one of the tiny wooden wagons. Both walls were lined with tiny drawers and bookshelves, with slabs of wood like desks set under sunlit windows of rippled glass. Dried twigs, candles and cloth sacks filled every available surface. A small door was set into one end of the wagon; on the other was a bunk topped with a thin mattress and a colorful scrap quilt. A tiny body slept there. The wagon swayed gently, pulled along by the horses hitched to the front.
Caterina sat on a stool at one of the desks, gazing bemusedly up at Judah. Her voice was low music as she said, Oh. Oh, my. You’re her. You’re Maia’s daughter. The woman’s eyes were filled with tears, her voice filled with wonder.
Is this real? Judah said. Are you actually talking to me?
Caterina laughed and wiped away her tears. Apparently. A minute ago I was picking wood oak, and now I’m back in my wagon and three decades in the past. Judah must have looked confused, because Caterina smiled and pointed to the small body on the bed. That’s Nathaniel, napping. And he quit napping when he was three.
Judah didn’t feel any less confused. I was in his memory. You were there. I wanted to talk to you. Defensively, she added, I didn’t know it would work.
I’ve never heard of anything like this. But then again, you’re not like anyone else, are you? Before Judah could ask what she meant, Caterina sighed. Something tells me I am going to be wicked sick after this.
I’m sorry, Judah said, instantly contrite. I always make the magus sick, too.
The magus, Caterina said, and a wide grin lit her face. My little boy, the magus. He’s all right?
Yes.
Caterina’s grin died. It’s very hard to lie while Working. For all your talent, you don’t seem to have the knack.
He doesn’t...look good.
Show me.
Judah thought of the magus. Nothing happened. Caterina watched, her eyes the same muddy blue as Nate’s. Try this, she said, and a muscle flexed in a limb Judah hadn’t known she had. Nate’s image appeared before them, as if he were standing in the room. He looked just as Judah had first seen him, with Arkady.
Oh, Judah said. I see. Let me try.
Flesh melted off his body, color drained from his cheeks. The queue of blond hair grew longer, coarser. Dark circles appeared under his eyes and lines drew themselves around his mouth.
My boy. His path isn’t easy. Now Caterina sounded soft and sad. She drew in a long breath and let it out again. Well—more cheerful now—since I’ll probably wake up in my own vomit anyway, watch this.
Nate’s image morphed again: his back unhunched, his chin lifted. His skin ripened to a sun-burnished gold. His clothes changed; the cut of his shirt was more flamboyant, and an indigo vest bloomed out of it like liquid seeping through the fabric. A riveted leather cuff appeared on one of his wrists, and his hair shortened and browned to copper. This, Judah knew, was Caterina’s Nate. He was not exactly handsome, but there was something appealing in him, something open and laughing. Judah could see why he had so many memories involving attractive young women. He bleaches his hair, Judah said. That’s why it looks so odd.
I think it looks ridiculous, Caterina said. But he had to blend in.
Why?
To get to you.
Why?
Caterina stood up. She took Judah’s hand—carefully, as if it might hurt. Let Nathaniel worry about that, dear. Why did you want to talk to me?
I think somebody is doing things to his mind, Judah said, and told Caterina about the tattered places. Caterina listened, and then shook her head.
Derie, she said. She’s never been kind. I tried to keep him away from her. With that pale skin of his, I knew she’d choose him, and I saw the way poor Charles was around her. Skittish as a kicked dog. She tried to smile, but Judah could see the strain in her. It was hard to lie in the Work. I’m glad you care enough about him to worry, but it will be okay. It’s like I said: Nate’s path isn’t easy. But from the looks of things, he’ll be done soon. And then he’ll come home, and I can fix him. An urgent note came into Caterina’s voice. He’s a good man, my son. Please, whatever happens, try to remember that.
Why? Judah said, instantly wary. Is something bad going to happen?
Bad, good. Nothing is black and white. That’s what that evil