His wife's eyes were red but Miro recognised the grim tenacity in the set of her mouth. Ella looked at Amber with concern, reaching over to squeeze her friend's hand.
Rogan turned to Miro. "I need to go. Good luck. Come back soon, and come back whole." The two men embraced.
Rogan then took Amber's hand. "Fear not. All will be well."
Amber nodded, and after bidding farewell to Ella, Rogan left.
They were silent for a few moments, the three people staring out to sea, loath to be the first to say goodbye. As the silence stretched Miro saw a graceful ship slide slowly past. Seeing the glow of runes on the ship's deck, Miro leaped into motion, running out onto the dock as close as he could get.
Sailmaster Scherlic's form was unmistakeable as he stood with legs outstretched, activating the runes that would soon see the Infinity speed past the vessels around her.
"Why will you not help me in my time of need?" Miro cried, standing with his arms at his sides and fists clenched.
"I cannot!" Scherlic called, the sound carried on the wind.
"Miro," Amber said, running forward and catching hold of his arm. "Let him be. You don't need him. You have a ship."
"He knows something," Miro said. He called out again. "If you won't take us to these isles, what can you tell us of the people across the sea?"
"There is only one thing I will say," Scherlic cried. "Long ago, my people promised never to cross the Great Western Ocean, and never to seek them out. It is a promise we will never break. Not for you, Miro Torresante, and not for anyone."
The Infinity sped past, and soon was lost from sight. Miro stood stone-faced as he watched the Buchalanti vessel disappear. Finally, Miro sighed.
"Which is your ship?" Ella asked.
"Pier thirteen," Miro said. "That big galleon, over there."
His eyes were on a three-masted ship with a raised forecastle at the bow and an even higher poop deck aft. Sailors swarmed over the vessel as they prepared her for the greatest voyage of her life.
"Not the newest ship," Ella said.
Miro spread his hands. "Who would agree to a voyage like this? I'm lucky to have found them at all."
"When do you sail?" Amber asked.
"The broker said with the ship loaded for such a long journey she'll be heavy in the water, so we have to wait for full tide in order to clear the harbour. You two might as well go now; there's no point in waiting all day."
Ella was the first to open her mouth, and Miro could see she was unsure how to say goodbye. Who could say when they would see each other again?
At that moment a man in the raj hada of an Alturan courier came hurrying up, puffing and panting. "Enchantress, I finally found you. An urgent message..."
"It's Evrin's seal," Ella said, looking at Miro and breaking the wax.
Miro and Amber exchanged glances.
"What does it say?" Miro asked.
Ella swiftly scanned the note. As she read it her eyes widened, and then she looked at Miro. "Here," she held out the note, "you'd better read this."
"Just tell me what it says," Miro said.
"It's from Evrin. He went to Stonewater to examine the broken machines. While he was in Seranthia he decided to check on the portal at the Sentinel. Miro, he said the essence is gone, drained away. The seals failed for a short time, and he thinks something crossed over. Something… or someone." Her green eyes regarded her brother gravely.
"Killian?" Amber said.
"Evrin doesn't think so," Ella said. "And the crossing happened some time ago. If it was Killian, where is he?"
Miro didn't know what had existed between them, but he was sure Ella didn't want to be reminded of the man who had entered the portal, never to return. "The fact that we were attacked at the wedding and now Evrin tells us someone crossed… It can't be coincidence." He paused. "Is this it? Are we facing our ancient enemy?"
Ella looked up at Miro. "If Evrin doesn't know, then nor do we. I'm going to see if I can join Rogan's ship to Seranthia and meet Evrin there."
"What about your things?" Miro said.
Ella hoisted the bag on her shoulder. "An enchantress always has her tools with her."
Amber patted her own satchel. "We've learned the hard way."
"You'd better hurry," Miro said.
"Please, take care," Ella said. "You don't know what you'll find out there. Just get the cure, and come back in one piece."
Ella quickly hugged Miro and Amber in turn, and then she left.
Miro and Amber were again silent for a time, both watching the galleon being loaded.
"Miro," Amber said. "You don't need to do this."
Miro turned to Amber in surprise. "What are you talking about?"
"It's dangerous."
"Amber, if there's even the smallest chance of finding a cure, I have to try. Layla's better than any of our healers and I trust her to look after Tomas while I'm gone, but I also trust her when she says we need a cure. This is more important than anything else. Evrin's message only confirms it."
"He's my son…" Amber said.
Miro rounded on her. "He's my son too! Get that straight. I don't want to ever hear you doubt me again. Never, do you hear me?"
"Is this really our only hope?"