Baraam burst outside and breathed the clean air. He felt like he needed a bath and enough drink to dull his mind. That scene- he had never seen anything like it. Horrifying. Demonic.

His two eunuchs that served as guards for him and his women stood outside looking grim and dangerous.

He gestured to the more athletic of the two. “Baltzar, run and go get Mother Miri. Give no explanations, just bring her here as soon as you can. Drag her if need be.”

The eunuch raised his eyebrow but did as he’d been commanded, sandaled feet sprinting away. It felt good to be obeyed. It lessened some of the helplessness he had felt inside Siami’s place.

Baraam slumped against the wall and waited for the wise woman he’d summoned. Mother Miri was known to be able to combat small ills with certain combinations of leaves, barks, and roots. She was also known to be quite crazy. She claimed to see things no one else could see. He hoped she’d be able to tell him what happened here.

Time passed slowly and Baraam’s impatience grew.