
“I appreciate you telling me.”
She watched me. After a moment she nodded, and I felt that nod as a victory.
“What will you do when you go below?” she asked.
“Find my friend,” I said.
“And?”
I did not speak at first. My hand found my water cup and I drained it. I ate another nut.
She chuckled, quite deliberately.
I looked at her in surprise, then grinned. She grinned back. Her face lost years.
I took a deep breath. There was no clear reason why I should trust his fire-tressed woman. But I did.
“My brother is below,” I told her. “A witch has him.”
“Vohanna,” she said.
“You know her?”
The years came back to her face. “I know her. You named her witch but she is far
