has used her power somewhat,Niko remarked. is far more disciplined than I would expect for a child her age.

s the meditation, I suppose,Tris replied. suppose that will do for now. I was thinking of taking her back to Winding Circle when we go home. Searching an open drawer for a scarf for her hair, which was a mess of half-undone braids that would have to be washed, arranged and pinned afresh, she found Chime sound asleep in her belongings. beautiful, she murmured, stroking the glass dragon as she eased a blue scarf out from under her.

Chime opened one glass eye and chinked at her, then resumed her slumbers.

eat something,Niko said. dont have to plan Glakis life today.

Tris replied, clutching a chair. now Id be hard put to decide between honey and syrup for my bread.She took the arm Niko offered, leaning on it more than she would have done had her strength been normal. s Dema?she asked as they went downstairs.

About to receive a more prestigious appointment,replied Niko. thought it was best for all concerned if he got sole credit for the Ghosts arrest. Some grumblers say he should have sent disguised arurimi into the district earlier, but theyre in the minority. Do you mind?

getting credit?Tris asked as Niko let her sink on to a dining-room chair. s welcome to it. I told you, I didnt find the Ghost, I ran into him. Does Keth mind?

Says no,replied Niko, ringing the bell for the cook.

Tris!Glaki plunged out of the kitchen, arms upraised, spoon in one hand. Tris managed to hold off the spoon while welcoming the four-year-olds passionate hug. re awake!

Thought youd sleep all year,said Kethlun. Hed come downstairs without Tris realizing it. tell me, if you were storing other things than lightning in your hair, why didnt we fe el them tear up the house while you were snoring?

Dont snore,Tris retorted. there are protections on my head to keep the power from escaping even when Im not in control of it. I renew them every time I wash my hair, all right?

Keth sighed. I was, all hopeful you wouldnt even have the strength to pick on me once you woke up. So much for boyish dreams.He wandered into the kitchen.

Look,said Glaki impatient, bouncing in the older girls lap.

I'm looking,Tris replied. t do that, I might break.

Glaki pointed to a dish on the table. It rose, shakily, eight full centimetres, then settled again.

good,Tris said. She hesitated, then kissed Glaki on the cheek. mother and aunt would have been proud.

Keth had contin ued to work at Touchstone Glass while Tris slept, with Dema to keep him enclosed with protective magic. A week after Tris got out of bed, she rejoined Keth at the shop, along with Glaki, Little Bear and Chime. They said hello to Antonou on their arrival, then retired to the workshop.

The slip into their old routine was as easy as Triss slip into sleep. The three of them meditated. Glaki settled into her corner to play with her dolls as Tris drew her protective circle around the shop. Watching Keth work, sh e thought that she would dispense with the barrier after today. He kept his power firmly in hand as he created the small, sparking globes that Antonou could sell.

Comfortable with Keths skills, Tris let herself out through her barrier, to practise scrying the winds. Her bit of success in pursuit of the Ghost had given her confidence. She could master this in time, and who knew? Unlike her other magics, she might be able to make a living with this.

She only had the strength for less than a half hour of work. Sweating, she lowered her barrier on the workshop and left it down. As she sat on a bench, watching Keth, she realized that his eye was on her.

Are your plans?she asked. says theyre going to move the conference to an island off the coast. I should go with him.She smiled wickedly. seems our fellow mages don t find Tharios, with all the rubbish piling up, much fun as a place to write their text on visionary magics.

I'm going with you,Keth says. are glassmakers on the island related to Antonou. Theyll take the work they can sell to him, and hell pay them for my supplies. Later. . .He gouged at the floor with his foot.. .?Tris nudged.

Keth looked at her. want to study investi gators magics. While you slept, Denia shielded me while I made two more globes with crimes in them. Its not something I want to do constantly, understand, but if I can help, I d like to.

Tris nodded encouragement. sounds like a wonderful idea. I wouldnt want you to give up your glassmaking, but even a little help from time to time would make a difference, it seems to me.

Keth grinned at her. thought youd approve.

And Tris, I had another thought.She raised her eyebrows. Keth said, would you like to learn how to work glass?

Tris blinked. mean, learn to work it like an ordinary craftsman does.

Keth sat next to her. wont get further than journeyman, probably. You dont have the time to spend just on glass, for one thing. But you could learn to mould and pull glass. Ive seen how you admire the work.

Tris looked at the ground to hide her blush of pleasure. d love to.

Keth laughed. I have you now!he said, rubbing his hands together. little repayment for your hours of torture He went into the shop and took down two leather aprons.

Did not torture you,Tris retorted. She accepted one apron and tied it over her gown. more than you deserved, anyway. And Im still your teacher, so mind your step.

Am going to enjoy this,Keth said. here. Well start with the basic mix of materials you need to melt down.As Glaki invented stories for her dolls, Keth proceeded to instruct his young teacher on the mysteries of glass.

They were cleaning up for the day, or rather, Keth and Glaki cleaned up while Tris sat on a bench and sweated, when Dema walked into the courtyard. Little Bear greeted him with earsplitting barks as Chime flew around his head. look terrible, Dema informed Tris. you even ready to be out of bed?