"Take your gem to the Prince to present to his lover. The song is payment enough. Your debt is settled," she said, then faded and slunk back into the dark of the cave.

Phouka did not wait. He motioned to Winter to follow and he headed out of the cave, seeing stars and the moon above, all fat and full.

"How can we get home quickly from here?" he asked with urgency. "There are no mirrors..."