“I’m certain that Mother would disagree,” Mago said dryly. He gingerly settled himself in the chair, and I passed him my own flask.

“Caesolian brandy,” I assured him. “And yes, it’s a good year and vintage,” I added before he could ask.

Mago took a tentative sip. Apparently he was satisfied, because his second sip was more like a gulp. Mago closed his eyes, and with a weary sigh, leaned his head against the back of the chair. “I may live. My thanks, Raine.”

“Hey, you’re here to help me stay alive. Returning the favor is the least I can do.” I pulled up a chair and sat down. “Was it hard to wrangle the time off?”

Mago opened his eyes and managed a crooked grin. “Actually, I’m here on official bank business. One of my more affluent and private clients has need of some discreet financial services. He normally conducts business through an intermediary, but insisted on an in-person meeting this time. Considering the destination, I agreed to come only after negotiating a raise and a sizable bonus from the bank.”

Phaelan laughed, a short bark. “That’s my brother.” He paused. “Why wouldn’t anyone want to come here?”

Mago looked at Phaelan like he was a couple of coins short of a full purse. I think I was wearing a similar expression.

Mago wasn’t going to dignify that question with an answer, so it was up to me to remind Phaelan why Mid was presently the next best thing to a hellhole. “Uh, Hellgate opened, demon infestation. Saghred opened, ancient evil mage infestation. Then Sarad Nukpana sucked out people’s life forces and turned them into beef jerky.”

“The Isle of Mid in its present state is hardly a vacation destination,” Mago said. “I wasn’t going to set foot on this cursed rock without hazard pay.” He looked at me. “Speaking of a cursed rock, how are you doing?”

“Working day and night to find a way to get rid of the damned thing. I’m close. Really close.”

I didn’t say what I meant by “close.” The only way I’d found to destroy the Saghred and break its hold on me was to empty the rock of the thousands of souls it held captive inside.