Too close for coincidence.
"Lismòrian of Tòrr Dòrainn," Miach said in amazement. "She was Sarait's sister."
Nicholas nodded. "Very good. Lismòrian was my lady wife."
"You named you university after her."
"It seemed fitting."
"But that would make you…" Miach looked at the other man in profound surprise. "Nicholas, the wizard king of Diarmailt. "
Nicholas smiled. "You're very well read, lad. No doubt while you were recuperating from your time in Lothar's dungeon and learning to bear the weight of your new mantle."
"But you dropped out of tales two hundred years ago!"
"Did I?" Nicholas mused. "I suppose that might be true. But I have been here and there, doing what needed to be done. I tried to stop Sarait from marrying Gair, you know, but she thought he had changed his ways."
"Soft-hearted, was she?" Miach asked faintly.
"Aye," Nicholas said. "And Gair was charming, when he wanted to be. I know how she was deceived. He was my friend at one time as well."
"Indeed," Miach managed.
"Aye, indeed," Nicholas said. "But that is a tale for another time. My turn on the stage is over, but yours has just begun. You have made a good beginning."
"How do you know?"
"I've watched you for years."
Miach looked at him in surprise. "Why?"
"Why do you think?"
" I hesitate to ask," Miach said frankly.
Nicholas shrugged with a smile. "I always thought you and Morgan would make a fine match."
Miach wondered if he could possibly be surprised by anything else that happened that night. "I doubt Morgan will agree. But tell me why you thought so if Morgan was with mercenaries for years. Did you know where she was?"
"I knew. Sarait had asked me to care for Morgan should anything ever have happened to her. I had no idea what she intended by goading Gair to prove his power until she'd set it in motion and the deed was done. I arrived after the mercenaries had rescued Morgan."
"Why didn't you tell Morgan the truth?"
Nicholas looked at him sideways. "Can't you imagine how she would have taken it? How have her dreams haunted her now? I shudder to think how it would have affected her then. Besides, I wanted her hid and there was no better place than in a mercenary camp. And then my orphanage. And then Weger's tower of terror." He smiled. "Aren't those the last places you would have looked for her?"
Miach wished for nothing more than a seat. "I suppose so." He paused. "But I fear all that safekeeping may have been undone tonight. I must return inside and tend her."
"You cannot heal her of this hurt."
"I could?"
"Perhaps," Nicholas conceded, "but it would take all your skill and leave you none for other things. Now, your task lies elsewhere and your land will lie in ruins if you do not see to it. Your duty, if you will."
Miach wanted to stop time, so he could determine for himself if this was the right course. In truth, Tor Neroche could have fallen down around his ears and he wouldn't have cared. Not if it meant he could save Morgan.
"Duty," Miach said with a sigh. "I detest that word."
"Of course you don't, Mochriadhemiach," Nicholas said gently. "Now, give her to me and be about your business."
