Page 207 of The Bone Season

‘No,’ Warden said, only for Michael to nod vigorously. ‘Very good, Michael.’

‘Yes, great. The amaurotics’ network will be crucial,’ I said. ‘Michael, help me out again. Since Warden here drinks like a fish, I assume you have plenty of wine in the residence.’ Michael nodded. ‘The emissaries will probably have bodyguards, and we’ll have to fight our way past them. We can make fire bottles.’

They glanced at each other, Michael looking torn between concern and pride.

‘Look, I know some … enthusiastic pyromancers. Magdalen is safe,’ I said, impatient. ‘Now, would you two kindly get some imagination?’

Warden said, ‘I fear we could not match your personal brand of chaos, Paige.’

I pursed my lips. Just then, the bookshelf swung open, and in came Gail.

‘Warden,’ she said, a little flushed. Warden stood. ‘I’m sorry to disturb you, but there’s a performer outside. He’s asking to be allowed to see Paige.’

I rose at once, brushing past her and breaking into a run to the Porters’ Lodge. None of them would have risked coming here without good reason.

When I pulled open the heavy door, I ushered Julian straight in and shut it. His eyes were bloodshot.

‘Jules,’ I said. ‘Did anyone follow you?’

‘No.’ He was hoarse. ‘Paige, it’s Liss. We got the new cards and gave them to her, but she’s rejecting them. Her aura is still there, but she won’t eat or drink, and—’ A tear seeped down his cheek. ‘She’s dying.’

Warden entered the Porters’ Lodge. Julian backed away, grasping my arm.

‘Bring Liss here,’ Warden said, eyes burning in the gloom. ‘Do not be seen.’

I gave Julian a nod. He left the way he had come, and I leaned against the wall, holding myself.

Dawn broke while Julian was gone. I paced the cloister. When he returned, Jos was close behind. Fazal had woken by then, ready to relieve Gail. They both watched Julian carry Liss Rymore into Magdalen.

In the Old Kitchen, Julian laid Liss on the table, with a cushion to support her head. Liss had turned pale to her lips. In a few days, she had lost so much weight. A few numa were twisted into her hair.

‘I don’t know what to do.’ Julian swallowed. ‘Her spirit wants to go.’

Warden surveyed the scene. Jos gave him a tentative smile. Mustering a breath, I took Warden by the sleeve and led him back into the cloister.

‘You still owe me a favour,’ I said. ‘I know we’ve helped each other a few times, but—’ My voice shook. ‘If you can save her life, that’s what I want.’

‘She has been in spirit shock for several weeks. Even if I can save her, she will need amaranth to recover.’

‘I know.’

‘You are aware that Nashira stopped my supply.’

‘Yes.’ I had to force the next words out: ‘But you do have the last dose.’

Warden glanced towards the Old Kitchen. We both knew what I was asking.

‘Without the entire vial, I may be weaker than my wont at the Bicentenary. There is also no guarantee that a reconnection will work,’ he said, ‘but if this is what you desire, I will try to grant you the favour I promised you, Paige.’

‘It is what I desire.’ I kept hold of his sleeve. ‘Please, save her, Warden. Do this for me, and I’ll lead your rebellion.’

Warden looked at my hand on his sleeve, then my face. After a moment, he nodded.

In the Old Kitchen, seven of us gathered around the table – five voyants, an amaurotic, and a Reph. Jos came to stand just in front of me.

Warden assessed Liss. She looked fragile, her dark hair fanned across the table. He took the vial of amaranth from his doublet and removed its stopper.

‘I will need the deck of tarot cards,’ he said. ‘And a sharp blade or tool.’

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